When we were in our 20s, my friend wrote a letter to his 40-year-old self, reminding him to pass the keys of leadership on to a younger generation. After we had both turned 40, I asked him, “Did you ever think that we wouldn’t have even received the keys by now?”
But if you think I’m going to say it’s time for my generation to finally take the keys, you’d be mistaken. Even now, with the keys barely touching our hands, it’s time to pass them on. If I’m running a relay race and the person ahead of me holds on to the baton longer than expected, am I going to do the same? No. If I want my team to win, I’m going to pass it on as quickly as I can, cheering on the new runner as my role shifts.
Our young people are ready to run the race. They’re willing to speak up where others may stay silent (see p. 8), able to connect with peers in an increasingly secular society (see p. 6) and are proficient with technologies that can help fulfill the Great Commission (see p. 4).
That’s why, in the coming months, you’ll see some changes to the Record (more details on p. 49). As we’ve planned these updates, one question has guided us: how can we encourage our younger runners?
It is my hope that the updated Record will provide inspiration and resources that will welcome new generations to the race, moving us all forward to the finish line.
Lori Futcher
May | June 2026
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A Season Ends, Confidence Remains
In this new season following my retirement from the Southwestern Union, my heart is filled with gratitude. My gratitude and praise belong to God. His love, providence and mercy merit all my honor and recognition. It has been a profound privilege to be part of His plans and purposes and to serve Him in pastoral ministry.
At the same time, I am certain that no task has been fully accomplished, much less completed. I must acknowledge and accept that I cannot yet say, as Paul did in 2 Timothy 4:7, “I have finished the race.”
I could choose to dwell on my own flaws and failures. I could focus on the mistakes and needs of our imperfect Church. I could fix my attention on the many crises and distractions around us. But instead, I choose to fix my eyes on Jesus—on His incomparable love and grace, His wisdom and power—recognizing that He guides both me and His precious Church.
When I do this, courage and hope rise again in what the Holy Spirit can accomplish if only we humble ourselves and seek Him with sincerity and with all our hearts.
I recall two meaningful messages from Paul that have stayed with me. During the storm that preceded the
shipwreck described in Acts 27, Paul spoke to prisoners, sailors and soldiers with these words: “I urge you to keep up your courage ... so keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God.”
And he explained why: “An angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me,” Acts 27:22–25.
What I do sense is that from this point forward there will be a shift in roles and responsibilities—a change in pace and intensity—along with the joy of seeing new generations take the places on the front lines that some of us are vacating.
With eyes of faith, I observe with joyful anticipation those who will continue and complete the work entrusted to us. I see their faithfulness and commitment to God, their creativity, their energy and their renewed focus—a focus aligned with the Divine—that will propel our church forward until that glorious day of Jesus’ return.
Let us never forget that we belong to God and that we serve Him above all else. He has promised to be with us. When we live with this kind of courageous, faithful confidence, nothing and no one can hinder the fulfillment of God’s plan in us and in His people.
Then we will be able to say—just as the apostle said—“I know whom I have
believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to him until that day,” 2 Timothy 1:12.
As I step away from this role, that is my prayer for you—and for the Church we love.
Let us live and serve with courage, with faith and hope and with confidence in our Lord—in His promises and all we have placed in His care, which He, by His grace, is safeguarding—so that, on that glorious day, you and I may lift our eyes and raise our arms to receive Jesus when He returns to take us home.
By Osvaldo L. Rigacci Vice President for Multicultural Ministries
LET YOUR PIXELATED LIGHT SHINE
You don’t need to be a content creator to be a digital witness.
By Gerson Pancorbo Southwestern Union Communication Director
If the apostle Paul were writing today, he would still write letters. But he would also go where people gather. In his time, it was the marketplace and the Areopagus. In ours, it’s online—on social media.
In Acts 17, Paul has just arrived in Athens. The city is full of idols. And he is not particularly pleased about it. In fact, according to Luke, “He is greatly distressed.” And yet when he stands before the Athenians, he doesn’t lead with his distress. He leads with observation. “I see that in every way you are very religious,” he tells them. He notices their altar to an unknown god. He quotes their own poets back to them. He earns the right to be heard before he asks to be believed.
That sequence is a blueprint. And we get it backwards almost every
time—especially on social media. We speak before we listen. We correct people we have never tried to understand. Then we wonder why our words don’t land.
SCREEN PRESENCE
Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 3:2 carry a different weight now: “You yourselves are our letter … known and read by everyone.” Social media followers are reading you in the same way. They’ve seen how you show up online. What you share. What you affirm. How you respond when someone pushes back. Before they think about your theology, they’re noticing your character. And the people who leave a lasting impression are rarely the
loudest. They’re the ones whose faith and behavior stay aligned over time, in steady and consistent ways.
That kind of steady witness stands in quiet contrast to the system surrounding it. Social media rewards attention. Its algorithms highlight what provokes reaction, not what reflects truth. But performing your faith for an audience
is a different act from living it where people can see it. People can feel the difference, even when they can’t name it.
Just as Paul entered conversations already in progress and spoke in ways that people could understand, you can do the same through your social media accounts. Pay attention to what the people around you are going through this week. When you connect your faith to those moments, Scripture stops being something written and becomes something alive, something people recognize and can identify with.
A Bible verse posted on its own is true, but it can sit on a screen feeling like a greeting card: received, glanced at, forgotten. Now imagine if you tie that verse to something you lived through. Let’s say a friend had a horrible week, and you sat with him one afternoon just listening instead of offering advice. Later that evening, you could send him a direct message with Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted.” That connection to what he just experienced would give new meaning to the verse. Or let’s say you’d been running on empty for a month, allowing yourself to become overinvolved and sleeping badly. Imagine opening your Bible and reading Isaiah 30:15: “In quietness and
trust is your strength.” When you share on your feed why this verse was meaningful to you, people are not reading a verse. They are reading a life.
We see an example of this kind of sharing of experience in John 1. Andrew meets Jesus, and the first thing he does is find his brother, Simon Peter. “We have found the Messiah,” he says. This was a spontaneous outpouring of what he had just experienced. He was simply so changed by what he had encountered that he couldn’t keep it to himself. Two thousand years later, nothing has outperformed one person sharing with another what has changed their life.
Right now, someone in your feed is quietly watching.
None of this requires a large audience. Influence in Scripture almost always travels through relationships. Andrew brings Peter. Philip invites Nathanael. (See John 1:45–46.) A Samaritan woman goes back to her town. (See John 4:29.) The people who see your posts are your neighbors, your coworkers, the parents you met at school pickup. They know your name. That’s where credibility lives, and no algorithm can manufacture it.
Ephesians 5:8 reminds us to “Live as children of light.” That call extends to every space you occupy, including the ones measured in pixels.
FEED FRICTION
Social media gives us more opportunities to share our faith experience, but it also introduces new challenges.
The most common online temptation is to turn disagreement into combat. A comment thread starts as a
conversation and ends as a contest, and the person who entered it hoping to represent Christ finishes sounding combative. James 1:19 names the corrective: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.” That verse is easy to affirm on Sabbath morning; it’s harder to remember during a late-night social media debate, but that is precisely when it matters.
Another online challenge is the temptation to perform. You’ve seen this in those posts that feel staged: the carefully framed photo with a Bible open just so, the caption that sounds more like a statement than a reflection, the post that centers on the person posting more than the God they’re pointing to. Jesus addressed this in Matthew 6:1: “Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them.” Turning your feed into a stage will quietly empty it of the very thing that made it worth reading.
Right now, someone in your feed is quietly watching. Not ready to ask questions. Not ready to visit your church. Not ready to believe. But they’re paying attention to their feed to see how you live your faith. What they see is shaping what they believe about the God you follow. They don’t need you to be flawless. They need you to be real.
Paul walked into Athens with his eyes open and something worth saying. He listened before he spoke. He met people on their own ground, and God used it. Your phone puts you in that same kind of space every day. The people in your feed aren’t just an audience. They’re people who know you. And one of them, right now, is hoping something honest will break through.
Let them see it—your faith, lived out loud. One post. One reply. One honest moment at a time. a
Welcoming Gen Z to the Table
By Makala James
The sound of chatter fills the room as Henry Dantonio, Kimberley Mboya and Jose Aviles arrive at The Welcome Table, a young adult worship series based in San Antonio, Texas. At first glance, these three young adults have very little in common.
Dantonio works in law enforcement as a sheriff’s deputy for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office. Mboya is a foreign exchange student from Kenya, studying at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Aviles is a sales associate with a troubled past, trying to make it in a new city. Yet despite their differences, they all share a common longing for the deep connection and community in Christ they’ve found at The Welcome Table.
These are just three of many young people with this same desire throughout the San Antonio area and beyond. That’s why last year a small group of church members from the San Antonio Fil-Am International Seventh-day Adventist Church took action.
“I think there is a real hunger, especially with Gen Z, for connection with the church community and to talk about spiritual things,” said Janice DaSilva, one of the organizers of The Welcome Table.
When young people in the church voiced that hunger to Janice and her husband, Dwight, they answered the call to foster a new worship space. It started in a church elder’s living room. On night one, 30 young adults gathered in the small space, hungry for fellowship. It became clear to DaSilva that this ministry needed to evolve into something more. That is how The Welcome Table began.
To start, the church partnered with the UTSA chapter of Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF), a student-led campus ministry for Adventist students.
“We have a huge campus close to the church with thousands of students,” said Pastor Paulo Rabello. “Why not try to do something that is different for them, but at the same time without watering the Gospel down?”
“
e idea is to bring a sense of belonging.
The Welcome Table started as an eight-week worship series, meeting weekly on Friday nights. Attendees didn’t need to be UTSA students or even Seventh-day Adventists. The Welcome Table would be a place for anyone to feel welcome.
“I wanted us to create a safe space where people can come as they are and we can trust God to work with them,” said Rabello. “The idea is to bring a sense of belonging.”
During each meeting, the sound of happy music fills the room, signaling relief at the end of the week. Greeters ask people their names and make introductions so no one feels alone.
“Arriving at The Welcome Table is much like entering a buzzing cafe with an atmosphere full of chatter, laughter and conversation,” said DaSilva.
Yet for a moment, the chatter stops for prayer. Prayer not only initiates worship, but it also blesses the food, as the first hour of fellowship includes a provided meal.
The service then transitions into a discussion-based Bible study. People move around the room in small groups, discussing relevant icebreaker topics. This is followed by praise singing, and
then Rabello or a guest speaker ends the night with a group Bible study.
“We designed the experience to be both fellowship- and discussion-based,” said DaSilva. “People have something to eat and a time to connect.”
All ages are welcome to attend the meetings. Yet topics such as finding purpose, building healthy relationships and resisting peer pressure are chosen with young adults in mind. Attendees are also invited to write prayer
HENRY DANTONIO
requests on provided cards. Baskets are passed around the room to collect the cards, which volunteers then pray over throughout the week.
A strong core group attended these first eight meetings. Then regulars invited friends, and new faces consistently appeared. After the first set of eight-week meetings ended, a second series started on the church grounds. Today, between 40 and 50 people attend The Welcome Table each week.
Henry Dantonio was one of the first to attend The Welcome Table. With a background in Catholicism, he did have some history with faith. Yet this was his first experience with such an interactive community of Christians. The Welcome Table embraced Dantonio, and after just two weeks he began to ask about baptism.
“This young man wanted to be baptized,” said Pastor Paulo Rabello. “I said to him, ‘I hear that you want to be baptized. What’s going on? Have you ever been baptized before?’ Then he said, ‘Yes, I have been baptized in another church, but I want to be a part of this group here.’”
Now he is one of the worship leaders as he studies more about what it means to be an Adventist, embracing the community that made him feel at home.
“It has been an amazing experience not only for expanding my spiritual knowledge," said Dantonio, "but also for meeting incredible people who share so much wisdom about our Lord and Savior.”
KIMBERLEY MBOYA
And organizers plan to keep the gatherings going indefinitely.
“People walk away having been heard and having been seen,” said DaSilva. “We make an intentional effort to share contact info and let everyone know this is a community where they belong. We pray for each other and look forward to seeing each other every Friday night.” a
JOSE AVILES
Jose Aviles is on a journey of spiritual growth that started in high school when some friends turned his life around.
“I made bad decisions with the people I hung out with,” said Aviles. “God kept me safe because, with the things I was doing, I shouldn’t be here today. God opened my eyes and ears to Him, talking to me and keeping me safe. I found better friends that changed my lifestyle.”
A group of peers in Aviles’ community reached out to him at his lowest point. Their uplifting friendship encouraged Aviles to seek a relationship with God. His new friends also invited him to attend their local Seventh-day Adventist church.
In 2025, Aviles moved to San Antonio, Texas. This group of friends are now roommates. They all attend The Welcome Table together.
