Third Quarter, 2022

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KYTN

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The gift that keeps on giving

The amazing testimony of a Ukrainian Couple

ITS ABOUT TIME

The highlights of the 2022 KYTN Camp Meeting

How Manchester Adventist Church used BPF to be a blessing in its community

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Faith Amidst War

CO N N E C T I O N

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Count your

Blessings Looking back at what God has done this quinquennium H

ave you, like many, considered that our world, our nation, our conference, has recently experienced the most difficult period of time that many of us have ever lived through? Are you tempted to believe that God has abandoned His people? Don’t believe it!

You may have never heard of Johnson Oatman, but he wrote a hymn 125 years ago that had today in mind. Its words are simple, yet its message is profound. Here are the opening lyrics to Count Your Blessings: When upon life’s billows you are tempest-tossed, When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, Count your many blessings, name them one by one, And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

Wow, Take out your blessings calculator and count! What an invitation!

This year we are concluding our most recent conference quinquennium (a big word for five years), which calls for a time of reflection and review; not of what we, who serve God’s Church as employees, have accomplished. But, more importantly, that we give witness to what GOD has done. Be confident and encouraged: God has done wonderful things in Kentucky-Tennessee!

Here are just a few of the counted blessings: We have added to membership, over 2000 souls to the Kingdom. We presently have the largest student enrollments in several of our schools that we have ever experienced, and expect a strong year this fall. We praise God to be in the most sound financial position that we have ever been entrusted with. Under God’s in-

spiration, and prayerful planning, we have added new pastors to the rapid growth among our Hispanics, English speaking church plants and Zomi/ Burmese/Karen congre-

Be confident and encouraged: God has done wonderful things in KentuckyTennessee! gations.

In addition, for the first time ever, we’ve entered the new important frontier of social media and professional programming. God has allowed us to add a trained and experienced full-time Media Ministries Director.

We are also experiencing the highest enrollments for camp in our history.

Our most recent summer youth publishing ministry had one of its very

best seasons of literature sales ever. I love counting God’s blessings!

If pressed to say why we’re so blessed, I might suggest we insist on having the very best professional personnel possible. Yet, I would add that we are incredibly blessed to be the home of many of the most faithful and supportive church members on the face of the earth. But in finality, we are simply benefiting from the magnificent grace and generosity of our awesome God, to whom all glory, honor, and every success, is due!

Yes my conference family and friends, let us rejoice as we count OUR blessings! Thank you Lord that you are so good to Kentucky-Tennessee!

Steve Haley KYTN President

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Table of Content

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1.

Count Your Blessings

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New faces in the office

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Ordained to ministry

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Pass the Baton

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Faith amidst war

Nashville Korean Church celebrate their faith in Spring Spiritual Retreat

Briggman and Harmon are ordained during the 2022 KYTN Camp Meeting

The amazing testimony Ukrainian couple

about

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7. Donating blood

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Addressing mental health Highland Academy to open Counseling Center for K-12 students

Kids In Tune Madison Campus children choir celebrates 15th anniversary

CONNECTION Volume 21, No. #3

Connection_magazine is_published_quarterly_by the_Kentucky-Tennessee Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Editor, Layout Designer Paola Mora Zepeda

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Cover_Photo_ Pastor Roger Schmidt baptizes Sara Curp, from the Lighthouse, Tenn., Church, on the final Sabbath of the English Camp Meeting.

Read our feature story, which highlights our 2022 Camp Meeting, on page 11.

Directory President

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Steve Haley

VP of Administration Mike Hewitt

VP of Finance

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14.

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8.

George Crumley

Its About Time 2022 KYTN Camp Meeting emphasizes church’s mission, God’s second coming

Zomi Adventist Youth 13. NAD Camp Nuamtak Kizo Thei

6. Fun at Indian Creek Camp

Madison Campus Church, Academy host blood drive in honor of alumna

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Zomi Corner

ICC receives renovations, new recreational facilities

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Learning about Jesus through Lego Robotics

10. Way to Jesus

KYTN welcomes back Joel Sutherland as the new ministerial director

Pastors launch podcast authentic conversations

Thinking outside the box

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Letter from the president

A new chapter

Beloved teacher, Emyria Furman, retires

Coming Together

Madison, Highland Academy gather for a weekend of prayer

NURTURE

A journey through RENEW

17. The gift that keeps on giving How Manchester Adventist Church used BPF to be a blessing in its community

18. Above and Beyond

Department

Ministering to the young ladies of our churches

Extension

KYTN

PO Box 1088 Goodlettsville, TN 37070-1088

President

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VP for Administration

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VP for Finance

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(615) 859-1391 (615) 859-2120 FAX www.kytn.net

Children/Youth

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Indian Creek Camp

Communication

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Community Service

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Education

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Health Ministries

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Hispanic Ministries

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Ministerial

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(615) 859-1125 (888) 534-0500 Toll-Free Order Line

Publishing

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Highland Academy

Pathfinders

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Religious Liberty

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www.highland-academy.com

Stewardship

1023

Madison Academy

Trust Services

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Women’s Ministries

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(615) 548-4411 (615) 548-4029 FAX www.indiancreekcamp.com

Nourish Christian Market Place

(615) 325-2036 (615) 325-4824 FAX

(615) 865-4055 (615) 865-4117 FAX

www.madisonacademy.com

Ta b l e o f C o n t e n t

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KYTN welcomes back Joel Sutherland as the new Ministerial Director X

Paola Mora Zepeda

(Photo courtesy of Joel Sutherland) Joel Sutherland poses with his wife, Chelsea. The couple returned to the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference on May 15, 2022, as Joel took on the position of Ministerial Director.

