JUNE26

A Transmission of Joy

Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D. President of the Southern Union Conference

“He went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,” Luke 8:1.

“And the twelve were with him.” What a privilege to journey with Jesus as He infected Galilee with the joy of the Gospel!

The people never forgot it. The command to rejoice that echoes through Paul’s writings, the songs of victory from the scenes in Revelation, have their origin in this Man of joy. Luke especially takes pains to establish the personality of Jesus as one who created joy. For this reason, some call His story the Gospel of joy.

Why did Jesus attract such crowds? We might create many lists. No one had ever spoken like Him. He spoke with authority and simplicity. He healed people. He taught them about God in a way that made Him real to them. He offered them hope when they thought themselves hopeless. Once started on its way, the joy traveled with Jesus all the way to the cross, and then on through the Resurrection to the ends of the world, where today it touches you and me.

No wonder the poet protests:

“Man of sorrows, what a name, For the Son of God who came Ruined sinners to reclaim.”

That He wept and sorrowed we know, but these contrasted with the “glad tidings” and “great joy” that flowed from His ministry.

In many ways Mahatma Gandhi tried to model himself on Jesus Christ. He moved through India at the center of great crowds. He taught a gospel of hope. He loved people and tried to uplift the outcast and the despised, as Jesus did. Yet, he never could do what Jesus did.

The bullet that ended Gandhi’s life did nothing to redeem sinners, but the nails that pinned the Sinless One to the cross provided life for all.

Jesus had the right to preach glad tidings because He could provide the power to make joy everlasting. Forever after, the disciples remembered. And after His death, they found His joy continued not just in their hearts, but in its power to attract and change lives everywhere.

When we, as members of the Southern Union, quest to minister to our cities and surrounding communities, let us remain assured that our Lord not only travels the streets with us, but He will also travel to the crowded places of our lives. He will come to the quiet corners nobody else sees.

Finally, the transmitted joy that Jesus imparts is not doom — it is glad tidings. That means Good News and tidings of joy. That is simply the message that the Kingdom of God is at hand. God is stepping into human situations. Heaven is in the process of invading Earth:

He’s walking into hospitals. He’s stepping into broken homes. He’s moving through troubled minds. And most importantly, Jesus is coming again to intercept time with eternity. What an amazing opportunity to share this hope.

“We can impart only that which we receive from Christ; and we can receive only as we impart to others,” The Desire of Ages, p. 370. – RCS

Telephone 770-408-1800

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EDITOR Bryant Taylor, D.Min.

MANAGING EDITOR Irisene Douce

CIRCULATION Yaime Cordova

ADVERTISING Yaime Cordova

LAYOUT Nakeil Reid

SOCIAL MEDIA Christina Norris

PRODUCTION College Press

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

ADVENTHEALTH

Andrea Cardenas

ADVENTHEALTH UNIVERSITY

Jennifer Audette

CAROLINA

Rebecca Carpenter

FLORIDA

Raquel Levy Gonzalez

GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND

Richard Ramont

GULF STATES

Daniel Claudet

KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE

Paola Mora Zepeda

OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY

Richard Hodnett

SOUTH ATLANTIC

James Lamb, Ph.D.

SOUTH CENTRAL

Avrey Anderson

SOUTHEASTERN

Arnaldo Cruz

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

Rebecca Brooks

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SOUTHERN TIDINGS | Volume 120

Number 6 | June 2026

Published monthly by the Southern Union. Free to all members.

POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Southern Tidings

P.O. Box 923868

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EMAIL: ycordova@southernunion.com

BY ROGER HERNANDEZ

The dictionary defines “known” as recognized, familiar, within the scope of knowledge.

So, here’s the question: What are we — Seventh-day Adventists in the Southern Union — known for?

Let’s start at the beginning. I believe we have two clear mandates as Seventhday Adventist Christians:

•To make Jesus known to the lost. And, when I say Jesus, I mean the full message of Jesus — including the three angels’ messages.

•To make our Church known in the community. The first step in discipleship is awareness — people need to know this journey even exists. And what better way than for the local church to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

The best part of my job — and the most important — is aligning everything we do around that mission. Let me share five ways we’re putting that into action.

1.Hope Series

Twelve to fourteen times a year, we load up a U-Haul with equipment, decision cards, and everything needed to bring a full evangelistic experience to a community. We’ve been to Knoxville, Rogersville, Fletcher — small towns and large cities like Miami or Nashville alike. Everywhere we go, the goal is the same: make Jesus and His message known.

So what is the Hope Series?

Simple. We all have problems. That’s life. But how we respond to those challenges shapes who we become. The Hope Series is a one-week, practical Bible experience called “We All Have Problems — HOPE.” It addresses reallife struggles and shows how God’s grace meets people right where they are.

You’re not alone. And, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our vision:

1. Unite the body of Christ across conference lines in a shared evangelistic effort.

2. Bring churches, schools, and healthcare institutions together in mission.

3.Train members to see evangelism not as an event — but as a lifestyle.

And none of this happens by accident. Every series is preceded by nine months of intentional preparation.

I’ve seen what God does through this.

A woman once walked in deeply involved in Wicca — and walked out, surrendered to Christ, turning in everything and choosing baptism.

A father in rural Carolina, with one leg, faithfully wheeled himself — and his seven children — to church every night. By the end of the week, he and his children were baptized.

A man who had attended church for years finally made his decision for Christ. That’s why we do this.

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA NORRIS

Roger Hernandez, director of ministerial and evangelism for the Southern Union Conference, wears shoes labeled “Hope” and shares their story during his meetings.

2.Compassion Giveaways

The Bible says Jesus “went around doing good.” If we want to be known, we have to be present in people’s real, everyday struggles.

Every night of the series, we host what we call Compassion Giveaways. Through research and targeted outreach, we meet real needs in real time. No baitand-switch. Just genuine care.

I remember a woman in south Georgia living in a food desert. She saw an ad, came for a meal at 6 p.m., and stayed for the service. By the end of the week, she was bringing others with her.

I remember a child’s face lighting up when we gave him toys after a hurricane had devastated his community near the

Florida-Georgia line.

I remember churches so full of guests that members gave up their seats.

Too often, we’re known for what we stand against. There’s a place for conviction — but shouldn’t people also clearly see what we stand for?

Again, the question: What are we known for?

3.EC3

What started over 40 years ago as an Evangelism Council (EC3) for full-time evangelists has grown into something broader. Back then, there were nearly 500 evangelists in the North American Division. Today, the landscape has changed.

So, EC3 was reimagined.

Last year we saw record attendance. In 2026, the focus is simple: being known We’re diving into best practices in advertising, promotion, and presentation — so our churches can connect more effectively with their communities. November 1-3, 2026, is the date, and you are invited to attend.

What excites me most? Seeing younger pastors catch the fire of evangelism. Students who once attended are now leading districts — and they’re coming back, still hungry to grow.

These gatherings do two things:

1. They remind us of what we already know — but haven’t been doing.

2. They equip us with practical, proven tools to move forward.

Bring your team. You’ll be glad you did.

Roger Hernandez preaches during the HOPE Series at the Fletcher, North Carolina, Church.

4.Rise: A Pastors’ Conference

Every five years, our conferences come together as one body. Different languages, different backgrounds — but one mission.

The last gathering centered on one word: RISE

In a divided, often hostile world, how do we rise above — and lead others higher?

It was four days of renewed clarity and conviction about the privilege we carry: sharing the three angels’ messages with a world that desperately needs hope.

The next one is in 2029. Start planning now.

5.Doing Life Together

At the end of the day, evangelism isn’t just programs — it’s people. It’s life together.

When our son got married, his wife wasn’t sure about God. Not a distant idea of God — but a real God who cares

and answers.

We prayed. We walked with her. She volunteered in a Hope Series. She became part of the journey.

And I’ll never forget the day she chose baptism at Oakwood University Church. The joy on her face said everything.

That’s what happens when we do life together.

Evangelism isn’t easy — but it’s worth it.

One of my favorite definitions of evangelism is this: joining a conversation God is already having with someone

Think about that.

The challenge is real. In North America, many people don’t even know who we are — despite Peter’s call to live such good lives that others see and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12).

Consider this:

•In 1970, 65% of people had heard of Adventists.

•By 1986, it rose to 70%.

•By 1994, it dropped to 53%.

Today:

•Only 1 in 5 people say they personally know an Adventist.

•Less than 25% can explain what we believe.

That’s on us.

We are called to “go and tell” — and to invite people to “come and see.”

So here’s my question:

Will you commit to making Jesus and His message known in your community?

If you need ideas, encouragement, or support, reach out.

Let’s make Jesus known.

I’d like to end this article with a story. Esther — not her real name — grew up in Church. But when she got to college, she took a class that dismissed anything supernatural. No God. No devil. Just material reality. Slowly, she walked away from her faith and decided to pur-

At EC3 2025, pastors delivered short sermons, receiving feedback and video review to refine their delivery, and grow in confidence sharing God’s Word.

PHOTO BY: GEORGY VEGA

sue success instead.

She built a good life, a great career. She fell in love, got married, and moved into a downtown condo.

Then one night, she heard what sounded like tap dancing on the floor above her — her ceiling. The next morning, frustrated and tired, she went to the building manager to complain. The manager looked at her and said, “I’d love to tell the people upstairs to stop dancing, but there’s one problem … no one lives there.”

That unsettled her.

After that, other strange things began happening. There was a heaviness in the apartment. An unsettling presence she couldn’t explain away. Even her agnostic husband sensed it. Something was wrong in that home, and no matter how much it contradicted her worldview, she couldn’t deny it anymore.

So she came to church.

At the time, we were doing evangelism meetings in that congregation, and she

attended. Over time, Esther surrendered her life to Christ, and I had the privilege of witnessing her baptism.

People like Esther are everywhere.

They may look successful on the outside, but deep down they’re searching for something they can’t explain.

Let’s connect with them.

Roger

Attendees listen to Ty Gibson present during the 2025 EC3.

PHOTO BY: NEVILLE LENDOR

Hernandez is the director of ministerial and evangelism for the Southern Union Conference.

PHOTO BY: GEORGY VEGA

RISE 2024 attendee sings during worship service.

UNITING EVERY GENERATION IN MISSION AND PURPOSE — STRONGER TOGETHER

BY SHIRLEY SCOTT, M.S.

Southern Union Women’s Ministries Serving Together

Effective ministry is built through collaboration, shared vision, and faithful leadership at every level. Across the Southern Union Conference, women’s ministries is united by one mission: to nurture, empower, and reach women for Christ — serving women of every generation in ways that honor God and reflect His love.

Southern Union Women’s Ministries provides vision and alignment. This mission is carried forward by dedicated women’s ministries conference directors across eight conferences: Beth Grissom, Carolina; Jennifer Hernandez, Florida; Amy Cirigliano, Georgia-Cumberland; Lisa LaPerriere, Gulf States; Gail McKenzie, Kentucky–Tennessee; April Smith, South Atlantic; Freddie Jenkins, South Central; and Esmeralda Guzman, Southeastern. Together, these leaders prayerfully shape ministry to address the spiritual, emotional, physical, and practical needs of women within their unique contexts.

This shared work is guided by the D.R.E.A.M.S. framework — Discipling, Restoring, Evangelizing, Affirming, Mentoring, and Servant Leading — a practical expression of the global focus areas of Nurture, Empowerment, and Outreach. While ministry expressions vary from conference to conference, the heart of the work remains united, Christ centered, and service driven.

Across the Southern Union, conference directors collaborate, learn from one another, and support initiatives that strengthen women of all ages and back-

grounds. Through discipleship and healing ministries, mentoring and leadership development, and relational community engagement, women’s ministries reflects shared leadership rooted in faith and guided by purpose.

Though roles may differ, the calling is collective. Southern Union Women’s Ministries and conference directors work side by side, leading with wisdom, compassion, and servant hearts to faithfully serve women today and bring glory to God as His mission unfolds across generations.

We invite you to become involved in women’s ministries in your local church. Your participation helps fulfill the Titus 2 mandate of mentoring women, and the Ephesians 4:16 call to strengthen the body of Christ through the use of your gifts, talents, and experiences

— following in the faithful footsteps of women who have left a lasting legacy. Finally, as members of the Southern Union Conference women’s ministries executive committee, we are mission driven — serving women of every generation in ways that honor God and reflect His love, stronger together in mission and purpose.

To connect with a conference director, visit Women’s Ministries, Southern Union Conference, at https://www.southernunion.com/ministries-services/womens-ministries, and select conference representatives information, or call the Union office at 770-408-1800, ext. 111.

Shirley Scott, M.S., is the women’s ministries director for the Southern Union Conference.

Women’s Ministries summit

CONFERENCE WOMEN’S MINISTRIES DIRECTORS

Beth Grissom Carolina Conference

Jennifer Hernandez Florida Conference

Amy Cirigliano Georgia-Cumberland Conference

Lisa LaPerriere Gulf States Conference

April Smith South Atlantic Conference

Freddie Jenkins South Central Conference

Esmeralda Guzman Southeastern Conference

Gail McKenzie Kentucky-Tennessee Conference

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF CAMP MINISTRIES

BY KIMBERLY TAYLOR

The first Adventist camp started in Australia in December of 1925, followed soon after by the first North American Division camp in Michigan. Since then, summer camps have become powerful centers for youth evangelism — often called “sacred playgrounds” — where lives are transformed.

In the Southern Union, summer camps have been central to youth ministries since the 1930s. Early programs were held in state parks or rented facilities, but conferences soon saw the value of owning dedicated campgrounds, and began purchasing land for long-term ministry.

Camp Thunderbird, established in 1950, is among the longest running in the Southern Union. It began near Nashville, Tennessee, later moving to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it operated in rented facilities, reaching

youth from South Central Conference and beyond. This year, they are joining with the Southeastern Conference to offer Camp Soar at Camp Hawthorne in Hawthorne, Florida.

Camp Kulaqua in High Springs, Florida, was purchased by Florida Conference in 1953 for $18,000. It has since grown to more than 800 acres, and now serves more than 50,000 visitors annually. It is known as the largest operation in the Adventist camp world. Its summer camp program hosts about 1,000 campers in three weeks, employing approximately 150 young adult staff.

Indian Creek Camp in KentuckyTennessee Conference was established in 1959, on the shores of Center Hill Lake near Liberty, Tennessee, after many years of offering a camp program at Montgomery Bell State Park, west

Norm Middag at Camp Kulaqua, circa 1967

Camp Thunderbird, circa 1967

of Nashville. Their summer camp program features not only youth camp, but four weeks of family camp.

Camp Hawthorne was purchased in 1960 for the South Atlantic Conference, as a site for Camp Meeting and summer camp. When the conference divided in 1981 to accommodate the rapid growth, Hawthorne stayed with Southeastern Conference and South Atlantic Conference secured River Oaks Camp in Orangeburg, South Carolina. Both facilities have a rich youth program that runs during Camp Meeting and hosts other youth activities throughout the year.

Alabama was one of the first southern states to start a summer camp program for their youth in the 1930s. The Alabama-Mississippi Conference (now Gulf States Conference) secured their land at Camp Alamisco in 1968. The worship area offers a picturesque view of Lake Martin, a place where many have made decisions for Christ.

Carolina Conference ran summer camps at multiple locations until they purchased Nosoca Pines Ranch in Liberty, South Carolina, in 1971. Their first summer camp program ran in 1974, and campers were in tents at the time. The cabins were then built through the sweat and toil of church members.

Although Cohutta Springs Youth Camp (est. 1980) is one of the youngest campgrounds in the Southern Union, Georgia-Cumberland Conference was one of the first to run a summer camp program dating back to the 1930s. One unique offering at Cohutta Springs is the wake park where campers can practice skiing and wake boarding using a cable system.

The impact of summer camp remains strong. Last summer, nearly 150 young people were baptized at our Southern Union camps. Approximately 500 young adults were employed, 300 of which were awarded scholarships at our Adventist universities for doing so. For many staff, camp is where they discover their calling into a life of ministry.

As the Southern Union marks this milestone, summer camps continue to provide meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth, community, and fun. Check out the camps’ websites to see how you can get involved.

Camp Alamisco camp staff during Friday night passion play

Camp Kulaqua 2025 camp staff

Kimberly Taylor is the youth and young adult ministries coordinator for the Southern Union Conference.

SERVING COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE: ADVENTHEALTH GLOBAL MISSIONS SETS A LANDMARK YEAR

BY ANDREA CARDENAS

AdventHealth Global Missions has marked 2026 as one of its most ambitious years of service in the company’s history. With a record number of mission trips planned and hundreds of team members preparing to serve around the world, the year ahead reflects a growing commitment to community-focused and faith-driven care far beyond AdventHealth’s walls.

In total, 42 mission trips are planned for 2026 including countries such as Peru, Nepal, Ecuador, and many others, making this the largest group of global mission opportunities AdventHealth has ever planned. These trips are projected to engage more than 800 AdventHealth volunteers, with most teams consisting of 20 to 25 caregivers, clinicians, and support staff serving together in communities with limited access to care and resources.

The first mission trip of 2026 set the tone for what is ahead. For seven days in early February, physicians and physician residents from AdventHealth for Children departed from central Florida to serve at Servicio Social Adventista Good Hope in Villa María del Triunfo, Peru, delivering much-needed care to children and families.

The trip marked the official launch of the 2026 mission calendar, and offered an early glimpse into the impact these teams will continue to make throughout the year.

The AdventHealth team provided the manpower to enroll around 500 new patients at Servicio Social Adventista Good Hope to help get them started with

BY:

their ongoing health journey. “The [patients] were very appreciative of the care provided and they were willing to open up about hard and very sensitive subject matters,” said Heather Elizondo, M.D., physician at AdventHealth for Children.

“The care and compassion offered to these

families by the entire team and the ability to offer follow up with [the local hospital’s doctor] and her colleagues was invaluable.”

For many volunteers, the experience was meaningful both professionally and personally, reinforcing AdventHealth’s mission of “Extending the Healing Min-

Elizondo Vega (right), M.D., and Sandra, a medical student from Peru, are in an exam room at Servicio Social Adventista Good Hope.

PHOTO

ADVENTHEALTH AND HEATHER

ELIZONDO, M.D.

ing to feel the immense gratitude those families had for the services we were able to help provide.”

As the year continues, mission teams will serve both familiar and new locations across the globe and within our national community. In addition to returning to places such as Lesotho, AdventHealth Global Missions is expanding its reach with trips planned to Brazil and Jamaica. The trips to Jamaica will continue the ongoing service efforts in the region following the devastating hurricane that hit the country late last year.

Building on a record-setting year, AdventHealth leadership is casting a bold vision for the future in challenging the Global Missions team and themselves, to invite 1,000 AdventHealth team members to participate in mission trips.

“Mission trips are a powerful way for AdventHealth to put our faith-based mission into action, fostering a spirit of service and compassion across the organization,” said David Ottati, president and CEO of AdventHealth’s West Florida Division and executive sponsor of Global Missions. “Participating in these efforts brings our values to life and deepens our collective commitment to whole-person care.”

As AdventHealth looks ahead at the rest of 2026, the focus on service anchored in faith is clear. Through record participation and expanding global reach, AdventHealth continues to live out its mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ to communities around the world.

AdventHealth team members interested in joining a mission trip can explore available opportunities at https://adventhealth.servicereef.com/events.

istry of Christ” wherever needed.

“My favorite memories are of the patients who were so excited to see me the following day,” shared Karina Darby, D.O., a pediatric physician resident at

AdventHealth Winter Garden. “When they came back to do their lab work or pick up a prescription, they would run over and give me a hug or wave to me and say, ‘Hola Doctora!’ It was so fulfill-

Andrea Cardenas is the stakeholder communications specialist at

Catherine Loe (right), M.D., former graduate of the pediatrics residency program in Orlando, Florida, speak with elders in the community of Villa Maria del Triunfo, Peru.

PHOTO BY: ADVENTHEALTH AND HEATHER ELIZONDO, M.D.

AdventHealth.

GOD HONORS THE FAITHFUL: WHEN MY EMPLOYER ADJUSTED POLICY TO HONOR MY FAITH

BY KARINA CASTILLO DE PALACIO

Two years ago, God allowed me to work as a lead teacher at The Garnerd School. From the very first day, I understood that this job would not be just a position, but a mission field where, every day, I needed to reflect God in everything I do — even when it wasn’t always easy.

During this time, I have faced several challenges. On different occasions, I was asked to participate in programs or activities on Friday nights or Saturdays, and with respect but firmness, I had to say no, because Saturday is the Lord’s day. It was not always easy, but I was always certain that faithfulness to God never goes unnoticed.

The most decisive moment came when we were informed that the state, together with the police department, would be providing a mandatory training. Anyone who did not obtain this certification would not be able to continue working at the school. When they announced the date, my heart stopped. It was on a Saturday.

During the meeting, my director and assistant director approached me with sadness in their eyes and tears about to fall, trying to convince me to attend. My answer was simple, but full of faith. “God will help me, and if not, then He already has another place prepared for me.”

They were surprised, but I had peace.

There was one week left before the training, and I thought those might be my last days there, so I decided to use that time to share more about God with my coworkers. However, God was already at work. Two days later, a representative from the school district came to the school. My director ran to my classroom and only said, “Look, Karina, it’s her …” She didn’t say anything else, but I understood it was time to act.

I approached her, introduced myself, and explained my situation. She asked me many questions about the Sabbath and why it is so important to us as Adventists. It was a deeply emotional moment: For the first time in my life, I had to defend my faith, and do so in another language.

I am a pastor’s daughter. I studied in Adventist schools all my life, and I worked for many years as the director of women’s and children’s ministries in the Adventist Church Association in Venezuela. So, I had never faced something like this in my work or academic environment.

I praise God because this woman’s response was a miracle: “I will give you the training just for you, this same week, at night.”

It was a long night, but I obtained my certification. Praise be to God!

Why do I share all of this? Because God honors faithfulness.

At the end of every year, The Garnerd

School traditionally holds a special event on Saturday, where they gather all the staff and announce the Teacher of the Year. To my surprise, this year God blessed me with that recognition. But, the award itself was not the most important thing.

The most beautiful part was that, for the first time, the school decided to hold this event on a Thursday night so that I could attend and receive it. They may not know this, but the true gift for me was not the recognition; it was knowing that, that day, everyone knew and respected that Saturday is the Lord’s day.

This testimony reminds me that even when things are not clear, God works all things together for the good of those who love Him. Being faithful is worth it. God is never late.

Karina Castillo De Palacio is recognized as Teacher of the Year by her school. For the first time ever, the school hosted the event on a Thursday evening instead of a Saturday to allow her to attend the ceremony.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: JULIO PALACIO

Karina Castillo De Palacio says her testimony is a reminder that God is faithful when we are faithful.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: JULIO PALACIO

RECORD-SETTING 90 STUDENTS PREACH IN DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

BY CHEHALIS ENO AND ISABELLA DIXON

Before He ascended to Heaven, Jesus issued the Great Commission: “Go into all the world and proclaim the Gospel to the whole creation,” Mark 6:15, ESV. Southern Adventist University’s Evangelistic Resource Center (ERC) follows this command by equipping laypeople to evangelize. That includes students who sign up and travel to Argentina, Costa Rica, Zimbabwe, and other international locations. Volunteers are each assigned to a local church where they preach daily sermons during a weeklong visit.

In November 2025, the ERC collaborated with Southern’s Soul-winning And Leadership Training (SALT) program, which operates in partnership with It Is Written, to send nearly 90 students to speak at an equal number of churches in the Southeast Dominican Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

It was the largest group ever sent out from campus during the Thanksgiving break, and the efforts of students and local laypeople resulted in more than 500 baptisms.

For Carola Rizzo, sophomore health science major, the trip to the Dominican Republic was her second mission trip, following one to Belize in spring 2025.

“I chose to go again because the first time was such a spiritual experience, and I wanted to keep the momentum going,” she said.

Organization for a trip begins long before students land at their destination. Raul Rivero, ERC director and associate director of Southern’s Pierson Institute of Evangelism and World Missions, explains: “We work with the host conference to certify men and women in local churches to give Bible studies to people in the area. That lays the groundwork, so that community members are ready to hear our students preach.”

Students also receive training prior to traveling. During a weekend intensive, they become familiar with topic outlines; practice preaching; and gain tips on maintaining eye contact, using voice inflection, and working with a translator. Each is mentored on how to add personal stories to make the presentation materials more engaging.

The prospect of preaching can be intimidating for many, but the ERC’s sermon templates help students move past that barrier. Rizzo, who admits to struggling with public speaking, said her abilities have improved with each sermon.

“I truly believe the Holy Spirit is the One doing the talking when I preach,” she said. “I actually find a calm once I get up there.”

Topics for the speakers include the Sabbath, death and resurrection, baptism, and the Second Coming. At one church, Rizzo recalls that even believers were very receptive to hearing core Adventist beliefs again. However, her experience was not without challenges. During the culminating sermon about baptism, the electricity went out at her church.

“I knew the enemy was trying to get me,” she said, but her perseverance was rewarded when several members responded to her call for baptism.

On different parts of the island, dozens more SALT volunteers were preaching at other churches. Evie Rodriguez, sophomore medical laboratory science major, shares her experience of stepping outside of her comfort zone. Ever passionate about Bible work, she found the idea of preaching quite daunting.

“I felt like I had no qualifications,” said Rodriguez, “but I decided I wanted to go on the trip anyway — even if just for the experience of relying fully on God.”

Her first time preaching at Refugio

de Cristo, a church on the island’s south side, was a Sabbath morning.

“The sermon did not go exactly as I wanted,” admits Rodriguez. “I stutter when I get nervous, and I was speaking in Spanish, which isn’t my first language. After I got back to the hotel, several other SALT students prayed with me. That’s when I realized that this isn’t about me. It’s about God! It’s totally up to Him, and He never fails! I returned to preach that afternoon with a completely different attitude.”

Rodriguez maintains connections with several church members she met, and hopes to return to the Dominican Republic.

“Anyone who feels called to go on a mission trip should do it!” attests Rodriguez. “Even if you don’t think you’re the right person for the job, God will still do the impossible through you.”

Chehalis Eno is a senior English major at Southern Adventist University.

Isabella Dixon is a junior English major at Southern Adventist University.

Carola Rizzo, sophomore health science major, smiles for a photo during the evangelistic series in the Dominican Republic.

PHOTO BY: CAROLA RIZZO

SCHOOLS HELP GROW NEIGHBORHOODS TO ENJOY IN HEAVEN

BY KIM THOMPSON

In the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, we rejoice in the sacred calling entrusted to us through 31 elementary schools, three junior academies, three academies, and one university — where Christ is not simply acknowledged, but reigns. Nearly half of our elementary schools incorporate outdoor learning and agricultural programs, nurturing young hearts and minds through God’s “first book”: nature. In these spaces, students encounter the Creator, not only in Scripture but also in the beauty, order, and wonder of His creation.

Since adopting MAP assessments in the 2020-2021 school year, our students have consistently scored above the national average — even during the pandemic, when public school achievement dropped. A recent review of our longitudinal MAP data shows strong, sustained growth across every grade. K-8 students improve from fall to winter to spring, with peak scores in the spring, and the longer students remain in Georgia-Cumberland schools, the higher their academic achievement climbs. In math, our seventh-graders are scoring above the eighth-grade national average — essentially a year ahead. In reading, our sixth- and seventh-graders are likewise a year ahead of national peers. Eighthgraders may be achieving at the same accelerated pace, though no ninth-grade comparison is available on this assessment.

Our schools continue to shine as lights in their communities. Georgia-Cumberland Academy, Atlanta Adventist Academy, and several elementary schools have recently completed or been affirmed in the accreditation process, reflecting a commitment to excellence in both education and ministry. Through the North American Division’s rigorous accreditation cycle, we are continually called higher — not for recognition, but for faithfulness in the mission God has given us.

The Office of Education remains committed to fostering environments where physical and spiritual safety allow students to encounter Jesus deeply and personally. Each day, nearly 2,800 students are part of an ongoing evangelistic journey — 180 days of intentional discipleship. Our teachers are not only educators; they are ministers, faithfully reflecting Christ in their classrooms. Our prayer is that every student will “see” Jesus in their teachers, their pastors, their classmates, and in every act of kindness within our school communities.

God often speaks to the heart through beauty — through art, music, and the quiet witness of creation. The image “Dance of Grace” by Mark Keathley captures each Georgia-Cumberland educator’s desire for students to experience the love and delight of Jesus in their classrooms, and to share it with their families.

A phrase shared during a hiring interview several years ago still resonates: our mission is to “make Heaven crowded.”

With every lesson taught, every prayer lifted, and every seed of truth planted, we are, by God’s grace, helping to grow the

neighborhoods in Heaven.

Ephesians 5:1-2 in The Message Bible captures this calling: “Watch what God does, and then you do it .... Mostly what God does is love you .... Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant .... Love like that.”

May that extravagant love continue to guide, shape, and define every aspect of our work in Georgia-Cumberland Conference schools.

Kim Thompson is vice president for education in the GeorgiaCumberland Conference.

The Dance of Grace

PAINTING

BY: MARK KEATHLEY

Anna Estep teaches children at Lighthouse Christian Academy.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: JANA GROSE

Alabama State Law Named After Oakwood University Church Member

Oakwood University Church (OUC) members David and Mary Jo McElhaney gazed over the shoulder of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey as she signed into law the David “Mac” McElhaney and Roy S. Johnson Prostate Cancer Prevention Act for no-cost prostate cancer screening, on March 30, 2026.

The bill signing was the end of a threeyear lobbying effort in Alabama for McElhaney, who also serves as the prostate health ministry leader for OUC. As a prostate cancer survivor, the issue of screening for high-risk men became a rallying point for him to join with other survivors to lobby for state and federal legislation that would require insurance companies to pay for early screenings.

At OUC, McElhaney has offered seminars for men and spouses, and other family members, to educate them on how early screening saves lives. The seminars also advise families how to navigate cancer diagnoses and treatments. His own journey with prostate cancer started with a diagnosis in 2019.

“I drove home in shock,” he recalls, after getting the news from his doctor. He chronicles his journey in his book, My Walk with God Through Prostate Cancer.

After beating cancer, he joined ZERO Prostate Cancer, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting prostate cancer survivors and lobbying Congress to adopt a similar law to cover all 50 states. Fellow OUC member and prostate cancer survivor Joseph Dent ─ former vice president for student services and associate professor of education at Washington Adventist University ─ joined McElhaney’s cause. The two men, along with McElhaney’s wife, Mary Jo, traveled to Montgomery, Ala., and Washington, D.C., advocating for this legislation.

“When the statistics say that one in eight men ─ and one in six Black men ─ will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, a disease

that is nearly 100% curable if caught early, yet is asymptomatic until it reaches an advanced stage, you can understand why early screening is critical,” said McElhaney.

In 2024, the bill went to the Alabama House but died on the floor with only five House advocates. McElhaney and Dent regrouped and embarked on a campaign to create a groundswell of local support. They petitioned OUC members to sign digital letters to state representatives to request their support, and were featured in several stories on local news stations asking the community to do the same. Meanwhile, Roy S. Johnson, an opinion writer for AL.com chronicled his own journey through prostate cancer for readers, garnering support for the bill.

Together, their work resulted in the Alabama House and Senate unanimously voting to pass the bill in February 2026, making Alabama the 10th state to do so. The

law, which goes into effect on January 1, 2027, requires insurance companies to pay screening costs for all men over 50, and men of any age ─ particularly Black men ─ who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, have been diagnosed with a cancer known to increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, have a family history of prostate cancer, or have a genetic marker associated with prostate cancer.

As he celebrates six years of being cancer free, McElhaney hopes men in Alabama will take advantage of the new law to protect their health and the health of their families while he continues his work of pushing for federal legislation.

BY PATRICE THOMAS CONWELL, COMMUNICATION-PR MINISTRY LEADER FOR OUC.

Joseph Dent (back row, left), Mary Jo McElhaney (front row, third from left), David “Mac” McElhaney (front row, fourth from left), and Roy S. Johnson of AL.com (sixth from right, next to Governor Kay Ivey) join with others for the ceremonial bill signing. McElhaney and Johnson were honored to have the Alabama law named after them.

Carolina Conference Welcomes New Members at “Welcome to the Family” Retreat

The Carolina Conference welcomed new members during Welcome to the Family, April 24-26, 2026, a spiritual retreat held every other year at Nosoca Pines Ranch.

This event brought together individuals who recently joined the Carolina Conference through baptism or profession of faith. This year they also wanted to do something different and include members who transferred from other conferences and are new to the Carolina Conference, expanding the event’s purpose as a meaningful introduction to their new Conference family.

Designed to strengthen connections within the Church, Welcome to the Family gave guests opportunities to worship, fellowship, meet Conference leaders, and learn more about ministries serving across the Conference.

One of the features of this retreat is the opportunity for attendees to visit ministry fair booths set up all around the gym, which are hosted by the leadership of Carolina Conference departments and ministries. The booths introduced new members to resources, service opportunities, and ways to become actively involved in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the Carolinas.

Ryan Ashlock, pastor of Fletcher, N.C., Church, served as the guest speaker. Through his messages and personal testimony, Ashlock encouraged new members to continue growing in their relationship with Christ and to remain grounded in faith, and to not become so numb to culture that they cannot see the idolatry surrounding them in their daily lives as to not separate them from God’s leading.

The retreat also featured music ministry by A Better Covenant, the husband and

wife team of Andrew and Darby Shultz. Their music added to the worshipful atmosphere, and helped point attendees to the hope and joy found in Christ.

Several Carolina Conference departments were featured during the retreat, giving leaders an opportunity to share resources and benefits available to members. Featured departments included treasury, religious liberty, and Adventist education.

Rick Anderson, Carolina Conference superintendent of education, spoke about the importance of Adventist education in the lives of young people, and the role schools play in helping students grow academically and spiritually.

Rick Russell and Jeff Horn, Carolina Conference treasurer and undertreasurer, explained how tithe dollars are used within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, including how they support ministry throughout the denomination, from the local conference to the General Conference.

Leslie Louis, Carolina Conference president and religious liberty director, shared how the Church helps protect members’ First Amendment religious freedoms, particularly when members face Sabbath work conflicts or other religious liberty concerns with employers and others.

As new members continue their walk

with Christ, the Carolina Conference celebrates the growth God is bringing throughout its territory, and looks forward to seeing each person become more deeply connected in worship, service, and mission.

BY COURTNEY HEROD

PHOTO BY: COURTNEY HEROD

PHOTO BY: COURTNEY HEROD

PHOTO BY: CORUTNEY HEROD

New Chapter Begins at Mount Pisgah Academy

The familiar sounds of daily campus life at Mount Pisgah Academy in Candler, N.C., were joined by the steady rhythm of demolition on April 20, 2026, as renovations began on the school’s gymnasium.

Within days, the old boiler room was gone, ceiling tiles had been removed, and windows had been taken out. What had long seemed permanent was already giving way to something new, marking the beginning of a transformation expected to shape campus life for years to come.

The project was launched a few days earlier, on April 17, when students, staff, and community members gathered for a renovation ceremony filled with anticipation. Leslie Louis, Carolina Conference president; Brad Cauley, vice president for administration; and Rick Russell, vice president for finance, shared words of encouragement and vision, reminding those gathered that the project is about more than a building. It is an investment in students and the experiences that help shape them.

A memorable moment followed as students and staff stepped forward with sledgehammers and took turns breaking through the inner lobby wall, which has stood for years and will soon be removed. Each swing symbolized progress, possibility, and the beginning of a new chapter for Mount Pisgah Academy.

For generations, the gymnasium has served as more than a place for sports. It has been a center for connection and community — a place for varsity basketball and volleyball games, team practices, weekly recreation, Fall Festival activities, alumni reunions, banquets, music festivals, graduation ceremonies, and many milestones in students’ lives.

The renovation will allow those experiences to continue in an updated and more versatile space. Plans include new flooring, a new roof, built-in retractable bleachers,

and renovated bathrooms. A redesigned entrance will add a classroom, training room, and office, creating a more functional and welcoming space for students, guests, and the wider school community.

With an anticipated completion date in winter 2026, the project represents a long-term investment in the future of Mount Pisgah Academy. While demolition marks the end of one chapter, it also lays the foundation for a renewed space designed to support the activities, events, and everyday moments that make campus life meaningful.

As walls come down and new spaces begin to take shape, the purpose of the gymnasium remains the same: to be a place where community is built, memories are made, and students grow.

School leaders invite the Mount Pisgah Academy community to pray for

the safety of everyone involved, steady progress on the project, and God’s continued blessing on the space. They look forward with faith and anticipation to all that will take place within the renovated gymnasium for generations to come.

BY ABBY ACKERMAN, MARKETING DIRECTOR

Ernie Boughman (left), Brad Cauley, Rick Russell, Leslie Louis, and Dewalt and Chantell Coetzer

PHOTO BY:

Student-led Health Fair Held at New Port Richey School

Students at Adventist Christian Academy in New Port Richey, Fla., took an active role in outreach as they led the school’s third annual community health fair in March. This year’s theme, “Empowering Hope, Embracing Wellness,” guided the day’s focus on whole-person health and community outreach.

Students in grades K–12 engaged in cross-curricular learning, working collaboratively to design and present interactive booths aligned with the principles of CREATION Life. Stations included plant-based cooking demonstrations, creating cards and designing a mailbox for community outreach, exploring brain health and strategies for emotional regulation, and promoting healthy environmental choices within the body and in surroundings.

