November | December 2025

Spur One Another On

If you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you aren’t in church most Sabbaths. Some estimates indicate that as many as 60 percent of members may not be. If that’s you, I want you to know I see you. I see you struggling to get your family ready. I see you exhausted after a long week. I see the challenges that keep you away: health, transportation, social anxiety. I see the scars that hold you back. But I also know the community that Christ has called you to holds blessings you don’t want to miss. And you, too, are invited to bless that community. My prayer is that you will soon feel seen—in person if possible—by a community that loves you and that we, as a community, will continue to see you for who you are, a child of God.

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President Carlos Craig

Executive Secretary Stephen Brooks

Treasurer John Page

Undertreasurer Bo Just

VP Church Ministries Tony Anobile

VP Education Carol Campbell

VP Multicultural Ministries Osvaldo Rigacci

Children’s Ministries Sonia Canó

Church Planting Robin Lopez

Communication Lori Futcher

Community Services Bo Gendke

Evangelism English Stephen Brooks

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Ministerial Spouses Letty Craig

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Assembling Together

While sheltered in place in response to the pandemic in 2020, I experienced my first fully virtual church service. It wasn't the first time I'd viewed a sermon online or on a television screen, but it was the first time I'd used an online platform to attend a church service where every person in attendance had to do the same. As we returned to in-person church services later that year, distance protocols were in place to lower the risk of spread.

Five years later, some members still prefer the convenience of virtual church attendance. This article should not be construed as opinions concerning members with health concerns or other barriers that prevent them from attending church. No, the question I'm addressing is the importance of members assembling together when it is possible and reasonable.

In Hebrews 10:23-25, we're given direction regarding church fellowship. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” Here, Paul is

pointing out that the followers of Christ share in the responsibility and privilege of meeting together. The people of God share in the responsibility of considering how they might “spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”

Christians are responsible for lifting others while they themselves are yet climbing. Every believer shares the responsibility to strengthen their fellow believers.

Paul’s encouragement is not only a responsibility, but also a privilege. It is the privilege of every believer to meet with other believers. By doing so, the giver of encouragement also becomes a recipient of encouragement. It is possible to be blessed in virtual spaces, but not to the same measure as when engaging in human contact with a brother or sister of like faith.

God created humans as social beings. Isolation is neither physically nor emotionally healthy for humans. Loneliness is an increasing public health concern in the United States. In 2023, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy issued an urgent advisory declaring an epidemic of loneliness and isolation.

Ideally, the church offers healthy relationships, community, accountability,

fellowship and instruction. We are our brothers' and sisters' keepers.

As we approach the closing scenes of this age and the return of Jesus Christ, the battles we face require more gathering, not less.

This requires more than just Sabbath worship. Consider adding prayer meetings and small group meetings to your schedule as we prepare for the rapid closing scenes that are coming.

Attending church is more than just a ritual; it’s about fostering spiritual growth, community and preparation for the return of Jesus Christ. a

By Stephen Brooks

Executive Secretary

Give Your Church a Health BOOST

BOOST

According to Russill Burill and Tom Evans, authors of Creating Healthy Adventist Churches Through Natural Church Development, there are eight universal characteristics that should be found in any healthy church. Let’s look at each of these characteristics and learn about some ideas that have worked in improving these qualities in Adventist churches.

1. Empowering Leadership

Empowering Leadership means having a shared approach to ministry with a sense of teamwork and creativity. The skill of coaching is quite effective when it comes to empowering

others. Rather than giving advice, coaching focuses on asking questions to help individuals discover their own solutions. The North American Division Evangelism Institute (NADEI) offers coach training. To find out more, go online to NADEI.org.

2. Gift-based Ministry

Churches with gift-based ministry make an extra effort to ensure members are empowered to serve in their area of giftedness and passion. To boost your church’s health in the area of gift-based ministry, try

switching to a two-year nominating committee cycle and take a fresh approach. Conduct ministry interviews, rather than simply nominating to fill slots. Empower your ministry placement team to interview members and regular attenders regarding their potential role in ministry. Dialogue about past ministry experiences: what was fulfilling and what was not. Identify how they feel God calling them to serve currently. Pray with them about their ministry in the church. Bring the findings back to the team and place people in ministry based on passion, calling and giftedness.

3. Passionate Spirituality

Churches with passionate spirituality have leaders and members who have a vibrant, daily, transformational relationship with Jesus.

Here’s one way to nurture this kind of spiritual passion. Purchase the book, One Miracle After Another: The Pavel Goia Story by Greg Budd, for all of your leaders. This book is available from NADEI or your local Adventist Book Center. Take a month to read through the book individually. At the next board meeting, identify three initiatives to incorporate prayer more fully into the life of the church.

4. Effective Structures

Having an effective structure means knowing how to prioritize what is most important, having a sense of direction and purpose.

Try making evangelism the first agenda item for the church board (before clerk’s report, treasurer’s report, etc.). Share how God has worked recently (divine appointments), development of Bible study interests, etc. Pray together in groups of two or three. By placing evangelism first on the agenda, everything else will fall into proper perspective.

5. Inspiring Worship Service

An inspiring worship service is joyful, spirit-filled and transformational. Try selecting a worship team to plan the details of the worship service three months in advance. The team meets monthly and is always planning three months ahead. One benefit of pre-planning is the ability to organize worship services based on a theme surrounding the sermon. In this way, special music, children’s story, testimonies, etc. can all focus on the same message.

6. Wholistic Small Groups

Wholistic small groups minister to the entire person, including their emotional and physical needs.

Try improving the small group element of Sabbath School by making classes more wholistic. Ask your adult Sabbath School teachers to include a time at the beginning of class for prayer. Divide in groups of 3-4 individuals to share and pray together.

7. Need-oriented Evangelism

Churches with need-oriented evangelism take time to understand the real needs of the people they are ministering to. Their outreach methods are relevant to the community.

In order to effectively meet the needs of your surrounding community, it’s important that you have a clear understanding of what the needs are. One excellent way to do this is through a demographic study. In the United States, you can obtain free information at Census.gov or City-Data.com. If you would like a more comprehensive study, contact NADEI at 269.471.8304 to order a 27-page demographic study.

8. Loving Relationships

Churches with loving relationships have a welcoming atmosphere that embraces members and guests alike. There are many fellowship opportunities provided on Sabbath and throughout the week.

One way to increase loving relationships in the church is to see it modeled by those in leadership. An effective way to do this is to hold monthly elders’ meetings in a home setting with the families of the elders invited. This can be rotated between willing elders’ homes. A Saturday evening meeting with a meal seems to work best. If there are items that the elders need to discuss privately, this can be done in another room of the home, while the families have time for social interaction.

Why not commit your church to good health by applying these natural characteristics of church health? a

By Russill Burill, D.Min. and Tom Evans, D.Min. Burill is professor emeritus of evangelism and church growth at Andrews University, and Evans teaches in the university’s Doctor of Ministry program.

Extrapolated from Creating Healthy Adventist Churches Through Natural Church Development by Russill Burill, D.Min. and Tom Evans, D.Min. (pages 9, 12, 15-16, 19-20, 23-24, 27-29, 32-33, 36-37, 39-40, 42 & 44),which can be purchased from the North American Division Evangelism Institute at NADEI.org.

Over Place When the Church Shows Up

Having a three-foot hole in your roof is a disaster in the best of circumstances. And winter in Grants, New Mexico, only heightens the challenges. With temperatures as cold as -6°F and snow up to three feet deep, a situation like this can not only put a structure at risk, but also put lives at risk. This is the situation Steiner and Elizabeth Cody found themselves in last winter.

Located on a Navajo reservation, the house the Codys lived in was Steiner’s childhood home, but it had been abandoned for 12 years before he moved back into it with his wife, Elizabeth. During that time, the property had been used as a dumping ground for everything from broken appliances to thousands of soda cans.

“The house was in incredibly bad shape,” recalled Tobin Savage, pastor for all five of the Gallup District

churches. “Steiner and Elizabeth were trying to live the best they could, but there were definite struggles.”

The Codys are relatively new to the Adventist faith community, having joined after a chance encounter with a Grants Seventh-day Adventist Church member at a laundromat six years ago. Elizabeth was standing outside, crying after an argument with Steiner, when a woman approached her, prayed with her and handed her a pamphlet advertising the Amazing Facts Bible study program.

“I sent off for them and did the whole course during the pandemic,” Elizabeth said. “The lessons that really resonated with me, I always shared with Steiner. We’d go out to the garden and while he pulled weeds, we’d talk about what I had learned and then pray about it together.”

When Elizabeth finished the course, she contacted Amazing Facts and asked for information about the Adventist church nearest to them. In 2021, they became members of the Grants church, located about an hour’s drive from their home.

The Navajo reservation is large and largely undeveloped, meaning many roads are what some locals call “rabbit trails”—extremely narrow and unmaintained. In the snow, these roads are virtually impossible to find. This, combined with the fact that the Codys do not have a car and neither Steiner nor Elizabeth can drive—he due to lack of license and she due to health conditions—means the Codys attend church infrequently at best.

Two years ago, Savage became aware of the Codys’ situation, which at the time did not yet include a giant

hole in the roof but still encompassed what amounted to a mountain of work. He was determined to do something about it. Savage organized a group made up of members from the three churches closest to the Codys’ home, and 18 people spent a day working on the house.

“It would have taken me four weeks working all day long to get done what they did in one day,” Steiner commented.

An award-winning weaver by trade, Steiner lives on the spectrum and finds social interactions difficult. Though his rugs bring in hefty sums, due to their complexity, he can only complete three or four each year. The cost of transporting the rugs to the market to sell cuts significantly into his profit margin.

“His works of art take him months,” Elizabeth shared. “It’s blood, sweat and tears.”

Though Steiner admits leaving home is extremely challenging due to his severe social anxiety, his experience with the Gallup All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church has been different. “Being at the Gallup church was the first time I was able to

decade to acquire disability income, despite her conditions rendering her bedridden for days at a time.

After the church's initial clean-up day, Steiner and Elizabeth continued their dogged attempts to improve the property. Savage helped repair damage to the inside of the Codys’ home—replacing sheetrock, rewiring and hooking up their water heater to electricity, as they had been living without hot water for years. Over the course of two years, the Codys cleaned up another 20 percent of their property, despite the mental and physical challenges they both faced.

Then the roof caved in, creating the three-foot hole. The interior of the home began to grow black mold, impacting Elizabeth’s health even more. Their financial and health situations made it nearly impossible for them to make further progress on their home and property. “Our living space was getting smaller and smaller,” Elizabeth said. “It was dire.”

Once again, the Gallup District churches jumped in to help. In midJuly, a group of more than 30 people converged at the Codys’ home and repaired the other half of the roof. They

interact in a public setting without feeling stiff and awkward,” he said. “There’s something special about that church and the people in it.”

Elizabeth faces her own challenges; she suffers from diabetes and other medical conditions, some with no visible symptoms, and it took her a

DAR is a network of seven stations across the Diné (Navajo) reservation that broadcasts Adventist World Radio in English and Navajo.

Two stipulations for bringing the radio station onto the reservation were that the station would support efforts to keep the Navajo language alive and that they would help with community service on the reservation.

“When we get a chance, we go out and meet members of the cummunity and help them where they are,” said Steve Pester, network manager for DAR. The project lit a fire of service and collaboration between the churches and the station—one Pester and Savage hope will continue for years.

“We’re trying to bring Jesus to people in this community by helping with their homes,” Pester said. “Helping each other is what our church needs to be doing more than anything.”

For the Codys, church is so much more than a distant building; it’s a community stepping in when life seems insurmountable. It’s love showing up where they are—proof that church is defined less by place than by presence; less by pews than by people. a

also hauled garbage to the dump, including three refrigerators, two stoves, several couches, washers and dryers and nearly two dozen 55-gallon bags of soda cans.

This time, the efforts were supported by Diné Adventist Radio (DAR). With headquarters at the Gallup church,

By Becky St. Clair. St. Clair is a freelance writer and lives in the Napa Valley area of California with her husband, Jason, and their three children, Kayla, Lizzy and Gabe. The Codys are members of the Gallup All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texico Conference.

Neighbors in God,s Garden

An elderly couple longed for the joy of having children around. A young mother longed for help understanding the Bible. Neither knew their neighbor, just a few miles away, could answer that longing.

Angela Moore, a single mom of four, wanted guidance from a mature Christian through Bible studies. Jenn Duffield, at 76, missed being surrounded by young people. For two years, the two women lived about two miles apart in rural eastern Oklahoma, unaware of how their paths would soon intersect.

“When we get together, it’s like family,” said Moore. “It’s like we’ve known each other for years. It has blossomed into a wonderful family friendship.”

The two families attend sister congregations—Hugo Seventh-day Adventist Church and Antlers Seventhday Adventist Church—about 30 minutes apart. Although Antlers is closer, Moore drives to Hugo, where her faith journey began.

“I didn’t grow up in the church,” said Moore. In high school, a friend invited her to visit the Ardmore Seventh-day Adventist Church. “I absolutely loved it,” she said. Despite the lasting impression the church had made, Moore didn’t return. Nevertheless, her friend’s invitation had planted a seed.

When Moore moved to Oklahoma in 2017, a coworker asked if she attended church. Moore remembered the Ardmore church and responded, “No, but I would love to attend a Seventh-day Adventist church!”

Her coworker smiled. “Really? Because I attend a Seventh-day Adventist church!” The invitation to the coworker’s church in Hugo soon led to Moore’s baptism, though she still longed for a deeper understanding of Scripture.

At home, Bible questions multiplied. “The kids ask so many questions,” said Moore. “I didn’t always have the answers.” She asked Carlos de la Cruz, who pastors at the Hugo and Antlers churches, about Bible studies—but

scheduling was difficult. That’s when he thought of Duffield.

“Would you like to receive Bible studies from one of your neighbors?” he asked. Moore eagerly agreed.

Duffield, who is a lifelong Adventist, had moved to Oklahoma in 2022. Looking around her new neighborhood, she noticed only elderly families. “Everyone on our road is elderly, and we are elderly,” she said. “I missed having young people in our lives.”

