Kinlock’s Korner: April/May
Dr. Kinlock meets with Dr. Peeler, New AEC Director of Evangelism and Church Growth
In his efforts to strengthen the evangelistic impact of AEC, Dr. Kinlock met with Dr. Emil Peeler, pastor of the Capitol Hill SDA church. Dr. Peeler was recently voted by the conference executive committee to serve as the new AEC Director of Evangelism and Church Growth. Dr. Peeler has over 40 years of experience and expertise in evangelism and leading healthy growing churches. Dr. Kinlock expressed, "We are blessed to have such a gifted evangelistic leader in our conference and it is important that we leverage his gifts and expertise to help build our pastors and churches to be effective soul-winners for Christ. I'm excited about the impact that our collaborative efforts with Dr. Peeler will have to strategically organize our conference for dynamic evangelistic growth." Elders Kinlock and Peeler recently met with leaders in the Chesapeake conference to continue planning the Reach Baltimore 2025 initiative. The Reach Baltimore project is a joint effort between Allegheny East and Chesapeake conferences and It is Written to run a major evangelistic meeting in Baltimore in Fall 2025. In addition to his new responsibilities, Dr.Peeler will continue to serve as the senior pastor of the Capitol Hill SDA church.
AEC President preaches and baptizes at the Jesus El Camino congregation
It was a high day in Zion at the Jesus El Camino company in Hazelton, PA. Dr. Kinlock joined the church family for a glorious sabbath day of worship and evangelism. Services began with several musical selections by members of the company. Dr. Kinlock joined Sr. Pastor Alfonso Acosta and Hispanic Ethnic Coordinator Pastor Ramon Escalante in ordaining several new elders, deacons, and deaconesses for the church. In light of the fears in immigrant communities, Dr. Kinlock preached a rousing message encouraging the members to retain their hope and resilience in Christ. Eight more individuals responded to the appeal for baptism during the sermon. Following the message, Dr. Kinlock and Pastor Acosta baptized several new believers. Elder Kinlock shared, "It was amazing to see the move of the Spirit today as 12 people gave their lives to Christ! Pastor Acosta is leading a great evangelistic ministry here at Jesus el Camino!" The Jesus el Camino company is a predominantly Dominican congregation in AEC that is growing the kingdom in Hazelton, PA for over four years under the evangelistic fervor of Pastor Acosta.
Drs. Kinlock and Donaldson interview students at Andrews SDA Seminary for Ministry Opportunity Days
Andrews University
Elder Kinlock greets Potomac Conference Ministerial Director Dr.John Nixon at Ministry Opportunity days
Elders Kinlock and Donaldson traveled to Andrews University in April and interviewed 30 theology and seminary students. In their efforts to continue to identify and recruit new pastors they attended the annual Ministry Opportunity Days event held at the SDA Seminary at Andrews. Ministry Opportunity Days provides the space for conference leaders to come to the seminary and directly engage with the next generation of SDA church pastors and leaders. Elders Kinlock and Donaldson left with a positive sense that they interviewed several prospective candidates that could be brought to join AEC.
Elder Kinloch meets with Regional Conference leaders at Oakwood University
Dr. Kinlock joined the presidents, secretaries, and treasurers of the nine regional conferences for several days of meetings. Agenda items included the regional retirement plan, planning for the BAYDA United Youth Congress, and selection of Oakwood's new president, Dr. Gina Spivey-Brown. Regional conference leaders meet quarterly to coordinate Regional SDA ministry across North America, which includes Message Magazine, Oakwood University, Breath of Life, PELC (Pastor's Evangelism and Leadership Conference), BAYDA (Black Adventist Youth Directors Association), Christian education, the Regional Retirement plan, and more.
Elders Kinlock and Marvin Brown meet at the Regional Conference building in Huntsville, AL.
Pastor Trevor and Carleen Kinlock raise funds for Oakwood students at the Oakwood Blue and Gold Banquet
-Elder Kinlock and the Bakers at the OU Banquet
The Kinlocks pose with Elder Ron and Yolanda Smith, president of Southern Union at the Blue and Gold banquet
While in Huntsville, Dr. and Mrs. Kinlock attended the Oakwood Blue and Gold Banquet. They joined the other AEC Officers, Elder Gary Wimbish and Elder Lawrance Martin in an evening of celebration and fundraising for Oakwood students. By the end of the evening, organizers had raised over $200k for Oakwood University. The Blue and Gold Banquet is an annual event that raises funds to assist Oakwood students with tuition.
Dr. Kinlock celebrates AEC's Administrative Professionals
Elder Kinlock poses with Jacqueline O'Bryant, Kelly Strickland, and Penny Rodgers
Dr. Kinlock joined conference leaders in celebrating the administrative professionals for their faithful work in serving the conference. Kinlock observed, "Our administrative staff are literally the engine that runs this conference on a daily basis. They are unseen, but their work is felt by every pastor, member, and church in the Allegheny East Conference." Please remember to send a note, email, or call to express gratitude to our faithful staff at the conference office.
The Kinlocks worship at Sharon SDA Church in Baltimore
Great things are happening across AEC including in the Baltimore area! Dr. Kinlock and family joined the members of the Sharon SDA church for worship. They enjoyed an uplifting time of praise and worship followed by a word from the Lord. Dr. Kinlock preached the prophetic messages of Revelation, reminding the congregation of their distinct message and responsibility in these turbulent and uncertain times. During the service the congregation recognized Dr Cheryl Jenkins (daughter of former pastor and evangelist Elder Charles Jenkins) for her diligent efforts in the prisons of Baltimore ministering to women. Dr. Jenkins was joined by several formerly incarcerated Black women who were inspired by the worship and sermon. Under the leadership of Sr. Pastor Shane Francis, the church is poised to continue an impactful legacy of ministry and evangelism in the Baltimore area.
Allegheny East administrators join the family in the celebration of the life of Sis Becky Weigley
Elders Kinlock and Wimbish along with area leader Dr. Marcus Harris joined AEC pastors and Columbia Union members in honoring the life of Sis Becky Weigley. Becky Weigley was the devoted wife of former Columbia Union president, Dave Weigley. The service was held at the Southern Asian SDA church in Silver Spring. Sis Weigley was a dedicated wife, mother, mentor, and leader that faithfully served the members of the Columbia Union family for many decades. Current Union president Elder Marcellus Robinson and Vice President, Elder Celeste Ryan-Blyden shared their love and comforting reflections with the Weigley family. We long for the soon return of Christ when death shall be no more!
Pictures of the Robinsons consoling the family and Elder Celeste Ryan-Blyden bringing words of comfort.
Elders Kinlock, Wimbish, and Martin attend the NAD Thrive HR conference
The AEC administrative leaders recently attended the NAD Thrive HR conference in Miami, FL. The annual conference covers important issues of organizational management. This year's conference included sessions on immigration and legal concerns, AI's potential for organizational efficiency, insurance matters, and managerial best practices. Elders Kinlock, Wimbish, and Martin gained important organizational insights that will enhance the Allegheny East conference.
-Elders Kinlock and Wimbish at the NAD Thrive HR conference
President Kinlock joins the GEP 8th Graders for Class trip to Puerto Rico
The GE Peters 8th grade class of 2025 celebrated their stellar academic accomplishments with an end of the year class trip to Puerto Rico. Organized by class sponsor and teacher, Dr. Sheresa Perry-Woodson, the 8th grade class enjoyed a fun trip that included touring Old San Juan, snorkeling, zip-lining, and pizza nights! Students diligently raised 100% of the funds all year. The trip reflects the special opportunities and experiences students have within AEC schools. GE Peters 8th grade graduation weekend is May 31 and June 1 at the Metropolitan SDA church.