A first anniversary—a new congregation. The 50-60 believers who meet each week are a result of the strong scriptural teaching, small groups, training programs and evangelistic series at the Arizona Evangelism Center. Planted in an area where there was no English-speaking Adventist presence, this church hopes to reach out to the 52,000 people in the southwest Phoenix valley.

In November 2002, a nucleus of six adults on their knees (George and Linda Gilbert, Chris and Lela Lewis, Ben and Lila George) launched a Bible prophecy seminar and held their first Sabbath services in a rented hall.

Jackie Johnson received the seminar invitation, but tossed it in the trash. Impressed to pick it back up, she repeated this scene three times before being convicted she should attend. Looking back, Johnson sees God’s powerful hand strengthening and preparing her for the tragedy of her husband’s sudden death. "God knew I would need this loving church family to help me through," she says. "I’m so thankful I got that seminar invitation out of the trash. Now my brother and his wife are attending with me."

Committed to this outreach, George and Linda Gilbert drive 76 miles round trip from their Scottsdale home. George invited Don (who was under treatment for cancer) and Carol Pound to the first seminar. The messages of truth they heard went straight to their hearts. "It’s like we have been catapulted into a whole new life," says Carol. "Even though Don was losing the battle with cancer, he grew and changed so much."

Their pastor, Ben George, was with them when Don fell asleep in Jesus just four weeks after their baptism.

The group is currently renting the First Baptist Church on the corner of Dysart Road and Indian School Road in Litchfield Park.