When she first met Moore, Duffield greeted her with, “I want to give my daughter-in-Christ a hug.”

“It was so warm and comforting,” said Moore. “I knew at that moment that we were going to have a beautiful friendship.”

Weekly Bible studies soon turned into afternoons spent in Duffield’s garden, meals around the table and bonds that felt like family. Moore’s children soaked up Bible lessons, life skills and the presence of a grandmother figure. They began cooking, cleaning and gardening without being asked.

“It’s really nice to hear that sweet teenage chatter that’s so innocent,” said Duffield. “They are different from other children. When you talk to them, you think, ‘Angela, the Lord was with you in bringing these children up.’”

One day, Adalyn came home talking

“When the older generation considers the impact they can make on the younger generation, and when the younger generation is willing to work with the older generation, it’s a great encouragement. ”

about the parable of the sower. “I understood it more because we were touching the dirt,” she said.

That connection between Scripture and soil soon grew beyond the Duffield’s backyard. When the Antlers church purchased six-and-a-half acres of nearby land, Duffield thought, We need a community garden

“This is a very poor community,” she explained. “We are the poorest county in Oklahoma, I believe. Everybody needs food.”

The church board agreed, and members threw themselves into the project. Soil tests came back perfect. Black tarps were spread to kill weeds. Duffield and another member brought tractors and tilled the field five times.

“When some of the church members saw me, a 76-year-old, driving a tractor and plowing a field, they decided to come out,” Duffield said with a laugh.

The congregation carefully designed a space that would be welcoming, beautiful and productive. They named it Maranatha Garden to declare their

hope that Jesus is coming soon. The Moore children pitched in to till and plant, and this autumn they are seeing their first harvest.

Neighbors outside the church have also joined in—pulling weeds, helping promote the project and enjoying fresh produce. Plans are underway for food deliveries, a dedication service and gardening and cooking classes.

“There are so many people that are lonely,” said Duffield. “If this lovely family gives us so much pleasure, how many others can be found in our neighborhood? If we go without looking for converts, and just minister, that’s what the garden is all about.”

For Moore, Duffield’s impact is undeniable. “She has really been an inspiration for me,” Moore said. “I can’t tell you how the kids light up when they know she is coming over. I don’t know what we would do without Ms. Jenn. She is a very bright light.”

From this neighborly connection, two families found friendship. “When the older generation considers the

impact they can make on the younger generation, and when the younger generation is willing to work with the older generation, it’s a great encouragement,” said de la Cruz. “The Lord is working. This is what we are able to do when we work together.” a

By Makala James. James lives in Granbury, Texas, with her husband, Denny, and two children. The Duffields are members of the Antlers Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Moores are members of the Hugo Seventh-day Adventist Church, both in the Oklahoma Conference.

What We Gain When We Gather

By Tony Anobile, Vice President for Church Ministries

When I think back to my childhood, church wasn’t just a building we went to on Sabbath—it was my identity. As charter members of the Burbank Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, my family spent the whole day together: Sabbath School, worship, missionary work, socials, even ingathering. I couldn’t wait for it.

My closest friends from that church are still my friends today. Church gave me a place to belong, to be loved, to serve, to sing, to lead.

Humans were created to be social. The 2020 pandemic showed us what happens when we isolate. Even introverts like me need community. Online is good, but nothing replaces gathering together in person.

I love the description of the early Christian church found in Acts 2:4247, which shares how early Christians devoted themselves to fellowship, breaking bread together and praying. This is the type of community we should all strive for. And creating that type of community starts with showing up.

When we choose to show up, we discover gifts that strengthen our faith and enrich our lives.

Accountability

Growing up, I knew that church kept me accountable. If I missed, someone noticed. If I slacked, a leader reminded me of my responsibilities. My friends encouraged me, and that helped shape my identity. Sabbath School classes are one of the best places for that—where attendance turns into relationships that challenge us to stay faithful and keep growing.

Emotional Strength

Many of us know the difference worship makes in our week. We walk out with burdens feeling lighter and

hope renewed. Research backs that up. The SoulPulse study, a self-reported ongoing smartphone-based study created in 2013, found that people reported more joy and fewer negative emotions immediately after attending services. Over time, Harvard researchers have also shown that weekly church attendance is linked with lower rates of depression and despair. In fact, a 2020 study of health care workers published in JAMA Psychiatry found that regular service attendance was associated with significantly lower “deaths from despair,” confirming that the emotional strength gained in worship can last well beyond the service itself.

Life Satisfaction

Gallup’s “Mood of the Nation,” a religion and well-being poll, shows a strong connection between worship attendance and overall well-being. Ninety-two percent of those who attend weekly report being satisfied with their personal lives, compared with only 48 percent of those who attend less than once a month. The contrast is striking and points to the role worship plays in building a more contented life. Week by week, gathering with others who share faith and commitment provides not only spiritual nourishment but also a foundation for greater satisfaction with life as a whole.

Meaningful Connections

Choosing to attend worship regularly opens the door to friendships that grow into lasting support. Those bonds are strengthened by sharing responsibilities, mentoring one another and walking together through life’s milestones. For individuals who show up

week after week, church becomes more than a service to attend—it becomes a circle of people who know them, care for them and encourage them to keep growing.

Finding Purpose

Being part of a church connects people to something bigger than themselves. By joining in service activities, members experience the fulfillment of serving with purpose. Rather than acting alone, they become part of a collective mission that multiplies their efforts and makes the church visible in the community as a place of hope and care.

Church isn’t only about what we receive—it’s also about who we become when we gather together. Choosing to worship with others forms us into people who are accountable, resilient, connected and purposeful. That’s the gift God offers when we come together in His house. a

Helping Young People Find Belonging

By David Craig, Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Youth and Young Adult Director

I’ll never forget the day I first walked into North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA). I had just accepted the role of chaplain, but almost immediately, I realized this wasn’t the familiar Adventist environment I knew. Six hundred students filled the campus, and only 30 percent were Seventh-day Adventists. The rest came from all kinds of backgrounds— Hindu, Mormon, atheist and more. I thought to myself, What have I gotten into? This isn’t just a school. It’s a mission field.

On my first morning, I stood before a 12th-grade Bible class. By the end of the lesson, I knew many didn’t believe what I was teaching. Others didn’t care. In the hallways, I passed students consumed with seemingly everything but God. By the end of that week, I came home drained. Sitting in silence, I wondered, Was accepting this job a mistake? Have I been in the Adventist bubble so long that I can’t connect with young people outside it? For the first time in years, I felt like I didn’t belong.

students on campus pulled me aside. His words stunned me: “Pastor David, when I first heard you were coming, I wanted nothing to do with you. I told my friends to stay away because I didn’t want anything to do with religion or God. But then I realized you’re different. You actually care about us. You talk with us, not at us. You don’t push an agenda. It’s refreshing.”

Through experiences like this, I realized the sense of not belonging that haunted me in those early days is the same struggle young people wrestle with daily. Who am I? Where do I fit in? Am I seen and heard?

Research confirms it. The Fuller Youth Institute reports that 61 percent of Gen Z often feel lonely or isolated. Despite constant digital connection, many lack real face-to-face community. They are pressured, fragmented and desperately searching for belonging.

Those weeks shook me. They drove me to my knees in prayer. And slowly, God began working—not only in the students, but in me. Gradually, I began to connect. Months later, one of the most influential

me to my knees in prayer. And slowly, God

1Create safe, welcoming spaces.

Young people want to know they are accepted before they believe they belong. That means creating spaces where questions are welcomed, doubts are acknowledged and each person feels valued. Youth leaders can set the tone by practicing hospitality—greeting every student by name, listening attentively and making sure no one is left on the margins.

2Focus on relationships.

The Fuller Youth Institute encourages leaders to “prioritize presence over performance.” Young people are far more impacted by consistent, caring relationships than by polished programs or flashy events. As my student once told me, what mattered most wasn’t my sermons but that I genuinely cared.

3Empower young people to lead.

Belonging deepens when youth are not just participants but contributors. Invite young people to lead worship, plan service projects or share testimonies. When their gifts are recognized and used, they realize they matter to the community and to God.

4Bridge generations.

Young people who have meaningful relationships with adults outside their family are more likely to stay engaged in church.

Congregations can foster this by pairing teens with mentors, creating intergenerational small groups and encouraging older members to cheer on younger ones.

The Fuller Youth Institute has done extensive research on loneliness in young people and offers several practical steps churches and schools can take. Drawing from their findings, along with insights from my own journey, here are five ways youth ministries can help young people experience belonging.

5Point to Jesus as the true source of belonging.

Programs, friendships and mentors matter, but ultimate belonging is found only in Christ. My role is not to manufacture conversion or force transformation. It’s to love young people well and trust the Holy Spirit to do what He does best. True belonging—the kind that quiets loneliness and answers the deepest questions—comes from knowing Jesus and living in His family.

Young people are searching for connection, but the Church has what they’re longing for: a God who calls them beloved and a community that reflects His love. When we step into their lives with care, consistency and compassion, we create a place where they can feel that they belong. a

A True Difference Maker

By Kisha R. Norris, Ed.D., Texas Conference Vice President for Education

Leadership isn’t always about standing in front of a crowd—it’s about stepping up when it matters most. Jossiel Navarro, a Killeen Adventist Junior Academy (KAJA) student, is the kind of person who sees a need and fills it, never waiting to be asked. Whether it’s serving hot lunch at school with a smile or taking out the garbage without complaint, he carries himself with quiet humility and a strong sense of responsibility.

On busy lunch days, while others enjoy their meals, Navarro is right there, making sure everything runs smoothly. He doesn’t hesitate to help, always asking, “Is there anything else I can do?” His willingness to serve doesn’t come from obligation but from a genuine heart for others.

But Navarro's impact goes beyond the school cafeteria. When tensions rose between two students on the verge of a fight, he didn’t stand by—he stepped in. With calm confidence, he defused the situation, preventing what could have been a serious conflict. It was a defining moment that showed not just his maturity but his natural ability to lead with wisdom and strength. Navarro is still growing, learning and becoming the young man he is meant to be. But one thing is certain—he is on the path to becoming a great leader. His actions speak louder than words, and through his kindness, responsibility and courage, he continues to make a difference every day.

That nomination essay for the Texas Conference Adventist Communication Services Student Difference Maker Award, created in conjunction with the Texas Conference Office of Education, made it easy to choose Navarro for the award. He was one of five outstanding students in the Texas Conference who received this award.

“We were truly impressed by the students nominated by their teachers and classmates for this award,” Bo Gendke, Texas Conference Adventist Community Services director, shared. “They exemplified God’s love through their actions, earning recognition as Difference Makers.”

Each recipient received a Difference Maker plaque and a $1,000 scholarship to any Texas Conference elementary school or academy for the upcoming academic year.

Learning about the award and scholarship, Navarro's mother tearfully shared that the financial gift came at a good time to assist with school expenses.

Sharing his appreciation for the award, Navarro said, “I didn’t know that making a difference can help out a lot—to yourself as well as to others.”

Navarro is now in his junior year at KAJA. “He has been a valued member of our school community since the first grade," said Lizzette García, KAJA principal. Navarro actively participates in the Pathfinder program (where he's currently enrolled in Teen Leadership Training), youth group and Central Texas youth ministries activities.

This past summer, Jossiel assisted in Vacation Bible School programs at both his home church (Killeen Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church) and the Killeen Church. “He is always ready to assist when called upon,“ Garcia added, “whether helping an elderly church member move or lending a hand for church or school activities.“

The Texas Conference is proud of all our Difference Makers, inside and outside the classroom. Acknowledging some of them in collaboration with the Texas Adventist Community Services is an honor. We appreciate the Gendkes, who work to provide opportunities for our students and educators to become involved in community service efforts and learn the importance of making a difference. a

CONGRAT ULATIONS

DIFFERENCE MAKER AWARD WINNERS

Elian Berrios

Caleb Couch

Charlotte Griswell

Jossiel Navarro

Sofiya Stotz

NOVEMBER

7-8

ARKLA CONFERENCE

Family Ministry Revival

Denham Springs Adventist Church MBelizaire@arklac.org

7-9

TEXAS CONFERENCE

ARISE Bible Study Intensive Houston Central Adventist Church AriseIntensive.com/Houston

14-15

ARKLA CONFERENCE

Lay Ministry Training

Baton Rouge Adventist Church LMelindez@arklac.org

21-22

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Better Life Tour - South Texas Area Edinburg Adventist Church ForeverONE.org

DECEMBER

5-6

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Better Life Tour - Fort Worth Area Fort Worth First Adventist Church ForeverONE.org

6

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Adventurer Bible Game (Area Level) Multiple Locations Youth@txsda.org

7-12

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Conectados Multiple Locations HispanicMinistries@txsda.org

Bread & Better Life Café Begins Offering Free Classes

FORT WORTH – The woman walked slowly along Magnolia Avenue on a hot July day, her head bowed as she pleaded with God. Her prayer went something like this: God, my life is such a mess. I need help. Can you send someone to help me?

Coming to the end of her prayer, she looked up, her eyes landing on a mural that had been painted only a few months before: “Today is a chance to be a better version of yourself,” it read. Wondering if this was an answer to her prayer, the woman stepped inside

the newly opened Bread & Better Life Café to learn that in this very location, Financial Peace classes would soon be starting. Even better, though Financial Peace classes typically cost nearly $100, Bread & Better was offering them for free.

Signing up for the class, she became one of the first community members to benefit from the lineup of classes Bread & Better is now offering.

“I feel like I finally know what to do,” she said as the third class in the series came to an end.

In addition to the Financial Peace, Bread & Better is now providing community members with a full menu of classes, including Mad About Marriage, The Grief Sessions and Mindful Mondays.

To learn more about what Bread & Better Life Café is doing, visit BreadAndBetterLifeCafe.com.