Conference administration is pleased to announce after much prayer and consideration, the Executive Committee extended an invitation of employment to Joel Sutherland as the new ministerial director. Sutherland started working in the position on May 15, 2022, following the retirement of former Ministerial Director Kieth Noll on March 29.

Born in Alaska, Sutherland felt the call ministry in his teenage years and, after receiving guidance from his father and a mentor, he enrolled at Southern Adventist University to pursue a B.A. in Theology. While at Southern, he completed the Soul-winning And Leadership Training (SALT) News

program – an evangelism course conducted in partnership with It Is Written.

I am excited to start this new position... I look forward to working with the conference staff and supporting the incredible set of pastors in Kentucky and Tennessee.

During his time as a student, he also worked as First Year Experience mentor, completed a year as a Bible work coordinator in the Chattanooga First Church,

served as the Student Ministerial Association (SMA) president and interned as the Interest and Media Coordinator for the Washington Conference Youth Rush. He graduated in 2014 and began his ministry in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, first working in the Camden, Parsons and Lobelville, Tenn., Churches, then transferring to the Pulaski and Lawrenceburg Churches. He was ordained on July 28 of 2020.

In 2021, Sutherland completed a Master of Ministry from Southern Adventist University and accepted the call to work as a pastor at the Pennsylvania Conference. Sutherland has a heart for mission. Through-

out his life, he has worked on evangelistic mission trips in the Philippines, Sierra Leone and North Carolina.

“I am excited to start this new position,” Sutherland said. “One of my passions is equipping and empowering people. I look forward to working with the conference staff and supporting the incredible set of pastors in Kentucky and Tennessee. I am just happy and humbled to be a part of what God is already doing in this conference.”

We are excited to welcome back Joel Sutherland and his wife, Chelsea, to the Kentucky-Tennessee family.

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Pastors ordained to ministry during 2022 KYTN Camp Meeting X

Paola Mora Zepeda

On Saturday, May 28, during the Kentucky-Tennessee’s Conference (KYTN) annual Camp Meeting, family and friends joined with KYTN administrative officers at the Highland, Tenn., Church to commemorate the ordination of Jared Briggman and Floyd Harmon.

Jared Briggman

Cody Floyd Harmon

Saturday, May 28, 2022 (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda)

Saturday, May 28, 2022 (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda)

Jared Briggman shares his testimony during his ordination at the annual KYTN Camp Meeting. Briggman currently serves as the pastor of the Taylor Mill, KY, church.

Pastors pray over Cody Floyd Harmon during his ordination at the annual KYTN Camp Meeting. Harmon currently serves as the pastor of the Columbia district of middle Tennessee.

Jared Briggman was born in Colorado Springs, Colo., and grew up along the front Range of the Rocky Mountains. During his four years at Campion Academy, he began to have a sense that God was calling him into ministry.

Being involved in two student-led evangelistic series, he gained an understanding of what sharing the gospel would be like. But for the better part of 12 years, Briggman ran from the call.

Then, after losing almost everything except for his family, his heart finally opened enough to hear God telling him to go back to school and become a pastor.

After finishing his Bachelor of Arts in Religion through Andrews University, he received a call to the Mountain View Conference where he served both as a district

Cody Floyd Harmon was born in Lexington County, S.C., and was raised in Gilbert, S.C., by his parents Joe and Charlene Harmon.

His parents came from the United Methodist Church, where much of his family still faithfully attend.

Joe and Charlene came into the Adventist church in the early 80s and raised both of their boys there.

Harmon felt the call to ministry briefly as an 11-yearold boy while his family prayed. They had just performed in a gospel concert at a Baptist Church.

But it was after 4 years in the Marine Corps that God brought him, albeit reluctantly, into the life of ministry by way of service, spiritual pillars, and remarkable encounters in his life. He attended Southern

Briggman enjoys ... developing new and innovative ways to share the gospel on social media. pastor and a church planter.

In August of 2021, Briggman received a call to his current church in Taylor Mill, Ky. In December of 2021, Briggman earned his master’s in pastoral ministry, also from Andrews University. Briggman has been married to his wife, Ashley, for 17 years.

They have two children, Andy, who is about ready to be a high schooler, and Jonny, who is going into sixth grade. Briggman enjoys cooking, baking, woodworking, and developing new and innovative ways to share the gospel on social media.

Adventist University and earned a B.A. in Theology.

He was later hired by KYTN in 2015. He proceeded to pastor the Clarksville district for two years and earned a master’s in divinity from Andrews University in May of 2020. He has been pastoring in the Columbia district of middle Tennessee ever since.

