Dazzling lights, glittering resorts — a place where 35 million pleasure-seeking tourists wager a million dollars a year. It's known to many as “Sin City,” and the most unlikely of places to hold a religious meeting of any kind, but on Feb. 19, downtown Las Vegas is exactly where more than 1,200 Adventists gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center for the annual Las Vegas Area Convocation.

The program began with song service, which a special convocation praise and worship team led, and several area singing groups presented musical selections. Sabbath school followed with Jim Brackett (Nevada-Utah Conference church ministries and ministerial director) leading the lesson discussion on forgiveness. Brackett reminded listeners that, “Jesus loves to forgive sinners.”

Dr. Bradford C. Newton, Nevada-Utah Conference president, presented the keynote address. His message, “For such a Time as This,” based on John 6:66, paralleled the disciples' question to Jesus, “To whom shall we go?” Newton reminded attendees that, “The Bible is our answer, the Bible gives us life, truth and the direction we need.”

Conference officials moderated a town hall meeting in the afternoon with a question and answer session. “Nevada has the highest percentage of un-churched people," said Newton, who believes Nevada-Utah is the most exciting place he's worked. "Then there’s Utah with the Mormon conservative population. Two polar opposites, but we were sent here to do a work.”

Secretary/Treasurer Gary Norman reported that there were 284 baptisms in 2004 with a total membership more than 7,000 and tithe totaling more than $5 million. Education/Youth Director Don Krpalek detailed activities planned for the youth of the conference and plans for an online high school. Las Vegas area members were encouraged to voice their opinions and concerns.

The Heritage Singers ended the day with a concert. “I’m so glad the Heritage Singers were with us this year,” said Fe Fertel, a Mountain View church member. "It is such a blessing to have them."

“Literally hundreds of hours go into planning for the convocation, but it's something that all area pastors and churches have a part in," said Denny Krause, senior pastor of the Las Vegas Mountain View church and 2004-2005 president of Las Vegas area pastors committee. "It is too much for one person or church to do, so we have gotten everyone involved.”

Krause believes that finding an appropriate venue is the biggest challenge. “There is a lot of growth in our churches and membership, so none of the area churches are large enough to hold a meeting of this size," he explains. "We have been blessed with the use of the Convention Center, and God has blessed our people so that they have been able to donate enough to cover our expenses.”

Members are thankful for the experience, in spite of the planning obstacles. “There is no other place to be," said Monette Fleurantus, a member of the Abundant Life church. "I come every year, and I enjoy being with the other Las Vegas area members that I don’t get to see at my church.”