By Lori Futcher Managing Editor

Master Guides Attend Historic NAD Camporee

GLEN JEAN, W.VA. – Around 300 Master Guides from the Southwestern Union joined about 2,300 others from across North America for the first-ever North American Division Master Guide camporee, held Aug. 6-9 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia. Every conference in the Southwestern Union was represented. Together, the union’s delegation made a strong showing, taking top honors in the camporee’s icebreaker activities Thursday evening.

The experience was both inspiring and practical. Camporee organizers designed the schedule to balance fun with purpose. Training seminars and leadership courses helped Master Guides strengthen their skills while community service demonstrations introduced tools and techniques for

real-world disaster relief. Attendees also enjoyed games and interactive worship experiences that created opportunities for camaraderie across age groups.

“When you see young adults engaging, it’s a joy for me to know that the church is in good hands for now and the future,” said Helvis Moody,

Southwestern Union young adult and youth ministries director. Moody, who led a session on leadership, found the open discussions especially meaningful. “To me,” he said, “the Master Guide camporee was an opportunity to develop leaders for the glory of God.”

STEM Summer Institute Tackles Student Engagement

KEENE, TEX. – Many schools today face an engagement crisis, with students showing less motivation and interest in learning. Some report that school feels irrelevant and disconnected from realworld applications.

Ellen G. White addressed this concern in her book Education: “Life is too generally regarded as made up of distinct periods, the period of learning and the period of doing—of preparation and of achievement. In preparation for a life of service the youth are sent to school, to acquire knowledge by the study of books. Cut off from the responsibilities of everyday life, they become absorbed in study, and often lose sight of its purpose.”

Educators have proposed solutions that focus on three phases of learning: (1) “knowing that,” or surface learning, which emphasizes acquiring knowledge and skills; (2) “knowing how,” or deep learning, which emphasizes making connections, analyzing and synthesizing information; and (3)

“knowing with,” or transfer learning, which emphasizes applying knowledge and skills in new and more complex contexts.

Responding to these concerns, the Southwestern Union office of education organized a K-12 STEM Summer Institute in July. The event featured a problem-based learning approach, often referred to as project-based learning, which incorporates all three phases. Design thinking was used as the vehicle, emphasizing problem identification, solution generation and prototype development and testing.

Robert Henley, director of innovation for the Florida Conference and associate director of EXSEED, facilitated the institute. Educators engaged in activities that built knowledge and skills while pushing them deeper into analysis and synthesis. They then worked in collaborative groups to transfer these strategies to real-world challenges.

K-6 teachers designed playground models for disabled students using

construction paper, cardboard and pipe cleaners to accommodate various disabilities. Grades 7-12 teachers focused on creating devices to address pusher syndrome, a balance condition resulting from a stroke. Using microcontrollers and block coding, teachers developed wearable medical prototypes to assist with balance.

Design thinking reinforced the three phases of learning and strengthened Portrait of a Graduate competencies, which include collaboration, critical thinking, creativity, innovation and communication.

Problem-based learning offers one potential solution to disengagement by providing students with meaningful, relevant experiences that connect classroom learning with life.

By Carol Campbell, Ph.D. Vice President for Education

Professional Learning Opportunities Enrich Educators

KEENE, TEX. – Ongoing professional learning remains a priority for Southwestern Union educators, both in leadership and in classrooms. Two recent opportunities included the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD) Convention and the union’s annual Superintendents’ Retreat.

ASCD Convention

ASCD, which recently merged with the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), is a global organization focused on teaching and learning strategies. Each year, the Southwestern Union Office of Education sends educators from each of its five conferences to the annual ASCD convention.

This past June, four teachers and principals, along with several

conference superintendents and union personnel, attended the convention in San Antonio. The theme, “Spark Joyful Learning,” highlighted the blending of pedagogy and technology. A key topic in several sessions was the growing impact of artificial intelligence on education.

Superintendents’ Retreat

In addition to classroom-focused opportunities, the union hosts an annual superintendents’ retreat, rotating locations among the five conferences. The superintendent of the host conference plays a key role in planning the activities.

The retreat serves as a time to reflect, collaborate and grow professionally. Superintendents share strategies, coordinate plans and strengthen cooperation. Leisure activities add creative outlets and provide relaxation.

This July, the Texas Conference hosted the retreat at the Hill Country Herb Garden in Fredericksburg, Tex. Each day began with worship, featuring speakers Smith Castillo, Kisha Norris and Renee Whiting.

Professional learning included an interactive session with bestselling

author and speaker Lainie Rowell on cultivating a coaching mindset for continuous improvement. The topic aligned with the union’s emphasis on Continuous School Improvement (CSI) as part of its Education by Design (EbD) Framework.

The retreat also introduced strategies for balancing coaching and evaluation, a timely focus as the union embraces a coaching model for sustainable growth. Whiting and the Texas Conference applied these principles to union schools through the Danielson Framework, designed to support scaffolded growth plans, clear expectations, differentiated feedback and progress tracking.

Leisure time included exploring Fredericksburg and the Hill Country, enjoying culinary experiences and even taking a class on preparing healthy smoothies with versatile fruit and vegetable combinations.

The Southwestern Union Office of Education remains committed to supporting professional learning that equips educators to prepare students for life today and for eternity.

By Carol Campbell, Ph.D. Vice President for Education

Persevering in Community

The Christian faith emphasizes communal perseverance and mutual encouragement, as vividly illustrated in Hebrews 10:23-25. This passage underscores the importance of community in the spiritual journey. From three distinct perspectives—personal spiritual growth, communal accountability and the embodiment of faith through practice—we can explore how church attendance and small groups serve as vital corridors for spiritual nourishment and perseverance.

Participating in a church or small group is fundamental for spiritual development. When believers gather, they create an environment conducive to growth. For example, hearing testimonies or participating in communal prayer can invigorate a believer’s hope and renew their commitment to their faith journey.

In addition, church communities provide accountability. When one member struggles with doubt or temptation, others can offer encouragement, prayer and biblical wisdom, helping that individual persevere. This support system fosters resilience and deepens personal faith.

When believers gather regularly, they develop relationships that

transcend superficial interactions, creating spaces where spiritual growth is nourished through genuine care. These interpersonal connections foster a culture of accountability—not merely for personal behavior but also for collectively living out Christ’s teachings. For instance, church service projects are one way community bonds translate into tangible acts of kindness.

Churches also serve as echo chambers of encouragement as we grow nearer to the Second Coming of Christ. When believers gather face-to-face, they reinforce their hope and commitment, reminding each other that their efforts are part of a divine plan.

In-person gatherings also foster deeper relationships through non-verbal cues, such as eye contact, gestures and physical touch that enhance empathy and understanding. These human connections build a sense of belonging.

Finally, in-person worship creates an atmosphere where the Holy Spirit can move freely. Engaging together physically in prayer, singing or participating in communion cultivates a heightened spiritual awareness and authenticity.

While livestreaming can be convenient and accessible, it often lacks the intimacy and communal vibrancy that

face-to-face interactions provide. It can sometimes foster a passive form of engagement, whereas attending in person demands active participation and commitment.

Hebrews 10:23-25 reminds believers that mutual encouragement is not merely optional but essential. By consciously fostering relationships within faith communities, believers can find strength to persevere, actively live out love and eagerly anticipate the divine promises ahead.

In the end, participating in the local church on-site provides a rich, dynamic space where faith can flourish.

By Jeff Villegas President

Teachers Attend STEM Workshop

KEENE, TEX. – Eleven teachers from the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference participated in a dynamic, hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) workshop held July 15-17 at Southwestern Adventist University. The professional development event was part of the On the Road with EXSEED initiative, designed to strengthen the integration of STEM through experiential education.

Led by Robert Henley, EXSEED associate director and director of innovation for the Florida Conference, the workshop was titled Innovate to Educate: Empowering K-12 Classrooms with Design Thinking and Mechatronics. It was developed in partnership with Loma Linda University, AdventHealth University, the Conductive Education Center of Orlando, the Cerebral Palsy Alliance and the Versacare Foundation.

Small Groups Thriving at Slidell Church

SLIDELL, LA. – At Slidell Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that small groups are safe, welcoming spaces where people can engage in meaningful conversations about God.

Two small groups at Slidell church are thriving in the Word and living out a mission-centered purpose.

The first is our Spanish group, where language is no barrier to discovering truth. On this side of the lake, there is currently no Spanish-speaking Adventist presence. Recognizing the need, dedicated members with a heart for ministry created this small group to reach and serve the local Spanish-speaking community. Twice a month, members and guests gather to study the Bible, grow in faith and learn about the love of God.

Our second small group meets

Teachers engaged in two different tracks tailored to their grade levels. K-8 educators explored micro:bit technology and block coding to create adaptive toys for children with disabilities. Meanwhile, grades 7-12 teachers worked with Arduino microcontrollers and the C# programming language to prototype wearable medical devices for patients experiencing pusher syndrome, a project developed in partnership with Loma Linda University.

Throughout the event, participants were immersed in the design thinking process and explored practical applications of innovation, problem-based learning and mechatronics. They left with classroom-ready tools, a new curriculum and renewed inspiration to reimagine education in their schools.

To learn more about the workshop, see page 16.

By Tim Kripps Education Superintendent

on Sabbath afternoons and is made up of members and guests who are passionate about going deeper into God’s promises. They also meet twice a month, engaging in rich discussions on various biblical topics. It’s a space where community is built and spiritual growth is nurtured. Both small groups remind us that the worship of God doesn’t end with the morning service; it continues around tables, in circles

and wherever God’s people choose to gather and grow in His Word. Small groups are where discipleship happens, where followers of Jesus are made. God is moving at Slidell church and through these groups, we see the seeds of revival being planted and nurtured. The mission is alive!

By Jerson Sical Pastor

Bentonville Offers Gratitude for Pastor’s Services

BENTONVILLE, ARK. – When a pastor gives more than two decades of service, the church family takes notice. On the first Sabbath of August, the Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist Church honored Fernando Villegas for 26 years of ministry with a special worship service and celebration. From the beginning of the service, the focus was on gratitude. Villegas and his wife, Mirley, were invited to the front of the sanctuary. Individuals spoke about the pastor’s consistency, care and love for people. “For 26 years, the pastor has preached, prayed, shown up and lived his faith,” said one. “His family has served right alongside him.”

A slideshow played after their introduction, showing photos from years of ministry. Members saw images of baptisms, Pathfinder campouts, church gatherings and quiet moments of prayer. The presentation reflected the steady and personal way Villegas has led. The Pathfinder staff stood together in uniform as they presented

Villegas and his wife with a framed copy of Numbers 6:24-26. At the end of the service, members formed a large circle in the sanctuary aisles. Holding hands, they sang “The Family of God.” It was a simple but powerful way to say thank you.

The celebration continued at the fellowship meal, where church members shared memories, hugs and a special

cake prepared in Villegas’s honor. For the members of Bentonville church, Villegas is known not only for his sermons but for his steady presence. He shows up, listens, prays and leads with kindness. After 26 years of service, Villegas remains a shepherd who cares for his people.

By Audra Kohltfarber

MaryBrice Parker Continues to Celebrate Life at 103

SHREVEPORT, LA. – It’s a remarkable thing to make it to 90 years of age, let alone 100. But we have a church member in Shreveport who has surpassed that. MaryBrice Parker celebrated her 103rd birthday on Aug. 7.

Parker, a member of the Shreveport First Seventh-day Adventist Church, was baptized at the age of 12 and has served in several positions, including deaconess and treasurer. She was married to the late A. J. (Doc) Parker. Together, they had three children, Jimmy (deceased), Dickie and Marlene.

The church members came together to celebrate and gifted Parker with a blanket featuring the words from Matthew 28: “I am with you always.”

By Susan Parker

ARKLA Pathfinder Hall of Fame: Roger Moore

HARRISON, ARK. – On Sabbath, Aug. 16, the Arkansas-Louisiana (ARKLA) Youth Department presented Clarissa Moore and family with a special plaque honoring her late husband, Roger Moore, who was voted and inducted into the ARKLA Pathfinder Hall of Fame.

The ceremony was held at the Harrison Seventh-day Adventist Church. Conference Youth leaders David Craig, Lloyd Clapp, Stacey Sowers and Audra Kohltfarber did the presentation with a special prayer over the family.

Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry

TONTITOWN, ARK. – Check out the history pages of the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference website and you will discover a jewel of a ministry in the northwest corner of our conference. Yes, we know there are a lot of Adventist believers in that area—the Seventh-day Adventist churches are prolific. But Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry (SKMM) is different. If you would like to see a ministry that is excited and on fire for the Lord, talk to the Northwest Chapter of Sabbath Keepers Motorcycle Ministry formed in 2015.

I had the privilege of sitting at a booth near theirs during the most recent camp meeting in Gentry, Ark. The stories wafting over from their table drew in all those passing by. So, what are they about? They are a unique ministry that seeks to fulfill the great gospel commission to spread God’s word to members within the motorcycle community or to anyone who has a desire to learn more about Jesus. They receive people in genuine, “come as you are” fashion, just as our Savior did when He walked among common folk. Members of the ministry reach out by attending motorcycle rallies and other events where they can set up booths with signs and banners identifying themselves, giving away pins,

shop rags and spiritual books (including coloring books) with their contact information and logo, as well as GLOW tracts. They make themselves available to listen, to encourage and to pray with those who might be in spiritual need. They also “reach in” by presenting Sabbath services for local Adventist churches. There are many who enjoy riding and ministering to others who have become members of SKMM, and there are also those who don’t ride but believe in ministering to those who are considered different and overlooked in our communities.

Recently, in partnership with the Tontitown Seventh-day Adventist Group,

Moore served our Pathfinders and youth faithfully, teaching classes and serving as an area coordinator, among other things. He was known for his kindness and humble spirit. He was very loved and appreciated in our conference and will be missed. We are proud to induct him into the Pathfinder Hall of Fame.

By David Craig Youth Director

SKMM purchased an inflatable Daniel 2 statue in the hope that people will be curious and drawn to the booth so they can explain the prophecies of Daniel. I encourage you to get to know Rick Thames and the rest of the group to learn more about their mission and work. Check out their Facebook page: Facebook.com/nwaskmm or contact Thames via email at MThames@gmail. com. They would be happy to visit your church and tell you more about the ministry.

