Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) returned to its birthplace in Cincinatti, Ohio, Aug. 4 to 7 for the 57th annual convention. Nearly 2,500 people gathered to exchange ideas on how to better witness in their marketplaces. The organization, made up of a group of lay people who own businesses and ministries, began in 1947 with self-supporting institutions, and later, around 1960, incorporated businesses.

Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Adventist world church, spoke to attendees on Sabbath, or Saturday, on the Sow 1 Billion project, which is funded in part by ASI. “The partnership we have formed [between the Adventist Church headquarters and ASI], I value very, very highly. We are doing this for Christ,” he said. Sow 1 Billion is a world church project to distribute 1 billion invitations to study the Bible.

Don Schneider, president of the church in North America, reported that 280 churches here have started new Bible schools as a result of the Sow 1 Billion effort, and 2,000 to 3,000 requests for Bible studies come in every month from across North America.

During each ASI Convention an offering, which has grown significantly over the years, is collected during the Sabbath worship service. This year expectations were exceeded; some US2.33 million dollars were given and pledged by ASI members and guests that will go toward ASI projects over the next year.