August 2026 Carolina's 10,000 P5

Aug 11
10 min read

Embracing Carolina with the Compassionate Call of Christ

The 10,000 President’s Prayer Partners is a fast-growing group of Carolina Conference constituents who take matters such as these to their knees. We invite you to join us and make this monthly list a matter of prayer. Together we seek the Lord for His answers and provisions to every need we bring before Him.

Pray for the Holy Spirit’s Clothing of

Colossians 3

As another summer draws to a close, we thank God for His faithfulness and the many blessings He has poured out upon our families. Soon, the classrooms of our church schools and academies across the Carolinas will once again be filled with eager students, dedicated teachers, and opportunities to learn, serve, and grow.

My prayer is that every student will discover that true wisdom begins with the Lord, that every teacher will experience the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit, and that every family will find renewed confidence in God’s promises.

We have been praying for a shower of blessing that will reach a harvest of hearts for Heaven across the Carolinas. As we press forward with our banner mission of Beyond Pentecost—by believing, praying, and

eagerly expecting His promised blessings—our gracious Savior will prepare our hearts and empower us to share the everlasting gospel throughout the Carolinas. Then, by His Spirit, hearts will be reached in our communities and metropolitan centers for Christ in ways we have never experienced before.

For the past several months, we have prayed for each of the fruits of the Spirit that the Apostle Paul emphasized in Galatians 5:22-23 and each part of the armor of God referenced in Ephesians 6:10-18. As our students return to school, they will have a dress code to which they will be expected to adhere as a standard set by their school.

Colossians 3:12-14 provides one of the clearest descriptions of the “dress code” of the Christian. Rather than focusing first on outward appearance, Paul calls believers to put on the character of Christ. The Greek verb endysasthe (“put on”) pictures clothing oneself with virtues that only the Holy Spirit can produce in a surrendered life. This harmonizes beautifully with the Adventist understanding that outward conduct—including our manner of dress—should flow from an inward transformation accomplished by the Holy Spirit.

Two months ago, we began considering how Paul asks us to clothe ourselves with that specific new dress code that will reflect the Holy Spirit’s leading in our witness for Christ, as described in Colossians 3:12-14. I especially like the clear wording of this passage from the New Living Translation—which happens to be one of my favorite devotional versions of Scripture. Here’s how that passage is written for us:

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

In Colossians 3:12-14, Paul calls God’s people to clothe themselves with:

1. Tenderhearted mercy

2. Kindness

3. Humility

4. Gentleness

5. Patience

6. Forgiveness

7. …and, above all, love

These perfect seven qualities are not produced merely by human effort or determination. They are the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s transforming work in the life of the believer.

When the Holy Spirit fills our hearts, He changes our attitudes, softens our dispositions, and enables us to reflect to others the character of Jesus. In many ways, Colossians 3:12-14 describes what a Spirit-filled life looks like and closely mirrors the fruits of the Spirit that Paul beautifully portrays in his letter to the Galatians.

In our July issue of P5, we focused on the clothing of kindness. So, this month, how can we pray for and put on the third article of clothing: HUMILITY?

Humility is not merely modest behavior; it is the recognition that everything we are and possess is a gift from God. The Holy Spirit continually points us away from self-exaltation and toward Christ (John 16:13-14). A humble Christian asks: “Does my life glorify Christ?” “Am I drawing attention to my Savior or to myself?”

The Spirit changes our motives before He changes our habits.

Because humility is an inward grace, it naturally affects outward choices. Clothing is never presented in Scripture as the basis of our salvation, but it is one expression of the values that govern the heart. A Spirit-led believer chooses attire that reflects:

modesty rather than self-display;

simplicity rather than extravagance;

dignity rather than sensuality;

stewardship rather than unnecessary indulgence.

Jesus described Himself as “gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Although He was Lord of Heaven and Earth, He chose simplicity instead of display, service instead of privilege, and sacrifice instead of self-exaltation. The Spirit’s greatest work is to reproduce the life of Christ within us. Therefore, humility is not

weakness; it is Christlikeness.

