are happening every summer at camps across the Mid-America Union and throughout the country.” —p. 4
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NEWS AND INSPIRATION
Samuel Everett: Baptist, Millerite, Adventist, Independent bit.ly/4rFNRB0
When the Going Gets Tough outlookmag.org/enteringgods-rest-faith-grace-and-themeaning-of-the-sabbath/
I love summer camp ministry! A number of years ago, I had the opportunity to be the director of one of our camps for five years. I believe those were the most meaningful years of my ministry journey.
It is hard to explain the dynamics that take place when our young people come together in a camp setting. For many campers, it is their first experience away from home. For many, it will also be the first opportunity for them to ride a horse, or to ski behind a boat. Most importantly, for many, it will be the first time they will have been invited to make Jesus their personal Savior and become a disciple of His. Research shows that camp is the number one place where young people decide that they will join God’s team. Summer camp ministry deserves and needs our support. Let us pray together for our summer camps as the 2026 season unfolds.
ON THE COVER READ OUTLOOK
Each year at the eight summer camps in MidAmerica, faith grows, leaders are formed and lives are changed. More on p. 4
Scott Cushman news@uau.edu 402.486.2600 x2275 uau.edu
GARY THURBER president, Mid-America Union Conference
and counting
This year we are celebrating 100 years of camp ministry in North America. According to Tracy Wood, youth ministries director for the North America Division, Adventist camps began in 1925 in Australia, with the second recorded camp held a year later in Michigan. What started as a few boys camping beside a lake and learning about nature has grown into an annual global ministry.
Here in the Mid-America Union, Pastor Hubert Cisneros, Pastor Roger Wade and I have had the privilege of being associated with—and consecutively providing support to— our eight camps over the past 16 years.
“Summer camp isn’t a break from real life — it’s where real life begins. We’re not just building memories around a campfire; we’re building faith that lasts a lifetime,” says Wade.
“There’s something magical that happens around the campfire,” adds Cisneros. “Kids make eternal choices there. They connect with the God of nature. And it’s often where kids choose to stay with the church. They see that the church is doing something special just for them.”
Cisneros says that camp ministry has been, without a doubt, the most influential experience in his own life and ministry. He was a staff member at Glacier View Ranch in Colorado throughout college, starting out as a counselor and a lifeguard.
He remembers that many young people from the inner city of Denver attended camp through sponsorship from Adventist Community Services. The camp was packed with kids, and a number of them came with significant behavioral challenges.
A life changing moment
One day during lunch, a kid from Cisnero’s cabin started a food fight in the cafeteria. “There was more food on the
ceiling than on their plates,” he recalls.
“I took the camper who started the food fight and led him out behind the cafeteria to calm him down—to talk with him and pray with him.”
Through tears, the camper told Cisneros that his mother had left the family, his father was in prison, and his stepmother hated him. She sent him to live with his grandmother, who couldn’t handle him and had sent him to camp hoping it would make a difference in his life.
“He looked at me with tears in his eyes and said, ‘I don’t know why I act the way I do.’ I said, ‘Let’s walk up to those trees and pray to God for help—that the next time you feel like losing your temper, He will help you.’”
After they had prayed together, Cisneros remembers thinking to himself, I want to do this for the rest of my life. I want to work with children
“It was at camp that I decided to become a minister of the gospel,” says Cisneros. “It was there that I chose to go into youth ministry. That journey eventually led me to serve as a conference and union youth director.”
Celebrating God’s blessings
Miracles are still happening every summer at camps across the Mid-America Union and throughout the country. Countless young lives are being changed and transformed. Boys and girls are making decisions to serve in ministry and dedicate their lives to working for God through the church.
We praise God for how He has led over the past 100 years—and for the ways He will continue to guide and bless camp ministry in the years to come.
Tyrone Douglas is church ministries director for the Mid-America Union Conference.
Tyrone Dougles (left) and Hubert Cisneros
MID-AMERICA UNION SUMMER CAMPS
Where Faith Grows, Leaders are Formed, and Lives Are Changed
Central States Conference
Camp Highpoint - Kansas City, KS
Dakota Conference
Flag Mountain Camp - Hill City, SD
Northern Lights Camp - Bottineau, ND
Iowa-Missouri Conference
Camp Heritage - Climax Springs, MO
Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Broken Arrow Ranch - Olsburg, KS
Minnesota Conference
North Star Camp - Brainerd, MN
Rocky Mountain Conference
Glacier View Ranch - Ward, CO
Mills Spring Ranch - Casper, WY
Serve. Lead. Change Lives.
Summer camp is more than a job, it’s a calling. Join a team that helps young people meet Jesus, grow in faith, and discover their purpose. Serve as:
Counselor
Camp Highpoint is for young people who want a week that is fun, meaningful, and spiritually life giving, and for those who are ready to grow in faith even when they feel nervous or unsure. What makes it special is the way we blend unforgettable camp experiences with intentional mentorship, powerful worship, and Bible centered teaching that helps campers see themselves in God’s story.
Rooted in Joshua 1:9, our theme is B.O.L.D. Believe, Obey, Lead, Do, and the big idea is that courage is not the absence of fear but moving forward while fear is present. Through Miriam and Moses, campers will learn that breakthrough begins with belief and becomes real when we do what God asks.
(Believe. Obey. Lead. Do)
There are some things you can’t replace with another program, another weekend service, or another good intention.
Camp is one of them.
Camp matters because it does something rare. It takes young people out of the noise of everyday life and places them in an environment where faith can be felt. It creates a space where relationships grow quickly, where conversations go deeper than usual, and where God often becomes more than a concept. When you remove constant distractions and replace them with community, worship, and spiritual activity, hearts have room to soften. Minds have room to listen. And courage has room to grow.
Young people meet peers who are trying to follow Jesus too, and it changes their perspective. They realize they are not the only one choosing faith. They are not the only one trying to grow. They are not the only one who has questions, fears, and hopes they don’t always know how to express. That realization alone can be healing.
This year, Camp Highpoint is especially meaningful because it is our first camp in seven years. We’re not spending time looking backward, but we are acknowledging something important: a gap like that means many of our young people have never had this experience. They have heard adults talk about camp and the impact it can have, but they have not had their own memories to hold onto. So this year is more than a return. It is a beginning. It is the reopening of a place where young people can build spiritual milestones and discover that faith can be personal, joyful, and strong.
Camp Highpoint is designed to create belonging. At camp, young people share meals, activities, team challenges, and daily rhythms that bring everyone together from morning until night. Those shared experiences build something powerful. Friendships form quickly because they are formed face to face.
But camp does more than connect young people to one another. Camp connects young people to God in a way that everyday routines often don’t allow. There is a difference between hearing about God and encountering Him.
