The 2016 ASI (Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries) International Convention sponsored by the North American Division was held atthe Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona,United States, from August 3 to 6, 2016.
The ASI International Convention is held every year to inspire members, to exchange ideas vital to their lay-driven ministry goals, and to support various mission activities. This annual convention encourages attendees and members to join in God’s mission directly or indirectly through financial support.
This year, the thirteen Division presidents were invited to the convention so that they could see how lay-driven activities have been developed as part of Total Member Involvement (TMI) and to introduce mission challenges faced by each Division.From the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), Pastor Jairyong Lee, NSD president, attended the convention along with NSD ASI president Song JongHyun, vice president Oh SooHo, and coordinator Joo MinHo.
During the morning and evening sessions, there were plenary meetings to introduce mission activities and projects ASI planned to support through a portion of the 2016 offering. In the afternoon, seminars on various subjects were offered, including how to run non-profit organizations and how to join mission activities.
More than 200 booths were set up in the exhibit hall to promote different mission projects. The NSD also had a booth to share the NSD vision and to solicit prayers.
The 2016 ASI International Convention planned to support 38 mission projects with the offering goal of $1.5 million USD.
This substantial offering would be distributed to each mission association for its special project. With a view to promoting the mission offering, all 38 mission project managers were asked to come up to the stage to introduce their project and to be interviewed. On Sabbath afternoon, August 6, Pastor Lee was invited to be interviewed to share the challenges NSD is facing in terms of mission.
From this lay-centered, mission-driven convention, the NSD ASI president and coordinator took important lessons on how to run NSD ASI as a mission-driven organization.
Dr. Joo MinHo, NSD Assistant to the President