July 2025 Carolina's 10,000 P5

Leslie D. Louis
Jul 14
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 the Gifts of the Holy Spirit – The Gift of Goodness

Pentecost 2025 is the launching of a bold plan of the North American Division to experience 3,000 proclamation events across the expanse of this great division of God’s remnant church. It is a plan that will only be successful through prayer and the intervention of the Holy Spirit. In Carolina, we have added a prayer-plea tagline to the Lord – “Let it Rain!”

What began with our July (2024) issue of P5 and will continue through 2025, we invite our President’s Prayer Partners to continue coming together in an earnest and heartfelt appeal for the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as we near the soon return of our Savior.

Galatians 5: 22-23 provides us with a listing of the Fruit of the Holy Spirit as: Love, Joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Beginning with our February issue of P5, we launched our prayerful focus on asking our Heavenly Father to bless us with each of the specific gifts of the Holy Spirit as we continue praying for the outpouring of the latter rain across the Carolinas as we experience Pentecost 2025. In our last five issues we focused on love, joy, peace, patience, and kindness.

In this, our July issue, let’s pray for the fifth fruit of the Spirit in Galatians which is GOODNESS.

“Goodness” as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23) is a powerful and practical quality that reflects the moral character of God. It’s more than just being “nice”—it’s an active virtue that combines moral integrity, kindness, and includes a commitment to doing what is right, even when it’s hard.

What the Bible Teaches About Goodness

1. God Is the Source of Goodness

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good…” (Psalm 107:1)

Goodness is not just an ethical trait—it reflects God’s very nature.

2. Goodness Is Active, Not Passive

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21)

Goodness takes initiative—it actively seeks to bless, help, and heal.

3. Goodness Involves Integrity

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely…” (Proverbs 10:9)

A good person lives the same in public and private. It is reflected in truthfulness, honesty, and faithfulness.

4. Goodness Is Seen in How We Treat Others

“As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people…” (Galatians 6:10)

5. Goodness Requires the Holy Spirit

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. I myself am satisfied about you, my brothers, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge…” (Romans 15:13-14)

It’s not natural to our human nature; it’s the result of the Spirit’s work in us. We cultivate it through surrender to Christ (a daily dying to self), prayer, and obedience.

When I think of the goodness of God reflected in someone’s life, I think of my own Carole, whose been the love of my life for the past 52+ years (counting the time we dated together at Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University).

Carole just has a heart of gold and goodness which manifests itself in caring and compassionate ways to our children, our grandchildren, our extended family, the spouses of our pastors, our office family, our neighbors and just about everyone she meets! As I write this, I think of this past Sabbath as she invited the neighbor across the street and her daughter to go to church with us – since this happened to be a rare Sabbath that I was actually preaching in one of our churches in the Charlotte area. After church, she found out that the daughter was out of school and wasn’t doing much of anything except staying at home since the family owned one car that her step father uses to go to his job. Carole spoke to the mother about our camp at Nosoca Pines Ranch and quickly called Helen Faber and asked me if we could sponsor her for the coming week’s Teen Camp. It was providential that there were still a few openings for girls, but none for boys. Carole’s goodness is bathed with compassionate care, and I believe that this fruit of the Spirit is God-breathed into every faithful disciple of Christ. Let’s pray for His goodness to flow from your life to every heart we impact each day.

As our early founder and enthusiastic proponent of Adventist education, Ellen White spoke at length about what Adventist education should look like. It involves three distinct pillars that support each other and offer a unique value proposition.

1.Adventist education prepares students for the future demands of the world of work.

2. Adventist education prepares the whole person for ‘the whole period of existence possible.

3. Adventist education offers a bold faith.

Let’s prayerfully protect our spiritual underpinnings and influence others with our culture that we desire to foster and nurture at Mount Pisgah Academy instead of allowing competing cultures and ideologies to influence our youth. True Adventist education offers something of unique value for our church and our society as we face these complex and uncertain times.

During our summer months (June-August), we will continue our prayer for our educational ministry by specifically focusing on our team on the campus of Mount Pisgah Academy. Please join me in praying this month for these valued members who will be a part of our 2025-2026 MPA Staff.

With each issue of our President’s Prayer Partners (P5), we continue to focus specifically on one of our goals and share some of the developments that are helping us in our journey toward accomplishing that goal.

Last month we returned to reporting on the progress being made toward our second goal – that of intentionally engaging, empowering, and enabling our yourng adults in the mission of the church.

During this month of July, I invite you to pray for our continuing initiatives toward the fulfillment of our third goal -- focusing on measurable 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 a wonderful report and update of what’s happening in this realm of ministry at our academy at Mt. Pisgah Academy as presented by Principal Dewald Coetzer:

Mount Pisgah Academy: Advancing Toward the Carolina Conference Quinquennial Vision

Mount Pisgah Academy is making meaningful strides in fulfilling the Carolina Conference’s quinquennial goal, embodying a spirit of continuous growth, excellence, and spiritual commitment. As we look to the future, exciting updates and initiatives on our campus are helping transform that vision into a vibrant reality.