In his spare time, Harmon enjoys gardening, carpentry, fishing, riding horses, and fitness. His favorite pastoral responsibilities are preaching, giving Bible studies, and visiting church members. It should be made known that without the invaluable and incessant positive influence, prayers, instruction, and support of his family, professors, and, most of all, God, he would not be able to stand in this calling.

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Pass the Baton:

Pastors launch podcast about authentic conversations X

One September evening, during a Pathfinder camp out, Tom Kyser, pastor at the Manchester and Richmond Church in Kentucky, was hanging out with his Pathfinders when he mentioned that both he and Jon Remitera, pastor at the Somerset, Danville and Grove Churches in Kentucky, were planning on starting a podcast. One of the pathfinders, Monique Mwasumbi, was very excited.

“You should totally call the podcast ‘Pass the Baton,’” she said.

Kyser and Remitera liked the idea and decided to go with the name, which they thought represented the mission of the podcast.

“We want to hear stories…valuable experiences, and knowledge that can be passed on to us and on to our listeners,” Remitera said.

Michelle Mwansumbi, another pathfinder at

Amber Kyser

Manchester Mustangs and an active listener of “Pass the Baton,” described the podcast as authentic and says it is one qualities that make the podcast stand out.

The podcast talks about current topics.

“We just have conversations about things that are relevant at the time,” Kyser said.

Thursday, March 31, 2022 (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda) The first episode of the Jon Remitera records the intro to his podcast, “Pass the Baton.” This podcast was started second season was re- alongside fellow pastor Tom Kyser. Together, the duo talk about “life, ministry and everything in between,” according to the podcast description. leased May 9, 2022.

The podcast regularly seem more directed to- ada. In total, Pass the Baton brings on guests to discuss wards Christians, as it talks has received more than 140 the topics, which, according about struggles in a Chris- streams. to Kyser and Remitera, are tian life and how to ap“I just want the podcast picked depending on the proach life from a Christian to be [a place] where people issue they want to discuss. perspective, anyone may can feel (like) themselves,” Some of the guests have enjoy the podcast.

Kyser said. “... because the been KYTN President Steve Pass the Baton has lis- Christian walk is not easy, it Haley, GC Ministerial Asso- teners between the ages is difficult.” ciation Secretary Jerry Page, of 23 and 59, with the vast Pass the Baton, can be and pastor, author and mu- majority of listeners being streamed on Apple Podsic artist Bryant Herbert. young adults. Listerners casts, Spotify, Anchor, YouAccording to Remitera, come from the U.S., the Phil- Tube, and Facebook. while the podcast may ippines, Germany and Can-

Faith Amidst War : The amazing testimony of a Ukrainian couple X

Paola Mora Zepeda

Editor’s Note: The testimony below was shared by a member of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference whose family is currently living in Ukraine. He wanted to remain anonymous. This is the story of his parents, two faithful Seventh-day Adventists who continue to share their faith despite the war going on around them.

Vera and Volodymyr live in a small village on the South of Ukraine, just a bit over 50 miles from the Crimea border – a peninsula that has been occupied by Russia since 2014. The couple were still young when they discovered the gospel and News

joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church. From the start, they were a dynamic duo eager to share the joy they had found in Jesus.

Vera and Volodymyr were the first missionaries in their village, where they were both born.

For many years, they held church services in their own home. One year, they had the opportunity to purchase their neighbor’s property which they transformed into a house of worship.

The church grew to have more than 40 members,

and though that number dropped after many people moved to the big cities, their ministry never stopped.

Like many people in the area, Vera and Volodymyr make a living from selling Faith Amidst War

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Faith Amidst War

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eggs, milk, and variety of vegetables. A few months before Russia started their invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the couple used their savings to buy copies of “The Desire of Ages” and “The Great Controversy.”

It only took a few days for the Russian soldiers to reach their village. Life changed since then. Soldiers patrol the streets.

Roadblocks have been put in place. Tanks and guns are a common sight. Stores are empty and food is rationed.

But despite these changes, Vera and Volodymyr’s faith has stayed the same.

In the mornings, the cou-

ple milk their cows and take the filled bottles to give out at the center of their village.

They do not ask for any money, but just say, “The Lord paid us in advance, just praise His name.”

The couple only had one plea to church members around the world: do not hesitate to share the Good News.

In the afternoon, Vera and Volodymyr go around the village offering prayer and Bible studies. They walk with their previously purchased copies of “The De-

sire of Ages” and “The Great Controversy” in hand, ready to share it with whoever needs it. Like when they first began, the missionary duo is delighted to share their hope in Jesus.

One day, two Russians soldiers carrying guns approached Vera as she was in her home. Instead, of turning away she called out to them, “Okay, boys, I brought you some books about God. Will you like to read them?” Vera and Volodymyr have previously offered these books to Russian soldiers, their courage never wavering. But though most refuse to take the books, these two soldiers each took a copy; one took

KYTN

“The Desires Ages” and the other took “The Great Controversy.”

The story of Vera and Volodymyr, like the ongoing war, is still developing. Their son shares that it is painful for him to hear these stories being so far away and unable to help, but he also says his parents are happy to bring comfort to the people around them and happy to spread the gospel.

Since the war started, Vera and Volodymyr have distributed more than 300 books. The couple only had one plea to church members around the world: do not hesitate to share the Good News.

