“You can feel the Union spirit alive on campus. I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for and worked toward the upward momentum we are experiencing at Union.” —p. 4
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A SEASON OF THANKSGIVING
The start of this academic year has been a blur. Meeting the new freshmen and a parade of academic, social and volunteer events filled my calendar and my heart. In this issue, you will read about our enrollment at Union, and learn from some new students why they chose our university.
During Project Impact, one of those freshmen, Jeneane Cochran, led my group. Let me tell you, that girl can lead! Professional, strategic and organized, she had me mulching like my husband wishes I would at home. I’m so proud of our students who served our community with energy and purpose. You’ll also meet a few of my newest colleagues. We’ve been waiting on the Lord, and He has brought us strength in human form. The quality and expertise of the people who make Union their mission continually inspires me.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I’m thanking God— for our team, our students, and you, the Mid-America Union constituents who created and sustain Union Adventist University.
ON THE COVER READ OUTLOOK MAGAZINE ONLINE
Natalia Leffler is one of 204 new students to choose Union Adventist University this year.
General education classes are full. Saturday night events are drawing bigger crowds than they have for years. These are all signs of a great freshman class.
With 128 first-year students, Union’s freshmen class is the largest since 2020 with the most new students (204 including transfers) since 2019. The total number of freshmen (all students who have completed fewer than 24 credits) is 22% higher than last year, and the number of first-time freshmen is 28% higher.
“This new class of students is an answer to prayer,” said Ryan Teller, vice president for Enrollment Management. “The enrollment team starts each day by praying for the students that God is sending to Union, and He has exceeded our expectations.”
Here are a few facts about the Union Adventist University class of 2029:
• They represent 11 countries.
• The top five home states are all in the Mid-America Union: Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri and Minnesota (in that order).
• 59% are female and 41% are male.
• 75% attended an Adventist academy, and 5% were homeschooled.
• Approximately one-third (32.5%) are first-generation college students.
The campus is celebrating as the number of full-time students has increased, with the full-time equivalent (FTE) growing to 646 compared to 635 last year. “We stepped out in faith and based this year’s budget on gaining 10 FTE,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, Union’s president. “Praise the Lord, we made it!” Overall headcount this academic year is 748, a decline from 799 last year. However, the difference is due to fewer part-time students and a shift in continuing education credits for professionals to the summer semester.
In addition to FTE growth, another key indicator is the residence halls. Occupancy is up this year from 298 to 334, a 12% increase over last year and a 31% increase compared to two years ago. There was so much demand for rooms that the Residential Life team opened up a floor of Culver Hall that has not been occupied in recent years.
“With more full-time students, more freshmen and full residence halls, we are celebrating these 748 opportunities God has blessed us with,” said Bazan. “You can feel the Union spirit alive on campus. I am so grateful to everyone who has prayed for and worked toward the upward momentum we are experiencing at Union.”
Adventist University News
I chose Union Adventist University first of all because it is Adventist. The teachers aren’t going to make it difficult for me to pass for being Adventist. I believe that what Union has to offer gives me a way to grow spiritually, educationally and in every area of my life. The professors are very welcoming. It’s a good environment where you actually want to learn about the subject.
— Kenny Rodriguez, a chemistry major
from Panama
Union
I heard about Union from my aunt. Her son had gone to school here and didn’t stay. I thought, I’m very different from my cousin, I’ll probably like it. I do like the small campus. Everything is close together and easy to get to. There’s a real family feel here.
— Janae Hsu, an Elementary Education major from New Market, Virginia
I had been praying about choosing a college for a long time. I finally just felt called that this is the place for me. It kind of ended up being a last-minute decision, just a couple weeks before I was graduating.
— Coby Bramham, a biokinesiology major from Inola, Oklahoma
I chose Union for the International Rescue and Relief Program. It’s something I couldn’t find anywhere else, and it’s something I’m passionate about. IRR classes are amazing.
— Jeneane Cochran, an IRR major from Parker, Colorado
My mom went here. My sister is here. A lot of my friends go here. It’s the closest Adventist college to home. I don’t know what I want to major in yet, but I can at least do my generals with my friends.
— Madi Hoffer from Shakopee, Minnesota
I got good scholarships from Union. My parents went here. I like the faculty and staff, and I like the size of the school … I did high school online at home, and I’m still having a hard time remembering where my classrooms are. Smaller is good.
— Jaden Blood, a psychology major from Leoma, Tennessee
“I Want to go Back”
Union’s legacy of service continues
For 44 years and counting, Union students and employees have taken a day out of their schedule to serve the Lincoln community. As Project BRUSH, the first 10 years focused on painting private homes for elderly and disabled Lincoln residents. But for the last 34 years as Project Impact, the day has served to introduce students to the people and organizations that serve Lincoln all year, with the goal of sparking interest in long-term volunteer opportunities.
This year, the Union Adventist University campus family was joined by students from College View Academy and George Stone School, spreading across Lincoln to 48 sites. As students returned to campus and gathered under the clock tower for pizza, they were excited to share stories of their Project Impact adventure.
Brayden Marroquin paints the front door of Campus Life, a ministry that invites high school and college students in Lincoln to enjoy Christian fellowship.
Korbin Peacock: Lincoln Bike Kitchen
“We put stickers on the bikes with the Lincoln Bike Kitchen logo and some other minor things to get them ready for the mechanics,” Peacock said. When asked if he would go back, he said, “Absolutely! It was actually a really, really cool place. I would not mind working there, actually.”
Natalia Leffler: Good Neighbor Center
“People can come to the Good Neighbor Center to get clothes, canned food, diapers, all sorts of things. We stocked shelves, transferred a pallet of diapers, and had an assembly line going. We also broke down boxes and cleaned up. It was really fun, and I want to go back there again. Shout out to the pantry manager, David! He was a great team leader.”
Natanya Razafindrabe: Capital Humane Society
“We cleaned out the barn at Capital Humane Society. The only animals left in the barn while we were working there was a duck and a lot of mice. We were leveling out the pine shavings, and we would scoop up the mice with everything else. I screamed a few times. The duck was cute; the mice were scary.” The group did get to spend time with more domesticated
Scott Cushman
animals once they were finished in the barn. “We got to play with the dogs and see all the animals. I just wanted to hug them all, and I want to go back.”
Solace Giddings: Clinton Elementary School
“We were mulching at an elementary school, and it was a really great experience for me since I want to be an elementary teacher. I was able to see all the teachers taking the kids out to recess and teaching music lessons. It is really inspiring just to be able to work in that environment.”
Alfred Ssepuuya: People’s City Mission
“We helped organize and stock shelves for the People’s City Mission Help Center. It’s like a thrift-store adjacent sort of thing, except in the shop, everything is free. They accept all donations and recycle the excess stuff. I definitely would go back. It was a very nice experience.”
Camila Burgos: Friendship Home
“We were cleaning out the kitchen area and restocking cabinets with food and non-perishables. Friendship Home helps people get out of abusive relationships. It was really fun to be able to help create a safe and clean environment for them so they can focus on healing.”
Reuben Garcia: CEDARS Youth Services
“We weeded weeds. We got all of the stuff out of there. There is not a weed left in sight. We might have taken some of the good plants out too, but it’s very clean now.”
Makensey Lonergan: Union Manor
“Our Advanced Care EMS providers class went to Union Manor and checked residents’ blood pressures, SpO2, heart rates, and just talked with people. Tyler Parker played piano. The ladies told him he’s welcome to come back and play anytime. Everyone was wonderful. We talked to the manager about our class coming back once a month.”
Rene Adrian-Gaus: Campus Life
“We split up into three groups, and my group replaced basketball hoops and backboards. We were standing up in the bed of a truck to reach the backboards. It was a struggle finding the right screws and bolts, but we were finally able to put them together. They are nice and sturdy now. Another group pulled out weeds and did yard work while the third group cleaned inside.”
“Campus Life is for troubled teenagers who need an outlet. They reach out to public school students and invite them to come before or after school to play basketball, have Bible studies, and other activities. I think it would be very cool to go back and volunteer and help with their ministry. They also have an internship for a youth director who plans activities and does hands-on stuff.”
Union Adventist University Welcomes New VP for Financial Administration
Since last December, finding a new vice president for Financial Administration has been at the top of the prayer list at Union Adventist University. While the campus prayed and searched for the right person, Robert Decker noticed a small advertisement for the position in his copy of the Southern Tidings Decker lived in South Carolina where he was CFO for a large non-profit that provides care for the intellectually disabled.
The ad caught his attention because running finances for
an Adventist university was his dream job. Early in his career he served as controller for Washington Adventist University, then Columbia Union College. “I’ve always wanted to come back to an educational institution,” he said. He likes being around students and helping build their skills and influence their careers.
Decker’s wife, Christy, whom he met on a blind date, is the reason for his first contact with Union. He remembers attending graduation in 1995 when she completed
her nursing degree here. Currently a nurse practitioner, Christy agreed that providence was leading them to Lincoln.
The Deckers have three children. Their oldest son, Nicholas, is attending a different Union — Union Theological Seminary. Two teenagers, Jessica and Thomas, are currently at College View Academy. Three German shepherds and a min pin round out the family.
Up for the challenge Decker is a car guy and will
miss the winding roads of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But he’s energized about his new job. “I like a challenge,” he said. “I like to drill down into the finances. Every organization has challenges and you have to navigate through them.”
He describes his management style by saying, “I like communicating with people. Finance is not out there by themselves. I like to make connections or relationships with people and work through things. It’s a team effort.”
The Decker family: Nicholas, Christy, Robert, Jessica and Thomas
Courtesy
UAU
Robert Decker’s 36 years of professional experience includes working for the General Conference Auditing Services, Washington Adventist University, Broadview Academy, and for the last 15 years, as CFO for The Charles Lea Center, a non-profit organization that helps disabled people live independently.
The kind of relationships Decker fosters at work was evident recently when he was sworn in as a United States citizen. Born to a Korean woman and an American serviceman, and later adopted by an Adventist family in the States, he had never finished up the paperwork to formalize his citizenship.
The day came when he had to travel to Greer, South Carolina, for the swearing in ceremony. When he arrived there, he was surprised to see a crowd of 40 friends and workmates who had made the journey to welcome him as an official U.S. citizen. “This is the most people we’ve ever had in this room,” said the official in charge.
“We’ve had two answers to prayer in this process,” says university president Yami Bazan. “One is the heroic service of Elaine Hagele, a former trustee, who stepped in to serve as the interim vp for seven months. Robert’s arrival is the second answer to prayer. He brings an important leadership competency of collaboration as well as a credibility and practice in financial administration. His departments and his colleagues have already experienced his ability to manage difficult decisions with thoughtfulness, patience and intention.”
Union Adventist University News
Stand out from the crowd with a master’s in leadership from Union.
Is it time for you to lead? Union’s Master of Science in Leadership prepares you to step into greater responsibility. Professors share a Christian worldview as they teach the skills you need to influence and grow organizations.
Shortened 10-week sessions offered four times a year let you progress with greater speed, whether you’re attending part-time or full-time. You can also choose to take classes remotely.
Enroll now. This is the time to step into leadership.
New Reiner Wellness Center Director Wants More than Workouts
DDavid Gubbels is making space and activities for all students in the university’s largest building
avid Gubbels arrived at Union Adventist University in June of 2025 to serve full-time as the recreational facility director. As a project 40 years in the making, there was a lot of excitement surrounding the launch of Reiner Wellness Center in August of 2024, and he wants to ensure that the excitement does not fade. With an ever growing list of goals and initiatives, Gubbels continues to breathe life into Union’s on-campus health and fitness center and foster the facility into a welcome part of Union’s campus.
“I’ve spent many years in sales and service, whether it’s retail or outside sales, and taking care of grounds,” said Gubbels in an interview.
“This is really a job where you’re building relationships.”
There are a number of material upgrades to the technology, layout and equipment of the building that Gubbels is striving to implement. He and his team are currently working to set up new software which will streamline the process of booking spaces, creating new memberships, and will allow students to make purchases
using their student accounts.
Not all of the facility got an overhaul in the expansion, and he is also seeking to raise money to refurbish and modernize the locker rooms with new lockers, flooring and showers. After listening to feedback from members of the facility, he plans to add swimsuit spinners and, of course, fix the hot tub as soon as possible.
Creating room for community
As for his personal ideas, Gubbels believes that there is a fantastic space for a golf simulator, which he would happily use to teach golf to those who are interested in learning. To incentivize more visitation from all students, he would like to make room for
spaces where students can study, play boardgames, or simply relax.
This is in an effort to create a sense of fellowship at Reiner that doesn’t just revolve around fitness.
“It doesn’t have to be only athletics-driven,” stated Gubbels during an interview. “There are different activities we can host here to bring all students together.” Given that Reiner is the largest indoor open space on campus, he sees potential for many different functions ranging from Rook tournaments to SA and Residential Life receptions.
Gubbels also aims to provide leadership opportunities for the student body. There are already examples of such initiatives in students working as personal trainers and teaching private swim lessons.
Before returning to Union Adventist University, David Gubbels worked in many positions related to the golf industry, including facility management, sales and teaching.
Positions he would like to create include a student pool manager and head lifeguard. Gubbels happily receives feedback from customers via email or in-person conversations and is working
diligently to listen and find solutions, even to small concerns. This is all because establishing a welcoming, family-like atmosphere is among his top priorities.
“The word I’d use to describe Union is community,” David Gubbels said. The university’s culture holds a special place in his heart: he grew up in Nebraska and attended Union. This is where he became an Adventist. He hopes his professional expertise can contribute to that legacy of ministry and enthusiasm, helping others to find their purpose and unlock their potential.
Union Adventist University News
Courtesy UAU
FROM Crisis Zones TO Campus Life
Tom Benton joins Union’s International Rescue and Relief Program
Tom Benton, the new expedition coordinator for the International Rescue and Relief Program, appears to be as calm and serene as a mountain lake at sunrise. He speaks softly and thoughtfully. But the world keeps drawing this gentle soul into scenes of chaos and danger straight out of the evening news.
It all started in 1999 after he graduated from Washington Adventist University (then Columbia Union College) with a biology major. His teaching credentials were one week old when he heard the Adventist Development and Relief Agency call for volunteers to help refugees fleeing the war in Kosovo. Benton raised his hand and landed in Albania. “My journals from back then are a bit cringe,” he admits. “I talk about wanting to go be at the center of where the world’s attention is at the moment.”
In 2000, he returned to the States and worked in outdoor education. However, the buildup to the war in Iraq caused a growing conviction that he should serve in that part of the world. “It was one of those times when I felt God telling me I should really be getting ready for this,” he says. Benton gave notice at the youth camp where he worked and waited for the call that he was sure would come. ADRA did call, inviting him to be Iraq Country Director. Benton began coordinating shipments of medicine across the Turkish border to clinics in northern Iraq. He worked in cities such as Baghdad, Sinjar and Mosul. “It was a wild, wild experience,” he remembers. “It felt like this interesting mix of adventure and crisis and Bible history all wrapped into one.”
Then an earthquake leveled a city in Bam, Iran, and he was off to help in that country. Next, he went to help in the refugee camps in Darfur, Sudan. At the same time, Sirill, a young Norwegian woman, traveled to Sudan as a health advisor for
Tom Benton brings his global relief experience with ADRA to Union Adventist University.
ADRA. There, among the tarps and latrine pits, love bloomed. After getting married, the couple moved around the globe, including a stint in Thailand working with projects to protect girls who were in danger of being sold into the sex trade.
Endings and beginnings
At the beginning of this year, Benton was arranging support to keep basic health clinics stocked and operating in the war-torn countries of Myanmar and Yemen. The end of USAID funding for those projects was the beginning of his move to Union. “I
have seen God’s hand in the timing of this,” says Benton, calm and unruffled as always. The Benton family includes one daughter who attends Georgia Cumberland Academy. She is named Geneina after the town in western Sudan where her parents met.
International rescue and relief majors spend one semester in a foreign country as a capstone experience. In recent years, that has brought Union’s students to Malawi during the spring semester. As expedition coordinator, Benton will plan and lead the international travel as well as work on campus during the fall semesters and assist with the university’s disaster response deployments. “I hope to share with students some of my experience, including some of the mistakes I’ve made, so that they’ll be better prepared than I was when I jumped into this,” he says. “You know, I wish I’d had a chance to be a part of something like IRR before I started this work.”
Benton appears to be a good fit for the IRR program. Like the other faculty and students, he’s cool under pressure, always ready to move toward a crisis instead of running away from it. Always ready to help.
Union Adventist University News
Tom Benton walks with his daughter, Geneina, through a desert in Jordan.
Courtesy UAU
Alive in Jesus: A Joyful Journey Toward a New Sabbath School Experience
The Mid-America Union is excited to share encouraging progress on the launch of the brand-new Alive in Jesus Sabbath school curriculum! Grounded in a discipleship model, Alive in Jesus is designed to foster transformational relationships with Jesus while connecting children more meaningfully to home, church and community.
The transition from the long-loved GraceLink materials to Alive in Jesus is well underway—and it’s more than just a curriculum change. It’s a movement toward intentional, relational discipleship that equips our children to follow Jesus with their whole hearts.
In support of this exciting shift, the Mid-America Union has hosted two key training events to equip conference leaders with the vision, tools and resources they need to help local churches transition well. Our most recent training, held in April 2025, brought together leaders from across our union for a weekend of learning, collaboration and inspiration. The North American Division’s Alive in Jesus team led sessions in English and sessions in Spanish were available as well, ensuring that more communities were included.
The weekend was filled with lively worship, hands-on demonstrations, and thoughtful discussions—including a conversation on Sabbath school as a vital part of the evangelistic cycle for children and families. It became clear that Alive in Jesus is not just a curriculum; it is a key tool for growing the church by nurturing the faith of its youngest members.
A special highlight of the training was a behind-the-scenes tour of AdventSource. The experience was packed with fun surprises and gave participants a new appreciation for the tremendous effort and intentionality behind the resources that support children’s ministries across the division. The joy and curiosity on our leaders’ faces as they explored the warehouse and connected with the team was truly special!
This curriculum isn’t just new—it’s intentionally crafted. Here’s what makes Alive in Jesus so special:
• Discipleship-Focused: Built around the natural rhythms of childhood development and family life, Alive in Jesus helps children grow as disciples in age-appropriate ways.
• Home + Church Partnership: The curriculum is designed to equip parents and caregivers as active spiritual leaders in their children’s lives.
• Engaging and Practical: With a blend of storytelling, Bible discovery, service and interactive learning, children don’t just learn about Jesus—they encounter Him.
• Flexible Formats: Whether you’re in a large multi-class church or a small group setting, Alive in Jesus provides adaptable structures and tools for your specific context.
The rollout continues with Kindergarten and Primary (ages 4–9), and other age groups will follow in phases. Now is the time to begin preparing your Sabbath school teams. Get familiar with the layout, explore the website (www.aliveinjesus.info), and talk with your local conference leaders about upcoming training opportunities.
We celebrate the momentum building across our union and beyond. It’s an exciting time to be a part of children’s ministry, and we truly believe Alive in Jesus will be a catalyst for spiritual growth in the next generation.
Stay tuned for more training announcements and resource updates—and in the meantime, let’s continue preparing hearts and spaces for children to encounter Jesus in life-giving ways.
Nicole Broushet is the children’s ministry and small groups pastor for the College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
For more information, visit www. aliveinjesus.info or contact your local conference for upcoming training opportunities.
MID-AMERICA UNION
Get Ready for the New Adventist Connect Website Platform
A help guide for local churches and schools
Adventist Church Connect (ACC) and Adventist School Connect (ASC) are getting an upgrade!
What’s Changing?
In 2025, both platforms will change to a new name: Frame by Adventist Connect (AC). This new system will use WordPress, which makes it easier for churches and schools to manage and update their websites.
The new platform has already launched, with the goal to move all ACC/ASC websites from the SimpleUpdates platform to the new Frame platform.
What You Need to Know
If your church or school uses a custom domain name (like piedmontparksda.org), you’ll need to update your Domain Name settings to make sure your website transfers to the new system without problems. If your church domain is something like lincolnpiedmontparkne.adventistchurch.org then no change needs to be made to your domain and you can move on to STEP 3.
To make sure your website works with the new Adventist Connect platform, you need to know where your domain name was purchased (domain name registrar) and who has access to make changes with the registrar.
Step 1: Figure Out Where and Who
Ask:
• Did we buy our domain name from GoDaddy.com, Google Domains, or another company?
• Who set it up? Do we still have the login?
• Can we find the account and make updates?
Forgot Who Has Access?
Here’s a tip:
1. Go to the website where you think the domain was purchased (like GoDaddy.com).
2. Click “Forgot password.”
3. Enter your church’s domain name or possible usernames.
4. See if it tells you which email the recovery link was sent to.
5. Do you recognize the email address? If yes, email that person and ask them to help transfer or update access.
If the person is no longer around, contact the domain company’s customer support and explain the situation. They may ask for proof that the church owns the domain.
Step 2: Make the Change
Once you can log in, follow the instructions on how to setup a new domain name as the primary domain.Visit the Adventist Connect knowledge base website https://support. adventistconnect.org/help/advanced-dns-customization
This change is required to move your site to the new system.
Why This Matters
Many churches haven’t logged into their domain account in years because the domain name is set to auto-renew (automatic payments). That might seem convenient—until there’s a problem.
If your church can’t access the account:
• You won’t be able to connect your domain (like yourchurch.org) to your new Adventist Connect website.
• Your website may not show up at all, or visitors could get an error message.
• Even worse, your church could continue to get charged every year for that domain name—even though you’re not using it anymore.
To avoid paying for something you can’t use, make sure you:
• Know who has access to the domain account
• Update the settings as needed before the switch can take place.
• Write down login details and share it with two board members and/or pastor and payment info so it doesn’t get lost.
Taking these steps now will save your church time, money, and stress later on.
Visit this page for full instructions and the pre-migration checklist: https://support.adventistconnect.org/help/ pre-migration-checklist-for-frame-by-adventist-connect
Doing these simple things now will help your church avoid problems later and make the move to the new platform as smooth as possible.
Need help?
• Visit: https://support.adventistconnect.org
• Or sign up for updates: https://adventistconnect.org/ frame
• Contact your local conference IT or communication director.
CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE
Kelley Paris Called to Serve in New Role
Kelley Paris, who has served as treasurer of the Central States Conference since June 2023, has been elected by the Board of the Regional Conference Retirement Plan to serve as its next Chief Financial Officer. She will officially assume her new role on Jan. 1, 2026, following the retirement of current CFO Yvonne Collins on Dec. 31, 2025. Kelley is married to Pastor Mark Paris Together, they have devoted their lives to ministry and service in this territory.
A legacy of faith and service
Over the past three years as treasurer, Kelley’s leadership has strengthened the conference’s financial management, planning and stewardship. Under her guidance, Central States has seen growth in tithe and improvements in financial audits, milestones she described as defining moments that showed the resilience of the CSC family. Central States Conference has always been home for Kelley. Born in this territory, her first church as an infant was Grand Avenue in Sikeston, Missouri. Her grandfather, father, uncle and husband all served as pastors within the conference. She first joined the office temporarily during the illness of associate treasurer Arvin Topps. After his passing, Kelley was invited to stay on in a permanent role, where she became a steady
and faith-filled leader for the churches and members.
Expressions of gratitude
Elder Cryston Josiah, CSC president, shared: “We are extremely grateful and thankful for the tremendous blessing Sis. Paris has been to our conference, specifically in making us a financially stronger entity. Even though she will be deeply missed personally and professionally, we are happy for her and her family as she takes up this new assignment. Our administration has already deliberated and will be implementing a transition strategy so that the best financial interest of our conference is well served. Please keep us in your prayers as we continue to stay mission driven in helping to finish the work in the Central States vineyard.”
Elder Joseph Ikner, vice president of administration, added, “Kelley has been a trusted partner and an integral part of our team. Her professionalism and faithfilled leadership have made a lasting impact. Though we are sad to see her go, we celebrate God’s calling on her life.”
Reflections
In reflecting on her service, Kelley expressed her joy in seeing God’s faithfulness in CSC’s finances: “Seeing how God has miraculously blessed our conference through difficult and challenging financial
seasons has been my favorite part. I cannot take any credit for God’s work. He is the God of miracles.”
She also spoke warmly of the CSC family saying, “Everyone embraced me from the beginning. I sincerely enjoyed the family atmosphere with our team at the office and working with the pastors, teachers and executive committee. The team’s dedication and passion for our mission have made my time here truly enjoyable.”
One highlight for Kelley came earlier this year as she prepared the constituency session report and reflected on tithe growth and improvements in financial audits. She described it as a defining moment that showcased the resilience and commitment of the CSC family.
Looking ahead, Kelley said she is both excited and humbled. “This is a new chapter in my career, and I am looking forward to the challenges and
opportunities it will bring. I will continue to rely on God because my success in His work comes from His provision and not my abilities.”
She also offered a personal message to CSC members: “Stay faithful to God and remain connected to Him in every season. Be reminded that God has already gone ahead of us—He knows the path and has a plan. Our responsibility is to simply trust Him.”
The Central States Conference family thanks Kelley Paris for her faithful service, professionalism and dedication to God’s mission. We thank God for the impact she has had in making the conference stronger and more mission-focused and ask members to join us in prayer for Kelley and Pastor Mark as she begins this new chapter of ministry.
Hugh Davis is communication director for the Mid-America Union.
Backpack Sabbath 2025 Overflows with Blessings
The Tabernacle of Praise Church in St. Louis, Missouri, led by Pastor Lusajo Kasyupa Sr, is overjoyed to share the extraordinary success of our fourth annual Backpack Sabbath. Through the faithful commitment, hard work, and loving spirit of our entire church family, we were able to provide 1,000 backpacks including essential school supplies to children and families throughout our community.
Each backpack was more than paper and pencils—it was a gift of hope, encouragement and opportunity for a bright school year. From the very beginning, the energy in the church was contagious. Volunteers from every ministry came together—packing backpacks, sorting supplies, organizing stations, inviting passersby to stop in, and offering prayers and encouragement to each vehicle that drove through.
We saw the joy on parents’ faces and the excitement in the eyes of students as they received tools to help them
succeed in the classroom. Many families shared how deeply touched they were, not only by the supplies but by the kindness, unity, compassion and joy they experienced from every member of our team.
Backpack Sabbath was more than a distribution event—it was a powerful expression of unity. We practice “every member evangelism” at the T.O.P.
Every department, every generation, and every gift within the church was used for God’s glory. The result was an unforgettable day that demonstrated what is possible when we join together in love and service for Christ.
Stewardship director Beverly Diggs said, “BPS is the highlight of my year—it’s an honor to play even a small role in serving our community.” We know the ripple effect of this effort will be felt far beyond the start of the school year. Students will walk into their classrooms prepared and confident. Parents will feel supported. And our community will know that the Tabernacle of Praise is a place where they are valued and cared for. “In that you have done it to one of the least of these My brethren, you have done it to Me.”
As we look ahead, we are excited to continue building
on the relationships formed during Backpack Sabbath. We will be using our contact list from the event to personally invite families and friends to our next community event, where we can continue to share resources, encouragement and God’s love in practical and meaningful ways. In fact, two families who attended the event requested baptism. To God be the glory! We were blessed to partner with two local non-profits: Save Our Youth–St. Louis and Behind It All. Thank you to every volunteer, donor, prayer partner, and supporter who made this possible. Your generosity of time, talent, temple and treasure created an impact that will last far beyond the day itself. Together, we made a difference—and together, we “will do greater works than these!”
Lee Carrell is a member at Tabernacle of Praise in Missouri.
Faith Flows Freely at Living Water Pathfinder Camporee
As a longtime Pathfinder, I always looked forward to camporees. I loved hanging out with my friends, completing fun honors, and yes— even camping in tents.
Last summer I was part of our camp staff that helped with the Living Water Dakota Pathfinder Camporee at Northern Lights Camp. Four of our Pathfinder clubs were able to join us as we spent time learning how God is our living water, vital to our daily lives. Pathfinders spent time completing honors, praising God in our worship programs, and playing games like gaga ball and kickball. One of my favorite parts of this camporee was realizing how many of our Pathfinders are also summer camp campers. It was incredible to see—it showed not only how many kids we are able to reach through youth ministry, but also how many adults are dedicated to making sure young people get these formative, faith-building experiences.
One especially memorable moment came on Thursday
night. As the evening drew to a close, the weather began to shift. Dark clouds rolled in, lightning lit up the sky, and by 11:00 pm, Pathfinders experienced “living water” in a very real way as buckets of rain poured down. Thankfully, the clubs moved inside for safety, and by morning the skies had cleared. My dad, Pastor Ted Struntz, always says, “It isn’t a Pathfinder campout if you don’t get rained on at least once.” I’m afraid he’s right. But even though the weather was wet for part of camporee, it didn’t slow our Pathfinders down one bit.
As the sun dried their tents, Pathfinders were busy diving into honor after honor. Seventeen were offered— with power boating, waterskiing, beginning swimming, and water safety honors (my personal favorite to help with) all taking place right on beautiful Lake Metigoshe.
The Waterfalls honor was a huge hit on Sabbath, with more than 24 Pathfinders taking the class at the same time.
When Pathfinders weren’t working on honors, they were busy praising God in our morning and evening worships. Singing together is one of my favorite things about camporee, and because so many of our Pathfinders are also summer campers, they naturally stepped up to help lead— some even playing piano and violin. The absolute highlight came Sabbath evening, when nearly every Pathfinder joined the praise team up front. We ended up singing for more than 30 minutes, with one camp favorite after another requested—we really took the part in the Pathfinder Law “keep a song in my heart” literally.
It was amazing to see kids from all over the Dakotas, from different ages and backgrounds, praising God together. Moments like these remind me why youth ministry is so important. Our youth are vital. Every single Pathfinder—whether at camporee or at home—shares two things: they love God, and
they want to share His light with others. Some are as young as 10 years old, yet they’ve already made the commitment to “go on God’s errands” and be His messengers. That’s what makes the ministry of Pathfinders so meaningful—it functions as a training ground, helping our youth learn from each other and recognize just how important their role as a Pathfinder truly is.
So the next time you see a Pathfinder walking around in their Class A uniform at church, remember just how much that Pathfinder title actually means. Pathfinders don’t just earn honors and go camping. They minister for God and show the world just how life-giving His Living Water really is.
Liz Struntz is a sophomore business major with an emphasis in strategic communication and public relations at Southern Adventist University. She recently served as the 2025 summer camp assistant director for Dakota Camps, where she combined her passion for youth ministry with her skills in leadership and storytelling.
Liz Struntz
Retiring Pastor Reflects on a Journey of Calling, Detours and Return
Elder Roy Morris is retiring after seven years of ministry in the Yankton and Hurley district in South Dakota—but this isn’t his first time serving in the Dakotas, nor was it always a straight path. His story is one of early calling, painful detours, and God’s persistent leading— bringing him full circle, back to where it all began.
Originally from New York, Morris’ passion for ministry took root during his teenage years after giving his heart to the Lord. Encouraged by his local church members, he enrolled at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. But life took an unexpected turn. “The first year I chickened out,” Morris admitted. He married young and joined the military, beginning what he calls a series of detours.
After his military service, he returned to Southern to continue his pastoral studies. Before finishing his degree, however, he accepted an invitation from Elders Don Shelton and Ron Wham to serve in the Dakota Conference. “We had a good time in the Dakotas the first time around,” he said. From McClusky to Mandan to Carrington, he served three districts in four years.
But life grew difficult. Roy and his first wife separated, and he left the ministry— spending the next decade as a truck driver. “It was a horrible experience, but it taught me a lot,” he reflected. “There’s nothing in the world
worth doing except following Christ.”
Feeling the need for stability, Morris returned to New York. There, he worked in a factory, began attending church again, and slowly stepped back into lay ministry. “At first, I just sat in the back and kept my mouth shut,” he said. But soon, he was preaching again. Before long the president of the New York Conference welcomed him back to pastoral ministry with open arms, despite not having completing his degree, hiring him as part of a large cohort of new workers.
Around that same time, Roy met Priscilla, who was also returning to church. Their pastor and a few matchmaking church ladies played a hand in introducing them. “They were very successful,” Roy laughed. Priscilla’s heart for ministry matched Roy’s, and the two have now served side by side for 15 years.
After four years of paid ministry in New York, Roy might have stayed put—if not for an old friend. “Mike Temple would call me once a year saying, ‘Roy, you really ought to come back to the Dakotas.’” After several years of nudging, Morris finally agreed to share his number with conference administration. Conference president Elder Neil Biloff made the call and invited Roy and Priscilla to meet the churches in Yankton and Hurley.
“I went in with all these reasons to say no,” Roy recalled. “But every single one was
answered—before I even asked.” The sincerity, warmth and openness of the district congregations won them over. On the drive back to the airport, Roy asked his wife if it meant they should start packing. “Yep,” she said.
Morris spent the last seven years of his ministry back in the Dakotas, right where his pastoral story began. “We didn’t quit because we were tired of ministry,” he emphasized. “We saw a need in our family.” Retirement will take them to Florida, closer to Priscilla’s relatives and Roy’s
siblings in nearby North Carolina.
Though unsure what kind of ministry God has in store next, Roy remains open. “The Lord’s kept that veiled for some reason—but I know it’ll be good.”
His parting words? “If every Adventist church across North America could learn to be friendly like the churches here in the Dakotas, people would be drawn to that. And when they find love, they’ll find Jesus—and He’ll take care of the rest.”
Information provided by Pastor Roy Morris. Article compiled with assistance from ChatGPT.
Courtesy Hurley Church
How God Led St. Louis ACS to Reopen in a New, Better Location
F or years St. Louis Adventist Community Services operated out of a facility that had once served it well. However, as time went on it became increasingly evident that the building was no longer suitable for the work being done there. It was a painful reality, but also a call to action. Fervent prayer commenced, petitioning God to lead in finding a new location—one that could serve as a true center of hope for the St. Louis community. And in God’s perfect timing, He provided a new building that checked off every item on the “must have” list, as well as additional blessings not even thought of! It was evident that God had gone before, to prepare the way.
From the very beginning of this move, His fingerprints have been unmistakable. Despite many unforeseen hurdles causing an eight month delay in reopening, the ACS center has been
established, right where God wants it to be. The new space allows ACS to better serve the community in providing food and clothing assistance, as well as plenty of space for
future educational classes such as healthy cooking, basic computer skills, parenting, resume writing assistance, job interview coaching, and money management.
Currently, a School of Evangelism is being conducted by the Iowa-Missouri Conference, using the Education Room of the ACS Center. This is a 13-week class designed to equip and develop skills for sharing the gospel with the community through personal Bible studies.
Today, as ACS settles into its new home and begins this new chapter in ministry, there is a sense of deep gratitude for what God has wrought. There is also excitement over all the possibilities for being ‘the hands and feet of Jesus’ through further assistance, education and outreach to the St. Louis community.
Dar Moore is a member of the St. Louis West County Church.
Photos courtesy Dar Moore
Seventeen Student Magabookers Raise Over $22,000 While Sharing Faith Through Literature Evangelism
Seventeen high school and college students participated in this year’s conference Magabooking program, traveling door-to-door across Iowa and Missouri from May 20 through late July to share faith-based literature and raise funds for Adventist education. The students visited multiple cities over eight weeks, placing more than 200 books in homes and collecting over $22,000 in donations to help cover their educational expenses at Adventist schools.
The program combines literature evangelism with practical ministry training, as students learn to engage
community members through magazine-style books offered on a donation basis. After spending their first week building relationships and practicing their presentation skills, the Magabookers began their field work and continued throughout the summer.
“This is great. It felt really good to pray for someone,” said Nathaniel, one of the participating students, after having the opportunity to pray with a woman he met during his visits. Fellow Magabooker Briseis emphasized the program’s personal impact: “Magabooking is honestly a great opportunity
to improve on oneself. I’ve grown so much in two months, and I’ll always appreciate this experience.”
The program concluded with students serving at Summer Blast, an evangelistic program in Burlington, Iowa. Pastor Ramon Veloz praised their comprehensive involvement: “The Magabooking youth demonstrated outstanding dedication and service during the Summer Blast program. They contributed in many areas, including the praise team, children’s activities, registration, food preparation, giveaways and more.”
The students led a
children’s class that proved particularly fruitful, with five children from their group choosing baptism during the Friday evening program. “It was truly a blessing to have them, and I would gladly welcome them back anytime,” Veloz said.
Program leader Pastor Sixto Ramos reflected on the transformative experience: “This is a summer that I will never forget. It was an honor and privilege to work alongside this group of young people sharing God’s love to the communities we visited.”
Alicia Spaid is a member of the Lee’s Summit Adventist Church in Missouri.
Alicia Spaid
Lincoln Hispanic Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning
Inthe midst of economic and social challenges, the Lincoln Hispanic Church gathered for a special celebration, marking the final payment of its church mortgage. This achievement is a powerful testimony of God’s faithfulness and the perseverance of His people.
The highlight of the day was the symbolic burning of the mortgage, representing freedom from debt and the opportunity to look toward new horizons. Pastor Alejandro Dovald reminded the congregation that this project was more than the
construction of a building. It is a place where people have found community and belonging. Conference president Ron Carlson shared a message from the story of Jesus’ first miracle, calling all to “do everything He asks of you,” a reminder to remain faithful to God’s mission.
With gratitude, I thank God and every member who contributed through prayer, service and sacrifice to make this day possible. What once was a dream has become a living testimony of God’s provision.
Though challenges remain,
our future is secure in Him. The same God who led us through this project will continue to guide us forward. May this church remain a
place of worship, service and hope for generations to come.
Broken Arrow Ranch Building Project
— Why Now?
For many decades, Broken Arrow Ranch has served as a sacred place where lives are transformed and faith is strengthened. From summer camps and retreats to training seminars and camporees, this ministry has been the backdrop for countless spiritual journeys. Now, we stand at a pivotal moment in the ranch’s history—an opportunity to expand our reach and impact for generations to come.
A Vision Takes Shape
In May 2023, the Conference Camp Committee began studying how to better serve our constituents. After careful consideration, a proposal was presented to the Conference Executive Committee, which unanimously approved moving forward with fundraising. Progress was slow at first, but after months of prayer, God provided the right leaders: Tyson Shaw as Fundraising Team chair, assisted by Luis Garcia, and Nick Cowgill as Master Design Team chair. In December 2024, Nick presented the breathtaking “Dream Big” Master Plan. While inspiring, we knew this vision must unfold one phase at a time.
Huascar Rodriguez pastors the Lincoln Hispanic Church in Nebraska.
Lincoln Hispanic Church Boys/Girls Cabin
Nick Cowgill
The Critical Need for New Facilities
Our commitment to offering an exceptional camp experience revealed urgent needs:
Accommodation space: More cabins mean fewer campers turned away.
Staff stability: Dedicated staff housing reduces disruption and builds cohesion.
Welcoming guests: Expanded facilities foster stronger community support.
Family programs: Improved capacity enriches retreats for all ages.
Health and safety: A staff cabin provides space for sick campers, protecting everyone.
New facilities will:
• Encourage community support.
• Expand outreach to more campers.
• Strengthen our reputation and inspire confidence.
• Improve staff experience and program quality.
• Enable year-round ministry.
The Building Plan: Practical Excellence
Two Camper Cabins (one boys’, one girls’) with space for 8 campers each, bathrooms, showers, and full climate control. Staff Cabin with improved features to support staff wellbeing and ministry.
How Will We Accomplish This?
The first step: build the cabins we desperately need. The goal: $700,000. Through God’s provision, a generous donor offered a $350,000 matching grant. The fundraising team, working with conference president Ron Carlson, connected with donors across the conference. As churches and members gave, the goal steadily came into view.
We are thrilled to share that the $700,000 goal has now been reached! We give thanks to God and to every person who made this possible.
Cabin Floorplan *plans subject to change
With your continued support, Broken Arrow Ranch will provide a place where countless young people can grow in faith. We look forward to seeing all the wonderful things God will do here.
Camp Committee
Melvin Santos (Chairman), Nick Snell (Secretary), John Clark, Pam DeCamp, Rob Koch, Jeff McCullough, Cliff Nies, Tyson Shaw, and Don Whitson
Melvin Santos is vice president of administration for the KansasNebraska Conference.
Nick Cowgill
Baptism Unites Believers in Multicultural Congregation
While the enemy uses every opportunity to destroy humankind, our Lord continues to win souls for His kingdom. Last August on an unusually cold yet most wonderful summer day, 10 beautiful young people chose light over darkness and declared
before the entire universe that their lives now belong to the Lamb who saved them by the power of His blood. Pastor Valera Ruchko baptized the new members and welcomed them into Source of Life Adventist Church. What a victory!
It was nothing short of a miracle to witness these young people of Russian, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Moldovan origin—despite brutal conflicts raging on the world stage—embrace and rejoice over one another as one family in Christ. Our joy
was made complete with the testimony of an American man, David, who also chose our multinational, Russianspeaking congregation as his spiritual home.
While the enemy strives to fracture nations and divide tongues, the citizens of heaven stand united—shoulder to shoulder—ready to join God’s army and continue the work of our Lord Jesus Christ until their last breath or His glorious return. May this story uplift spirits and remind us that heaven is nearer than we dare imagine!
Ilona Stepanova is a member of Source of Life Adventist Church, a multicultural congregation in Plymouth, Minnesota.
Shalom Media
Builds Bridges to the World
“God calls us to go!”
Minnesota conference president Jeff Scoggins made this heartfelt appeal in the spring of 2024, urging members to embrace international evangelism. Many listeners committed to joining mission trips in Africa and South America. However, Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov realized he could not travel to tropical climates because of his health. That’s when he received a phone call pointing him toward a different mission.
The caller, a Ukrainian Adventist pastor in Prague, Czech Republic (or Czechia), described how several visitors from varied Christian backgrounds had approached his church and asked to be baptized. Their familiarity with Adventist teachings surprised the Ukrainian pastor. Curious, he questioned the visitors and discovered that many had encountered biblical truth by listening to sermons by Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov of Shalom Media. For decades, this ministry has shared the gospel with
Jewish people and seekers from Christian and secular backgrounds. Although he is based in Minnesota, Pastor Bolotnikov’s messages are available worldwide on YouTube, and the ministry also operates a Bible school.
Since the onset of war in Ukraine, the small nation of Czechia has welcomed around half a million refugees. In the capital city of Prague, Ukrainian churches have become a haven for these seekers, and many are eager to grow in their faith. Now they were asking, “How can we learn more?”
The path to prague
With this connection established, Pastor Bolotnikov and his son accepted an invitation to conduct an evangelistic series in Prague entitled “Law and Grace in the Epistle to the Romans.” Over 100 listeners from across Czechia attended in person, and many more joined online. Their eagerness to learn confirmed that God’s Spirit was moving despite tragic regional conflicts.
Among the attendees was Doctor Ivan, who traveled daily by train from the city of Pilzen to attend every meeting. His aim was not only personal growth but also sharing the harmonious revelation of Jesus’ character with his own Protestant congregation. Thrilled by the message of Romans, he realized that the doctrines of law and grace do not contradict each other but harmonize. As the evangelistic series progressed, the Word of God inspired transformation. On the final day, three individuals—shaped by war, displacement and discovery—were baptized, publicly declaring their covenant with Christ.
Surprising testimonies
The meetings coincided with the 15th anniversary of the
Ukrainian church in Prague. That Sabbath, more than 500 guests filled the sanctuary, including conference and union leaders. It was a celebration of unity—Baptists, Adventists and seekers from many backgrounds gathered under one roof.
Throughout the day, Pastor Bolotnikov heard more than 30 personal testimonies from viewers of Shalom Media. Stories ranged from finding Christ through online broadcasts to experiencing spiritual renewal in the midst of war. Many spoke of peace, direction and hope in Jesus despite the turmoil around them.
Shalom Media has become a bridge across borders. From a humble base in Minnesota, the video sermons and lessons have impacted distant corners of Europe and prepared hearts for in-person ministry. Pastor Bolotnikov now sees that God turned an unexpected path into a fruitful mission. “God’s path may differ from ours,” he says, “but it leads exactly where we are needed.”
Communication volunteer Becky Scoggins and Pastor Alexander Bolotnikov of the Minnesota Conference collaborated on this article.
Courtesy Shalom Media
Pastor Shares Reminder of Why We Do What We Do
Making disciples is not something Jesus suggested or recommended. Making disciples is something Jesus commanded. It was a direct order.
For 2,000 years, making disciples has been the mission, duty and privilege of Jesus’ followers. Here at Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado, we take Jesus’ words seriously. Making disciples is our mission, our highest honor, and our greatest win. Every single other thing we do is in support of making disciples.
When someone gives their life to Jesus, chooses to identify with Him through the act of baptism, and says Yes to
living life as a Jesus’ follower (disciple), we celebrate in a big way! In fact, based on what we know about the way Jesus did things when He was on earth, we like to imagine that if He were here today, He would celebrate very much the way we did last August.
After a powerful worship experience, we caravanned to a beautiful outdoor setting to first enjoy a picnic lunch together. While it was not barley loaves and fishes, the haystacks did seem to multiply, and a very large crowd had plenty to eat.
Six followers of Jesus were baptized: four elementary students, one high school student, and one college
student. Another one was baptized a few weeks earlier at Glacier View Ranch in Ward, Colorado.
Because we live in a culture where it is no longer a given that kids raised in church choose Jesus, this is a big win for the kingdom! Still dripping wet, these newly baptized Jesus’
followers were surrounded by their Newday family, friends and guests as we prayed over them: “Father, fill them with your Holy Spirit. May they be disciple makers!”
Lisa Cardinal is lead pastor at Newday Adventist Church in Colorado.
Faith and Fellowship Flourish at RMC Hispanic Camp Meeting
More than 1,000 attendees gathered recently for the annual Hispanic Camp Meeting, hosted by the Rocky Mountain Conference Hispanic Ministries. Set against the backdrop of Colorado’s high country at Glacier View Ranch in Ward,
Colorado, the event offered a powerful blend of worship, renewal and community connection.
This year’s theme, “Creciendo en Jesús” (“Always Growing in Jesus”), shaped the tone of the weekend—from the messages to the music
to the moments of prayer. Keynote speaker and pastor Jose Rojas delivered a series of sermons that resonated deeply across generations.
Drawing from Matthew 5, Rojas reminded attendees that we are the salt of the earth, not merely to preserve,
but to provoke thirst. “When people look at our lives,” he said, “there should be a thirst rising in them for Jesus. Salt makes us thirsty. Our presence should stir a longing for the presence of God.”
Rojas also encouraged families to center their lives on Christ and reflect His character in everyday interactions. “If you want to see the face of God,” he added, “look into the eyes of His children.”
The weekend featured baptisms, dedicatory prayers for RMC’s youth, a solemn anointing service, and vibrant fellowship activities filled with dishes from across
Jim Huenergardt
Pastor Lisa Cardinal baptizes a new disciple.
Abner
Josiah Garcia
Latin America. Among the delicious meals and campfires, one could feel the atmosphere to be one of unity and spiritual momentum.
Leonardo Jimenez, lead pastor of the Nueva Esperanza, Denver Central, and Colorado Springs Hispanic districts, described the experience as transformative: “It was an inspiring camp meeting that renewed our faith and brotherhood in Christ.” Christina Hernandez, a member of the Pecos Hispanic Seventh-day
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
Adventist Church in Denver, Colorado, added, “It was amazing to see people coming together to get closer to God. You could feel the Spirit moving—not just in the sermons, but in the conversations, the prayers and the joy of being together.”
Alexa, a student at Mile High Academy in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, shared, “Something that I really liked about el campestre is how the pastor that was preaching let people step out of the crowd and get baptized that
same day. Another thing I liked was the anointing. You never know what someone might be going through, so in doing that, it really helped my family.”
With over 1,000 participants, the camp meeting marked one of the largest Hispanic gatherings in the region this year. Families traveled from across Colorado and Wyoming to worship, reconnect and celebrate their shared faith.
As attendees packed up and returned to their home
churches, many left with renewed purpose and a deeper sense of connection to God and to one another. As the Hispanic community in RMC prepared to celebrate 100 years of Hispanic ministries, the camp meeting served as a timely reminder of the importance of growing in Jesus, putting Him first, and letting His character be reflected in our lives.
Jose Briones is the RMC stewardship promotion and content creator.
Equipping Teachers, Inspiring Students, Advancing Mission Through RMC Education
The Rocky Mountain Conference Education Department began the 2025–2026 school year with three powerful days of professional development that teachers across the conference are calling “the best I’ve experienced.” Guided by nationally recognized educator and author Dr. Tina Boogren, this gathering was more than training—it was a time of inspiration, collaboration and renewal for those called to the sacred work of teaching.
For new and veteran teachers alike, the sessions offered practical strategies that benefit both student learning and teacher well-being. As one new teacher shared, “I am so inspired by the collaboration of schools across the conference.” Dr. Boogren’s expertise in The New Art and Science of Teaching and educator wellness brought together evidence-based instructional practices with the human side of teaching—relationships,
joy and purpose.
This exceptional opportunity was made possible through the generosity of a donor passionate about Adventist education.
Throughout the training, teachers explored strategies for engagement, feedback and relationship-building, learning how seemingly small shifts in teacher practice can profoundly impact student achievement. From increasing student response rates to integrating movement into learning, Dr. Boogren’s approach reinforced the truth that great teaching is both an art and a science and that healthy, thriving teachers create safe and thriving classrooms.
The impact was felt beyond the classroom. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president of administration, reflected:
“I have seldom attended professional seminars that were more relevant, insightful and full of practical ideas.
It was impossible not to be engaged, and so much of the presentation can be applied beyond education.”
Adding to the spirit of encouragement, conference president Dave VandeVere joined the meetings, taking time to personally connect with as many teachers as possible. His message was clear: our mission is to work together in bringing students to Jesus.
These three days served as a poignant reminder that the strength of RMC education lies in its people, dedicated educators who pour their skills, compassion and faith into their students every day. It also highlighted the power of collaboration, the necessity of teacher well-being, and the joy of shared mission.
Diane Harris is the RMC education director and superintendent.
Educators from across the RMC meet for three days of professional development.
AdventHealth Hosts 35th Annual Conference on Mission
“We are gathered here— leaders, stewards, believers—not just to hold the mission, but to extend it.” With the thought-provoking question “How do you extend?” David Banks, president and CEO of AdventHealth, opened his keynote address at the 35th annual Conference on Mission. He challenged AdventHealth leaders, board members, advisory members and Seventh-day Adventist church leaders to reflect on what intentional, mission-driven growth looks like in today’s evolving landscape.
Under the inspiring theme Growing on Purpose, attendees gathered in Orlando, Florida, for a dynamic threeday conference focused on staying rooted in mission while embracing growth.
The event kicked off with an awards ceremony hosted by Olesea Azevedo, chief culture and transformation officer at AdventHealth. In recognition of their selfless service, Christian Service Awards were presented to Abby Wirick, mental health consultant at AdventHealth Winter Garden, Apopka, Clermont and Millenia OSEDs; Leann Starkovich, regional director for HIM at AdventHealth Central Texas; and Teri Fisher practice manager, Primary Care Ocala.
The Trustee of the Year Award recognized Anne Kelly, vice president of Mainstreet Community Band of Florida and Dallas Owens, member of the Burleson
Independent School District Board, for their exceptional leadership and commitment to service. The Crystal Angel Award, AdventHealth’s highest recognition for outstanding Christian leadership, was presented to Cathy Stankiewicz, chief nursing officer for the Central Florida Division and Vicki White, senior vice president and chief brand and consumer officer. These distinguished executives were celebrated for their mission-related achievements, impactful projects and transformative programs.
Following the awards ceremony, the Benjamin F. Reaves Keynote address was delivered by Banks, offering a powerful message centered on the theme of “extending.” Through personal stories and reflections, Banks highlighted the enduring significance of AdventHealth’s mission, Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, while drawing on the rich history of the organization and of health care.
“Our mission is fully expressed when we combine our clinical capabilities and our professional proficiencies inside our divine appointments, respecting and acknowledging the value and humanity of those we serve,” shared Banks. “Why? Because that’s exactly how Jesus saw people.”
Banks’ keynote set a thoughtful tone for the following day’s business session where attendees were invited to explore what it really means
Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference and AdventHealth board chair,
delivers the Sabbath sermon.
to remain rooted in mission during a season of growth.
Keynote speaker Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International and co-author of Mission Drift, emphasized the critical importance of keeping mission at the heart of an organization, a principle many have struggled to uphold. To ensure mission remains central, Greer stressed the need for consistent reminders, clear communication and the discipline to “repeat, repeat, repeat.”
Greer shared a powerful insight: “The mission is not just in the architecture; it’s in the people.” With dedicated team members who live the mission, intentional growth can flourish without compromising purpose. Events like Conference on Mission offer a vital
opportunity for individuals across AdventHealth to recommit to the organization’s calling, ensuring the mission remains vibrant, alive and central to AdventHealth’s work.
Staying true to mission
In alignment with the message of staying true to mission, six missional pillars were reinforced by regional AdventHealth leaders. Sam Huenergardt, executive vice president and CEO of AdventHealth Mid-America Region, spoke over the environment of AdventHealth hospitals and what makes them different.
“Healing doesn’t begin at the bedside; it begins at the door. A patient might not remember the name of their
Matt Rainey / AdventHealth
procedure, but they will remember the warmth of the sunlight of the room, the hush of the healing spaces around them, or the comfort of the meal that really felt like somebody cared,” said Huenergardt. “Because that’s what happens. That’s what turns a hospital into a sanctuary. And when they say it felt different here, we’ll know that we didn’t just live our mission. We embodied it and Christ was seen through us.”
That evening marked the return of a special tradition— Friday vespers. Jeff Bromme, executive vice president and chief legal officer at AdventHealth delivered a reflective message on “the vesper hour,” encouraging attendees to seek out spaces where they can inspire and uplift others.
Music played a key role
ADVENTHEALTH ROCKY
in both the Friday vespers program and the Sabbath morning service at Calvary Orlando church. The AdventHealth Orchestra, led by Richard Hickam , corporate director of music and the arts at AdventHealth, returned with a stirring performance, joined for the first time by the newly formed AdventHealth Choir. Under the direction of Vivian Cook , learning partner for learning innovation and strategy at AdventHealth, the choir made a memorable debut that added depth and inspiration to the worship experience. These moments of music paved the way for powerful team member and patient testimonials, accompanied by images from the Illuminations of Faith art gallery, a curated collection
of personal artwork created by AdventHealth team members from across the system, displayed just outside of the sanctuary.
Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and AdventHealth board chair, delivered the Sabbath message. Centering his reflection on God’s remedy for mission drift, Thurber drew from Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Thurber concluded his sermon by reflecting on how this passage captures the essence of God’s saving relationship with us and how AdventHealth’s mission and service standards reflect that
divine calling. “Not only did [Jesus] ‘own it”, he said, “but He loved us and by doing so He kept us safe. And by the way, He made it simple.”
This connection between AdventHealth’s service standards and its mission was also emphasized earlier in the conference by Banks. “I have heard people describe our organization in many different ways. Some reference our services, our geographic reach or our financials,” said Banks. “But I believe it’s our mission statement that best describes who AdventHealth is and what we are seeking to do. Extending the ministry of Christ simply means going to where the people are.”
Andrea Cardenas is a stakeholder communications specialist at AdventHealth.
The AdventHealth Orchestra shares the stage with images from the Illuminations of Faith art gallery.
FAREWELL
Anderson, Alice Marie, b. Feb. 7, 1937 in Sweet Grass County, MT. d. Oct. 19, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. Member of Neligh (NE) Church. Preceded in death by husband Norm; 1 sister; 5 brothers. Survivors include daughter Joeyln Tucker; son Milan; 2 granddaughters.
Bing, Herbert Duane, b. June 26, 1935 in Keighley, KS. d. June 22, 2025 in Enterprise, KS. Member of Enterprise Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister and 1 brother. Survivors include wife Martha; daughter Pam Perry; son Doug; 3 grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter. Served in the U.S. Army.
Bricknell, Shirley Ann, b. July 24, 1946. d. Oct. 14, 2022. Member of Denver South (CO) Church.
Heisler, Edward J., b. Nov. 6, 1923 in Farmington, Nova Scotia. d. Aug. 22, 2025 in Chattanooga, TN. Preceded in death by wife Ethel; 4 sisters; 3 brothers. Survivors include daughters Elizabeth, Barbara, and Beverly; son Bruce; 2 brothers; 6 grandchildren; 3 great-grandchildren. Served as a missionary and hospital administrator in Jamaica, Nicaragua, Penang, Singapore, and Sierra Leone.
Knopp, Violet, b. Dec. 23, 1930 in Ashley, ND. d. Aug. 26, 2025 in Montrose, CO. Member of Montrose Church. Preceded in death by daughter Shirleen Watkins. Survivors include husband Marvin; daughter Pam; 6 grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren.
LaPorte, Norma Jean (Blanck), b. Jan. 9, 1947 in Loma Linda, CA. d. Aug. 16, 2025 in Bowdon, ND. Member of Manfred (ND) Church. Survivors include husband Ellis; daughter Elly Millirans; son Ellis Jr.; 1 sister; 1 brother; 2 grandchildren.
Larsen, Ramona, b. Aug. 9, 1932 in Mineral Center, MN. d. Aug. 16, 2025 in Bagley, MN. Member of Bemidji (MN) Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother. Survivors include husband Don; children Sherlee Sewell, Donna Larsen, Richard Larsen, Lori Larsen, Neri Nelson; 3 sisters; 2 brothers; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Milton, L. Dick, b. Oct. 24, 1946 in Wichita, KS. d. Aug. 8, 2025 in Greeley, CO. Member of Elm Haven (CO)
Church. Survivors include wife Ruth; daughters Marla, Amy, and Renee; 1 sister; 1 brother; 5 grandchildren.
Moote, Darrel Jean, b. Oct. 31, 1932 in Elizabeth, CO. d. Sep. 10, 2025 in Greeley, CO. Member of Windsor Elm Haven (CO) Church. Preceded in death by son Larry; 1 sister; 1 brother. Survivors include wife Marilyn; daughter Anice Young; son Kevin; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren.
Samelson, Linn L., b. Oct. 20, 1948 in Bancroft, SD. d. July 9, 2025 in Sioux Falls, SD. Member of Huron (SD) Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister; 2 brothers. Survivors include wife Charlotte “Sandy”; daughter Traci Linn Samelson; 1 sister; 1 brother; 1 grandson.
INFOMARKET
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
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS
Fill your life and home with a Christian spirit of Christmas. LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music all through December with special concerts nightly at 8 pm ET, from December 6 through 25. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at LifeTalk.net
CHRISTMAS MUSIC
LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music all through December with special concerts nightly at 8 pm ET, from December 6 through 25. Fill your life and home with a Christian spirit of Christmas. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at LifeTalk.net
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 churchplanned 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 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.
La Vonne Earl’s “Heal Unhealthy Love Patterns,” has the power to reshape the very fabric of our thinking, self-talk, and behavior. The book challenges the misconception that our thought and relational/behavior patterns are rigidly set in stone, drawing inspiration not only from timeless wisdom found in the Bible, but also aligning itself with the recent scientific consensus that highlights the remarkable plasticity of our minds. Check out her healing books here: www.LaVonneEarl.com
EMPLOYMENT
Associate Treasurer – MidAmerica Union Conference
The Mid-America Union Conference is seeking applications for a full-time Undertreasurer to support treasury operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, audits, and compliance. Applicants should have denominational experience in accounting/finance, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and a commitment to mission-focused stewardship.
This position offers excellent benefits. Qualified applicants, please send your resume to Raylene Jones at raylene. jones@maucsda.org
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 is searching for applicants for the position of Life Coach in Student Success. This is a fulltime, non-exempt position. A bachelor’s degree is required, master’s preferred. Duties include serving as a life coach/academic advisor for assigned freshman, working with high-risk students and providing specialized services, assisting freshman with registration, providing accountability coaching for academic probation population and other duties. Please see the job description and instructions for application at uau.edu/ employment.
Union Adventist University is seeking qualified applicants for Research and Instruction Librarian. This position develops and provides reference and library instruction to diverse groups of students, faculty, staff, and community visitors,
using modalities suited to the individual, classroom, or online environments. ALAaccredited Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent required. See job description and apply 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 +1.470.833.2887 or email GCtours@naver.com.
Biblical Study Tour of Greece, Footsteps of Apostles Paul & John in Greece!! June 24 -July 6, 2026. A Biblical journey through Philippi, Amphipolis, Thessalonica, Berea, Meteora, Delphi, Athens, Corinth. Enjoy a cruise to Patmos, Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, Ephesus. Experience the Greek culture and food. Info: www. biblicaltouring.com George Dialectakis 860.402.2247
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 shortterm trip. Follow, Engage and Partner with us in our mission of saving lives. Visit www.wingsoflife.net
We Take Your Priorities to Heart
You have unique skills, goals and plans. We want to help you achieve them. With 102 clinics and 5 hospitals across the Rocky Mountain Region, you can lead, learn and grow on the AdventHealth team. Join Our Rocky Mountain Region Team
Journey Your Starts Here
Are you ready to join an experience of healing and discovery?
The Journey builds on the rich legacy of the Seventh-day Adventist approach to health, which affirms and nurtures the deep connection between body, mind and spirit. Now presented as an engaging and accessible online experience, it offers a fresh way to explore the timeless principles of CREATION Life, thoughtfully applied to your life today.
But The Journey isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation. Through guided activities and a supportive community, you have the opportunity to take meaningful steps toward a life where you can truly feel whole. Along the way, you’ll explore powerful themes like forgiveness, balance, purpose and more.
