Wholeheartedly embracing Jesus’ mission “To seek and to save those who are lost,” Central California Conference members gave $1,029,000 in gifts and pledges to the annual camp meeting evangelism offering in July.

Testimonies from members who had already experienced a life-changing faith journey stirred hearts and encouraged members to seek God’s leading by asking how He wanted each person or family to be involved.

At the 2003 camp meeting, Joseph and Varsik Babanezhad from Campbell, Calif., were impressed to make an offering pledge. When Varsik told her husband to double it, he was shocked. His business was not doing well and much-needed investment capital seemed elusive. Yet, he stepped out in faith and kept his promise to God in spite of an extreme financial situation.

Sharing his year-long faith journey, Joseph told the Sabbath morning worshipers of times of doubt and discouragement. But he faithfully made his monthly pledge payments. His business funding came through on July 16—the first Friday of camp meeting 2004. “God taught me that He is God, and I am not. He taught me to wait on Him and on His timing,” he says.

For years, the members and conference prayer partners have prayed for this offering, claiming God’s promises. “If two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of My Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 18:19).

“The promise is made on condition that the united prayers of the church are offered, and in answer to these prayers there may be expected a power greater than that which comes in answer to private prayer. The power given will be proportionate to the unity of the members and their love for God and for one another” (Letter 32, 1903, p. 5).

President Jerry Page and his wife, Janet, continue to praise God and give Him all the credit. “This is evidence that united prayer works,” says Jerry. “We are awed and are so grateful to be a part of this journey God is taking all of us on here in Central.”

The offering funds essential outreach ministries: 37 Bible workers; 24 active church plants; an explosion of public outreaches hosted by local churches, and numerous innovative “New Work” projects. Two exciting new ministries are now possible because of the overwhelming sacrificial overflow—a mobile young adult evangelistic team and a full-time, secular collegiate outreach at California Polytech State University in San Luis Obispo.