Kimberley Mboya is a Seventh-day Adventist student from Kenya. She came to the United States without any community or connections. So when someone invited her to attend this new worship series, she felt shy but excited to see what it might offer.
“When I first got there, I immediately felt welcomed,” said Mboya. “I met a lot of friends that instantly felt like family. I felt happy, loved and welcomed. This is the first time that I have attended a program like this.”
Now Mboya regularly attends the Sabbath worship hour as well as Friday nights at The Welcome Table. This is her new home away from home.
“Friday night and Sabbath are just a time to feel much stronger and more confident in Christ,” said Mboya. “I can see my spiritual journey growing.”
When Aviles faced pressure to work on Sabbath, he brought his concern to his new church family at The Welcome Table and at Fil-Am International Seventh-day Adventist Church. The community supported and prayed for Aviles as he found a new job.
“I encourage people to lock in and get a relationship with God,” said Aviles. “With The Welcome Table, anybody can come. I like it because you get to have more one-on-one conversations. It’s easier to talk and get to know more about the Bible and God. I am getting to learn more about God’s love and everything. I’m still working on it to this day.”
CRAZY GOD’S GIFT
– How an 80-Member Church Stepped into Something Bigger Than They Ever Expected –
The Midwest City Spanish Seventhday Adventist Church has only 80 church members, but they’ve recently begun holding services in Oklahoma Conference’s largest church building. Why does a church of this size need a 767-seat sanctuary and approximately two dozen rooms? No one knows for sure, but based on the miracles the church has experienced over the last year, members feel confident that God has a big plan for their little church. The new building is certainly big enough for plenty of baptisms.
The journey that led to the unexpected purchase of such a large building didn’t begin with a strategic plan or a committee vote—it began with a crowded parking lot.
– PARKING LOT CONFRONTATION –
“Hermana,” the deacon approached Yoyma Pedroso with a tone more severe than loving. “You’re not supposed to park there.”
Though coming from a man Pedroso had known since she was 9-years-old, the words stung. Rather than take his sharp tone personally, Pedroso started
worrying what might happen if this scenario had happened to a firsttime visitor rather than a confident young woman who had grown up in the church. What would have happened if that visitor, like her, had arrived at 11:07 a.m. and had faced the same dilemma as Pedroso?
With the church’s parking lot full, Pedroso had only three choices: illegal street parking, parking in a handicapped space or skipping church altogether. Pedroso had driven an hour to meet the new pastor being introduced that morning.
“Well, Papi, go ahead and park there,” she said, directing her husband toward one of the church’s two handicapped parking spaces. This was the mistake that the deacon, now that the church service was over, had chided Pedroso for. “I got so angry at Satan,” Pedroso says. “I didn’t get mad at my brother.” Instead Pedroso gave the deacon a hug. “I understand you,” she said, “I totally understand.”
Now that she had repaired the relationship with her brother in Christ, it was time to act—before another visitor might be turned away. Pulling out her phone, she opened a listing she had already saved: a church property for sale.
With a plan in her mind, she headed back toward the foyer, passing framed prints echoing the promise of Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you. … Plans to give you hope and a future.” She crossed the sanctuary—past wooden pews with worn orange cushions in the back half of the church and rows of slate-blue upholstered chairs in the front half—then slipped through a door to the right of the church’s level platform. It led her through a multi-use classroom, a crowded kitchen and into a narrow fellowship hall where four folding tables stood end to end.
Near the end of the first table, Pedroso found Guerrero eating and
Before
chatting with then acting conference president James Shires. “Pastor,” she said, stepping between the two leaders, not waiting for an introduction. “What we need is a bigger church.”
– A BOLD INTRODUCTION –
Guerrero had never met the woman who had just interrupted his conversation with Shires. He watched as Shires attempted to politely finish the conversation. “Okay, sister, pray about it,” the soon-to-be retired president said. But the woman only moved in closer. “I already prayed about this, pastor,” she said. “Look at it.”
Pedroso put her hand on the president’s shoulder. “Listen to me,” she said, shoving her phone in front of his
“Pastor ...
What we need is a bigger church.”
After
face. “This is what God wants us to buy. Let’s do it. Take a look at it.”
Guerrero isn’t one to ignore church members, so out of curiosity that Sunday, he had realtor church member Reyna Campos show him the property. The building was ramshackle—left empty for four years with lots of evidence of repairs needed—still as Guerrero walked down the wide hallways leading to the megachurch-sized sanctuary, Guerrero’s first thoughts were, There’s no way this church can afford to buy such a huge building. Then, weaving through the maze of classrooms, his thinking started to change. The church reminded him of a similar building he had seen while working as a pastor in another conference; that building had been worth more than $10 million. Even a lowball offer, he figured, would be about $2 million.
But the price tag for this building was
only $750,000—far too low to ignore. We have to buy this thing , he decided.
– IMPOSSIBLE MATH –
Guerrero set up a meeting with church treasurer Walter Campos. Late into the night the men crunched numbers, but no matter how they looked at it, it didn’t appear they’d be able to afford $750,000.
Still, the men met with conference treasurer Charles Reel. When he looked at the numbers the men had prepared, Reel was blunt. “You can’t afford that building,” he said, telling them that the church’s loan cap would be $710,000.
But $40,000 seemed too small of a gap for the men to walk away. Even after Reel helped them think of creative ideas to resolve the gap, Guerrero realized it would cost $200,000 to $300,000 to renovate the church. Instead of being
discouraged, he decided to lower the offer. With the church board supporting him, he made an offer of $585,000. Within two hours the seller counteroffered at $600,000. Based on the amount the church board had approved to spend, $750,000, this would be enough for them to do $150,000 worth of repairs. It would be tight, but many members of the congregation work in the field of construction. Certainly they’d be able to make it happen.
With the official paperwork signed, the church members started getting excited about their new home. Then came the big blow. Before the due diligence period was over, as the building was being inspected and code requirements checked, the church learned that the building would need a new fire sprinkler system. Quotes for such a job came back at $550,000–$600,000— about the same as the cost of the building itself.
“I was completely disappointed,” Guerrero says, believing the sale would fall through. What he didn’t realize was that this disappointment was setting the church up for their biggest blessing yet.
Because of the sprinkler situation, the seller agreed to lower the price to $430,000. Then two and a half months later, the fire marshall waived the requirement for a new sprinkler system. God had worked things out so the church could acquire a 34,000-squarefoot church (more than five times the size of their current church building) for the typical local cost of a 3,000-squarefoot home. As if there had been any
doubt that God’s hand was involved, several months later a gym next door—much smaller than the church and sold by the same seller—sold for $1.5 million. Now it was time for the church members to step in to make the building usable.
– WILLING HANDS AT WORK –
After the congregation was able to purchase the building, the next challenge was to make the building usable. Every day for about three months Walter brought his construction crew— many of them church members—to do volunteer work on the church, sometimes as late as midnight.
“When I talked to my crew, they said, ‘Let’s do it!’” says Walter. “They were ready. I didn’t have to convince them.”
“Para mí es importante ayudar a la iglesia,” explains Amadeo of why he was so quick to help.
“Es para Dios, para la iglesia,” adds Bernabé.
“A lot of people helped. “If I started giving you the names, the list would be endless,” says Guerrero. On one Sunday there were more people helping at the new church building than had been present for worship services the day before.
Donations also allowed the renovations to move forward at lowerthan-expected costs. Walter’s boss donated a special fabric system ceiling that will help regulate temperature in the new fellowship hall. Another contractor, whom church members met while working on another job, brought in his crew to do the flooring of the church’s spacious hallways for
a tiny portion of the real cost. Thanks to the donated materials and labor, the church spent only about $6,000 on flooring—far less than the more than $15,000 such work would typically cost.
– A NEW CHAPTER BEGINS –
As the Midwest City Spanish church moves from a space that barely fit its congregation into one that can hold nearly 10 times as many people, Guerrero recognizes how empty the sanctuary will look when his 80 church members enter the 767-seat space.
But that, members believe, is exactly the point. Through what Guerrero calls a “crazy gift from God,” the church is poised for unimaginable growth.
“I don’t know what God is up to,” Guerrero says, scanning the rows of empty seats in the church's new sanctuary, “but He’s up to something.” a
There’s more to the story. Scan this QR code to read how God’s leading brought the Guerreros to Oklahoma just in time to save a life.
The Case for God’s Character
By Endi Stojanovic, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, Southwestern Adventist University
Imagine being accused of a crime you didn’t commit. To be wrongfully accused must be one of the most frustrating experiences anyone can face, particularly when the stakes are high. Now, imagine that crime you’ve been accused of carries the death penalty. It’s hard to imagine how that must feel, yet this is something that hundreds of people have experienced.
As of today, more than 200 people have been exonerated from capital punishment since 1973. Many were exonerated because of new evidence that wasn’t previously available. What's noteworthy is that these exonerations occurred only through more investigation, more data and more trials.
Though it’s hard for me to imagine what it would be like to be falsely accused, this is something God has experienced. We can't fully understand the depth and breadth of what He went through when Lucifer falsely accused Him of many wrongs.
Though the accusations began in heaven, they continue to this day, and you probably know someone who believes them. To set the record straight: God isn’t the cause of evil, He doesn’t enjoy suffering and pain, He isn’t arbitrary in dealing with His creatures and He isn’t a liar. As 1 John 4:8 tells us, “God is love.”
I’m grateful that God has revealed to us the way in which He'll not only solve the problem of sin (how humanity can be redeemed) but also clear His character before the heavenly universe once and for all. After all, if God merely redeems humanity, but many among the redeemed or the heavenly host still have reservations about His true character, then the Great Controversy has not been satisfactorily concluded.
Mere forgiveness, especially in the cases of great wrongdoing, can raise
serious questions about justice. Imagine a king who has a subject in his kingdom who is particularly unruly, doesn’t honor or respect the king and does everything he can to encourage others to be disloyal. He commits many murders (even killing some of the king’s own children), promotes and practices customs forbidden by the king’s laws and encourages immorality and civil unrest in the kingdom. Finally, after a long time, this person is captured and brought before the king. But the king decides to forgive him and lets him go. (See 2 Chronicles 33). Would you say the ruler of that kingdom was a good or evil king? At the very least, you would want to know why and for what reason the king decided to let him go free. You would want to see the evidence, as this may change the way you perceive the king.
while doing everything He could to bring every individual to repentance.
This is why the Bible portrays two phases in God’s dealing with the problem of sin. In the first phase, Christ acts as our High Priest and forgives us when we confess and repent of our sins. He can do this because He died on the cross, bearing our sins. But this leaves a question in the minds of other beings: How can a good God forgive sinful people and remain good? The second phase seeks to answer this question through investigation and judgment. Its purpose is not to determine who is guilty and who is not (We are all guilty.), but rather to reveal the reasons why God has forgiven some and not others. Some repent and others do not. Through this investigation, God is vindicated in His judgments. He is shown to be just in forgiving some and not forgiving others. He has made no mistakes in anyone’s case, all the
This two-phase ministry is typified in the Hebrew sanctuary system. Throughout the year, people brought sacrifices to the sanctuary, were forgiven and had their sins symbolically transferred to the sanctuary. But on the Day of Atonement, the sanctuary was cleansed, ultimately demonstrating that God is not the cause of sin.
The best part of this investigation is that it will be done so thoroughly that, once completed, it is over for good. a
Scan this QR code to view the video, This We Believe: Sanctuary.
A Crisis of the Heart
By Carlos J. Craig, Southwestern Union President
What’s happening inside us is no longer easy to ignore. Across our communities, signs of mental, emotional and behavioral strain are becoming more visible by the day. We often talk about symptoms and solutions, but far less about the deeper issue beneath it all—the condition of the human heart.
We’ve all been made aware of the current mental, emotional and behavioral health crisis, not only in America but worldwide. In spite of decades of neuroscience research and advances in medical care, millions are still struggling in the grips of behavioral disorders. Recent evidence suggests that metabolic and environmental toxins contribute significantly to these challenges, while an ungodly society continues to erode our well-being.
Thomas Merton, in New Seeds of Contemplation, describes the brokenness of modern humanity as a tendency to construct a false self—layering identity with experiences, pleasures and outward appearances, yet finding emptiness beneath it all. His words echo a deeper truth: The problem is not merely external, but rooted within.
The conflict of the ages has always been waged for the heart of fallen humanity. From the inception of sin, Satan has targeted our emotions, knowing this is the most effective path to control. The Word of God states it plainly: “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he,” Proverbs 23:7.
Do we not think and reason with the brain? Why then does Scripture speak of thinking with the heart? The Hebrew word translated “thinketh” here, shaar, means to estimate or determine, pointing to the deeper inclinations of the heart—the place where choices are truly formed.