Indian Creek Camp receives renovations, new recreational facilities X

Indian Creek Camp (ICC) has received a variety of upgrades to its maintenance and recreational facilities. The improvements, which have been in the works for months, includes new wooden-flooring, new bunk mattresses and a new zip line.

Greg Taylor, ICC camp director, says camp personnel made an appeal last summer to work on these renovations. Through the donations of campers and financial support of the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN), the camp raised more than $95,000 for these projects.

“In addition to the donations, we were also blessed with a handful of volunteers from across the confer-

Paola Mora Zepeda

ence,” Taylor said. “It’s incredible to see how much people love [ICC] and how they’re willing to give their time and money to help see a comfortable move forward.”

The new wooden floors were placed in the back cabins, and now the project will move on to the front counselor cabins.

More than 100 new mattresses were purchased for the bunk beds, replacing the previous 12-year-old bedding. The zip line is a four-part course, stretching between 300 to 400 yards from station to station.

In addition to these changes, ICC has also received roof repairs on the cabins and facilities upgrades in the horse arena.

(Photo by Daniel McFeeters) Aerial shot of Indian Creek Camp. During the past year, ICC has been receiving a variety of improvements including a new zip line, new flooring and new mattresses.

Upcoming projects include new stage lighting for the chapel, a nature center, and an outdoor volleyball court.

“We do all this work because we care about this ministry,” Taylor said. “We

care deeply about [the campers’] experience with Jesus. By providing a comfortable, safe and fun camp, we show our commitment to drawing visitors closer to Christ.”

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Madison Campus Church, Academy host blood drive in honor of alumna X

On March 7, 2022, members of Madison Campus, Tenn., Church hosted a blood-drive in honor of Madison Academy alumna Brianna Underwood. The long-day event, made in collaboration with the Red Cross, drew in 44 donors.

Last December, Underwood was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (A.L.L.), a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells. She was admitted to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) on December 28, 2021, to begin treatment to fight A.L.L. and rebuild her health.

During her first five weeks in VUMC, Underwood received multiple life-saving treatments of donated blood products. As a result, she began encouraging her church community and Madison Academy family to become donors so other in-need patients could receive blood transfusions.

Hearing Underwood’s story, Madison Campus church member Jacqueline Downs, whose sons had been schoolmates with Underwood, was inspired to organize a blood drive.

After contacting the Red Cross, the team decided to do it on Madison Academy’s school grounds.

“This way, the students could be involved with registration and hosting the post-blood donation area with snacks,” Downs said.

“The entire event was just

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Paola Mora Zepeda

full of laughter and support. This was a great way of serving our community and showing our love for Brianna.”

The blood-drive took place from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and welcomed several volunteers. According to Red Cross Representative Jason Streger, there were 44 blood-donors on the day of the drive. From this number, 82% were firsttime donors.

“Overall, we collected 39 whole blood units, which have the potential of saving more than one life!” Streger said.

Underwood remembers her time at the hospital in December, where she got multiple units of blood to correct her white blood cell count. She says that as she stared at the screen monitors, she noticed that there was a shortage. Red Cross reports that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets transfusions.

“I’m very grateful to everyone who gave blood, especially those who were first time donors or even nervous about donating…”

Underwood said. “I think the main thing I want readers to get from this article is to be encouraged to go give blood locally if they are able.”

Though no dates have been finalized, Downs says she is in contact with the Red Cross to repeat this event throughout the year.

Monday, March 7, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Kris Fuentes) (L-R) Andrew Jones, Donnie Underwood, Brianna Underwood, and Abigail Anderson during the March 7 blood drive at Madison Academy. In December of 2021, Brianna Underwood was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. After receiving multiple life-saving treatments of donated blood products, she began encouraging her church family to donate blood for other in-need patients.

Monday, March 7, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Kris Fuentes) Blood units collected at the Madison Academy blood drive held in honor of alumna Brianna Underwood. In total, 44 blood-donors, many who are members at Madison Campus Church, came through. From this number, 82% were first-time donors.

Monday, March 7, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Kris Fuentes) Kris Fuentes, Madison Academy principal, donates blood. The Red Cross reports that every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood or platelets transfusions.

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Highland Academy to open counseling center for K-12 students X

Paola Mora Zepeda

(Photo illustration courtesy of Eric Johnson) Highland Academy students pose for promotional photo. This coming school year, Highland Academy will open an on-campus counseling center which will offer services, led by a licensed school psychologist, for its kindergarten to high school students.

After receiving a $296,000 grant, Highland Academy, Tenn., will be opening an on-campus counseling center for its K-12 students. This counseling center will be led by a licensed school psychologist and will offer Christian counseling services beginning in the fall of 2022.

Plans for this project began in January after school administration noticed that there was an increase in the number of students seeking local or remote counseling services. Chadd Watkins, Highland Academy principal, estimates that about 15% of students are currently receiving professional mental health help.

“We’ve been seeing, just

We wanted to provide some sort of professional help here on campus so that all students, despite finances, can have access to quality mental health services. like everyone else through the pandemic, that the mental health of our students has taken a toll,” Watkins said. “We’re talking about kids who are dealing with depression, broken homes, or struggling with relationships. We wanted to provide some sort of professional help here

on campus so that all students, despite finances, can have access to quality mental health services.”

