Not even the weather could dampen the excitement in Sydney as people poured into Mountain View Adventist College for SHARE II. Close to 400 people from churches across the city braved the elements and enjoyed a time of worship, vision casting, and insightful workshop presentations.

Following the response at SHARE in November, 2012, the Conference’s Church Resource Team decided to follow up with another opportunity for the Church in Sydney to gather in preparation for the Last Empire. The Sydney Tongan Choir opened the gathering with a beautiful item. Pastor Daniel Herrera, Personal Ministries Director, welcomed the participants and thanked them for their support. The worship team from Epping blessed those present with beautiful hymns that drew the hearts of those gathered to the throne of God.

Conference President, Pastor Michael Worker, spoke of God’s leading as different aspects have fallen into place in a providential manner. “The most important thing you can do is to pray,” shared Pastor Worker. “Pray in your local church, in your personal devotions, in your Sabbath School class, your bible study group, and prayer meeting. Pray for the people you want to introduce to Jesus.” The Last Empire is Sydney’s largest evangelistic effort in decades. Programs will be held in nine different languages, in 27 venues, with almost all local presenters.

The website <www.thelastempire.com.au> was launched by web developer, Sharon Carrasco, as well as social media accounts such as Facebook <www.facebook.com/lastempire2013> and Instagram. Participants at SHARE II were encouraged to subscribe to these social media accounts and to use them as a means to build awareness and momentum.

Pastor Adrian Raethel, Conference General Secretary, interviewed project managers for their respective locations, Kerina Haora (Penrith), Annette Baldwin (Wahroonga), and Carlos Hernandez (Manly). Each shared with enthusiasm and an eagerness to continue to see how God will bless the people of Sydney through this evangelistic thrust. These are exciting times for the Church in Sydney.