It is my pleasure to welcome delegates and attendees of the sixtieth session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to San Antonio, Texas. San Antonio is my hometown. It holds a special place in my heart. In 1960, my parents and I were baptized into the Adventist Church, as a result of tent meetings by Evangelist Joe Crews.

Many United States Army veterans will remember San Antonio and the Laurel Heights Adventist Church because of the servicemen’s center next door to the church, which became a home base for many servicemen stationed at Fort Sam Houston over the years.

The Southwestern Union Conference is honored to host this session, and is grateful to those who have made the journey to attend and assist the church at this crucial business session. As we gather for 10 days of meetings, activities, fellowship, exhibits, and more, let’s rediscover what unites us as a church by focusing on the theme of this session: “Arise! Shine! Jesus is coming!” This is the hope that unites us: Jesus’ soon return!

In anticipation of this session, the Southwestern Union and its conferences have accepted the challenge to share the hope of Jesus’ coming with the people of San Antonio. God’s infinite love has been shining through our members as they have addressed needs and built relationships with local communities through medical outreach, evangelistic campaigns, educational seminars, youth rallies, food security programs, and many other activities.

At this session I look forward to hearing the many wonderful, inspirational reports of how God’s love is shining through members in the other parts of the world.

In addition to the planned program, please take some time to enjoy the cultural sights and sounds of this historic city. If you have the time, I recommend visiting the Alamo and Riverwalk, as well as the Rivercenter IMAX to view “Alamo: The Price of Freedom,” which shows daily and depicts the history of the Alamo. Take a boat cruise on the San Antonio River to learn even more of the fascinating history of this beautiful city. As you enjoy this city and its history, remember to pray for its people, that they will come to know the Lord through the loving presence of the Adventist Church. Let’s also pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on this General Conference session.

May God be glorified!

Larry R. Moore
President. Southwestern Union Conference