By Frances Alcorn

Lay Member Leads Daniel Seminar

CLINTON, ARK. – I had the profound privilege of facilitating a 32-lesson Daniel seminar through Seminars Unlimited at the Clinton Seventh-day Adventist Church.

It was a lovely location for the study, and I witnessed more than theological growth; I saw personal transformation. Attendees bonded over scripture, supported one another and often lingered after the sessions to ask questions or

offer insights. Several expressed how this seminar rekindled their love for the Bible and gave them the tools to study with family or even to consider leading their own small groups.

This seminar became a spiritual pilgrimage for each participant. Together, we dove deep into the prophecies and life lessons found in the book of Daniel, discovering not only God’s control over the rise and fall of nations, but His care for each of us individually.

By God’s grace, five participants completed all 32 lessons, faithfully attending and engaging with the material week after week. One young man (7-years-old) studied separately with my wife, Dorcas, and was learning scriptures by faith. He didn’t just listen passively but absorbed the Word with sincerity and curiosity.

Graduation day was a joyful celebration as each participant received their

certificates, knowing they had not only completed a series but had begun a new chapter in their spiritual journey, better equipped to “shine like the brightness of the heavens” and “lead many to righteousness,” (Daniel 12:3).

To anyone considering facilitating a Daniel Seminar, I encourage you to step forward in faith. Seminars Unlimited provides excellent materials, support and a Christ-focused structure that makes even complex topics accessible and engaging. Whether your group is large or small, the Holy Spirit will work through the message, just as He did in ours. Let’s find new ways to study our Savior’s promises of a soon return. If you’d like, you can reach out to me at Stevend703@gmail.com.

By Steve Dragoo

The Importance of Presence, Connectedness in Absence

For those of us who have been in church for any length of time, we understand the value of having interpersonal connections with others. It’s often through those regular interactions that we find opportunities to connect and grow together in our Christian journey. Phone calls and text messages are helpful tools for maintaining basic communication, but when we think about evangelism and discipleship, there is no doubt that consistent, meaningful connections are essential to preserving our faith. From the apostolic church onward, this practice has been part of our church’s DNA, holding believers together through both dark seasons of Christian history and times of peace and tolerance.

Paul often uses the imagery of family when describing the community of believers. These allusions remind us not only of our calling and our relationship with God—as His sons and daughters—but also of our responsibility to bless and encourage one another. Writing to the Ephesians, Paul says: “So now you … are no longer strangers and foreigners. You are citizens along with all of God’s holy people. You are members of God’s family.” Ephesians 2:19 (NLT).

When I think of family, I think of more

than just sharing information or presenting a list of tasks. Family is about connecting and building relationships with love. A healthy family longs to spend time together, to create memories and to grow closer. It is in those shared experiences that we strengthen one another, build each other up and truly experience love.

As a husband and father who often travels overnight multiple times a month, I appreciate the technology that allows me to connect with my family when I am away. But, as grateful as I am for those tools, nothing compares to being with my family in person, enjoying each other’s company. Likewise, as believers in Christ, online options for worship and fellowship can be a blessing when in-person attendance isn’t possible. Yet, I think we can all agree that they cannot replace faceto-face ministry and in-person worship. It’s not even close!

There are many blessings that come from being present at church, joining a small group or serving in ministry. There are two sides to this coin: we position ourselves to be blessed, and we also make ourselves available to be a blessing to others. Scripture reminds us that “iron sharpens iron,” (Proverbs 27:17); to “encourage one another

and build each other up,” (1 Thessalonians 5:11); to “bear one another’s burdens,” (Galatians 6:2); and to “love one another … contribute to the needs of the saints … rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep,” (Romans 12:10–15).

Let us “hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching,” Hebrews 10:23-25.

By Daniel Ortega President

Fresh-cut Flower Fellowship

BRISTOW, OKLA. – There was laughter and love at the Bristow Seventh-day Adventist Church women’s ministries flower party at the beginning of July.

Allyson Lambert and Macy Fisher, women’s ministries directors, planned the event. Lambert is the owner of a flower farm, Slick Chick Blooms. Lambert and Fisher invited local ladies from church and encouraged them to bring a friend to pick from her cutting garden that is located at her grandmother’s home. Several church members brought their friends to the party, opening opportunities for friendships. Lambert has arranged other flower-cutting and sunflower photo shoot events for her business and finds them a wonderful way to share her love of flowers and friends. But

this was a special, free event to bring women together to share a beautiful experience.

To quench the evening heat, guests sipped and nibbled on fruit-infused ice water and a “make your own” fruit pizza bar before the flower party began. Tables were set up under large, shade trees with flower clippers and jars for the upcoming arrangements. Lambert led a helpful demonstration of how to arrange the flowers with greenery and then the flowers. After the arranging demonstration, the ladies roamed through the many rows of dahlias, zinnias, cosmos, marigolds, mint and lemon basil, taking in the scent and colorful petals of each flower and herb. Each of their resulting bouquets seemed to reflect their personalities,

from unabashed deep colors to soothing pastels, their shapes ranging from composed and simple to “wherever they may fall.”

Women ranging from their early 20s to age 90 felt joy in creating, in encouraging and applauding each other’s arrangements. The beauty of God’s creation that each woman took home served as a reminder of His love. As Jesus told us, “Consider how the wild flowers grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these,” Luke 12:27. If Jesus cares so much about the flowers of the field, we can be assured of His love for us.

By Caroline A. Fisher

The Mission Legacy of Bristow Adventist Church

BRISTOW, OKLA. – “Be careful what you ask for because you just might get it,” said octogenarian June Hurst, laughing about her request to God for something to do for Him to keep her busy during the pandemic. That something became preparing for the Bristow Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 75th anniversary celebration, which took place on June 28.

Hurst (who was one of the committee members, along with Frances Fisher Cook, Gayle Putnam East, Laura Baker Weber and typists Tammy Curtis and Caroline Fisher) researched the church’s founding members, which included Cook and Weber’s families, along with the John Groom family. In 1978, Cook’s aunt, Lorena Wilcox, published a book entitled History of the Bristow SDA Church

Hurst created an in-depth 24-page history booklet and made and displayed many pictorial historical posters highlighting the past 75 years of church family growth and mission work. Cook laminated tablecloths full of photos of church members and their families from past decades, which now cover the tables in the fellowship hall.

The church’s history begins with Edwin Butz, who became a Seventh-day Adventist in 1887 when he was about 23 years old. He and his wife served on Pitcairn Island, sailing there on the Adventist schooner Pitcairn in 1895. In the meantime, Butz’s cousin, Effie Seeburger, married Henry Will Fisher. When the Butz family returned to the United States on furlough, they visited the Fisher cousins in Missouri to share the Good News. The Fishers began keeping Sabbath, stopped using pork products (a mainstay in their farm life) and started feeling the slap of ridicule from their extended family members who did not embrace the Adventist message. To ease the conflict, the Fishers bought farm land from a freedman in 1903 in Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) and moved there in 1905.

Along with neighbors, John and Hulda Groom—who had settled on land nearby the Fishers in the 1890s— families began worshiping in homes. However, evangelist Harold Williams catapulted the Sabbath keepers to church status after a series of tent meetings in August 1949, when 26 charter members joined the Adventist faith. The December 1949 church clerk’s report stated there were 56 church members, including charter families such as the Bakers, Bresees, Fishers, Murphys and Stubblefields. To accommodate these faithful families, a small brick church was built at the corner of Sixth and Poplar streets in Bristow, where the church remains today in expanded form. The official “Grand Opening” was held on June 24, 1950, with Oklahoma Conference officers attending.

A church school was started in a church classroom in the fall of 1963, with Aleta VanHoose as the sole teacher. Bristow Adventist School still operates, serving students in grades 1-8. It’s now located at the edge of town with its own building and grounds.

The brave legacy to follow God’s Word in the late 1800s has resulted in a church that still supports mission work: at least 40 of the descendants of the charter and founding members have continued to share the gospel at home and around the world as missionaries or student missionaries. The high Sabbath celebration in June included several special guests, including former Bristow church pastor Don Fortner and wife, Joyce, who shared one of her legendary children’s stories. Fortner continued sharing his legacy of incredible piano skills during the services. Another special guest was former Bristow pastor Dale Tunnell, who presented an energetic Sabbath school lesson and the afternoon program: This is Your Life, Bristow! Shane Anderson—part of the extended family of several Bristow church members

and lead pastor of Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs, Mich.—was the main speaker for the worship hour. Anderson remarked that the church has the “highest ratio of church-member-to-international missions” that he has seen in his pastoral ministry: approximately 55 members to 50 countries.

Anderson’s daughter, Ellie, a returning student missionary from a Bolivian orphanage, gave the opening prayer during Sabbath School and Anthony Sandoval, a frequent visitor, musician and returning youth missionary from Thailand, humbly shared his riveting testimony. The two youth spent this summer as Pentecost 2025 Bible workers in nearby Okmulgee.

Everyone gathered at Kenny and Debby Fisher’s home for a corn roast and visiting before vespers in their front yard.

Bristow church pastor Andrew Spooner reminded the 180 attendees at the celebration, “our ultimate desire is that we, as God’s people, would be encouraged, revitalized and inspired to redouble our commitment to missionary service, both at home and abroad, and to focus more intentionally on our personal relationships with Jesus and our preparation to meet Him one day very soon when He returns.”

By Caroline A. Fisher

Creating Community Amongst Sheperdesses

OKLAHOMA CITY – Eight years ago, I was faced with the opportunity and privilege of working for and with a large group of diverse and lovely women. These were the pastors’ wives of our conference, and I was their Shepherdess leader.

My goal as their leader was to provide opportunities for them to get together and form bonds. We started out with the annual Shepherdess Dinner during the Oklahoma Camp Meeting, and then I offered to host a Shepherdess retreat. I also created a picture directory of Shepherdesses and their families.

During our retreats, we had worship, took walks in nature, chatted by the fireside, ate wonderful meals together and spent time bonding and fellowshipping over creative activities. We also studied books together, like The

Five

Love Languages and How to Win Friends and Influence People

We enjoyed getting together so much that at their request, our times together started to expand. Over several years, we had five well-attended group baby showers, as well as several Christmas lunches and gift exchanges.

But the day came when I knew I had achieved my goal, when different small groups of the Shepherdesses community began to make their own plans to fellowship together. They were supporting each other’s ministries and were encouraging each other.

As my ministry to them has now ended, many of them have told me how thankful they are for the opportunities I created for them to get to know one another and to find close relationships in the ministry. They said there were times they felt alone and isolated, but

now they feel connected.

It has been my privilege to serve these pastors’ wives, to facilitate their support and friendships with one another and to personally get to know each of them who came to the gatherings. I have been truly blessed by them, and I have loved serving them.

By Julia Shires

Choctaw Church Purchases the House Next Door

CHOCTAW, OKLA.

– Recently, the Choctaw Seventh-day Adventist Church took a big step, even though we are not totally sure where this step will lead!

Our church is a country church, located in the small town of Choctaw, a few miles east of Oklahoma City. Recently, we had an opportunity we never expected.

Directly to the south of our church sits a small-frame house. For most of us, it has always been just a mostly overlooked part of the landscape. But

recently that changed.

The church’s leadership called a business meeting a few months ago and informed us that the house next door, with its surrounding property, was for sale.

The owner had recently passed away, and she had told her children that she would like to give our church the first opportunity to buy her house.

One of the children even remembered their mom sending them to play on the south side of the house on

Sabbath mornings so they would not disturb our worship. They had always been good and quiet neighbors.

This offer was a completely unexpected opportunity, and we were unsure about it. However, at our business meeting, we prayerfully discussed the offer and even toured the house and looked at the property.

After some discussion, we voted almost unanimously to make an offer on the house.

Our offer was accepted and we recently closed on the property!

We are still not sure where this purchase will lead, but isn’t that the fun of receiving unexpected opportunities from our heavenly Father?

Stay tuned for future details of this unfolding story! We expect to have exciting updates to share soon!

By Robin Sagel

A Lifetime of Service to Children’s Ministry

OKLAHOMA CITY – Norma Shepherd (pictured left) has recently retired from the Oklahoma Conference Children’s Ministries Department after 10 years of dedicated service. Originally from Fresno, Calif., Shepherd began her ministry journey at just 14 years old by helping with a local Vacation Bible School (VBS). Her passion for working with children led her to earn a degree in Early Childhood Education.

“I have always felt,” Shepherd shared, “that if you capture a child’s heart and help them build a relationship with Jesus, they’re less likely to depart from Him when they grow up.”

Shepherd and her husband, Rex, embraced mission service early in their marriage. They had been married only six months when they had the opportunity to go to Lesotho, Africa, to work for a year at Maluti Adventist Hospital. Before they left, they secured a full three-year Bible Story felt set. They brought the uncut felt onto the flight, and invited fellow passengers to help them cut out the felts. “People were so curious about what we were doing!” Shepherd recalls. “It turned into a wonderful witnessing opportunity.”

At Maluti Adventist Hospital, Shepherd assisted with non-clinical work, helped her husband manage the farm, kept hospital statistics and even developed X-rays. But what she loved most was leading branch Sabbath Schools.

“Showing kids Jesus’ love is more important than focusing on rules and traditions,” Shepherd said. “Once they know who Jesus is and what He values, living the life He calls us to becomes easier.”

Although Shepherd is retiring from conference-wide responsibilities, her passion for children’s ministries remains strong. “I’ve always taught Sabbath School—that’s where my heart is,” she said. “I will continue teaching Primary Sabbath School and VBS at the Edmond Seventh-day Adventist Church until

Jesus comes back or retires me locally.” Oklahoma Conference President Daniel Ortega expressed how grateful he is for Shepherd’s faithful service. “Her dedication to the families and children of Oklahoma was marked by kindness, gentleness and an unfailingly positive attitude. She left a lasting impression on countless young hearts, serving as a loving, tender grandmother to many. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to serve alongside her and witness firsthand the compassion and commitment she poured into every child she touched. Her legacy will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

Replacing Shepherd as the next children’s ministries coordinator is Lisa Amukaya (pictured right). Amukaya was born and raised in a Baptist home. At the age of 20, she discovered the truth about the Sabbath, then began Bible studies, which led to her baptism in 2003. The following year, she married Micah Amukaya, and together they have been blessed with four children. She and her family have been members at Abundant Life Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2009.