In the aftermath of the pandemic, there has been a marked rise in
“... the deeper need is for restored connection with the Creator ...”
anxiety, depression and ADHD. Yet, even before the pandemic, many severe conditions—such as autism, bipolar disorder and suicide—had already been increasing for years. To understand today’s crisis, we must look beyond recent events and examine long-term trends shaping our world.
Scripture foretold such a time, describing a world filled with distress and fear, where “People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world,” Luke 21:26. While many point to expanded mental and emotional health care as the solution, the deeper need is for restored connection with the Creator—who made us, knows us fully and alone offers the peace that passes all understanding.
The earlier and more consistently this connection is formed, the more
individuals are drawn into the life found in Christ, the desire of ages and the hope for humanity. As we consider our calling, we are reminded that we have been placed in this world to carry forward His work. As Ellen G. White emphasized, Christ’s life was filled with a message of love, and every believer is called to reflect that same grace, humility, truth and love.
The Lord of the harvest is waiting for a willing response from His people to reach those around us with the atmosphere of heaven. In a world marked by fear and brokenness, we are called to reveal that love, hope and joy are still possible. Because He lives, we can live fully—and share that life with others as we go. a
Explosive Power at Work in You
By Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union Vice President for Church Ministries/Ministerial
What if the power you needed to change the world was already available to you?
In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples that they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came to them. Of course, we know this is exactly what happened, and the disciples became incredible witnesses for Jesus Christ as a result. The same is still true today, and I praise God for that. Jesus tells us we will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes to us. That’s great news. We don’t have to try to do it by ourselves or on our own. The power comes from the Holy Spirit. We simply must be willing to be filled with the Spirit. The pressure is off because it’s not about us—it’s all about God.
Factor #1
A TRUE WITNESS KNOWS WHAT HE SAYS IS TRUE.
Factor #2
A QUALITY WITNESS USES DEEDS AS WELL AS WORDS.
A witness is someone who, through their senses, has firsthand knowledge about an event and can help certify important considerations to the event. Do you have firsthand knowledge of Jesus’ grace? Can you testify because you have seen it when you’ve read the Bible and observed God’s leading in your life? Have you heard it as you have listened to a testimony that brought you joy or found a song that blessed your soul? Have you smelled it as you held a flower and realized that God created that beautiful rose or smelled a dinner prepared by loving hands to feed the homeless? Have you touched it as you held the Bible, hugged a new member or consoled a friend?
A quote often attributed to Saint Francis of Assisi is says, “Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary.” Are you an acts-oriented witness, someone who practices what they preach? Can people see Jesus in you as well as hear about Jesus from you?
Factor #3
THE EVIDENCE OF A TRUE WITNESS IS THAT THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT COMPELS THEM TO SHARE THE GOSPEL.
That means anyone, from a young child to a senior citizen, can be a mighty warrior for the Lord because it is the Holy Spirit who gives us power and uses us. Lives will be transformed because the word used for power in this verse comes from the Greek word dynamis, from which we derive the word dynamite. The Holy Spirit’s power is explosive, life-changing power. That’s what you and I are filled with when the Holy Spirit fills our lives: dynamic power.
I truly believe we are living in the last days of earth in its present condition. Jesus is coming soon, very soon. You and I have the privilege of being His witnesses regarding His soon return and the joy of being saved by His blood.
because the word used for power in life-changing are filled with when the privilege of being His
Let me share three factors necessary to be His witness.
If you have received the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, the natural result will be witnessing to what you have received. You cannot help it. Do you want that kind of excitement in your life? It can be yours if you ask God to send the Holy Spirit to dwell in you and to work through you for His honor and glory.
In these difficult times, people are searching for good news. They long for encouraging news that there is Someone who can help them, bring them hope and improve their lives. With the explosive power the Holy Spirit provides, you can share that good news. a
The Benefits of Outdoor Play
By Mike Furr, Southwestern Union Director of Secondary Education
As parents, we want our children to succeed academically. We look for a strong curriculum, dedicated teachers and measurable progress. It can seem logical that the more time devoted to direct instruction, the better the academic results will be. From that perspective, time spent outdoors might appear secondary to classroom learning. However, research suggests just the opposite.
Outdoor play is a cornerstone of holistic education, transforming nature into a dynamic classroom that fosters physical, cognitive and social development. Consider the following benefits.
1 Cognitive and Academic Benefits
Executive function: Outdoor play improves skills such as planning, troubleshooting and multitasking. Unstructured time allows children to invent games and solve problems independently.
STEM learning: Natural environments provide hands-on lessons in science (such as life cycles or weather) and math (such as sorting rocks by size or measuring water volume).
2 Physical Health and Well-Being
Motor skill development: When children navigate uneven terrain, climb
and run, they are building essential gross and fine motor skills.
Disease prevention: Exposure to sunlight provides vitamin D for bone health and immune function. Regular activity also reduces the risk of childhood obesity and nearsightedness. Stress reduction: Natural settings offer a calming environment that reduces anxiety and helps regulate emotions.
3 Social and Emotional Growth
Collaboration: Group activities (such as building a fort or playing tag) require negotiation, teamwork and conflict resolution.
Risk management: Outdoor spaces allow for “risky play” (for example, climbing trees), which builds self-confidence and resilience as children learn to assess their capabilities.
4 Supporting Diverse Learners
ADHD support: Studies indicate that even short periods in green spaces can significantly improve attention and reduce ADHD symptoms. Sensory processing: The varied textures, sounds and smells of the outdoors stimulate the brain in ways indoor environments cannot replicate.
As Adventists, we should not be surprised.
Ellen G. White emphasized outdoor activity as a vital component of a child’s physical, mental and spiritual development. In her books
As Adventists, we of spiritual development. In her books ,
Education and Child Guidance she advocated for children to spend time outdoors engaging in active play, practical labor and interaction with nature.
White believed and taught that outdoor activity promoted:
• Physical health by strengthening the body and improving circulation.
• Mental clarity by relieving stress and preventing overexertion of the mind.
• Moral and spiritual growth by fostering appreciation for God’s creation. Balanced character development by combining work, play and study.
She also warned against excessive confinement indoors, prolonged book study for young children and an education system that neglected physical movement. For her, outdoor play was not merely recreation; it was part of a divinely designed system for whole-person development.
Modern educators and White share key similarities in their educational thought:
• Both recognize that outdoor play as essential and not optional.
• Both warn against overemphasizing academics at the expense of health.
• Both value balance between mental, physical and social development.
• Both see nature as a powerful educational environment.
In many ways, modern research confirms what White wrote more than a century ago.
It’s time to get our children outdoors and reap the benefits. a
May
1–2
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Young Adult Ministries (YAM) Tour
East Texas Area
YA@txsda.org
1–3
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Women’s Retreat (Spanish) Valley Area
TexasAdventist.org/mujer
1–3
ARKLA CONFERENCE
Lay Evangelism Boot Camp Camp Yorktown Bay falcorn@arklac.org
8–10
TEXICO CONFERENCE
Texico Conference Pathfinder Fair
Bonita Park, Angus, N.M. ClubMinistries@Texico.org
15–16
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Young Adult Ministries (YAM) Tour Houston Area
YA@txsda.org
16
TEXAS CONFERENCE
World Adventurer Day Conference-wide Youth@txsda.org
22–23
ARKLA CONFERENCE
Ozark Academy Graduation Ozark Adventist Academy Information@ozarkacademy.org
22–24
SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
Hispanic Camp Meeting
Lone Star Camp SouthwestRegionSDA.org
29–31
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Together As One Convocation
San Antonio Area
TexasAdventist.org/convocations2026
31
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Men’s Ministries Event (Spanish)
San Antonio Area
MMSpanish@txsda.org
31
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Women's Ministries Event San Antonio Area
WMEnglish@txsda.org
June
2–6
ARKLA CONFERENCE
NW Arkansas Camp Meeting Gentry SDA Church Falcorn@arklac.org
7–July 5
ARKLA CONFERENCE
Summer Camps Camp Yorktown Bay JMercado@arklac.org
7–July 5
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Summer Camps Lake Whitney Ranch YoungTexasAdventist.org
8–July 5
TEXICO CONFERENCE
Camp Texico on the Go Various locations TexicoYYA@Texico.org
10–13
SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
English Camp Meeting
Lone Star Camp SouthwestRegionSDA.org
10–18
OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
English Camp Meeting Wewoka Woods Adventist Center OkAdventist.org
12–13
ARKLA CONFERENCE
NW Arkansas Spanish Camp Meeting Ozark Adventist Academy LMelendez@arklac.org
12–14
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Together As One Convocation
Houston Area
TexasAdventist.org/convocations2026
14
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Men’s Ministries Event (Spanish)
Houston Area
MMSpanish@txsda.org
14
TEXAS CONFERENCE
Women's Ministries Event
Houston Area
WMEnglish@txsda.org
14–20
SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
Summer Youth Camp
Lone Star Camp SouthwestRegionSDA.org
25–28
OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE
Spanish Camp Meeting
Wewoka Woods Adventist Center Okadventist.org
Tenth Children’s Ministries Retreat Ends an Era
ATHENS, TEX. – Gold, black and yellow balloons framed the stage at Lone Star Camp. An anniversary banner hung behind the microphone. And right there in front of it all, Sonia Canó and Tony Anobile threw their hands up in a high five that got the whole room on its feet. It was the opening night of the 10th Children’s Ministries Training Retreat. It was also the last one like it.
Canó, Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries director, has been leading these retreats for the past decade, and Anobile, vice president for church ministries, joined her in celebrating this milestone during the event’s opening ceremony.
Every year, the Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries Department invites children’s ministries volunteers from all five conferences to Athens, Tex., for a bilingual training weekend. This March, more than 200 leaders gathered under the theme “Say Yes to Jesus.” But the conversation that weekend was not just about celebration. It was about what happens next.
The centralized retreat is ending. Starting next year, the training team will travel directly to local areas across the union. The reason is practical. Not every volunteer who teaches Sabbath
School or runs Vacation Bible School (VBS) can take a full weekend to drive to East Texas. Some of the people who need this training most are the ones least likely to make the trip. Canó explained that the goal has always been to equip local church leaders and give them resources. “We are going to come to your local area,” she said. “We want to be with you, to train you.”
The weekend followed a familiar rhythm. Friday evening opened with President Carlos Craig presenting “The Psychology of Leadership,” followed by Adventist Risk Management leaders conducting child protection sessions in English and Spanish. Sabbath School was offered for every age group using the Alive in Jesus curriculum, and the parade through the gym (a tradition nobody planned but everybody counts on) filled the room as it always does.
Divine worship followed. Canó preached “Called” in English, while new communication director, Gerson Pancorbo, spoke for the Spanish audience. Before her message, Canó offered a simple reminder: The people who were in the room are doing meaningful work, often with limited resources and support. The volunteers—many of whom drive hours to
attend the retreat, pay for supplies out of pocket and pour themselves into Sabbath School and VBS programs— were reminded that their work matters.
Saturday evening closed with a “Dinner in Your Honor.” No keynote. No program. Just well-dressed children’s ministries volunteers sharing a meal and hearing words of appreciation. Sunday shifted to summer preparation, as leaders practiced activities, stories and skits from Cactusville, the North American Division’s VBS program.
For Canó, the retreat has long provided a space to personally affirm volunteers and their contributions to the Church. That emphasis will continue, even as the format changes. Bringing the training closer to local churches may allow more volunteers to experience that encouragement.
The high five on stage was not a goodbye, but it marked a transition. After 10 years in one place, the training will now extend across the union. Whether in a conference room in Dallas or a fellowship hall in Little Rock, the goal remains the same. The format may change, but the mission continues.
By Gerson Pancorbo
Communication Director
FUSE Event Highlights Fellowship and Faith
HOUSTON – There are some weekends that stay with you long after they are over, and FUSE was one of them.
For me, it was more than just an event where Seventh-day Adventist college students gathered in Texas. It was a chance to step away from the familiar, meet other young believers and be reminded that faith is something we are called to live out together.
Coming from a smaller church, the experience felt especially meaningful. I’m used to worshipping in a more intimate setting, so being in a space filled with so many young people who share the same faith was refreshing. One of the things that stood out to me most was the diversity in the room. It was encouraging to see people from different places come together with the same purpose. I also appreciated the energy of the service and the beautiful voices of the women who led the song
service. Their singing added something special to the worship experience and made the evening feel uplifting.
One of the most memorable parts of FUSE for me was the healthy relationships panel. Hearing married couples share their wisdom and experiences gave the discussion a level of honesty and depth that made it especially impactful. The conversation about what it means to be equally yoked stayed with me long after the session ended. It resonated with us so much
that we wanted to bring the topic back to Norman, Okla., so we could continue the conversation and share it with the youth who weren’t able to attend.
Overall, FUSE was a blessing. I left feeling encouraged, spiritually refreshed and grateful for the opportunity to learn, reflect and grow alongside other young people who are seeking God.
