June 2025 Carolina's 10,000 P5

Leslie D. Louis
Jun 10
12 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 Kindness

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 four issues we focused on love, joy, peace, and patience.

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

True kindness is taught to us in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each another, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

So, just how important is kindness? In a study of 37 cultures around the world, 16,000 subjects were asked about their most desired traits in a mate. For both sexes, the first choice was kindness. Acclaimed psychologists John and Julie Gottman gathered data on successful marriages for decades and found that kindness was essential to a lasting union.

But, what is kindness? It begins with caring, being tenderhearted and compassionate. The Greek word for ‘kind’ is chrestos—meaning ‘useful.’ This means that kindness involves action. Truly kind people will actively look for opportunities to show kindness.

Whether it’s paying for someone’s hot drink or sandwich at a drive-through behind them or writing a note of encouragement to a friend, kindness requires action. Of course, action can also include words — words of encouragement, comfort, courtesy and compliments can be heartwarming acts of kindness.

I will always remember a special, simple act of kindness during my first year in the United States. It was Christmas time in 1964, and all the students exchanged Christmas gifts in our elementary school. I got a box with a beautiful model car. I thought the car in the box was fully assembled, but it was a model that came with so many parts. I had never seen or put a model together. One of the boys at the party noticed my disappointment and confusion as to how I would put that car model together. So he told me that he would ask his mom if I could come to his house, and we could work on that model together. That was the first model I put together with his kind help. I was just 12 years old, and Kenny became a good friend to me. After completing the model car and painting it, I was so pleased with how good the car model looked. But far more than that, my heart was warmed by a caring and kind friend who took the time to help me accomplish this task successfully.

Jesus Christ practiced kindness that was considered radical for that time and culture. His kindness often extended to the people that were not treated well, including the sick, poor and social outcasts. He healed them, prayed with them and fed them. Just like Jesus, we should practice kindness, even with something as small as a smile at a passing stranger. We should continue to ripen our fruit of kindness in the footsteps of Jesus, who personified the greatest example of kindness.

Join me in praying and asking God for the gift of kindness this month through divine opportunities to demonstrate the latter rain power of the Holy Spirit to the lives we touch this month.

The sacred responsibility of Seventh-day Adventist educators is not only to inspire our students to love the wisdom of academics but also to love and live for God. As a lifelong educator myself, pastor, and now a church administrator I see in every Adventist teacher the opportunity and privilege to create a real and lasting impact in the hearts and lives of students. I believe an Adventist teacher must always reflect the image of Christ in his or her classroom, and a deep and intimate relationship with God is essential for this. That’s why the first question I ask of every teacher that we interview is: “Tell me what Jesus means to you and how you nurture your relationship with Him every day?”

In addition to a close relationship with God, there are several qualities an Adventist teacher must possess. These qualities allow teachers to connect with their students and provide their students with a model of Christ-like character. In the past few issues of P5, we have considered what God desires in those who’ve committed their lives to the ministry of Seventh-day Adventist education. In our May issue we referenced “A Love for Students” and “A Pursuit of Excellence” as the third and fourth of those qualities. Here are the final two qualities (Number 5 & 6) that we can pray about in each of our teachers who have dedicated their lives to the ministry of education:

5. Fruit of the Holy Spirit

Adventist teachers are to possess within them the fruit of the Holy Spirit. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). These fruit are essential because teaching presents a variety of challenges, and these traits allow teachers to deal with situations in a Christ-like manner. This is what we’ve been focusing on over the past five months as a prayer initiative for Pentecost 2025.

6. Search for Biblical Truth and Wisdom

In order to guide students in the right path, teachers need to dig deep for biblical wisdom and truth and encourage students to do the same. Biblical principles and values should take top priority. Applying biblical principles to real-life situations is particularly powerful. While we all fail at times to exhibit these characteristics, God is faithful to lead us as we grow and lean on Him for strength.

During these summer months (June- August), we will continue our prayers for our educational ministry by specifically focusing on our team on the campus of Mount Pisgah Academy. Please join me in praying for these staff members this month 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 first goal – that of making measurable goals towards an effective discipleship initiative in all of the 185 church and companies of the Carolinas,

During this month of June, I invite you to pray for our continuing initiatives toward the fulfillment of our second goal -- intentionally engaging, empowering, and enabling our young adults in the mission of the church.

Here’s a wonderful report and update of what’s happening in this realm of ministry across the Carolinas as presented by Pastor Cris Dutra Cazarine, our Associate Youth Ministries Director and Director of Young Adult and Campus Ministries:

Young Adult Ministries: Seeds of Growth and Revival Across the Carolinas.

Since our last update, the Young Adult and Campus Ministries Department has been actively cultivating spaces where young people grow deeper in faith and leadership. It’s been a powerful season of connection, revival, and new beginnings.