The school appreciates the support of Robert Henley, director of innovation for Florida Conference Office of Education, for the innovative component of the fair, as well as Neil Hawkins, digital content coordinator for schools, for documenting the event through photo and video.

The school partnered with AdventHealth North Pinellas to provide health screenings and emergency medicine support. The event also featured local wellness vendors, including therapists offering chair massages, food trucks with plant-based options, a children’s activity zone, and speakers addressing both mental and physical health.

The health fair was held at New Port Richey Church, which provided a welcoming space for guests. Adventist Christian Academy is grateful for the partnership and support of Jonathan Peinado, pastor of New Port Richey Church.

The experience gave students the opportunity to reach the community through the CREATION Life model while sharing messages of hope and

health. The CREATION Life model is a holistic lifestyle model promoted by AdventHealth that emphasizes good choices, rest, a healthy environment, activity, trust in God, interpersonal relationships, a positive outlook, and healthy nutrition.

Through the continued dedication of students, staff, and community partners,

Adventist Christian Academy looks forward to future opportunities to share hope and promote whole-person health in the community.

BY TOBI PAWSON

Linda Davis (right), lower grades teacher at Adventist Christian Academy, helps two younger students host a booth at the school’s annual health fair.

PHOTO BY: NEIL HAWKINS

Moriah Hawkins (left), community member, visits the brain health display at Adventist Christian Academy’s health fair.

PHOTO BY: NEIL HAWKINS

Mission Group Rejuvenates Camp Kulaqua Gym

Sounds of beeping machines pierce through the singing and laughter filling Camp Kulaqua gymnasium. A group with Mision de Amor y Vida: Edifica Foundation is spending the week painting, replacing lights, and making other upgrades that are dramatically improving the appearance and efficiency of the more than 30-year-old building.

More than 30 people, including contractors, pastors, and a dentist, are involved in this project. “We want to bring our strength, our resources, to places that are changing lives,” said Arnolys Aguilar, the organization’s project manager. Several companies also contributed to the project, with Elmer Electric LLC and Forest Lake Dental donating the time of their employees, while others provided labor at cost.

One painter who has been impacted by Camp Kulaqua is Douglas J. Osorio, pastor of West Orlando Spanish Church and leader of the renovation project. “When I visited this camp in 1997, I had a spiritual experience,” he recalls. Since then, he has been back to Camp Kulaqua many times, and said God has now given him the opportunity to give back.

Beyond the repaired ceiling and paint in the gym, donors are also refreshing the lobby with new lighting, baseboards, crown molding, repainting both bathrooms, and installing drywall in the balcony.

This project wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Mision de Amor y Vida: Edifica Foundation and Florida Conference, which helped fund this project. A week before the group’s arrival, roofing contractors replaced every screw in the gym roof, and sealed all the metal roofing seams to ensure the roof is leak-free. Meanwhile, another crew removed all the old fiberglass insulation on the ceiling and replaced it with closed-cell foam.

“I want to praise God for Mision de Amor y Vida because camp was started and built with volunteers for Jesus, and it will be finished with the work of volunteers for Jesus,” said Phil Younts, Camp Kulaqua executive director.

While some groups use the Camp Kulaqua gym for basketball, volleyball, and other sports, for many groups it serves as their main worship facility. Two important events that benefited from the improved worship atmosphere are the

Florida Conference English and Spanish Camp Meetings.

“I pray that when people come to Camp Meeting, they have a better spiritual renewal,” emphasized Osorio. “In the gym, in these walls, there’s a lot of history, a lot of stories. It’s a legacy that we’re leaving by doing this project, leaving a legacy for future generations.”

BY NATHAN ZINNER

Douglas J. Osorio, pastor and leader of the gym renovation project, installs spray foam ceiling insulation.

PHOTO BY: NATHAN ZINNER

More than 30 people were involved in the project to rejuvenate Camp Kulaqua gym. Updates included repairing and insulating the ceiling, painting, new lighting, and installing drywall.

PHOTO BY: NATHAN ZINNER

Sight Restored, Faith Shared: Greeneville Academy Students Serve in Peru

Laughter rang through the vision clinic. Juan* jumped and exclaimed with joyous surprise when the man he shook hands with turned out to be his friend — a friend that had formerly been unrecognizable to Juan except for his voice and shape. With an uncorrected prescription of -4.75 and visual acuity of around 20/400, life for Juan was a big blur. Anything beyond eight inches from his face was indistinguishable to him. So, when a pair of glasses was placed on him, a big smile spread across his face. He could see clearly for the first time in years. Juan had formerly been described as confused, awkward, and standoffish, but these descriptions transformed into laughter, engagement, and joy as Juan was given his vision — and his life — back.

This spring, Greeneville Adventist Academy in Greeneville, Tenn., partnered with Maranatha Valunteers International and went to Pucallpa, Peru, where students and chaperones participated in free vision clinics, a construction project, and nightly evangelism. At the six vision clinics, led by Brad Emde, O.D., the team saw 892 patients and gave away 1,018 pairs of glasses and sunglasses. The group learned to lay block, and built the walls of a new church for the community. After a day of work, the students conducted two separate Vacation Bible Scgool programs as well as a revival series.

Vision clinics always show students God’s amazing love and mercy. Anna Reid, a junior at Greeneville Adventist Academy, remembers, “There was an elderly man who had heavy cataracts. Dr. Brad did everything in his power to find the best lenses for him. When the glasses were placed on the man’s face, he began reading all the letters on the chart in front

of him. The elderly man began praising God for his sight and was thanking everyone.” Emma Miller, a sophomore, reflects on her time as a translator in optical: “Hearing the people’s reactions to seeing clearly for the first time in years and shouting their praises to God is such an incredible thing to witness.”

Tom Cushing, construction site coordinator, kept the team motivated and energized for seven workdays with the rallying cry, “Let’s get fired up!” The success of seeing the walls go up helped the students learn the joy of service. Elaina Nealy, a freshman, reflects on her time at the construction site: “Building the church made me begin to realize the true meaning of selflessness and compassion. Whenever we would see the locals come around, they would hug us and, even though we spoke different languages, I could tell they were very thankful that we were there helping them worship God.”

A highlight of every mission trip is the opportunity to work with children. Kaiden Payne, a sophomore at Greeneville Adventist Academy, recounts his experience

from Vacation Bible School: “The first night, there were so many kids [from the community] that had no clue who Jesus was. When we sang for the first time, no one participated, but by the end of the week, they were doing motions, and singing loudly and proud about God. It was amazing to see so many kids get excited to learn about Jesus.”

Beautiful life lessons are learned on mission trips. Tucker Tomlinson, a junior, adds, “One thing that I try to do every year [on mission trips] is bring a football to try to interact with the kids. But pretty much without fail, none of them know how to throw it. Not only is it kind of fun to watch them try to throw it, but it also reminds me of what it’s like with us in life. Life throws some crazy stuff at us, sometimes things that we’ve never seen or experienced before. But that’s just when we need to trust God and take it and run to the best of our ability with His help.”

*Name has been changed.

BY ANGELA EMDE

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: ANGELA EMDE

Church Marks Milestone of Faith, Mission in Mableton

The Mableton Hispanic Church burned its mortgage on Sabbath, April 11, 2026, marking a historic moment of faith, unity, and commitment to mission.

The weekend celebration, held April 10–12, also marked 27 years of ministry. Pastors who have served the congregation from its earliest days as the Marietta group through today took part: Neftaly Ortiz, Miguel Tirado, Richard Urdaneta, Aldo Escobar, and current pastor Danilo Cornejo.

Also attending were Kurt Allen, representing the Georgia-Cumberland Conference, and Biene Marlin Walter, representing the Professional Business Association, which provided the loan to purchase the church’s current building.

The congregation acquired the building in 2017, when it faced the need to vacate its rented worship space. God opened the way to purchase the property for $527,000. After six years of minimum payments, the church board voted in July 2023 to increase the monthly

payment by $1,000, significantly reducing the remaining balance. Through the faithfulness and commitment of its members, the church paid off the mortgage in August 2025, with a final $27,000 contribution from its savings.

The weekend featured a full program. A thanksgiving service opened the celebration Friday evening. Sabbath morning brought the mortgage burning ceremony and the dedication of the sanctuary, with music from Voces Femeninas de Mableton and the church choir, both directed by Cecilia Cornejo. A celebratory luncheon followed at midday.

In the afternoon, a special concert featured Adventist singer Laura Ceballos and the women’s group “Blessed” from the Atlanta Metropolitan Church. Founding members also shared testimonies, and the congregation revisited its history through videos from 1998, and photographs that traced 27 years of growth, sacrifice, and God’s blessings.

The congregation also recognized Obdulio Seguí, pastor, who founded the

Marietta group in 1998. Though unable to attend due to health reasons, he was remembered with deep gratitude for his legacy and vision.

The celebration concluded on Sunday, April 12, with a family 5K organized by the Pathfinder Club and the church’s Health Ministries Department. Participants also completed the “Challenge 27,” a workout of 27 push-ups, 27 burpees, and 27 squats. Many families took part, with enthusiasm evident among children, youth, and adults.

This milestone strengthens unity among members and leadership, and opens a new chapter in the church’s mission. The church reaffirms its commitment under the motto: “Serving with love, proclaiming hope, and reaching souls for Christ … until He comes.”

BY DANILO CORNEJO, PASTOR

PHOTO BY:

Alamisco Camp Meeting Centers on Mission, Unity

Members from across the Gulf States Conference gathered on Sabbath, April 4, 2026, for the annual Alamisco Camp Meeting, embracing the theme, “United in Mission.”