By Nthati Lehloenya
Largest eHuddle Yet Focuses on Small Group Vision
HOUSTON – From Feb. 23 through 25, more than 400 participants gathered for the largest-ever eHuddle, an annual evangelism gathering, where those in attendance heard concise, high-impact presentations on evangelism efforts already bearing fruit and initiatives designed for continued impact.
At the opening session, North American Division Associate Director for Evangelism José Cortés Jr. introduced a new initiative to establish 50,000
missional small groups across the division by 2030.
“That would help bring people to Jesus,” said Cortés, “because it’s easier to bring a friend to Jesus than to bring a total stranger to Jesus.”
Presenters shared stories of small group and evangelism experiences and offered practical instruction on how to structure groups for success.
Among those who presented was Deirde Rivera-Martin, who spoke
about her own small group featured in the March/April 2025 Record
Participants said they appreciated the transparency of speakers, who shared both victories and setbacks. “We can learn from their mistakes and their victories,” said Abraham Guerrero, a pastor from Oklahoma. “It’s more about what people are doing than what books say.”
By Lori Futcher Record Editor
Record 60 Teams Attend Union PBE
KEENE, TEX. – If you walked into the Southwestern Adventist University gym on March 25, you would have seen 58 Pathfinder teams sitting shoulder to shoulder across the floor, with two more teams joining online. With a total of 60 teams from all five conferences, the Southwestern Union had more participants this year than at any previous Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) event. Coordinated by Helvis Moody, Southwestern Union Young Adult and Youth Ministries director, along with
the five conference youth directors, the event quizzed Pathfinders with 90 questions, all from Isaiah 1–33.
Forty-seven teams earned first place and advanced to the North American Division level.
That afternoon, Southwest Region Conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director Wesley McNorton preached to the gym full of Pathfinders. He opened with the story of Moses from Acts 7:20-22 and Exodus 4:10. Moses was called by God. Equipped
by God. And still making excuses for why he wasn’t ready.
McNorton asked the Pathfinders not to be a generation that keeps saying “next year” or “when I’m ready,” reminding them that God has already placed the calling and already given them the tools.
The Southwestern Union hasn’t seen a PBE like this. And if McNorton’s message took root, this is just the beginning. By Gerson Pancorbo Communication Director
De-escalating Conflict in the Church
As long as we live this side of eternity, disagreements will arise. Left unmanaged, conflict can damage personal relationships and, in the worst cases, fracture congregations—undermining the church’s mission, unity and direction. Because we can’t eliminate conflict, we must respond constructively so it becomes an opportunity for growth rather than destruction.
Not every disagreement is resolvable, but many can be diffused when those involved practice good communication and humility.
An effective first de-escalation step is removing oneself from the center of the issue. Paul’s counsel in Philippians 2:3–4 is instructive: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Prioritizing the interests and dignity of others sets a tone of mutual respect, opening space for reconciliation.
Here are some additional steps for de-escalating conflict:
Stay calm. A steady presence can lower the temperature.
Listen to understand. Active listening helps uncover underlying needs.
Validate emotions. Use statements such as “I can see you’re very upset.”
Convey openness. Maintain a relaxed posture, avoid crossed arms and keep a respectful distance.
Shift language to collaboration. Phrases such as “How can we solve this?” invite cooperative problem-solving.
Allow them to fully express frustration. Interrupting increases tension. Offer choices. This helps restore a sense of control.
Refocus on next steps. After emotions have calmed, focus on short-term actions that can help rebuild trust and clarify expectations.
Don’t weaponize faith. Implying that one position is divinely endorsed can cause lasting spiritual harm.
Conflict resolution in a church context often benefits from structure: seek a private conversation, clarify each person’s concerns, identify shared values or goals, brainstorm solutions, agree on concrete next steps and follow up. When resolution stalls or parties become entrenched, involve a trusted neutral mediator.
The goal isn’t merely to suppress disagreement but to transform conflict into a means of mutual growth. Healthy
engagement can strengthen relationships, clarify mission and cultivate humility and patience.
As Ellen G. White reminds us in Testimonies for the Church, volume 7: “Human beings are Christ’s property, purchased by Him at an infinite price, bound to Him by the love that He and His Father have manifested for them. How careful, then, we should be in our dealings with one another!” When the church treats its members with care, respect and humility, conflict is less likely to destroy the body and more likely to refine it.
By Jeff Villegas President
Arkadelphia Church Launches Monthly Youth Sabbaths
ARKADELPHIA, ARK. – The Arkadelphia Seventh-day Adventist Church launched a monthly Youth Sabbath initiative this year to intentionally invest in its Pathfinder- and Adventurer-age members. The congregation’s first Youth Sabbath was held Feb. 7, with young people leading the full worship service at the bilingual church.
The Arkadelphia church, which worships in both English and Spanish, regularly holds bilingual Sabbaths in which messages are translated so both language groups can worship together as one body. Leaders said the new Youth Sabbath structure strengthens that shared identity while giving young people meaningful responsibility in the divine service.
Beginning this year, one Sabbath each month is designated as Youth Sabbath. The church follows a threepart rotation: Pathfinder-age youth
lead one Sabbath, Adventurer-age children lead another and adults conduct a youth-focused service on a third, with the cycle repeating quarterly.
During the church’s first Youth Sabbath of the year, young people led every aspect of the service, from Scripture reading and special music to the children’s story and the sermon. With guidance from supportive adults, they carried the entire divine service. The sermon was delivered by Josue Urbina and translated by Itzel Jaimes. Preaching about Joshua, his favorite Bible character, Josue reminded the congregation that God doesn’t choose based on age or experience; He chooses those who are willing to follow Him.
“No matter the age,” he shared, “God is willing to use even kids like us to do great things.”
There was something powerful about seeing young people stand
behind the pulpit, take ownership of worship and proclaim the Word of God. It reminded us that the youth are not simply the church of tomorrow— they are the church of today.
Our goal is not simply to give children something to do. Our goal is to show them that they belong here, that they matter and that their voices carry weight in God’s kingdom. This is one way we are choosing to invest in the next generation.
When young people are given the opportunity, they rise to the challenge. Create space. Give responsibility. Trust your young people. Train them. Guide them. Then step back and watch what God will do through them.
By Marcos Cruz-Arellano Pastor
Ouachita Hills Launches Christian Radio Station
BISMARCK, ARK. – After nearly two decades of prayer, planning and perseverance, Ouachita Hills Academy and Ouachita Hills College launched Christian talk radio station KGPW 91.9 FM, serving southwest Arkansas.
Eighteen years ago, the ministry applied for a construction permit for a new radio station. However, a surge of last-minute applications nationwide caused the system to crash and the submission failed.
In 2021, when the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) opened another filing window, the application was approved, and a construction permit was granted. To qualify for a license, the ministry had three years to secure a tower site, purchase a transmitter and antenna and place the station on the air.
For more than two years, leaders searched and prayed for land within the required coverage area. With time running short, they learned of a small tower atop Bismarck Mountain, located just inside the approved zone. The tower’s owners agreed to lease space at a reasonable cost.
As the March 7, 2025, deadline approached, the specialized antenna had not yet arrived. A smaller station was constructed with plans to expand later. On the day the construction permit expired, the FCC emailed confirmation of the radio station license.
The signal reaches a larger area than expected, covering nearly 100 miles of Interstate 30 from Bryant, on the outskirts of Little Rock, to Hope.
KGPW, which stands for “Know God’s Powerful Word,” is affiliated with
Adventist World Radio and the Family First Radio Network. Family First Radio operates 37 stations nationwide, reaching a potential audience of 12 million listeners. Programming covers prophecy and last-day events, health, country living and children’s content.
Leaders expressed appreciation for encouragement and financial support from the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference and Adventist World Radio. Family First Radio reports more than 600 documented baptisms of listeners over the past decade through its network of 37 stations. Organizers say they hope many more will be introduced to Jesus and His remnant church through KGPW.
By Chester Clark Jr.
Suicide Prevention Weekend Held at Ozark Academy
GENTRY, ARK. – The suicide prevention and mental wellness weekend, “Hope Has a Name,” was held Feb. 7-8 on the campus of Ozark Adventist Academy. The event was sponsored by the academy in partnership with the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference youth and education departments.
Mark Tamaleaa, founder and president of Jalen’s Kids Foundation, served as the guest speaker, sharing personal messages throughout the weekend. On Friday evening, Tamaleaa
spoke openly about his own suicide attempt. Sabbath morning at the Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church, he shared the story of his son, Jalen, whom he lost to suicide in 2022. Tamaleaa reminded attendees that behind statistics are real young people quietly struggling with fear, sadness and hopelessness. Sabbath afternoon concluded with a panel discussion where participants asked practical questions and received faith-centered guidance and resources.
Speakers emphasized that many young people are hurting and that the church community has a responsibility to respond with compassion and proactive care. Through conversation, testimony and prayer, the weekend sought to build awareness, understanding and Christ-centered support for mental wellness.
For information about Jalen’s Kids Foundation, visit MarkTamaleaa.com.
By Tim Kripps Education Superintendent
Local Member Shares Religious Liberty Story
BATON ROUGE, LA. – On Sabbath, Jan. 10, the Baton Rouge Seventh-day Adventist Church joined the world Church in observing Religious Liberty Sabbath, a day dedicated to freedom of
conscience and the right to worship. During the service, religious liberties leader Winn Morris shared a local testimony involving church member and head deaconness, Monica McQueen.
When a scheduling conflict threatened McQueen’s ability to observe the fourth commandment, she reached out for support with the help of head elder, Ricky Rowe, and his wife, Teri. A formal letter was drafted to McQueen’s employer, explaining the biblical foundation of the seventh-day Sabbath and confirming her standing as a faithful member of the Baton Rouge church. After presenting the letter to her manager, McQueen received a revised schedule that allows her to keep the Sabbath holy.
Church leaders reminded members that no one has to stand alone when convictions are tested. The Adventist
Church provides legal resources and professional advocacy to assist members facing religious liberty challenges.
McQueen views the experience through the lens of Luke 12:48: “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded.” She’s committed to being a light in her workplace, striving to be a kind, hardworking and supportive employee. Her goal, she said, is not only to observe a day of rest but to demonstrate through her character what the Lord can do for those who faithfully keep His commandments.
By sharing her story, McQueen hopes to inspire others to trust in God’s provision and the support systems the Church has in place.
By Frances Alcorn Communication Director
Pastors’ Wives Gather During January Meetings
SHREVEPORT, LA. – While pastors attended meetings held in January, their wives gathered for a special time of fellowship and encouragement.
One highlight was a day of pampering at Glamour Us beauty salon, where the pastors’ wives enjoyed breakfast, fellowship and relaxation. The time allowed for conversation, deeper connection and relationship building.
The women also participated in a “Chat and Paint” activity, discovering creative talents while enjoying one another’s company. A soap-making workshop led by Brittany Moore provided another hands-on experience, and guest speaker Kennetia Brooke shared a powerful spiritual message.
The women expressed gratitude for the opportunity to feel appreciated.
Pastors’ wives are an essential part of ministry, serving alongside their husbands, offering encouragement and faithfully supporting the work of the church. We applaud their dedication in both their homes and congregations.
By Darlynn Villegas Conference Clerk
2026 Summer Camp at Camp Yorktown Bay
MOUNTAIN PINE, ARK. – Give your child a summer they’ll never forget at Camp Yorktown Bay (CYB)! From archery and rock climbing to horseback riding, lake adventures and powerful moments growing closer to Jesus, CYB is where
friendships are formed, confidence grows and faith is anchored for life. With incredible staff, exciting activities and a safe, Christ-centered environment, this is more than just camp—it’s a life-shaping experience that your
child will talk about all year long. Spots fill quickly, so don’t wait! Register today and let the adventure begin.
By David Craig Youth Director
Seeking the Missing
Late one summer in Australia, a hiker stumbled upon something strange. It wasn’t a bush, a rock or trash. It was a sheep, buried beneath five years of tangled wool—weak, dehydrated, unable to stand or lie down and nearly dead. It had wandered away from the flock and slowly disappeared in plain sight. Rescuers carried it to safety, shearing away nearly 80 pounds of wool and nursing it back to life. It was a modern-day version of the parable of the lost sheep.
This parable captures the heart of the Gospel, illustrating the value of one. When even one sheep wanders away, the Good Shepherd leaves the 99 and searches until He finds the missing sheep. When He finds it, the shepherd celebrates. Jesus said, “There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent,” Luke 15:7. It reveals the love of the Good Shepherd. Heaven rejoices when even one is restored.
Statistics in the North American Division have long shown that for
every 10 new members who join the Seventh-day Adventist Church, four to five eventually disengage. In many congregations across North America, thousands of names remain on membership lists while far fewer gather weekly for worship. Behind each disengaged member is a story of someone who once sang, served and believed but slowly slipped away.
