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ASI-SAU (Adventist-Laymen's Services and Industries Organisation South Africa Union Conference) |
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ASI Convention 2009
December 09 - 12, 2009, SAU Head office, Bloemfontein, Free State, South Africa
The 2009 ASI Convention will be held on December 09 -12, 2009, SAU Head office in Bloemfontein, at the Fairview Conference Centre. See the convention schedule.
To reach ASI staff on site in Bloemfontein, please call +27 51 447 8271 - Henry Langford
(available beginning Tuesday, 09 December 2009)
Hotels
Protea Hotel Tel: 051 403 8000
Formula 1 Tel: 051 444 3523
Lazy Lizard Tel: 051 444 5075
Victoria Lodge Tel: 051 447 9277
Country Inn Tel: 051 522 4016
City Lodge Tel: 051 444 2974
Masokolara Tel: 076 410 6562
Convention Highlights!
* Key-note address: Debbie Young ASI-NAD (Past President)
* Devotion session speakers: PS J Hibbert(SID), S. Maposa (SID), Dr M Choga (SID), and Dr Paul Charles (SAU)
* Seminar presentations: Creation of wealth, capital raising Strategies,business partnerships, educational/research/professional and missionary partnerships.
* Sabbath program includes: " Power-Hour" by Dr Paul Ratsara (SID President), ASI Abroad and ASI Offering.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE !!!!!!
Who are we?
ASI is an organization for Seventh-day Adventist Church members who work in the private sector, in business and professional vocations. The foundation for ASI was laid in 1945 when the General Conference at the Fall Council recommended the formation of ASI organisation. The inspiration for the organisation was gained from biblical principles echoed in Ellen White writings:
"When men of business, farmers, mechanics, merchants, lawyers, etc, become members of the church they become servants of Christ, and although their talents may be entirely different, their responsibility to advance the cause of God by personal effort, and with their means, is no less than that which rests upon the minister." (E G White, Testimonies For The Church vol. 4 p468).
Eventually, in 1947 the ASI was formally launched as an organization. Since then the ASI organization has continued to unify SDA workers around the world and to promote strong ties and cooperation with the church. In addition, ASI has sponsored many mission projects that have uplifted and supported many of God's children world-wide.
ASI-SAU
On 18 May 2003, the Southern Africa Union conference (SAU) Executive Committee, took an historic action (245) which included a process towards the formation of the Adventist Professional Business Association (APROBA). In June 2007, the Committee further took action 07-174 which provided for the realignment of APROBA with the General Conference ASI Model.
ASI-SAU Objectives
1.1. To foster a conducive environment for the spiritual growth of Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA) professionals and business persons and nurture their commitment to the mission and development of the church.
1.2. To encourage and promote professional services, the development and operation of privately-owned institutions and enterprises owned or operated by Seventh-day Adventist laypersons throughout Southern Africa Union Conference territory.
1.3. To encourage Seventh-day Adventist church members in privately - owned enterprises of various types to unite their efforts with those of denominationally- operated enterprises in the furtherance and extension of the gospel in their immediate communities and to the ends of the earth, according to their abilities and opportunities.
1.4. To encourage such institutions and enterprises to commit themselves to work in full and complete harmony with the standards and objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination and to maintain Christ-like and harmonious relationships with conference and church administrations, ministers, church members, and the people of their communities.
1.5. To encourage SDA professionals and business persons to uphold SDA philosophy and Biblical principles in their professions and vocations.
1.6. To provide through an exchange of information, coordination of objectives, and the inspiration of Christian fellowship in means by which members of the Association can become more effective in their work.
1.7. To assist with mission projects supportive of the Seventh-day Adventist church, through counsel, promotions and funding.
B. News
The launch convention took place on 23 - 25 October 2008 in SAU Headquarters, in Bloemfontein . The Convention was graced by ASI NAD (North American Division) Current President and Past President who provided keynote address and a series of plenary presentations vital to ASI SAU strategy. The convention also featured presentations by SID, SAU leadership and by ASI SAU, ASI Zimbabwe and ASI Malawi. In addition, there were exhibitions by several supporting ministries.
Highlights of the Convention were the following:
* Adoption of the ASI SAU Constitution facilitated by the SAU/SID and ASI NAD leadership.
* Election of ASI Office Bearers and Board as follows:
* Prof Themba Sirayi (President)
* Mr Piet Smuts (General Vice President)
* ProF. Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya (Vice President - Communication and Recruitment)
* Mr Eugene Moonsamy (Vice President - Finance)
Mr Lance Abraham - Vice President Missions Inc.
Mr Mashudu Ravhengani - Vice President Evangelism
Mr Andrew Modise - Vice President - Strategic Planning
Dr O Muyabala Munachitombwe - Board Member
Mr Robert Rafobane - Board Member
Prof Kianga - Board member
Mrs Minah Sindani-Bloem - Board Member
NB: Secretary-Treasurer and two SAU Representatives are awaiting finalization by the SAU Admin and Excom.
* R 100,000.00 ASI offering for post launch convention strategy.
* ASI-SAU declared for service by Dr Paul Ratsara and SAU leadership
* ASI-SAU Board consecration service officiated by SID President and SAU leadership
C. Next ASI Convention: To be announced
D. Become a member
D.1. Membership Information
Membership Eligibility
Membership in ASI is available to any SDA church member, who is a professional or a worker; who operates a business, provides a professional service, or operates a supporting ministry; as long as such businesses/services adhere to the guidelines and policies of the General Conference and ASI. Categories of membership as outlined in Article 4 of the constitution are as follows:
1. Organizational membership is the primary type of ASI membership. The major emphasis of ASI is to encourage supporting ministries and those members with an entrepreneurial spirit of business operation to work together and cooperate with the SDA church mission and ministries. Organizational membership has the following characteristics:
Organizational members will have at least two fulltime employees in the organization that is owned or managed by SDA business persons. The two qualifying employees may include the owner, applicant, or contract workers.
The organization shall have been in operation for at least twelve months at the time the application for ASI membership is submitted. Membership shall be in the name of the organization.
Continued membership is contingent upon the current owner and/or CEO conducting business of the organization harmony with the principles of the SDA church.
2. Personal membership is available to any Seventh - day Adventist owner or the Surviving spouse or CEO of an organization which formerly held organizational Membership under Article 4.1 for five (5) years or more and sells the business or leaves the organization.
3. Professional membership is available to any SDA member who renders a professional service or is business person who does not qualify under Articles 4.1.and 4.2.
4. Honorary membership may be granted to any person who, based on his or her individual contribution to the ASI organization, is selected for recognition and recommended for such status by the ASI Board. Honorary members are not eligible for election to offices in ASI, and are not required to pay dues.
5. Appointed membership is that held by individuals who have been elected to represent the Union / local conferences /fields. This membership includes those members appointed by the Union / conferences / fields, upon recommendation by ASI to serve as secretaries.
D.2. ASI Membership Benefits
Fellowship and Sharing
Participate in the annual ASI Convention
Meet local members at the union chapter Meetings
Read how other members are sharing Christ in the ASI Magazine
Keep connected through news notes in the ASI Update monthly newsletter
Obtain promotional materials distributed from the ASI National Office
Inspiration
Listen to dynamic, motivating speakers and stirring seminars at union chapter meetings and the international convention
Witness heartfelt testimonies from ASI members
Read amazing and inspirational stories of members in the ASI Magazine and ASI Update
Discover opportunities for youth through ASI events and programming
Networking
Interact with other members through the ASI membership directory
Create exposure of your ministry or business with an exhibit booth ASI Convention
Resource for witnessing materials
Access witnessing aids distributed from the ASI National Office
Utilize field-tested tools for lay evangelism
Partner with other lay ministries
Participation in a corporate support system
Combine resources with the SID, local unions and conferences
Receive discounts on products and services through the General Conference National Accounts Program
D.3. Application Process
Applicant's name is entered in the ASI database as a prospective member.
ASI verifies information is complete and contacts local pastor for recommendation.
Application is reviewed by ASI Secretary/Treasurer.
Acknowledgement letter is mailed to applicant.
Recommendation requests are sent to conference and union ASI Secretary.
Application is reviewed by ASI Executive Committee.
Fees payment is posted and applicant's membership category is entered in the ASI database.
Welcome packet is mailed including: fees receipt, ASI pin, General Conference National Accounts Program information, copies of Inside ASI magazine, ASI Update newsletter and ASI convention magazine. An official, customized ASI Certificate of Membership will follow, by mail, after printing.
D.5. Application Form
A. Applicant Information
Name of Organization or Applicant: ________________________
Contact Person (If Organization): ________________________
Spouse: ________________________
Business Street Address (if organisation): ________________________
Province, City and Code: ________________________
Business Telephone: ________________________
Fax Number: ________________________
Email Address
Type of Business (Tick what applies): Health, Education, Business or Industry, Professional services, Other
Home Address: ________________________
Province, City and Code: ________________________
Home telephone number: ________________________
B. Church Membership
Home Church: ________________________
Pastor's Name: ________________________
Pastor's Tel/Cell No: ________________________
Church Address: ________________________
Province, City and Code: ________________________
Local Conference/Field: ________________________
C. Membership Fees (to be communicated upon acceptance of the application). Tick what applies to you:
Organizational: Small Enterprise Medium Enterprise Large Enterprise Support Ministry
Personal
Professional
Honorary (Free)
Briefly describe your organization's activities:
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
D. Statistical Information
Total employees including yourself: _________________________
Year operation began: _________________________
E. Reason for seeking ASI membership
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
F. Commitment
Having read the purpose and objectives of ASI and recognizing that my business or profession is a ministry, I desire and pledge to uphold the standards and goals of ASI. I commit my life, office, talents and strengths to sharing Christ in the marketplace.
Signature: ____________________ Date: __________________
ACCOUNT HOLDER: ASI-SA
BANK: ABSA
BRANCH: BLOEMFONTEIN
CODE: 632005
ACCOUNT NO: 40-7169-2759
TYPE: Current Account
Please return your completed membership form to:
Ps T Kunene, SAU Executive Secretary
Fax: 051 448 8059
Tel: 051 447 8271
Email: sau.executivesec@adventist.org.za
FOR OFFICE USE ONLY
Date Received: ________________
Amount received: __________________________
Registration Number: ________________
Date Response Sent: _______________________
Contact Details
For any additional queries please contact Prof Refilwe Nancy Phaswana-Mafuya(Vice President Communication and Recruitment) on 0794962954/041-3998702.
The NEVER that shall NEVER trouble SID again .
Here is one of those never statements from the pen of inspiration. I am so glad that this is a NEVER that we can do something about. By the grace of God this NEVER will never be a problem to the Church of God in this Division again! The NEVER statement reads as follows: "The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers. (E G White, Gospel Workers, p. 352). The reason why this NEVER will never bother us again is that both laypersons and ministers in the SID will lift up Christ together and tell the world that Jesus is Lord and that He is coming again. They will unite and stand together, side by side, in doing the Lord's bidding. Laypersons, with the full blessings of the church, have come up with a ministry that can catapult the proclamation of this gospel. The ministry is called ASI. It stands for Adventist- Laymen Services Industries. I am pleased to announce that the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division is joining this program. A few unions have already started and the result is very positive. The Southern Africa Union conference has, on 23-25 October, launched in a big way the ASI-SAU. I would like therefore to encourage all of you whose live's calling centre around the market place to support and be part of this wonderful initiative. I am convinced that this organisation will be greatly blessed. This is indeed a new day for all of us.
ASI-SAU! Lift up Christ and Tell the World!
Dr Paul Ratsara
President
Southern Africa- Indian Ocean Division (SID)
Exciting New Feature In The SAU
ASI-SAU is an exciting new future acronym in the vocabulary of the Adventist Church in the SAU!
Following the ASI International model, the SAU will, Lord willing, launch this laymen's initiative during October as a chapter of the Southern Africa Indian Ocean Division.
ASI's motto: "Sharing Christ in the Marketplace" captures the essence of the vision and motive of the formal organizing of ASI-SAU. Through an organized program and system, lay people, in the professional and private sector, as business people, are to be inspired and trained to integrate their vocations with the gospel commission and ministry.
The Gospel Commission is directed not only to pastors or Church employees, but its demand is directed at ALL Christians in all spheres of life. It is therefore an almost long overdue drive to engage business people in this Union, with the urgency of sharing Christ with others in their daily work.
The exhilarating prospect of SDA business people, networking and seeking actively to share Christ in unique and creative ways, taking time from work to devote to public evangelism, praying with clients, organizing church planting initiatives in the SAU will certainly advance the closure of our evangelism task and the coming of our Lord.
I am encouraged with the development and establishment of this lay-initiative. Already, I can sense the blessings of the presence of ASI-SAU.
ASI-SAU! Lift up Christ and Tell the World ,
Francois Louw
President
Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU)