Camp creates moments where worship is not rushed. Prayer is not awkward. The Word is not just information, but invitation. Sometimes that happens in a chapel service. Sometimes it happens in a small group. Sometimes it happens sitting by the campfire, walking back to the rooms, or talking with a counselor who is simply willing to listen. These moments matter because they show young people that God is not only present in church buildings. He is present in their real life, and He is close enough to change them.
That is why our foundation verse is Joshua 1:9: “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God is with you wherever you
continued on next page
encouragement. It is direction.
God does not wait until we feel fearless before He calls us forward.
He commands courage, and then He anchors that command in a promise. You can move forward because I am with you.
Our camp theme builds on that truth: B.O.L.D. Believe. Obey.
2026 CAMP SCHEDULE
JUNE 15-21, 2026
Monday, 15th
Believe - God Sees Me
Tuesday, 16th
Believe – God Calls Me
Wednesday, 17th
Obey – Even When Afraid
Thursday, 18th
Obey - Step Forward
Friday, 19th
Lead – Use Your Voice
Saturday, 20th
Do – Trust God First
Sunday, 21st
BOLD - Commissioning
TEEN LEADERSHIP TRACK is a 10-Day virtual leadership bootcamp. This will allow them to utilize these skills during summer camp. Through storytelling, real-world activities, biblical principles, and hands on skill building.
Lead. Do. The big idea is simple but life changing. Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is the decision to move forward even when fear is present. Faith does not stop at what we feel or say.
Faith becomes real when we do. We often see in Scripture that breakthrough begins with belief. It is strengthened through obedience. It grows into leadership. And it is completed through action.
To help every camper see themselves in God’s story, we will look at Miriam and Moses.
Miriam shows that boldness can look like faithfulness, attentiveness, and worship. She watched, she spoke, and she praised God’s victory with joy. Moses shows that bold faith is willing to act even
when the future is unclear. He believed God’s call, obeyed despite feeling unqualified, led through resistance, and moved forward before he could see the full miracle. When the week is over, our prayer is not just that campers had fun, though they will. Our prayer is that they leave changed. That they understand they don’t have to be fearless to be faithful. They don’t have to be “ready” to obey. They don’t have to be loud to be bold. They simply have to be willing to do what God asks. That is why camp matters. One week can become the beginning of a stronger faith and a braver life.
Byron Wright, youth director/camp director
Dakota Adventist Camps exist to bring young people closer to a life-long relationship with Jesus. It doesn’t matter if you are a camper, staff, or volunteer, our goal is to help each person who steps foot onto our camps have an experience that leads them closer to Jesus. Each year, we witness young people baptized in Castle Creek or Lake Metigoshe who view camp as a major part of their spiritual journey. Our prayer is to continue leading young people to Jesus until He comes.
DAKOTA CONFERENCE DAKOTA
FLAG MOUNTAIN CAMP
2026 FLAG MOUNTAIN SCHEDULE
CUB (ages 8-10)
June 10-14
JUNIOR (ages 11-13)
June 14-21
TEEN (ages 14-17)
June 21-28
CUB (ages 8-10) July 8-12
JUNIOR (ages 11-13) July 12-19
TEEN (ages 14-17) July 19-26
History
Summer camp ministry officially started in South Dakota in 1934 when the South Dakota Conference sponsored a youth camp event in the Black Hills, answering the prayers of eight boys and three adults who had camped together for a weekend the year before in a primitive camp site near Redfield. This small group had fervently prayed that a larger camp with more youth could be held the very next year in the Black Hills. Their prayers were answered, and camp took place the following year and then in various areas until 1965, when the beautiful Flag Mountain Camp was provided for permanent Adventist camp ministry in the Black Hills of South Dakota.
In 1947, the North Dakota Conference ran a summer youth camp by renting sites at Lake Metigoshe State Park with 99 junior campers in attendance. Previously, summer camps had been held in various locations. In 1952, conference treasurer F. E. White purchased property on Lake Metigoshe without the permission of the executive committee. He reportedly told them he would pay for it himself if they decided not to go along with the unauthorized purchase. They voted to pay for it in the end, and it became Northern Lights Camp, situated on the northern border of North Dakota.
Summer camp ministry remained a strong program in both of the Dakota conferences through the years with hundreds of young people enjoying nature and finding life-long relationships with each other and with Jesus. The hard work of both lay leaders and conference administrators ensured that young people throughout the conferences could experience camp ministry.
In 1981, the two conferences merged, with the agreement that the combined Dakota Conference would maintain and continue both camps. This decision has been a huge blessing in a conference that spans such a large territory. These camps provide a sanctuary where people can meet and grow in Jesus. Campers grow up, return as staff, and then continue their leadership within the church. These two camps have been tremendous training grounds for church leaders.
Ted Struntz, youth director/camp director
A mom’s testimony
“I just don’t think I believe that God is real.” As a mom, these words fell on my heart with a thud and shattered like glass. How can our kids live every day in a God-worshipping, Biblereading, praying, church-involved family and not believe that God is real?
The decision to send our teen daughters to summer camp was probably the best decision we made that year, but at the time it felt like a gamble. You know how it is—if you listen long enough, you will always hear the good and the bad of everything. Camp is no exception. Not only were we total strangers to this area, we also heard words like, new directors, new program, it’s not like it used to be, and so on. We sent our daughters anyway.
Fast-forward with me to the end of just one week of camp: She kept a detailed journal during the week of camp and recounted to us every activity, meal, recipe, worship, song, note, camper, and probably even every conversation she’d had, talking non-stop for nearly the entire six-hour drive home. She summed it up again and again—“Camp was amazing! Camp is where kids can meet Jesus every day, and it’s not weird….Every kid should be able to go to camp.”
The next summer, both of our daughters applied to work at camp and made sure that their siblings would attend as camp ers, and even convinced a cousin to attend from four states away. “It’s so worth it,” she said, “you won’t ever be the same!”
Elaine Chism, parent
A staff story
I have experienced this camp both as a camper for many years and now as a staff member. That perspective has allowed me to witness how God works in lives not just during a single week, but across many summers. I have watched campers grow in confidence, maturity, and their willingness to engage with their faith, seeing fruit that develops over time.
One thing I have consistently seen is how God uses this place to shape people beyond what is immediately visible. Campers grow through activities and challenges, but that growth continues after camp ends. I have seen campers, as well as fellow staff, return more grounded, patient, and intentional in how they live out their faith.
Worship has been one of the clearest places where I have witnessed God at work. When campers and staff lift their voices together, there is something powerful happening that is hard to put into words. In those moments, it becomes easier to feel the Holy Spirit’s presence. I have seen campers become more open and more willing to reflect on their relationship with God. Having walked with this camp for many years, I am confident that God is actively at work here. I have seen Him provide through both easy and difficult seasons and work in ways that can only be described as miraculous when it mattered most. It has been a privilege to witness how He continues to move in our lives over the summers.
Baker Mitchell, DAC staff for 4 years, DAC camper for 9 years
A volunteer story
Dakota Adventist Camps is a treasured part of our family’s summer tradition. As a mother, I’ve watched my children build lifelong friendships while at camp. Camp is where faith comes alive—through laughter, outdoor adventures, meaningful worship, and unforgettable experiences both inside and out. Even the meals are a highlight. The food is nourishing, well-balanced, and genuinely enjoyed by the kids—it’s fun to see campers get excited about Asian tofu day or the Agape feast featuring fresh fruits, veggies and homemade bread!
As the camp’s medical director, I’ve also seen Dakota Adventist Camps from an operational and ministry perspective. The Christ-centered staff and intentional programming consistently prioritize both spiritual growth and camper well-being. One of the greatest blessings each summer is witnessing multiple baptisms. Just when we think we’ve reached everyone, God continues to bring new hearts ready to commit their lives to Him.
Because of my commitment to serving at camp, all three of my children spend their entire summers there—and eagerly look forward to returning each year. Each plans to serve on staff when old enough. Dakota Adventist Camps is deeply woven into the Bohlman family calendar, and we are grateful to continue this meaningful tradition.
Jaime Bohlman, volunteer
The Ongoing Story of Camp Heritage
HOW GOD HAS LED IN THE PAST
Located on the scenic shores of the Lake of the Ozarks, Camp Heritage has served as a cornerstone of youth development for over six decades. The land was originally purchased in 1961 by a group of medical professionals, called MAMS – which stood for Missouri Adventist Medical Society. Their desire was to provide a Seventh-day Adventist camp in Missouri. Up to that point, the Missouri Conference had organized an MV summer camp each year, but they had to rent out a scouting camp, called Camp Pin-Oak, also located on the Lake of the Ozarks. The initial land purchase for Camp Heritage amounted to $8500 for 143 acres, but over the course of the next 65 years, the borders of the camp have grown to almost 200 acres. Since its founding, the camp has remained steadfast in providing a transformative summer environment where young people can grow spiritually, socially, and physically.
HOW GOD IS LEADING IN THE PRESENT
At its core, Camp Heritage is designed to challenge modern youth by trading screens for the great outdoors. The curriculum is built upon high-energy engagement and skill-building, offering a diverse array of activities that foster both independence and teamwork. This is “Discipleship Through Adventure”.
• Aquatic Mastery: Leveraging its prime lakeside location, the camp offers premier instruction in wakeboarding, wake surfing, water skiing, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming.
• Outdoor Leadership: Campers develop resilience through horsemanship, rock climbing, and wilderness survival skills.
• Community: The small-group cabin structure ensures that every young person is seen, heard, and supported, leading to the lifelong friendships for which the camp is known.
• Intentional Spirituality: Before the campers ever arrive for the summer, the staff are encouraged and given time to spend seeking and finding God, both as a team and independently. This intentional spiritual preparation is critical for a summer of ministering to one another as well as the campers. The camp staff participate and lead out in daily group worship music and individual cabin Bible studies.
2026 CAMP SCHEDULE
LIGHT CAMP
June 7–27 (3 weeks)
Ages 13–17
JR 1 CAMP
June 9–13 (5 days)
Ages 10–12
JR 2 CAMP
June 14–20 (7 days)
Ages 10–12
CUB CAMP
June 23–27 (5 days)
Ages 7–9
FAMILY CAMP
June 29–July 5 (5 or 6 days)
All Ages
TEEN CAMP
July 12–18 (7 days)
Ages 10–12
TEEN RIVER ADVENTURE CAMP
July 19–25 (7 days)
Ages 10–12
HOW WE BELIEVE GOD IS PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE
Camp Heritage’s story already makes it an anticipated destination for families seeking a safe, high-quality, and spiritually enriching summer for the next generation. Parents frequently report significant growth in their children’s self-confidence, describing the experience as “life-changing” and “deeply impactful.” Camp staff share that summer camp is a “spiritual high” that they look forward to each year and miss when away. What is God calling to do going forward? We believe God is calling us to focus on intentionally instilling in our campers and staff a personal relationship with Christ that transcends the summer vibes of the lake waves, the swaying hammocks, and the horseback trails of our great camp. An internal relationship with their Creator that goes with them everywhere and is externally shared with everyone they meet. To do this, we want to continue asking Him the question: “How can we make next year better than the last?”.
As we look toward the 2026 season at Camp Heritage, we are constantly seeking God’s will and asking for Him to guide us in providing the best summer camp season possible!
Jeffrey Fender, youth director/camp director
KANSAS-NEBRASKA
broken arrow ranch
There’s a reason people come back to Broken Arrow Ranch—and why firsttime campers fall in love with this place and the people. Broken Arrow Ranch is a place where faith feels real, friendships form quickly, and families get a true break while their kids are safe, active, and deeply cared for.
This summer brings something new: two brand-new cabins that early registrants will get to enjoy first—along with continued upgrades across camp (including added bathrooms in the lodge and a new and expanded porch overlooking the waterfront!). And thanks to the generosity of our church family, scholarships and financial support help ensure that cost doesn’t keep a young person from this life-changing experience where many make their choice to enter the waters of baptism and move forward with Jesus.
Our spiritual goal is to help each camper take a meaningful step forward—daily—in healing, belonging, and purpose with Jesus.
AGES
Kids & Teen Camps 7–17
Young Adult Camp 18–30ish
Family Camps
All Ages
OLSBURG, KANSAS (30 minutes from Manhattan / Kansas State University)
Why Camp Matters
At Broken Arrow Ranch, we see it every summer: camp creates the kind of environment where faith becomes personal. Away from the pressures of school and work, the noise of social media, and the pace of everyday life, students begin to breathe again. They laugh. They try new things. They discover they are not alone. Camp is often where belonging is experienced before it can even be explained.
But camp is more than a great week—it’s a place where Jesus meets students in ways that stick. A worship song begins to mean something. A counselor notices a quiet camper and makes room for them. A Bible message lands differently under the stars than it ever did in a classroom. Sometimes, a student realizes that God has been near all along.
One teen came to camp her first year because her parents made her. She didn’t want to be there. She didn’t plan to engage. But she also didn’t want to stand out—so she joined in. What happened next surprised her—and it surprised us too. Here’s what she shared:
“When I first sang Never Walk Alone on the first day of Teen Camp (our theme song), I felt like I was lying and sang quietly. That very day, I was angry at my life and I knew I was drifting away from God. I hoped camp would be a good time to get away from home and distract myself.
I was wrong. On the first day, I realized how much God wanted me to confess how I had replaced my fear with anger. This camp reminded me how much God loves me. Now I sing that song with confidence that God has never left me—even in the valleys. Thank you for the camp, the music, the message, and the love.”
That’s why camp matters—not because every student arrives ready, but because God is faithful to meet them where they are. That same teen returned the next summer not just as a camper, but as a leader, ready to encourage others and point them toward the God who had met her there.
If you know a young person who needs a fresh start, a safe place, or a faith that feels real—send them our way. And if your family has loved Broken Arrow Ranch before, come back and bring someone with you. The simplest invitation can become the turning point in someone’s story.
Nick Snell, youth director/camp director
Broken Arrow Ranch has been an incredible blessing to our conference since its purchase in 1970 through its impact on young people and its year-round ministry of retreats and gatherings. More than a camp, Broken Arrow Ranch has become a sacred space where God consistently meets people in meaningful and life-changing ways.
Summer camp stands at the heart of this legacy. Each year, Broken Arrow
Ranch fills with the energy and hope of young people encountering God away from the distractions of everyday life. For many students, camp at the Ranch marks the first time their faith becomes personal. Decisions to follow Christ, moments of deep worship, healing conversations, and calls into ministry have unfolded in cabins, around campfires, and during powerful services. These experiences continue to shape lives long after summer ends.
ACTIVITIES
2026 CAMP SCHEDULE
Young Adult Camp — June 18–21
Ages 18–30ish
Adventure Camp — June 21–28
Ages 8–10
Family Camp + Parenting Solo + Hispanic Youth Rally* — June 30–July 5
All ages welcome
Junior Camp — July 5–12
Ages 10–12
Earliteen Camp — July 12–19
Ages 12–14
Teen Camp — July 19–26
Ages 14–17
*This year, we’ll celebrate the 4th of July together, creating space for more families to attend with the help of some vacation time. Parenting Solo is designed for single parents and their kids—offering encouragement, support, and community. Hispanic Youth Rally returns with special culturally meaningful programming and opportunities for families to connect.
Beyond summer camp, Broken Arrow Ranch blesses our conference throughout the entire year. Retreats, leadership training, and ministry meetings held on the grounds provide space for renewal, vision, and unity. Pastors, leaders, and volunteers can step away, refocus, and be refreshed spiritually. The peaceful environment fosters prayerful discernment, honest conversation, and strengthened relationships across our conference.
My prayer is simple: that every bed is filled, every camper is known, and everyone who walks onto our campus takes a real next step with Jesus—discovering healing through His grace and a purpose worth living for.
—NICK SNELL
The natural beauty creates an atmosphere that invites reflection and openness to God’s presence. Whether hosting energetic youth events or quieter retreats, Broken Arrow Ranch offers a setting that supports both spiritual growth and genuine community. Its staff and leadership consistently serve with excellence, hospitality, and a heart for ministry, making every gathering feel intentional and well cared for.
BASKETBALL • VOLLEYBALL • SOCCER • DODGEBALL • CAPTURE THE FLAG • GYMNASTICS • CRAFTS • NATURE • MOUNTAIN BIKING • HORSEBACK RIDING • SWIMMING • ARCHERY + ARCHERY TAG • GO-KARTS • WATERFRONT FUN (TUBING, WAKEBOARDING, KNEEBOARDING, WATER SKIING) AND MORE.
We invite every church family to prayerfully consider Broken Arrow Ranch as part of your child’s—and your family’s—spiritual journey. And if you’ve been before, bring someone with you. Camp is the kind of experience that spreads best by word of mouth.
Broken Arrow Ranch has become a place of continuity and faithfulness for our conference, a place we return to again and again because of the fruit it bears. We are deeply grateful for the year-round blessing it has been, shaping young lives, strengthening leaders, and supporting the ongoing work God is doing among us.
Ron Carlson, president, Kansas-Nebraska Conference
For over 60 years, North Star Camp has been welcoming young people to come experience all that North Star has to offer. Young people are given the opportunity to have a memorable summer camp experience and get to know God in a deeper and more meaningful way. With over two miles of scenic waterfront property and 150 acres of forest, north star camp is the perfect place for young people to try new activities and create lasting and meaningful friendships with others.
North Star Camp
Meeting Jesus, empowering the next generation
Last January, during a campus chapel at Union Adventist University, a brief interview became a powerful reminder of what North Star Camp represents. Mallory, a former staff member, reflected on her summer experiences. While she remembered helping organize the Amazing Race during Extreme Camp week, what stayed with her most was walking cabin to cabin each night, praying with counselors and campers before lights out. The most lasting moments were not the public ones, but the spiritual ones.
Annika, once a camper and now a university student alongside former staff, described the continuity she now sees. The same young adults who once mentored her are now peers and classmates. “Working at a summer camp transforms the way you see Jesus,” she said. “It changes how you know God.” Her words capture something we witness consistently: camp shapes both campers and leaders.
At North Star Camp, leadership is entrusted intentionally. Young adults—many serving for the first time—are trained carefully, equipped spiritually, and empowered with real responsibility. After preparation, they are released to lead, supported but given room to grow. They guide small groups, resolve conflict, pray with confidence, and model integrity. Through mentorship and experience, leadership becomes stewardship— rooted in humility and strengthened by service. In that process, we see God shape character, confidence, and calling.
While staff are being formed, campers are discovering something just as significant. Removed from constant digital noise and cultural pressure, young people enter a rhythm shaped by worship, Scripture, outdoor challenge, and authentic community. Questions are asked openly. Faith becomes personal. By the end of the week, decisions are often made with clarity and conviction.
2026 CAMP SCHEDULE
DAY CAMP
June 15 & 16 (Ages: 7-17)
CAMP ABILITIES
June 17–21 (Ages: 18+)
CUB CAMP
June 21–28 (Ages: 7-9)
JUNIOR CAMP
June 28–July 5 (Ages: 10-11)
TWEEN CAMP
July 5–12 (Ages: 12-13)
EXTREME CAMP
July 12–19 (Ages: 13-17)
TEEN CAMP
July 19–26 (Ages: 14-17)
SURVIVAL CAMP
July 26–August 2 (Ages: 13-17 years-old)
FAMILY CAMP
July 26–August 2
We continue to hear the same testimony from former campers and returning staff: camp is where they met Jesus in a real way for the first time. Not simply where they heard about Him—but where belief became personal.
This year is especially meaningful. Across North America, the Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrates 100 years of summer camp ministry. For a century, Adventist camps have helped shape faith, identity, and leadership in young people. North Star Camp rejoices to stand within that legacy, contributing each summer to the spiritual formation of children and the development of Christ-centered leaders in Minnesota.
Established in 1957 along the shores of Rice Lake near the Mississippi River, North Star Camp has become a sacred landmark in Minnesota’s spiritual landscape. During this time, thousands of children, families, and young adults have walked these grounds. Hundreds of retreats, spiritual gatherings, and summer programs have been conducted in service to our constituency in Minnesota and throughout North America. Its forests, waters, and natural beauty provide more than scenery—they create an environment uniquely suited for reflection, growth, and encounter with God.