The main reasons are not doctrinal disputes but relational wounds from unresolved conflicts or a lack of friendships within the church. In Oklahoma, of the approximately 9,500 members conferencewide, only about 3,000 attend regularly. It’s a sobering reality. Where are the thousands who have drifted away?
This challenge has led to the launch of Oklahoma Reconnect—an initiative to realign church culture with heaven’s culture. If someone is missing, we notice. We cannot seek those we do not recognize are missing. The vision is to establish reclaiming ministries in every Oklahoma church in 2026. This multifaceted approach includes local
church reconnection ministries, church revitalization and church planting.
The Shepherd is still searching, and He invites us to join Him. Heaven rejoices over one restored life. The question isn’t whether the lost matter to Christ, because they do. The question is whether we will leave the comfort of the 99 and share in the joy of bringing one home.
By Nathan Shires Executive Secretary
Myanmar Adventist Fellowship Dedicates New Sanctuary
SAPULPA, OKLA. – Within just two years, Myanmar Adventist Fellowship has witnessed God’s remarkable leading. Beginning as a company that worshipped in a rented facility, the congregation was able to secure its own church property and was later organized as an official church. Most recently, the church completed and dedicated a new sanctuary, marking another significant milestone in its journey.
The grand opening and dedication of the new 3,500-square-foot sanctuary
took place Jan. 17. Work on the property included a parking lot for approximately 40 vehicles as well as added driveways, fencing, a secure gate and a church sign near the entrance, enhancing accessibility and visibility.
All Oklahoma Conference administrators were present at the grand opening. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Daniel Ortega, conference president; Osvaldo Rigacci from the Southwestern Union; and Mang Lian, church pastor. The dedication
Bixby Group Organized as Company
BIXBY, OKLA. – The vision to plant a new church in Bixby began in 2023, when it was first presented to the board of the Tulsa Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. On June 1, 2024, ministry ac-
tivities officially launched with an initial gathering of 45 people. The group began by renting a worship space for one year and later transitioned to a second location, where it currently meets on Sabbaths and Tuesdays.
On Jan. 3, after a year-and-a-half of ministry, the group was officially organized as a company, a recognized step toward becoming a fully organized church. What began with 10 families who accepted the challenge—following a season of prayerful planning in partnership with the Tulsa Spanish church and under the leadership of Leo Castillo—has now grown significantly. More than 70 members have signed a commitment expressing their desire to be part of the new faith community.
prayer was offered by Nathan Shires, executive secretary for the Oklahoma Conference. More than 300 people attended the celebration.
As the church rejoices in God’s blessings, members continue to pray that the new building will serve as a center of ministry and outreach to the surrounding community, sharing the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel.
By Mang Lian Pastor
The Bixby Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Company offers a full range of ministries, including adult and children’s Sabbath School, divine worship services, a youth program, midweek worship and both Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs.
Members expressed gratitude to God, the families who make up the company, Hispanic coordinator Luis Prieto and conference administrators for helping make the vision a reality. They continue to pray for next steps, including securing a permanent church building and, in God’s time, being organized as a church.
By Leo Castillo Pastor
Garnett Spanish Church Dedicates New Sanctuary
TULSA, OKLA. – A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 3 marked the dedication of the new sanctuary at the Garnett Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. The sanctuary now serves as a place of worship and outreach for the community.
The dedication came 10 years after the establishment of the Garnett Spanish group and reflects years of prayer, planning and collective effort.
Members expressed gratitude to its current and former pastors: Max Elvira
for his dedication, Moises Kindelan for his commitment and Giesi Herrera for his leadership in guiding the congregation to reach this goal.
By Luis Prieto Hispanic Coordinator
Hispanic Women Earn Passionate Leader Certification
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Hispanic women’s ministries directors of the Oklahoma Conference received certification as Passionate Leaders (Level 1), endorsed by the North American Division (NAD), following seven enriching, spiritually uplifting seminars held over two days at the Embassy Suites hotel in Oklahoma City.
Special guests and presenters included Gladys Guerrero, NAD tutoring and mentoring coordinator; Letty Craig, Southwestern Union Women’s Ministries director; Nelva Chacon, wife of the Texico Conference president; Teresa Flores, Texico Conference women’s ministries director; Luis Prieto, Hispanic coordinator; and Damaris
Prieto, administrative assistant for Hispanic Ministry.
We believe God will guide our leaders at every turn and that their lives will have a profound effect on the women in their churches and the community.
By Damaris Prieto Hispanic Ministry
Administrative Assistant
Ten Oklahoma Churches Receive The Blessed Hope Painting
OKLAHOMA CITY – Ten Oklahoma congregations have received, or will soon be presented with, a 30-by-40-inch framed Nathan Greene painting titled The Blessed Hope
This artwork, depicting the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, now serves as a spiritual focal point for members and visitors alike. For many Seventh-day Adventists who long for Christ’s soon return, reproductions of this painting offer a visual reminder of the promise that anchors their faith.
The original painting is displayed in the atrium of the General Conference building in Silver Spring, Md. In addition, each world division office displays a giclée reproduction (a high-quality print made from the original painting), as do many unions and conferences.
Dan Houghton, president of Hart Classic Editions, invited leadership
from the Oklahoma Conference to select 10 small churches to receive the special-edition gift, allowing smaller congregations across the state to display a message of hope, anticipation and encouragement at the heart of their worship spaces.
Recipients of the painting include
the following Seventh-day Adventist churches: Alva, Bartlesville, Choctaw, Garnett Spanish, Hugo, Lakeside Spanish, Myanmar Adventist Fellowship, Okeene, Sallisaw and Emmanuel Spanish church of Sallisaw.
By Todd Gessele Assistant Communication Director
Conference Updates Vision and Mission Statements
OKLAHOMA CITY – Following a series of regional town hall meetings, the Oklahoma Conference has updated the organization’s vision and mission statements and introduced seven core values to guide its work.
The updated vision reads: to develop a culture of healthy, Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist disciple-makers.
The mission outlines how the conference plans to carry out that vision: By the grace of God, we will impact Oklahoma by:
• Uplifting Christ through the unique Seventh-day Adventist message
• Transforming communities, churches and schools in preparation for the Second Coming of Christ
The seven core values to guide decision-making and ministry are:
• Christlike love and compassion
• Spirit-led excellence and professionalism
• Servant leadership
• Biblical integrity
• Transparent accountability
• Unity and collaboration in mission
• Faithfulness to God’s Word
Leaders said the revisions are intended to align members and ministries around shared goals and priorities.
By Daniel Ortega President
The Cure for Spiritual Fatigue
One of the greatest dangers in ministry is spiritual fatigue. External resistance has never been the church’s greatest threat. The greater danger is when those engaged in the work of God slowly lose the spiritual vitality that once fueled their calling.
The reality is you can continue doing the work of God and yet lose the fire of God. Sermons can still be preached, songs can still be sung and training sessions can still be conducted. Churches can stay active, calendars can still be full and ministries can remain visible. Yet if these efforts are void of the power of the Holy Spirit, ministry slowly shifts from being a movement of God to merely an organizational routine.
Revival will never be manufactured through human effort alone. No amount of planning, programming or promotion can produce the kind of spiritual awakening that only God can bring. Revival comes from the Spirit of God alone. As Ellen G. White says in The Acts of the Apostles, “Only through the power of the Holy Spirit working through human agents can the work of God be accomplished.” Let us be mindful that the church was never
designed to simply preserve itself. It was called to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to advance the mission of Christ in the world.
Scripture clearly teaches that whenever God prepares to do something greater through His people, He first revives them. The early chapters of Acts testify to this truth. Before the disciples could turn the world upside down, they first had to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Consider their condition before Pentecost. Although they had walked with Jesus, witnessed His miracles and heard His teachings, they were still hesitant and fearful after His resurrection. They gathered behind closed doors, uncertain of what the future would hold. But everything changed when the Holy Spirit descended on the Day of Pentecost. The same disciples who once struggled with fear became bold proclaimers of the Gospel. Revival transformed them, and then revival expanded them.
Jesus declared in Acts 1:8, “But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto Me,” (KJV). Notice the order of Christ’s declaration: power first, then witness.
God still desires to revive His people so that we can do an even greater work for Him. The same Spirit that empowered the early church is still available to empower God’s church today.
The world doesn’t need another polished program or carefully crafted strategy. What the world truly needs is a Church filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. And when the Spirit of God revives His people, the Church once again becomes a powerful force advancing the kingdom of God.
My prayer is simple, yet urgent: “Lord, revive us again!”
By Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min. President
Fondren Church Aims For 100 Students at School
MISSOURI CITY, TEX. – In February, the Fondren Southwest Seventh-day Adventist Worship Center set a bold, faith-filled goal of having 100 students enrolled at Excel Adventist Academy for the 20262027 school year.
The initiative to meet this goal began with 40 days of fasting and prayer. Members gathered for prayer each day at 6 a.m. and 12 p.m., and also prayed during the congregation’s weekly Recharge meetings on Tuesdays. The church’s communications ministry produced a devotional booklet and daily videos to guide the journey. Prayer walks covered neighborhoods, and members knocked on doors.
Then faith met action. Pastors from the Southwest Region Conference Houston Ministerial Association and the Fondren church mobilized around the goal of enrolling 100 students,
leveraging opportunities made pos sible in part by the Texas Education Freedom Accounts (TEFA) program.
Designed as bridge-building efforts, several outreach events helped connect families to both the church and its school. A sneaker giveaway registered 300 individuals, each served with dignity and personally followed up with. Families could request prayer or Bible study during the giveaway’s registration, leading to ongoing spiritual care from elders. A diaper giveaway and free taco truck—held in conjunction with a Souls to the Polls civic engagement event—created additional points of connection, while volunteers guided interested parents through the enrollment process.
In addition, the hundreds of families who come through the church’s community service food distribution
but prayer and personal connection, opening doors to invite them into Adventist education.
Through social media ads, printed flyers and visits to local churches and daycare centers, the invitation for potential students has been extended broadly throughout the community.
“This vision is bigger than enrollment numbers,” said John T. Boston II, pastor of Fondren church. “It is about 100 families—fathers, mothers, caregivers, Adventurers and Pathfinders—becoming part of Sabbath School and the life of the church. We may not reach all of Houston, but by God’s grace, we can intentionally disciple 100 families. What we are doing is evangelism—and one of the most powerful tools for evangelism we have is Adventist education.”
50 Couples Renew Vows at Marriage Retreat
ATHENS, TEX. – During Valentine’s weekend, Feb. 12-15, the Southwest Region Conference Family Ministries Department hosted its annual Married Couples Retreat at Lone Star Camp. Participants came from across the conference territory, with some attending from outside the conference, traveling from as far as Florida and Illinois.
Couples arrived with the expectation of growing closer to God as they grew closer to each other. The weekend focused on a holistic approach, providing practical, meaningful insights through workshops and presenters who addressed real-life issues. Topics included intimacy in marriage, reconnection and conflict resolution.
Special guest presenters Beverly Robinson and Ted “Odell” Robinson, marriage and family therapists, shared insights on several challenging topics, including intimacy in marriage, financial freedom and the difficult subject of overcoming incest and molestation. Their use of humor and openness created a welcoming atmosphere for discussing these issues while offering practical tools couples could use for immediate and long-term benefit.
The retreat concluded with all 50 couples participating in a vow renewal ceremony co-officiated by Carlton Byrd, Southwest Region Conference president, and Raynell Smith, Southwest Region Conference Family
Ministries director. Both men also escorted their wives down the aisle and participated in the ceremony. The event celebrated marriages from one year to 59 years, with Clarence and Elaine Harrington recognized as the longest-married couple.
Couples left the retreat expressing gratitude for the balanced and well-planned event. Many are already saying they’ll return next year when the 2027 Married Couples Retreat will again take place during Valentine’s weekend in February.
By Raynell Smith Family Ministries Director
Women’s Ministries Leaders Trained in Houston
HOUSTON – Women’s ministries leaders from across the Southwest Region Conference gathered for a women’s ministries leadership training at World Harvest Outreach Seventh-day Adventist Church. Centered on the 2026 theme, “Rooted in Grace,” the Sabbath-only event was designed to equip, encourage and renew leaders as they prepare for ministry in the coming year.
The day began with worship, prayer and reflection, setting a reverent tone focused on spiritual grounding rather than performance or pressure. Throughout the training, participants were reminded that effective leadership flows from grace, healing and a deep connection with Christ.
The program featured practical presentations addressing key areas of leadership. Linda Dianne Crimes-Penick presented two sessions, “Leading with Grace in Difficult Church Relationships” and “Leading Without Losing Yourself,”
sessions that emphasized healthy boundaries, compassion and sustainability in ministry. Nicolle Brise led two sessions, “Building a Legacy That Spans Generations” and "Service Is a Calling, Not an Option,” challenging leaders to view service as a response to God’s call rather than an obligation.
Leadership development was further enriched by Myon Morgan’s presentation, “Shape Your Environment, Elevate Your Story,” which encouraged leaders to cultivate ministry environments that foster growth, authenticity and purpose. Moments of worship and reflection were provided by special music from the Metro Community African Church and the women’s ministries theme song, “I’m Moving Forward.”
A reflective activity invited participants to identify obstacles in their leadership journey and consider “Grace in Action” steps for the year ahead. Each leader received a small plant as a reminder that growth begins
beneath the surface and requires care, patience and grace.
The training also highlighted upcoming 2026 initiatives, including She Let Go, God’s Daughters, enditnow, a Day of Service, cancer awareness efforts, Graceful Gatherings, camp meeting and the Southwestern Union Women’s Ministries retreat.
By the close of the day, leaders left encouraged, equipped and inspired, ready to serve their churches and communities rooted in grace, grounded in faith and moving forward with confidence in God’s leading.
By Marylee
Caleb-Massiah
Scan the QR code to listen to the women’s ministries theme song, “I’m Moving Forward.”
Meeting God in the Ordinary
God doesn’t always speak most clearly on the mountaintop. Many of God’s greatest revelations have happened when His people were in the middle of their everyday responsibilities.
Moses was simply doing his job, tending sheep in the desert, just as he had done for the past 40 years. It was there that God placed something extraordinary in his path. When Moses noticed a bush that was burning but not consumed, this is what Exodus 2:3 tells us what happened next: “Then Moses said, ‘I will now turn aside and see this great sight.’” Scripture then adds something remarkable. “When the Lord saw that he turned aside to look ... God called to him,” Exodus 2:4 (NKJV). God waited for Moses to pause from his routine long enough to pay attention.
Burning bushes don’t always look like miracles at first glance: a conversation that stays with you longer than expected, a young person asking deeper questions about faith, a sudden burden for someone you had not thought about in years, a challenge that forces you to slow down. These
moments may seem small, but they could be holy invitations.
Throughout Scripture, God appears in the midst of ordinary life. Gideon was threshing wheat, David was watching sheep and the disciples were working their everyday jobs when they were called. God still speaks in the same way: in kitchens, classrooms, fields, living rooms, hospital rooms and long drives. The extraordinary often hides inside the ordinary.
Woven inside our ordinary rhythms are divine appointments, placed there by God Himself: a Sabbath greeting that becomes a life-changing conversation, a child in Sabbath School who says something that touches your heart, a church member who unexpectedly opens up about a burden, a neighbor who asks for prayer at just the right moment. These may be your burning bushes.
The question is not whether God still speaks. The question is whether we turn aside long enough to listen. Turning aside begins with attention: “Lord, what are You showing me in this moment?” It continues with slowing
down. And it leads to a response—like Moses saying, “Here I am.”
My prayer for all of us is simple: May God give us eyes to see Him in the midst of our everyday lives. May we be a people who notice burning bushes. May we never rush past the moments God places in our path to draw us closer to His heart. And when God calls our name, may we answer with joy, “Here I am.”
By Elton DeMoraes, D. Min. President
Zeb Worth Retires After Years of Technology Leadership
ALVARADO, TEX. – After nearly 25 years at the Texas Conference, Zeb Worth retired on Jan. 31.
Having graduated from Walla Walla University (formerly College), Worth worked for Pacific Union College and Monterey Bay Academy before coming to the Texas Conference.
“Zeb’s commitment to keep us current in technology while protecting us from its risks is a challenging job and very much appreciated,” said Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “His calm presence is an asset.”
Earlier this year, Worth joined other long-term conference employees to reminisce about the many years they have worked together. These
employees included Lynette Ecord (1993), Nilsa Johnson (1987), Rhonda Garner (1999) and Liz Velez (1998).
When these employees first began working at the Texas Conference, most communication was handled on paper because the conference’s Wang computers—early office word-processing systems—were still basic systems with limited features, including support for only one font.
When Worth began at the Texas Conference, employees didn’t yet have personal computers. They worked on terminals connected to a central computer system. Worth was responsible for assigning everyone a txsda.org email address.
When Worth asked if the conference would be willing to pay for his master’s degree, Errol Eder, then treasurer, asked how long Worth planned to stay with the conference. Worth responded that he would probably retire there—a prediction that ultimately proved true.
In 2004, Worth earned his master’s degree in information systems management from Keller Graduate School and later obtained Microsoft certification. Because technology constantly evolves, much of Worth’s work involved ongoing
learning and implementing updates that often went unnoticed by users. One visible change came in 2012 when conference board members transitioned from spiral-bound booklets to iPads to access meeting agendas and supporting documents. What was once a new process has since become routine.
When asked about a memorable experience, Worth recalled finding a snakeskin in the computer room in 2015. Yes, it was cold enough in the room for the snake to shed its skin. That made everyone a bit nervous, as they did not know where the actual snake was. Eventually, Carlos Craig, then Texas Conference president, and Danielle Bunkley, then administrative assistant for education, caught the snake in a garbage can and released it outside. Photos are available online at TexasAdventist.org/ ZWorth-Retire-2026.
While Worth could have worked elsewhere, he decided the conference was the best place to work, saying, “I had no desire to work anywhere else.”
By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Public Relations and Editorial Services
Colleen Worth Concludes Years of Conference Service
ALVARADO, TEX. – After nearly 20 years as an employee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Colleen Worth retired Jan. 31. Worth joined the Texas Conference in 2003, initially working as a teacher’s aide and, in 2011, transitioning to office secretary at Keene Adventist Elementary School. She joined the Texas Conference human resources (HR) department in February 2018 as an administrative assistant and was promoted to HR generalist in January 2022.
Worth is known for the warmth and knowledge she demonstrated while
handling questions from the office and the field. Many commented on her patience and willingness to search for answers. The office staff also appreciate her artwork, which is displayed in several offices throughout the conference building.
“Keene Elementary truly felt the loss when Colleen transitioned to the Texas Conference office,” shared Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “Colleen became an invaluable member of the HR team, providing essential support to our office staff and employees. Her contributions have
been greatly appreciated, and we wish her a joyful and fulfilling retirement.”
By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Public Relations and Editorial Services
Texas Conference Emphasizes Faithful Stewardship
ALVARADO, TEX. – Individuals stepping into the role of church treasurer often say they were chosen because no one else was available. While the statement is usually made with humility and sometimes hesitation, being a church treasurer is not an accidental calling but an entrusted responsibility. Serving as a treasurer is not about being the last available option but about being trusted with resources that ultimately belong to God.
Scripture emphasizes faithfulness. “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful,” 1 Corinthians 4:2 (NKJV). Church treasurers note that financial management within the church is not merely administrative work but part of a sacred mission.
Everything placed in the hands of the church—every tithe dollar, every offering given, every resource—is
viewed as belonging first to the Lord. Church treasurers are not managing personal resources but safeguarding the funds and resources entrusted to the church.
Throughout Scripture, calling and accountability appear together. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25), the master evaluates the servants based on faithfulness. Proverbs 27:23 encourages leaders to “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks,” (NKJV) highlighting the importance of attentive care.
When treasury is approached as a calling, practices such as strong internal controls, regular financial reviews, transparent reporting and adherence to established policies become natural expressions of responsibility. These measures strengthen donor confidence, protect the integrity of the church’s mission and
support responsible ministry across congregations.
Across the conference, treasurers, pastors and church leaders continue to carry these responsibilities. Financial reviews across the conference have reached 97 percent completion, reflecting ongoing collaboration and accountability.
Faithful stewardship remains one of the quiet but important ways the church advances the mission of Christ.
By Dileanny Jimenez Associate Treasurer, Auditing
Keene Church Assists Community During Winter Storm
TEX. – When a winter storm settled over Johnson County in January, the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church mobilized volunteers and resources to assist families affected by the severe weather.
The church opened the doors of the Community Impact Center and Great Stuff Resale Shop to provide winter clothing and blankets and offer a welcoming space for those seeking relief from the cold. More than 30 families
received winter items. The church’s 24/7 food pantry also remained stocked, and volunteers delivered groceries to community members stranded by icy roads.
Community service directors John and Ruth Ann Weston coordinated response efforts, contacted community partners and helped supply blankets to a nearby overnight shelter. Their ongoing work connecting with nonprofits throughout Johnson County has strengthened the church’s ability to respond quickly and collaboratively during times of crisis.
The effort was an opportunity to support the church’s neighbors. The impact of the outreach can be seen in the experiences of several community members:
As Tina gathered coats for her family, she asked volunteers why the church offered help. Volunteers explained that the effort reflected their desire to show God’s care for the community.
Maria arrived shortly before the storm worsened, concerned about her elderly mother living in a poorly heated trailer. Discovering the clothing was free, she became emotional with relief.
Anna and her daughter drove through sleet to obtain blankets. After learning how Great Stuff supports counseling and recovery ministries, Anna expressed interest in becoming involved with the church community.
Volunteers also visited Stanley, who has lived with paralysis for 13 years. They delivered groceries and salted his ramp. He said that the visit itself meant as much as the food that was provided.
The response demonstrated how congregations can serve their communities during times of need, offering assistance while strengthening relationships with neighbors.
By Matthew Williams Pastor for Community Engagement
KEENE,
Members Gather for Together As One Convocations
ALVARADO, TEX. – The Together As One convocation tour has completed its first two stops in McAllen and Tyler, Tex. Hundreds of people gathered at each location to be united, educated and inspired.
“They felt like a mini camp meetings as people from all over the regions came together,” said Elton DeMoraes, Texas Conference president. “They truly embodied our theme, Together As One, as people learned together, laughed together, prayed together and were inspired together.”
From Jan. 30 through Feb. 1, members from the Valley area gathered at the McAllen Spanish Valley Central Seventh-day Adventist Church to hear presentations by Paulo Macena, director for leadership at the North American Division.
Less than a month later (Feb. 27–March 1), the Together As One team was in Tyler, Tex. This time, meetings were held at two locations.
English-language sessions took place at the Tyler Seventh-day Adventist Church, where John Lomacang, an Illinois Conference pastor and 3ABN world evangelism director, preached and sang. Spanish-language
sessions were held at the Tyler Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church with Luis Orozco, youth director for the North Mexican Union Conference in Montemorelos, Mexico. Internationally renowned Adventist recording artist Ysis España was the featured singer for the Spanish-language meetings.
At both locations, local church officer training sessions were held Sabbath afternoons and Sunday mornings in English and Spanish at nearby Seventh-day Adventist schools. In the Valley, trainings were held at South Texas Christian Academy in McAllen, Tex. In East Texas, they took place at Tyler Adventist School in Tyler, Tex.
“It was intentional to have the local church officer trainings at our schools in addition to church classrooms,” DeMoraes said. “We wanted to showcase the school and staff and acknowledge the wonderful work they are doing with our children. Adventist education is second-to-none. It is important that we fully support this 10-month evangelistic opportunity where young people can learn about their best friend, Jesus.”
Sabbath afternoon sessions included workshops for children’s ministries
leaders, communicators, deacons, deaconesses, elders, family ministries leaders, health ministries directors, men’s ministries leaders, personal ministries volunteers, adult Sabbath School leaders, prayer ministries coordinators, prison ministries volunteers, Sabbath School superintendents, stewardship volunteers, women’s ministries leaders and youth and young adult ministries leaders.
Sunday morning sessions included workshops about Adventist Community Services and risk management as well as seminars for clerks and treasurers.
The next stop on the Together As One convocation tour will be in San Antonio, May 29–31. Additional convocations are scheduled for June 12–14 in the Houston area, Aug. 7–9 in the Dallas area, Aug. 28–30 in the Austin area and Oct. 16–18 in Keene. All are welcome to attend. More details and livestreams of the general sessions from the Valley and East Texas are available at TexasAdventist.org/ Convocations2026.
By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Public Relations and Editorial Services
Sixth Graders Host Medieval Fair at KAES
KEENE, TEX. – Sixth-grade students at Keene Adventist Elementary School (KAES) brought the Middle Ages to life by hosting a medieval fair in the school gym, where kindergarten through second-grade students were invited to experience medieval activities. More than 60 elementary students attended the event on Feb. 19, which was the result of months of cross-curricular preparation and study.
Visitors to the fair enjoyed an afternoon of medieval activities, including listening to live medieval music performed by student musicians on guitar, recorder and violin; launching a working catapult; jousting; watching a puppet show; decorating toy swords and shields; racing stick horses; participating in a maypole celebration rooted in medieval communal tradition; and eating a medieval meal of stew and barley water.
The project grew out of work students had been doing across multiple subjects. In social studies, they explored medieval culture, including
the social order, the roles of knights and monks and the influence of the Church. In English language arts, students read The Door in the Wall, which introduced them to Early Modern English and sparked a study of Latin roots and the history of the English language. They carried that learning into the fair by speaking in Early Modern English throughout the event.
The project extended into other subjects as well. Students produced informative videos in technology class,
texTalk Debuts New Look for New Season
ALVARADO, TEX. – texTalk, the conference’s news and information podcast, began its new season on March 2 with a new look, logo and co-host.
Tom Grove, vice president for ministerial development, joined Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes as co-host of the English version, replacing Kenn Dixon, who recently accepted a position with
AdventHealth. Ismael Castillo, vice president for Hispanic ministries and Spanish evangelism, continues to co-host texTalk español, the Spanish version. Andy Esqueche, newly promoted director for digital communication and production, now directs the monthly episodes.
“Kenn and I had a good time recording the episodes over the past four years,” DeMoraes said. “Recording with the same set just didn’t seem the same.”
“I also heard the requests to shorten the segment,” DeMoraes continued. A timer was set in the studio for 15 minutes to monitor content time. “I hope we can shorten it even more in the future, unless there is something major that we need to share,” he added.
wrote research papers in English and social studies, learned period music in band, practiced the maypole celebration in physical education and built catapults in math class.
The fair closed with a knighting ceremony in which select students were honored for demonstrating chivalrous character or excelling in a particular skill, providing a memorable conclusion to the project.
By Sadie Kennedy Teacher
New episodes of texTalk can be viewed on Facebook and YouTube through the TexasAdventist channels. texTalk español is available on Facebook and YouTube through the HispanosTXC channels. Both are available at TexasAdventist.org. DeMoraes also sends a weekly text update. To subscribe, text TexasNews to 51555.
“We have multiple ways to communicate,” DeMoraes said, “because we value the connection with our Texas Conference family.”
By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Public Relations and Editorial Services
Finding God in the Season of New Life
As spring moves into early summer, something beautiful begins to happen all around us. Trees fill with leaves, flowers bloom in bright colors, the school year comes to an end and families begin thinking about new plans. After months of cold and stillness, the world starts to feel alive again.
Whenever I spend time in my garden, planting and tending my vegetables, it amazes me how quietly life begins beneath the soil. One day the ground looks bare, and before long, tiny shoots appear and grow into something strong and colorful. My garden reminds me that new life is always possible, even when it seems hidden. Each seed requires patience, care and trust, much like our spiritual growth. This reminds me of an important truth found throughout Scripture: God is always bringing renewal.
As Isaiah 43:19 says, “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?”
God often describes His work using the language of growth. Like seeds planted in the soil, many things in our spiritual lives take time. At first nothing seems to be happening. Yet beneath
the surface, roots are forming, and life is quietly beginning. Faith often grows in the same way—slowly, steadily and without fanfare—until one day its presence becomes clear.
In a world filled with heavy news and busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The future can sometimes seem uncertain. But Scripture reminds us that God’s work is not limited by what we see happening around us. Just as the earth comes back to life each spring, God continues to bring renewal to hearts, families and communities.
Sometimes that renewal looks like healing after a difficult season. Other times it may be rediscovering faith after doubt. It might even appear as a new opportunity to serve others or to step forward in unexpected ways.
But renewal often begins with a simple step: turning our attention back to God. When we slow down long enough to pray, read Scripture or reflect on God’s goodness, something begins to shift. The noise of life quiets, and we begin to notice His presence again. We remember that He has not stopped working in and around us.
The truth is, God is not finished
with us. Our lives are still growing, still unfolding and still held in the hands of a faithful Creator.
So today, take a moment to pause and look around. Notice the beauty of new life. Observe the vegetables sprouting in the garden, the trees and the flowers and, more importantly, pay attention to what is taking place in your own heart. Remind yourself that God is still at work, bringing hope, growth and new beginnings in ways you may not yet see.
By Lee-Roy Chacon President
Texico Launches Ministry Leadership Trainings
CORRALES, N.M. – Marking a renewed focus on leadership development, the Texico Conference has launched Equipping Texico, a new series of ministry leadership training events aimed at equipping and strengthening leaders across the conference. The first training weekend took place Jan. 30–31 at the Sandia View Academy campus, with more than 200 attendees.
The weekend featured specialized sessions for local church ministry directors across a variety of areas. Children’s ministries leaders explored topics, including taking Sabbath School to the next level, building a relational children’s ministry and a Vacation Bible School showcase. Other ministry tracks were available for clerks, communicators, elders, deacons, prayer ministries coordinators, treasurers, youth and young adult leaders and women’s ministries coordinators.
The training weekend included guest speaker Gabriel Perea, associate professor of religion and theology at Southwestern Adventist University, who led the first evening session and also contributed to the deacon and elder training.
Participants shared that the sessions provided “new ideas and perspectives on how to reach new people within our ministries” and expressed excitement for future training events. Attendees especially enjoyed Perea’s messages, sharing that his insights were both refreshing and impactful, leaving them encouraged with practical lessons they could apply in their ministries.
“We are thrilled to be hosting ministry trainings again,” said Texico Conference President Lee-Roy Chacon. “These sessions give us a chance to connect directly with our church leaders, share practical tools
and encourage each other in our calling. Our goal is simple, and it is to help ministry leaders grow so that our churches can thrive and reach more people for Christ.”
The second Equipping Texico training was held in El Paso on April 11–12. Additional training events are planned in West Texas this fall and in December. The Texico Conference hopes these weekends will do more than simply provide training; they are intended to be learning opportunities that equip ministry leaders with fresh tools, renewed vision and practical support.
As the series continues, the conference looks forward to seeing churches strengthened, ministries flourishing and lives transformed across communities throughout the territory.
By Debby Marquez Communication Director
Gallup Church Celebrates Navajo Day
GALLUP, N.M. – On Feb. 7, the Gallup All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrated a joyful Navajo Day.
The morning began with Sabbath School led by Sam Hubbard, who shared stories from his grandmother about choosing correct tires to navigate winter roads on the reservation and the wisdom of being prepared. He then guided the class into the week’s lesson, which emphasized our identity as citizens of heaven and the peace that comes from trusting Christ in uncertain times.
After a brief break, the congregation lifted their voices in Navajo hymns, preparing for worship. Oliver Fulton, Bible worker from Chinle, presented a practical message on strengthening our relationship with Christ. At the conclusion of his message, he revealed that what he had shared were the 12 Steps
of Alcoholics Anonymous, reframed as steps of surrender to Jesus.
A potluck followed, and the afternoon included more Navajo hymn singing and testimonies of how Christ has transformed lives and redirected paths. The congregation also received an update on the Diné Adventist Radio station (KDHG 90.9 FM) to be built at the Gallup church.
After attendees learned of a $25,000 matching challenge for the radio station, they contributed $181.01 toward that goal.
The event highlighted worship, culture, testimony and mission, celebrating what God is doing.
By Steve Pester Diné Adventist Radio Network Manager
Martinez Named Southern Student Association President
CORRALES, N.M. – Naomi Ann Martinez, now studying at Southern Adventist University in Tennessee, has been named Student Association president, a significant achievement and a testament to her commitment to faith, service and leadership.
Many in the Texico Conference have watched Martinez grow through active involvement in church, school and youth events. During her years at Sandia View Academy, she was known for her joyful spirit and willingness to
serve, especially through music ministry. Whether leading worship at youth rallies, participating in conference events or representing young people in larger gatherings, she consistently stepped forward.
One memorable season included being invited, along with friends, to lead music at Texico’s summer camp and later at North American Division events. These opportunities reflected not just musical talent, but dedication, preparation and a sincere desire to serve the Lord.
Now studying theology at Southern, Martinez has embraced campus life with the same enthusiasm she showed back home. This includes participating in Engage Worship, a student-led ministry team that travels to encourage youth through music and testimony.
With a platform that centered on Christ-centered leadership, listening to students, strengthening community
and fostering a campus environment where students feel connected and supported, her campaign theme was “Serving Jesus, Serving You.”
“Leadership, to me, means standing with you, not above you,” Martinez told students as she campaigned for the position she would receive. “I will lead with God at the center of every conversation and decision. Because at the end of the day, the goal is heaven.”
For friends and family in Texico, this is a proud moment. Martinez is stepping into leadership at Southern, and they believe the Lord is continuing to open doors for her. They celebrate this achievement and pray for wisdom and strength as she begins this new role. Her church family continues to support her, praying that wherever God leads, she will serve with the same joy and faith that has marked her journey so far.
Pathfinder’s Faith Endures Through Illness
AMARILLO, TEX. – One year after the Texico Pathfinder family first rallied around David Navarez, whose story appeared on page 42 of the September/October 2025 issue of the Record, his journey continues. Now 14, David still faces significant health challenges, but the steadfast faith and hope that anchors his family remain clear.
Since being airlifted to Texas Children’s Hospital last year and spending more than 20 days in critical care, David’s road has been difficult. After initially experiencing kidney problems, he later received a leukemia diagnosis. Ongoing treatments, precautions and daily adjustments—especially due to his compromised immune system— have become part of life. Yet his spirit has not wavered.
That faith was on display at the Texico Area Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE), in Odessa, Tex. Dressed in his Pathfinder uniform, David, along with his family, made the trip not only to support his sister, but because he remains a member of the Amarillo
Galaticos Pathfinder Club and wanted to support his team. Due to ongoing chemotherapy and infection risks, he was unable to participate in PBE testing. Still, he was determined to be present for the event. David remained in his family’s vehicle while his parents sent photos and updates so he could follow along from the car.
Even from the parking lot, David remained part of the Pathfinder family—cheering, listening and sharing in his team’s experience. His commitment reminded others that being a Pathfinder is not just about events, but about courage, perseverance and faith in adversity.
Through these months, David’s father, Raul Nevarez, said the experience has revealed God’s goodness in a powerful way.
“Even though we are going through the storm, we are privileged to go through difficult times,” Raul commented. “We get a front-row seat to God’s work and His hand in our lives and in David’s life.”
Through this journey, David has begun thinking about his future. After experiencing treatments and long hospital stays, David hopes to become a doctor and help children facing serious illness. He has also talked about using some of the funds their family has received to one day start a foundation supporting children with cancer. Through it all, David believes God has a purpose for his life and desires to follow that calling.
David’s example reflects what “Pathfinder Strong” means. Strength is not only physical—it is spiritual. It’s the determination to remain faithful in difficult circumstances and to trust that God is still writing the story.
Messages, visits and generosity have been steady reminders that David is not alone.
The Texico Pathfinder family continues to surround David with prayer, encouragement and support.
Texico Hosts Family Ministries Event in Albuquerque
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – The Texico Conference Family Ministries Department participated in an Albuquerque-area event titled Construyendo Familias Para el Hogar (Building Families for the Home) for surrounding Spanish churches, Feb. 25–28. The focus of the event was strengthening homes by addressing real-life challenges through a biblical lens.
Carlos Hebbert and Noemí García served as featured speakers, delivering messages that resonated with families.
Hebbert has more than 30 years of experience as a psychologist and counselor and holds a doctorate in Christian Psychology. He has served the church for more than 40 years in various departments and has spent 26 years working with a nonprofit organization supporting children and youth facing behavioral and emotional challenges. In addition, he maintains a private practice offering individual and marriage counseling.
García brings more than 20 years of experience in trauma care with victims
of domestic violence and sexual abuse. She has served as a youth counselor and worked for seven years with court-mandated offenders. She’s certified by the office of the attorney general of Oklahoma and the North American Division Children’s Ministries Department.
“We were grateful to have Pastor Hebbert and Noemí with us; they were fantastic,” said Anissa Monge, who helped organize the event. “Even though they are so knowledgeable and experienced, they have a heart for people first.”
Each generation was intentionally included, and the event emphasized intentional inclusion of youth and single parents, creating spaces where they felt seen and supported. Youth engaged in open conversations with two experienced psychologists about important topics in their lives, while single parents participated in a seminar tailored to their unique challenges.
“Many attendees mentioned that family events are often geared toward married couples,” said Monge, “so
they especially appreciated that we included topics for the entire family.”
Sessions addressed mental health within the family, the reality that no family is perfect and the power of God’s Word over emotions. On Sabbath, youth attended sessions on purity and Christian identity. The worship service highlighted the family as an institution established by God, and married couples participated in a seminar focused on marriage. The afternoon program encouraged young people to pursue Christ-centered success.
Overall, the weekend atmosphere was one of encouragement. Construyendo Familias Para el Hogar provided families with tools to renew their faith, strengthen their marriages and reaffirm God’s purpose for their homes.
Southwestern Adventist University
Hoops Classic Marks 30 Years of Impact
KEENE, TEX. – For three decades, the Hoops Classic basketball tournament has been a cornerstone tradition at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU), shaping generations of student-athletes through competition rooted in faith, character and community.