With the leadership of Eric Johnson, Vice Principal for Development, Highland Academy secured the grant to launch this program. The funding will cover the costs to renovate Ponce Hall as well as assist with the operation of the center.

According to Johnson, the counseling center will offer a variety of services such as one-on-one counseling, group counseling, addiction therapy, peer tutoring and ADHD testing.

Johnson says that as a Christian school, Highland Academy wants to be proactive in meeting their stu-

dent’s mental health needs.

“At Highland, we do a great job with the academic, social, and spiritual aspect of our school,” Johnson said. “The counseling center is a continuation of our desire to really reach the whole person, which includes mental health.

We’re just grateful that God has blessed us with this opportunity to make an impact for our students and provide a service to them that can address the overall mental health wellness.”

On April 11, 2022, Highland Academy hired licensed psychologist, Logan Johnson, to lead the center. During the next several months, the school will be focusing on completing Ponce Hall’s renovations.

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Kids in Tune celebrates 15th anniversary through special concert X

Paola Mora Zepeda

Monday, March 7, 2022 (Photo courtesy of Kris Fuentes) Kids in Tune (KIT) perform at their 15th Anniversary Concert in Madison Campus Church (MCC), Tenn. The choir first started with 20 children and now boasts over 80 participants.

Kids In Tune (KIT) celebrates 15 years of music ministry and growth this year. The children and teen choir held a special anniversary concert on Saturday, April 9, at Madison Campus Church (MCC), Tenn., where the choir released their second album, “Freedom of Your Love.”

The idea of KIT came after Choir Director Gissela Kroll noticed the kids’ musical talent at MCC.

She also dreamed her children would be born into an established ministry.

So, in September of 2007, along with Choir Coordinator Faith Martin and a couple of others, the team launched the choir intending to instill in “children a passion for Jesus, worship, and service.”

“That is why we are a non-audition choir,” Kroll said. “Whoever wants to participate is welcomed. We just

want children to be involved and inspired.”

The choir first started with 20 children and now boasts over 80 participants, including those in the alternative groups, Teens In Tune and Dudes in Tune.

In 2013, KIT released its first album, “Thankful Heart,” and published a curriculum for choirs and churches who wanted to start a similar ministry.

The Tennessee-based group has now inspired the creation of dozens of choirs and children’s ministries worldwide, including in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.

“It is so rewarding and special to receive videos of children worshiping using our songs from all parts of the world,” Kroll said. “We feel truly honored that God has opened the doors for us to serve in this way.”

In October of 2021, KIT released their second al-

bum, “Freedom of Your Love.” Out of the 12 songs in the album, 7 are original pieces written by Kroll, Kids In Tune alumni and present members, KIT parents, and MCC members.

You’re never too young to follow the Great Commission.

Kroll says it takes an extreme amount of commitment and effort to lead a ministry for this long. However, it is all worth it when she sees these children and teens growing up and having the opportunity to worship and serve. She prays it will be a lifelong practice for them.

“You’re never too young to follow the Great Commission,” Kroll said. “God is calling us into sharing the gospel, and that’s what we are doing… [KIT] has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Thinking outside the box: Learning about Jesus through Lego Robotics X

In the back room of the Manchester, Ky, Church, every Tuesday from 3:45 to 5:00 p.m., students between the grades 3 to 8 gather together to learn Lego Robotics. This program is designed for students to understand the basics of robotics and News

Amber Kyser

christian values.

Lego Robotics is a STEM focused course that teaches students to think outside of the box, according to Lego Robotics mentor and Manchester Church Pastor Tom Kyser. During the classes, students build legos into robots that they

can later program to overcome obstacles.

“My goal is to teach [the students] complex problem-solving skills and to help them boost confidence,” Kyser said.

Fourth grade student Trey Weideman, says that Lego Robotics has taught

him the importance of teamwork. He says that because he hasn’t used teamwork very much in the past, this has been a good experience for him.

Lego Robotics is a simple program to use. Kyser Lego Robotics

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Lego Robotics

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first got the idea to incorporate the Lego Robotics program from a booth during the Chosen Camporee. He later talked to Mel Wade, the Adventist Robotics League director, to learn more about the program.

A few months later, Kyser completed a course online to learn the basics of coding, which is an essential part of the program.

Ministry is also an integral part of Lego Robotics.

During the class, students start with prayer and some-

one in charge will give a short devotional that tells the students the theme for the day.

“Legos helps teach character development,” Kyser says. “It teaches you how to solve problems and [shows you] how to deal with frustration… It helps you grow as a person both mentally and spiritually. If you could be spiritual when you’re frustrated, you can be spiritual in just about any kind of situation.”

If you are looking to start a similar program at your church or school visit www.adventistrobotics.net

(Photos by Amina Kyser) Students program their robot to complete challenge course during Manchester Church’s Lego Robotics class. Lego Robotics is a STEM focused curriculum for students to learn the basics of robotics and Christian values.

Way to Jesus: Nashville Korean Church celebrate their faith in Spring Spiritual Retreat X

Paola Mora Zepeda

Saturday, April 30, 2022 (Photos by Paola Mora Zepeda) Top: Nacho Silvero leads the English Sabbath School Service. Bottom: Pastor Cho preaches during the main service of the Nashville Korean Spiritual Retreat.

On the weekend of April 29 to May 1, 2022, members of the Nashville Korean Church, Tenn., gathered at Cedars of Lebanon State Park for a Spring Spiritual Retreat. The event was attended by church members of all ages and followed the theme, “Way to Jesus.”

The Nashville Korean Church holds spiritual retreats twice a year – once in the fall and once in the spring. According to pastor Seokeon Yoon, this event is an opportunity to connect with one another in a worship setting.

“So, [the church members] know and understand each other better, and we can also come close to Jesus,” Yoon said.

Some of the activities of the retreat included a na-

ture hike, prayer by the bonfire, Bible treasure hunt and game night.

More than 50 people attended the Spiritual Spring Retreat. To accommodate the Korean and English-speaking groups, two speakers were invited for the service: Retired pastor Cho spoke for the Korean group and Madison Campus Pastor Nacho Silverio preached for the English group.

“This was a great chance to bridge the generational gap between our younger and older [church members],” Marcus Min, elder at the Nashville Korean church, said. “We want to have a family atmosphere and uplift the spiritual yearning of our members.”

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Saturday, May 28, 2022. (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda) Derek Morris, Hope Channel president, leads closing prayer during the divine service of the first Sabbath of camp meeting. This year’s camp meeting theme was “It’s About Time.” It was chosen as a reminder of God’s Second Coming and the church’s mission to share the Good News.

IT’S ABOUT TIME

2022 KYTN Camp Meeting emphasizes church’s mission, God’s second coming X

When COVID-19 hit in 2020, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference (KYTN), like many other conferences around the country, were forced to transition their annual camp meetings online. This year, KYTN was blessed to meet in person once again. From May 27 to June 4, conference members worshiped God by following the theme, “It’s About Time.”

The theme emphasized Jesus’ second coming and the mission of the church: sharing the Good News.

Prominent guest speakers, including Hope Chan-

Feature

Paola Mora Zepeda

nel President Derek Morris, It Is Written President John Bradshaw and CHIP Founder Hans Diehl, came to present throughout the eight-day long event.

The conference was also blessed to welcome Southern Union Church Growth and Revitalization Director Richie Halversen, Southern Union Evangelism Director Roger Hernandez and Solid Rock, VA, Church Pastor Vinnie MacIsaac.

A Time of Fellowship The long-awaited event drew in more than 1000 guests. While most attendees are members of

KYTN, some visitors were coming from other conferences, and some were traveling from abroad.

“Th program was vibrant and engaging,” said Daryl Gay Atiteo-Tanamal, who was visiting from the Philippines. “The sermons had wonderful Biblical reflections. I learned that Jesus cares and He is in control.

[As Christians,] we must anchor on Him alone.”

In between sessions, friends, some who had not seen each other since the 2019 camp meeting, were able to catch up and fellowship with one another.

Each day, children, earliteens, youth and young

adults also enjoyed programs prepared specifically for their age group.

What can we do less of so we can do more of evangelism?

What can we waste our time less talking about so we can talk more about Christ? “[My] biggest takeaway is that we’re not alone,” Pastor Jon Remitera, who led the young adult group, said. “There are those who still believe in the

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mission of the Adventist Church. Each person is a leader in the movement.

I witnessed fellowship in the thought provoking and challenging discussions about church, ministry, and bearing the torch of leadership for the next generation of leaders.”

A Time to Learn One of the highlights of KYTN’s Camp Meeting were the daily seminars prepared by a wide range of speakers. Attendees had a variety of classes that they could choose from, including a class for Bible journaling, preaching, digital media, and even a hands-on lesson on how to build a greenhouse and grow tunnel.

In addition to the seminars, ministries from across the country, like It Is Written and Voice of Prophecy, set up booths with pamphlets and other gear to showcase their work and the services they have available. Similarly, conference ministries, like the health and youth department, also got the chance advertise their upcoming events and available resources.

Un momento en Español Following the weekend of June 4, the Hispanic churches hosted their own camp meeting sessions from June 10 to 11.

The theme, translated in Spanish to “El Momento Es Ahora,” remained the same.

With more than 700 visitors, not counting those watching online, the crowd was blessed to hear from Florida Conference Evangelism Coordinator

Homero Salazar. On Saturday evening, they also enjoyed a concert by wellknown Christian singer, Hugo Yin. “[During these meetings] God manifested himself teaching, motivating, and instructing His people,” said Pastor Armando De Leon, KYTN Hispanic Coordinator.

“The most beautiful moment was seeing how God touched the hearts of several people who attended the Hispanic Camp Meeting.”

A time for God “What can we do less of so we can do more of evangelism?” John Bradshaw asked the crowd during his June 3rd presentation at the KYTN Camp Meeting. “What can we waste our time less talking about so we can talk more about Christ?”

Throughout the entirety of Camp Meeting, attendees were reminded that the church’s mission is to lift high the cross and seek the lost. Each day, the crowd was blessed to remember that God is waiting for them with open arms.

The most incredible testimony to come out of camp meeting was that, at the end of both the English and Hispanic sessions, five individuals declared their love for God through baptism.

KYTN

Sunday, May 29, 2022. (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda) War Horses Club pathfinders line up in preparation of the Sunday Pathfinder parade.

(Photo by Daniel McFeeters) Hyveth Williams teaches the seminar “Empowered Preaching.” There were eight seminars offered at camp meeting, including one about media ministries and Bible journaling.

Saturday, June 4, 2022. (Photo by Paola Mora Zepeda) Pastor Roger Schmidt baptizes Sara Curp, from the Lighthouse, Tenn., Church, on the final Sabbath of the English Camp Meeting.

Scan the QR Code to see all camp meeting pictures!

Saturday, June 11, 2022 (Photo by Joel Monterroso) Hispanic pastors pose together following the divine worship of the Hispanic Camp Meeting. More than 700 people joined the event, not counting those who tuned in online.

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NAD Zomi Adventist Youth Camp Nuamtak Kizo Thei X

Hau Mung

NAD Sunga om Zomi Adventist Khangnote in hunsawtpi lai pek panin a kilunggulh mahmah ahi Youth Camp pen abeisa March 13 - 19, 2022 sungteng in ICC ah nuamtak in kibawl thei hi. Hih hunsungah US gam States 10 panin khangno 250 valbang hong kihel thei uh a, khangnote lunggulhna leh lametna lianpi pen in hih khangnote kimuhkhopna hangin kha,taksa, lungsim,pumpi leh ngaihsutna te cidam nading leh khat leh khat khazih sungah kilawmtatna neih ding cih lunggulhna lianpen ahi hi.

Nitak simin phatna leh biakpiakna hun nuamtak kinei in, Sia Kim Mung (Youth Director) in “Taangsak Ni” cih thulu tawh khangnote ading thapiakna leh hanthotna hong nei thei a, Mr. Bill Well (ASAP Refugee Coordinator) leh NAD Zomi makai tengin Zomi Corner

Pathfinder Camporee

thusinna (seminar) hong makaih uh hi. Tua te aman khit ciangin kimawlna tuamtuam soccer, volleyball, table tennis, hiking, rock climbing, canoeing leh water activities tuamtuam te kinei in khangno akihel khempeuh in nuam kisa mahmah hi.

Hibanga khangnote kikholhkhopna hangin Zomi Adventist khangno tampi te in Pasian itna athukzaw in hongtel beh in Ama hong itna hangin midang te tungah amau septheihna bang ciat tawh khuavak puaksawn ding lawp thei mahmah uh hi.

To read an English version of this report, scan the QR Code

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A new chapter : beloved teacher, Emyria Furman, retires X

Emyria Furman, 4th grade teacher at Madison Campus Elementary (“MCE”), retired at the end of 20212022 school year. An Oakwood University graduate, she taught for 14 years at MCE, both in 4th and 5th grades beginning in 2008.

Emyria retires with a total of 25 and half years in Adventist Education; 2 years for Allegheny West Conference, 9 and a half years for South Central Conference, and 14 years at MCE. She has two adult sons, and her formerly retired husband, Fred, is now the Director of the After Care Program at MCE and plans to continue for the upcoming school year.

Precious memories that will go with Emyria are all

Carolyn Angelo

her children, her class’ Living Wax Museum biography presentations, pairings with 6th graders in reenacting the Israelites Crossing of the Red Sea, field trips to Long Hunter State Park for Native American Powwows, participation in Oregon Trail Day, trips to the Nashville Capitol, and visiting Opryland Hotel every Christmas.

Emyria looks forward to spending time with her family in Cleveland, Ohio, and subbing at MCE when needed. Thank you, Emyria, for your godly presence at our schools, for being a prayer warrior and for answering the call to instruct God’s children all these years. We wish you a wonderful retirement.

“Emyria was a delightful friend and coworker as we taught together many years. Her devotion to God and heart for ministering in love to her children was what I appreciated about working with her most. She was always the first to lift me up to the Lord whenever I was having difficulty and she prayed with her students when they were having trouble. The spiritual component in her ministry was powerful.” ~Myrna Closser

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Coming Together: Madison, Highland Academy gather for a weekend of prayer X

Madison Academy (MA) and Highland Academy (HA) came together for a combined prayer conference event on April 29 and 30, 2022. Madison Academy served as the host on Friday evening. The following day, MA students drove to Highland Academy for a continued time together.

The prayer conference consisted of ice breakers, giveaways, music, food, spoken word and life groups.

Attendees of the conference were blessed by messages of Pastor David Solomon Hall, Sr. The theme for the week: “Be Still.” Pastor David spoke on a variety of illustrations from the Bible and shared personal experiences which helped him to truly be still and know that God was in control.

Following each message, the students broke up into life groups. These

Youth

Greg Taylor

groups consisted of a combined group leadership team of a student from MA and one from HA. These groups went deeper into the topics of study by applying the words of scripture to their lives.

Throughout the weekend, the students of HA and MA took the lead roles. In addition to being the life group leaders, the students also spent time planning, organizing and even setting up for the event. The music, ice breakers, announcements and giveaways were all done by the students. The students all did fabulous jobs keeping the program rolling.