In Minnesota, this mission aligns clearly with the conference’s guiding vision: Making Disciples. Camp offers an immersive setting for that process. Discipleship happens in mentoring conversations, shared responsibility, worship under open skies, and courageous decisions beside the water.
The 2026 summer program, titled UNSHAKEN, will center on faith under pressure and the stability found in God’s Word. In a generation navigating uncertainty, our goal is to anchor young lives deeply in Scripture. As Psalm 62:6 declares, “He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I shall not be shaken.” Through biblical teaching, team challenges, and intentional spiritual mentorship, campers will be invited to build lives rooted in Christ— steady even when tested.
As we prepare for another summer season, we invite all families and young adults across North America to prayerfully consider camp as part of their spiritual journey.
We extend sincere gratitude to the parents who entrust their children to our care, to the administration of the Minnesota Conference for its clear vision and faithful support, and to the broader community whose partnership sustains this ministry— under the North Star, where faith is strengthened and lives are shaped.
Daniel Borja, youth director/camp director
2026 GLACIER VIEW SCHEDULE
EXPLORE CAMP (8-11)
June 14-19
TWEEN CAMP 1 (11–13)
June 21–26
TWEEN 2/TEEN CAMP 1
June 28–July 3
TEEN CAMP 2 (13–17)
July 5-10
OUTPOST/EXTREME CAMPS (13–17)
July 5–10
GLACIER VIEW RANCH
Adventure meets purpose as campers ages 8–17 unplug from everyday life, build lifelong friendships, and grow in confidence and faith in a safe, caring environment led by an experienced team. With Sunday–Friday sessions, inspiring outdoor activities, and a commitment to keeping camp affordable for families, it’s more than a vacation—it’s a life-shaping experience your child will carry long after summer ends.
FAMILY CAMP (all ages)
July 12–19
ENGAGE CAMP (ages 7–17) July 19–24
Adventist Camps: Essential to Ministry
Camping ministry isn’t just a program of the church—it is holy ground.
Growing up, I never attended summer camp, and I never worked on camp staff. But every year, our family gathered for reunions at Camp Au Sable in Grayling, Michigan. Those weekends left an impact on my heart that cannot be erased.
Even now, I can smell the Fort bunkhouse. I remember the creak of the kitchen door followed by its familiar, slam! I hear Reveille echoing through the morning air as we stumbled out of bed. I remember the horses, the unmistakable scent of the nature center, swinging bridges, walks around the lake, and ping-pong balls bouncing in the cafeteria.
But most of all, I remember meeting Jesus.
Not just once—but many times. In quiet moments. In worship. In laughter with friends. In the stillness of nature. Camp became a place where heaven felt close, where God spoke softly, and where my heart learned to listen. These moments shaped who I am today. They planted in me a love for ministry and a desire to serve—seeds that would one day grow into a calling. Today, I have the privilege of serving as camp ministries director at Glacier View Ranch, a summer camp and conference retreat center in Ward, Colorado. Over the past two years, I have watched God move in powerful
ways through our staff, volunteers, and campers.
Camp is more than a beautiful mountain setting. In a world overwhelmed by chaos, anxiety, social media pressure, and constant noise, camp offers something sacred—quietness, community, and the love of Jesus.
Summer camp also stretches kids to become leaders—teaching responsibility, courage, and faith through challenge and guided choices. Young adults discover space to slow down and hear God’s voice. Like I once did, they begin to understand who God is calling them to be.
When I asked Grace Carlson, one of our staff kids, why camp is special to her, she said, “It brings a lot of peace to people, including me. It brings you closer to Jesus because you know He’s here. Summer camp means making new friends.”
In 2025 alone, we served over 100 groups—55 Adventist groups and 38 non-Adventist nonprofit organizations from our surrounding community, along with countless individuals. Through these ministries, more than 23 baptisms took place at camp, and over 40 people committed their lives to Jesus with plans to be baptized in their home churches.
These are not statistics. These are souls.
As we move into 2026, we recognize just how deeply camp ministry has impacted the Rocky Mountain Conference and beyond. And we are leaning in—not pulling back. Now is the time to invest in the next generation, to help them feel loved and meet Jesus. And that makes camp essential to our ministry.
Jonathan Carlson, camp ministries director
From Resistance to Belonging
A camper’s journey of hope
Mills Spring Ranch in Casper, Wyoming, started a partnership five years ago with an organization called Prison Fellowship.* They minister to the families of incarcerated individuals and will sponsor any child with an incarcerated parent to attend summer camp for free.
Two of the campers attending MSR’s 2025 summer camp program were a 17-year-old boy and his 12-year-old sister, whom I will call “Sam.” The first day, Sam’s camp counselor was told by one of the cabin mates that Sam would smoke a vape occasionally. Her counselor had a conversation with Sam about the alleged vape, which Sam denied, saying the other girls just didn’t like her.
Later that day, several of Sam’s cabin mates told the counselor they had seen her holding the device. The counselor took the camp’s village director with her and had another conversation with Sam. Again, Sam denied it and said she wanted to go home.
After praying about the situation as a leadership team, we felt like it was important for Sam to remain at camp and for our staff to focus on connecting with her and loving her well. During the next conversation, Sam agreed to stay at camp one more day only because her brother was having a great time and she wanted to support him.
As the week progressed Sam started connecting with Hailey,
More Than a Summer Job
Where young church leaders are made
Washing pots and pans probably isn’t anyone’s idea of a terrific summer job, but it was my opportunity to work at camp.
I loved my years as a camper, and this was a chance to relive some of it—only to be involved in the campfire play instead of watching it. I would have taken any job just to be there. What was not evident on my first day was where it would lead.
The next two summers, I was a camp counselor with added responsibilities and more complex leadership situations. My last summer, I was boy’s director and the leadership requirements were kicked up a notch across the board. This was especially true in terms of leading a group of counselors who were at or near my age, and a couple of whom could just as easily have been asked to be director instead of me.
one of our horse barn wrangler staff. Hailey did an amazing job of creating space, and Sam shared about the many challenges she regularly faced with her peers and adult figures in her life.
Through prayer, we decided as a summer camp leadership team that if Sam did in fact have a vape and willingly gave it to a staff member, there would be no consequences. Toward the end of the week, while having a private conversation with Hailey up at the horse corral, Sam removed the vape she had been hiding and gave it to Hailey.
In this vulnerable moment, Sam said that her mom’s boyfriend gave her the vape and encouraged her to use it. Sam also stated that, through the worships shared all week at camp, she had come to realize that the vape no longer fit her identity and she wanted to stay at camp the rest of the week. As a leadership team, we told her how proud we were of her.
From that moment forward, Sam looked as though a weight had lifted off her shoulders. She began to smile, sing, and participate in the song motions during worship. She began having conversations with other campers and staff and was experiencing joy—maybe for the first time in her life.
By the end of the week, Sam said she had chosen to believed there is a God. We hope to see Sam again this summer at camp and I can’t wait to see the Holy Spirit continue transforming the lives of campers and staff.
* Prison Fellowship is not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Brent Learned, youth assistant director/ Mills Spring Ranch manager
Summer camp gave me, by age 21, more opportunity to develop leadership skills than just about anything else I can imagine. In the course of providing an awesome experience—physically and spiritually—for young people that is unmatched anywhere, our youth departments do the vital work of developing the future leaders of our denomination.
And that leadership comes at them fast because, for many, the year after they finish their camp work experience, they are in front of a classroom or standing in a pulpit or auditing the financial records of a church. The ones who developed leadership under the direction of an attentive and caring conference youth director are not as deep a shade of green when they take that first job out of college.
Camp isn’t just the best summer a kid can have; it’s the best development a young adult could hope for.
Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
LuAnn Davis Announces Retirement
A grateful university bids farewell to a leader who dedicated her career to advancing Union.
For 34 years, LuAnn (Wolfe) Davis has served as Union’s vice president for Advancement, and this summer, she will take a well earned retirement, joining her husband, Lynn, who retired in 2024. Jennifer (Rieke) Schall, a 2005 graduate, will be the next VP. Davis has mentored her as a possible successor since Schall returned to Union as director of major gifts in 2017.
Under Davis’ leadership, Union experienced extraordinary growth made possible by the partnership of committed trustees, generous donors and a deeply dedicated Advancement team. Together, these efforts resulted in philanthropic support totaling nearly $118 million, strengthening the university’s mission and positioning Union for the future.
One of the most significant developments during this time was the intentional
integration of planned giving into the work of the Advancement Office.
Philanthropy became a truly comprehensive program — embracing current, deferred and planned gifts. Through matured trusts and charitable gift annuities, Union received $3.1 million, with the market value of current gift annuities
now totaling $1.2 million. In addition, $12.56 million was realized through wills and trusts — gifts that reflect deep confidence in Union’s mission and long-term impact.
The university’s endowment also saw remarkable growth, increasing from $1.7 million to $33.5 million today. This progress was driven by a
strategic shift to broaden the purpose of the endowment beyond scholarships alone, establishing funds to support academic programs and essential operations alongside student support.
During this period, an active Alumni Association Board was re-established, providing meaningful leadership and partnership for the alumni office. For more than 30 years, this volunteer-driven group has played a vital role in fostering connection, pride and lifelong engagement among Union’s alumni.
Davis’ leadership also guided the successful completion of three major capital campaigns, resulting in the construction of the Ortner Center, the Krueger Center for Science and Mathematics, and the AdventHealth Complex — projects that continue to shape the daily experience of our students and campus community.
My memories of LuAnn keep surfacing as I reflect on the many years we worked together. It has been quite a journey. I can hardly imagine Union without LuAnn’s leadership, yet I know fundraising and friend-raising will continue through the legacy she leaves behind.
— Linda Skinner, a 34-year veteran of the Advancement Office who retired in 2018
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
LuAnn, thank you. Thank you for your grace, for your professionalism, for the heartfelt commitment you’ve brought to Union. Your impact in our community has left a legacy of service and will be felt for generations to come.
—
Yami Bazan, current Union Adventist University president
Between these campaigns, countless other projects strengthened Union in tangible ways. Campus renovations improved spaces such as Woods Auditorium, the Student Center, residence halls, classrooms, and 49ers Field. Investments were made in technology, debt was eliminated in the late-1990s, and student experiences were enhanced through the disaster response team, mission trips, athletics and a wide range of student programs. Together, these efforts reflect a legacy of stewardship, vision, and deep care for students — past, present and future.
“Every success in my career has been because of amazing people who love Union,” said Davis. “Our university has been blessed with the best
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alumni, parents, constituents and trustees who have made our mission their own, and I can not imaging my career without the amazing colleagues and friends who have worked beside me. I am continually blessed by the Union Spirit everywhere I find it.”
The Advancement Office has established The Davis Tribute Fund for Student Scholarships, which will continue to help students as she has for 34 years as vice president. If you would like to contribute to it in honor of Davis, please visit https:// uau.edu/davis-tribute where you will find a giving form as well as a form to share your stories about Davis’ years of dedicated service.
Union Adventist University
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Finding purpose. Unlocking potential.
How Your Gut May Change the Way You Absorb Calories
Calories aren’t as straightforward as food labels suggest, according to research from the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute. Karen Corbin, Ph.D., recently shared on “The Proof with Simon Hill” podcast how the gut microbiome plays a meaningful role in how much energy your body actually absorbs from food.
Understanding the gut helps shift the focus from counting calories to caring for the whole person. The research uncovered a few key highlights:
1. Whole food diets can reduce calorie absorption from foods.
In a trial conducted at AdventHealth, people following a fiber-rich, whole foods diet absorbed an average of 116 fewer calories each day as compared to a diet that was low in fiber —even though they consumed the same amount of calories on both diets. That’s because some of the energy fed their gut microbes and was excreted rather than stored.
2. Fiber helps your body work smarter, not harder. High fiber, whole food diets don’t just support
Karen Corbin, Ph.D., is a nationally recognized nutrition scientist, published author and Associate Investigator at the AdventHealth Translational Research Institute.
digestion. They can also influence fullness cues, blood sugar regulation, body weight, liver and overall metabolic health, often within weeks. While fiber is an essential nutrient in our daily diet, how much you need to eat depends on several factors, including age and sex. On average, the recommended daily fiber intake is 22 to 28 grams for women and 25 to 38 grams for men.
3. “Feed your gut” is a simple daily health check. Corbin encourages asking this question each day: Have I fed my gut microbiome? Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and beans help nourish the microbes that support whole-person health.
4. Your gut is part of your whole-person health. The gut microbiome doesn’t work in isolation. It interacts with metabolism, hormones and organs throughout the body, helping connect digestion, energy balance and long term health —all of which support whole-person well being across body, mind and spirit.
5. Gut health helps explain why nutrition is personal. Two people can eat the same foods and have very different responses. Differences in the gut microbiome help explain why nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all — and why personalized, whole-person care that considers the body as a system matters.
Hear more from Corbin in her conversation on “The Proof with Simon Hill” (available on Apple Podcasts, YouTube and Spotify) during which she explores what research reveals about the interconnection between the microbiome, energy balance and whole-person health.
Source:
Corbin, K.D., Carnero, E.A., Dirks, B. et al. Host-diet-gut microbiome interactions influence human energy balance: a randomized clinical trial. Nat Commun 14, 3161 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38778-x
“The Proof with Simon Hill: Can Your GUT Cause Weight Gain?” YouTube link
Virtual Admit Nursing Goes Live at AdventHealth Castle Rock
AdventHealth Castle Rock has launched Virtual Admit Nursing, a nursing-led care model in which trained virtual nurses complete or assist with inpatient admissions, allowing bedside nurses to focus on hands-on patient care.
The hospital is serving as the pilot site for both AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region and the system as a whole, made possible by the rollout of “hellocare” smart room technology in September 2025, to streamline admissions while enhancing the patient experience and supporting nursing practice.
According to Ellery Reed, DNP, RN, chief nursing officer at AdventHealth Castle Rock, the launch aligns with broader advancements in care delivery.
“Virtual Admit Nursing allows bedside nurses to spend more time connecting with patients and providing hands-on care, while also creating more efficient workflows that help the care team meet patient needs more quickly and effectively,” Reed said.
Two of AdventHealth Castle Rock’s units were selected as the first inpatient units in AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region to implement the program, after volunteering to serve as pilot units.
Sarah Zadigan, MSN, RN, director of nursing services and excellence at AdventHealth Castle Rock, emphasized the need to rethink the traditional
admission process.
“Historically, bedside nurses completed the full admission process, which is time-intensive and can compete with direct patient care needs,” Zadigan said.
“Virtual Admit Nursing enhances efficiency, supports nursing practice at the bedside and improves the patient admission experience without losing the human connection that defines nursing care.”
With the program now live, a trained virtual nurse completes or assists with most admissions between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., allowing bedside nurses to immediately focus on patient care.
“Instead of remaining at a computer, bedside nurses can begin implementing the treatment plan, preparing medications, addressing pain and attending to other critical needs,” Reed noted.
“This leads to more timely interventions and a smoother, more patient-centered admission experience.”
From the bedside perspective, the impact is meaningful.
“Getting an admit as a bedside nurse is more often than not a stressful part of our workflow,” said Samantha Strate, RN. “Having an admission nurse eases that stress and gives you time back to focus on your patients or regroup so you can provide safe, high-quality care.”
Strate added that additional time improves patient connection. “Even when we try to hide it, patients can feel when we’re rushed. More time allows us to slow down and focus on our mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, where human
connection is vital.”
Virtual Admit Nursing aligns strongly with AdventHealth Castle Rock’s Magnet journey, supporting innovative nursing practice, shared decision-making and workflows that allow nurses to work at the top of their license.
Looking ahead, the Virtual Admit Nursing program will be rolled out across AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region once processes are refined, with plans to expand the scope of virtual nursing services as the model scales.
Future-state development is ongoing, with a continued focus on leveraging the platform to enhance patient care and strengthen clinical support. Through this pilot, AdventHealth Castle Rock is helping shape the future of virtual nursing across the region and the system. The AdventHealth Castle Rock team has successfully launched Virtual Admit Nursing as part of a pilot program.
FAREWELL
Conway, John F., b. Nov. 18, 1938 in Baltimore, MD. d. Jan. 12, 2026 in Rolla, MO. Member of Salem (MO) Church. Survivors include wife Joan; children Beryl, April, Tracy, Jennifer, John A., Michael, and foster sister Angela; 1 sister; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Served in the US Air Force and Marines.
Current, Wanda Jeanne (Picket), b. Mar. 21, 1932 in Gosper County, NE. d. July 29, 2025 in Casper, WY. Preceded in death by 2 sisters; 1 grandson. Survivors include husband Neilan; daughter Carolyn Delinger; son Richard; 7 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
Detlor, Glenn, b. Oct. 21, 1950 in Bakersfield, CA. d. Feb. 15, 2026 in CO. Member of Colorado Springs Central Church. Survivors include wife Barbara; daughter Stephanie Gottfried; sons Brian and Kevin; 1 sister; 1 brother; 3 grandchildren.
Fandrich, James D., b. Oct. 8, 1938 near Goodrich, ND. d. Jan. 31, 2026 in Harvey ND. Member of Dakota Conference Church. Preceded in death by wife LaVonne “Bonnie”; 1 sister. Survivors include daughters Kathleen Brown and Kristi Griffith; son Larry; 1 sister; 2 brothers; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren.
Foreman, Laurie Jane, b. Sept. 19, 1954 in Watford City, ND. d. Oct. 10, 2025 in Davenport, ND. Member of Fargo (ND) Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister; 1 brother. Survivors include daughters Jennifer Rudnick, Armanda Brandt, and Olivia Campbell; son Brandon Dahl; 1 sister; 2 brothers; 5 grandchildren.
Klein, Daniel Allen, b. Apr. 13, 1943 in Grand Rapids, MI. d. Nov. 25, 2025 in Lincoln, NE. Member of Lincoln College View Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother. Survivors include wife Sharon; children Dan, Jr., Michelle Fortney, and Dave; 1 sister; 1 brother (deceased on Dec. 9, 2025); 12 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Mills, Dr. Aleene (Schaeffer), b. July 20, 1936 in Nora, NE. d. Dec. 2, 2025 in Parker, CO. Member of the Colorado Springs Central Church. Preceded in death by first husband Gene Schaeffer; second husband Dusty Mills; 3 siblings; 1 grandson. Survivors include daughters Barbara Helm, Linda Warren, Sandra O’Connor, and stepdaughter Revee Bailey; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild.
Ortner, Angie, b. Aug. 13, 1944 in Rosebud, TX. d. Feb. 5, 2026 in Grand Junction, CO. Member of Grand Junction Church. Preceded in death by husband Ron Ortner; 1 brother. Survivors include daughter Lisa; son Derek; 1 sister; 2 grandchildren.
Reed, Genola Karen, b. Sept. 28, 1937 in Gallatin, MO. d. Jan. 21, 2026 in Fort Collins, CO. Member of Gallatin Church. Preceded in death by husband Bill; 2 sisters; 1 half-sister. Survivors include daughters Kathy Lynn Pedroza and Patricia Carol Thompson; sons Dennis Michael and Robert Quentin; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Schild, John, b. Apr. 9, 1927 in Harvey, ND. d. Feb. 1, 2026 in Harvey, ND. Member of Harvey Church. Preceded in death by 4 sisters; 1 brother. Survivors include wife Grace;
sons Kenneth, Glenn, and Jeffrey; 2 sisters; 8 grandchildren; 7 great-grandchildren.
Thompson, Carlyle (Carly) Aron., b. June 26, 1936 in Kansas City, KS. d. Sept. 15, 2024, in Manhattan, KS. Member of Manhattan Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother. Survivors include wife Sandra; children Curt, Lee Anne, Chris, Kent, and Rebeca; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
Yancey, Vernice, b. Aug. 26, 1931 in Forty Four, AR. d. Nov. 14, 2025 in West Plains, MO. Member of Next Step (MO) Church. Preceded in death by husband Robert; 1 sister; 1 brother. Survivors include children Donald, Donna Bridges, and Jo Verhelle; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; 4 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
April 2026
SERVICES
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Summit Ridge Retirement Village: An Adventist community in a rural setting that offers affordable homes or apartments and caring neighbors with a fellowship you’ll enjoy. On-site church-planned activities and transportation as needed. Also, Wolfe Living Center offering independent living and nursing home. Website: www.summitridgevillage. org or call Bill Norman at 405.208.1289.
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EMPLOYMENT
Southern Adventist University continuously seeks qualified candidates to fill positions around campus, including faculty, salaried staff, and hourly staff positions. We encourage you to view the positions that are currently open at sau.catsone. com/careers and apply as God leads. To view current open educational positions Pre-K through college, please visit jobs.adventisteducation.org
Union Adventist University seeks candidates for a Nursing Faculty position. This is a full-time exempt position responsible for preparing undergraduate students to successfully complete the Union BSN curriculum and pass the National Council State Boards of Nursing Exam. Excellent benefits package that includes tuition assistance for dependents. Apply at uau. edu/employment
Union Adventist University is searching for a Director of Human Resources. This is a full-time, exempt position with excellent benefits. This position plans, leads, develops, coordinates, and implements policies, processes, and initiatives to support the organization’s human
INFOMARKET
resource compliance and strategy needs. Please view the full description and apply at uau.edu/employment
Union Adventist University is seeking applicants for two positions in the Student Success Department: Student Success Career Development Program Manager to oversee career development services including coaching and advising students in calling/ vocational exploration and other related duties; Life Coach to implement strategic indicatives related to student retention, engagement, and graduation. Both are full-time positions with full benefits package including tuition assistance to dependents. See job descriptions and apply at uau.edu/employment
Union Adventist University seeks applicants for Religion Program Director and Professor to begin teaching fall 2026. Candidate must be ordained or commissioned to the ministry in the Seventh-day Adventist Church or on a track. Responsibilities include serving as program director for the Religion program, oversight of the SALT program, and teaching classes. Please see the job description and apply at uau. edu/employment.
Streams of Light International, need a vocation? Gain a valuable trade in HVAC, welding, or other fields—and be equipped to share the Three Angels’ Messages. Streams of Light Training Institute is where trades
meet mission. Learn more at StreamsOfLightInstitute.net or call 888.765.7654.
EVENTS:
Memphis Adventist Academy, if you attended or graduated from Memphis Adventist Academy or Memphis Junior Academy in Memphis, TN, we would like to get in touch with you in order to develop an alumni organization. Please contact us at Julie.Smith@memphisjunioracademy.com
New Date: Sandia View Academy Alumni Weekend, September 18-19, 2026 in Corrales, New Mexico. For details: 505.898.0717; Email: SVAALUMNI.com
Wings of Life – Follow the journey of frontline missions in Central America as we plant churches, conduct health outreaches and more. Read exciting stories, pray for the work, and consider volunteering on a short-term trip. Follow, Engage and Partner with us in our mission of saving lives. Visit www. wingsoflife.net
Please email information to Barb Engquist: Barb. Engquist@maucsda.org or mail letter to: OUTLOOK magazine PO Box 6128 Lincoln, NE 68506 HOW TO SUBMIT A
Seeing Differently, Called Fully
It was an ordinary evening at our house—the kind that doesn’t feel “important” until later, when you realize God was quietly teaching you something.
We were playing Monopoly Jr. with our kids. If you’ve ever played it, you know properties are grouped by bright colors, and the money and cards are easy for little hands to manage.
That night, my 9-yearold daughter kept placing her cards on the wrong color spaces. Not once or twice—consistently. At first, we thought she was rushing. Then we assumed she wasn’t paying attention. Finally, my husband and I looked at each other: Something’s off.
We started asking questions.
“Which one is the purple?”
“Show me the green.” Her answers didn’t match what was right in front of her. The room got quiet. And there it was—our realization forming in real time: our daughter might be color blind.
I’ll be honest: our first reaction was sadness.
Not because she was “less than,” but because it hit us hard to think she had been living her whole life seeing the world differently than we do—and not even knowing it. And then the second wave came for an even more specific reason: she loves art.
She wants to be an artist when she grows up. She draws constantly. She notices details the rest of us miss. Her favorite thing to paint is a rainbow—on paper, on crafts, everywhere. In our minds,
color blindness felt like a door closing on a dream she already cherished.
But the Lord has a gentle way of challenging what we assume is “loss.”
After the initial emotions settled, we started listening more carefully to how she described what she sees. We watched how she chose colors, how she arranged them, how confident she still was in what she created. And slowly, a new truth began to grow: her world isn’t empty of beauty—it’s simply different. Different does not mean broken.
Different does not mean without purpose. Different does not cancel calling.
That lesson has stayed with me, not just as a mom, but as an educator and superintendent in the Iowa–Missouri Conference. Because in our schools, we see this truth every day: children learn differently. They come from different backgrounds, carry different strengths, challenges, histories, needs, and hopes. Some are confident and outspoken. Some are quiet observers. Some are quick with words but struggle with reading. Others can build, fix, draw, sing, or lead in ways that don’t show up on a worksheet.
And our teachers—our incredible Iowa–Missouri teachers—are doing holy work when they refuse to treat “different” like a deficit.
In Adventist education, we believe students are created with intention. God places
gifts inside children long before the world has language to name them. Education, at its best, isn’t only about information—it’s also about formation. It’s helping students discover who they are, how they learn, and what God might be calling them to do.
One verse that has been coming back to me is 1 Samuel 16:7:
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
As humans, we’re quick to judge by what we can easily see—performance, behavior, labels, or differences. But God looks deeper. God sees the heart. God sees the whole child. God sees a future that might not match our expectations, but still holds purpose and promise.
That is what our teachers are trying to protect and nurture, even on the hard days.
They meet students where they are and help them take the next step. They adjust, reteach, encourage, and try
again. They create classrooms where a child doesn’t have to fit a mold to belong. They help students recognize their worth—not because they match someone else’s strengths, but because they are God’s workmanship, created on purpose.
I think about my daughter now when I walk through our schools. I think about how quickly I assumed her difference might limit her future. And then I think about how God is teaching me to see what He sees: possibility, calling, beauty, and growth.
Maybe that’s part of the real mission of education—helping children see themselves clearly through a biblical lens. Not as “less than.” Not as “behind.” Not as “too different.” But as fully known, fully loved, and still called.
And for that, I’m grateful— for the lesson at our kitchen table, and for the teachers across Iowa–Missouri who live it out every day.
Jovannah Poor-Bear Adams is education superintendent for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
Courtesy Iowa-Missouri Conference
You’re only as old as you feel. And Barbara? She feels like she could go for another game of catch in the backyard. Playing with her great-grandkids is precious and invigorating. It’s a reminder that we get to decide how much life is in our years. Each new day is a gift — another chance to live fully and feel whole.