The event brought together families, church leaders, and young people for a day of worship, fellowship, and renewed spiritual focus.

Camp Meeting highlighted the enduring importance of unity within the body of Christ, and the shared calling to proclaim the Gospel. The attendees represented a diverse, yet spiritually aligned community committed to mission.

The keynote message was delivered by Norman McNolty, M.D., a boardcertified neurologist, who presented a compelling presentation on Bible prophecy. Drawing from Scripture, McNolty emphasized the relevance of prophetic understanding in today’s world, encouraging listeners to engage deeply with the Word of God.

Throughout the day, participants experienced a spirit of unity that extended beyond the worship services. Conversations, shared meals, and moments of prayer reinforced the relational bonds

that define Camp Meeting gatherings, an aspect long valued within the Seventhday Adventist tradition.

Brian Danese, Gulf States president, highlighted the theme’s significance in a time of both challenge and opportunity for the Church: “When we come together, across churches, cultures, and generations, we reflect the very heart of Christ’s mission. “United in Mission” is more than a theme; it is a calling for every member to move forward together in faith and purpose,” said Danese.

Camp Meeting continues a longstanding tradition within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, where annual gatherings serve both as spiritual renewal and as a reminder of the Church’s collective mission. As emphasized in denominational publishing standards, such events are not only moments of fellowship, but also opportunities to inspire more effective Christian service through shared experience and testimony.

As the Sabbath concluded, many left the grounds with a renewed sense of purpose, committed not only to personal spiritual growth, but also to advancing the mission of the Church in their local communities.

The message of the day echoed in hearts: A united Church is a missionfocused Church, moving forward together in Christ.

BY COMMUNICATION TEAM

Montgomery First Holds Impactful Evangelistic Series: “System for Survival”

With the theme “System for Survival,” the Southern Union Conference hosted a powerful three-week-long evangelistic series at Montgomery First Church in Montgomery, Ala., from February 28 to March 21, 2026. The event brought together community members from across the southern region, creating a space for spiritual renewal, biblical learning, and

life-changing decisions.

Led by Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., president of the Southern Union, the series focused on practical and spiritual principles for navigating life through a Christ-centered foundation. Night after night attendees filled the sanctuary, with total attendance surpassing 1,000 individuals over the course of the meetings.

Smith’s messages emphasized hope,

resilience, and the importance of grounding one’s life in Scripture. His clear and compelling presentations resonated deeply, leading many to respond to the call for a closer walk with God. As a result, 141 individuals made their decision to be baptized, marking a significant spiritual shift for people who did not know the Word of Christ, and for those in the surrounding community.

Brian Danese, Gulf States Conference president, speak to the attendees during Camp Meeting.

In addition to the nightly messages, the series encouraged continued spiritual growth through Bible study. Approximately 800 attendees enrolled in ongoing Bible study programs, demonstrating a strong desire to deepen their understanding of God’s Word beyond the event itself.

One of the most memorable moments of the series came in a unique and heartfelt ceremony, a wedding officiated in the church’s baptismal pool. This powerful symbol of commitment and new beginnings reflected the broader impact of the meetings, where lives were being transformed both spiritually and relationally.

Throughout the month, members of Montgomery First Church, along with Dwayne Campbell, Montgomery First lead pastor, worked tirelessly to support the event, welcoming guests, coordinating logistics, and fostering an atmo-

sphere of fellowship. Their dedication played a vital role in the success of the series and in creating a warm, inviting environment for all who attended.

As the System for Survival series concluded, the impact remained evident in the people changed and commitments

renewed. The event stands as a testament to the power of evangelism and the continued mission of sharing the Gospel throughout Gulf States and beyond.

BY COMMUNICATION TEAM

Camp Alamisco Hosts Gulf States Outdoor School: “God’s Plan, Not Mine”

Camp Alamisco welcomed students from across the Gulf States Conference Outdoor School, April 6-10, 2026, bringing together 10 schools and approximately 60 students in grades 6-8 for a week of immersive learning and spiritual growth.

Centered on the theme “God’s Plan, Not Mine,” students explored the story of Joseph while engaging in a variety of outdoor and academic activities. Each morning, students participated in choir or drama, culminating in a performance at the end of the week. In the afternoons, they rotated through handson classes, including canoeing, science, art, and outdoor skills. Students also took part in a U.S. history fair, spelling bee, team-building events, and an academic bowl, adding a collaborative element to the week.

Worship was a key part of each day,

with morning and evening chapel services providing opportunities for reflection, praise, and spiritual connection. Evening programs, including campfires, boat rides, and group activities, helped build friendships and create lasting memories.

Students lived and learned alongside peers from other schools, fostering a strong sense of community, while developing responsibility through shared duties and group participation. The combination

of outdoor education, structured activities, and spiritual emphasis made the experience both meaningful and memorable.

As the week came to a close, students left Camp Alamisco not only with new skills and friendships, but with a deeper understanding of how God works through every part of their lives.

BY COMMUNICATION TEAM

Gulf States Outdoor School attendees

Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D., president of the Southern Union, led the “System for Survival” series.

White House Church Celebrates New Home With Ribbon-Cutting After Decades of Planning

BY:

The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference administration joined church leaders and city officials on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to celebrate through a ribboncutting ceremony for the completion of White House, Tenn., Church’s new facility. For many, the moment represented decades of planning, sacrifice, and perseverance.

“This was something that, at times, felt impossible,” said Jeremy Leggett, pastor. “But we felt like if this was the direction we were being led, then we had to move forward and trust that it would come together.”

A Vision Takes Root

The journey to Tuesday’s ribboncutting ceremony began long before construction ever started. According to White House Church leaders, discussions about relocating and constructing a new church building began more than 20 years ago, when the congregation began to outgrow

its existing space.

In 2003, the church acquired a 15-acre property that had never been listed for sale before. According to longtime member Tom Day, the property owner sold it at a steep discount because he wanted to see a church built on the site.

“The owner sold us the property at about half its value,” said Day. “That was the biggest donation we’ve ever received, and it came from a nonmember.”

Despite paying off the property in 2010, the vision for construction was repeatedly delayed by logistical challenges and rising costs. Then, momentum picked up again when the congregation received an unexpected offer to purchase its former church building, even though they had not even listed it on the market.

“We had to move forward in faith,” said Leggett. “Selling our old property essentially left us homeless, and that was a gal-

vanizing moment. It could have broken us, but it actually brought us together. We believed [selling the old property] was God’s will, and that it would come together in a way that made it clear He was leading.”

The Cost of Getting There

Following a groundbreaking ceremony in November 2024, construction began, along with a new set of challenges. Throughout the process leaders said financial uncertainty was one of their biggest concerns.

“There were moments where the math didn’t add up,” said Day. “We knew what we had, and we knew what it was going to cost, and it didn’t match. We had to decide: do we stop, or do we go forward? And, we chose to go forward.”

To help fund the project, members recycled scrap metal, sold handmade crafts, and hosted events to raise money. Others contrib-

White House Church members, Conference administrators, and city officials participate in the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the completion of the church’s new facility in White House, Tenn.

PHOTO

PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

uted proceeds from property sales or personal ventures. Throughout the process, White House Church partnered with the KentuckyTennessee Conference for guidance.

A key breakthrough came when city officials approved a request to rezone part of the church’s property for commercial use — a request that had previously been denied. Church leaders said that portion of the property has not yet been sold, but they are actively working to market it, with plans to use the proceeds to help pay down the church’s remaining mortgage.

At the same time, construction faced physical setbacks. Heavy rains created unstable ground conditions, delaying the foundation for months as crews worked to stabilize the site. Supply chain disruptions added further complications, including delays in receiving key HVAC equipment needed to complete the building.

“Between the weather and supply delays, it felt like every time we made progress, something else slowed us down,” said Leggett. “But we never lost sight of the goal.”

Finally Home

Despite those challenges, construction progressed through 2025, with the building taking shape rapidly once the foundation was complete. Within weeks, the structure began to reflect the vision church leaders and members had worked toward for years.

The congregation held its first official service in the new facility on February 7, 2026. Leaders said the building was intentionally designed to support both worship and community outreach, providing flexible space for events, classes, and gatherings aimed at serving the broader White House community.

“We didn’t just want a place to meet on Saturdays,” said Heather Smartt, White House building committee chairperson. “From the beginning, the goal was to create something that would serve both our members and the community around us.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony served as the public celebration of that milestone, formally introducing the completed facility to the community and marking a new chapter for the church.

“It’s been a long journey,” said Leggett. “But now we’re here, and we’re ready to serve this community in a new way. For me, this ribbon-cutting is a way of telling the community that we’re open for business.”

BY PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

More Than 200 Gather for NAD Zomi Youth Camp

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More than 200 young people from across the North American Division (NAD) gathered for the 2026 NAD Zomi Youth Camp, where organizers reported baptisms, spiritual recommitments, and a renewed focus on developing future church leaders.

The event drew approximately 210

attendees from multiple states, and was supported by several partnering conferences, including Kentucky-Tennessee, Georgia-Cumberland, Indiana, and Oklahoma, along with the Southern Union Youth Department.

A central highlight of the camp was the baptism of four young individuals, along-

side a broader response from attendees who recommitted their lives during spiritual appeals throughout the program.

“The greatest blessing was witnessing the presence of the Holy Spirit among us,” said Hang Mawi, secretary of the North American Division Zomi Group and member of the Nashville Zomi

Attendees gather for a group photo at the NAD Zomi Youth Camp.

