October 10, 2006

Eastern Valley United Baptist Association  

         Dear Friends

		I was very pleased to be one of your delegates at Convention this year. Convention was a very enjoyable time of learning and fellowship. 
		All motions that were brought to the floor this year were passed. There were some topics that were discussed more than others, although at times they were very objective, the President kept all topics on an even keel. He thanked everyone for their co-operation after each motion was voted on.
		All the speakers were very well spoken this year. I especially enjoyed the messages brought by Rev. Dave Coffey. All of his messages were based on discipleship in the church. His first talk was based on 1Cor. 3:1-16, reminding us to remember that Jesus is the foundation and we need to be making mature followers in Christ. God will make all things fit together as we serve Him on the foundation of Jesus. Rev. Coffey's second talk was based on Acts 11:1-34. He talked about Pioneers, Travelers, and Settlers. His title was “Turning Headaches into Heartbeats”. We need to ask critical questions, tell our stories, do the theological reflection, we need to listen carefully and come to a thoughtful conclusion. Rev. Coffey used these five steps to help understand how to work through conflict. Rev. Coffey's final talk was on Hebrews 12:1-3; “Don't Quit Until The Race Is Over”. We need to fix our eyes on Jesus and run with perseverance the race that is set before us.
		We had presentations from ABU and ADC, which were very informative.
		Dr. Harry Gardener opened Convention with a talk on healthy Churches and Rev. Greg Jones released the introduction to the Healthy Churches fund raising initiative from UIM. 
		Thank you again for letting me represent our Association as your delegate at convention.

                                                                                                                   In Christ Service

                                                                                                                  Pastor Darryl Dykens