Amukaya has always had a deep passion for working with children. From a young age, she served in her church’s nursery, assisted teachers and helped with Vacation Bible School. Her love for children’s ministries only grew stronger in adulthood. Today, she continues to serve in her local church as a Sabbath School teacher, VBS leader,

Amukaya has worked at First Christian Childcare Center in Edmond for the past 16 years—first as a teacher, and for the last three years she has been on the administration team as curriculum coordinator. She’s currently pursuing a degree in child development with an emphasis in administration.

Amukaya believes that children are precious jewels from God. It is her heartfelt desire to help them discover Jesus for themselves and develop a personal relationship with Him. She finds immense joy in seeing their faces light up with understanding, hearing their voices lifted in song and witnessing their unrestrained laughter. These are all moments that bring happy tears to her eyes.

Amukaya’s philosophy is rooted in creating a space where every child feels loved, safe and valued, no matter what their circumstances. Her personal motto is, “If even just one will be saved, then it was all worth it.”

Amukaya looks forward with humbled excitement and prayerful anticipation as she steps into the role of children’s ministries coordinator for the Oklahoma Conference. She is eager to see how the Lord will use her and the little lives she may impact in this next chapter of her journey.

By Todd Gessele Assistant Communication Director

Adventurers teacher and children’s choir assistant director.

The Ministry of Presence

The proliferation of digital ministry has increased in recent years. In many cases, this has been a sincere blessing, particularly for the sick and shut-in, those traveling or those unable to attend in person. There’s no doubt that the ability to connect with church via the internet has provided spiritual nourishment and encouragement. Yet, while technology can be a wonderful tool, it was never meant to replace the irreplaceable—being physically present in God’s house with God’s people. When possible, in-person worship offers blessings and benefits that no screen or television monitor can fully provide. Below are some of these benefits.

Shared Presence Brings a Deeper Sense of God’s Presence. There’s something spiritually powerful about God’s people gathering in one place to worship. Jesus said, “For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them,” Matthew 18:20 (KJV). While God is omnipresent, His manifested presence is often experienced in unique ways when believers are physically together.

We Are Encouraged by Seeing and Being Seen. In-person attendance

allows your very presence to be an encouragement to others. A smile, a handshake or a word of blessing can lift someone’s spirit in ways that digital interaction simply cannot replicate.

Worship Is Meant to Be Participatory, Not Passive. When watching online, it’s easy to become a consumer of worship rather than a participant. In person, you stand with others, lift your voice in song, respond to the sermon and join in corporate prayer.

Relationships Are Built Face-toFace. Christianity is a community faith. Genuine relationships are nurtured in shared spaces—over conversation at potluck, during small group discussions or while serving together. Online worship seldom allows for that kind of personal connection.

Accountability and Spiritual Growth

Thrive in Community. When we physically attend church, we are more likely to be known, prayed for and lovingly challenged. It’s easier to drift spiritually when no one knows if you’re present or not.

Corporate Worship Models Heaven. Scripture’s picture of heaven is of a

multitude gathered before the throne, worshiping together! In-person worship is a foretaste of that eternal reality, preparing our hearts for the day when we will gather in God’s presence.

Livestream worship is a gift for when in-person attendance is not possible, but it should be the exception, not the norm. When we attend church physically, we not only receive encouragement, but we are the encouragement someone else might need. Hence, when you can, come. Your seat in the sanctuary matters— not just for you, but for the body of Christ.

By Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min. President

Educators Certified to Launch Aerospace Education

DAYTONA BEACH, FLA. – Educators from schools in Houston, Baton Rouge and Dallas recently completed intensive training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla. Already leaders in robotics, they are now certified adjunct instructors, bringing university-level aerospace curriculum into middle and high school classrooms in the Southwest Region Conference.

For middle schoolers, the new Aerospace Dimensions course will blend robotics, engineering and aviation fundamentals through projects like parachute egg drops, shoebox glider designs and coding basic machines. Students will gain early exposure to aerospace systems, design thinking and collaborative problem-solving.

High school students at Southwest Christian Academy will benefit from Journey of Flight: Introduction to Aerospace, a rigorous course covering aviation history, principles of flight and career pathways. Students in grades 10-12 can earn dual-enrollment credit through Embry-Riddle, strengthening

college applications and opening pathways to aviation, aerospace engineering, drone technology and air traffic control. Homeschoolers are also eligible to apply this fall.

Adjunct instructors for middle grades include Tiffany Ellis (Excel Adventist Academy/Houston), Deloris Newman (Martin Luther King Junior Christian Academy/Baton Rouge), Danielle Byrd and Violet Dean (Southwest Christian Academy). Adjunct instructors for high school grades: Annette Hall (Southwest Christian Academy) and Lawanna McCoy (Southwest Region Conference Office of Education).

The benefits extend beyond classrooms. Students who complete courses may earn transferable college credit, giving them a competitive edge for STEM programs. More importantly, an authentic aerospace curriculum inspires real futures in rapidly growing industries.

This initiative signals a new approach to learning in the Southwest Region Conference. By equipping teachers as

university-certified adjuncts, schools are turning classrooms into launchpads for innovation. Students are not just reading textbooks but engaging with industry-grade content, building machines and solving design challenges that prepare them for tomorrow’s world.

Founded in 1926, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the world’s leading institution for aviation and aerospace education, serving 33,000 students worldwide. Its programs— from flight training to unmanned aircraft systems—are internationally recognized for rigor and industry alignment.

Through its partnership with the Southwest Region Conference, Embry-Riddle extends this legacy, empowering educators and students with early access to aerospace education and preparing the next generation of pilots, engineers and innovators to lead in the skies and beyond.

By Lawanna McCoy Superintendent of Education

How One Church is Feeding Neighbors in Body and Spirit

KILLEEN, TEX. – The New Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church is living out the gospel through acts of compassion that feed both body and soul. At the heart of its mission is the biblical call to “serve the least of these.”

Every other Tuesday afternoon, the church parking lot transforms into a shopping-style food pantry. Neighbors select fresh fruit, vegetables and pantry staples to create balanced meals.

Since its launch in January 2025, the pantry has distributed more than 52,000 pounds of food, donated through the Central Texas Food Bank and serving nearly 600 families and over 2,000 individuals.

On Sunday mornings, volunteers prepare and deliver between 60 and 150 hot meal boxes to the homeless

community. The team spends hours driving under bridges, through neighborhoods and into hidden areas where the unhoused gather, offering food, water and encouragement.

“Our mission is simple,” says Thelma Nicholls, director of community services. “We feed people because Jesus did. It’s our way of living out the gospel in practical, tangible ways.”

Volunteers of all ages—youth, retirees and even Lenworth Sealey, pastor of the New Hope church—helped unload trucks, distribute food and serve meals. Young people also receive school credit for their service hours.

For New Hope, the work goes beyond filling stomachs. “We don’t just hand out food,” notes Sealey. “We aim to uplift people physically, emotionally

and spiritually. Every bag of groceries, prayer and smile is a message of hope.”

If you’re seeking hope, purpose or community, the New Hope church welcomes you to visit, volunteer and be part of the good that is happening right here.

By Thelma Nicholls

Revival at Westbank United

NEW ORLEANS – At the Hope in Hard Times Revival held at Westbank United Seventh-day Adventist Church in New Orleans, lives were transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. For seven consecutive nights, Paul Lawrence, pastor of Westbank United church, delivered Spirit-filled messages that ignited faith, restored hope and drew hearts closer to God. The revival sparked energy in the children’s program, which doubled in size. What began with just one room of children quickly expanded to three rooms filled with kids and teenagers eager to learn about Jesus.

Among the attendees was Shantrika Jones, a first-time visitor who only

missed one night of the revival. Facing a difficult financial journey, Jones prayed earnestly for a breakthrough. Each night, two visitors were selected to receive $100 toward rent assistance. In a remarkable testimony to God’s providence, her name was drawn three consecutive nights. Each time, she wept with gratitude, praising God for his provision and testifying to the church how much it meant to her.

On the final night, a Smart TV was awarded to the most consistent attendee. Four names were tied, including Jones’s. In an incredible moment, the first two names called were absent, leaving only Jones and one other contender. After the names

were shuffled, a volunteer drew the winner—once again, it was Jones. Through tears of joy, she glorified God for His abundant blessings.

The greatest victory came when Jones and nine other visitors gave their lives to Jesus in baptism. Today, she is a proud member of Westbank United church, and her children are thriving in the children’s ministry.

Glory to God for the powerful ways He continues to transform lives at Westbank United!

By Paul Lawrence Pastor

Southwest Region Conference Family Ministries Presents First Annual Marriage Retreat

Temples and Living Rooms: A Both/And Faith

In Hebrews 10:23–25, Paul paints a vivid picture of the Christian journey— not as a solitary path, but as a shared pilgrimage. “Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess … and let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” These words remind us that faith flourishes in community.

The early church understood this deeply. In Acts 2:46, we see believers gathering in temple courts and breaking bread in their homes “with glad and sincere hearts.” Acts 5:42 echoes this rhythm: “Day after day … in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news.” Their faith wasn’t confined to a building or a schedule—it was a lifestyle of worship and connection.

They didn’t choose between temple and home. They embraced both. And I believe we must do the same.

There’s something powerful about corporate worship on the Sabbath—the energy, the inspiration, the reminder that we are part of something bigger than ourselves. But there’s also something sacred about the living

room—the vulnerability, the depth, the space to be known and to know others. One inspires us; the other grounds us. Together, they shape a faith that is both wide and deep.

Yet many of us struggle with the “living room” part. Maybe you’ve tried joining a small group and it didn’t work out. Maybe the group dissolved, or you were told there wasn’t room. It’s easy to feel discouraged and step back. Community takes persistence. It takes courage to try again. And it takes faith to believe that God is still working— even when doors close.

Hebrews urges us not to give up meeting together. Why? Because encouragement is found in presence. Hope is strengthened in relationship. Love and good deeds are stirred when we walk alongside one another.

So I ask you: Do you have both? Do you make space for the Sabbath gathering and the weekday connection? Have you elevated one over the other?

If we want to be a compelling force for good, if we desire a deeper walk with Christ, we need both. We need the temple and the living room. We need inspiration and intimacy. We

need to be reminded that we are not alone—and that together we can hold onto hope, encourage one another and live out love in tangible ways.

Let’s not settle for either/or. Let’s embrace both/and. Because when we do, I believe our best days are ahead— and our faith communities will reflect the fullness of God’s design. That’s how we live out our calling: “Together as One.”

By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min. President

Families Ignited for Christ

COLLEGE STATION,

TEX. – The College Station Seventh-day Adventist Church sanctuary was filled on April 12, 2025, as church members and visitors gathered for an Ignite Conference called “The Family Blessing” with guest speaker Naomi Castro, founder of Family Blessing Ministries. This was the second annual Ignite Conference the church hosted in collaboration with family ministries, women’s ministries and men’s ministries. Women’s Ministries English Coordinator Sandralee

Mars and Family Ministries Director Ruber Leal, both from the Texas Conference, joined the efforts with innovative gifts and support.

The event aimed to restore the art of blessing individuals in our family, church and community. Castro walked attendees through the foundations of a God-given blessing, reminding all that blessings are not just kind words but spiritual acts with power to heal, restore and affirm our identity in Christ.

Castro emphasized how these elements can be integrated into key life events, such as baby dedications, baptisms, weddings, graduations or even times of crisis. “It is virtually impossible to bless someone and then turn around and cause them harm,” she said, underscoring how true blessing aligns us with God’s will and strengthens relationships.

The presenter addressed the wounds many carry due to the absence

Sixty-four Years and Counting

MESQUITE, TEX. – On April 26, the Mesquite Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder and Master Guide Clubs and the Terrell Adventurer Club surprised Robert (Bob) Turner with a dinner to honor his 64th year in Pathfinder ministry. As the title indicates, Turner is not done yet. He still looks forward to God’s continued blessings. He took a few minutes to reflect on his 64 years.

Sixty-four years ago, Turner was an airman in the U.S. Air Force. As a youngster, he had been a Cub Scout and a Boy Scout, and during his high school years, he was in the ROTC, so drilling and marching came naturally to him. In addition, his mother, the youth leader at a Baptist church, had appointed him junior youth leader.

While in the military, he learned about the Sabbath. Looking for a

Sabbath-keeping church, he found the Allon Chapel Seventh-day Adventist Church in Lincoln, Neb. The church’s Pathfinder director asked Turner if he would teach the Allon Chapel Pathfinder Club how to drill and march. A year later, he became the Pathfinder director, taking his small Pathfinder club to camporees, youth congresses and many youth events, something they had not done previously. The club members worked hard and won first place in camporee events, especially drilling and marching.

Following a move to Texas, Turner continued assisting in Pathfinder ministry, joining the Medical Cadet Corps as an area commander, then state commander, then conference executive commander. During that time, he became a Master Guide. At the Mesquite church, Turner became the

of blessings in childhood—emotional neglect, verbal condemnation and generational pain. Using examples like Esau’s anguished cry for his father’s blessing in Genesis 27, attendees were led to reflect deeply on their own family experiences. Regardless of what may have happened in the past, the message was clear: healing is possible. It’s never too late to bless your loved ones, to seek healing from the Father or to start anew by being a blessing.

During the conference, couples embraced, parents wept, children were affectionately held and many committed to being more intentional about speaking blessings over their families. This unforgettable event served as a spiritual reset for many. Faith was renewed, and attendees were empowered to pass on the blessing, just as God commanded, from one generation to the next.

