March - Lake Union Conference

That saved a wretch like me...renewed sense of confidence that was foundational to mylife and ministry.Paul Riley, my dormitory dean, displayed God’s graceto me. I received the theory of God’s grace in the classroomby excellent teachers, but it was in everyday life thatI needed to see it displayed. One night, Paul took a groupof guys from the dorm out on Kilbourn Hill to pray. Hetold us to spread out and pray to God, individually. Thatnight became my Abraham experience, where under thestars God revealed His presence to me in a powerful way.Since I did not have the privilege of growing up in Adventistenvironment, I felt insecure about going into theWhen our hearts are filled with gratitude for the giftof God’s grace in Christ, then we will seek to be faithfuland obedient to Him. Seventh-day Adventists should bespecialists in teaching and demonstrating God’s grace. EllenWhite says, “Of all professing Christians, Seventh-dayAdventists should be foremost in uplifting Christ beforethe world” (Gospel Workers, p. 157).The apostle John says that when Jesus came to theworld, He was “full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). I personallybelieve that only when truth is accompanied bygrace that it has power to attract people to God. Gracewithout truth also does not represent God accurately. ItI received the theory of God’s grace in theclassroom by excellent teachers, but it was in everyday lifethat I needed to see it displayed.gospel ministry and being a leader in the church. I feltunworthy. As I viewed the stars that night God spoke tome clearly, saying, “What I have asked you to do, I will giveyou the ability to do.” I felt a new sense of courage. Paul’sleadership that night in the prayer band and many othertimes helped strengthen my walk with God. He helpedmany others in the same way. Spiritual leaders like Paulhelp change people’s lives forever.Atlantic Union College was also where I met my wifePhyllis. We both know that it was God’s leading thatbrought us together for a wonderful life journey.I am now in my 42nd year of service for the AdventistChurch. Thirty years were in Canada, and now 12 years inWisconsin. During these years, I have witnessed hundredsof people whose lives have been changed by God’s grace.What a privilege it is to partner with God to help peoplebecome forever friends with Jesus.is not enough to teach people doctrine and instruct themin correct principles of living. People must be led to apersonal knowledge of God and experience His forgivenessand saving grace in their life. They must have Jesusas their Forever Friend.Recently, I attended my home church, Madison East.On that day, the first Sabbath of the new year, a motherand daughter were baptized. They told how God ledthem to the Adventist message, and then how the love ofthe church members and pastors attracted them to jointhe fellowship. It was an inspiring service. I left with joyin my heart and a sense that this is what Jesus had inmind for His people—His churches being full of graceand truth.Don Corkum is the president of the Wisconsin Conference.Vi s i t w w w. L a k e Un i o n He r a l d . o r g L a k e U n i o n H e r a l d • Ma r c h 2 0 0 8 | 27