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To Dr. J. K. Warrick, Dr. Richard Hagood, delegates and friends of this 65th annual assembly: Welcome to this gathering of the Washington Pacific District Family of Nazarenes. I am pleased to bring another annual report of my activities as superintendent of this great district. The report reflects the combined efforts of faithful pastors and congregations that have been involved in soul-winning efforts. Words are inadequate to express the depth of my appreciation for every pastor and congregation. You are the best! As this report is prepared I am thinking of those individuals that serve valiantly in the midst of suffering and family illness -- Larry & Bettina Powell at Renton, Jim & Sonia Beattie at White Salmon – and those churches that have suffered greatly, and grieved deeply: Maple Valley, Mount Vernon, Gig Harbor, Gray’s Harbor (Hoquiam) and Lewis County churches and families during recent flooding. I am thinking of those WAPAC families that have sons and daughters serving in the military. In each instance there is evidence of strong faith and optimism. I am depending on the WAPAC Prayer Partners - a growing number of individuals committed to pray daily for ONE congregation each day (Monday through Friday) and other various needs. I have needed your prayers and you have been there. You encourage me! THE GOAL IS TO LOVE JESUS The goal for each and every one of the 100 churches and preaching points is not to grow larger and fatter, raise more money and pay more SHARES FOR OTHERS, impress ourselves, other churches or our denomination, it is to love Jesus! I’m still learning how to love and serve Him. Recently I read a devotional by Max Lucado that brought perspective: Luke 24:27 “Jesus began to explain everything that had been written about himself in the Scriptures.” When the disciples saw who he was, he disappeared. They said to each other, ‘It felt like a fire burning in us when Jesus talked to us on the road and explained the scriptures to us.’” (Luke 24:31-32 Don’t you just love that verse? They knew they had been with Jesus because of the fire within them. God reveals his will by setting a torch to your soul. He gave Jeremiah a fire for hard hearts. He gave Nehemiah a fire for a forgotten city. He set Abraham on fire for a land he’d never seen. He set Isaiah on fire with a vision he couldn’t resist. Forty years of fruitless preaching didn’t extinguish the fire of Noah. . . Mark it down: Jesus comes to set you on fire! He walks with a torch from heart to heart, warming the cold and thawing the chilled and stirring the ashes. . . He comes to purge infection and illuminate your direction. (Grace For The Moment). There are a multitude of exciting stories of God’s fire in Washington Pacific. Among them: APPRECIATION AND COMMENDATION God has provided strong effective leadership for the district departments. THANK YOU to Wes Smith (SDMI), Debra Voelker (NMI) and Trent Friberg (NYI). Debra Voelker and the District NMI Council led us in awareness of mission endeavors – 2008 was yet another record for contributions ($1,960,018) in world missions giving. Trent Friberg and the district NYI Council have inspired the young to excel in the spiritual by being effective disciples and churchmen. I am thankful for the District Advisory Board that has provided encouragement, counsel and prayer. John Beadles, Bill Bowers, David Rodes, Scott Shaw, Tim Westerberg, Debra Edgbert, Bob Helstrom, David Peterson, Steve Walden and Bud Welch must be the best COUNSEL OF THE GODLY anywhere! *Dr. Terry Ketchum has been a wonderful support and partner in ministry. Terry and Kathie have expanded ministry horizons with their contagious Christian witness, missionary zeal and spiritual insight. WHAT EXCITES YOU MR. SUPERINTENDENT? I am grateful to report that WAPAC churches received 1,039 new Nazarenes in the 2007-2008 year. I recall the 36 hours of prayer before coming here and God speaking to me about WAPAC churches having enough baptisms and new Christians to translate into 1,000 new Nazarenes each year. NEW CHURCHES ORGANIZED God has given WAPAC two newly-organized congregations. Terry Ketchum organized the Lakewood Samoan Church of the Nazarene in October 2007. There were 30 charter members of this infant church. Taulima & Poto Oge are effectively serving this new and exciting congregation. On Sunday, March 23, 2008, Kent Ardent was organized. Scott Davis (Nicole) has served this growing congregation since its beginning as a Bible study group. Kent Ardent is being sponsored by Kent First; Pastor Kirby Hughes. GOD GIVES THE INCREASE WAPAC churches continue to be healthy and productive. PERTINENT TO THE PERSONAL I seek to fulfill the duties of district superintendent as described in the Manual. Working with church boards and congregations in the placement of pastors, installation of new pastors, pastoral reviews, celebrations of debt reduction, organizing new churches and special anniversaries has brought joy. Preaching from a burdened heart at retreats, revivals and in worship encounters remains a key objective. I am motivated to keep the flame of evangelism alive in my own heart and in the hearts of God’s people. Support for every person and program that is presently functioning in Washington Pacific District, has been a pleasure, not drudgery. My relationship with the Lord Jesus, the Head of the Church, is up-to-date. He entirely sanctifies me this moment. I desire to be an encourager and intercessor. Wherever I am or whatever the task Miriam, Kim & Ryan, Carla & Kevin, Kylee, Lansden, Kali Lauren, Christopher and Luke are in my thoughts and prayers. And I feel their love and support. The Smith Family is blessed! I would like to communicate with you either by E-mail, telephone or in person. Thank you for your overwhelming love and support of Miriam and me. We are grateful! Blessed! Thank you for the PARTNERSHIP. Straight ahead for Jesus! Respectfully submitted, Hugh L. Smith, April 3, 2008 |
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