The British Chapter of ASI had a most wonderful weekend recently. The warm friendly atmosphere was enhanced by stimulating and challenging devotionals and inspiring testimonies. Our Chaplain Martin Bell, in his own inimitable way, led our devotionals with humour – coupled with some hard sayings from Jesus which made us think deeply about how we are witnessing for our faith.

Prior to the weekend the Executive Officers of ASI Europe, along with the ASI-UK President Audrey Balderstone, met at the Division office with the Trans-European Division President Elder Bertil Wiklander. After full, frank and helpful exchanges they were joined by some of the Division’s departmental leaders and a very positive and encouraging meeting took place. The officers of ASI Europe look forward to working in close harmony with the Division in all aspects of Evangelism.

The members of ASI-UK felt honoured that Angel Duo, President of ASI Europe, was able to stay and join us for our AGM weekend. He shared with us a DVD about the Youth for Jesus programmes in Spain and our own Charlotte Bramble gave a report about the success of the Youth for Jesus campaign in Nottingham. Other members shared testimonies of how God is blessing their work and witness. Among them were two members who have taken our motto literally and have set up a Christian book shop in a local market place. They are witnessing about the Adventist faith to those who stop to admire their attractive layout.

In a break with tradition this year we devoted the whole of the Sabbath day to worship by having an extended Sabbath School in the morning and the Worship service in the afternoon. The adults appreciated having plenty of time to explore the Sabbath School lesson ably led by former Chaplain John Ferguson, while the young adults entered into discussions with our speaker for the day, Dejan Stojkovic, who is the Youth Pastor for Stanborough Park Church. We also had more time to listen to inspiring missions reports and Angel was further able to tell us about the growth of ASI Europe and of the exciting evangelistic projects which are happening in other Chapters.

After lunch and a walk everyone gathered eagerly for worship and an inspiring sermon from Dejan. During the service the President, Audrey Balderstone, reminded the members that twenty six years ago ASI-UK was the first chapter to be formed outside of North America and she recounted some of the highlights of those years and what a blessing ASI has been to God’s Church. Funds were collected to assist with the Youth for Jesus campaign for 2010. The singing, led by RECALL a singing group from St.Albans, was all that worshipful music should be and we were blessed by their ministry.

After dinner on Saturday evening our Chaplain, Martin Bell, embarrassed retiring President Audrey greatly, by thanking her for her years of service to ASI-UK and to ASI Europe. She was presented with a beautiful bouquet of flowers and a book in which all the members had written. Martin also paid tribute to David’s service to ASI-UK and to his support of Audrey and they were both presented with a rose bush The evening continued with some members entertaining the gathering and it was with a happy sense of friendly companionship that everyone held hands and sang ‘I’ll Meet You in Heaven’ before the prayer which ended a most enjoyable evening.

During the AGM on Sunday the reports of the activities of ASI-UK for the year were accepted and we had a very positive meeting. Although we had a number of nominations for the posts of President and Vice President of the Association none of those nominated felt able to assume the roles at present. In the absence of an Executive Committee a small ‘Communications Committee’ was formed. This committee will work on a promotional programme which can be taken to various churches to highlight the work of ASI-UK. The meeting was a very positive one with a good spirit evident and it is hoped that before too long one of those nominated will feel able to accept the post of President. The name of Pastor Samuel Neves was presented as the new Chaplain of ASI-UK and his appointment was approved by the members. Sam is a young Pastor with experience working in media and IT and he has a passion for sharing the Gospel though these means. ASI-UK has been encouraging students and young Professionals to join the Association and we have been greatly blessed by the enthusiasm of the young people. Two young adults were appointed as student representatives on the Communications Committee.

In the meantime, as Angel Duo reminded us, our task is ‘Mission’ and the members of ASI-UK will continue Share Christ in the Market Place as we work, witness and pray for His soon return.

Audrey Balderstone

Past President, ASI-UK