Campus Revitalization: Athletic and Academic Enhancements

This September, MPA will begin resurfacing the tennis courts, marking a significant step in improving our campus facilities. One court will be transformed into a multi-purpose space featuring three pickleball courts, one standard tennis court, and a full basketball court. These upgrades aim to enhance student recreation and physical fitness while promoting community and wellness.

Meanwhile, the library is undergoing a dynamic transformation into a student/study center. This reimagined space will better serve our students’ academic and social needs by offering a modern, inviting environment for study, collaboration, and spiritual growth. It’s an exciting project that aligns with our mission to provide holistic Christian education.

A Vision Set in Motion: MPA’s Master Plan

Our long-term campus development is also taking shape with the official launch of MPA’s master plan. We are currently in the schematic design stage, actively meeting with architects and contractors to plan the future of our facilities. Phase one of the master plan is a $4,000,000 project targeted for completion in the summer of 2026. This phase includes installing new roofs on both the Administration Building and the girls’ dormitory, as well as a full renovation of our gymnasium. These improvements will significantly enhance the infrastructure of our campus and support the needs of our growing student body.

Student Involvement and Recruitment Initiatives

This summer, 11 MPA students are serving as counselors at Nosoca Pines Ranch, a vital part of our new recruitment strategy. These students are not only gaining valuable leadership experience but also sharing the spirit of MPA with potential future students. Their presence at Nosoca demonstrates the academy’s commitment to student leadership and outreach.

Strengthening Our Staff Team

As we invest in our physical and academic spaces, we’re also blessed to welcome several new staff members who will enhance our school community:

Each of these individuals brings unique talents and a strong commitment to Christian education, and we are thrilled to have them join our MPA family.

Looking Ahead with Purpose and Faith

There is much to celebrate on our campus as we continue to improve facilities, expand our influence, and welcome new leaders. At the heart of all we do is a deep commitment to providing the best Christian education possible—one that nurtures the mind, body, and spirit. We know that with God’s guidance, our efforts will multiply, and He will make up the difference in all we do.

Mount Pisgah Academy is more than a school; it’s a mission. And with each step forward, we honor that mission more fully.

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

Every five years thousands of Seventh-day Adventist members, leaders, and delegates from around the world gather in one place to worship, pray, and shape the future of the global Adventist Church. This historic gathering is called the General Conference (GC) Session, which is the highest governing body of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

This GC Session is more than a business meeting. It is a global family reunion, a celebration of our church’s mission, and a reminder that the Adventist church is part of a worldwide movement, united in faith, purpose, and hope in Jesus Christ. Delegates from different parts of the world come together to vote on church leadership, review policies, share inspired mission stories, and worship as one family under God.

Since its first gathering in 1863, the GC Session has grown from a small fledgling group of leaders in battle Creek, Michigan to a global assembly of well over 23 million Seventh-day Adventists across 212 countries.

St. Louis, Missouri, is serving as the host city for this 62nd General Conference Session in 2025. This city located in the heart of the United States offers a central, accessible and welcoming location for Adventist members who have travelled here from around the world.

Known as the “Gateway to the West”, St. Louis reflects the spirit of adventure, movement, and mission – values deeply rooted in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This city’s iconic Gateway Arch stands as the symbol of progress, opportunity, and unity. Providentially it aligns beautifully with the Adventist mission of sharing the everlasting gospel to “every nation, tribe, language, and people” (Revelation 14:6 NIV).

Thousands of Adventist members, leaders, and delegates are expected to fill the halls of the America’s Center Convention Complex from July 3-12, 2025 – ready to experience once again, the joy of being united in our faith, purpose, and fellowship. Representing over 212 nations with over 23 million members, the world has come to St. Louis representing every corner of this globe. Jesus shed his blood for our redemption. Of the 2,804 delegates, every one of the 13 world divisions have representatives based on their membership who have come to this gathering to transact the business of God’s remnant church. Each Union conference and every local conference from these 13 world divisions has representation with their delegates. The three delegates from the Carolina Conference include:

1. Will Oosthuizen, Pastor of the Durham Five Oaks SDA & Hillsborough SDA Churches & a member of the Carolina Conference Executive Committee.

2. Narcedelia Garcia, An ordained elder from the South Charlotte Spanish Church & a member of the Carolina Conference Executive Committee.

3. Leslie Louis, President & Chairman of the Carolina Conference Executive Committee.

Please keep this important gathering of God’s church in your earnest prayers during these closing moments of earth’s history as we keep our hopes fixed on the soon return of Christ, our Savior.

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.

Jeremiah 23:3 (NKJV) “But I will gather the remnant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them and bring them back to.
Micah 2:12 (NKJV) “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob, I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together like sheep of the fold, like a flock in the midst of their pasture; They shall make a loud noise because of so many people.”
1 Peter 3:13-14 (NKJV) “Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, without spot and blameless.”
Revelation 12:17 (NKJV) “And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”

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: