2019 Summer Issue

• • • OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA • • •

KIA ANNOUNCEMENT:

SUMMER 2019 https://adventistregionalministries.org

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AEOLIANS SURVIVE FIERY CRASH

GROUNDBREAKING FOR NEW ORCM HEADQUARTERS

TRANSATLANTIC FAMILY REUNION MAKES HISTORY

PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY

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WHY WE STILL CAN’T WAIT Part I

Dana C. Edmond

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// IF REGIONAL CONFERENCES WERE A UNION CONFERENCE, THEY WOULD FORM THE LARGEST UNION IN TITHE AND MEMBERSHIP IN THE NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION.

early 60 years ago, the late Dr. Martin L. King, Jr. wrote a book entitled Why We Can’t Wait. It was based on his famous “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.”

In 1963, Dr. King went to Birmingham to protest the wide-spread segregation that existed in the city. After authorities turned dogs and fire hoses on him and his fellow protestors (many of whom were children), Dr. King was arrested. A group of white Pastors wrote a letter that was published in the Birmingham News. The letter was critical of Dr. King’s methods, calling them “unwise and untimely.” The writers urged the black people of Birmingham to obey the law (the same laws that denied them basic rights and human dignity). The letter also urged the local black population not to support the non-violent demonstrations.

Dr. King and other civil rights leaders were often accused by the white majority of pushing too fast, which was rather odd. Even though it had been 100 years since Abraham Lincoln had freed the slaves, black people—especially those who lived in the South—were still not really free.

Dr. King responded to those criticizing his push for black people to have the same constitutional rights that everyone else had by writing a letter from his jail cell that said black people were no longer willing to wait to be free. His letter became the book Why We Can’t Wait.

In the past 14 months or so, I have had the privilege of traveling across the country visiting various Regional Conference churches, affiliates and entities. I have visited approximately 35 churches, seven Conference or Union Pastors’ Meetings, two Conference Executive Committee Meetings, one Conference Constituency Meeting, one Conference Church Officers’ Meeting and four Camp Meetings.

Here is what I have discovered: Regional Conferences are alive and in a number of areas, doing rather well. Nearly 8,000 members were baptized last year in Regional Conferences, and last year, 2018, tithe went up nearly $10 million. If Regional Conferences were a Union conference, they would form the largest union in tithe and membership in the North American Division. If Regional Conferences were a world division, they would be the 4th largest division in terms of tithe.

Since their inception in 1944, Regional Conferences have grown to the point that they are 16 times the number of original members. In Regional Conferences today, that growth rate is four times greater than the rest of the North American Division, despite the fact the tithe of the average Regional Conference member is 60 percent of the average State Conference member. That means that the Lord has blessed Regional Conferences to have a higher growth rate despite having significantly less income with more geographical territory.

But there are some ominous clouds in that sunny sky. There are issues that we have talked about, lamented, expressed concern-but have not yet done a lot about. I would like to list a few of those issues and then suggest, as Dr. King said many years ago, here is “why we can no longer wait” to address them.

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1. There seems (at least to me) to be an alarming lack of awareness of the history and contributions made by African-Americans and Regional Conferences to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

That lack of awareness is across the demographic board. But it is particularly alarming to me that our young people and our young adults seem to be unaware of our history as African-American Seventh-day Adventists, of who we are and why Regional Conferences are still needed. It seems that my generation has not done a very good job of telling our story to the current generation—the generation that may well be the last generation and the generation that we are counting on to preserve what was passed on to us by people like Elders Charles E. Dudley, E. Earl Cleveland, E.C. Ward and other giants of our church.

What these men and others were blessed by God to build when we as a people did not have very much must not be lost now that we have so much more.

But it can be lost. An institution can be great today but gone tomorrow. Just ask Sears, Toys R Us, and A & P. These companies were once giants in their fields; now, they are gone (Toys R Us, A & P) or barely there (Sears). Just because you exist now does not mean that you always will. And I believe that one of the greatest threats to Regional Conferences is our failure to say to our people, especially our young people, “This is who we are. This is how we got here. And this is why we need to continue to be here.”

And let us be clear as to the answer to that last part: Regional Conferences need to continue to be here because the past 75 years—which have seen us grow four times as fast as the rest of the North American Division—have proven that Regional Conferences are the best way to reach people of color with the gospel of Jesus Christ. And reaching people with the gospel is why churches exist.

2. Then, we have to address the issue of (in a phrase I borrowed from Elder Joseph McCoy, Executive Director of the Regional Conference Retirement Program) “Black flight,”: members of Regional Conference churches leaving and transferring their membership to State Conference churches.

Why is that? What can be done about that? Entire schools, entire churches, even entire conferences (Greater New York Conference and a significant portion of the Florida Conference) have gone from being majority Caucasian to majority minority. A part of the reason for that is significant numbers of those minority members formerly belonged to Regional Conferences but transferred their membership to State Conferences. Why did they leave? Was it because they didn’t like the music? Did they feel that the church service in the Regional Conference church was too long? Were they dissatisfied with the Children’s Sabbath School?

Whatever the issue(s), we can no longer wait for them to be addressed and solved.

3. Lastly, we have to address the issue of a significant decline in baptisms in Regional Conferences.

Earlier, we celebrated the rate of growth in Regional Conferences—that it is significantly higher than the growth in State Conferences—and that is true. But it is also true that growth has slowed of late. My predecessor in this office, Elder James Lewis, wrote in this space 18 months ago of his concern over the slower growth in Regional Conferences. He lamented the fact that in 1985, Regional Conferences reported a little over 11,000 baptisms but that 30 years later in 2015, that figure had decreased to a lit-

EARLIER, WE CELEBRATED THE RATE OF GROWTH IN REGIONAL CONFERENCES—THAT IT IS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER THAN THE GROWTH IN STATE CONFERENCES—AND THAT IS TRUE.

tle under 9,000. In 2018, that figure dropped again to around a little under 8,000.

During that same time, Regional Conference tithe increased from approximately 44 million to 192 million; this means there is almost five times as much tithe from Regional Conferences than there was in 1985. Northeastern Conference was blessed by God to return 47 million in tithe last year. Put another way, last year, Northeastern had more tithe by itself than all of the Regional Conferences together in 1985.

But despite having significantly more resources than we had in 1985, we had significantly fewer baptisms. Why is that? And more importantly, what are we doing about that? Is it possible that unconsciously we have shifted our emphasis in our churches from evangelism to worship? I would suggest that we can no longer wait to find the answers to those questions.

These are significant problems that do not have easy solutions.

But the good news is that while there are no easy answers to these challenges, there is a God Who is the answer “to all our questionings,” as the old song says. There is no problem that we have for which God does not have an answer. This is His church and if we seek Him, He will make Himself responsible for its success.

In Part II of this segment, we will talk a little bit more about some possible solutions to the issues that have been raised in Part I. But remember, we still can’t wait. t

Dana C. Edmond, Director Office for Regional Conference Ministry

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c ont ent s

REGIONAL VOICE MAGAZINE

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SUMMER 2019

Published by the Office for Regional Conference Ministry in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 Telephone (256) 830-5002 https://adventistregionalministries.org PUBLISHER DANA C. EDMOND EDITOR KYNA HINSON ASSOCIATE EDITOR BRYANT TAYLOR ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER HOWARD I. BULLARD COPY EDITOR CLARISE J. NIXON

EDITORIAL For all correspondence and letters to the editors, write: OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 or fax to (256) 830-5078 We reserve the right to publish and edit your submissions and letters.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE OFFICES ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE HENRY J. FORDHAM III, PRESIDENT LaTasha Hewitt, Communications Director P.O. Box 266 Pine Forge, PA 19548 (610) 326-4610. www.myalleghenyeast.org ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE WILLIAM COX, PRESIDENT Bryant L. Smith, Communications Director 1080 Kingsmill Pkwy. Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 252-5271. www.awconf.org CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE ROGER BERNARD, PRESIDENT Brittany Winkfield, Communications Director 3301 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66104 (913) 371-1071. www.central-states.org LAKE REGION CONFERENCE R. CLIFFORD JONES, PRESIDENT Paul Young, Communications Director 8517 South State Street Chicago, IL 60619 (773) 846-2661. www.lakeregionsda.org NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE DANIEL LAMARTINE HONORÉ, PRESIDENT JeNean A. Lendor, Communications Director 115-50 Merrick Blvd.

Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 291-8006. www.northeastern.org SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WILLIAM L. WINSTON, PRESIDENT Carl McRoy Communications Director 3978 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Roger Wade, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE GREGORY O. MACK, PRESIDENT Christopher C. Thompson, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE CALVIN WATKINS, PRESIDENT Taryan Ramsarran, Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion. adventistchurchconnect.org 2018 REGIONAL DIRECTORS/ COORDINATORS ROSTER Virgil Childs, Director Regional Ministries Pacific Union Conference 2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org Cell: 909-225-6438 Kingsley Palmer, Vice President African American Dept. Arizona Conference Cell: 775-338-0858 | genx58@gmail.com Frederick Anderson, Coordinator African American Ministries | Central California Conference (831) 262-3838 | famar@sbcglobal.net O’Neil Madden, Coordinator African American Dept. | Nevada-Utah Conference Cell 702-875-5979 | pastoromadden@aol.com Byron Dulan, Vice President North Pacific Union Conference 5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org Dr. George King, V.P. Black Ministries Southeastern California Conference (909) 202-0147 | kinggm@seccsda.org Royal Harrison, Director G.L.A.R. | Southern California Conference |(503) REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 819-1498 | hroyal2@yahoo.com

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CONSULTANTS PHYLLIS WARE LEE, ELAINE ALLSTON, SHAYLA-RENÉ LITTLE

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PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY Why We Still Can’t Wait – Part 1 We as black Seventh-day Adventists have more resources than ever before.

But do we have the commitment to share our history with our children and our faith with others? Both need them so much. Dr. King’s warning from a Birmingham jail cell in 1963 still rings true.

By Dana C. Edmond

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TRANSATLANTIC FAMILY REUNION For the first time in history, an extensive number of African Seventh-day Adventist administrators and leaders met with a large delegation of their Regional counterparts for a series of crucial, faceto-face meetings. Elder Edmond offers a first-hand report.

By Dana C. Edmond

14 NEWS FLASH

The Oakwood University Aeolians survived a harrowing crash on their way to one of their last performances for the 2018-2019 school year. They have a story to tell.

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14 18 ORCM NEWS

Officials break ground for the Office for Regional Conference Ministry headquarters—the largest structure yet designed for this organization that serves all of North America and beyond.

Text by Dawnette Chambers Photography by Gianna Snell

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REGIONAL NEWS Southeastern Conference In Transition – Ms. Sheree Brown is elected Treasurer of Southeastern Conference.

Reported by Jill Edmond

26 REGIONAL NEWS

Make way for the Millennials! The North American Division (NAD) Black Caucus will permanently add representatives from this group at the 2019 sessions.

Reported by Jill Edmond

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ROBOTICS! For the first time, Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama, then two weeks

Cover Photography by Diane Kibuuka, Social Media Coordinator, East-Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventist (ECD)

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later Jessie R. Wagner Elementary, in partnership with Pine Forge Academy in rural Pennsylvania, opened their doors to First Lego League tournaments sponsored by the Adventist Robotics League. Read on.

Text and Photography by LaTasha Hewitt

and administrator herself, provided solid, unwavering support to her husband of 64 years as he rendered global service.

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ROBOTICS! The Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) Robotics team was named Regional Champion at the 2019 FIRST Lego League Robotics tournament.

Meet this team.

By Brandon Dent

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IN MEMORIAM The lives of the two women we honor converged in the Breath of Life Television Ministry and ended within weeks of each other. Mrs. Denyce Follette, a seasoned administrative assistant, brought her wealth of experience to the General Conference for decades, making “wheels” run smoothly for two Speaker/Directors, Elder Charles Brooks and Elder Walter Pearson. Mrs. Walterene Brooks, a veteran educator

MODERN DANIELS Two men endured their “lion’s share” of pressure to conform but did not buckle. Chemist Glenn Shurney and USCAA 2019 Champion Michael Middleton refused to compromise.

By Carlton P. Byrd and Staff Reporters

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REGIONAL NEWS Allegheny East Conference Winter 2019 was one of the most brutal on record. The Mt. Olivet Church in Camden, New Jersey, opened its doors to homeless people in their community, offering warm beds, food, supplies and open hands of friendship.

Coverage Coordinator LaTasha Hewitt Photography by April Saul

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The Approach of David, Part 2— The Biblical View of Excellence Our three scholars return with beautiful lessons from theologians Oswald Chambers and C. S. Lewis to a fresh perspective of David. Are you ready?

By Clarise J. Nixon, Paul Nixon and John Nixon II

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HOPE SERIES

Academy and College Students Build Career Pathways See how they earn practical tools not only to serve the community but to meet expenses from tuition to their personal needs.

Reported by Bianca Norris Photo Essay by Gianna Snell

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REGIONAL CAMP MEETINGS WESTERN CONVOCATION SCHEDULES Find the times for meetings across North America at a glance.

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COVER STORY

REGIONAL CONFERENCE LEADERS, AFRICAN LEADERS MEET FOR THE FIRST “TRANSATLANTIC FAMILY REUNION”

BY DANA C. EDMOND

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ne of the most significant events in Regional Conference history took place recently when a delegation of Regional Conference leaders returned “to the motherland” to meet with Adventist leaders on the continent of Africa. The purpose of the trip was to build relationships and to open up lines of communication among people who share a common heritage.

The meeting took place in Nairobi, Kenya, on the compound that houses the East Central African Division and Adven-

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tist University of Africa. The gathering, called “A Transatlantic Family Reunion,” had been under discussion for about twenty years and planned for nearly eighteen months. Eight Regional Conference Presidents, three Regional Conference Treasurers, the Vice President for Regional Ministries and the Executive Director for Regional Conference Ministry met with the Administrative leadership of the East Central and West Central African Divisions and the Vice Chancellor of Adventist University of Africa. The African leaders represent nearly 45 percent of those in

the Seventh-day Adventist Church who reside on the continent of Africa. (The President of the Southern African-Indian Ocean Division was scheduled to participate, but a family illness prevented his arrival.) Dr.and Mrs. G. Alexander Bryant, Secretary of the North American Division, were present, as was Dr. Lisa Beardsley-Hardy, Education Director for the General Conference. Dr.

Cover Photography by Diane Kibuuka, Social Media Coordinator, East-Central Africa Division of Seventh-day Adventist (ECD)

Ella Simmons, Vice President of the General Conference, gave opening remarks for the meeting.

Most of the Regional Conference delegation left the United States for Kenya on April 21 or April 22. Despite misadventures such as missed connecting flights, lost luggage and, in one case, being re-routed to Johannesburg (which is the equivalent of fly-

tt tt

THE PURPOSE OF THE TRIP WAS TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS AND TO OPEN UP LINES OF COMMUNICATION AMONG PEOPLE WHO SHARE A COMMON HERITAGE.

ing to Nashville but being re-routed to Los Angeles), the group met on Tuesday, April 23, with Elder G. Emanuel Pelote, Assistant to the President of the East Central African Division. Elder Pelote is an African-American, whose family recently moved to Kenya from the United States to accept the call to this division.

Elder Pelote handled the details of the Transatlantic Family Reunion, including

t tt t creating the name. His office coordinated airport pick-ups for delegation arrivals around the clock and made arrangements for the lodging, the meals, the excursions— everything. The time difference between Kenya and the United States meant that he

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was sometimes making arrangements and fielding questions from the United States at 1:00 and 2:00 a.m. This historic meeting—which was the first of its kind—could not have occurred without Elder Pelote.

Elder Pelote and Dr. Delbert Baker, former President of Oakwood University and former Vice President of the General Conference and now Vice Chancellor of Adventist University of Africa, led the group on a tour of the East Central African Division headquarters, the Adventist University of Africa and the rest of the compound. Of particular interest was the beautiful Adventist African History Museum, which told the story of Adventism in Africa and African history as well. It will serve as the model for the planned Adventist African-American History Museum that will be a part of the new Regional Conference Ministry Office Building. Coincidentally, the Regional Conference leadership broke ground on that building just two days prior to departing for Kenya.

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fter being blessed the next day by the devotional message at the East Central African Division Staff Worship by Elder Virgil Childs, Vice President for Regional Ministries for the Pacific Union, the group was delighted by a visit to a giraffe and elephant orphanage and electrified by a powerful and moving address that evening by the host President, Dr. Blascious Ruguri of the East Central African Division. In his remarks, Dr. Ruguri emphasized the unique ties between Africans and African-Americans and welcomed the group “home.”

The Transatlantic Family Reunion began the next day with a compact but powerful devotion by Dr. William T. Cox, President of Allegheny West, entitled “I Swear,” discussing God’s promises to Abraham. Dr. Cox’s message was quoted throughout the day.

After the traditional Adventist greetings and remarks by Drs. Ruguri and Ella Simmons and Elders Pelote and Edmond, the Transatlantic Family Reunion Meeting began.

Drs. Ruguri and Elie Weick-Dido, President of the West Central African Division, gave reports of the work in their respective divisions, along with a similar report from Dr. Baker regarding the Adventist University of Africa.

An unplanned event (in human terms) occurred next.

A candid discussion took place about how the leaders on each side of the Atlantic had misperceptions of those on the other side. Both sides vowed to maintain the lines of communication that the Transatlantic Family Reunion had opened and to never allow the separation that had oc-

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curred to happen again. It was a moving experience.

After lunch, a report was given on the history and current work of Regional Conferences. A lively question and answer session ensued as the African leaders sought to understand how Regional Conferences operated, which is different in some ways than any set of conferences in the Adventist Church.

That segment was followed by anoth-

er lively session where small groups of four to seven people—made up of both Regional Conference leaders and African leaders— shared the challenges and opportunities of their fields. They discovered that some of the challenges were very different. One Union President in Africa told his astonished American group members of a recent trip to a church in his field that required him to drive for five days, sleeping at night “in his car, in the bush.” Other challenges such as getting tithe remittances from local churches on time were the same.

After a word from some of the spouses of the Regional leaders, the group sang a song together, heard a closing challenge from Dr. Weick-Dido, and the meeting came to a close. Dr. Weick-Dido asked the group to come to West Africa next year for Transatlantic Family Reunion-II. The next day, the leaders arose early for a safari at the Nairobi Game Park, where they saw lions, giraffes, rhinos, and other large game. An interesting challenge came when some of the vehicles transporting the group through the park became stuck in the mud (a particularly interesting challenge in a game park populated by wild animals, a fact that would tend to “inhibit” individuals from getting out and pushing the vehicle!).

The group did arrive back on campus, safe and sound. After resting, they retreated to the home of Drs. Delbert and Susan Baker, who kindly hosted the entire group (more than 20 people) for dinner. Good

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food and good fellowship abounded until it was time to walk over to the university chapel for an inspiring vesper thought from Dr. Bryant.

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tt THE EXPERIENCE OF WORSHIPING WITH THE MASAI CAUSED EVERYONE IN THE GROUP TO RE-EXAMINE THEIR COMMITMENT TO THE LORD AND TO HIS CHURCH.

or a number of people, the highlight of the entire trip came the next day, Sabbath morning. Elder Pelote arranged for the entire group to be transported by bus two and a half hours to worship with the Masai tribe. The bus jumped up and down over the less-than-perfect road to the church where the Masai worshipped.

About forty minutes away from the church, the group noticed a lady walking who appeared to be a member of the church. The bus stopped and picked her up. Sure enough, she was a Seventh-day Adventist who was going to the same church.

Upon boarding, the member was asked, “How long does it take for you to go to church?” She informed the group that it took her two hours to walk to church.

Upon arriving at the church, the group discovered that winds had recently destroyed the church and what was left was a kind of partial covering and some trees.

Nevertheless, the church was full and 30 people were being baptized that day.

Since there was no baptismal pool, the members walked 20 minutes each way to a river very similar to the Jordan River in the Bible (think of the story of Naaman), where they were baptized. It is not clear how enthusiastically people in the United States would be singing “Take Me to the Water” if they were being taken to that water. But the Masai baptismal candidates were undeterred.

The East Central African Division Secretary, Dr. Alain Coralie, had recently led out in the establishment of an Adventist school for the Masai children. There are about 80 students, most of whom go to school tuition-free because their parents cannot afford the $30 per month tuition.

The children won the hearts of the Regional leaders, surrounding them for pictures and coming to the bus to see them off, waving goodbye and touching the hands of the group as they boarded the bus that took them back to Nairobi.

On the way home, the bus dropped off the lady whom they had brought to church.

Her home was a forty minute bus ride from the church. The bus dropped off another lady; her home was an hour’s drive fur-

tt ther than the first lady. That meant that her walk to church that morning had been at least three hours—with a two year old child strapped on her back.

The experience of worshiping with the Masai caused everyone in the group to re-examine their commitment to the Lord and to His church.

The final experience of the Transatlantic Family Reunion came the next day when Dr. Baker took the group on a tour of the new 80,000 square foot Multipurpose Building that Adventist University of Africa is building. The building will serve as the administration building, the worship center and the cafeteria. It will cost about $4 million. The same building in the United States would cost approximately $20 million. It is scheduled to be completed in July.

Even in its unfinished stage, the building is simply beautiful.

After returning to the University gift shop for souvenirs for children, grandchildren, office staff, and others, the group headed back to their rooms to pack for their return to the United States. The Transatlantic Family Reunion was over. But it will be forever remembered by its participants as a transformative experience for them, for Regional Conferences, for our African brothers and sisters and for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. t ________________________ Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), is also publisher of Regional Voice Magazine.

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NEWS FLASH

AEOLIANS SURVIVE FIERY CRASH IN SAN FRANCISCO

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n Sabbath morning, May 4, Oakwood University administrators were informed of a bus accident that took place in San Francisco involving 18 students and two staff members. The students are members of the Oakwood University Aeolians who were scheduled to perform in the Bay Area on Sunday, May 5, 2019.

Around 12:25 am PST on May 4 while traveling from the San Francisco airport, the bus transporting the students and staff was involved in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 101, just south of Sierra Point. Students and staff members were checked onsite by emergency medical personnel (EMT). Initial reports revealed no life-threatening injuries to the Oakwood group. Unfortunately, a driver from another vehicle involved in the crash was killed, and several vehicles, including the bus, were engulfed in flames and burned down to metal frames.

The University is grateful for the role played by first-responders, and for the prayerful support and encouragement from local alumni, the board of trustees, and support personnel from the San Francisco area who aided our students and staff. Just hours after the accident, the Aeolians worshipped with the members of the Philadelphia Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church.

They then went on to meet their scheduled appointment on Sunday at San Francisco’s Third Baptist Church. Geeta, a friend of Oakwood at the Leicester Central SDA Church in the United Kingdom, heard parts of the live-streamed concert on Sunday, May 5. She commented: “Our God is awesome. He saved His own. ... I heard

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their singing ...and they were declaring the glory of God. Their singing sounded awesome. Continue to praise Him.” The choir members’ experience was covered by local media, including a report by ABC 7 News in San Francisco.

The story received national exposure through the ABC news network, all major network affiliate stations in the Huntsville area in northern Alabama, and through social media.

The choir members are safe, albeit shaken up, following this last tour of the school year and the aftermath of the accident.

They were welcomed at the Huntsville International Airport on Tuesday night, May 7, by members of the Oakwood family. Later that week, the Department of Health and Counseling Service offered the Aeolians an afternoon of self-care, pampering, and healing. From 1:00 to 5:00 p.m., counselors from the Office of Spiritual Life and massage therapists were available. They offered trauma and spiritual counseling, massage, and quiet time in the tranquility room.

While the Oakwood University family is grateful for God’s protection and mercy, all were saddened by the fact that a precious life was lost. Please continue to pray for the victim’s family and the healing of our students. Your support during this time means a lot.

For those who would like to help members of The Aeolians, the University has set up the following ways:

Around 12:25 am PST on May 4, while traveling from the San Francisco airport, the bus transporting the students and staff was involved in a multi-vehicle accident on Highway 101, just south of Sierra Point. Students and staff members were checked onsite by emergency medical personnel (EMT).

(1) Text OAKS to 56512. For “area of support,”: enter “Aeolians.”

OR (2) Go to give.oakwood.edu to help with the Aeolians Relief Fund.

The Aeolians’ final performance for this school year was a mini-concert at the Von Braun at 7:00 p.m. on Sabbath evening, May 11, just before Commencement. t _____________________________________________ Adapted from reports by Staff Writers, Integrated Marketing & Public Relations, Oakwood University, Inside Oakwood, May 8, 2019.

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Step Up to Graduate Education Oakwood University Introduces 3 New Online Master’s Degree Programs beginning Fall 2019 Master of Business Administration:

Leadership Master of Public Health:

Nutrition & Wellness Master of Arts:

Urban Ministry & Community Development

For more information, please contact the Office of Graduate Education at:

gradadmission@oakwood.edu or call: 256.726.8091

GRADUATE.OAKWOOD.EDU

ORCM NEWS

THE OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY GROUNDBREAKING—

The new office building plans include an African-American Seventh-day Adventist Museum and a classroom for university students to be enriched by the history of the work that regional conferences have done, especially since they are the future constituents of the Adventist ministries work.

A DREAM COMES TO LIFE

BY DAWNETTE CHAMBERS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY GIANNA SNELL 18

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he Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) officially broke ground for its new 30,000 square foot headquarters at a ceremony on April 19. The state-of-the-art $8.3 million facility will house the major conference ministries that ORCM either operates or subsidizes, including the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, the Regional Conference Retirement Plan, the Breath of Life Television Ministries Administration office, Message magazine and Regional Voice magazine.

During Alumni Weekend festivities, Oakwood alumni and friends return to Oakwood University and tend to reflect

on the “precious memories” as they push forward. In that vein, the ORCM planned their groundbreaking ceremony. Regional Conference officials returned home to break ground on the commissioned Adventist Conference Ministry Headquarters. ORCM personnel, university representatives and friends, along with city and state government officials, joined in the celebration at the McKee Business and Technology Complex on the Oakwood University campus.

The ceremony began with prayer and a welcome from Elder Dana Edmond, executive director of ORCM. Elder Joseph McCoy, executive director of the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP), gave

a thorough overview of the inception of Regional Conferences and ORCM, and also honored the legacy of those pioneers who are now resting in Jesus.

“Think about the generations of young people who will come through this campus and walk through this facility and relive the history of our blessed people,” remarked Leslie Pollard, president of Oakwood University, confirming why he agreed to lease the land to ORCM for $1 for the next 99 years. Dr. Pollard closed, “We welcome you to the family of buildings that will be on the university’s campus.”

Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, speaker/director for the Breath of Life telecast and senior pastor of the Oakwood University Church, spoke about his excitement of Breath of Life’s partnership with ORCM and the ministries to be housed in the newly erected building.

Mayor Tommy Battle of Huntsville emphasized, “Oakwood University is a blessed place, and you are setting up your conference center in a blessed place. That blessed place makes my city better; it adds to the mission of our city.”

D

uring the ceremony, Elder Edmond acknowledged all nine regional conference presidents, two West Coast union representatives and the Bermuda conference president for their partnership in the regional work. Together these 12 individuals “form the leadership that produces nearly $200 million dollars in tithe, which would make regional conferences, if they were a division, the fourth largest division in the world field of Seventh-day Adventism,” he explained.

The new office building plans include an African-American Seventh-day Adventist Museum and a classroom for university students to be enriched by the history of the work that regional conferences have done, especially since they are the future constituents of the Adventist ministries work.

Dan Jackson, the president of the North American Division (NAD), reflected on his introduction to regional conferences as “the wind beneath our wings.” He affirmed the past work and congratulated the current leadership on the start of this new building project.

In anticipation for the future, Executive Secretary of the NAD, Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, told those present not to forget the evangelistic efforts that came from our inner city “meager beginnings,” such as Bible Bowl [competitions], Message magazine and Breath of Life. “It is ‘meat in season’ that we would have a facility where we can better collaborate to facilitate that mission and that ministry that God has given us.”

Dr. Ronald Smith, president of the Southern Union, implored the audience to not forget our calling in the midst of planning, development and expansion. “My prayer is that we don’t lose perspective on what God has called us to do. Ultimately, that is to grow, by calling men and women to the kingdom of God.” He asked that all stay focused on three E’s: edification – learning and teaching the Word of God; evangelization – sharing our faith and responsibly doing it according to God’s specifications; and emancipation—engaging in the social dynamic of our world and church.

As a final thought, Smith encouraged the REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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IN TRANSITION

SHEREE BROWN ELECTED SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE TREASURER

By Jill Edmond

M assembly saying, “We need to be concerned about salvation and starvation, about homelessness and holiness, about Christ in the holy of Holies and also the crack cocaine epidemic in our communities.”

M

rs. Kristine Harding, vice president of KPS Group, and Mr. Robert Curtis, North Alabama Marketing Executive/Senior President of Cadence Bank, recounted their initial experiences with both ORCM and RCRP and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to be a part of this endeavor.

President of the Presidents’ Regional Caucus, Elder William Winston, reflecting on the dream long deferred finally becoming a reality, remarked, “This dream comes true, and today we say, ‘Thank you, Jesus for the work You have done through us and through those visionary leaders who saw this day and never let the dream die.’”

In his remarks, Dr. William Cox, chairman of the RCRP Board, asked, “What is worse? Those who don’t know their history or those who know but it makes no difference? Today, we will make a difference.”

Elder Charles E. Bradford, retired president of NAD, gave the dedicatory prayer before more than 20 officials posed for photos and broke ground a stone’s throw away from the McKee Business and Technology Complex.

The expected completion date for the project is late 2020. t _______________________________________________ Dawnette Chambers serves as an assistant professor of communication and public relations program coordinator at Oakwood University.

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s. Sheree Brown is the newly elected Treasurer/Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Ms. Brown is originally from Santa Cruz, St. Elizabeth, Jamaica. She is the youngest of six siblings—three brothers and three sisters. Her parents still reside in Jamaica. The family comes from an Anglican background but were later baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist church. Later, Sheree followed her parents and was baptized.

Ms. Brown moved to the United States to attend Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) and she graduated in 2002 with a B.S. Degree in Accounting. Prior to attending Oakwood, she received a diploma in Accounting from the University of Technology in Kingston, Jamaica. She also studied at Northern Caribbean University.

During the summers of 2001 and 2002, Ms. Brown worked as an Auditing Intern for the South Central Conference. So impressed was South Central Conference with her work that she was asked to continue on as a Business Intern in 2003 in the South Central Adventist Book Center (ABC). After nine years of work at the ABC, Ms. Brown began working in the South Central treasury. She has worked as a Senior Accountant in both South Central and Southwest Region Conferences and was serving as the Assistant Treasurer in Southwest Region Conference until her newest official assignment as the Treasurer/CFO of Southeastern Conference. She began in April 2019.

In approaching her new position, Ms. Brown sees her previous work as an auditor as an asset. She refers to it as having an “auditor’s eye,” meaning she is very detail oriented. Along with that asset she looks forward to building a strong team in the Southeastern Conference Treasury Department, stating she is “not a dictator, but a team player.” She looks forward to working with a “group of people willing and ready to finish God’s work here on this earth, building on a strong team that will take the conference to the next level and fulfilling the mission of the conference.”

Ms. Brown has taken a series of steps to become “the better me” in 2019. She started working on her health, being even more committed in doing her daily devotions and working to build a better self. She emphasized that this goal was not just for her own benefit but to be a blessing to someone else.

Ms. Brown shared two groups that were dear to her heart – older people and children. She explained that she looks up to older “folks” because they have wisdom and she cares about children because they are defenseless.

When Ms. Brown is not spending time with the elderly and children, you can find her relaxing by gardening or crocheting. These two hobbies bring her great enjoyment.

The Office of Regional Conference Ministry welcomes Ms. Sheree Brown. t ______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor. She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond first completed this profile as a report for the ORCM Website. Elder and Mrs. Edmond have two adult children and four grandchildren.

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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TUITION IS ON US

SCHOLARSHIP NEWS

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D

Scholars!

o you know someone who has graduated from college, just within the last year, or who will graduate within the next six months? Do they also need to purchase a car? According to Michael Bramlett of Bramlett Kia in Decatur, Alabama, here’s another benefit they may enjoy. Kia Motors America dealers offer incentive scholarships of $400.00 to purchasers with degrees from four-year colleges or universities within 12 months, or transcripts from four-year colleges or universities within six months of their graduation dates. Of course, they must meet the Kia Motors America criteria to purchase a vehicle. With the degree or transcript, they can receive the scholarship UNCF Partners with Kia Motors America The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) has partnered with Kia Motors America to provide need-based scholarship opportunities.

Applicants must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale, must be a Junior or Senior enrolled full-time at a UNCF member institution, and have complet-

undergrads from July 29 to August 22, 2019.

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ed a FAFSA and demonstrate an unmet financial need as verified by your college/university.

Applicants must also be majoring in one of the following disciplines: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, Biomedical Science, Engineering, or Sustainability/Environmental science/ Students should submit an online application for the program, complete with one letter of recommendation, a one-page personal statement of your career interest, and a current college transcript.

Preference will be given to student who are permanent residents of California.

The award amount for this scholarship amount is up to $3,000, and the deadline is usually in January. t _______________________________________________ For more details and/or to apply for this scholarship, visit:https://scholarships.uncf.org/Program/ Details/cb966b5e-c48a-47ad-890b-df1bcdd4252f

_______________________________________________ Special thanks to Michael Bramlett of Bramlett Kia, Decatur, Alabama, and UNCF.

1.800.SOUTHERN • enrollment@southern.edu • southern.edu/enrollment

MILLENNIAL CAUCUS

REGIONAL MILLENNIAL CAUCUS TO LAUNCH IN 2019

WITHIN THE RANKS OF THE SEVENTHDAY ADVENTIST CHURCH, THERE IS ANOTHER GROUP THAT ALSO MUST COME TO THE FOREFRONT OF OUR CONVERSATIONS, OUR DECISIONS AND THE FUTURE PLANS OF OUR CHURCH. THAT GROUP IS OUR MILLENNIALS, YOUNG PEOPLE REACHING ADULTHOOD IN THE EARLY 21ST CENTURY. AND WHILE WE DO NOT DETRACT FROM THE SERIOUSNESS OF #BLM, WE AS A CHURCH NEED TO LET IT BE KNOWN THAT OUR MILLENNIALS MATTER AS WELL.

By JILL EDMOND

T

he Black Lives Matter movement and organization originated as the result of a hashtag from social media. Three young women, Alicia Garza, Patrisse Cullors, and Opal Tometi, made a call for action after the killing of Trayvon Martin and the subsequent acquittal of his killer, George Zimmerman. #Black Lives Matter caught the nation by storm and was at the forefront of many thought-provoking conversations.

Within the ranks of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, there is another group that also must come the forefront of our conversations, our decisions and the future plans of our church. That group is our Millennials, young people reaching adulthood in the early 21st century. And while we do not detract from the seriousness of #BLM, we as a church need to let it be known that our Millennials Matter as well.

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Four times a year, the officers of the nine Regional Conferences, along with the Regional Vice-Presidents of the Pacific Union and the North Pacific Union, come together to discuss the direction of the Regional Conference work. The summer meeting is called the North American Division (NAD) Black Caucus, which includes all African-American Administrators on the Conference, Union, NAD and General Conference level.

When the Black Caucus meets, there are caucuses for presidents, conference secretaries, treasurers, ministerial directors, pastors and ministerial spouses. For two days, caucuses meet separately to make plans for the year and to make recommendations for ministry to the full group, which meets on the final day of these sessions.

In July 2018 at the Orlando Black Caucus semi-annual meeting, the Treasurers’

Caucus met with Office of Regional Conference Executive Director, Elder D. C. Edmond, and shared their desire to involve Millennials, recognizing a need to cultivate their loyalty and input. Vice President for Finance for the Allegheny West Conference, Jermaine Jackson—a Millennial himself—took on the responsibility of shaping the proposal. At the Winter Regional Conference Officers Meeting in San Diego, officials voted to add a Millennial Caucus. The Caucus will be made up of one millennial representative per Conference, plus one millennial representative from Oakwood. Dr. Carlton Byrd, Senior Pastor of Oakwood University Church and Speaker/Director for Breath of Life Television Ministries, will be the Chairman of the caucus. Their first meeting will convene at the 2019 NAD Regional Caucus in Louisville. They will meet, make recommendations to the full group and be ex-

posed to the inner workings of Regional Conference work and the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We anticipate that the Millennial Caucus will be an action organization, ready to be engaged, ready to lend their expertise and knowledge toward furthering God’s message, and ready to reach His people of today. t ______________________ Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor. She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond first completed this special report for the ORCM Website.

Elder and Mrs. Edmond have two adult children and four grandchildren.

WE ANTICIPATE THAT THE MILLENNIAL CAUCUS WILL BE AN ACTION ORGANIZATION, READY TO BE ENGAGED, READY TO LEND THEIR EXPERTISE AND KNOWLEDGE TOWARD FURTHERING GOD’S MESSAGE, AND READY TO REACH HIS PEOPLE OF TODAY.

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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AEC NEWS

REGIONAL INSTITUTIONS FIRST-TIME HOSTS FOR ROBOTICS TOURNAMENTS Text and Photography by LaTasha Hewitt

W

ithin two weeks of each other this spring, Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama and Jessie R. Wagner Elementary in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania, both hosted a First Lego League tournament sponsored by the Adventist Robotics League.

The Adventist Robotics League partners with FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST LEGO League Jr (FLLJr) to increase S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awareness in our schools. Students learn to build, design and program their own robots with the use of LEGOs. FFL teams consist of up to 10 members in grades 4 to 8, and FFLJr teams consist of members numbering between 2 to 6. This provides an opportunity for younger students to foster their creativity through science and to showcase their projects.

Teams are tasked with solving a real-world issue and compete on a table-top playing field. This year’s theme was INTRO ORBIT. Students had to “identify a physical or social problem faced by 28

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humans during long duration space exploration within our Sun’s solar system and propose a solution.” They competed in categories such as best robotic performance, core values, robot performance, and project robot strategy and innovation.

Oakwood University welcomed more than 200 students and well-wishers from 26 teams from both schools and churches.

Oakwood Academy was among the participating schools in the tournament. Held in the Oakwood University Church’s Family Life Center, Oakwood University administrators, faculty and staff members, and alumni all chipped in to demonstrate solid support.

“This event was a chance for our university students to engage with younger students and encourage them, as well as an opportunity for younger students to truly see themselves attending college,” said James Kelly, tournament director, and Oakwood University director of enrollment management.

A couple of weeks later in rural Pennsylvania, Jessie R. Wagner Elementary, in partnership with Pine Forge Academy,

hosted robotics teams from the Mid-Atlantic region. More than 200 people attended, representing 16 teams for the FFL tournament and five teams for the FFLJr Showcase. They hailed from eight conferences throughout the North American Division, and five of the teams represented Allegheny East schools.

Khandi Cooper, tournament director and science department chair and teacher at Pine Forge Academy, said, “It was a wonderful experience hosting the Mid-Atlantic Robotics Tournament. It was a pleasure working with various teams that traveled from near and far to compete.”

Even though both Oakwood University and Jessie R. Wagner Elementary hosted these robotics tournaments for the first time, they hope to continue welcoming these scientific events to their locations in the future. t ____________________________ LaTasha Hewitt is Communication Director for the Allegheny East Conference.

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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OAKWOOD ACADEMY OAA Robotics Team

OAKWOOD ACADEMY MUSTANGS - 2019 CHAMPIONS AT FIRST ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT!

Gabriel Madrid II Tahjee McCulley Andrew McIntosh Kara Polite Azaria Reed Jasmyn Vanterpool Jordon Vanterpool Ajanae Vidal Jadyn Vidal Jadon Williams Head Coach Brandon Dent Assistant Coach Robert Henley II

BY BR A NDON DENT

Mentor Kaiana Lewis

W

ithin two weeks of each other this spring, Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama and Jessie R. Wagner Elementary in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania, both hosted a First Lego League tournament sponsored by the Adventist Robotics

League.

The Adventist Robotics League partners with FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and FIRST LEGO League Jr (FLLJr) to increase S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) awareness in our schools. Students learn to build, design and program their own robots with the use of LEGOs. FFL teams consist of up to 10 members in grades 4 to 8, and FFLJr teams consist of members numbering between 2 to 6. This provides an opportunity for younger students to foster their creativity through science and to showcase their projects.

Teams are tasked with solving a real-world issue and compete on a table-top playing field. This year’s theme was INTRO ORBIT. Students had to “identify a physical or social problem faced by humans during long duration space exploration within our Sun’s solar system and propose a solution.” They competed in categories such as best robotic performance, core values, robot performance, and project robot strategy and innovation.

Oakwood University welcomed more than 200 students and well-wishers from 26 teams from both schools and churches. Oakwood Academy was among the participating schools in the tournament. Held in the Oakwood University Church’s Family Life Center, Oakwood 30

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University administrators, faculty and staff members, and alumni all chipped in to demonstrate solid support.

“This event was a chance for our university students to engage with younger students and encourage them, as well as an opportunity for younger students to truly see themselves attending college,” said James Kelly, tournament director, and Oakwood University director of enrollment management.

A couple of weeks later in rural Pennsylvania, Jessie R. Wagner Elementary, in partnership with Pine Forge Academy, hosted robotics teams from the Mid-Atlantic region. More than 200 people attended, representing 16 teams for the FFL tournament and five teams for the FFLJr Showcase. They hailed from eight conferences throughout the North American Division, and five of the teams represented Allegheny East schools.

Khandi Cooper, tournament director and science department chair and teacher at Pine Forge Academy, said, “It was a wonderful experience hosting the Mid-Atlantic Robotics Tournament. It was a pleasure working with various teams that traveled from near and far to compete.”

Even though both Oakwood University and Jessie R. Wagner Elementary hosted these robotics tournaments for the first time, they hope to continue welcoming these scientific events to their locations in the future. t _____________________________________________ Brandon Dent, OAA high school math and physics teacher, served as head coach for this team.

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

WALTERENE WAGNER BROOKS

DENYCE HUNT FOLLETTE High Standards in God’s Service

O

n December 15, 1937, Denyce LaVerne Hunt was born in Washington, D.C. to Wilmer S. Hunt, Sr. and Mildred Anderson Hunt. Her younger brother, Wilmer, Jr. (aka Billy), was born two years later.

During her formative years, she received her education in the District of Columbia at Bruce Elementary, Banneker Junior High, and Cardozo High Schools. She also attended Oakwood College in Huntsville, Alabama, and Columbia Union College in Takoma Park, Maryland.

The Hunt family were all charter members of the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church located at 6th and N Streets NW, now the Dupont Park SDA Church. Denyce had a beautiful voice herself and also loved hearing the Chancel Choir sing. She especially enjoyed their annual production of Handel’s “Messiah.”

Denyce had great personal style and her carriage was regal, even queenly. She was like a statuesque model with elegant beauty.

Her handwriting was exquisite and she was often asked to address wedding invitations because it was so lovely. She was very particular about everything and wanted only the best for herself and her family. Yes, she was high maintenance, and she was proud of it! In 1961, Denyce married the love of her life, Lysle S. Follette, Jr. To this union, four children were born: Lisa, Lysle III, Dennis, and Dawn. During those early years, the growing family lived in Washington, Boston, Detroit, and Buffalo while Lysle worked for the United States Public Health Service as a surgeon. After Dawn’s birth, the family moved to Atlanta.

While Lysle established his private medical practice, Denyce enjoyed being a homemaker to her brood of four. She was a firm believer in Adventist education and saw to it that all of her children were “taught of the Lord” from first grade onward. She was also a strong advocate for faithful tithing, ac32

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cepting the 10+10 challenge from the moment she heard of it and sticking with it throughout her life.

During the years in Atlanta, Denyce served as church clerk for the Berean SDA Church and secretary of the Berean Jr. Academy School Board.

In 1979, Lysle accepted a call to serve as the Medical Director for Hadley Memorial Hospital in Washington, D.C. Denyce was delighted to be able to return to her beloved home and rejoin the extended family that she loved so dearly. Once again, she found joy in serving the Lord as the clerk for the Dupont Park SDA Church and secretary for Dupont Park Adventist School.

Once her four children had completed high school, Denyce began her second career at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, supporting Elder C. D. Brooks and Elder Matthew Bediako who were General Field Secretaries. She continued working with Elder Brooks when he became the speaker/director for the Breath of Life ministry and stayed on to support Elder Walter Pearson when he assumed the role of speaker/director. Denyce loved good music and good preaching, and she couldn’t get enough of either. She loved the Seventh-day Adventist Church and wanted to do everything she could to support its mission to hasten the soon return of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

In 2010, Denyce retired in order to provide full-time support and care to her mother during her final illness. She spent much of that time with her favorite pastime, crossword puzzles, as she kept her mother company and tended to her every need.

On Friday, February 1, 2019, Denyce went to her rest to await the call of the Lifegiver.

A Life of Faith and Distinction

W 1937 - 2019

Eagerly waiting to be reunited with her on that glorious day are her children and their spouses; her grandchildren and great granddaughter; nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of other loving family members and dear friends. t ________________________________________

Regional Voice Magazine expresses special thanks to the Follette Family for this tribute.

alterene Lillian Wagner Brooks was born July 23, 1932, to a ministerial family in Nashville, Tennessee. Her father, Elder John H. Wagner, Sr., was the first president of Allegheny Conference and the second president of South Atlantic Conference. Her mother, Jessie Roberts Wagner, was a notable educator and school administrator who founded several Adventist elementary schools. In fact, her parents were co-founders of the Pine Forge Academy in Pine Forge, Pennsylvania. Her brother, John H. Wagner, Jr., was a pastor and her other brother, Jesse R. Wagner, was the president of Lake Region Conference. Walterene and her sisters, Helen Lindsay and Carole Matthews, were educators like their mother.

Walterene spent her early years in Washington, D. C. She then became one of the first students at Pine Forge Institute (now Pine Forge Academy), from which she graduated in 1943. She then attended Oakwood College (now Oakwood University).

One day during her sophomore year, while sitting in church, she was holding her infant niece Jeanette. The baby began to fuss, so Walterene took her into the lobby to quiet her. A young, handsome usher approached her and asked, “May I try?” She handed him the crying baby, and he quickly quieted her and put her to sleep. That young man was Charles D. Brooks, (CD), and after spending some time talking with him that afternoon, she returned to her dorm and told her roommate, “I’ve just met the man I’m going to marry.” He had a similar epiphany and the two quickly fell in love. When CD approached her father to ask for her hand, Walterene paced nervously outside the door. Soon, her father exited his study and announced to her mother, “These two birds want to get married.”

Her mother was distraught. Though she loved CD, she wanted them to wait until Walterene graduated from college before

marrying. But CD made a commitment to her parents that he would make sure that she finished her education. So, on September 14, 1952, CD and Walterene were married at the Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They immediately moved to Chester, Pennsylvania, where Charles was pastoring.

Two years later, Walterene gave birth to their first child, Diedra. Six years later, she gave birth to their son, Charles II (Skip).

During this time, she kept her promise to her parents and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from The Ohio State University, and later completed an M.Ed. from West Chester Pennsylvania University.

In 1963, the family was transferred to Washington, D. C., where Elder Brooks accepted the call to be the Columbia Union Conference Field Secretary. Walterene accepted a teaching position at Dupont Park Seventh-day Adventist School. After several years, she was invited to be the first African-American teacher at Sligo Adventist School where she was known for her world-renowned fifth grade productions.

Later, she joined the Prince George’s County Public School System where she became vice-principal of Kentland Elementary School. In less than two years, she was asked to be principal of John Carroll Elementary Science/Math Magnet School, where she remained for 17 years. Walterene retired in 1999, after more than 40 years as an educator.

During much of her career, she held down the home front while her husband traveled for the General Conference and Breath of Life Ministries. He was often gone for months at a time, and even though they wrote to each other every day, many times the two would go for weeks without contact while their letters crossed in the mail.

As difficult as it was, Walterene never complained.

With her prayers, she faithfully support-

1932 - 2019 1932 - 2019 ed her husband’s ministry. In fact, even after they both retired, CD and Walterene continued to travel the world in ministry.

They also quietly lent significant financial support to build several churches and schools throughout the world and were avid supporters of Pine Forge Academy, Jesse R. Wagner Elementary School and Oakwood College.

After CD’s death in 2016, Walterene bravely clung to the blessed hope of Christ’s soon return, despite desperately missing “Honey,” her husband of 64 years. In November 2018, her health began to fail. Surrounded by her family, Walterene peacefully passed away in her sleep on Sunday, February 17, 2019.

She leaves to mourn her children and their spouses; her grandchildren; her sister and four sisters-in-law; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. t __________________________________________

Regional Voice Magazine expresses special thanks to the Brooks Family for this tribute.

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

33

MODERN DANIEL

MODERN DANIEL

GLENN A. SHURNEY

MICHAEL MIDDLETON

1948 - 2019

Yes to Career in Chemistry, No to Big Tobacco Billions

Basketball Champion Who Refused Sabbath Games is Now a 2019 USCAA Winning Team Member

G

lenn Allen Shurney and twin sister Glyndon P. Shurney (Peggy) were born March 31, 1948, to Dr. Robert E. Shurney and Susie Flynt Shurney in San Diego, California. The Shurneys moved several times to pursue better opportunities for their young family—to Fayetteville, then to Nashville, Tennessee.

Glenn lived his formative years in Nashville, in the close-knit community of Riverside Hospital, Riverside Seventh-day Adventist Church and the F. H. Jenkins Elementary School. This is where he attended church and church school, also observing hospital life. All of this, including being reared in a Christian home, contributed to the spiritual foundation of Glenn and his baptism.

During his teen years, the Shurney family moved to Huntsville, Alabama. Once again, they chose a close-knit community with opportunities for Glenn and his siblings to develop and thrive in a safe, secure and spiritual environment, the Oakwood community. Glenn attended Oakwood Adventist Academy. After graduation, he anxiously anticipated the challenge of attending college. Since his childhood, Glenn had always loved studying science. Because of its strong programs in the sciences, he chose Tuskegee University. He was very proud of his attendance there and became a talented saxophone player in the famed Tuskegee Marching Band.

Then Glenn was drafted into military service. While in the military, he continued his passion for science. He did research and development with the Special Projects Division of White Coats at Fort Detrick, Maryland.

After completing service in the United States Army, Glenn was determined to complete his education. He enrolled at Oakwood College and at Alabama A&M University. In May 1973, Glenn proudly graduated from Oakwood College with a Bachelor of Science degree.

As he made plans to make the next step in his life, he met and married Deborah (Cookie) Byrd on June 4, 1974. From this wonderful, humorous, “never a dull moment” union, two lovely daughters were born, Shelly Nicole and Glenette Alecia.

Glenn and his bride were also accepted for graduate studies at the University of Minnesota. After completing graduate school, he took his knowledge, talents and bride Deborah to Chicago, Illinois.

He would also become a faithful member of the Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church, very active in church life. He enthusiastically supported his daughters’ elementary education through 34

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T Shiloh Academy, then their high school, college and graduate studies.

In Chicago, Glenn’s career spanned many cosmetic and beauty companies, including Avon cosmetics, Wrigley Gum, Alberto Culver, Soft Sheen, Luster Products, Ecoco and Universal Beauty Products. He excelled in Chemistry, innovation and new product development. In fact, Glenn held seven United States Patents.

That talent for innovation and product development drew the attention of the big tobacco companies to Glenn’s work, and they came calling. The billion dollar industry wanted him to help make their products more appealing to expand their markets— with all probability to younger and younger consumers. They came with lucrative offers again and again. And Glenn A. Shurney, dedicated Chemist, husband, father, and Seventh-day Adventist Christian, refused every offer, every time. Big tobacco would have to find other professionals and other means to expand their markets, but they would get no help from him.

He retired from Universal Beauty Products in 2016, and he and Deborah relocated to the “sun and fun” of Orlando, Florida. He continued to consult for his former company and found much joy in traveling to Chicago each month to work with the team. Just two weeks prior to his passing, he went to work on new product development. While there he had dinner with his two daughters, not knowing it would be the very last time they would see and embrace each other.

Glenn fell asleep in Jesus on February 7, 2019. He leaves to mourn his passing his wife Deborah of 44 years, his daughters, his twin sister, two brothers, brothers and sisters in law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also left a legacy of faithfulness. t _______________________________________________________________

he Oakwood University family took great joy in extending congratulations to the Oakwood Ambassadors team for winning the 2019 United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Division 1 National Basketball Championship.

This is history in the making! (See the USCAA website for more official photos.)

In the final face-off of the tournament, the Oakwood Ambassadors competed with Bluefield State College, a sister HBCU in West Virginia. The games took place in Uniontown, Pennsylvania.

Both teams participated in a game that was nearly tied much of the time. In the end, the Oakwood Ambassadors left victorious with a score of 67-51. The team “hooped their hearts out” in Pennsylvania for their school and “for Vell,” their friend Carvell Goodlow, who was tragically killed early in the 2018-2019 school year.

The championship was also especially meaningful to Michael Middleton, a senior from Beaumont, South Carolina. He has played ball for much of his young life, but he also turned away from many victories when games and championships were scheduled on Sabbath. God recognized his sacrifices and chose to honor

him and all of the Ambassadors with this 2019 Championship.

In a special, spiritual ceremony after their victory, Dr. Carlton Byrd, Senior Pastor of the Oakwood University Church, called the entire team and coaches forward to award them medallions from the church for their regular attendance in Sabbath school and worship services. t _______________________________________________________________ Text adapted from Staff Reports, Oakwood Magazine, Spring 2019, with our thanks.

THE 2019 USCAA CHAMPIONS Timothy Culberson - PG Kaleb Gilbert - PG XaZavier Jones - SG Ryan Williams - F Edmen Stewart - F Michael Middleton - G/F Desham Hotobah-During - F Milton Brown - PG Michael Gray - C Kaleb Marshall - PG Woody Durosier - SG Talik Talton – F ________________________ Simon Jacob, Head Coach Darryl Butterfield, Asst. Coach

Regional Voice Magazine expresses special thanks to Dr. Carlton Byrd and family for this tribute to his Uncle Glenn A. Shurney.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TEYMI TOWNSEND

REGIONAL VOICE | SUMMER 2019 |

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REGIONAL NEWS

CHURCH OPENS DOORS DURING FREEZING TEMPERATURES

When Mt. Olivet member Nyzia Easterling received a call from a community partner looking for a place to accommodate the homeless, she was quick to offer her church, Mt. Olivet, as an option.

M

t. Olivet Church in Camden, NJ became a Code Blue station to the homeless in their community during freezing temperatures this past winter.

When Mt. Olivet member Nyzia Easterling received a call from a community partner looking for a place to accommodate the homeless, she was quick to offer her church, Mt. Olivet, as an option. “Code Blue” is called in cases of extremely cold conditions where special measures are taken to keep the homeless safe.

After contacting the pastor, Colby Matlock, and receiving approval from church leaders, the members went into immediate action, taking to social media requesting donations and assistance. They collected coats, blankets, gloves, warm foods and drinks. “The response was overwhelming,” says Easterling, “We emptied our cabinets and garages, and came together to meet needs.”

Members also drove through the city with the police to pick up individuals who were without shelter in the chilly temperatures. “It really touched my heart because it could have easily been any of us in that situation. Regardless of someone’s beliefs or the color of their skin, the goal was to help; that’s true ministry,” says Lorene Brown-Watkins, Mt. Olivet member.

They were able to accommodate close to 20 individuals as well as service another 30 individuals at an additional code blue location. “We were just grateful to be able to serve and meet people at their needs with no strings attached.

After all, that’s what the gospel is about, allowing others to see God through you,” says Mike Williams, Mt. Olivet member. t

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Mike Williams, Mt. Olivet member brings in more bedding for those in need of shelter from the freezing temperatures.

Mt Olivet Church in Camden, NJ opened its doors to the homeless to provide a warm place to sleep during the blistering temperatures outside.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY APRIL SAUL

Nyzia Easterling and Lorene Brown-Watkins sort through the donations received while running a Code Blue station at their church, Mt. Olivety (Camden, NJ)

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THE APPROACH OF DAVID

SCHOLARLY FEATURE

PART 2

O FOR SOME BLACK SDAS, HARBORING RESENTMENT TOWARD THOSE WHO ARE RACIST IS A FAVORITE SIN TO PROTECT BECAUSE THERE IS GOOD REASON TO PROTECT IT.

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The Biblical View of Excellence

n February 15, 2019, President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency in order to acquire funding for a wall on the U.S./Mexico border. The wall has been one of the more polarizing subjects in U.S. politics and has fueled the fire of division within the country. Within the Seventh-day Adventist church, there has been a metaphorical wall erected through some recent actions that have taken place at the highest level of church operations.

At the 2018 Annual Council, the SDA General Conference voted to approve the document officially entitled “Regard for and Practice of General Conference Session and General Conference Executive Committee Actions.”

Judging by the title, the document seems to be neutral and non-threatening. However, those in favor of the document call it “The Unity Document,” while those opposed to it refer to it as “The Compliance Document.” Also, the document was passed by a vote of 185 yes, 124 no, 2 abstaining.

The vastly different designations of the document and the closeness of the vote both speak to drastically divergent views. In short, the document that is intended to bring unity to church operations in actuality has done the exact opposite. The document has become a metaphorical wall between Adventists.

In the Spring 2019 issue of Regional Voice Magazine, Part 1 of “The Approach of David” discussed the difference

between uniformity and unity. We stated that the GC-voted document calls for uniformity, but that Christ calls for unity. In Part 2, we will discuss how black Seventh-day Adventists can strengthen their ties with God and with white Adventists in the current cultural climate of Adventism.

Christians must use the Bible as a roadmap, not only for emotional healing, but also for reconciliation between white and black SDAs. The Seal of Damnation In order to overcome racism within the SDA church, blacks must first release whites from the guilt of their wrongdoing, despite the fact that in many instances, it is ongoing. One cannot approach one’s brothers and sisters in Christ lovingly while actively harboring resentment.

Blacks must earnestly pray for the willingness to do as Jesus did and release whites from guilt while whites are persecuting blacks. Jesus didn’t run from persecution. When He was being talked about, ignored, marginalized, spat on, kicked, slapped in the face, speared in the side, and nailed to the cross, He did not use His divine power. He loved His way through every single brutal act, and He didn’t wait until He was resurrected to release the perpetrators from the wrong they were doing to Him. He forgave them as He was bleeding to death.

Black Adventists must give up their personal rights in or-

B Y CLA RISE NIXON, PA U L D. NIXON, A ND J OH N S . NIX ON II

All texts are taken from the New International Version of the Bible unless otherwise stated.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHALOM-MWENESI

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t

t

Anger is a good starting point, but only if it leads to appropriate action.

Jesus didn’t run from persecution. . . He loved His way through every brutal act.

der to begin spiritual healing. Oswald Chambers states, “Condemnation comes when I realize that Jesus Christ came to deliver me from [the] heredity of sin, and yet I refuse to let Him do so. From that moment I begin to get the seal of damnation.” For some Black SDAs, harboring resentment toward those who are racist is a favorite sin to protect because there is good reason to protect it. Indeed, being angry about injustice is not sinful; it is sinful to be only angry about injustice.

The Bible says, “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” The key terms in this text are all action verbs: learn, seek, correct, bring, plead. Anger about injustice is not an action, nor is it an achievement. Followers of Christ are called to take positive action when they see injustice in the world, whatever form that injustice takes.

Many Black SDAs feel that by being angry, their Christian duty is fulfilled. Maybe that’s why anger is so easy to hold on to; if anger is viewed as a task that is moving the fight against injustice forward, then logically, a feeling of self-congratulation can follow. Anger is a good starting point, but only if it leads to appropriate action. So, according to Oswald Chambers, when Black SDAs allow anger to immobilize them, they begin to seal their own damnation.

Some Black Adventists experience racism (explicit or implicit) every day in some way—from the moment they step out of their homes in the morning to the time they enter back into them at night. Being able to blame someone else for the way blacks are treated is comfortable; it propels them through the day, and it provides legitimate reason to be angry and frustrated. But what is it doing to souls and spiritual lives? And what is it doing to personal interactions and families? Some blacks are trading their places in Heaven and their seats beside Christ [in pursuit of] their personal rights on Earth.

1 Thessalonians 3:12 says, “And may the Lord cause you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another, and for all people…” (AMP). This is just one text that clarifies the Biblical view of excellence.

To God (and for Christians), excellence is a matter of deliberately improving their interpersonal relationships and treating each other better. Jesus teaches the same lesson when He is asked about the greatest com-

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mandment. To God, excellence is a matter of love.

Spiritual excellence includes both forgiveness and accountability. Luke 17:3-4 says: Pay attention and always be on guard [looking out for one another]! If your brother sins and disregards God’s precepts, solemnly warn him; and if he repents and changes, forgive him. Even if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times and says, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him [that is, give up resentment and consider the offense recalled and annulled]. (AMP) There is an equation here: spiritual excellence = accountability + forgiveness + longsuffering. If any of these elements is

missing in the process, spiritual excellence is not being achieved. In order to prioritize God’s way, blacks must submit their personal rights and hold their white brothers accountable.

The Approach of David It requires faith to be forgiving. This fact is underscored by the disciples’ request for more faith in Luke 17. But the solution to the race relations problem in the SDA church is not just forgiveness.

It is reconciliation.

Reconciliation includes forgiveness, but it extends to the release of guilt and returning to, or beginning, a healthy relationship.

The only way for blacks to do this successfully and long-term is to begin by reconciling themselves to Jesus. It’s too hard, nay impossible, to reconcile without Jesus at the helm at all times. Chambers says, “God will not shield us from the requirements of son-

ship. God’s grace produces men and women with a strong family likeness to Jesus Christ, not pampered, spoiled weaklings” (emphasis added). Blacks have a role to play in the SDA church finishing God’s work. Part of that role includes seeking God to lead them to racial reconciliation.

King David provided a guide for seeking God’s will in any difficult process. In 1 Samuel 30, David and his men returned from battle to find their village had been burned and all of their wives and children had been kidnapped. The Bible says that “David and his men wept aloud until they had no strength left to weep.” David was a man of war, a commander of a powerful army, and his enemies committed a blatant act of aggression against his army. What do you do when someone kidnaps your wife and children? In this situation, David’s response seems obvious.

Get. Them. Back.

But that is not what David did, and this is evidence of the reason he is called “a man after God’s own heart.” In this situation, David prayed a curious prayer: “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” What do you mean shall I? What kind of question is that? And that’s the key to The Approach of David. Even though the answer to the question seems obvious, even though you have the right to react a certain way, even though some may say you have a responsibility to react in that way, disciples of Jesus Christ are not called to react; Christians are called to seek the face of God. And sometimes God says “go get them,” as he did in 1 Samuel 30, but other times God outlines a different plan. The key to the Approach of David is to seek God’s will and to be obedient to His plan of action regardless of strong feelings to the contrary.

In contrast, 2 Samuel 6 provides an excellent example of what happens when Christians do not follow God’s plan and instead do “what [is] right in his own eyes.”

The chapter tells the well-known story of Uzzah and the ark. Uzzah is the man who tried to steady the ark of God when the oxen pulling the cart stumbled. When Uzzah touched the ark of God, “The Lord’s anger burned against Uzzah because of his irreverent act; therefore God struck him down, and he died there beside the ark of God.” Uzzah’s error was his own, but David was the one who orchestrated the circumstanc-

es. When David conceived and executed the plan to bring the ark to Jerusalem, he did not ask God if he should have taken this action. Again, the plan seems obvious: move the ark of God to the capital. But David’s failure to seek the face of God meant he lacked both God’s permission and His plan to fulfill the task. If David had moved the ark God’s way, the oxen would have never stumbled because oxen weren’t supposed to be moving the ark of God at all.

1 Samuel is full of stories of David’s rise, and 2 Samuel is full of stories of David’s failures. Christians, too, will have successes and failures in the pursuit of loving relationships. Inevitably, when people try to change a habit, particularly one they feel justified in having, their inner selves will fight back. C.S. Lewis says, “No man knows how bad he is till he has tried very hard to be good… We never find out the strength of the evil impulse inside us until we try to fight it.”

But Christians need not fear themselves nor the enemy when trying to do the will of God. “Satan with all the host of evil cannot destroy the weakest of God’s saints.

Angels that excel in strength will protect them, and in their behalf Jehovah will reveal himself as a ‘God of gods,’ able to save to the uttermost those who have put their trust in him.” When Christians continually seek the face of God in both their successes and their failures, they are called men and women after God’s own heart.

The Approach of David means there is not one cookie-cutter solution to the problem of racism in Adventism. The solution may look different from one community to the next. But God is calling for reconciliation between His children. It is up to each individual to respond to this call. t ___________________________ Clarise J. Nixon is a Cultural Intelligence certified Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Southern Adventist University and serves as Copy Editor for Regional Voice Magazine.

Paul D. Nixon is founder and CEO of Virtual VP, an education consulting company that provides

customized support services for schools, administrators, and teachers. He lives with his wife, Taina, in Huntsville, Alabama.

John S. Nixon II, D.Min, is lead pastor of the Takoma Park SDA Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, where he lives with his wife, April, and two children, John III and Julia. ____________________________ References Consulted

Bedney, Donald L. “The Dissolution of Regional Conferences: Another Perspective.”

Spectrum, Mar. 2017. spectrummagazine.org/ article/2017/03/20/dissolution-regional-conferences-another-perspective.

Lehmann, Claire. “The Evils of Cultural Appropriation.” Tablet Magazine, 11 June 2018, www.tabletmag.com/jewish-news-and-politics/263933/cultural-appropriation.

Nixon II, John. “God’s New Thing.”

Divine Worship, 30 June 2018, Takoma Park, Takoma Park SDA Church. ____________________________________________ 1. Haslett, Cheyenne. “Trump Declares National Emergency to Get Border Wall Funding.” ABC News, ABC News Network, 15 Feb. 2019, abcnews.go.com/Politics/trumpsign-border-bill-declare-national-emergencywall/story?id=61088949.

2. Luke 23:34a 3. Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest. “The Nature of Degeneration.” October 5.

4. Ephesians 4:26 5. Isaiah 1:17, ESV 6. Matthew 22:37-40 7. Luke 17:5-6 8. Chambers, Oswald. My Utmost for His Highest. “All Efforts of Worth and Excellent are Difficult.” July 7.

9. 1 Samuel 30:4 10. Acts 13:22 11. 1 Samuel 30:8 12. 2 Samuel 2:5 13. Judges 21:25b NKJV 14. 2 Samuel 6:7 15. “The Rise and Failure of David in 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel.” https://www. esv.org/resources/esv-global-study-bible/ chart_10_01/ 16. Lewis, C.S. Mere Christianity. New York : MacMillan Pub. Co., 1952.

17. White, Ellen G. Prophets and Kings.

Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1917. (513)

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HOPE SERIES

SUCCESS BEFORE GRADUATION! ACADEMY AND COLLEGE STUDENTS BUILD CAREER PATHWAYS Reported by Bianca Norris Photo Essay by Gianna Snell

T

he Oakwood University Department of Nursing (DON) chair, Dr. Karen Anderson, recently finalized collaboration with Dr. Aline Dormer to create a pathway for sophomore nursing students to complete CNA training to become certified nursing assistants. Students completing the NU210 fundamentals course were allowed to sign up for the certification. Of the 32 students who completed the 2018 Fundamentals course, 12 went on to be awarded a CNA license. The program culminated with a prayer of dedication during the Divine Worship service on March 23 by Dr. Carlton Byrd, Senior Pastor of the Oakwood University Church.

Dr. Dormer has a background in nursing with a terminal degree from Vanderbilt University. She started a CNA and Pharmacy Technician program at Oakwood Adventist Academy more than 15 years ago.

Her vision was to create job opportunities for young people in the Oakwood community. This program allows high school juniors and seniors to be awarded their CNA credentials and thus be eligible to work in health care settings. Now she has extended the program to collaborate with Oakwood University.

The DON Fundamentals course covers everything needed to be a CNA along with the fundamental duties of a practicing nurse. Because of this inclusion, the student is well equipped to complete the

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Oakwood Adventist Academy 2018 CNA Students Gabrielle Charles Kayla Hicks Charese Matthews Lenise Shaver

2018 Pharmacy Tech Students Matthew Arnold Branden Brown Ryana Cherry Kyara Follette Elaundra Garner Marc Hawk Talia Jacques Andisa Labossiere Takella Nance Kahylin Nesbitt Noah Ogiste Nia Richardson

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clinical and standardized CNA test over the course of two days. By fulfilling these requirements, the student may then work under the supervision of a registered nurse to provide basic care needs to patients across every healthcare population As the name suggests, the CNA assists the nurse. This in turn frees up the registered nurse to provide care that is unique to their profession and licensure. Because a CNA is in constant collaboration with the nurse, a greater understanding of how to be an effective, caring and safe nurse is instilled in the OU nursing student through working as a CNA. Furthermore, a CNA license is a practical tool that students can use not only to serve the community but to provide industry that will assist with tuition and other personal financial needs. t __________________________________________

Students can use the CNA or Pharmacy Technician credentials to not only serve the community but also to provide industry that will assist with tuition and other personal financial needs.

Bianca Norris, MSN, BSN, CRNP, is an Assistant Professor of Nursing at Oakwood University. This text is adapted from her feature in the Spring edition of Oakwood Magazine. __________________________________________ Final Note: As this Regional Voice issue goes to press, Dr. Dormer is preparing to attend graduation services at Loma Linda University, celebrating with some of her former students from these very courses.

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t A LLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE

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t C ENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

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t L AKE REGION CONFERENCE

June 14 - June 22

t S OUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE

June 6 – June 15

t S OUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE

June 7 – June 15

t NORTHERN CALIFORNIA CONFERENCE

June 20 - 22

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t NEVADA UTAH CONFERENCE

August 30 - September 1.

The Point Church 5133 South Heath Avenue Salt Lake City, Utah

t NORTHERN PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE

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PHOTO BY BAILEY ZINDEL

2019 Regional Convocation May 15 – May 19

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