faith than in that moment. It was a life-changing experience,
and
I yearn for everyone to encounter something similar.”
—p.
12
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“I love mankind..It’s people I can’t stand.” These now famous words from the Peanuts comic strip by Charles Schulz written in 1959 describe how too many Christians today feel about the humanity that surrounds us. There are countless people we encounter with whom we may not see eye to eye on any number of current issues.
Yet Jesus, our perfect example, consistently reached out in kindness to those around Him, and from a heart overflowing with love He helped those in crisis, as well those with every-day needs. From our study and reflection on Jesus’ life, we also can increase in love for humanity as the Holy Spirit indwells us and prompts us to want to serve others.
We may not be healing people in dramatic ways as Jesus did while He was on earth, but we can all offer a drink of water, a comforting word, or a warm smile. May you be blessed and inspired as you read the stories in this issue of people reaching out in love to help those around them in various ways.
ON THE COVER READ OUTLOOK MAGAZINE ONLINE
Union Adventist University students prepare to assemble kits for sharing with unhoused individuals in their community.
More on p. 6
Photo by Steve Nazario/ Union Adventist University
The words interrupted my supper in the college cafeteria. I looked at my two roommates, who were sitting across from me. Their wide eyes reflected my confusion and a hint of fear. We were freshmen and didn’t know what to expect.
Deep-voiced chants spread through the room. “Food fight! Food fight! Food fight!” Fists and crockery banged on tables as the war cry reached a crescendo.
Then the battle began. Guys at one table hurled food from their plates at another table of guys. The occupants of that table chucked food back.
Students at numerous locations stood up and launched handfuls of mashed potatoes, peas, and vegetarian chicken at one another. I ducked as debris flew over my head.
Our table was not the target of the assault, but we were in the line of fire. Suddenly a ball of mashed potatoes shot by my ear and exploded on the collar of my blazer. The new wool blazer I’d bought especially for starting college.
Scowling, I tried to fling the mess off my clothes and hair.
I turned as a voice behind me said, “I’m so sorry!” A guy approached with a peace offering of napkins. “I, uh, guess I have bad aim.”
Looking at his friendly grin and apologetic posture, I softened. “That’s okay.”
“If you’ll give me your blazer, I’ll have it dry-cleaned,” he said.
Blinking, I looked at him in shock.
“You might not want to trust me with it.” He laughed. “But I promise to bring it back clean.” He introduced himself and held out his hand.
I stopped picking potato out of my hair and gave him the wet, stained garment. He took down my name and dorm and disappeared.
A few days later my blazer appeared at the dorm desk. It hung in a dry-cleaning bag and looked as good as new.
No, I didn’t marry that guy or even go on a date with him. But I would have had he asked.
I was impressed by how he took responsibility, how he not only apologized but also found a
way to repair the damage. He sought the person he had affected—a shy, unknown freshman—and let me know that my blazer (and yes, I) was important enough to notice.
Sometimes life seems like one big food fight. We find ourselves in the middle of controversies and struggles, junk pelted at us. We might even wound someone else in our daily battle.
Do we clean up after ourselves? The best witness we can give for the love of God might just be the way we say “I’m sorry.”
Lori Peckham is communication program director and an associate professor of communication and English at Union Adventist University. She has been happily married for 37 years to Kim Peckham, who has never thrown food at her.
Students in Union Adventist University’s Magazine Writing class contributed articles to this issue of OUTLOOK. back (l-r) Kaitlyn Porter, Reef Peckham front (l-r) Ashira Campbell, Professor Lori Peckham, Sami Hoffer
Photos: Steve Nazario, IMC
Volunteering on Sabbath With Purpose REACH AND REST
As I finished vacuuming my Honda at the car wash, the sun had just begun to set on a Friday evening and the sky filled with beautiful colors.The sky was painted in warm shades of yellow, orange and pink signaling the arrival of the Sabbath. Just then an unhoused man caught my attention, hunched over rummaging through a nearby trashcan and sipping water from a used water bottle. I could not help but think that he was someone’s child, father, brother — an individual who is loved. As I observed him I reflected and became self aware of how easy it is to neglect and ignore our
community members who are suffering around us even on the Sabbath. I considered and questioned the situation. What if the Sabbath is more than simply a day of rest? What if it is also a time to reach out to those in need?
I felt that I needed to take immediate action and not just watch this happen. I called my mother telling her about what I had seen. We went to a nearby gas station and picked up some water and non-perishable foods and a comforting meal. We quickly returned to the car wash but, unfortunately, did not see him there. I felt down and in doubt. I wondered, What if I had missed the opportunity to help him? What if I waited too long?
We prayed asking God to guide us to him if I was meant to help and that he would be safe. As we drove down the road and passed through the traffic light, there he was walking down the sidewalk with all his belongings. It was meant to be, and I praised God that He led us right to his location. We pulled over and asked him if he was interested in the water and meal we had bought for him. We chatted for a bit and I asked for his name. Even though the little things I got for him would not fix his current situation I saw the gratitude in his eyes to be a seen individual and not invisible.
Sabbath: A Time for Rest, Reflection and Renewal
As Seventh-day Adventist we value and understand the importance of Sabbath as a day for rest, reset and reflection. We take this time to pause from our responsibilities and the tasks of our everyday lives to focus on our relationship with God. But as I was thinking about it I started to wonder: Can the Sabbath also be a day for service?
Jesus showed us through His ministry that He challenged the traditional views of the Sabbath. Jesus is the original activist! He healed on the Sabbath, teaching His disciples that taking action and doing right was always right. Jesus
reminded us that the Sabbath was made for us to benefit from and not be a burden (Mark 2:27). Not only did Jesus rest but He also reached out to the community, showing that true rest is not only about taking a break but also being aware of our loved ones and community and responding to their needs.
Being able to help the unhoused man was the reminder that I needed to remember that the suffering of others does not stop or pause just because we have entered a sacred day, the Sabbath. True peace isn’t found by avoiding the struggles of the world but by stepping into them, shining God’s light in the darkest places.
Call to Action
That Friday evening, as I watched the man in need, I found myself asking how I could take action. As followers of Christ, Seventh-day Adventists are encouraged to live out our faith through acts of kindness and service, especially on the Sabbath. One meaningful way to do this is by assembling and distributing survival kits to those in need, offering practical help and a reminder of God’s love.
Essentials for Survival Kits
1) Basic Necessities
• Water Bottles – Hydration is essential for health
• Backpack or Reusable Bags – Durable and easy to carry
2) Hygiene & Health
• First Aid Kit – Bandages
• Toothbrush & Toothpaste – Necessary for oral hygiene
• Soap & Wet wipes – Helps maintain cleanliness
3) Clothing & Warmth
• Hat & Gloves – Essential for colder weather
• Socks – To keep feet clean and warm
• Blanket & Sleeping Bag – Comfort and warmth
4) Faith & Encouragement
• Pocket Bible or Devotional – Sharing God’s Word can uplift others
• Church Resources – Sabbath service times, community meals, potlucks
• Prayer Card or Handwritten Note –Personal note of encouragement
Jesus calls us to serve “the least of these” (Matt. 25:40). By coming together to assemble and distribute these kits as an outreach, you have the opportunity to reflect Christ’s love and compassion. Consider teaming up with your church, youth group or family to prepare the kits and pray over them before sharing them with others.
The next time you’re looking forward to the Sabbath, ask yourself : How can I use this sacred time to serve others? Through simple acts of kindness or larger community projects, the Sabbath offers us
the chance to reflect God’s love in action.
Ashira Campbell is a passionate advocate for social justice and community engagement, with experience in organizing marches, protests and supporting those in need. Pursuing a degree in Communication and a minor in Social Work, she aims to become a licensed clinical social worker and Civil Rights attorney, using her platform to promote wellness, empowerment, advocacy and create meaningful change.
Photos: Steve Nazario, UAU
A Tapestry of Memories
“Hey, Kaitlyn, are you interested in leading song service this Saturday?”
It seemed like a medley of voices. I noticed one similar thread interweaved throughout their inquiries —service. Growing up, I witnessed my parents helping out in church; my dad was an elder and my mom led the different Sabbath school classes. Eventually, I was asked to step into various roles of leadership. My answer was always the same—a resounding “Yes.” I found myself becoming an active member and experiencing the same indescribable joy of ministering that my parents had.
Getting involved in my church was a wonderful way for me as a homeschooler to connect with others and discover my innate purpose in spreading the gospel message. It didn’t need to be for show. It was about doing the small
“We’re putting together an orchestra to play for the holiday concert. Would you like participate?”to
“Do you want to read Scripture for church tomorrow?”
jobs that helped my church spiritually grow. Handing out bulletins, greeting the people with warm, cheerful smiles, and singing with a song team allowed me to foster valuable relationships, whether with young or old. Furthermore, they were creative outlets to strengthen my faith.
A particular activity that really encapsulated both my church involvement and my homeschool experience was when my church hosted a drive-through VBS during the peak of Covid. It was exhilarating. It was memorable. People enjoyed attending.
My peers said that the event impacted the community
positively because it provided an opportunity for children and their parents to strengthen their personal relationships with Jesus. Pastor Johnson said more cars arrived each day, and several families told him this program had been a blessing to them. Although the sun beat down on us—being the middle of summer with temperatures up to 115°—it was a worthwhile experience. Nothing like it had ever been done before. It was a way for children to still have their VBS and for parents to keep their kids happy and entertained. What better way to do this than build a miniature replica of the Sanctuary
and have the youth talk about the different pieces of furniture inside it? Although it wasn’t a Western theme, there was even a cattle roundup— one of the sheep got loose and we had to chase it all over the parking lot! It was electrifying giving a simple 5-10 minute talk on the brazen laver and the seven-branched candlestick. I also received a massive blessing from seeing others’ rapt attention on ingesting new information. Tommy, a friend who also helped out, said that this VBS experience was very humbling because he was able to witness firsthand what it must have been like to be in the continual presence of God in the wilderness. Another friend, Missy, said that this event really impacted her in a positive way because it helped her learn how to be an
Photos Courtesy Kaitlyn Porter
effective, responsible leader. It also enabled her to grow closer to her peers as they all had to work as a team to make the VBS run smoothly. I was able to make the sermonette more impactful and visually appealing by dressing in biblical costuming. I was thankful for these happy moments, and even though it was a time of uncertainty, something beautiful came out of it.
Participating in my church made me a healthier individual. It taught me the values of being needed, helpful and respected. From volunteering in various areas to having a drive-through VBS, I wouldn’t want to exchange my beautiful tapestry of memories for someone else’s treasured recollections.
Kaitlyn Porter is a junior at Union Adventist University who enjoys writing short stories and playing cello in several different orchestras. While in high school, she was blessed in being able to publish a book called Charting the Seas of Your Teen Years. By writing about her experience, she hopes to inspire others to also find a pivotal purpose within their church, whether it be serving up front or behind closed doors.
Getting Involved in Your Church
Are you homeschooled, in public school, or in a small church? Perhaps you’re searching for ways to spread God’s love. In the parable of the three servants, two used their talents for good instead of letting them be squandered. Discovering your strong suits and how they can further the gospel message is important. However, you may ask yourself, “What jobs can I do?” Here are some questions to guide you in the right direction.
Are you interested in becoming a leader and feel comfortable speaking in public?
Lead a song team
Play an instrument for special music
Greet people at the door
Become a deacon/deaconess
Present a sermon
Give a children’s story
Deliver a health talk
Read a Scripture
Help with Communion
Are you a source of empathy in wanting to connect with others?
Pray with people
Visit the elderly or the sick
Start a small group Bible study
Would you rather work with technology?
Help with audio-visual
Construct the church website or directory
Run social media platforms
Do you have a bubbling passion for working with kids?
Volunteer with VBS
Deliver a nature story or present the lesson for Sabbath school
Help with Adventurers
Play the piano in a children’s division
Do you love planning events?
Prepare outreach activities
Arrange progressive parties
Organize church vespers
Do you take pleasure in ministering to others through food?
Assist with potlucks
Help with soup suppers
Serve refreshments for evangelistic series
Are you someone who enjoys being creative with their hands?
Maintain the church grounds
Make and wrap gifts for shut-ins
Design event logos
Create slideshows
Dabble in photography for church programs
Attending church is more than just coming and going, leaving us with no tangible roots. It’s about the fruits of growing, thriving and cultivating habits of success and service. This world is not our home, but we can make it a place to help others learn more about Christ.
Need
Lifeguards Even Saving
The Impact of Adventist Summer Camp
You would assume that a native Minnesotan would know how to navigate a canoe on a lagoon. Of course, any Midwestern lifeguard should have the ability to cross a choppy lake. For me, this was not the case. There I was—a girl born and raised in a state with more than 10,000 lakes— paddling with all my might only to spin in circles with no hope of reaching the shoreline.
What’s worse, I was the guard on duty. It was my job to watch the campers as they skimmed along on paddleboards. What is a lifeguard to do if she isn’t able to keep her own canoe heading in the correct direction?
I never wanted to be a lifeguard. I dug my heels in the dirt when my mom signed me up for the training. Nevertheless, by the summer of 2024, I was about to start my third job as a lifeguard. I’d worked one summer at Camp Wakonda in Wisconsin and the next at a pool near my house. Now I was working at a place I’d never been to before: Camp MiVoden in Idaho. Adventist summer camps have always been special to me, so why not work at one I’d only heard about from friends? It couldn’t be that difficult being a counselor and working at the waterfront, right?
I was prepared for the campers who jumped into the deep end of the lake without knowing how to swim, but I was not prepared for the day when the girls in my cabin declared war on each other. I knew what to do for bloody noses and skinned knees, but I wasn’t sure how to react to tears of homesickness or pretend sprained ankles. As I quickly found out, this job was in no way easy. The early mornings
and interrupted sleep at night, the runaway campers and the campers who refused to listen, were all exhausting. Despite these things, camp is a place like no other. Any Adventist camp is a special piece of land set aside for the Lord, a space for the love of Jesus to work miracles.
The influence of camp
I grew up going to North Star Camp in Minnesota. As a kid, I never understood the effort, preparation and time that go into making a summer camp successful. God chose a man named Harris Jones to help bring North Star Camp to life. Jones encountered seemingly impossible roadblocks: unbelieving people, the hardened hearts of landowners, the regulations of the state. The enemy threw all these things into the path because he knows what happens at camp—the miracles and opened hearts. But our God is great; nothing can derail a plan that He has set in motion. Each Adventist camp –not just NSC—was plotted out by God before anyone ever came up with the idea of summer camp. And that’s why Adventist camps are like no other place.
By the end of my summer at MiVoden, I could look back and see that the hand of God had been working in the lives of the campers. The tears and angry words in my cabin turned to laughter and songs as each day passed. For most of these kids, it was their first week away from home. Many of them had been sent by grandparents and church members who insisted to parents that camp would be a wonderful experience. And they were right.
My campers, as difficult as some of them were, asked deep
spiritual questions. Some of them thought about Jesus for the first time. Those who had only heard mention of God opened Bibles and sang worship songs. Some had never heard the stories of Paul, David, and Ruth and soaked up each story with an intensity only 10-year-olds can have. This brought the questions: Why did Jesus have to die? How did God shut the lions’ mouths? Do you think my cat will be in heaven? They asked about baptism, wondering why we gathered at the waterfront each Sabbath afternoon to watch someone get dunked in the lake. They questioned the need to forgive their friends. I answered these the best I could, but I’m still growing in my relationship with God too. The seeds were being planted, and they were starting to bud.
The transformations that happened at camp would not have occurred anywhere else. Spending a week away from the problems of home in the middle of mountains, hills, or plains makes the beauty of our Savior a little bit clearer. For these kids, it may be the only time they will experience being where the people around them are fully dedicated to loving them no matter what, the only time they ever hear about Jesus. They are God’s children, the future leaders, workers, and caretakers of our world. The enemy is doing everything possible to keep them from hearing the Good News. We can’t let that happen. Camp offers a space to lay down the load of life for a week and experience God in a new way. Who knows, it might even change their lives.
If you want to spend a whole week out on the lake, Wakeboard Camp is a great place to be.
If you strap on a pair of skis, you can walk on water like Jesus did!
Our rescue
And what about the lifeguard serpentining in the middle of the lake? I’d made no progress toward shore, and it was almost lunchtime. I thought I was going to have to jump in and swim for it. At just the right time, a couple of family campers recognized my plight and swooped in to save me. It was only later that I realized God was teaching me a lesson. I was the lifeguard. I was in charge of keeping those around me safe. But in that moment, I was helpless. The waves tossed me in directions I didn’t want to go. Fortunately, deliverance came at the right moment. I was brought to shore and patiently shown how to handle the vessel should that ever happen again.
One of my favorite promises is found in Isaiah 43. In the second verse, it says, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you” (NIV). Camp is a place where God works miracles, offering campers and families protection from the winds of life and giving hope to those who are facing the waves. God does this for everyone at camp, not just the campers. Because, believe it or not, even the lifeguard needs to be saved.
Sami Hoffer is a sophomore Biomedical Science and Writing Studies major from Minnesota. Along with being a student athlete and Minnesota Vikings fan, she hopes to become a Physician’s Assistant and publish her own books.
Photos: Sami Hoffer
ON Heavens Earth
There is power in a place. The cemetery where your grandmother is buried feels existentially different from your local Whole Foods.
Being somewhere meaningful often provokes a deeply emotional response in me. I have experienced this while doing things like walking through the woods behind my childhood home or visiting the demolished remains of the publishing house my parents once worked at. This sense of a space enveloped by spirituality does not just come from a feeling of nostalgia, however, as I’ve encountered it abroad even more than at home.
One of the first instances of this occurred at a church in Nazareth while I was traveling with Tabgha Tours in the summer of 2017. A tangible chill danced up my spine the moment I stepped through its threshold. The atmosphere surrounding me flipped like a light switch, and it was as if a type of spiritual interference began to fade away. Visiting the church felt like bathing in an oasis of tranquility, a truly dramatic experience I still remember vividly to this day.
In no way am I trying to argue that God was objectively more present or spiritually attentive within the walls of that building. It was a highly personal experience, and I cannot guarantee the same sensation if you were to visit that church yourself. For me, though, it felt genuinely
easier to connect with and sense His presence while immersed in that location.
Another time I experienced this was during a study tour with my university, traveling to England and Wales over the course of about two weeks. Near the end of the trip, we were scheduled to visit the ruins of a medieval monastery called Tintern Abbey. I had seen a number of ancient buildings by this point, so my expectations for this one in particular were high but reasonably measured. Upon our arrival, however, I was immediately floored by the profound beauty and scale of this monument.
I stood outside the church in awe for so long that my friend Caleb returned to find me, inviting me to see the remains of the abbey from inside. The full-bodied wonder struck me like a ton of bricks, and I felt delirious with amazement as I soaked up the scene. Ancient stone walls towered above me, framing a brilliant blue sky where the roof once rested. Clouds like cotton passed by the ornate gothic windows, the glass having long since vanished. Lush grass speckled with delicate white flowers carpeted the floor, the
surrounding green hills being visible from any angle. It was marvelous to every extent of the word, and I was literally brought to tears by the event. Again, I was overwhelmed by a feeling of irrefutable divinity. It was like there was a fragment of heaven buried somewhere under my feet. For over a millennium, God has been gently sculpting this masterpiece. Now here I was to see it. I have never been more certain of my faith than in that moment. It was a life-changing experience, and I yearn for everyone to encounter something similar. Some places, whether far or familiar, exotic or mundane, seem to have a special proximity to a higher power.
The Bible describes Jesus going to specific locations to commune with God. He often chose places where He could be alone, notably rich in natural beauty. One example of this comes in Luke 6:12, when Jesus was deciding upon his twelve disciples: “One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God” (NIV). Another instance occurs in Matthew 26 at the Garden of Gethsemane, when Jesus sought a solitary place to find support from God.
Thin places
I am decidedly not alone in the belief that some places are more spiritually significant than others, as the term “thin places” was initially coined by the ancient Celts to describe this very concept. According to one of their sayings, heaven and earth are only three feet apart, but in thin places that distance is even shorter. Later, Christians adopted this terminology as well, using it to reference locations where people tend to feel peace and presence from God. This is what I hope can apply to all Christians on our spiritual journey. Finding a physical place that resonates with you may help His presence feel more accessible. You don’t have to trek halfway across the world to do it, either, as God seems to show up any place at any time. I encourage you to go somewhere within your ability,
whether it be a Himalayan mountaintop or the pond behind your local 7/11. If this helps you feel more connected to God, or strengthens your spiritual fortitude in any way, I would argue your journey was absolutely worth it. If not, well, you can get a slushie on the way back.
Reef Peckham is a senior at Union Adventist University, graduating with a major in English and history with a minor in communication. He loves visiting museums, watching movies, and meeting new people.
(above) A modern church in Nazareth (left) Tintern Abbey in Wales
Photos: Reef Peckham
Reflections on God’s Executive Order
Luke 4:18 and
the endangered firewall
Black History Month 2025 came to an end but it feels like we’ve been locked in the twilight zone, re-looping high—and some of the lowest—moments this country has seen since the civil rights movement. The celebration of this month was an educational and special journey for me as a West Indian. Unfortunately per usual, minorities have had to produce much from little. And 28 days is never enough time to encapsulate the rich history and depth of information which must be taught. Nevertheless, one of the lessons I’m mindful of is that there’s a special honor and respect which must be given to the history of the enslaved Africans and their ancestors, African Americans.
The 13th Amendment abolishing slavery in the United States was ratified on Dec. 6, 1865. As our stories are still forced to evolve on slow timelines, 50 years needed to pass before the Study of Negro Life and History was organized in 1915 by historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and minister Jesse E. Moorland. The organization’s mission was to dedicate time to research, highlighting the achievements by Africans and Black Americans to ensure that the history of Blacks in America is remembered.
One week wasn’t enough
In 1926, Woodson accomplished one of his goals of sponsoring the Negro History Week, so that the nation could recognize the history of the “Negro.” The second week of February was chosen intentionally to honor the birthdays of Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. Thanks to the always
forward thinking minds of young adults on college campuses, in the 1960s Black History Month (also known as AfricanAmerican Month) was birthed out of Negro History Week. Continuing the legacy of pioneers like Woodson, Moorland, and W.E.B. Du Bois, the organization is now the Association for the Study of African American Life and History. Celebrating Negro History Week and Black History Month included yearly themes. The first theme recorded was in 1928, Civilization: A World Achievement. Some, eerily corresponding with current events, are worth mentioning.
• 1955 - The year of the Montgomery boycott. Theme: Negro History: A Contribution to America’s Intercultural Life
• 1968 - The year Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Theme: The Centennial of the 14th Amendment Afro American History Week
• 2009 - The year Senator Barack H. Obama was sworn in as the first Black and 44th President of the United States (POTUS). Theme: The Quest for Black Citizenship in America
• 2017 - The commencement of President Obama’s second term as the 45th POTUS. Theme: The Crisis in Black Education
• 2021 - The year Senator Kamala Harris became the 49th Vice POTUS. Theme: The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity
CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE
Presidential proclamations
In a tradition which is still observed today by presidents, President Gerald Ford is credited for the official recognition of BHM and its theme in 1976. But, notwithstanding both the bitter and sweet experiences which accompany BHM every year, this year seems to have lost its presidential honor. On January 20, post his inaugural ceremony, President Donald J. Trump signed more than 20 executive orders including “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government Dei Programs and Preferencing.” Section 2 reads:
Sec. 2. Implementation. (a) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), assisted by the Attorney General and the Director of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), shall coordinate the termination of all discriminatory programs, including illegal DEI and “diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility” (DEIA) mandates, policies, programs, preferences, and activities in the Federal Government, under whatever name they appear.
With a pen’s stroke, 58 years of Affirmative Action was gone. This order reversed President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Executive Order 11246 issued on Sept. 24, 1965 and its amendment in 1967 which replaced his 1961 Executive Order 10925. Executive Order 11246 and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 opened the door for Affirmative Action policies and programs geared to dismantle discrimination against minority groups, women, or on the basis of sex in work and educational spaces.
On Jan. 22, only nine days before BHM, DEI went under siege when President Donald Trump ordered administrative leave and the laying off of all federal diversity, equity and inclusion staff. Chaos, uncertainty, stress and financial woes ensued and its ripple effect was felt around the world. With our hearts in our hands even now, we feel the range of emotions: shock, anger, betrayal, fear and deep offense that keeps circulating through our bodies looking for justice.
BHM 2025: POTUS celebrates African-Americans and labor
Ironically, BHM’s 2025 theme was African-Americans and Labor and exactly one month after abolishing the policies which helped African Americans access better jobs, in keeping with tradition, the White House celebrated the accomplishments and hard work of the Black community. One moment in this celebration has taken the news media, and religious community, by surprise. During the White House BHM celebration a group of people, some with cut out pictures of Dr. Jamal Bryant, pastor of the New Birth Missionary Baptist church in Stonecrest, Georgia, were recorded mocking him. April Ryan, the senior White House correspondent, posted it on her social media.
The endangered firewall
On Feb. 23, in a live interview on Youtube with journalist Don Lemon, Bryant spoke about the incident. The interview and Luke 4:18 inspired this reflection on BHM, the empowerment of education, but also the compromised, weakened and endangered firewall of the advocacy and prophetic voice of the Black church. Scarce has become the voice of some spiritual leaders against these systems erected to eradicate the sanctity and value of all people as image bearers of God. And maybe, just maybe, God is allowing the exposure of all this blatant disregard for His kingdom DEI principles so that the world can see that Christian nationalism, racism, fascism and all the other “isms” does not represent God…they do not act like Him, not think of Him…they do not have the mind of Christ. This I know for sure: God is looking for modern day Nehemiahs to assess the broken down kingdom firewall and rebuild it.
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach (Neh. 2:17).
Luke 4:18: God’s executive order
Our outcry, statements, sermons, speeches, marches, votes, boycotts and conversations must be done with intentionality to speak truth to power, keeping before the world God’s disapproval of His children wielding the demonic weapons of injustice, racism and oppression. We must not work against the power of our anointing to fulfill Luke 4:18 and turn a blind eye when others are persecuted. We must be like Jesus, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform our words and deeds of advocacy into protective “firewalls” keeping danger out of their way. Woodson’s life, promoting the power of knowing Black history, can transcend into the call from God to know our identity in Him and protect the image of God in each other.
Latoya Hazell-Alcide is a Christian author, speaker, pastor, mom, social justice, mental health, abuse prevention advocate, and humanitarian.
Making a Difference
How small acts of faith can transform the world
As Christians we hope and desire to make a difference in someone’s life by leading them into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. To accomplish this effort is put forth in many ways—through evangelistic efforts, personal outreach, Bible studies, financial support, and sometimes simply through prayer. Often the impact of these efforts remains unseen. However, history reveals stories of missionary work that did, in fact, make a difference.
Just over 120 years ago, the Upper Columbia Conference sent Pastor William R. Smith to Korea as a missionary. In 1904 the first individual in Korea was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As a result, in 1905 Pastor Smith traveled to Korea to spread the Three Angels’ Messages. Fast forward 120 years and the Korean Union Conference recently held a celebration to commemorate 120 years of Adventism in Korea.
Pastor Smith and the
Upper Columbia Conference truly made a difference. How much of a difference? There are now over 260,000 Seventh-day Adventist members in Korea. Consider this—a conference with a vision, a missionary with dedication, and one lone baptized member, which ultimately led to 260,000 souls who are now looking forward to the blessed hope.
That is certainly something worth celebrating. If one does the math, it means that the Korean Adventist Church has gained an average of over 2,200 new members each year over that 120-year span. Those are astounding numbers.
Another significant detail of this story is a connection to the Dakota Conference. Last October the associate
executive secretary of the Korean Union Conference reached out with a discovery made while preparing for their 120-year celebration. They had discovered that the South Dakota Conference provided financial support for Pastor Smith’s missionary efforts to the people of Korea. Think of that—the Dakota Conference played a significant role in the spread of the Three Angels’ Messages in the world church. A difference was made! This just goes to show that one never truly knows what longterm impact outreach, Bible studies, financial support, or prayers will have. In this case it was possible to hear what
God has done through these efforts. Praise God!
Recognizing this historical connection, the Korean Union Conference wanted to acknowledge the role the Dakota Conference played in the early history of Korean Adventism. As part of the celebration they requested a message to share during the celebration to encourage their 260,000 members to continue moving forward in spreading the gospel. In response, the Dakota Conference sent two short congratulatory videos for them to play during the event. The Korean Union Conference sent us a commemorative plaque, now displayed in the entryway of
You might be having a bigger impact for the kingdom of God than you could ever imagine.
the conference office.
Are you making a difference? You might be having a bigger impact for the kingdom of God than you could ever imagine. Two Scripture verses speak to this story. The first is the final statement in 1 Peter 1:2: “… Grace to you and peace be multiplied.” Through God’s grace, seemingly small efforts are multiplied in ways one cannot fully comprehend, just as seen in this story. The second is found in Gal. 6:9:
“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
May this little story serve as a reminder to continue putting in the effort and leave the results in God’s hands. Who knows what differences have been made—until one day they are revealed on the heavenly shores.
Jason Logan serves as the Dakota Conference vice president of administration and ministerial director.
Seven Teams Advance to Union-Level in Pathfinder Bible Experience
Fourteen Pathfinder teams and one pastor team demonstrated their extensive knowledge of Romans and 1 Corinthians during the IowaMissouri Conference level Pathfinder Bible Experience held on Feb. 22 at Sunnydale Adventist Church in Missouri. Seven teams earned firstplace honors, qualifying them to advance to the union level competition on March 22 at Minnetonka Adventist Academy.
The first-place teams included College Park Show-Me Team 2, Sedalia Pioneers, Mountain Grove Trailblazers, Cedar Rapids Team Rome, Ankeny SonSeekers Team FBI, Ankeny Son-Seekers Team CIA, and the Pastors Team “Livin’ on a Prayer.”
Six teams achieved second-place recognition: College Park Show-Me Team 1, Moberly Prospectors, Sunnydale Flyers Team 1, and all three St. Louis West County Pioneers teams. The Macon Messengers, Warrensburg Wolverines, and Sunnydale Flyers Team 2 earned third-place honors.
The Pathfinder Bible Experience is a team based challenge that tests
participants’ knowledge and understanding of specific books of the Bible. This year’s focus on Romans and 1 Corinthians required participants to study these epistles thoroughly, memorizing key passages and understanding their theological significance.
The Iowa-Missouri Youth Department, Pathfinder area coordinators, and Pathfinder club directors expressed pride in all teams that participated in both the area and conference levels of the competition. The dedication shown by these young people in studying Scripture exemplifies the Pathfinder commitment to spiritual growth.
Photos: Caleb Durant
Snowman Project Engages Senior Residents
Julie Abrahamson, teacher at Maranatha Adventist School in Moberly, Missouri, loves to find creative ways to engage students with people in the community. She recently organized an outreach project for the school and Moberly Pathfinders to build snowmen outside Ravenwood Terrace Senior Living facility while the residents watched out the windows.
The group of young people, accompanied by parents and leaders, engaged in the “snowman project.” Homemade sugar cookies shaped like snowmen were given to the residents to snack on while they watched the snow being transformed into snowmen outside. One gentleman, a resident of the facility, came outside to watch up close and engage with the children and adults.
He offered creative ideas on how to decorate the snowmen, suggesting how to make one look like a Native American by putting a long wooden piece of mulch on the back of the snowman’s head to resemble a feather. He then handed some dried hydrangea flowers from a nearby bush to use as the headdress and shared his pocket knife to make the hole for the carrot nose. The group did their best to follow his instructions and were delighted with the results!
Abrahamson said, “This project was meant to be a blessing to the residents, but it ended up being as much a blessing to the children and adults who participated in the snowman activity!”
these
Stories on
pages by Caleb Durant, communication director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
Photos: Caleb Durant
KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE
Faith and Fellowship Ignite Kansas City and Wichita Convocations
During a big weekend for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference last March, believers from across the region gathered for the Kansas City and Wichita Convocations. More than 1,000 people filled the New Haven Church for the Kansas City event, while multiple Wichita churches came together for a Sabbath filled with worship, connection and inspiration.
Kansas City Convocation
The Kansas City Convocation was packed—every seat in the sanctuary was taken, and Commons overflowed with youth and young adults ready to worship. Dr. Alan Parker’s message, There’s Still Room, challenged attendees to personally know Jesus so they can share Him with their communities. Meanwhile, Rogelio Paquini, seminary professor and youth ministry leader, spoke to young people about hope and assurance in Christ.
But worship wasn’t only about the sermons. The Commons worship team filled the space with music, and New Haven Church’s hospitality made sure everyone felt at home. “Their entire team displayed exceptional hospitality, making attendees feel welcome and cherished,” said Pastor Nick Snell, Kansas-Nebraska youth and young adult director. “People left feeling happy and encouraged.”
After lunch, youth and young adults took their faith to the streets for outreach. Meeting at one of the local libraries, they spent the afternoon engaging with the community, putting hands and feet to the message they heard that morning. Later, they returned for a ministry training session with Paquini, equipping them with practical ways to share Jesus. A Q&A with ministry leaders followed, allowing young people to ask real, honest questions about faith, leadership and ministry.
The day wrapped up with dinner and a high-energy social at Activate.
Wichita Convocation
A week later, the Wichita Convocation brought together area churches for another incredible Sabbath.
Dr. Pierre Steenberg, religion professor at Union Adventist University, shared thought-provoking messages in the main sanctuary, while Pedro Perez, Florida Conference youth director, connected with youth and young adults. His messages were filled with powerful storytelling, making Jesus’ grace and love tangible.
The youth and young adults didn’t just sit and listen—they experienced a full weekend of engagement and connection. Worship, games and time together deepened their friendships, and the evening social at Urban Air reminded everyone that joy is a powerful part of evangelism. “Jesus’ love shone brightly in
Wichita,” said Pastor Snell. “Youth pastor Pedro Perez delivered inspiring messages, illustrating God’s grace and love through stories. Games, music and a fantastic night at Urban Air added to the fun, highlighting the power of evangelism through joy.”
Over 90 youth and young adults participated, with leaders and local churches making the weekend possible. The excitement doesn’t stop here—plans are already in motion for future gatherings and outreach events, giving young people more opportunities to grow in faith and community.
Both convocations left a lasting impact, reminding everyone that God is moving in Kansas. As people headed home, they carried renewed energy, fresh connections, and a deeper sense of mission to share Jesus wherever they go.
Stories on these pages by Saul Dominguez, communication director for the KansasNebraska Conference.
Photos Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Hispanic Church Leaders Unite for Training and Inspiration
In March Hispanic church leaders from across the Kansas-Nebraska Conference gathered in Junction City, Kansas, for a time of learning, collaboration and encouragement. This training weekend provided tools and support for lay leaders committed to serving their congregations. “This annual event is an affirmation of all that our lay leaders do in their congregations while providing relevant tools to advance the work,” said Alejandro Dovald, Multilingual Ministries director.
One of the most impactful sessions came from Pastor Ignacio Goya, whose presentations challenged attendees to
rethink the purpose of community service. Rather than viewing outreach as a strategy to gain members or recognition, Goya emphasized that service should flow naturally from a transformed heart. “We don’t serve because we want something in return—we serve because Jesus has changed us, and our natural response is to do good for others,” he urged. His dynamic approach sparked meaningful conversations on how churches can engage their communities with authenticity and compassion.
Another key aspect of the weekend was the Alive in Jesus training for children’s ministry leaders, facilitated by the North American Division Children’s
Ministries team. These sessions equipped leaders with creative ways to help young children grow in their faith. “The children’s leaders from our churches were deeply blessed by the team from NAD who facilitated the sessions,” said Miriam Dovald, Children’s Ministries director. “We will also be offering Alive in Jesus training in English at the Lincoln camp meeting, and we encourage leaders who are passionate about serving our children to plan on attending.”
In addition, treasury leaders participated in training to prepare for a transition to a new treasury software system. Jim Jensen, the conference’s
vice president for finance, introduced the platform and answered initial questions, while Abner Castañon, the conference auditor, provided a broad overview via Zoom. The training helped local church treasurers become familiar with the new system, ensuring smoother financial operations in the future.
From worship to hands-on training, the weekend provided leaders with both spiritual encouragement and practical tools. As the event concluded, participants left inspired—not just to lead their churches more effectively, but to serve their communities with the love and generosity of Christ.
The Sunrise In Your Smile
Pursuing Christlike connections
Last January I had the privilege of interviewing Cortney Buchholz, a dedicated psychiatric nurse practitioner from Duluth, Minnesota. Courtney’s journey is a story of God’s goodness and grace. —Jim Moon
Jim: Cortney, how did you find your way into the field of mental health?
Cortney: My journey started in nursing school at age 24, with an initial interest in psychiatry. However, it was filled with a series of twists and turns—I began with pediatrics at Loma Linda, then ran an assisted living center for a decade. During that period, I pursued a master’s degree, took a career break, and transitioned into mental health as a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
What is it about working in mental health that gives you meaning and purpose? As you can tell by my history —pediatrics, then geriatrics, and now psychiatry — I like working with vulnerable populations. With psychiatry, there is a lot of stigma around depression, mental health, anxiety and substance use. I value standing in the gap and lifting people’s spirits through compassionate listening. It is also important to provide community education, especially in our churches. I am passionate about church goers learning to alleviate shame through loving kindness.
The gospel of presence It is important for the church to become a safer place for hurting people. In Acts 18, the apostle Paul shared the gospel with
Aquila and Priscilla while working beside them as a tent maker. Based upon the example of Paul, Minnesota Tent Makers believe Jesus has called us to help the people we live and work with to embrace their belonging in Christ. How has your work as a mental health tent maker allowed you to do this?
Working in psychiatry often means navigating ethical boundaries—I’m employed by a non-profit that isn’t religiously affiliated. While I can’t impose my beliefs, I aim to understand each person’s spiritual context to better support their mental health. I’m not perfect at this, but Jesus shows up as I silently pray during my encounters with clients and colleagues. Offering full presence and praying for them in advance creates a space where they feel seen and heard.
It is important to feel heard. I am convinced that witnessing begins with listening. How can someone grow in their listening capacity? We need to pray for patience and peace, because sitting silently with someone who is in pain can be uncomfortable. It is natural to want to fix things. But instead of rushing to solutions, I silently pray and allow God to shape my responses. In many cases, holding space for their pain
and trusting God to work in the silence makes the biggest difference.
Growing in empathy
What about your own experience?
Have you seen an intersect between your story, God’s story, and the stories of those you serve?
Cortney Buchholz is a psychiatric nurse practitioner from Duluth, Minnesota.
Absolutely. Toward the end of my assisted living business, I began struggling with personal issues. Thankfully my family and church offered incredible love, compassion and grace and support to help me through it.
As a result, my past struggles have profoundly shaped my ability to empathize with clients facing similar challenges. Sharing my journey through darkness, without delving into specifics, helps establish a therapeutic connection.
Christlike connections
As we thought about how to meet people at the intersect, our Tent Maker Leadership Team identified four core values: pursuing Christlike connections, working with excellence, choosing presence and helping others. Which are you most passionate about?
Pursuing Christ-like connections resonates deeply. In my role, direct evangelism isn’t possible, but embodying Jesus’ love and presence is powerful. It’s about allowing Him to live through us, infusing His spirit
into everyday interactions, and witnessing the impact on those around us.
How do you stay energized and connected to Christ amid the day to day demands of your work? It varies—sometimes I reach out to friends, other times I find solace in silence or prayer. Engaging with God’s presence helps me process the emotional weight of my work. The Holy Spirit transforms my unspoken prayers, turning exhaustion into renewed strength.
God also taught me He is working, even when I’m resting. Some time ago, I had a client who was very aggressive. Staff were backing away from him. It was quite the thing.
I went toward this aggressive client with my hands down… speaking in slow and soft tones… doing all the things we use to deescalate.
This guy looked like he just walked out of the tombs. His hair was wild. He was bedraggled. But when we made eye contact, he had the most beautiful blue eyes. He seemed a lot younger when I
Courtesy Cortney Buchholz
saw his eyes. So I reached out to offer a comforting touch and he jerked back like I had burned him with a hot iron. I worked with him for five days straight.
The other staff were really having problems with him. He wouldn’t take medications, which aren’t always the answer, but in this case it would’ve been helpful. He was in deep turmoil.
I went home and called a friend from church. I didn’t go into details, but I shared how my heart couldn’t stop crying. I felt like such a failure.
The next morning I poured
out my heart in prayer: “God, I’m not the person for him. I don’t know what to do.”
During my distress I received an email from one of the staff: “Your client smiled today and I wanted you to know because we know you really love him.”
I was amazed. He smiled. It wasn’t at me. It wasn’t for me. It wasn’t anything about me. God gave him peace through a whole other channel.
I love how God worked. I was so heartbroken that I hadn’t been able to help this man, and God was like, “No, no, no, it’s okay. Somebody
else is going to help. You’re not there, but I’m still working.
Your story reminds me of the lyrics of a song... When I hear this song, I always think about Jesus singing it to us. The title is Sunrise in Your Smile, and my favorite line is:
I would wander weary miles would welcome ridicule my child to simply see the sunrise in your smile.
— Michael Card
I was trying to share this story at the end of a sermon, and I
could barely make it through because I envisioned that smile and those blue eyes. I want to see him in God’s kingdom. He’s been through so much abuse and so much pain… And it makes me think how Jesus must feel when we turn toward Him.
Jim Moon is the volunteer coordinator for Minnesota Conference’s tent maker initiative.
A Spark of Revival: How Two Churches Are Engaging Through Pentecost 2025
The Pentecost 2025 initiative, launched by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, is inspiring churches across the continent to deepen their outreach. For the Andover and Cambridge Seventh-day Adventist churches, it’s been an opportunity to embrace innovative ways of addressing community needs while sharing biblical truths.
Under the leadership of Pastor Ingrid Moon, these churches began their
involvement with a program called MindFit, which connects mental health and spirituality. After hearing about the program from a member, Pastor Moon partnered with the Voice of Prophecy to bring it to life. The ready-to-use kit provided everything needed, from promotional materials to Bible study guides, making the process seamless.
Cambridge hosted its sessions January 4–6, followed by Andover January 9–12. What started as small
gatherings quickly gained momentum. At Cambridge, an initial group of 10 attendees grew into a community of 25 by Sabbath. Meanwhile, Andover saw attendance peak at 40, with many participants reconnecting with the church after years away.
Beyond the numbers, MindFit has been transformative. The initiative also includes a six-part Mental Health First Aid series led by a certified nurse and a ninepart sermon series exploring emotional themes in biblical stories. “We’re delving into the emotions of figures like Elijah and Gideon,” said Pastor Moon. “What were they feeling, and how can we relate to their experiences?”
Pentecost 2025 is reshaping how these churches view outreach. Pastor Moon described a shift from expecting people to come to the church to actively seeking ways to serve
the community. Plans to host future programs at locations like the YMCA reflect this change. “We want to go where they are,” she said.
This renewed focus on engagement is coupled with reflection. Plans are underway for a leadership retreat to define the churches’ unique identities. “Who are we, and what sets us apart?” Pastor Moon asked. These questions are guiding their mission.
As Pentecost 2025 progresses, the Andover and Cambridge churches are demonstrating that small congregations can make a big impact. By addressing mental health, building relationships, and prioritizing service, they embody the spirit of this transformative initiative.
Savannah Carlson is communication director for the Minnesota Conference. Ingrid Moon pastors the Andover and Cambridge Adventist churches. Edited by ChatGPT. Read the full interview
(l-r) James, Sam, Ingrid, JJ and Maggie Moon.
Photos courtesy James Moon
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Mic and Jana Thurber Announce Retirement at RMC Executive Committee Meeting
Rocky Mountain Conference president Mic Thurber announced at the RMC Executive Committee meeting on February 18 that he would be retiring from his role on March 1 of this year.
Coinciding with Mic’s retirement, Jana Thurber, RMC women’s, prayer, and ministerial spouse support coordinator and Mic’s life and ministry partner, will be retiring as well.
“It is never easy leaving a place you have grown to love, so it is hard for us to say goodbye to the many wonderful people we’ve met in the Rocky Mountain Conference over our years here,” remarked Thurber on his impending retirement. “We have enjoyed our travels to all the beautiful parts of our conference, and loved every minute of our times when we could worship and join in fellowship with you.”
Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration said, “I have appreciated working with Mic for the last several years—in particular, his support of women in ministry and restructuring the Ministerial Department to give greater support to churches from cultures other than Anglo communities. That last initiative is just starting to take root, and I look forward to seeing it blossom.”
Darin Gottfried, RMC vice president for finance, remarked, “I am very excited for Mic and Jana as they are able to move into a new stage
of life. I wish them the best as they continue to pursue ministry in retirement.”
Mic Thurber joined RMC in September of 2021 when the former RMC president, Ed Barnett, retired from the position. He was officially voted in for the role at the 2022 RMC Constituency Session.
Mic Thurber holds a long family legacy in the Adventist community as son of John and Patsy Thurber. John sang in the King’s Heralds Quartet during the 1960s and served two decades leading innovative youth programs. Patsy was an integral part in assisting with implementation in their shared ministry.
Mic graduated from Keene Adventist Elementary School in Keene, Texas, Mount Pisgah Academy in Candler, North Carolina, and Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee. He began his time as an Adventist professional as the music and Bible teacher at Sunnydale Academy in Centralia, Missouri, then later served at his alma matter, Mt. Pisgah Academy.
In 1981, Mic was called to be a youth pastor in San Diego, later taking over responsibility for that church when the lead pastor left. After two years pastoring the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church near Loma Linda, California, he served as ministerial director for the Southeastern California Conference, and then later moved to pastor the Pacific Union College Seventh-day
Adventist Church in Angwin, California. Mic was then lead pastor at the Keene Seventhday Adventist Church, following as the ministerial director for Mid-America Union Conference before becoming RMC’s president.
Jana Thurber, also with an Adventist family legacy, is the daughter of Howard and Wilma Boling, where Howard was a pastor and singing evangelist and Wilma was a professional musician. “Jana was raised in a spiritual home where love for Jesus took deep root,” reflected Mic. “Even from her earliest years, her desire to follow and live for Jesus was evident to all who knew her.”
Graduating from GeorgiaCumberland Academy in Calhoun, Georgia, and Southern Adventist University, and currently enrolled in the Andrews University Masters in Pastoral Ministry program, Jana’s professional history ranged from ministry assistance, paralegal at the Loma Linda University Office of Legal Counsel, trust officer for Pacific Union College, associate pastor at the Keene Church, to her recent role with Rocky
Mountain Conference.
“Jana and I leave here enriched by knowing you, and we will forever be grateful for the opportunity to have served you in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” said Mic. He left the Executive Committee with a final statement and Bible verse: “May God grant us all peace and grace until He appears in glory where we will forever be together! Here is our prayer for all of you …” … That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height— to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God (Eph. 3:16-19, NKJV).
RMCNews
The RMC Executive Committee is responsible for filling the open position, and they are happy to receive the names of suggested candidates from all sources. The officers of the Mid-America Union facilitate the search, providing the committee with resources, guidelines, and an understanding of protocol. Extensive vetting of candidates is done so informed decisions can be made. While the hope is to find a new president soon, a good outcome is more desirable than a swift outcome. The committee solicits the prayers of everyone that the Holy Spirit will guide in the selection of a new president.
Photo courtesy of Rocky Mountain Conference.
Reflection: Serving Through Love
VRA students share time with residents at a local senior living facility.
Serving others is one of the most powerful ways we can reflect God’s love. Jesus showed us this in John 13 when He washed His disciples’ feet. Imagine the King of the universe kneeling down to do a servant’s job! Jesus wasn’t just teaching about service—He was living it, showing His disciples and us what love in action looks like.
Sometimes, we think serving has to be something big, like a mission trip or donating a lot of money. While those are great, service often happens in the small, everyday moments. It’s helping a sibling with their chores, comforting a friend who’s upset, or including someone sitting alone. These small acts of kindness, done with love, make a big impact.
Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” (John 13:15). Serving isn’t about being noticed or praised—it’s about putting others first and showing them God’s love.
At Vista Ridge Academy, we encourage students to look for ways to serve, whether it’s helping a classmate, being kind during recess, or volunteering for tasks in the classroom. These moments of service not only
bless others but also help our students grow into the caring, Christlike individuals God calls them to be.
Think about simple ways you can serve together— whether it’s baking for a neighbor, writing notes of encouragement, or volunteering in your community. Every act of service, big or small, shines a light for Jesus.
Photos: Courtesy Vista Ridge Academy
Marsha Bartulec is principal at Vista Ridge Academy.
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
The Little Fund that Could The Union Fund keeps the university’s mission on track
Supplies for the nursing simulation center and skills lab, like this syringe used by recent graduate Angeline Harper, are provided by gifts to The Union Fund.
Of the $4,444,216 raised by Union Adventist University in the 2023-2024 fiscal year, much of the money was earmarked for scholarships and the new AdventHealth Complex, but $349,943 went to The Union Fund, an innocuously named account with an outsized impact. The Union Fund directs unrestricted gifts to programs and services that have the greatest impact on the university’s students — all the things that make Union Adventist University’s mission possible on a day-to-day basis. Here is a small sample of what’s made possible by gifts to The Union Fund from alumni and Mid-America Union constituents.
Student housing maintenance
When you think of student life at Union, your mind probably jumps to classes, activities, and friendships — the fun stuff, right? But let’s be real: most students spend up to half their college experience in the dorms. No one thinks too much about residence halls until something goes wrong. Suddenly, bam — the shower isn’t working, the heater sounds ready to launch into space, and there’s a leak in the ceiling. It’s rarely a good thing when housing gets its moment in the spotlight — and guess what? It all adds up to money. Gifts to The Union Fund keep the lights on, and not flickering!
Field trips
Field trips at the university level are even more fun than they were in elementary school — everyone in your major is actually interested! The Psychology Program takes an annual trip to The Glore Museum in St Joseph, Missouri, to learn about psychological and psychiatric treatments from the past. Meanwhile public health master’s students visit the Lincoln Water System treatment plant, graphic design majors get their portfolios critiqued (and a few job offers) at Meet the Pros in Omaha, and communication students rub elbows with media ministries and PR professionals at the annual Society of Adventist
Communicators conference. Academic travel supported by The Union Fund puts the “ahha” into learning theory.
Laboratory equipment and supplies
Micropipettes may sound like a band name from a groovier time, but science students would be lost without them. These measuring tools can get surprisingly expensive, but so can just about everything else needed for chemistry labs and research. From microscopes to stirrer hot plates (for science, not ramen) and a Van de Graaff generator for those shocking moments of discovery, applying science beyond the textbook takes a lot of equipment and supplies. Union’s science professors
Students, such as recent graduate Adam Anderson, have The Union Fund to thank for instructional technology such as microscopes and Bunsen burners.
keep lists of urgent as well as less-urgent needs: a booklength catalogue of chemicals, protective equipment and laboratory glassware. As curricula change to keep up with an ever expanding understanding of our world, The Union Fund keeps the beakers bubbling.
Repair and maintain musical instruments
When a tuba needs a tune-up, The Union
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
Fund is there. The Music Program is the heartbeat of campus, and a stuck slide or loose fingerboard shouldn’t hold anyone back from joining in. Regular repairs and upkeep take performances to the next level, and keep Union’s musicians in perfect harmony.
Nursing lab supplies
When you add up all the supplies nursing students use in the skills lab — basics
Free Tutoring for All
Since 2018, Union has offered free peer tutoring for any student and in any class — as one postcard the university sends to prospective students proudly proclaims, “We’re not a sink-or-swim school.” Philanthropic support pays peer tutors who act as life vests for many struggling students — at no cost to the students.
For notoriously difficult classes, the Student Success Center hires tutors who aced those courses in previous semesters before the new students think to request tutoring. Across campus, 22 peer tutors are ready to help students level up in subjects ranging from accounting to Greek. Obsinet Wakatole, a biomedical science major from Ethiopia, is one of those peer tutors. Every Tuesday and Thursday evening, she’s available in the Student Success Center to help with biology, chemistry, math and statistics.
“There was this guy who was really hesitant to come to peer coaching at first,” she recalled. “He told me he was scared people would think he was dumb, and he didn’t want to embarrass himself. But from the first session, I could tell he was smart — he just lacked confidence.”
The struggling student started coming nearly every night, and step-bystep, Wakatole walked him through his College Algebra homework. “He asked questions, put in the effort, and honestly, he worked harder than most people I’ve seen,” she said. “Little by little, I saw his confidence grow. The way he started approaching problems changed — he wasn’t second-guessing himself anymore, just solving them.” By the end of the semester, he wasn’t struggling anymore. “He finished College Algebra with an A,” she remembered. “Seeing how proud he was
like gloves, syringes, medications and gauze — the price tag is more than $13,000 per semester. When it comes to healthcare, there’s no substitute for hands-on experience with the right equipment.
Well, that about wraps it up … wait, there’s more! Diploma covers, free tutoring, travel for student teacher observations, academic advising software, databases and academic
journals, professional development funds, licensure fees, new sheet music, archival supplies to protect Union’s history … the list goes on and on. The Union Fund is like the unsung hero keeping the university running smoothly.
Be a student’s hero today at uau.edu/giving
Janya Mekelburg, a 1986 Union graduate, serves as annual giving director at Union Adventist University.
made everything worth it. He came in thinking he wasn’t smart enough, but he proved to himself and everyone else that he was more than capable. That’s what I love about peer coaching — sometimes people just need a little support to realize what they’re capable of.”
That student’s victory over
algebra was a team win starring himself, his professor, his tutor, and you — the alumni, constituents and friends who support The Union Fund every year. Make your impact at uau.edu/giving
Union Adventist University News
Obsinet Wakatole tutors fellow students in biology, chemistry, math and statistics. Tutoring in any class is free for all students at Union thanks to the support of generous donors.
Labor and delivery nurse, laparoscopic surgeon, chaplain, dietitian, clinical research manager, community outreach coordinator, patient liaison—these are just a few of the hundreds of roles team members at AdventHealth hold as they work together to provide whole-person care for their patients and communities. This year, AdventHealth reached a major milestone by welcoming its 100,000th team member to the health system’s skilled and compassionate workforce, which interacts with nearly nine million patients annually.
The workforce has grown from 70,000 team members just four short years ago, as the health system has hired 30,000 team members and opened or acquired additional hospitals, free-standing emergency departments and primary care locations to keep up with the growing health needs of its communities. Delivering care across AdventHealth’s footprint are five generations of team members, more than half of whom have been with
the organization for longer than 10 years.
In the Mid-America region, more than 4,100 team members are employed across AdventHealth facilities in Kansas, which consists of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, AdventHealth South Overland Park and AdventHealth Ottawa, as well as two freestanding emergency rooms at AdventHealth Prairie Star and AdventHealth College Boulevard, three Centra Care Urgent Care locations and 52 AdventHealth Medical Group locations. With the addition of a new hospital in July 2025, AdventHealth Lenexa City Center, around 170 jobs will be added to the region.
For AdventHealth team members, the mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ goes far beyond hospital walls and geographic boundaries. For example, in the last year, team members across the system donated to support colleagues affected by Hurricanes Milton and Helene, raising more than
every one of our 100,000 caring hearts plays a critical role in our mission to Extend the Healing Ministry of Christ,” said Gina Creek, vice president and chief people officer of AdventHealth MidAmerica Region.
$500,000 with a company match and offering unused paid time off to support those who were prevented from working due to storm-related issues. Farther from home, as part of AdventHealth Global Missions, more than 300 team member volunteers took 30 trips to more than nine countries, caring for more than 22,000 underserved people.
AdventHealth has been serving the Kansas City community since 1962 both in and out of the hospital. In 2023, team members cared for more than 83,000 patients who came through the emergency department, delivered nearly 5,000 babies and performed more than 20,000 surgeries. Also in 2023, $262.7 million was invested into the community through community service, in-kind contributions, caring for seniors and the underprivileged, and more with over 95 local organizations supported.
“We are not only growing in number but also in the impact we have on delivering whole-person care to every person, every time. Each and
Team members’ heart-centered focus echoes in the sentiment shared in a survey leading to one of many employer-of-choice recognitions, AdventHealth’s certification in August 2024 as a Great Place to Work®. In that survey, 85 percent of team members said they feel they are making a difference and 89 percent shared that they feel good about the ways AdventHealth contributes to the community.
“Becoming a preeminent, faith-based, consumer-focused clinical company would not be possible without our dedicated team members,” Creek said. “This vision serves to guide not only how we show up in our communities, but also in how we deliver whole-person care to our team.”
To learn more about the many job opportunities at AdventHealth, visit AdventHealth.com/careers
About
AdventHealth
AdventHealth is a connected network of care that helps people feel whole – body, mind and spirit. More than 100,000 team members across a national footprint provide whole-person care to nearly nine million people annually through more than 2,000 care sites that include hospitals, physician practices, ambulatory surgery centers, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, hospice centers, the AdventHealth app and more. Our wholistic approach to improving the health and prosperity of our communities is inspired by our mission to extend the healing ministry of Christ.
AdventHealth South Overland Park team members
since opening in 2021.
AdventHealth Mid-America Region
AdventHealth Medical Group Opens Two New Clinics in Castle Rock
The AdventHealth Medical Group in the Rocky Mountain Region celebrated the opening of two new clinics in Castle Rock, Colorado. These new openings will help to further meet the needs of the area’s growing community.
AdventHealth Medical Group Founders Opens AdventHealth Medical Group Founders has officially opened its doors to patients and team members in the Castle Rock area.
The clinic will provide family medicine care to the Castle Rock community with nine total team members including two providers, Michael Weston, DO, and Michael Yuan, MD
Founders are accepting patients from birth on, and will meet needs for preventive medicine, chronic care management, immunizations, minor procedures and treatment for musculoskeletal conditions, to name a few.
Founders will also provide behavioral health services with licensed clinical social worker, Kristin Marrs
“This has been an exciting and very fulfilling process,” said Heather Swiech, the practice manager at AHMG Founders. “From the initial construction to the final touches, as well as the opportunity to put together an amazing team of doctors and support staff, I am honored to be a part of the Founders opening. I am eager to see the lives that will be positively impacted by the compassionate care and health care support provided by the Founders physicians and team.”
AHMG Founders is located on the eastern end of Castle Rock, 10 minutes southeast of AdventHealth Castle Rock. The location is nestled near established neighborhoods and is in an area of Castle Rock that continues to grow.
“I am excited to see what is to come in the coming months and years as this area of Castle
Part of the AHMG Orthopedics at Castle Rock team at the open house.
Rock continues to grow,” said Swiech. “It’s amazing to see Christ’s work done through the hands of our staff!”
For more information on AHMG at Founders and to make an appointment with a provider, visit AdventHealth.com/Practice/ AdventHealth-Medical-Group/ AdventHealth-Medical-GroupPrimary-Care-Founders
AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics Opens
Earlier this year, AdventHealth Medical Group Orthopedics at Castle Rock opened its new location inside the Schrader Building on the AdventHealth Castle Rock campus.
To launch the move into the new space, the clinic welcomed community members and past and current patients to a special event where attendees met with the clinic’s expert providers, toured the new state-of-the-art space and enjoyed light refreshments.
The dedicated team of seven physicians and five advanced practice providers in the clinic specialize in treating traumatic and sports-related injuries,
while their spine physiatrist provides excellent evidence-based care for both neck and back pain, including non-opioid pain relief.
The team at AHMG Orthopedics at Castle Rock has doubled their space so they are able to see more patients. The waiting room is twice the size and has a fireplace as well as a hot beverage station for those who are waiting for their appointment. There is also a brand new training area for patients.
“This clinic is so exciting because we are able to provide more care to our patients with the space we have,” said Samantha Thomas, the practice manager at AHMG Orthopedics at Castle Rock. “We can see more patients each day, wait times aren’t as long because we have 32 exam rooms instead of 16 as well as two x-ray machines instead of one so the wait isn’t as long for imaging.”
For more information on the clinic and to schedule an appointment, visit AdventHealth.com/Practice/ AdventHealth-Medical-Group/ AdventHealth-Medical-GroupOrthopedics-Castle-Rock
Michael Yuan, MD, with his first patient at AHMG Founders.
FAREWELL
Eitel, Richard, b. Jan. 11, 1963 in Hillsboro, KS. d. Feb. 23, 2025 in Hepler, KS. Member of Hepler Church. Survivors include parents Gary and Juanita (Segebartt) Eitel; 2 sisters; 2 brothers; nieces and nephews.
Nash, Lorinda Beth, b. Oct. 24, 1946 in Boulder, CO. d. Feb. 7, 2025 in Laramie, WY. Preceded in death by husband J. Alan. Survivors include children Nathan, Raydene Ecles, Marco, Kendel, and Angela; 3 brothers; 8 grandchildren.
Oliver, John Harold, b. Jan. 1, 1928 in Michi-
gan. d. Dec. 8, 2024 in Denver, CO. Member of Denver South (CO) Church. Preceded in death by wife Betty; 3 sisters; 1 brother. Survivors include 1 sister; 1 cousin.
Reynolds, Betty Jo (Michael), b. Dec. 31, 1937 in Ogallala, NE. d. Jan. 27, 2025 in Lebanon, MO. Member of West Lenexa (KS) Church. Preceded in death by adopted daughter Danielle Alexander; 1 grandson. Survivors include daughters Vickie Becan, Deanna Wiles, Patricia Wilson, and LaDonna Cooper; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.
Reynolds, Donald Lloyd, b. Feb. 18, 1934 in Rapid City, SD. d. Apr. 11, 2024 in Overland Park, KS. Member of West Lenexa (KS) Church. Preceded in death by adopted daughter Danielle Alexander; 1 grandson. Survivors include daughters Vickie Becan, Deanna Wiles, Patricia Wilson, and LaDonna Cooper; 1 brother; 10 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren.
Williams, Ruth Ann, b. Nov. 22, 1939 in Chicago, IL. d. Dec. 11, 2024 in Redfield, KS. Member of Hepler (KS) Church. Preceded in death by husband Bob; 1 sister; grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Survivors include daughters Wendy Muninger and Toni Stroud; sons Keith, Randy, Brian, Darren and Colin; 2 sisters; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Wolfe, Dennis, b. July 26, 1940 in Yankton, SD. d. Dec. 28, 2024 in Yankton, SD. Member of Yankton Church. Preceded in death by 2 sisters; 1 brother. Survivors include wife Loretta; son Robert.
SERVICES
Apex Moving & Storage: Move with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocation needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Danté at 800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www.apexmoving. com/Adventist
FREE DIGITAL
CARDS LifeTalk Radio has many beautiful FREE digital sharing cards for all occasions. Let others know: “God Loves You.” Encourage friends and neighbors by sending a hopeful message or Bible promise via email or text. Just visit: LifeTalk.net/eCards
Greeneville Adventist Academy: Considering Rural Living? Explore Greeneville, TN! Located near the Smoky Mountains, Greeneville Adventist Academy has an accredited SDA K-12 day school program, supported by two constituent churches, prioritizing the Bible, evangelism, mission trips, academics, and a high-quality music program (voice, band, bells and strings). MyGAA. org/423.639.2011
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.
FOR SALE
Shop for New/Used Adventist Books: TEACH Services offers used Adventist books at www. LNFBOOKS.com or new book releases at www. TEACHServices.com or your local ABC. Authors let us help you publish your book with editing, design, marketing and worldwide distribution. Call 706.504.9192 for a free evaluation.
EMPLOYMENT
The Department of Biology at Andrews University is looking for a PhD-trained biologist to fill a tenure-track position, beginning fall 2025. The successful candidate will demonstrate capacity for effective college biology teaching, productive scholarship; good interpersonal skills; and commitment to the integration of faith and learning. Further information at andrews.edu/ jobs.
Union Adventist University is seeking applicants for University Chaplain. This is a fulltime, exempt position. The Chaplain for Campus Ministries is viewed as the key person to promote students’ faith development by their engagement in worship discipleship, and service, and to build a vibrant faith community for the University. Please see full job description and instructions for application at uau.edu/employment.
Union Adventist University is seeking applicants for a full-time nursing faculty. This individual will function as a lead course instructor for a medical-surgical or critical care course, including performing didactic and clinical instruction as well as recruiting and supervising clinical instructors. Doctoral degree preferred, Master’s degree with desire to continue at the doctoral level required. Full benefits package including health care, tuition assistance, retirement plan, and many other benefits. See job description and instructions for application at uau.edu/employment.
EVENTS
2025 Great Controversy Tours, March and September. See the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation come alive! Visit 60 places in 15 cities,
including Rome, Italy, and Reformation sites in the Waldensian Valleys, Switzerland, Germany, and France. A truly exciting experience! Call 470.833.2887 or email GCtours@naver.com.
Oak Park Academy Alumni Weekend: September 12-13, 2025. Alumni, former faculty and staff are invited to this reunion weekend. Honor classes are: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980-83. Location: Gates Hall, 825 15th St., Nevada, IA. Plan now to attend. For more information: Allayne Petersen Martsching, 402.312.7368 or email: allaynemartsching@ gmail.com
Special Oak Park Academy Alumni Potluck: Sunday, June 29, 2025 from 11:00 am – 3:00 pm at the College View SDA Church, 4801 Prescott Avenue, Lincoln NE, Heartland Hall. All alumni, former faculty, and staff are invited. Contact Lindy Jo Quam Markeson at 402.238.8535 or lindyjomar@aol.com.
The Muscatine Seventh-day Adventist Church, 2904 Mulberry Ave, Muscatine, IA, is planning a Bible Conference on May 28-31, 2025. The speakers will present the foundation doctrines of the Adventist Church.
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