By Shevonne Dyer-Phillips

leader for Ambassador Ministries, the Pathfinder Club and the Master Guide Club, tapping the energy of the youth and their enthusiasm to serve.

Turner feels that his many years of service are because of where the Lord has placed him, which allows him to follow his desire to see the youth of today become the leaders of tomorrow.

You can find Turner’s full story online at TexasAdventist.org/Bob-Turner.

By Bob Turner

Texas Conference Educators Refreshed & Renewed

ROUND ROCK, TEX. – Just before the school year began, Texas Conference educators and their families enjoyed some time to “Refresh & Renew” at Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, July 28-31, 2025. Keynote speaker Carlton P. Byrd, Southwest Region Conference president, encouraged the “10-month evangelists” to let the Lord guide them as they lead His children.

CPR courses allowed educators to update their certifications. Breakout sessions provided learning tools. A “make-it, take-it” room offered tools and supplies to create things for their classrooms and so much more. Everything was designed to affirm the educators and encourage them as they were set to begin a new school year. “We know how hard our educators work,” said Kisha Norris, Texas Conference vice president for education. “Refresh & Renew was our way to restore them physically, mentally and spiritually before they headed back to the classroom to teach and witness to their students.”

On the final day, service pins were given to 112 educators, recognizing those with five or more years of service.

Impressively, 46 of them had 15 years or more of service, and Ruth Walker topped the list with 45 years of service.

The event concluded with a Commissioned Ministry of Teaching ceremony. Fifty-one candidates were commissioned, representing 746 combined years of educational service. During the ceremony, educators affirmed their call to educational ministry, recognizing it as a gift from the Holy Spirit.

“It has been almost 10 years since we had an educators’ family retreat and more than 10 years since we held an educators’ commissioning service,” Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes remarked. “We appreciate opportunities to acknowledge the wonderful work our educators do, as they are truly on the frontlines of a 10-month evangelistic series.”

“Closing the retreat with the commissioning ceremony was deeply affirming and reflective,” shared Bradley Colvin from Burton Adventist Academy in Arlington, Tex. “I left feeling renewed in my calling and thankful to be surrounded by a community devoted to Christ-centered education.”

“The commissioning ceremony was very significant and special for me,” Ana Luna, small school support, added. “It reminded me of the Great Commission found in Matthew 28. We are not just teachers. We are educators of the highest order who represent Jesus in His saving ministry.”

Yefferson Mercado from Houston Adventist Academy shared, “The commissioning ceremony was so much more than just an event for me. It was a powerful confirmation of the call God has placed on my heart and life to serve the children and youth.”

As our educators work, day in and day out, in their respective classrooms, would you join us in continuing to affirm the educators and the schools they represent? Consider sponsoring a student; paying for a field trip, student lunches or extra school supplies; or sharing your talents as a volunteer. “Together As One,” we can make an eternal and generational difference.

By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Events and Editorial Services

United African Church Celebrates 30 Years

HOUSTON, TEX. – Houston United African Seventh-day Adventist Church members and guests celebrated the church’s 30th anniversary on June 21.

The church’s journey began in 1995 with a small group of believers who didn’t have a formal name. Today, the church is a vibrant home of worship and community for many, especially within Houston’s African community.

The Sabbath’s day-long festivities welcomed a host of special guests, including Southwestern Union

President Carlos Craig, whose message encouraged everyone present to embrace a deeper, more authentic relationship with God. Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes sent a video message expressing gratitude to the church’s leaders and commending the church for its faithfulness and growth. Texas Conference Executive Secretary David Runnels reminded the church that although they had a great past, they should anticipate a greater future. Okezie Ikpeazu, former governor of Abia State in Nigeria, delivered the keynote address that evening.

A special part of the program was recognizing the founding members, early pastors and leaders at the conference and union levels who supported the church’s journey. The celebrations also included a beautifully designed anniversary brochure with pictures and goodwill messages from church

Church Embraces New Neighborhood

CEDAR HILL, TEX. – Cedar Hill Living Waters Worship Center celebrated the grand opening of their new church home on Aug. 9. Choosing the theme, “And My Promise Was Fulfilled,” based on Lamentations 2:17, they used music, testimonies, worship and prayer to show how God blessed the congregation with a new place to worship. The congregation had bid on the building during an auction. Though they hadn’t won the initial bid, 30 days later, the building became theirs.

Many guests, including local pastors, welcomed the new church congregation to the area.

One nearby pastor, Don Lunceford, shared the history of the church building, as he was the pastor when it was built. He told how the church construction was bathed in prayer, including Scriptures written on the studs before drywall was added.

Senior pastor Marlon T. Perkins, Sr., surrounded by church elders and visiting conference leaders, burned papers to signify that the church was debt-free.

Texas Conference Executive Secretary David Runnels gave the sermon for this celebratory day based on Philippians 3:4-14. He encouraged the congregation to “Ponder Back, Praise Up, Press Forward” and allow God to use them to impact their community.

During the week, another milestone was reached at the church as young adults from the church’s “The Well “ministry held its first Vacation Bible School (VBS), Aug. 4-8, 2025. The Well fosters spiritual maturity and growth of young adults through consistent Bible study and fellowship.

During VBS, more than 40 neighborhood children learned that they can turn to Jesus during life’s difficulties.

families, as well as a nostalgic gallery showing how the church has grown.

A mini documentary featured interviews with the church’s early officers who shared what those first years were like and what keeps them hopeful about the future. Other remarks challenged members, especially the youth, to embrace the next 30 years with renewed commitment and energy.

As the church celebrated three decades of God’s grace, one thing remained clear: the United African church has not only preserved its heritage, but it has also cast a bold vision for the future, standing united in faith and poised for greater impact.

The celebration was streamed on the church’s YouTube channel (youtube. com/@UnitedAfricanSDAChurch9191), and can be found by clicking on “Live” for the June 21, 2025 broadcasts.

By Asonye Onwudebe

Family Life ministry leaders hosted “Thrive Sessions” for the parents. Topics included parent/child communication, cultivating times of prayer and mental health. The VBS event concluded with each child receiving a backpack filled with school supplies.

God has shown His faithfulness to Living Waters as they have already seen the accomplishment of their 2025 church theme, “Harvesting Hope While Planting Seeds of Faith.”

By Lanette Moline

Making a Difference in Life and Death

ALVARADO, TEX. – As the year-end approaches, it is easy to think of yearend giving. Many donate gifts of all sizes at the end of the year for a variety of reasons, sometimes even tax related. Lake Whitney Ranch (LWR) development is the Texas Conference’s focus for this year’s giving, as it will take everyone working together to develop LWR to minister to groups of all sizes, even our legacy givers.

Legacy givers are individuals, like Jo (Killion) Frazier Meyer (pictured left), who create a will, trust or gift annuity with the Texas Conference and remember organizations or special causes to benefit after death. In Meyer’s case, one of her generous gifts encouraged fundraising efforts for LWR development.

“Jo had a larger-than-life personality,” Lynette Ecord, Texas Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services director, remembered. Raised on the Killion Farm in West Texas, Meyer raised two boys and started her own businesses. “I don’t think she had a timid bone in her body,” Ecord added. “She was generous with what she had and lived a life of great stewardship of her time, talents, testimony and treasure.” At her funeral, “she left instructions for the final song, ‘Happiness is the Lord,’ to be sung by the congregation. It summed up her outlook on life pretty well.”

Tony Correa, Texas Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services trust officer, learned while visiting with church members that legacy givers Denise and Andy Prince (pictured center) were inspired to leave a bequest to the Kerrville Seventh-day Adventist Church because of the church’s deep commitment to community service.

Denise liked to see the church pack food for those in need and greatly appreciated the Christian education the church provided for children. Andy was especially grateful for the members who visited him every Sabbath afternoon to study the Bible together. These visits not only brought him fellowship but also ensured he was receiving the bread of life each week through prayer and God’s Word. “Denise deeply valued the women’s ministry and often mentioned that it was one of the key reasons they decided to leave such a meaningful gift to the church,” Correa said.

Legacy giver Ned Lynn (pictured right), a Korean War veteran, was a pilot for small agricultural planes. He was also a founding member of the Pharr Seventh-day Adventist Church in Pharr, Tex., Lourdes Baca, longtime Pharr church member, recalled that Lynn had a great love for agriculture and served as a mentor to many doing plant research. In fact, the trees at the Pharr church were planted by

him. “He even planted a butterfly garden at our church to teach the children about nature’s beauty,” Baca recalled. His passion also extended to caring for the church building. Lynn and his wife, Arlene, taught Beginner Sabbath School together before her death in 2013. “They created beautiful, creative and engaging Bible lessons that helped children understand and fall in love with Jesus,” Baca added. “The children affectionately called ‘them ‘Papa Ned’ and ‘Momma Arlene.’”

These legacy givers and many like them are leaving lasting legacies for places that have made a difference in their lives or to encourage future generations. In the past two years, more than $500,000 has been distributed according to the legacy giver’s wishes. If you would like to become a legacy giver, visit GratefulLivingTexas.org, call 817.790.2255 ext. 2014 or send an email to trust@txsda.org. Gifts of all sizes make an eternal difference.

Want to make a difference now? You can to join the Lake Whitney Ranch $25 in ’25 campaign, which encourages monthly donations of $25 or more to support the development of Lake Whitney Ranch. For more information about the campaign and development, visit LakeWhitneyRanch.org.

By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Events and Editorial Services

Holding Fast Together

We are living in a time when isolation has quietly become normal. The digital age offers us endless ways to “connect,” yet true community is often missing. We scroll, we stream, we comment, but something in us still longs for more. That longing is no accident. God designed us for fellowship, for a shared journey of faith. Hebrews 10:2325, which begins, “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering … ” reminds us that our walk with Christ is not solitary—it’s communal.

To “hold fast” is to grip tightly, with determination and without letting go. The original language paints the picture of an unrelenting grasp, like someone holding a lifeline in the middle of a storm. Life brings strong winds of discouragement, but our hope does not rest in our own strength. Our hope is in God’s unwavering faithfulness.

Holding fast isn’t just about perseverance. It’s also about how we look after each other. Hebrews tells us to consider one another, to stir up love and good works. We’re called to encourage one another. Without community, our spiritual vitality weakens. However, in fellowship, love grows and faith is strengthened.

This is why the habit of assembling matters so deeply. Hebrews 10:25

cautions us to “not forsake our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encourage one another; and all the more, as you see the day drawing near,” (NASB77). Gathering is not simply about keeping a weekly routine. It’s about spiritual survival. Watching a livestream can bless us, but it cannot replace the richness of shared worship, prayer, smiles, hugs and encouragement.

This is more than a preference, it’s God’s design. From the very beginning, humanity was created for relationships. In Genesis, God declared it was not good for man to be alone. Jesus Himself built His ministry around community, calling disciples to walk with Him, eat with Him and learn together. The early church gathered often, breaking bread, sharing prayers and holding one another up in both joy and hardship. The same call rings true for us today: we were never meant to do it alone.

As the final day draws nearer, this need only grows stronger. The last great crisis of faith will test every believer, and God has designed the church to be a fortress of truth and love in these last days. The church is not perfect, but it is God’s appointed agency for saving souls. It is His chosen

place to build up His people for what lies ahead.

So, let’s not drift apart but draw closer to one another and to God. Let’s hold fast because He is faithful. Let’s encourage one another because love and good works grow best in fellowship. And let’s not neglect meeting together because the church is God’s place of renewal and strength.

I urge you: come to church. Stay connected. Lift up your brother. Encourage your sister. And together, let us press on faithfully, holding fast until the day when Christ returns.

By Lee-Roy Chacon President

2025 Texico Conference Convocation: Unshaken

CORRALES, N.M. – With hearts united and spirits lifted, hundreds of members from across the Texico Conference gathered on Aug. 29-30, at the Sandia View Academy campus for this year’s convocation, themed “Unshaken: Pressed but Not Crushed, Standing Firm in Christ.”

Throughout the weekend, a sense of legacy and hope permeated every message, every prayer and every moment of worship. This was more than a weekend gathering, it was a celebration of generations who have clung to God’s promises, even when facing storms. Together, we honored their faith and stepped forward to continue their mission.

Inspiring messages were shared by Stephen Brooks, Southwestern Union executive secretary, who brought encouragement and conviction to the English-speaking audience. Ramón J. Canals, General Conference ministerial association secretary, spoke to the

Spanish-speaking congregation with pastoral warmth and bold reminders of God’s sustaining power.

Youth were drawn into the experience through vibrant and meaningful programming led by Ramsey Asenjo, Florida Conference pastor. His messages encouraged young people to rise with purpose, rooted in the strength of Christ.

Meanwhile, the children’s program, led by guest presenter Rich Aguilera, known to many as “The Mud Guy,” captivated young hearts and minds. Through hands-on activities, science demonstrations and faith-filled adventures, children discovered the wonders of God’s creation and His love.

Uplifting music from guest artists added to the atmosphere of praise, bringing together voices across languages and generations in worship.

This year also introduced a special tribute: a collection of stories honoring the unwavering faith of pioneers

from around the Texico territory. These testimonies reminded attendees of the courageous believers who built churches in deserts, nurtured small congregations and modeled steadfast devotion to God.

As one family, we stood together— elders, children, youth, parents—not only to remember, but to renew our shared commitment to Christ and to each other. The convocation reminded us that we are pressed, but not crushed; tested, but not moved. Christ is our strength, and we press on, unshaken.

As attendees departed, many did so with renewed strength and deeper purpose, looking forward to next year’s gathering in the Albuquerque area. Until then, we carry the legacy forward, with a charge to live boldly, love deeply and lead unshaken.

By Debby Marquez Communication Director

Texico Education: A Light Beyond the Walls

CORRALES, N.M. – At Sandia View Academy, families from the surrounding community, many with no previous connection to the Adventist Church, are not only enrolling their children at the school, but also stepping into volunteer roles. Without waiting to be asked, they’re jumping in, offering their time, skills and even financial support to help the school thrive.

