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• The Fletcher Report #2: Pakistan
• Youth Evangelism Really Works
• Dr. Sheila Davis New Deputy Director

Arson Suspected In Overnight Blaze
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Arson investigators searched debris for clues Thursday after overnight fire gutted a building that had stood for decades. While the building at Riverside Chapel in north Nashville was not currently in use, a local church (Riverside Chapel) had planned to renovate it.

“I suspect if it was not intentional arson, then it was a guy trying to keep warm,” said church administrator Steve Richardson. He said, “This was a two story building that served as both as a training facility, a nursing school and dormitory that was attached to the old Riverside Hospital, some even remember it as the Old Riverside Sanitarium.”

The Nashville Fire Department responded to the scene and used later trucks to try to put the fire out. Assistant District Chief Charles Shannon said, “I think the men and women did an excellent job even though this building was vacant. They still did a very aggressive job.”

Thursday morning an arson investigator was looking into the fire. “It is somewhat suspicious just because of the fact that it had no current going to it. It doesn't necessarily mean it was arson but it does look suspicious at this point,” said Shannon.

Just over five years ago, the fire department responded to the same place when the old church building burned down. It would later be ruled arson.

“Someone had apparently broken into the building. Again it happened I believe if memory serves during the winter and so theoretically someone was looking to shield themselves from the elements,”

Richardson said. (He is) sad to lose the visible reminders of the heritage the building represented. “As with any particular catastrophe, the congregation has to respond in such a way to bring beauty out of ashes...that is part of our faith dynamic,” he said.

It will be several days before the arson investigation is complete and authorities know exactly what happened.

Courtesy WKRN.com
Copyright 2006 by WKRN Nashville Tennessee. All Rights Reserved.

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ! Just thought I would send you a brief update of our trip. This week Elder Simms and I are conducting two meetings. The Week of Prayer at Karachi Adventist Hospital, this is held daily in the morning and in the evening, October 9-14. The male and female students of the nursing school as well as the administration and employees of the hospital are in attendance. As you know, these in attendance are not only Adventists, but also Muslims and Hindus. The people are indicating to us their appreciation of the preaching of the Word of God. Many are seeking personal prayer and counseling for themselves and their loved ones.

On October 9 thru 10, in Hydrabad, Pakistan, a two day seminar from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM was held both mornings, and in the evening a lighted open-air meeting was held. Both nights there were approximately 1,800 people in attendance. Approximately 200 people came down at the appeal to give their lives to Jesus Christ for the very first time. The Gospel Outreach Pastors are following up with those decisions to prepare them for baptism which be held at the Karachi Convention.

Pastor Victor Harewood from the U.A.E. will conclude our Week of Prayer in Karachi on Sabbath, October 14. Then we will prepare for the Karachi Convention, October 17-21. We have been informed to expect 2,500 to 3,000 people nightly.

Chaplain Calvin sends his regards to you (Elder Patterson). We called you and he left a message on your home phone. I am enjoying the fruits of YOUR labor. We now are able to use Nationwide/International Pakistani calling cards which have over 60 minutes in talk TIME at the very low cost of 100 rupees, which in USD is $1.61. Hallelujah!!!! Internet access is now available in the guest housing by using an internet card, which Donald provided. Praise Ye the Lord!!! The prayers that you and Simms prayed on behalf of the people last year have been answered and they are giving us the testimonies! To God Be the Glory!!!!

All is well with me. No problems. No worries! No fears! I’m just continuing to fill up with the Holy Spirit and empty Him out every day we are among the people. God is good to us. Until next time!

Sincerely,
Quinton Fletcher

P.S. Our pictures are posted literally all over the city of Karachi in color. Extra large posters, huge banners, flyers, and personal invitation professionally done have been sent out to the community as well as all the patients. I am enjoying the fruits of your labor!

Click here to read Report #1: SCC Pastors in Pakistan

Someone once said, “If we do the same thing the same way with the same negative results; that is the definition of insanity!” The youth and young adults of the New Covenant Seventh-day Adventist Church decided that they would not sit back and watch the devil destroy the youth in their church and community. The church made a decision to invest resources into youth evangelism.

They organized and planned an Evangelistic Crusade where the target group would be young people. Elder Lylton Powell, who serves as the Minister over Youth Ministries, Pastor Jeffery L. Watson and the Youth Council decided that they would pitch a tent for Jesus. They brought in Minister Fred Whitlow to lead out in the crusade and Pastor David Lee to be their guest evangelist.

The “No More Dirty” Crusade began July 9, and ended July 29, 2006. The theme was “The Ten Commandments” where Pastor David expounded from the Word night after night. The young people did everything. Music was provided by Romans/John Youth & Young Adult Choir, Stric’ly Jesus Camp, and other talented young people from the community.

The highlight every evening was to witness young people writing on the “PRAISE” wall the powerful blessings of God and then writing their prayer/victory request on the “DELIVERANCE” wall and spray painting those requests with red spray paint symbolizing victory in the blood of the Lamb.

This effort resulted in 20 young people being baptized into the New Covenant Church.

--Pastor Jeffrey Watson
New Covenant SDA Church
Memphis, TN 

Univesity of Mississippi Medical Center received funding to establish the Mississippi Institute for Improvement of Geographic Minority Health and Elimination of Health Disparities. Dr. Warren Jones is the Executive Director.

Dr. Sheila Davis has been named the Deputy Director of the Institute. The grant has "bought out" 50% of her time for that effort. It is great for the Institute and for the School of Nursing. Over time, it will open doors for faculty and students to engage in research projects and other similar activities. Certainly, her expertise and knowledge will greatly enhance the overall effort.

-Kaye Bender

Congratulations to Dr. Davis who is a member of the South Jackson SDA Church Family, Fred Batton, Pastor