As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, Colossians 3 provides us with a perspective that points us beyond personal character to preparation for Christ’s return. The Holy Spirit cannot fully empower a people who cling to pride, selfish ambition, or self-glorification. Before the Latter Rain comes in fullness, God prepares

a people clothed with Christ’s righteousness and His character. Through God’s messenger, Ellen G. White, God reminds us of this scriptural principle through many of her writings: “The ornament of a meek and quiet spirit... is of great price in the sight of God.” (See 1 Peter 3:4.)

The humility referenced in Colossians 3:12-14 is much more than one virtue among many—it is the fabric that allows all the other virtues to be worn gracefully. As we surrender daily to the Holy Spirit, He clothes us with the character of Christ so that our words, attitudes, relationships, and even our outward presentation bear witness that Jesus lives within us. As Adventists, this is the true “dress code” of those who

are preparing to meet their Lord: not merely appropriate attire, but hearts clothed with Christ’s righteousness and lives adorned by the fruit of the Spirit.

A new school year is more than the beginning of another academic journey—it is another opportunity to know Jesus more deeply and to reflect His character each day. As a President’s Prayer Partner, I invite you to join me in praying that, during this school year, every student in our schools across the Carolinas will discover that true wisdom begins with the Lord, every teacher will experience the daily guidance of the Holy Spirit, and every family will find renewed confidence in God’s promises.

Let us surround our children, youth, teachers, and school staff with our prayers. May our schools continue to be places where young hearts are prepared not only for lives of service in this world, but also for citizenship in God’s eternal kingdom.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart... and He shall direct your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5–6 (NKJV)

May God richly bless each of our administrators, teachers, students, and families with a joyful, safe, and Christ-centered school year.

Beginning with this issue, each month we will highlight a group of our Carolina educational ministers. Let’s specifically pray for these educational ministers and the schools where they serve Christ as we dedicate

each of them, and the lives they will impact through their ministry, throughout this 2026–2027 school year:

With each issue of our President’s Prayer Partners (P5), we intentionally focus on one of our goals, sharing how the Lord is leading and the progress being made along the way.

This month we return to remembering our third quinquennial goal of focusing on continued initiatives to enhance the ministry of Mount Pisgah Academy to enable our campus to reach and maintain a consistent sustainable enrollment of 125-150 students.

Here’s the latest update on all the wonderful initiatives and happenings from our phenomenal principal and leader of our academy, Dewald Coetzer:

As we begin the 2026–2027 school year, we are grateful for the progress God has allowed us to experience and excited about the opportunities ahead.

We are especially excited to welcome all of our students back to campus for another school year. There is a renewed sense of energy and anticipation as students return, and we look forward to seeing our campus once again filled with learning, worship, service, friendships, and opportunities for spiritual growth. Each student who walks onto our campus represents an opportunity to fulfill the mission of Mount Pisgah Academy—to nurture a relationship with God, pursue academic excellence, and emphasize service to

others.

We are thankful to see significant progress on several major campus improvement projects. The replacement of the Girls’ Dormitory roof is approximately 95% complete, representing another important step toward improving and protecting our campus facilities. The next phase of the roofing project will focus on the Administrative Building, with work anticipated to begin within the next few weeks.

Exciting progress is also taking place with the renovation of our gymnasium. Most of the rough-in work has been completed, and the ductwork for the new HVAC system has been installed. Drywall is now being installed in the new Alumni Foyer, and we are beginning to see these new spaces take shape. This renovated area will include a classroom, workout room, concession area, and the Athletic Director’s

office. Each stage brings us closer to providing facilities that better support athletics, academics, student life, and community engagement.

Another exciting milestone is the completion of our new Student Center, which has replaced the former library space. While the Student Center provides our students with an inviting and functional space for studying and academic collaboration, its purpose extends well beyond academics. More importantly, it provides a dedicated place for fellowship, connection, and community among our students. Creating spaces where students can build meaningful relationships, spend time together, and strengthen our campus community is an important part of the MPA experience. We are excited to see how this new space will contribute to a greater sense of belonging and become a central gathering place for our students.