Established in 1996, the annual tournament draws hundreds of high school athletes to Keene for four days of basketball, fellowship and spiritual engagement. As SWAU marks the 30th anniversary of Hoops Classic, the event is recognized as one of the largest and longest-running Christian high school basketball tournaments in the North American Division.
The vision for Hoops Classic emerged during the 1995–1996 academic year under then-president Marvin Anderson at a time when the athletics program was still developing. Brent Baldwin, then men’s basketball coach, and Victor Brown, the university’s head chaplain, proposed hosting a tournament that would bring academy athletes to campus, showcase their skills and introduce them to university life. What began as a recruitment initiative quickly became a signature event blending athletics, faith and community.
Since its inception, Hoops Classic has grown from an inter-academy event into a nationally recognized tournament. In peak years, it has hosted between 48 and 56 teams, welcoming more than 750 athletes, coaches and families. Games are held at multiple
venues across Johnson County, creating an atmosphere marked by energy, sportsmanship and a strong sense of Christian community.
While known for competitive play, the tournament emphasizes holistic development, promoting teamwork, discipline, humility and leadership on and off the court.
“Hoops Classic is an opportunity for high school student-athletes to fellowship and compete in a Christ-centered environment,” said Tyler Wooldridge, director of athletics and facilities. “This event is significant for the university, as it allows us to showcase all that Southwestern Adventist University has to offer. I look forward to welcoming participants each year and hope to recruit some of them to become part of our campus family.”
Spiritual programming remains central to the event, with worship services, vespers, music and testimonies woven throughout the weekend. These experiences often provide students with their first exposure to a Christian college environment.
Hosting Hoops Classic has become a campus-wide ministry. Visiting students and families tour residence halls, attend worship gatherings, dine in the cafeteria and interact with current students, faculty and staff.
“While basketball brings students to campus, it is not the only reason they leave impacted,” said James The, vice president for student services and longtime Hoops Classic coordinator.
“Our hope is that every visitor experiences genuine hospitality, builds lifelong friendships and begins to envision themselves as future Southwestern students.”
For many, the experience leaves a lasting impression. One former participant who later enrolled at SWAU said the tournament played a key role in that decision.
“I came for the competition, but what stayed with me was the sense of purpose and community,” the alumnus said. “That weekend showed me that faith, academics and athletics could work together.”
Over the years, the tournament has expanded to include multiple divisions, ensuring competitive play for schools of varying sizes. Livestreaming has also broadened its reach, allowing families and supporters from around the world to follow the games.
More than 65 academies and Christian schools have participated in the Hoops Classic, representing thousands of student-athletes. As SWAU celebrates this milestone, the tournament continues to demonstrate the enduring impact of athletics in building community, strengthening faith and connecting students to opportunities.
Southwestern Plans 2026 Dino Dig Expedition
KEENE, TEX. – Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is preparing for summer 2026 at the Hanson Research Station—one of North America’s most productive fossil regions—in Wyoming.
Now in its third decade, SWAU’s dinosaur research project offers participants the rare opportunity to do more than observe science—they help do it. Working alongside trained leaders, teams excavate fossils, document discoveries and contribute to research that continues long after the field season ends. Thousands of dinosaur fossils have been uncovered and studied at the site, offering rare insights into prehistoric ecosystems.
Participants receive hands-on training in paleontological methods, including excavation techniques, mapping and documentation, specimen handling, fossil preparation and data recording. Days in the field are paired with an encouraging camp environment designed to support learning, collaboration and community, reflecting SWAU’s commitment to holistic education and student development.
Participants include undergraduate and high school students, international scientists, educators, families and volunteers who bring unique perspectives, curiosity and a willingness to learn in the field. Students may opt to earn four semester credit hours by enrolling in The Dinosaurs (GEOL 240), a field-based course that integrates academic study with active excavation.
“Each year, we witness remarkable discoveries and profound educational experiences that shape the next generation of scientists and explorers,” said a representative from SWAU’s dinosaur research project. “This expedition is not just about uncovering fossils; it’s about cultivating curiosity, stewardship and a deeper appreciation for earth’s history.”
The Hanson Research Station offers amenities that support a full field experience, including electricity, hot water, showers and shared spaces for study and fellowship, helping participants balance demanding fieldwork with learning and community life.
2026 DINOSAUR PROJECT EXPEDITION SCHEDULE
Thursday, May 28
Expedition departs Keene, Tex.
Friday, May 29
Arrival at Hanson Research Station
Monday, June 1
First official dig day
Monday, June 22
Last official dig day
Tuesday, June 23
Dig site closing day
Thursday, June 25
Departure from Hanson Research Station
Friday, June 26
Return to Keene, Tex.
Leaders Help Deliver Baby Outside Hospital Entrance
MANSFIELD, TEX. – For one North Texas family, an early arrival transformed a hospital trip into an unforgettable birth story just outside the entrance of Texas Health Hospital Mansfield.
While making morning rounds on the women’s unit, Texas Health Mansfield President and CEO Eulanie Lashley learned that a family was on the way in active labor and might not make it to the unit in time. Lashley brought a wheelchair to the hospital entrance and alerted Chief Medical Officer Heather Granado, DO, as the team prepared to receive the family.
When the vehicle arrived, the baby was already crowning in the front seat. Granado immediately assisted with the delivery while Lashley helped provide
privacy and support for the mother as clinical team members arrived to assist.
The labor and delivery team then transported the mother and newborn to the women’s unit for continued care.
“The hospital is only seven minutes from our house, but I knew we weren’t going to make it,” said Jordan Hurt, the baby’s mother.
“During my years in emergency medicine, unexpected moments like this sometimes happen,” said Granado. “Babies arrive on their own timeline, and I’m grateful we were there at the right time to help this family welcome their little one safely.”
“It was certainly an unforgettable start to the day,” said Lashley. “I’m incredibly proud of how quickly our
care teams came together to support this family. Moments like this remind us that exceptional care doesn’t start in a hospital room; it begins the moment our community arrives on our campus.”
Texas Health Hospital Mansfield’s labor and delivery team welcomes hundreds of babies each year, providing compassionate care close to home for families in the rapidly growing Mansfield community. Through compassionate care and a focus on health and wellness, the hospital creates a nurturing environment where every birth is celebrated and every family feels supported.
By Nikki Funderburk Marketing Manager, Texas Health Hospital Mansfield
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ANNOUNCEMENT
Sandia View Academy Alumni Weekend in Corrales, N.M., has a new date: Sept. 18-19, 2026. For details, call 505-898-0717 or email SVArocks@gmail.com
OBITUARIES
Brooks, Daniel Floyd, born June 7, 1945, Muskegon, Mich.; died Feb. 11, 2026, Harrah, Okla. Church membership: Choctaw Seventh-day Adventist Church. Employed for 40-plus years as an educator in Seventh-day Adventist schools. Preceded in death by his first wife, Darlene Joy Denler Brooks. Survived by second wife, Sally Streib Brooks; three children; and four grandchildren.
Gray, Julien, born April 8, 1926, Panama City, Panama; died Dec. 11, 2025, Fresno, Tex. Church membership: Fondren Seventh-day Adventist Church in Missouri City, Tex. Preceded in death by parents, Albert and Mable Henry Oliver; husband, John Gray, Jr.; brother, Wilbert Olive; sisters, Madelaine Kuzmicic, Lucille McCloud, Lillian Bennett and Vernes Purcell; and son, Mauricio Rodriguez. Survivors: sons, Ricardo Rodriguez (Juanita), John Gray III (John), Stephan Gray (Dawnella) and Keith Gray (Charmaine); daughter, Kay Rollins (Lee); five grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
Harper, Patricia, born Nov. 2, 1938, Glendale, Ariz.; died
Bobbie Dee Pannell, 99, was born June 4, 1926, in Keene, Tex., to Thad and Ethel Harrison and passed away on Feb. 14, 2026, in Frankston, Tex.
Bobbie met John Pannell while she was attending school in Bonnerdale, Ark. They married on March 10, 1945, and eventually became the parents of five children.
The family frequently camped out on the lake while the children were growing up, and Bobbie would cook for all of them on a Coleman stove. Her rolls, pies, cakes and cornbread were a staple at family gatherings.
She often drove the boat while her children skied and was a challenge at the ping pong table and could jump rope with the best of them.
After suffering severe burns in 1947, Bobbie was told she would never walk again. She proved the doctors wrong.
Carolyn Strahan Hensley, of Claremore, Okla., was born in Texarkana, Tex., on June 24, 1941, and gracefully left us on Nov. 26, 2025. She was preceded in death by both her parents, Joseph and Ella; her brothers, Joe Jr. and Jackie; and her sister, Betty. She is survived by her five children, Cathey, Deana, John, JoElla and Michele; two sons-in-laws, Michael and Nathan; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren, as well as many other beloved family members and friends who will miss her distinct and unique presence in this world.
Feb. 12, 2026, Roswell. Church membership: Portales Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by parents, Ed and Lou Ellen Kirkpatrick. Survivors: husband, Dennis Harper; daughter, Stacy Wolkwitz (Jonathan); brother, Edward Barton (Tita); and a grandson and his wife, Tita of Brownsville, Tex.
Jeffcoat, Norma Jean “Jean” Smart, born Jan. 13, 1938, Hardin County, Tex.; died March 6, 2026. Preceded in death by father, Trawn Harvey Smart; mother, Lou Baker Smart; brother, James H. Smart; husband, Jack C. Jeffcoat; and daughter, Phyllis Jeffcoat. Survivors: daughter, Glenda Starr; sons, Gary Jeffcoat and Michael Jeffcoat; daughter,
She was a strong woman who had killed two snakes with her walking cane and dealt with two skunks invading her home. Bobbie had a huge love of babies and animals, and that love was returned.
She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; one brother; and her husband, John Pannell. She is survived by her five children, Joe Pannell (Peg), Gene Pannell (Rita), Peggy Chrusciaki (Robin Schuman), Dennis Pannell (Cindy) and Donna Aitken. She is also survived by six grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
Bobbie was a charter member of the Mineola Seventhday Adventist Church, a church that was built debt-free after meetings held by her husband with Pastor Cheeko Cotta.
Becky Viator (Keith); and seven grandchildren.
Kohley, Charlotte Mae (Hampton) Kohley, 72, died Feb. 24, 2026, Jackson, Tenn. She taught in the Adventist school system for 30 years. Charlotte is survived by her husband, Chuck Kohley, and their four sons and their families.
Mathis, Judith Ann “Judi”, born March 31, 1940, Chicago, Ill.; died, July 23, 2025, Seligman, Mo. She was employed as a registered nurse at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Ark. and worked 20 years as a volunteer librarian at the Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist School. Preceded in death by parents, Charles and Norma Humes, and husband, Paul Mathis. Survivors: daughter, Sue Mathis; sister, Susan Gail; stepdaughter, Linda Chapman-Hovey; one grandson; two great-grandsons; and a great-great-grandson.
Neptune, Rita Marie (Mason), born 1939; died Feb. 7, 2026. She served in singles ministry and as leader of women’s ministries for the Southwestern Union. Preceded in death by mother, Veryl (Adams) Mason; father, Arthur Raymond Mason Sr.; daughter, Cindy Marie Morris Cochran; brothers, David, Conrad and Larry Mason; and sister, Telitha. Survivors: husband, Bill Neptune; brother, Arthur Mason Jr.; grandson, Andrew Cochran.
Ortner, Joan (Lemke), born Aug. 13, 1944, Rosebud, Tex.; died Feb. 5, 2026, in Grand Junction, Colo. Preceded in death by husband, Ron Ortner, and brother, Wayne Lemke. Survivors: sister, Cathie Brian; daughter, Lisa Ortner; son, Derek Ortner; and two grandchildren.
Oxley, Judy E., born March 8, 1946, Detroit, Mich.; died Jan. 20, 2026, Tahlequah, Okla. at the age of 79.
Preceded in death by husband, Lee Forrest Oxley, Jr.; children, John Glenn Oxley, Forrest DuWayne Oxley, Glenn Lee Oxley, Marlon Kevin Oxley and Beverly Jane Smith; parents, Charles and June Hall; three grandchildren; and brothers, William
Dilmus Hall and Charles Michael Hall. Survivors: children, Jay Charles Oxley, Sally Ann Townsend-Wellons, Cheryl Leann Vogel and Roger Allen Oxley, as well as 19 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.
Submissions
Back Pages: Submit announcements, milestones, obituaries and address changes to Record@SWUC.org or visit SWURecord.org.
Advertising: Cost information and deadlines: Bradley Ecord at BEcord@swuc.org.
BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN NURSING
Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED
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It’s never too late to break the mold. Erica needed time to realize she already had what it takes to be an artist — and that tapping her creativity could add new color to the rest of her life. The pieces may not always go as planned, but a hobby that boosts body, mind and spirit? That’s a beautiful thing.
