GLAR pastors are introduced and recognized for their work in ministry.
GLAR pastors are introduced and recognized for their work in ministry.

 

LEFT: Award-winning gospel artist Smokie Norful shares his testimony, giving all praise to God throughout his performance during the Saturday night concert. RIGHT: Ron C. Smith, Southern Union Conference president, shares a message about sacrificial faith during the divine worship.
LEFT: Award-winning gospel artist Smokie Norful shares his testimony, giving all praise to God throughout his performance during the Saturday night concert. RIGHT: Ron C. Smith, Southern Union Conference president, shares a message about sacrificial faith during the divine worship.

This spring was a time for reconnection as members from 19 congregations from the Greater Los Angeles Region (GLAR) gathered for the 54th annual GLAR Convocation. This year was the first in-person event in five years due to the pandemic.

The weekend began Friday evening at Jordan High School in Long Beach. Lola Moore-Johnston, pastor of Restoration Praise Center in Maryland, led a youth service at the newly chosen venue this year, and music was provided by Stephen Menders and Decree.

On Sabbath, more than 750 people gathered for a combined divine worship service, instead of multiple services as in the past. “It’s been five long years since we’ve gathered together,” said Royal Harrison, GLAR director, emphasizing the significance of the convocation, “and it’s a joy to be here to worship God all together.”

Left to right: Southern California Conference executive officers Kathleen V. Diaz, treasurer/CFO; Velino A. Salazar, president; and John H. Cress, executive secretary, shared updates on finances, evangelism, and membership from the last few years.
Left to right: Southern California Conference executive officers Kathleen V. Diaz, treasurer/CFO; Velino A. Salazar, president; and John H. Cress, executive secretary, shared updates on finances, evangelism, and membership from the last few years.

In his sermon, Ron C. Smith, Southern Union Conference president, spoke on the importance of sacrificial faith, encouraging attendees to “keep the fire burning.” 

“Sacrifice signified a costly religion,” Smith said, referencing Leviticus 6. “The Israelites didn’t approach the altar to give little—they approached it to give as much as they could. Sacrifice is more than a matter of cost. You can’t come to worship without bringing something to God.” He concluded his message with appeals to respect the sanctuary, sacrifice self to God, and keep the fire burning.

With the theme “Reconnect,” this year’s convocation was as much a reflection of the past as it was focused on the future. Carol Todd, Los Angeles Adventist Academy (LAAA) principal, announced the reopening of ninth grade at LAAA for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. During the state of the region address, Harrison shared how GLAR churches will adopt Natural Church Development, an approach to ministry that focuses on developing healthy churches that lead to naturally growing churches.

Though GLAR has hosted virtual and hybrid events since the pandemic, such as the N.O.W. Bible Conference and two fall revivals, the purpose of this annual convocation is for members to come together for a spiritual revival and refreshing through authentic praise, genuine prayer, and powerful preaching.