On a sunny Sabbath morning in March, the Las Vegas Convention Center was set to host two groups. One group—carrying briefcases and computer cases, and meeting with vendors—was there to show people how to use and operate systems integration technology. The other—carrying Bibles and greeting Pathfinders in uniform at the door—was the Las Vegas Area Convocation.

So started the Sabbath of March 20. Adventists from all over the Las Vegas area, which includes parts of Utah, and visitors from California converged on the Convention Center for worship and fellowship and to hear General Conference President Jan Paulsen.

Nevada-Utah Conference President Larry Moore led Sabbath school in the main meeting hall. Paulsen also spent time with the youth, where he shared information from around the world and answered questions.

Everyone joined together for the church service where Paulsen was the featured speaker. His message of encouragement and hope centered on the five things Jesus wanted his disciples to remember: “I am the Way. I am coming back. I am with you through the Holy Spirit. The Holy spirit will make My teaching clear. Love one another.”

In the afternoon, Paulsen led in a town hall meeting, during which he gave an update on the world Church, including reports from Thailand, China, India, Africa and more. According to Paulsen, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including children, is approximately 20 million strong—and growing.

During the question and answer time, Paulsen explained the greatest challenges facing the Church. Reaching the tough areas of the world with the Gospel, the unity of the world community of Adventists, and the spiritual life of members were the three he mentioned.

The day closed with a concert by the Brown Brothers, a men’s chorus from Southern California, and an ABC book sale.