This was truly a spiritually uplifting experience by which all in attendance were able to learn more of what it means to be followers of Jesus and how to find rest in Him.

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NURTURE

The most important part of R.E.N.E.W. X

Marshall Mckenzie

Have you ever stopped to think about how unconventional Jesus was? Instead of imitating the influencers of His day, He invested in rough, uneducated men. He spent His time with regular folks, telling stories, healing, and preaching in the fields. Instead of holding Himself aloof from others, He nurtured people in the messy middle of their daily lives.

Jesus discipled. And the unexpected results were spectacular in the end.

Jesus’ discipling resulted in enthusiastic, Spirit-filled disciples capable of leading a world-wide church growth movement. Not immediately of course, but Jesus’ teaching prepared them to receive the Holy Spirit and become leaders who could disciple others in their faith.

Discipleship went against the grain in Jesus’ day. And to be perfectly honest, it goes against the grain today.

Discipleship means setting aside your own comfort for someone else’s good, engaging with their needs and hurts, and humbly demonstrating God’s love. Nurturing another person’s growing faith is often painful, slow, and arduous. It means demonstrating, in word and action, how to live this life of faith.

The Goal of Discipleship • • • • •

Effective discipleship creates mature members who are: Prayer warriors.

Led by the Spirit through daily systematic bible study, growing in their understanding of fundamental Biblical beliefs.

Committed to the growth and development of God’s Church.

Ever desiring to help others grow in their faith.

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Essential for Church Growth

If you and I are serious about seeing our churches renewed, we must commit to helping individuals grow into mature Christians. Nurture facilitates every other RENEW church growth principle. Like a supporting beam that holds aloft the whole structure, nurture enables every other aspect of church growth to function and prosper.

A mature Seventh-day Adventist Christian is daily reflecting on God’s Word and learning of Jesus. They are learning the lessons of God’s movements.

They will see the necessity of working for God and empowering others to work with them. They will seek out individuals they can nurture for Christ. And the passion for evangelism and witnessing will burn brightly in their hearts and motivate them to share their faith with unbelievers.

Don’t you want a church filled with people like that? It is possible. Jesus’ final instructions before returning to heaven were a call to discipleship. And an assurance of His commitment to helping us in the process.

“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20

Would you like to implement these principles in your church?

Visit www.kytnrenew.net today to learn more and subscribe to our email list.

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The Gift the keeps on giving:

How Manchester Adventist Church used BPF to be a blessing in its community X

The Manchester, KY, Church, nestled in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky, has always been involved in their community, especially with the distribution of food.

As their demands were increasing, they were running out of storage space in their church to accommodate the food items as well as pathfinder and Sabbath School supplies. They decided to build a Community Services shed to have more storage space and to better organize everything.

Thanks to a loan from the Business and Professional foundation (BPF), an independent organization here in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference that receives funding from donors, they were able to get a low interest loan to realize this building project and serve their surrounding community.

“Being able to help the churches in the Kentucky-Tennessee Confer-

Trust Services

Silke Hubbard

ence with smaller projects like this building through the [BPF] has been a blessing,” Pastor Tom Kyser said.

The Lord has blessed the work of the Business and Professional Foundation since its inception and it has been able to help finance building programs and projects for over half of the churches in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

The primary focus of the BPF, which was founded in 1966, was to make no-interest or low interest loans (or in some cases outright

grants) to small churches and church schools and to financially support medical and evangelistic outreach within the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

Contributions to the BPF are fully tax-deductible.

There are no employees and the officers and board members serve without compensation. Most years the expenses are very small, making it possible for donations to be used for their intended purpose rather than to meet overhead. Not only do these funds enable a particular project at the time they are given, but in future years they are recycled in perpetuity funding multiple future projects for generations to come!

The Lord has blessed the work of the Business and Professional Foundation since its inception and it has been able to help finance building programs and projects for

over half of the churches in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference. Additionally, it provides smaller sums as outright grants to enable unique or innovative outreach projects or ministries. Total funding provided

by BPF over the years has been in excess of $3 million dollars. Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow, and praise God for each faithful BPF member who literally shares the “gift that keeps on giving!”

If you are interested in supporting the work of the Business and Professional Foundation through your donation, please contact Ervin Brown at (615-384-8431) .

Your gift will be greatly appreciated and will make a difference for years to come!

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KYTN

Above and beyond:

Ministering to the young ladies of our churches X

Amada Hernandez is one of those women you might describe as an Energizer Bunny! The term superhero might also come to mind when noting her work with the young women of the Memphis Hispanic SDA Church. When Amada invited me to come speak, I

Gail Mckenzie

did not know what to expect. But, it was soon apparent that Amada and her team had put a lot of time and thought into preparing something special for their girls, which is done regularly.

Every attention to detail had been considered. From the decoration to the meal

with gifts and treats at each place setting. Not only was it a privilege to share Jesus with the girls, but I was also blessed and even learned a few new Spanish words.

I can’t wait to meet with them again!

Our young women of KYTN are a precious gift

entrusted to us as their parents, mentors, teachers, and friends. Please remember those who work with the young women in your church and KYTN Young Women’s Ministries as we embark on a post-Covid world working to reach our young girls for Jesus.

Women’s Ministries

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