Earlier this spring, we partnered with Foster SDA Church to lead the Growing Together seminar. This initiative equips churches to build intentional relationships across generations, giving both older and younger members a shared vision for ministry. We spent the weekend exploring practical strategies to disciple young people, foster belonging, and empower them to lead. The church family responded with energy and openness, ready to walk side-by-side with their young adults in faith and mission.

We also visited Mt. Pisgah Academy to speak with the senior class—especially those who will be attending non-Adventist universities. We introduced them to the opportunity of starting Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) chapters on their campuses. These groups offer a chance to grow spiritually, create Adventist communities, and stay grounded in faith during a critical life stage when many young people feel disconnected from church.

Through these efforts—speaking with seniors at Mt. Pisgah Academy and raising awareness in our churches about ACF—we are excited to share that two new ACF chapters have now launched: one at UNC Chapel Hill and another at UNC Raleigh. Both were started by passionate young adults who want to stay connected to God and help others on their campuses do the same. These student-led groups are already making an impact and spreading hope in places where Adventist presence is deeply needed.

Meanwhile, our online outreach continues to grow. Two small groups of young adults now meet regularly to study the Bible—some were raised in the church but are seeking deeper understanding, while others are exploring faith for the first time. Several more young adults are not yet ready to join a study, but are reaching out with spiritual questions and seeking support. Each message is a step toward community and Christ.

In late May, the Carolina Conference Camp Meeting brought together hundreds of young adults for a week of worship and connection. We had about 150 young adults attending each evening session, showing a strong hunger for community and spiritual growth. Our Young Adult Division welcomed Dustin Serns as our speaker. His messages stirred revival, leading many to recommit their lives to Christ and step into ministry.

Beyond the worship sessions, the most cherished memories came from intentional social events—including a white water rafting trip that pushed comfort zones and created lasting bonds. From bonfire talks to shared meals and laughter-filled moments, young adults repeatedly told us: “These were the moments that impacted us most.”

As we look ahead, our department now prepares for two major gatherings:

• ACFI Conference in Seattle, WA (July 29–August 2), and

• Young Adult Life Tour in Raleigh, NC (October 24–25).

Both will be powerful moments for equipping, networking, and spiritual renewal.

Please keep our young adults in prayer. They are not the future of the church—they are part of the church today. As they lead, learn, and grow, may we walk with them, support them, and believe in what God is doing through them.

Let’s continue building a church where every generation thrives—together.

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.

We continue our focus on the Outreach Ministries of the Carolina Conference. They include the following departmental branches:

• ASI

• Carolina Evangelism

• Church Planting

• Community Services

• Disaster Response

• Health Ministries

• Missions

• Publishing

• Prison Ministries

• Adult Sabbath School

During the months of April and May, we took a pause to pray for a special international need highlighted by Pastor Jimmy Schwe with a compassionate call to assist our Karen brothers and sisters with special needs in his homeland country of Myanmar (formerly known as Burma).

This month we return to highlighting and praying for our departmental ministries. We left off in March by highlighting the ministry of Church Planting. In this month, I invite you to consider and pray for the combined and closely aligned ministries of Community Services and Disaster Response Departments under the dedicated leadership of Elder David Graham and his faithful secretary, Lisa Moyer.

The mission of the Community Service Department is to care and serve our neighbors in North and South Carolina. They equip and encourage each local church to follow Christ’s example seeking to meet the needs of their community. They accomplish His mission and plan through using the spiritual gifts of our members to help others with physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

This ministry empowers local church leadership to offer programs and ministry activities that provide tangible ways to help people. Their annual Community Service Rally and Retreat at NOSOCA Pines Ranch is a vital part of helping the local church. This weekend is full of training, networking and inspirational stories of God’s work in serving others.

The organizational structure flows through 6 regional Federations to the local church Community Service Director. In times of state or national crisis, the Carolina Conference has a parallel partnership ministry with the Disaster Relief Department. This branch of the Community Service Department assists through Recovery efforts working together with their partner ministry of the Disaster Relief Department to help people in difficult circumstances. They also partner with Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and/or other community food and clothing distribution programs to best help people. There are many ways to get involved in our communities and make a difference in their lives through a prayerful connection with Jesus Christ.

Adventist Community Services (ACS) is involved in the four phases of disaster response; Preparation, Mitigation, Response and Recovery to ensure volunteers are matched efficiently with needs in a community. The Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ ACS Disaster Response (ASCDR) Ministry assists individuals, families and communities affected by natural and man-made disasters and unforeseen tragedies. ACSDR also engages with local, State and National government partners, such as Emergency Management Teams and FEMA.

With the horrific impact that Hurricane Helene had on much of the South and particularly in our territory of South Carolina and especially northwestern North Carolina, our combined ministries of Community Services and Disaster Relief need your prayers and support this month and in the many months to come for continuing recovery and restoration in the widespread devastation we’ve experienced in so many communities.

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.

Exodus 19:5-6(NKJV) “Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Ephesians 2:19-22 (NIV) “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”
1 Peter 2:9 (KJV) “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.”
1 John 1:7 (NKJV) “But if we walk in the Light as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

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: