July 2026 Carolina's 10,000 P5

Jul 8
15 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

The searing summer days are upon us as millions of Americans are bracing themselves to get through the scorching heat that has enveloped much of our nation. As I write this, rain is not in the forecast, and we desperately need literal showers of blessing.

But there is a shower of blessing that is needed even more than the literal wetness of rain. It is that shower of blessing that will prepare hearts for a world without the extremes of our climate and the challenges we

have witnessed in our nation and around the globe. As we believe, pray, and eagerly expect His promised blessing, 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 piece of the armor of God described in Ephesians 6:10–18. Now, for the next few months, let’s consider how Paul asks us to clothe ourselves with a 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 the character of Jesus to others. In many ways, Colossians 3:12–14 describes what a Spirit-filled life looks like and closely mirrors the fruit of the Spirit that Paul beautifully portrays in his letter to the Galatians.

In our June issue of P5, we focused on the clothing of tenderhearted mercy. So, how can we pray for and put on the second article of clothing—KINDNESS?

Kindness Is Love in Action

The Greek word translated kindness is chrēstotēs, referring to moral goodness expressed in gentle, gracious actions toward others. It is more than being polite or pleasant. Biblical kindness actively seeks another person’s good, even when it is inconvenient or undeserved. A Spirit-filled believer does not merely avoid harming others; he intentionally blesses them.

Kindness asks:

How can I encourage someone today?

How can I help someone today?

How can I reflect Christ to this person?

Kindness Reflects the Character of God

Throughout Scripture, God’s kindness reveals His heart.

God’s kindness leads sinners to repentance (Romans 2:4).

His kindness is everlasting (Isaiah 54:10).

He shows kindness even toward the ungrateful and evil (Luke 6:35).

When the Holy Spirit fills a believer, He reproduces God’s own character. This explains why kindness is also listed as one of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). It is not something we manufacture through personality or temperament. It is supernatural evidence that Christ lives within us.

Kindness Goes Beyond Niceness. Modern culture often confuses kindness with avoiding conflict. Biblical kindness is much deeper. Jesus was kind when:

He touched lepers everyone else avoided.

He welcomed children others dismissed.

He forgave sinners.

He restored failures.

He spoke truth that could save people, even

when it was difficult to hear.

Kindness is never sentimental weakness. It combines grace with truth. A Spirit-filled Christian can lovingly confront sin while still treating people with dignity and compassion.

As Seventh-day Adventists, Paul’s counsel is profoundly relevant to God’s remnant church. As the world becomes increasingly characterized by anger, polarization, selfishness, and hostility (see 2 Timothy 3:1–5), Spirit-filled believers are to reveal the opposite spirit—the character of Jesus.

The Three Angels’ Messages call people to worship the Creator and prepare for Christ’s return, but that proclamation must be accompanied by Christlike kindness. Ellen G. White repeatedly emphasized that the final witness to the world is not merely correct doctrine, but the revelation of Christ’s character through His people. In Gospel Workers, page 122, she penned this profound statement: “A kind, courteous Christian is the most powerful argument that can be produced in favor of Christianity.”

If we truly want to experience the power of Pentecost and the Latter Rain of the Holy Spirit, let us earnestly pray for Christ to change our hearts so that we reflect His compassionate kindness in how we treat one another in our churches, our workplaces, and our homes.

As a young boy, I never imagined that one day in the future I would go from my island home to America—a land across the ocean that, in my mind, was one step closer to Heaven! When I arrived here with my family on August 9, 1964—nearly 62 years ago—I learned to love this nation, which has now become my homeland. During my first year here, I had the wonderful privilege of seeing the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor on my eighth-grade class trip and was moved by its towering symbolism, welcoming me to my new home.

This month, as America commemorates its 250th birthday, we pause with grateful hearts to acknowledge the providential hand of Almighty God upon this nation. Two and a half centuries of history testify not merely to the ingenuity, courage, and determination of its people, but to the abundant mercy and sustaining grace of the God who “removes kings and raises up kings” (Daniel 2:21).

From its humble beginnings, God has richly blessed this land with unparalleled freedom, abundant resources, remarkable innovation, and extraordinary opportunities. He has made America a refuge

for millions seeking liberty, a beacon of hope for the oppressed, and a platform from which the gospel

of Jesus Christ has been proclaimed to the ends of the earth.

As Seventh-day Adventists, we recognize a unique place for America in the prophetic panorama of Scripture. In Revelation 13, this nation emerged in a sparsely populated land, championing the principles

of civil and religious liberty at a pivotal moment in history. Those freedoms created an environment in which the everlasting gospel, the Three Angels’ Messages, and the hope of Christ’s soon return could spread rapidly across the globe. We thank God that this nation has provided unprecedented opportunities to proclaim His Word, establish churches, build schools, operate hospitals, and send missionaries to every continent.

We are grateful for generations of men and women who have sacrificed to preserve the blessings of liberty. Their courage reminds us that freedom is never free. Yet even more, we recognize that “unless

the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). Every blessing we enjoy ultimately comes from the gracious hand of God.

As we celebrate America’s remarkable journey, we do so with humility as well as gratitude. Scripture reminds us that “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34). National greatness is not measured merely by economic strength, military power, or technological

achievement, but by justice, mercy, integrity, compassion, and reverence for God.

Our celebration, therefore, is not simply a look backward with thanksgiving but a look forward with prayer. We pray that God will revive our homes, strengthen our churches, guide our leaders, protect our freedoms, and awaken hearts to the transforming power of the gospel. We pray for a renewed commitment to biblical truth, religious liberty, and the dignity of every human being created in the image of God.

Most of all, we remember that while we are grateful citizens of America, our highest allegiance belongs to another kingdom. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are “ambassadors for Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:20) and citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20). We cherish the blessings of this nation while eagerly anticipating

the everlasting kingdom that Christ Himself will establish—a kingdom of perfect justice, peace, righteousness, and love that shall never pass away.

On this historic 250th birthday, may America remember the God who has blessed her so abundantly. May her people humble themselves before Him, seek His face, and walk in His ways. And may the church faithfully fulfill its mission of proclaiming the everlasting gospel until the day when “the kingdoms

of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15).

Happy 250th Birthday, America! May God continue to bless you—not merely with prosperity and strength, but with wisdom, righteousness, and a renewed desire to honor Him until the glorious return of our Lord

Jesus Christ.

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 second quinquennial goal of intentionally engaging, empowering, and enabling our young adults in the mission of the church.

So far, we have held two “Let’s Talk” sessions with our young adults in Charleston, SC (in January) and West Charlotte Spanish (in June). Next month (August), we will host the third of four annual “Let’s Talk meetings with our young adults at the Mount Pisgah Academy Church.

Here’s the latest update on happenings in this arean from our Director of Young Adults and Campus Ministries, Pastor Cris Cazarine:

Young Adult Ministries: Camp Meeting Blessings, Online Church, and Looking Ahead to ACFI

Camp Meeting has come and gone, but our Young Adult community is still glowing from it. From May 24–30, young adults from across the Carolinas gathered at Lake Junaluska for the Carolina Conference Camp Meeting, and it turned into one of the richest, most Spirit-filled week our ministry has seen in a long time. Every single day was packed – and every single day was worth it.

Mornings began the same beautiful way each day: a table full of good food, better company, and even better conversation. Our daily young adult brunch quickly became the heartbeat of the week – a relaxed, sunlit gathering where plates emptied but conversation never did. It was never just about the food. Morning

after morning, honest, unhurried conversations unfolded around those tables: about calling, identity, relationships, and the sometimes messy, sometimes beautiful transition into adulthood. Young adults opened up about exactly where they are in life and left the table encouraged, reminded that they are not walking this season alone.

Afternoons were for adventure. One day found our group elbow-deep in paint and creativity during a dedicated art time, where blank canvases became an unexpected space for reflection and self-expression.

Another day sent us barreling down the river for white-water rafting – an afternoon full of shrieks, laughter,

and the kind of bonding that only comes from surviving the rapids together, soaked from head to toe and grinning the whole way back. Between the paintbrushes and the paddles, friendships deepened fast, and

the whole week took on a joyful, unforgettable rhythm.

But if the mornings were for connection and the afternoons were for adventure, the evenings were pure glory. Every night, young adults filled the room for worship service, and the music lifted the roof clean off. There is truly nothing like a room full of young voices raised together in song under the mountains of Lake Junaluska – it was the kind of worship that gives you chills and stays with you long after the last note fades. The preaching matched the moment: powerful, honest sermons that spoke directly into the questions and struggles young adults carry, sending us to bed each night challenged, renewed, and hungry for more of God.

By the end of the week, it was clear that this was more than just a Camp Meeting. It was a reminder that this generation of young adults is hungry for God, hungry for real community, and ready to be used. We left Lake Junaluska tired, sun-kissed, and completely full – already looking forward to next year.

Now Streaming: Online Church, Season Four

Right on the heels of Camp Meeting, we are thrilled to kick off Season Four of Online Church, running July 13 through August 8.

Online Church was never intended to replace or substitute in-person church. Instead, it was created to be a bridge – a warm, low-pressure entry point for those who are unchurched and feel more comfortable starting their faith journey online, and for young adults who have stepped away from church but might be willing to try a different style before walking back through a physical door. For some, it is a first step. For others, it is a second chance.

Each week of the series brings relevant, honest messages, engaging worship, and real conversation – all designed for anyone to watch from wherever they are, on their phone, tablet, or computer, no dress code or building required. It is casual enough to invite a skeptical friend to and substantial enough to speak to real life. And because it happens online, it is also a natural way to stay connected with young adults who have moved away, are away at college, or simply have not found their footing in a local church yet.

If you know a young adult at your church who is curious about faith but not quite ready for a pew, invite them to join. Getting started is simple: just text “church” to 833-379-4590, and they will receive everything they need to tune in each week.

Looking Ahead to ACFI

We are already looking ahead to our next gathering: ACFI (Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute), also known as Public Campus Ministry, happening the weekend of July 23–25 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

ACFI is our once-a-year opportunity to bring together members of every ACF club from across the Carolinas – college students who are living out their faith on secular campuses, often as the only Adventist presence around. It is a weekend built to remind them that their club, however small it might feel some weeks, is part of something much bigger.

This year we are adding something new: for the first time, we are also sponsoring pastors and church leaders who support their local ACF clubs to attend alongside their students. These leaders will hear directly from experienced practitioners on how to better support, grow, and sustain campus ministry in their own churches and communities – an investment we believe will strengthen ACF work across the Carolinas for years to come.

We invite every ACF club, pastor, and church leader across the Carolinas to make plans now to join us in Murfreesboro. It promises to be a weekend of connection, equipping, and vision for the work God is doing on our college campuses.

Between Online Church and ACFI, this is a season full of open doors – for those just starting their faith journey and for those who have been walking it for years. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

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 fifth branch of our organizational ministry function highlights seven departments of Church Ministries:

• Family Ministries

• Hispanic Ministries

• Men’s Ministries

• Planned Giving/Trust Services

• Prayer Ministries

• Singles Ministries

• Women’s Ministries

During this month of July, we invite our President’s Prayer Partners to pray for our Women’s Ministries Department under the passionate leadership of Pastor Beth Grissom and with the wonderful support of Gwen Haylock, who serves as the department’s secretary.

The desire of Women’s Ministries is that every woman in the Carolina Conference comes to recognize Jesus as her personal Savior and Friend. Their goal is to know Jesus passionately, to serve women faithfully, and to disciple them for His kingdom. They seek to lift up Jesus Christ by enabling women to discover and develop their leadership and ministry potential within their homes, churches, and communities.

Women’s Emphasis Day, which may also be observed as Women’s Leadership Appreciation Day, is held on the first Sabbath in June. The Annual Women’s Ministries Offering is received on the second Sabbath in July. Presentations and resources are available for both Sabbaths, providing churches with practical ways to involve and encourage the women in their congregations.

The fourth Sabbath in August is recognized as Abuse Prevention Day, bringing awareness to the devastating impact of domestic violence and other forms of abuse. Churches are encouraged to invite

community partners and professionals to conduct afternoon seminars and provide valuable resources

for those in need.

ENDITNOW® — Break the Silence About Abuse. The North American Division recognizes that women, children, and men can all become victims of abuse, and we are committed to helping prevent it. For helpful resources, visit www.enditnownorthamerica.org.

Another wonderful outreach opportunity is an event called “God in Shoes,” which your local church can host. This ministry provides a meaningful way to serve women in the surrounding community by offering a special spa day that includes prayer, hand massages, manicures, facials, and a brand-new pair of shoes. This ministry was founded by Jo Dubbs in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, and here in Carolina we have adapted it to best meet the needs of the communities we serve.

Another exciting outreach ministry is “God’s Closet.” This event may be hosted quarterly at your local church or another designated venue (generally on the first Friday in February, May, August, and November).

Families are invited to enjoy a FREE shopping experience for infant through teenage clothing, shoes, and bedding. For more information, visit www.godscloset.com or email marlene.godscloset@gmail.com.

The Annual Women’s Retreat at Nosoca Pines Ranch is another wonderful opportunity to connect with other women and grow spiritually. Held the first weekend in October, it is one of the most affordable women’s retreats in the Southern Union. Thanks to the generous offerings received throughout the year, Women’s Ministries is able to assist many ladies with the cost of attendance. This is a beautiful opportunity to gather with like-minded women for a spiritually enriching weekend. God always provides abundant blessings!

An exciting resource for teen girls is Gorgeous2God, a blog dedicated to connecting young women with God and with one another, helping them navigate life’s challenges while providing fun, practical, and Christ-centered content. Visit www.Gorgeous2God.org. You can also follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest using @Gorgeous2God or by searching #Gorgeous2God.

Level I of the Women’s Leadership Certification Program has recently been updated and is available free of charge through www.nadwm.org. If you are interested in completing the certification, please contact your local church or conference Women’s Ministries leader.

As you can see, this is a very active and vibrant department! Let us pray for each of these ministries, events, and initiatives, asking God to bless every effort to reach women for Christ and to strengthen His

church.

Today we thank God for the dedicated women who faithfully serve throughout the Seventh-day Adventist churches of the Carolinas. Through their prayers, compassion, leadership, mentoring, and unwavering commitment to Christ, they strengthen our congregations, nurture families, disciple new believers, and

extend the love of Jesus into our communities. Our prayer is that the Holy Spirit will continue to fill each woman with wisdom, courage, and joy as she answers God’s call. May the Lord bless Women’s Ministries with renewed vision, deeper unity, and an ever-growing passion to share the everlasting gospel. May He use this ministry to inspire women of every generation to know Christ more fully, serve Him more faithfully, and prepare many hearts for His soon return.

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” — Proverbs 31:26 (NKJV)

May God richly bless the women of the Carolina Conference as they continue to impact lives for eternity.

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: