YOU MATTER | Kenn L. Dixon

YOU MATTER By Kenn L. Dixon

“It is time for some gumbo!” If you understand this statement, then you know it is a spicy dish comprised of assorted meats (in my case, vegetarian), veggies and creole seasoning served over rice. I grew up in New Orleans, so gumbo with cornbread was one of my favorite dishes to enjoy on a cold evening. Served with an ice-cold Barq’s root beer and enough Louisiana Tabasco sauce to make my head sweat, gumbo always reminds me that a great dish needs different ingredients to become a mouthwatering masterpiece. Since 1802, Louisiana’s gumbo has been made with multiple unique ingredients to produce a taste that I can only call “delicious.” I can’t imagine eating gumbo without onions, bell peppers, celery and, of course, roux or filé; this is the flavor of the dish. Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is a place that reflects/ adds to the many richly diverse cultures in the Lone Star State. When we work together to share

the gospel to diverse communi ties, there is a need for unity in mission and love for one another. You matter to the success of the Texas Conference in accomplish ing its mission in the southwestern part of the United States. Everyone is needed, and every one is valued. Just as gumbo needs multiple ingredients to create something tasty, we need each other to make our churches palatable to those seeking Christ. In John 13:35, the apostle John, exiled on a barren island, said, “By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” The world is looking for some thing to enjoy that is truly satisfying; we are on our way to being tasty gumbo. ________________

Kenn L. Dixon is the vice president for Communication & Public Relations at the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Alvarado, Texas.

TEXAS C ONFERENCE

THE FLAME is a quarterly publication produced by the Texas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Please direct questions or comments to flame@txsda.org or by mail to PO Box 800, Alvarado, TX 76009.

ADMINISTRATION

President: Carlos J. Craig Executive Secretary: David Montoya Treasurer: Randall B. Terry

THE FLAME STAFF

Editor: Kenn L. Dixon Managing Editor: Tamara Michalenko Terry Proofreader: Janelle Sundin Cover Design: Sora E. Yañez Layout & Design: Tamara Michalenko Terry Photo Editing: Madelein Terreros & Sora E. Yañez Printing & Mailing: Pacific Press Publishing Association | Nampa, Idaho

Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

MARCH 27-29 TEXAS CONFERENCE MARRIAGE RETREAT DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel | San Antonio Downtown

REGISTER TODAYForeverONE.org $249 REGISTRATION PER COUPLE + LODGING (2 NIGHTS)

ALFREDO & JUANITA RUIZ Founders | Opciones and Silver Lining Family Services Saint Joseph, MI English Speakers

DR. JAVIER DONATE & CINDY STALKER Founders AcademiaDeMatrimonios.com Spanish Speakers