PHOTO

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANG

MAWI

Church. “Many young people recommitted their lives to God, sharing heartfelt testimonies and experiencing deep spiritual renewal.”

The camp, held under the theme “Your Kingdom Come,” was designed to bring Zomi youth together for worship, fellowship, and leadership development at a time when many young people face challenges in maintaining their faith.

“The leadership team envisioned this retreat as a place where Zomi youth from different states could come together to seek the Lord with humble hearts,” said

Mawi. “Our goal was to nurture future leaders, pastors, and ministers who will serve God faithfully in the years to come.”

In addition to worship services, the camp featured messages from pastors and seminar presenters emphasizing discipleship and the proclamation of the three angels’ messages. Mawi also noted a growing number of young attendees expressing interest in pursuing theological studies and future ministry.

Looking ahead, leaders expressed hope that the impact of the camp will continue in the lives of participants.

“Our greatest hope and prayer is that each young person will continue to follow God and serve Him faithfully in their daily lives,” said Mawi. “We pray that they will become strong leaders in their communities, schools, and churches.”

Organizers said they expect the camp’s influence to extend beyond the weekend, as participants return to their local churches equipped for leadership and service.

BY PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

Pathfinder Uses AI to Turn Isaiah Into 118 Study Songs

APathfinder from the Lexington Church found a creative way to study for the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE). Hannah Boling, from the Lexington Thoroughbreds Pathfinder Club, used artificial intelligence (AI) to turn the book of Isaiah into 118 original songs to help her team prepare for the competition.

PBE is the official North American Division Bible study program that challenges teams of six to memorize and answer detailed questions from a designated book of the Bible. Competition advances through regional, conference, union, and division levels.

Using AI, Boling created songs based on Isaiah, this year’s assigned text for PBE. She said her goal was to make studying easier and more engaging for herself and her teammates.

“I was trying to figure out a way I could memorize [my chapters],” said Boling. “And I thought, ‘Hey, what if I make songs out of it?’”

Boling used Suno, an AI music generator, to produce short songs, typically one to two minutes long, covering Isaiah verse by verse. In total, she produced 118 songs and memorized more than two-thirds of them. She later uploaded the songs to YouTube

under a dedicated channel so teammates and other Pathfinder clubs could access them.

Boling says the songs quickly gained popularity as her teammates began listening repeatedly.

“A lot of the songs are pretty catchy,” said Boling. “It’ll get stuck in your head, and that’s actually good because you want it to be stuck in your head. Then you hear the words playing over and over, and it gets solid in your mind.”

Boling believes the songs played a significant role in her team’s performance this year. Boling’s teams competed in the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference PBElevel competition on February 28, 2026, and on March 28, 2026, they advanced to the Union-level competition. Both of her church’s teams — Lexington Thoroughbreds: Dedicated and Lexington Thoroughbreds: KFC (Kids for Christ) — earned first place. The wins marked the first time her team has advanced to both the Union and NAD-level competitions during her four years participating in PBE.

Boling said memorizing Scripture is important beyond competition.

“If you have it in your head, then if you’re going through hard times or if someone else needs help, you can remem-

Hannah Boling smiles for the camera. A Pathfinder from Lexington, Ky., Boling used AI to create 118 questions about the book of Isaiah as her club studied for the Pathfinder Bible Experience.

ber the Bible verse about it,” said Boling. “You might not always have your Bible with you, but if you have it memorized, it’s always there.”

Boling plans to continue creating Scripture songs for future PBE competitions, and hopes other Pathfinders will use them. Pathfinders interested in listening to the songs can find them on YouTube at @PBEScriptureSongs.

BY PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

BY:

PHOTO

PAOLA MORA ZEPEDA

Educational Programs Provide Opportunities for Student Outreach

At Southern Adventist University, outreach to nearby communities is a key part of the educational curriculum. Last school year, both the School of Nursing and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program encouraged students to meet needs within the Chattanooga population using their unique skills.

Southern students in the psychiatric nurse practitioner doctoral program receive training in counseling, a unique component offered by few graduate programs in the United States. As part of their learning experiences, these nurses undertake counseling clinicals during the summer months. Each provides weekly counseling services free of charge to willing clients.

“Our graduate students learn how to assess and evaluate patients’ needs, diagnose potential disorders, and treat as needed,” said Linda Peoples, Ph.D., professor in the School of Nursing, who organizes the outreach. “Clients always give very positive reviews and find our students helpful and respectful.”

During her clinicals, Bridget ScottFletcher, who is pursuing a doctorate of nursing practice with emphases in nurse education and psychiatric mental health, met regularly with two clients. “I was privileged to establish wonderful, caring relationships with both and use the skills I’d learned in class to help each of them reflect and problem solve,” she shares. “It was an honor to be allowed into a very personal component of their lives. The sessions reinforced the critical skills of empathetic and active listening that I will continue to carry with me into my own practice of guiding patients’ care.”

On the other side of Southern’s campus, Amanda Patton, DPT, professor in the PTA department, formed connections with the nonprofit Catalyst Sports when

and Fitness in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Student volunteers engaged with climbers, ages 4 to 60, helping them register, navigate the gym, and manage their climbing gear. Held just before Southern’s students began their month-long clinicals, the event provided a valuable opportunity to put coursework into practice in preparation for real-world applications.

“PTA students were able to see individuals beyond their diagnoses and recognize that they are more than their disability,” shares Patton. “These organic settings allow our majors to start making connections, and applying schooling in ways that don’t necessarily happen in a classroom.”

Ethan Reinoehl, a physical therapist assistant major who graduated in December 2025, reports, “It was incredible to witness the determination and joy the climbers brought to the event. Being part of their journey, even in a small way, was both humbling and inspiring.”

she invited volunteer coordinator Ivanna Libre to speak in her classes.

“As an outdoor activity organizer with 14 locations across the southeast, Catalyst Sports offers adaptive abilities to individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have access,” said Patton. “This matches so well with our own mission to serve the community in a Christ-like manner.”

An orthotist and prosthetist, Libre fits patients with artificial limbs, braces, and splints. Twice a year, she shares her expertise with PTA majors during a full day of intensive training on campus. During the winter 2025 semester, she offered students the opportunity to volunteer at a climbing event for individuals with physical disabilities coordinated by Catalyst Sports and High Point Climbing

Reinoehl chose the outreach opportunity specifically for the chance to experience a new setting, and speaking with climbers and volunteers alike. “I found it valuable to get different perspectives on how people with disabilities learn to reorient their lives to accommodate for their conditions,” he reflects.

The nursing and PTA programs represent just two of the many academic areas across Southern’s campus that provide practical opportunities for students to serve others while strengthening the skills they will need in the workplace.

BY CHEHALIS ENO, SENIOR ENGLISH MAJOR

Physical therapist assistant majors who graduated in December 2025, Gracie Mattox (left), Jonathan Diaz, and Ethan Reinoehl volunteer with Catalyst Sports at High Point Climbing and Fitness in Chattanooga, Tenn.

PHOTO BY: ETHAN REINOEHL

South Atlantic Students Participate in Annual Festival Expo

More than 100 students from across the South Atlantic Conference gathered for a day of academic competition, fellowship, and spiritual reflection during the annual Festival Expo.

The event brought together schoollevel champions to compete in spelling bee, science fair, art, and oratorical categories, highlighting student achievement across multiple disciplines while emphasizing shared purpose and community.

The program opened with a charge from David A. Smith, South Atlantic executive vice president. He encouraged participants to pursue excellence with confidence and faith. With families, educators, and peers in attendance — and more than 800 viewers joining online — students delivered polished performances marked by preparation and poise.

In the spelling bee competition, students demonstrated linguistic precision and focus across grade divisions. Science fair participants presented innovative projects addressing real-world questions with creativity and analytical rigor. In the art and oratorical categories, students expressed individuality and faith through visual storytelling and public speaking, centered on the theme “Jesus is Coming Again.”

A few of the winners in the various categories:

Art Contest – Grades 3-5

Chole Swan / Ramah Junior Academy / 1st Place

Jasiel Hallman / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 2nd Place

Christina Holder / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 3rd Place

Art Contest – Grades 6-8

Karissa Louisy / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 1st Place

Londyn Bobb / Emanuel Junior Academy / 2nd Place

Layla Gillespie / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place

Kim Gaiter, South Atlantic Conference vice president for education, offers prayer as the students prepare to participate in the Spelling Bee.

Science Fair – Grades 3-5

Ivan Diggs / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 1st Place

Qamar Morgan / New Bethel Christian Academy / 3rd Place

Science Fair – Grades 6-8

Abigail Agard / Berean Christian Junior Academy (Atlanta) / 1st Place

Kaleigh Laporte / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 2nd Place

Aiden Poole / Berean Junior Academy (Charlotte) / 3rd Place

Spelling Bee – Grades 3-5

Kingston Buchanan / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 1st Place

Ivan Diggs / Decatur Adventist Junior Academy / 2nd Place

Lond’yn Benjamin / Lithonia Adventist Academy / 3rd Place

Spelling Bee – Grades 6-8

Samuel Pyinae / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place

Oratorical Contest – Grades 3-5

Genesis Calderon / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place

Alicia Hilliker / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 2nd Place

Nathan Brooks / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place

Oratorical Contest – Grades 6-8

Japheth Serrano / Greater Fayetteville Adventist Academy / 1st Place

RaSheed McMill / Berean Junior Academy (Charlotte) / 2nd Place

Wesley Ivory / Ephesus Junior Academy / 3rd Place

Beyond the competitions, organizers emphasized the importance of fellowship. During a midday gathering, students connected with peers from other schools, sharing experiences, and building relationships in an environment that underscored the broader mission of Adventist education. Many remarked that the impact of the event

extended beyond awards, pointing to moments of inspiration, new friendships, and renewed appreciation for Christian education among participants and attendees.

As the program concluded, students

and educators left with more than accolades, carrying forward lessons of discipline, collaboration, and purpose.

Leaders said the South Atlantic Conference Festival Expo continues to serve as both a platform for excellence and a

reminder of the value of faith-based education in shaping future generations.

BY KIM GAITER, SOUTH ATLANTIC VICE PRESIDENT FOR EDUCATION

Decatur Church Holds Prayer Luncheon

More than 100 women from the Decatur, Ga., Church and the surrounding community gathered for a prayer luncheon. The purpose of the event was to provide spiritual renewal and connection following the Sabbath worship service.

The event was held at the church’s Family Life Center, and brought participants ranging in age from 7 months to 88 years old. Attendees were served a meal prepared by LaTonya Carter and the women’s ministries team.

Organizers centered the luncheon on the theme “Reignite the Fire Within,”

encouraging women to pause from daily responsibilities, listen for God’s voice, and seek personal renewal. A reflection message based on 2 Timothy 1:6 urged participants to “fan into flame the gift of God,” reinforcing the spiritual focus of the gathering.

Throughout the program, women shared testimonies, expressions of gratitude, and moments of prayer. There were activities provided that were designed to foster interaction among attendees, a designated prayer room, poetry presentations, and a hands-on prayer jar crafting activity.

Participants said the event met a timely

need for encouragement and reflection. Many described leaving the luncheon feeling refreshed spiritually, physically, and mentally.

Each attendee received a gift bag that included a notepad and pen, serving as a reminder of the day’s emphasis on reflection and continued spiritual growth.

BY KRISTINA SMITH

Women gather for a powerful prayer luncheon at Decatur, Ga., Church.

New Hope Church Burns Mortgage

New Hope Church celebrated a significant milestone on March 21, 2026, by holding a mortgage burning ceremony. This marked the retirement of the church loan, and symbolized financial freedom. Former members and guests from around North America and beyond joined a packed sanctuary to witness the historic occasion. Marking the event was a special Sabbath celebration and consecration service, followed by a fellowship luncheon and evening concert. The special guest speaker for the occasion, Henry Wright, retired pastor and evangelist, reminded worshippers that even as they celebrated the significant milestone, to stay focused on the primary purpose of the beautiful edifice in which they worship — to bring others into the fold, ultimately preparing them for Christ’s eminent return. He emphasized that even after the physical build-

ing is no longer, its nonperishable byproduct, transformed lives, will live on.

One of the founding members of the church, Roy H. Brown, O.D., presented an impressive history of New Hope Church, sweetened with tributes from pastors who served the church from its humble beginnings with 60 members in a small rented hotel space to approximately 300 today in an idyllic, sprawling space nestled in urban Fort Lauderdale, Fla. New Hope’s past pastors, each one having stood on the shoulder of the previous, are Dolphy Cross, D.Min., Lester Parkinson, Olinto Groce, Johnathan McCottery, and Marcellus Howard. Additionally, Oswald Gordon served as interim pastor after Cross’ departure. Anslem Paul, New Hope’s current pastor, hosted the celebratory weekend, and in his remarks could scarcely contain his excitement as he bore witness to the

mortgage burning and the faithfulness of God along the way.

Participants in the mortgage burning service include Michael Owusu, D.Min., president of Southeastern Conference; Pierre Francois, Southeastern secretariat; and Immanuel Charles, Southeastern chief financial officer.

“The retirement of a church mortgage represents a significant spiritual and missional milestone,” said Owusu. “An opportunity to thank God for His provision, honor the faithfulness of members who sacrificed to make this possible, and move forward with greater freedom to reach our communities with the Christ-centered message of hope and wholeness.”

BY DOREEN WASHINGTON

Michael Owusu, D.Min., president of Southeastern Conference, welcomed the attendees.

Retired pastor/evangelist, Henry Wright, was the guest speaker for the occasion.

Mt. Pisgah Church Dedicates Newly Renovated Children’s Facility, Celebrates Debt-Free Campus Milestone

Mt. Pisgah Church in Miami Gardens, Fla., marked a significant milestone on April 11, 2026, with the dedication of its newly renovated children’s facility — an intentional investment in the rising generation, and a reflection of the church’s continued growth and vision.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together members, leaders, and community supporters to witness the unveiling of the upgraded space designed specifically for younger children.

“The future looks bright,” said Bevans Gordon, Mt. Pisgah children’s ministries leader, who oversees the lower division Sabbath School program. She emphasized the importance of early Christian education in shaping children’s cognitive, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

The renovated facility, completed by contractor Jeptha Williams, provides a safe, engaging, and purpose-built environment tailored to the needs of kinder-

gartners. The project, supervised by Rhea Wright, Mt. Pisgah building committee chairperson, underscores Mt. Pisgah’s commitment to nurturing its youngest members, and strengthening the foundation of faith from an early age.

“Guided by God, we have embraced a spirit of innovation and a deep commitment to investing in the next generation,” said Nikolai Greaves, Mt. Pisgah senior pastor. “This is more than expansion — it marks a new chapter in the life of our church, one centered on faith, leadership, and community impact.”

Greaves noted that the church is focused on creating a dynamic spiritual environment where young people can engage meaningfully with their faith, and develop into leaders and positive influences within their communities.

In a highlight moment during the ceremony, Greaves announced that the members have successfully retired all financial obligations, including those associated with the children’s facility, and

declared the campus officially debt-free — a milestone that was met with enthusiastic applause.

Now in its 66th year, Mt. Pisgah Church members continue to serve as a vibrant and progressive congregation with a membership of 1,045. The church is known for its dynamic preaching, rich blend of contemporary and traditional worship, and a diverse, multigenerational community.

“Serving at Mt. Pisgah over the past 18 months has been an amazing experience,” said Greaves. “I am confident in God’s leading as we continue to elevate — moving higher and reaching upward to Him.”

As Mt. Pisgah continues to grow, its focus remains clear: building not just facilities, but a strong foundation of faith for generations to come.

BY DOREEN WASHINGTON

Lower division participates during Sabbath School. Pastor Nikolai Greaves prepares to cut the ribbon.

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June 21. Naples, Lehigh Acres, Ft. Myers, Cape Coral, Avon Park.

June 28. North Lake, Marion Oaks, Ocala, Perry, Tallahassee.

July 5. Kendall, Miami Temple, Miami Springs, Maranatha in Miami Gardens, Sunrise, Midport.

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July 19. Lakeland, Brandon, Palmetto, Sarasota, Port Charlotte, Avon Park.

July 26. Spring Hill, New Port Richey, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Tampa First, Winter Haven (Southeastern Conference: Mt. Calvary)

Free Savvy Financial Seminar Series on Zoom – Aug. 25, New Changes/ Updates to Medicare. Sept. 22, Asset Protection Trust/ Irrevocable Trust. Email planned.giving@floridaconference.com to register.

Essentials of Fundraising Workshops – Virtual – Aug. 30, Grant Writing; Nov. 8, Integrating Fundraising & Grant Writing. Registration/ information: floridaconference.com/ fundraisingworkshop/ College Retreat, for ages 18-24 –July 30-Aug. 2, Camp Kulaqua, High Springs, Fla. Information/registration: floridayouth.com

Fit Together Health Retreat – Sept. 11-13, Camp Kulaqua, High Springs,

Fla. Information/registration: floridaconference.com/fittogether/

GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND

Upper Cumberland Olde Time Camp Meeting – June 4-6. Meister Memorial Deer Lodge Church. Young Adult Mission Trip 2026 –June 4-14. Blantyre, Malawi. Please check our website for the latest information, www.gccsda. com/events.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

WELLkids and RAD Camps – June and July. Keep your kids moving and exploring this summer with week-long sessions offering outdoor, daytime adventures on and around campus. Activities for ages 8-12 include archery, canoeing, challenge course, caving, rafting, river snorkeling, swimming, and more. Participants ages 13-16 experience canoeing, caving, high adventure course and zipline, rappelling, rock climbing, whitewater rafting, and other escapades. For costs and other information or to register, visit southern.edu/wellkids.

Philanthropy Conference – July 14-16. Hone your missional fundraising skills at the first Missional Philanthropy Conference at Southern Adventist University. Learn from experts from K-12, higher education, healthcare, private nonprofits, community foundations, consultants, and leadership executives about how to effectively fundraise for projects. Visit southern.edu/philanthropyconference for details.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Seasons of Lenora Park Art Show – April 1-June 30. Experience the breathtaking natural beauty of Lenora Park at an art show highlighting the photography of Snellville artist R. Steven Norman III. Exhibit Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am–5pm. Bethesda Park Senior Center, 225 Bethesda Church Road, Lawrenceville, GA. 678-277-0179. GwinnettParks.com

2026 Great Controversy Tour –Sept. 11-24. See the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation come alive! Visit Reformation sites in Italy, the Waldensian Valleys, France, Germany, and Switzerland. gctours@naver. com or +1-202-714-8751.

Sandia View Academy Alumni Weekend New Date – Sept. 18-19, in Corrales, New Mexico. For details, call: 505-8980717 or email: SVArocks@gmail.com

Southern Union Conference

P.O. Box 923868

Peachtree Corners, GA 30010