For them, the quality of education and the heart behind it are worth investing in. For the school, it’s a reminder that the mission of Adventist education is alive and reaching further than ever before.

These parents may not share all of our beliefs, but they feel the love, the peace and the purpose that defines the school. They trust the faculty and staff to walk with their children by living out the values of compassion, integrity and faith.

Joy is seen on the faces of students who struggled in larger schools but now feel seen and supported. New friendships and after-school

conversations lead to times when students ask honest questions about faith and identity. Parents show appreciation for staff for teaching kindness and patience.

Yes, the demographics of our school are shifting. And yes, we still hold tightly to our Adventist identity. But we believe that being rooted in Christ means reaching outward, not turning inward. Sandia View Academy is embracing its call to be a light, a school that shines into its neighborhood and welcomes the world in.

If you’ve wondered if Adventist education still matters, we invite you to come see for yourself. Step into our classrooms. Talk to our teachers. Listen to the parents who, though they may not sit in our pews, are championing our mission. What you’ll see is more than academics. You’ll see a school that reflects God’s love.

This school year, we celebrate every family that’s joined us. We’re deeply grateful to those who’ve rolled up their sleeves to help, made room in their

Broadcast Ministry Partnership in Texico

GALLUP, N.M. – On May 4, 2025, a new chapter in Native faith-based broadcasting began as two Diné Adventist Radio (DAR) programs debuted on KSVA FM 104.3 and AM 920 in Albuquerque. Every Sunday afternoon from 3 to 4 p.m., listeners can tune in to an hour of uplifting, culturally resonant

biblical programming, designed especially for the Navajo community.

This milestone marks a deepening partnership between DAR and LifeTalk Radio (LTR), a collaboration that began when DAR first began airing LTR content. Now, the relationship has come full circle, with DAR programming joining KSVA’s lineup to serve the Navajo population in and around Albuquerque, and on down through Los Lunas, Belen and beyond.

What to expect each Sunday:

3 p.m.:Timeless Bible Messages with Pastor Tom Holiday, a 30-minute sermon rooted in scripture and spiritual encouragement.

3:30 p.m.: A Beautiful Life, a bilingual program in Navajo and English

budgets to give, and chosen to trust us with their children. You are part of this story. You are part of this light.

As Ellen G. White reminds us, “The true object of education is to restore the image of God in the soul.” That restoration doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in community, with open doors and open hearts.

At Sandia View Academy, our doors are open and the light is still shining. By Sandra Patterson Superintendent of Education

featuring testimonies, stories, and reflections from God’s Word.

Leadership from DAR, LTR and KSVA all saw the value in dedicating this hour to Native voices and spiritual storytelling. It’s a powerful example of ministries working together to uplift and connect with the community.

If you are in the Albuquerque area, make Sunday afternoons a time to be inspired. Tune in to KSVA 104.3 FM or 920 AM at 3 p.m. and experience the beauty of three ministries joining hands to share hope, heritage and faith.

By Steve Pester Diné Adventist Radio Network Manager

Camp Texico on the Go: Bringing Christ’s Love to Every Stop

CORRALES, N.M. – Summer camp is always a unique experience where young people spend part of their summer break having fun, building friendships and, most importantly, growing in their relationship with God. At Camp Texico on the Go, we take that experience on the road. Rather than staying in one place, we travel across the Texico Conference, bringing camp to churches and communities wherever they are. Each week, our team sets up games, classrooms and worship spaces, only to pack it all up again and move to the next location. Even though we’re mobile, our mission is the same as every other Adventist camp: to lead young people closer to Christ.

This past summer, with a team of 10, the journey began in El Paso, Tex., where we faced our first challenge: no air conditioning. If you’ve never been to El Paso in the summer, just imagine extreme heat and then turn it up a few notches. Still, we weren’t discouraged. We unloaded bins, set up classrooms, arranged the worship area and plugged in fans wherever we could. The moment the first camper walked in, we were reminded why we were there. El Paso turned out to be

a week of spiritual growth and seeing Jesus at work despite the heat.

The next week, we headed to Abilene, Tex., an eight-hour drive away. We followed our routine: unload, set up, prepare. This time, the challenge wasn’t physical. Our team, primarily from Hispanic backgrounds, served in a community with strong African roots, working with children who speak Kinyarwanda. The cultural shift required us to listen, learn and adapt. The first day was tough. There was a noticeable distance between us and the campers. But by day three, something shifted. We discovered their deep love for soccer. Our original game plans were set aside, and we played soccer twice a day, every day. Even staff members unfamiliar with the sport jumped in, because when you care about kids, you meet them where they are. That week became a beautiful reminder that love, respect and a willingness to grow can bridge any cultural gap. Our week in Abilene was a week I know our staff will not forget.

Our final stop of the summer was Amarillo, Tex. Unlike our earlier locations, the biggest hurdle here was the building layout. The church had

separate exterior entrances to each room so campers had to move through open outdoor spaces between rotations. This meant our team had to be extra watchful and alert to keep everyone safe. By this point, tiredness within the staff was setting in, but the kids brought a fresh wave of energy every day that was just enough to keep us going. One camper’s laughter and joyful spirit quickly captured the hearts of all, reminding us how essential it is that every child feels seen, valued and loved.

At the end of each week, we packed everything back into bins and loaded the trailer. But it wasn’t just supplies we were carrying. We were carrying stories, memories and moments of transformation.

Camp Texico on the Go is more than a traveling summer program. It’s a ministry built on faith, flexibility and purpose. Each stop came with its surprises and lessons, but the heart of our mission never changed. Over the course of the summer, we didn’t just bring camp to different cities, we brought the love of Christ to every heart we encountered!

By Naomi Martinez

Albuquerque Heights Youth Mission Trip to Costa Rica

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Five young members of the Albuquerque Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with pastor Jerry Pinzon, answered the call “Here I am” to go serve their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ on a mission trip to Costa Rica in June.

For some, it was their first time leaving the country. All reflected that God blessed them in their speaking efforts and that they witnessed Him working on their behalf to overcome various challenges stirred up by the spiritual enemy during the trip.

The youth agreed that the trip helped develop their blossoming evangelism skills and that they were blessed by both the youth and adults of the local churches in their assigned mission areas. Each participant was assigned to a local area and presented approximately nine to ten sermons. All shared the sentiment that they made many new friends.

When Pinzon asked, “What did the trip mean to you?” one student named Miriam explained that the trip had brought her closer to God and that she was able to understand the Bible better. She added, “The trip and having to speak encouraged me to read my Bible so I would know and understand what I was talking about.”

Another student, Mahaya, described having a good trip overall. She kept a prayer journal, and by reading back through it, she could better see her spiritual journey. The students faced various challenges at the beginning, including translation and technical difficulties, but they also witnessed God overcome those challenges. “God sent an angel,” Mahaya recalled, referring to an unfamiliar gentleman who stepped in to translate a sermon when the original translator encountered difficulties. “The phrase ‘trust in God’ became real and practical to me on this trip.”

Another student, Eligh, noted that he realized it was a blessing for him

not to have to drive far to get to church each Sabbath after meeting people in his assigned area who walked three miles one way to attend. He said he continually asked himself, Who am I preaching to? and realized the answer changed throughout the trip. “For me, it wasn’t always the same person,” he explained. “The sermon was ultimately a message to me. What God spoke to me was the hope of the Gospel.” Despite translation challenges Eligh made a point to connect with people before and after sermons, asking them questions such as, “What is it that you’re really living for?” or “Are you willing to put your faith in Christ?” Many, himself included, realized they needed to study and understand more.

Asriel shared that when he first spoke to his assigned local church congregation, the conversation felt one-sided. This reminded him that the best way to learn the Bible is to teach it to others. He explained that presenting sermons on the trip helped him have a deeper understanding.”

Clyde recalled hearing the common local phrase “pura vida,” which means “pure life,” and embodies the positive

attitude of the culture. He had hoped to be assigned to “the middle of nowhere” and got his wish, serving in a small community near the border of Nicaragua, with a three-hour one-way commute from his hotel. He witnessed the local pastor using the evangelistic series to unify the congregation. During the long drives, Clyde prayed for the ability to take the situation more seriously and communicate better. He also had a conversation with his translator about discipline and realized that “to be a successful disciple, you need discipline.” He was determined to grow in discipline in his walk with God, put it into practice and see God bless his efforts.

Pinzon remarked that the youth learned from and encouraged each other during the trip. “It is a privilege as a pastor to watch your journey, how God has led you, and to see you mature,” he said, adding that the youth expressed a desire to take another mission trip next year.

By Julia Lewis

Texas Health Huguley Named “High Performing” Hospital

BURLESON, TEX. – Texas Health Huguley Hospital has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a 2025–2026 High Performing hospital in six procedures and conditions: heart failure, COPD, hip fracture, kidney failure, pneumonia and heart arrhythmia. This is the highest distinction a hospital can receive for specific conditions and procedures in U.S. News & World Report’s annual Best Hospitals rankings.

Out of more than 4,400 hospitals evaluated nationwide, Texas Health

Huguley stands among the top 38 percent that earned a “High Performing” rating, an achievement that underscores the hospital’s commitment to delivering excellent patient outcomes.

“This recognition reflects the intentional investments we’ve made over the past several years in advanced technology, highly skilled providers and expanded services, all with one goal in mind, to give our community access to exceptional care right here at home,” said Penny Johnson, president

and CEO of Texas Health Huguley Hospital. “We are proud to be a trusted high-ranking health care partner for the people we serve.”

U.S. News & World Report rankings are based on objective measures such as risk-adjusted survival rates, patient experience, staffing levels and other data derived from more than 800 million patient records. The Procedures & Conditions ratings help patients and providers make informed decisions about where to receive quality care.

“For more than three decades, U.S. News has been an invaluable guide for patients,” said Ben Harder, managing editor and chief of health analysis at U.S. News & World Report . “Hospitals designated as ‘High Performing’ demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver excellent care in specific areas, showcasing their clinical expertise and commitment to patient outcomes.”

To learn more about the 2025–2026 rankings and methodology, visit Health.USNews.com/Best-Hospitals.

Texas Health Mansfield Partners with Habitat for Humanity

MANSFIELD, TEX.

– Texas Health Mansfield has recently partnered with Habitat for Humanity, a global non-profit organization that collaborates with local communities and organizations to build affordable housing.

In 2024, Habitat for Humanity helped transform the lives of more than 3 million people by building or remodeling homes. This fall, Texas Health Mansfield will impact their surrounding community by supporting the Sayers Landing Build through donations and volunteer support.

The Sayers Landing Build, which began in 2023, will create a neighborhood and housing support for many low-income families.

Eulanie Lashley, president and CEO of Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, shared her thoughts on what this partnership means to the hospital and

community. “While excellent clinical care is at the heart of our mission, our responsibility is also to strengthen the overall well-being of our community.

“Through partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, we are able to do just that—meeting needs, fostering stability and supporting healthier, stronger futures for local families. These efforts remind us that caring for the whole person is not limited to what happens within our hospital walls. It is also reflected in how we serve, engage and invest in the community we are proud to call home.”

Inviting God into the Classroom

KEENE, TEX. – Imagine a classroom of young adults, quietly acknowledging a shared purpose, collectively stepping into a space of focus and trust. As the classroom settles into a hush, pens click, chairs shift, students glance around. Then comes the pause. A professor bows their head, inviting God into the space. What follows is more than a prayer; it’s a moment that shapes the day, the learning and the hearts of those present.

“Prayer at the start of classes at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) provides an opportunity to set the tone for the class in keeping with our belief that true education proceeds from a proper understanding of God and our relationship with Him,” said Daryl Thomas, chair of computer science. “I hope that beginning class with prayer impacts students’ mindsets by strengthening our sense of community and uniting us in working toward our divinely appointed goals.”

Across campus, Kerrie Kimbrow, AdventHealth endowed chair of

nursing, echoed this sentiment. “Prayer changes everything,” she said. “I believe faculty and students are drawn to the source of all wisdom through prayer. ‘If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God,’ (James 1:5). Students observing a teacher’s genuine connection with God may recognize there is something they want to experience for themselves, just like the disciples did.

Praying with and for my students is the most important part of my work. It’s what gives me the greatest joy.”

Students, too, feel the difference. Andrea Richards, a senior nursing student, reflects, “Prayer time really feels like a moment to focus on what is truly important in order to prepare to learn. I’ve seen an improvement in my grades, as I came from a college where prayer was not implemented. But more than that, it’s helped me develop a habit of prayer in my daily life. It shows how much professors care about us, not just our education, but our well-being. I can’t imagine starting a class any other way.”

Even amidst challenging coursework or exams, the practice anchors the classroom. William Smith, vice president for academics, shares, “I’m reminded of Daniel, who prayed even when it meant facing the lions’ den. A classroom isn’t the lions’ den, but students face real challenges every day. Beginning class with prayer invites God into that space, reminding students that education isn’t just about gaining knowledge but about transformation, and that they never face their challenges alone.”

These brief, intentional moments of prayer woven into daily learning remind students that education is not only intellectual but spiritual. In these pauses, resilience grows, community forms and hearts are centered. At SWAU, prayer starts everything.

By Coby Federowski Digital Marketing Manager

Growing at Afterglow

KEENE, TEX. – I’ve found that some of my most meaningful conversations about faith happen not during the sermon, but afterward. Have you ever noticed this? It’s in those smaller, more personal moments—walking back to my car with friends or sharing lunch with family—that I find myself truly reflecting on the sermon. That same spirit of reflection and connection is exactly what Afterglow at Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is designed to nurture.

Following the Friday night vespers service, students gather for Afterglow—a small, intimate program that opens the Sabbath by giving students the opportunity to discuss the sermon,

be in community with each other and continue growing in faith.

It’s easy to get into a rhythm when it comes to attending church. It’s simple to go to vespers or the main Sabbath service, sit with the same people every time and then retreat back to your room. But is that what church is really about? Are we truly continuing our walk in faith if we aren’t engaging with the community God has placed around us? Afterglow aims to disrupt that routine we so easily get into. It gives students the chance to come together as one community, one student body, reminding us that worship extends beyond the service itself.

“Afterglow feels like a continuation

of Vespers worship, but with more space to actually connect,” said SWAU student and Afterglow leader Vanessa Saldivar “The heart of it has always been about community, just a space to stay a little longer, worship a little deeper, and really be with people.”

Afterglow shows us that faith grows best when it is shared. It takes the message from vespers and gives students space to live it out together—through worship, conversation and even fun activities. In a world where it’s easy to slip into routine or isolation, Afterglow reminds us that community matters and that we are stronger in our faith when we walk alongside one another.

By Billie Colvin

Classified Ads

EMPLOYMENT

Andrews University is seeking qualified Seventh-day Adventists who may fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to “Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith and Change the World.” If this is of interest to you, please check out our current openings at Andrews.edu/admres/jobs

Pacific Union College seeks qualified candidates to fill open positions in fulfilling our mission to “Learn with Purpose, Rise in Faith and Serve in Love.” Beautiful mountain campus, minutes to shopping and an hour-plus drive to ocean and skiing. If you're interested, please check out our current openings, listed at PUC.edu/campus-services/ human-resources/current-job-postings

Southern Adventist University continuously seeks qualified candidates to fill various positions around campus, including faculty, salaried staff and hourly staff positions. If you are interested in working at Southern, we encourage you to view the positions that are currently open at SAU.catsone.com/careers and apply as God leads. To view current open educational positions (Pre-K through college) across the North American Division, visit Jobs.AdventistEducation.org

Union Adventist University is searching for applicants for the position of life coach in student success. This is a full-time, non-exempt position. A bachelor’s degree is

required, master’s preferred. Duties include serving as a life coach/academic advisor for assigned freshmen, providing specialized services for high-risk students, assisting freshmen with registration, providing accountability coaching for academic probation population and other duties. Please see the job description and instructions for application at UAU.edu/employment .

Union Adventist University is seeking qualified applicants for a research and instruction librarian. This position develops and provides reference and library instruction to diverse groups of students, faculty and staff, as well as community visitors, using modalities suited to the individual, classroom or online environments.

ALA-accredited Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent degree required. See job description and apply at UAU.edu/employment

Mid-America Union Conference

Associate Treasurer The Mid-America Union Conference is seeking applications for a full-time associate treasurer to support treasury operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, audits and compliance. Applicants should have denominational experience in accounting/finance, strong analytical and interpersonal skills and a commitment to mission-focused stewardship. This position offers excellent benefits. Qualified applicants, please send your resume to Raylene Jones at Raylene.Jones@maucsda.org

You Can Change Lives! Canvasback Missions is seeking a dedicated couple of strong faith to be co-directors of our wellness center on the Majuro Atoll of the Marshall Islands in the tropical North Pacific. For more information, visit CanvasBack.org/career or call 707.746.7828

REAL ESTATE/HOUSING

Summit Ridge Retirement Village, an Adventist community in a rural setting, offers affordable homes or apartments and caring neighbors, with a fellowship you will enjoy. Onsite church, planned activities and transportation, as needed. Onsite Wolfe Living Center offers independent living and nursing homes. Contact Bill Norman 405.208.1289 or visit SummitRidgeVillage.org

Bedroom for Rent in Rockwall County. Single woman looking to rent a bedroom to another female in Rockwall County. Wood floors, new paint and access to your own restroom. Fully furnished bedroom, but will remove furniture if needed. Access to all common areas and a great backyard. Must have an active church membership. References required. Must like dogs. $750. Email for photos and/or to schedule a visit: Jael7tx@gmail.com

MISCELLANEOUS

Move with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocation needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Dante’ at

800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us online at ApexMoving.com/ adventist

Shop for New/Used Adventist Books: TEACH Services offers used Adventist books at LNFBOOKS. com or new book releases at TEACHServices.com or your local ABC. Authors, let us help you publish your book with editing, design, marketing and worldwide distribution. Call 706.504.9192 for a free evaluation.

Holiday Programs: Fill your life and home with a Christian spirit of Christmas. LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music throughout December, with special concerts nightly at 7 p.m. from December 6 through 25. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at LifeTalk.net

Transform Your Life in 10 Days!

Join the F.I.T.T. Challenge and experience renewed energy, vibrant health and lasting change with delicious plant-based meals, natural treatments, fitness and spiritual renewal. Call: 479.233.3948, visit: Wellness-Secrets.com or email: Contact@wellness-secrets.com

Considering Rural Living? Explore Greeneville, Tenn.! Located near the Smoky Mountains, Greeneville Adventist Academy has an accredited Adventist K-12 day-school program, supported by two constituent churches, prioritizing the Bible, evangelism, mission trips, academics and a high-quality music program (voice, band, bells and strings). MyGAA.org /423.639.2011

Wings of Life – Follow the journey of frontline missions in Central America as we

plant churches, conduct health outreaches and more. Read exciting stories, pray for the work and consider volunteering on a short-term trip. Follow, engage and partner with us in our mission of saving lives. Please visit WingsOfLife.net

MILESTONES

75th Anniversary Celebration. You are invited to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Waxahachie Seventh-day Adventist Church on Sabbath, Dec. 6 at our new location, 802 East Marvin Ave., Waxahachie, Tex. Lunch will be provided.To share your pictures and/or stories or for more information about the anniversary celebration, please call Nancy at 509.981.9286 or email her at Martna0201@yahoo.com

OBITUARIES

Freeman, Patsy “Pat” Mae Frazier

Aikens, born Sept. 21,1939; died May 24, 2025. Preceded in death by parents, Edward and Cleo Frazier; two children, Edward Timothy and LaTonya Yvette; two brothers; and two sisters. Patsy is survived by husband, Claud Freeman; son, Glenn Bryan Freeman (Gretchen); nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren, as well as nephews, nieces, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Lloyd, Annie Ruth Newton, 88, of Little Rock, Ark., died June 2, 2025. Preceded in death by husband, Ronald Lloyd; parents, William Floyd Newton and Annie Lucille Gray Newton; one brother, Lamar Newton; and

one sister, Beverly Newton Gordon. Survivors: brother, Buddy Newton; sister, Sandra Newton Ogden; four nieces and two nephews.

Orian, Micki Darlene Icenogle, born Sept. 28, 1951 in Lincoln, Ark.; died July 2, 2025. She graduated from Southwestern Adventist Universit in 1973 with a double major in elementary education and English and taught school for 32 years. She also served as a pastor's wife for 50 years. Survivors: husband, Stephen Orian; two sons, Benjamin Orian (Silvia) and Matthew Orian (Nicole); sister, Paula Thomas (David); and five grandchildren, as well as nieces, nephews and cousins.

Thompson, Fred William, born Jan. 26, 1943, Poplar Bluff, Mo.; died June 18, 2025, Springdale, Ark. He attended Union College in Lincoln, Neb. Church membership: Gentry Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by wife, Carrie; parents, Estel Adrian “Bill” Thompson and Goldie Stein Thompson; two infant children; and two nephews. Survivors: daughter, Janelle Jessen (James); sister, Helen Rogers (Bobby); and three grandchildren, as well as nephews, niece, great-nephews and great-nieces.

Wait, Jacqueline “Jackie” Lynn Phalen, born Sept. 30, 1969, Montgomery County, Md.; died April 9, 2025, Winston Salem. Preceded in death by parents, Jack and Ruby Phalen and grandparents, Robert and Opal Lynn. Survivors: husband, Jeff Scott Wait; daughters, Kara Ruegsegger

(Conner) and Abigail Wait; sons, Nathan Wait and Sethy Wait; sister, Janice Huggins (Bill); two grandchildren; and a niece.

Wiist, Arlene, born Dec. 30, 1930; died Aug. 31, 2025, Burleson, Tex. Church membership: Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Arlene and her husband, Bill Wiist, served as missionaries to the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica for 10 years. She worked as a secretary at the Oklahoma Adventist Hospital in Ardmore, at the Southwestern Union and at Huguley Hospital. Preceded in death by husband, Bill; sister, Gayle Johnson; and son, Michael Wiist. Survivors: daughters, Linda Knutson (Deryl) and Debbie Speyer; four grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and two additional soon-to-be-born 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.

News and Articles: Send local church or school news, along with high-resolution photos, to your local conference communication department listed on page 2. If you are interested in writing for the Record, email Record@swuc.org.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church, in all of its church schools, admits students of any race to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin or gender in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs. Southwestern Union academies, and elementary/junior academies for the 2025-2026 school year are listed below.

ARKANSAS-LOUISIANA CONFERENCE

Bentonville SDA School 2522 SE 14th St., Bentonville, AR 72712

Ewing Adventist Jr. Academy 709 Adventist Church Rd., Bonnerdale, AR 71933

Greater New Orleans Christian Academy 5220 Irving St., Metairie, LA 70006

Harrison SDA School 4877 Hwy. 392 West, Harrison, AR 72601

Hot Springs Adventist School 401 Weston Rd., Hot Springs, AR 71913

Jones Creek Adventist Academy 4363 Jones Creek Rd., Baton Rouge, LA 70817

Little Rock Adventist Academy 8708 Rodney Parham, Little Rock, AR 72205

Ozark Adventist Academy 20997 Dawn Hill East Rd., Gentry, AR 72734

Ozark Adventist School 21150 Dawn Hill East Rd., Gentry, AR 72734

Shreveport Adventist Christian School ... 7023 Greenwood Rd., Shreveport, LA 71119

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE

Ardmore Adventist Academy 154 Beaver Academy Rd., Ardmore, OK 73401

Bristow Adventist School ....................................... P.O. Box 1074, Bristow, OK 74010

Grand Lake Christian School 35369 S. Hwy 82, Vinita, OK 74301

Heritage Adventist School 20555 S. 4170 Rd. Unit B, Claremore, OK 74017

Muskogee SDA Christian Academy....6106 W. Okmulgee Ave, Muskogee, OK 74401

Parkview Adventist Academy....4201 Martin Luther King, Oklahoma City, OK 73111

Pioneer Adventist Christian School P.O. Box 1245, Guymon, OK 73942

Tulsa Adventist Academy 900 S. New Haven, Tulsa, OK 74112

SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE

Applegate Adventist Christian Academy P.O. Box 729, Round Rock, TX 78680

Bethel Adventist Church School P.O. Box 660, Texarkana, TX 75504

Emmanuel Adventist School 702 N. Cherry St., Hammond, LA 70401

Excel Adventist Academy P.O. Box 2240, Missouri City, TX 77459

MLK Christian Academy 4295 Prescott Court, Baton Rouge, LA 70805

New Orleans Adventist Academy 4500 Gawain Dr., New Orleans, LA 70127

Shiloh Excel Christian School 2420 S. Maple St., Little Rock, AR 72204

Southwest Christian Academy 1600 Bonnie View Rd., Dallas, TX 75203

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Advent Ridge Academy 1523 Old Ranch Rd. 12, San Marcos, TX 78666

Burleson Adventist School 1635 Fox Lane, Burleson, TX 76028

Burton Adventist Academy 4611 Kelly-Elliott Rd., Arlington, TX 76017

Chisholm Trail Academy P.O. Box 717, Keene, TX 76059

Cleburne Adventist Christian School 111 Meadowview Dr., Cleburne, TX 76033

Coggin Memorial School 6645 Downing St., Corpus Christi, TX 78414

Conroe Adventist Academy 3601 S. Loop 336 E., Conroe, TX 77301

Cypress Bend Adventist Elementary School 2997 FM 728, Jefferson, TX 75657

Dallas Christian Academy 4025 N. Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75204

Ft. Worth Adventist Jr. Academy 3040 Sycamore School Rd., Ft Worth, TX 76133

Garland Christian Adventist School 1702 E. Centerville Rd., Garland, TX 75041

Houston Adventist Academy 11735 Grant Rd., Cypress, TX 77429

Joshua Adventist Multigrade School 1912 Conveyor Dr., Joshua, TX 76058

Katy Adventist Christian School 1913 East Ave., Katy, TX 77493

Keene Adventist Elementary School 302 Pecan St., Keene, TX 76059

Killeen Adventist Jr. Academy 3412 Lake Rd., Killeen, TX 76543

North Dallas Adventist Academy 2800 Custer Pkwy., Richardson, TX 75080

Scenic Hills Christian Academy 11223 Bandera Rd., San Antonio, TX 78250

South Texas Christian Academy .................... 7001 N. Ware Rd., McAllen, TX 78504

Stonehill Christian Academy 4301 Kelly Lane, Pflugerville, TX 78660

Tyler Adventist School 2931 South S.E. Loop 323, Tyler, TX 75701

TEXICO CONFERENCE

Canyon Christian Academy .................1000 S. Canyon Rd., Alamogordo, NM 88310

Crestview SDA Academy 6000 Ouray Rd. NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120

El Paso Adventist Jr. Academy 3510 George Dieter Dr., El Paso, TX 79936

Lubbock Jr. Academy ........................................5302 Elgin Ave., Lubbock, TX 79413

Roswell Adventist Elementary 2915 S. Union Ave., Roswell, NM 88203

Sandia View Academy 65 Sandia View Ln., Corrales, NM 87048

Sandia View Christian School .......................... 24 Academy Dr., Corrales, NM 87048

The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Nondiscrimination Policy Statement For Adventist Schools

MODERN-DAY MIRACLES

In

BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN NURSING

Southwestern Union of Seventh-day Adventists PO Box 4000, Burleson, TX 76097

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Journey Your Starts Here

Are you ready to join an experience of healing and discovery?

Take the first step and join The Journey today at

The Journey builds on the rich legacy of the Seventh-day Adventist approach to health, which affirms and nurtures the deep connection between body, mind and spirit. Now presented as an engaging and accessible online experience, it offers a fresh way to explore the timeless principles of CREATION Life, thoughtfully applied to your life today.

But The Journey isn’t just about information — it’s about transformation. Through guided activities and a supportive community, you have the opportunity to take meaningful steps toward a life where you can truly feel whole. Along the way, you’ll explore powerful themes like forgiveness, balance, purpose and more.