Perhaps one of the greatest reasons for celebration is the growth we are experiencing in enrollment. We are excited to see how God has led in guiding young hearts and minds to MPA. Enrollment has increased from 108 students to 125 students for the 2026–2027 school year—an increase of approximately 16%. Even more encouraging, additional students are waiting in the wings and may join the MPA family during the first two weeks of school.

Reaching 125 students represents an important milestone toward our goal of sustaining an annual enrollment of 125–150 students. Yet our focus is not simply on increasing numbers. Every number represents a student, and every student represents an opportunity for ministry. Sustainable enrollment requires intentional recruitment and retention, excellent programs, improved facilities, meaningful opportunities for service and fellowship, and, most importantly, a campus culture centered on our mission.

We enter this school year with tremendous gratitude and anticipation. From growing enrollment and the completion of our Student Center to significant improvements across our campus, we see evidence of God’s continued leading at Mount Pisgah Academy. We remain committed to moving forward with prayer, purpose, and consecrated effort as we strengthen MPA’s ministry and mission and provide an exceptional

experience for every student God brings to our campus.

01 Protection from Satan Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8	02 Protection from Our Sinful Heart But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death. James 1:14-15	03 Deep Spiritual Encouragement For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you—that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12
04 Wisdom If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5	05 Doctrinal Faithfulness By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you. 2 Timothy 1:14	06 A Healthy Body But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself should be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:27	07 A Strong Marriage & Family He must manage his own household well, with all dignity keeping his children submissive, for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church. 1 Timothy 3:2-6

We are on our third cycle of remembering these departmental leaders and their ministries. Our purpose is not intended to report all that these departments have been or are accomplishing, but rather to simply uplift all our leadership team and their faithful service in the respective ministries that they oversee in our prayers.

Our sixth and final branch of our organizational ministry function highlights four departments of Children & Young Adult Ministries:

• Children’s Ministries

• Education

• Young Adult/Campus Ministries

• Youth Ministries

During the month of August, we invite our President’s Prayer Partners to pray for our Children’s Ministries Department under the gifted leadership of Chana Gentry, our director, and her assistant, Yudith Flores, who oversees Children’s Ministries for our Spanish-speaking church entities. We are also grateful for the wonderful support of Gwen Haylock, the department’s secretary.

Chana previously served as the secretary to our beloved Kathy Russell, former Children’s Ministries Director, who passed to her rest after a courageous battle with cancer last summer. Having been mentored

by and served alongside Kathy, both Chana and Yudith are continuing her legacy of providing a rich and vibrant ministry to the children of the Carolinas.

The goal of the Children’s Ministries Department is to provide training and resources for Children’s Ministries leaders in our churches across the Carolina Conference. Their desire is to encourage and equip these leaders by sharing ideas and resources that help them point the children in their churches and communities to the love of Jesus and the gift of salvation He freely offers.

Through active learning experiences in Sabbath School, camp meeting, Vacation Bible School (VBS), and many other children’s evangelistic outreach opportunities, they are committed to introducing each child to the love of Jesus in such a way that every child will desire to love Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love their neighbors as themselves. Since children are special gifts from the Lord, let each of us determine to do all in our power to positively influence the children we meet by reaching out to them in Christ’s love.

As a President’s Prayer Partner, we invite you once again to be truly a people of the Word. As Seventh-day Adventists, we adhere to 28 Fundamental Beliefs that are based solely on the Bible. We began our third cycle of focusing on these vital beliefs, which are centered in Christ as both our Savior and Lord, in December of 2021.

Let’s continue to thoughtfully place His Word in our hearts every day this month. I personally carry a set of these passages in my car and recite them aloud as I drive from one place to another. My aim is to say one verse prayerfully at least five times a day for a week, thus internalizing the promise of God’s Word: “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalm 119:11)

I encourage you to repeat these passages until they become a part of your very being. Of course, you’re always free to do more. Please consider, in a prayerful manner, how you can saturate your soul with His Word and make it a part of your heart every day.

Be part of God’s praying church across North America by uplifting these leaders of our church who guide God’s work in these territories of God’s vineyard: