September | October 2026

Southwestern Union

September / October 2026

¡Artículos en español! Páginas 14–15 y 36–37

His Name Means “God is Gracious”

Meet Southwestern Adventist University’s New President 4 A 5-Year Plan Becomes 3

20 The Big Bully

22 Peace in the Digital World

an unexpected call changed everything

a story just for kids!

one teen shares her experience

Features September / October 2026

Vol. 125, No. 05

Publisher SOUTHWESTERN UNION OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS SWURECORD.ORG | RECORD@SWUC.ORG

Editorial EXECUTIVE EDITOR

GERSON PANCORBO | GPancorbo@swuc.org

EDITOR

Southwestern Union HEADQUARTERS

P.O. BOX 4000, BURLESON, TX 76097 817.295.0476 | SouthwesternAdventist.org

ELIZABETH CAMPS Elizabeth.Camps@adventhealth.com

President Elton DeMoraes Executive Secretary Stephen Brooks Treasurer John Page Undertreasurer Bo Just VP Education Kisha Norris VP Ministral Tony Anobile Children’s Ministries Sonia Canó Church Ministries Sonia Canó Church Planting Robin Lopez Communication Gerson Pancorbo Community Services Bo Gendke Evangelism Stephen Brooks Human Resources Joel Wallace Men’s Ministries Helvis Moody Multicultural Ministries Tony Anobile Personal Ministries Stephen Brooks Prison Ministries Tyrone Boyd PARL Stephen Brooks Revolving Fund Joel Wallace Secondary Education Mike Furr Stewardship Helvis Moody Planned Giving/Trust Services Bo Just Women’s Ministries Letty Craig Young Adult/Youth Ministries Helvis Moody

Design

Conferences & Institutions

LORI FUTCHER | LFutcher@swuc.org

ASSISTANT EDITOR

TAMMY G. PRIETO | TPrieto@swuc.org

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Arkansas-Louisiana Conference

FRANCES ALCORN | News@arklac.org

Oklahoma Conference

TODD GESSELE | News@okla-adventist.org

Southwest Region Conference LESLIE SOUPET | News@swrgc.org

Texas Conference

TAMARA TERRY | News@txsda.org

Texico Conference

DEBBY MÁRQUEZ | News@texico.org

Southwestern Adventist University JOSAFAT ZEMLEDUCH Communication@swau.edu

AdventHealth

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TAMMY G. PRIETO

COVER STORY IMAGES TAMMY G. PRIETO

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CIRCULATION

TAMMY G. PRIETO Record@swuc.org

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News articles and obituary submissions should be emailed to your local conference editor listed above or Record@swuc.org.

Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Arklac.org | 318.631.6240 Oklahoma Conference OkAdventist.org | 405.721.6110 Southwest Region Conference SouthwestRegionSDA.org | 214.943.4491 Texas Conference TexasAdventist.org | 817.783.2223 Texico Conference Texico.org | 505. 244.1611 Southwestern Adventist University SWAU.edu | 817.645.9921 AdventHealth Central Texas AdventHealth.com/CentralTexas 254.526.7523 AdventHealth Rollins Brook AdventHealth.com/RollinsBrook 512.556.3682 Texas Health Hospital Mansfield (AdventHealth) TexasHealthMansfield.org | 682.341.5000 Texas Health Huguley Hospital (AdventHealth) TexasHealthHuguley.org | 817.293.9110

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Equipping, inspiring, and sharing hope and wholeness in the Southwestern Union territory.

OFFICIAL

The Record is published bimonthly for a total of six issues per year and is an official publication of the Southwestern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®.

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Contents

4 Turning the Five-Year Plan into Three 6 His Name Means "God is Gracious" 12 Hands-On Faith 14 La iglesia que el mundo necesita hoy

Columns 16 17 18 19 20 22

Insight: The Lifeline of Prophecy Wholeness: How PTSD Can Impact Anyone Ministries: Your Judea Education: A Vision for Adventist Education Kids’ Pages: The Big Bully Next Gen: Finding Peace in the Digital World

News

23 Southwestern Union 26 Arkansas-Louisiana Conference 28 Oklahoma Conference 30 Southwest Region Conference 32 Texas Conference 34 Texico Conference 36 Noticias en Español 38 Southwestern Adventist University 40 AdventHealth

Back Pages 41 42

Classified Ads Obituaries

The Mirror When I was in sixth grade, our teacher came into the classroom for morning worship with blue shaving cream covering his face. Naturally, we all laughed at him, but he pretended not to know why. “Why are you laughing?” he asked. When we all shouted back that there was something on his face, he pretended not to believe us and pulled out a mirror. Looking in the mirror he acted shocked. But what he did next surprised us all. “Oh! I don’t like how that looks!” he exclaimed and threw the mirror down, with glass shattering all across the floor. When he compared that mirror to God’s law, the lesson stuck. There was a time a mirror was held up to my heart. It was a mirror I didn’t want to see and tried not to see for a very long time. But when I relaxed enough to look in the mirror and say, “yup, that’s me,” I began to experience a spiritual healing unlike anything I’ve ever known. Instead of feeling the condemnation I expected, I was able to rest in God’s arms while He went to work cleaning my messy heart. My friend, what would you see if a mirror were held up to your heart? Don’t squint. Take a good look. Stare at the mirror until you can admit the reflection is truly you. Then hand the mirror to God. Let Him do the cleaning.

Lori Futcher

ON THE RECORD

The Certainty of God's Love By Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min., Southwest Region Conference President I have some good news for you. God loves you, and there’s nothing that can stop His love for you! This simple but salient truth should put a smile on your face, recognizing that no matter how bad life gets or what regretful things you may have done in your life, you can rest in knowing that God won’t ever stop loving you. There’s a major difference between divine love and human love. Human love can be conditional. It may fluctuate based on situations, circumstances, or performance. But God's love is different. His love is unwavering, unconditional, and eternal. It’s not based on who we are, but who He is! The Bible consistently reminds us that no matter what we’ve done or what we’re facing, God's love remains steadfastly fixed upon us. The Apostle Paul said it clearly, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, KJV). Notice the verb Paul uses here: persuaded. This means Paul was convinced and confident beyond a shadow of a doubt that there was absolutely nothing that could separate him from God's love. Death couldn’t do it. Life's trials couldn’t do it. Demons couldn’t do it. The present couldn’t do it. The future couldn’t do it. There was no force that could sever or break the bond of God's love toward His children. When I was a kid, one of the first verses of Scripture I learned was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (KJV). And now, as an adult, the message of this verse never grows old. This text reminds us that not only was God's love merely spoken, but it was also demonstrated. God loved

us so much that He gave us His Son, Jesus. God didn’t wait for humanity to become perfect before loving us. He loved us while we were yet sinners. (See Romans 5:8.) He loved us enough to provide a way of redemption, and Jesus willingly sacrificed His life for us. He wasn’t forced. He wasn’t coerced. He chose to die so that we might live. So whenever doubts arise in your mind on whether God loves you or not, look to Calvary. Whenever guilt whispers in your ear that you’re a sinner and you’re beyond saving, look to Calvary. The gift of Calvary is heaven's eternal declaration that God loves you. Please be careful, however, not to misunderstand God’s love. Just because God loves us doesn’t mean He approves of our sin. Rather, it means His love is so great that He continually seeks to rescue us from sin. When we fall, His love lifts us. When we wander, His love finds us. When we’re broken, His love restores us. When we’re wounded, His love heals us. Friends, God loves you. And there’s nothing you can do about it! He loved you in the past. He loves you in the present. And He will continue to love you in the future.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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FEATURE

Five-Year Plan

TURNING THE

INTO THREE

By Makala James

Tulsa Adventist Academy’s journey to senior academy status accelerated unexpectedly when a long-term goal suddenly became an immediate necessity.

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Christmas break is usually a time of welcome surprises. But Christmas 2025 brought an unwelcome surprise to the faculty and staff of Oklahoma’s Tulsa Adventist Academy (TAA). One unexpected phone call changed the trajectory of the school, forcing a season of growth to occur more quickly than Tulsa Adventist Academy’s juniors and seniors spent April 19–24 on a government trip as part of their 2025–26 school year. had been planned. For decades, TAA has diploma also limited scholarship opporoperated without senior academy statunities available to Oklahoma residents. tus, an accreditation designation from Despite those limitations, operating the North American Division (NAD) that as a satellite school enabled TAA to authorizes schools to offer coursework provide Adventist education to many and grant diplomas through grade 12. students over the years, including During the 1980s, the school gave senior Eden Arroyo-Watson. up that designation to save money. “Our school has a very family-like Despite this, upperclassmen in the atmosphere,” says Arroyo-Watson, who Tulsa area were still able to receive an is both Student Association president Adventist education through a sateland senior class president. “You are lite program provided by Arkansas’ able to get personal attention with your Ozark Adventist Academy’s (OAA). schoolwork from teachers, and I have Through OAA’s satellite school, TAA’s always appreciated that.” upperclassmen technically attended “Ozark Adventist Academy, Tulsa Oklahoma Campus.” Ozark provided A Five-Year Plan accreditation oversight and approved Three years ago, when Larry Seery coursework and diplomas. first became principal, school leadBut there were drawbacks. Courses ers began considering what the future were based on Arkansas requirements, might look like if TAA once again held and Ozark issued diplomas. This created senior academy status. Seery brought several challenges for Oklahoma resitogether a group of stakeholders to dents. State requirements did not always develop a five-year plan for TAA’s align, resulting in lost credits for transfer future. Among the goals they identified students. Graduating with an Arkansas was attaining senior academy status.

FEATURE

The community is behind the school, and they love Adventist education.

Students from Tulsa Adventist Academy’s freshman, sophomore, and senior classes sing during the school’s spring concert. Students describe the school as having a family-like atmosphere.

Some board members and constituents initially hesitated to make the change. There were significant costs involved as the designation requires funding for two additional full-time positions. After much prayer and consideration, leaders felt the time was right to try again. Seery and his team decided they wouldn’t rush things, but would do their research and homework before taking steps forward. They carefully studied what would be required. They spoke with leaders from senior academies across the division, reviewed sample applications, and researched the process. Their intention was to move forward slowly and steadily. A year ago, Oklahoma Conference Director of Education Tara Bailey told Seery, “I think you could become a senior academy next year!” Seery and the board felt confident it wouldn’t happen— at least, that’s what they thought until after the Christmas phone call.

and preparations for new positions moved forward smoothly. As required, the school is bringing on two more full-time employees: a chaplain/music teacher and a director of student services. One position was funded locally, while the Oklahoma Conference provided support for the other. Arroyo-Watson is particularly eager to see the difference having a full-time chaplain on campus will make for the students. “We already connect with pastors who come for a few hours to teach Bible classes,” she says, “so I definitely believe we will see strong connections with the chaplain.” Through hard work and trust in God’s timing, TAA has now been approved as a senior academy by the NAD Education Department and is the only school in Oklahoma recognized with that status. Arroyo-Watson will be among the first students since the 1980s to officially graduate from TAA. As the new school year begins, new opportunities for TAA students are just getting started. “The community is behind the school, and they love Adventist education,” says Seery. “They are so supportive. They want to continue to grow and advance our school, so this is simply the next step in order to be able to do that. I feel so blessed to be able to be a small part of the process of continuing to further Adventist education.”

Fast-Tracked

When Ozark informed TAA that it would no longer oversee the satellite school program for the upcoming school year, Seery first explored finding another school to provide endorsement. The doors did not open. Instead, TAA moved from planning to implementation, accelerating its five-year plan to become a senior academy by two years. “I called Mike Furr, director of secondary education at the Southwestern Union Conference,” says Seery. “I said, ‘When is the latest that we can pull this off to be a senior academy next year?’” The answer was simple: complete everything as soon as possible. TAA immediately began the process. Constituency and board meetings took place at every level, from the local school board to the NAD, to ensure the school met all requirements. The NAD also sent a visiting committee to evaluate the school. “There are a lot of pieces,” says Seery. At every step, committees voted in favor of the change, applications moved efficiently through the approval process,

Members of Tulsa Adventist Academy’s Class of 2026 are the last graduating class to receive diplomas through Ozark Adventist Academy’s satellite school program.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

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B

utcher, y Lor i F

R e c or d

Editor.

FEATURE

AS NELU NEDELEA, PH.D., STEPS INTO THE ROLE OF PRESIDENT AT SOUTHWESTERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY, HE DOES NOT TAKE HIS CALLING LIGHTLY BUT SEES IT AS A SACRED RESPONSIBILITY. By Lori Futcher, Record Editor Nelu Nedelea sat in church staring at the ballpoint pen a visitor had just handed him. He had never owned such a nice pen. He had never owned a ballpoint pen at all. He looked at the logo printed on the side: Loma Linda University. Could I ever have a chance, the 14-year-old wondered, to walk on that campus where this pen came from? Growing up in communist Romania, Nedelea only had access to pencils and fountain pens. Two years earlier, in 1989, violent protests had brought 42 years of communism to an end. When the news was shared, Nedelea and his classmates ran to the bakery, each buying a full loaf of bread and gleefully eating with free abandon. As he walked home, loaf of bread in hand, crumbs falling from his mouth, the older villagers cried, for they had never before seen a child eat a full loaf of bread. Communism in Romania began after World War II, when the Soviet Union occupied the country. Private farms and businesses disappeared into state ownership, and ordinary families found themselves dependent on government-issued ration cards for basic necessities. It was Nedelea’s job to get the family’s daily ration of milk and bread, enough for him to have two slices with each meal. With whatever change he had left over, he would ask the storekeeper for some cane sugar. The storekeeper would take a hammer to a block of sugar on the counter, smashing the large block as pieces of sugar flew all over the place. Then the brown sugar pieces would be weighed and wrapped in brown paper for the boy to savor. “That was my candy,” Nedelea says, “because I couldn’t afford candy.”

There was only one way to get candy. Go stand at the main road, the one that led from the west of Romania, crossing the southern part of the country near Nedelea’s village, and continuing on to the Black Sea, where foreign visitors loved to vacation. Nedelea and his friends would wave as foreign cars drove by. Some passersby would throw candy out their car windows, sending the children scurrying in the grass and fighting to be the lucky one to retrieve the rare treat. But not all tourists were as kind. Some would prank the kids by wrapping a bottle cap in a candy wrapper, leaving the child who successfully retrieved it with nothing but disappointment. A more predictable treat was oranges. They were only available at Christmas, and getting them required extraordinary effort. On orange-getting day, Dad would wake his three boys at midnight so they could make a two-mile trek through snow to the

FEATURE village train station. When the train arrived, the heated cars were already filled with passengers. A crumbling infrastructure meant most cars were not heated, and those that were had steam coming in through leaky pipes, which made it hard to see. Still, the Nedelea family would cram into one of the heated cars, and Dad would lift his boys up into the luggage racks, where, from the train’s 2 a.m. departure until its 6 a.m. arrival in Bucharest, the boys would sleep, nearly falling out of their makeshift beds every time the train came to a screeching stop. When they arrived in the city, Dad and the boys would stand in a long line, chattering in the cold until they finally received what they had come for: a bag with four to six oranges. But there was a wonderful loophole. The oranges were not rationed by family but by person. Every person standing in line could take a bag of oranges. This is why, beginning at 5 or 6 years of age, the young Nedelea boys became an important part of this excursion. Before heading back home, they would pick up some city bread. Unlike bread in their village, bread in the city wasn’t rationed, so they could bring home several loaves. In

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addition, white bread was available in Bucharest, making for another special Christmas treat for the family. Once the bread was devoured and the oranges eaten, the family would dry the orange peels to make tea. The exotic fruits, as Nedelea calls them, were so uncommon that Nedelea was 9 years old before he saw and ate his first banana. “I did not know what it was,” he says. There are stories of some children being so unfamiliar with oranges and bananas that they didn’t know how to eat them and would bite into the skin. Another treat was ice cream, though there were only two flavors available: vanilla and one that resembled chocolate by having cacao powder mixed into it. The ice cream was sold in rectangular bars wrapped in a thin waxy paper, much like American butter sticks. It would often start melting as Nedelea ate it, the sticky substance dribbling down his arm. But Nedelea didn’t mind. He would drink the melted ice cream gleefully. “It was fun for children,” he remembers. Limited choices defined Nedelea’s childhood. There was only one type of athletic shoe: Adidas, which came in black or white; one or two types of dress shoes in brown or black; and only two or three books in the whole neighborhood, which the neighbors rotated and shared. Nedelea read those books repeatedly, using candlelight due to electricity limitations. Electricity was on for an hour in the morning and an hour in the evening. During those hours Nedelea’s mom would rush to get the family laundry done, using their communist washing machine that would shock her nearly every time she touched it. The hour of electricity was just enough time to get one load washed. The hour also provided an opportunity for the government to share propaganda in the form of an evening newscast.

The Nedeleas, however, had a secret weapon against propaganda: a handcranked radio, with which the family listened to Voice of Europe and Voice of America, stations that criticized the communist government and gave Nedelea’s family a glimpse of life outside of Romania. This was a carefully guarded family secret, however, because Nedelea knew if he told anyone about the radio, he might never see his parents again as they would likely be arrested and maybe even killed. Such knowledge brought fright every time Nedelea saw a black Dacia. The only black cars in Romania belonged to Secret Service personnel and senior Communist Party officials. If a black Dacia rounded the bend, its distinctive license plate displaying a three-digit number, Nedelea would freeze in terror. Are they here for me? He would wonder. Are they here for my mom? For my dad? What’s going to happen?

DREAMS OF A BETTER PLACE

With the fall of communism, things slowly began to change. Blue jeans were imported from Turkey. Chewing gum became available. And Seventh-day Adventist neighbors were able to openly invite him to join them for Bible studies. The Bible was no stranger to Nedelea. His mother would wake up early every morning to read the Bible alone. But what captivated him that night after he walked through the snow to his first Bible study only weeks after communism fell into history was the descriptions of the New Earth from the book of Revelation. “As a child, my imagination just took off,” he says. “I could picture everything they were describing. It was beautiful. I wanted to keep going back. I wanted to learn more.” When the Bible studies ended, Nedelea started attending the Adventist church. At 13 he decided he wanted to be baptized. The church had never had someone so young request baptism, so they sought out special permission from the conference. With approval, Nedelea was baptized.

FEATURE Though not Adventists themselves, Nedelea’s parents wanted him to be able to keep the Sabbath as his newfound faith directed. They decided that if he studied to be an electrician, that would give him more flexibility than working in a factory or another profession that would require Sabbath work. So at 14, they sent him to a vocational boarding school. Nedelea hated it. There were gangs. There was violence. He couldn’t go to church. He had to eat pork. Nedelea prayed for a way to escape the environment he hated so much. Then his mother had a dream that repeated itself three nights in a row. In the dream she was instructed to pull Nedelea out of vocational school and send him to an Adventist school. His parents did just that. “I was embraced by Adventist educators,” says Nedelea, “who not only affirmed my Adventist values and worldview, but also taught me discipline and became my family away from home.” After academy, Nedelea wanted to study to become a lawyer, but he was feeling discouraged by the difficult application process. At the church’s New Year’s party, he hoped to find a Bible promise to carry him through this challenging time. It was a custom at his church to hold a special service on New Year’s Eve. After the service, each attendee would take a bookmark, on the back of which was written a unique Bible promise that has been added to the bookmark specifically for this event. Hundreds of promises were written on hundreds of bookmarks. This was a tradition that served as an anchoring moment in the church members’ journeys as they started a new year. But when Nedelea turned his bookmark over that year, he was disappointed. It wasn’t a promise. It was a command, and an unusual one at that. “Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward” (Deuteronomy 2:3, KJV). Shortly after that, three different people, independent of each other, told him they sensed God

was calling him to be a pastor. Now his New Year’s verse made sense. The seminary was north of their village. I will go north, he decided, and I will apply for the seminary. At the age of 24, Nedelea graduated from the seminary and began pastoring in a six-church district. A year later he married Olivia. In 2009, he was ordained. Later that year, the young couple immigrated to Canada. Then Nedelea received a scholarship to attend Loma Linda University, the campus he had once only dreamed of walking on.

HE’S WITH YOU

Graduating in 2016 with a Master of Science in chaplaincy, Nedelea did a one-year Mission Leader Residency before taking on the role of director of Mission Integration and Spiritual Care for Adventist Health. Every day, he began and ended his work day with a simple prayer: God, use me and give me purpose in my ministry. One day, he was asked to visit a middle-aged woman who was feeling anxious prior to surgery. “I just want you to pray,” the woman told him. “Before I pray,” he said, “help me understand a little bit about the need for prayer. What would you like me to pray for?” After a 20- to 30-minute conversation, Nedelea held the woman’s hands as he brought her petitions before God. When the prayer finished, the woman was red-faced and teary-eyed. “He’s with you!” she said to Nedelea. Thinking she had felt the presence of God through his prayer, Nedelea thanked her, but she kept insisting, “He’s here. He’s with you.”

Nedelea looked at her blankly. “He’s standing right behind you.” Ah, the medical team must have arrived, Nedelea thought. But when he looked behind him, no one was there. Now he was confused. “I’m not sure I understand what you are seeing,” he said. “Jesus is standing right next to you!” the woman exclaimed. “How do you know?” Nedelea asked. By this point the woman was shaking and sobbing. “Because I can see Him,” she said. “You are a good man. He is with you. He’s right here. He’s next to you.” Nedelea wasn’t even sure what to say. Then recognizing how close in proximity they were to each other, Nedelea commented. “He’s standing next to you too.” “I’ll never be worthy of God’s presence,” Nedelea says, remembering that moment. “God wasn’t there because I deserved it. It was because He chose to be there. He showed me that whether I am walking with God all the time or not, I know for sure that He is walking with me all the time.”

FILLING THE CONTAINER

In 2022, Nedelea became vice president of mission and ministry at Mercy, one of the largest Catholic health systems in the United States. He oversaw the work of 165 chaplains and more than 300 spiritual care volunteers across 55 hospitals. Here he had the opportunity to influence the culture, not only of his team, but of the entire 55,000-employee organization.

FEATURE

Nelu Nedelea shared with Lori Futcher the story of the first ballpoint pen he was ever given and how he wondered if he might one day be able to walk on the campus of the American Adventist university whose name was on that pen. Today, as the president of another American Adventist university, Nedelea has plenty of ballpoint pens at his fingertips. It is his hope to equip students to follow God’s dreams for them just as his mentors did for him.

But after completing his doctorate two years ago, Nedelea started reevaluating how he was using the opportunity God had given him. He reflected on a book he had read nearly a decade earlier: Falling Upward by Richard Rohr. In Falling Upward, Rohr asserts that there are two halves to a person’s life. In the first half they build their life’s container. They begin and grow in their career, get married, get a house, and have children. The second half, Rohr says, is for filling the container with things that have purpose and meaning, but most people get stuck building the container and never move on to filling it. I’ve built a container, Nedelea thought. Now, where is the meaning and purpose to fill it? One evening, Nedelea prayed, God, I’ve been waiting on You to do something in my life so I can feel holistically well, the best version of me as a dad, as a husband, professionally. There’s some things I’m satisfied with, but there’s something that’s not there. Then a thought hit him like a punch in the face. It was so strong, he stopped his prayer and sat down: What if God is waiting on you?

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“In reality,” Nedelea says of the insight he learned in that moment, “He was always ready. I was not.” Rather than wondering what opportunity God might send next, Nedelea turned his attention inward. He began asking where he needed to grow—as a Christian, a husband, a father, and a leader. Instead of pursuing a destination, he devoted himself to becoming the kind of person prepared for whatever God might ask of him next. He was not expecting to become a university president. As a teenager it had been a wild dream to think that one day he might get to walk on the campus of an American Adventist University. Now he walks on such a campus, not as a guest or even as a student, but as its president. It’s a role he doesn’t take lightly. “This is not a job,” he says. “This is not something that one should pursue. I think it is a calling and an invitation that requires a lot of discipline, a lot of commitment, and some sacrifices.” And though he is new to higher education, he sees the journey God orchestrated as preparing him for this new chapter. “Growing up in Romania taught me resilience,” he says. “Ministry

taught me compassion. Healthcare taught me how to lead large, complex organizations without losing sight of individual people. Higher education now allows me to combine all of those experiences.” Recently Nedelea’s daughter asked him, “What does your name mean?” He didn’t know, so he looked it up. Nelu in Romanian means “God is gracious.” “And I can testify with all my heart,” Nedelea says, “and through all my life as I look back to where I came from— communism, poverty, working class parents, and a relatively large family— God has been gracious and faithful. All I needed to do is show up believing God. I showed up, and He did the rest.”

PREPARING STUDENTS FOR A LIFETIME OF PURPOSE Nelu Nedelea’s vision for Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) begins with the university’s three longstanding pillars: knowledge, faith, and service. “Knowledge gives competence, faith forms the character, and service gives purpose,” he says. Together, they engage the mind, heart, and hands, creating what he describes as a holistic approach to preparing younger generations. Nedelea hopes to build on that foundation by helping SWAU become a spiritually rooted, mission-driven, innovation-focused university that integrates academic excellence, real-world experience, and lifelong learning. His goal is to develop graduates who are intellectually prepared, spiritually grounded, professionally excellent, and committed to serving God and humanity. “We don’t simply prepare students for their first jobs,” Nedelea says. “We prepare them for a lifetime of purpose.” That preparation must extend beyond the classroom, he says. Nedelea envisions expanding: • internships • undergraduate research • mentoring • entrepreneurship • community service partnerships with churches, healthcare organizations, government institutions, businesses, and other educational institutions For Nedelea, enrollment is only the beginning of student success. He also wants to know whether students remain in their programs, complete their degrees, find meaningful employment, and leave the university better prepared for life. “What happens to them once they leave the campus?” he asks. “Are they better off because of us?” During his first year, Nedelea plans to listen, learn, build relationships, and begin implementing the board’s strategic vision. He wants to hear the stories of students, employees, alumni, church leaders, and community partners while learning the nuances of academic leadership. His measure of success will be measured in the lives that are changed. “Done right, education is transformational,” he says. “We want to be more than just an educational institution; we want to transform lives.”

FEATURE

Hands-On Faith

How One Teacher Helps the Bible Come to Life By Victoria Martinez

Kerry Thall was one of the recipients of the 2025–2026 Southwestern Union Excellence in Teaching Awards.

The first through fourth graders at Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist School gathered around the muddy brick molds. Their hands pressed straw into the wet clay while Teacher Kerry Thall explained how Hebrew slaves once made bricks in Egypt. The Arkansas sun was already warming the mixture. By the following week, the bricks would be dry enough to carry home. Thall smiled as she watched her students work. Next week they wouldn’t simply remember reading about the Exodus. They would remember what it felt like to shape a brick with their own hands. And when they proudly carried their projects home, they would have another opportunity to tell their families the story they’d learned. Bible class in Thall’s classroom rarely looks like a traditional lesson. Students have crawled into the belly of Jonah’s big fish, wrinkled their noses at the smell of hidden tuna, sampled foods from Bible times, and welcomed Roman

soldiers and Mary Magdalene into their classroom. Scripture becomes something they live rather than simply memorize. “I want them to experience it,” Thall says. “When they experience it, they remember it.” Thall sees her classroom as a mission field. Not only does she want to introduce them to God, but she wants every child who walks through her door to know that someone is in their corner. “God cares about ordinary days, not just Sabbath mornings,” Thall tells her students. So before a difficult test, the class prays. When a student’s family is hurting, Thall prays with them. If friendships become strained, Thall will guide the students to stop and ask God to help them apologize and forgive. Even after the school day ends, Thall often finds herself praying during her drive home, asking God for wisdom to better reach a child the next morning.

“When they experience it, they remember it.”

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FEATURE Blankets to Share

Students aren’t just learning Bible stories in Thall’s classroom. They’re learning what it looks like to love, serve, and care for others as a follower of Jesus in everyday life. Bentonville students don’t simply experience and hear about compassion. They practice it. Leaving a staff meeting one day where Thall was prompted to come up with a fourth quarter community outreach idea for her class, she started brainstorming on a mission project. She began with a simple goal. She wanted her students to make 10 blankets for people who needed comfort. Another teacher at the school loved the idea and asked if her class could join as well. Then, even more teachers asked if their classes could also participate. By year’s end 10 became more than 60. When the students helped deliver the blankets to residents at a local assisted-living facility, the residents and staff were excited. “Please come back next year,” the staff says, “We’ll make a day of it.” By the end of the second year, the Bentonville school successfully produced more than 180 blankets. School staff, church members, and families all pitched in to cut fabric and tie blankets. Kids would work on tying blankets in their downtime, at recess, or between lessons. Every child at the school had tied at least one blanket. Then Thall received an invitation from the assisted-living facility. “Please

bring your students back,” the invitation says. “We’ll have food, games, and music.” Now, after the third year, the tradition is alive. Starting in October, students make blankets, and by the end of the year they have a big blanket-giving party.

Prayers for Gracie

Every morning during worship, Thall asks if anyone has a prayer request. After accepting requests from the students, Thall tells them of requests she has of her own. A few years ago, one name remained on the list for months: Gracie. Gracie was the daughter of one of Thall’s former students. During the COVID pandemic, Gracie developed Type 1 diabetes, fell into a coma, and wasn’t expected to survive. Every morning the class prayed for her. Days turned into weeks. “Sometimes,” Thall admitted, “those prayers were difficult.” Weeks became months. The questions became harder. “How do you explain to children that sometimes God says yes, sometimes He says no and sometimes He says wait?” she asked. Thall didn’t have an easy answer for her students. So they kept praying. But little by little, the updates changed. “Look, Gracie’s feeling better today,” Thall would say, sharing pictures of Gracie’s recovery and milestones with the class. The students watched her recover one step at a time. They made cards and sent her a blanket for comfort. Eventually, Gracie recovered. For the students, it became more than a happy ending. It became a prayer they had watched God answer one day at a time.

A Teacher of Excellence

Students mix mud and straw and press the material into wooden molds while learning about the Hebrew slaves.

It is because of her quiet, consistent ministry Thall became one of the recipients of the Southwestern Union Excellence in Teaching Award. But if you ask her what success looks like, she is unlikely to mention the award. She’ll tell you about children proudly carrying handmade bricks home to

Students tie fleece blankets as part of their annual communityservice project.

teach their families about the Exodus. She’ll think about the many hands that helped make blankets for strangers. And she’ll smile when she talks about a classroom that prayed faithfully for Gracie until they watched God answer those prayers. “If they leave my classroom knowing they are loved,” Thall says, “then I’ve been successful.”

2025-2026 Excellence in Teaching Award Recipients Arkansas-Louisiana Conference Kerry Thall

Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist School

Oklahoma Conference Sarah Shepherd

Parkview Adventist Academy

Texas Conference Angelica Fano

South Texas Christian Academy

Kim Sexson

Cleburne Adventist Christian School

Texico Conference Jean Turpen

Canyon Christian Academy

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La iglesia que el mundo necesita hoy Por Vanston Archbold, director de Ministerios Multiculturales de la Asociación Regional del Suroeste

Vivimos en una época de grandes contrastes. Nunca hemos estado tan conectados tecnológicamente, pero al mismo tiempo muchas personas se sienten profundamente solas. Tenemos acceso inmediato a información, pero escasea la sabiduría. Hay entretenimiento, movimiento y actividad, pero muchas personas siguen vacías, heridas y confundidas. En medio de esta realidad, surge una pregunta urgente para el pueblo de Dios: ¿qué clase de iglesia necesita el mundo hoy? La respuesta no se encuentra en estrategias ni en modelos humanos. La respuesta se encuentra en la Palabra de Dios, específicamente en el libro de Hechos, donde vemos el nacimiento de una iglesia viva, llena del Espíritu Santo, centrada en Cristo y comprometida con la misión. Hechos 2:42-47 nos presenta una imagen poderosa de la iglesia primitiva. Después del derramamiento del Espíritu Santo en Pentecostés, los creyentes no se limitaron a celebrar un evento espiritual. Ellos se convirtieron en una comunidad transformada. La Biblia dice que “perseveraban en la doctrina de los apóstoles, en la comunión unos con otros, en el partimiento del pan y en las oraciones” (Hechos 2:42). Aquella iglesia no era perfecta, pero era una iglesia viva. El mundo de hoy necesita una iglesia así. Primero, el mundo necesita una iglesia anclada en la Palabra de Dios. Hechos 2:42 dice que los creyentes perseveraban en la doctrina de los apóstoles. La primera característica de la iglesia primitiva no fue el entretenimiento, ni la comodidad, ni la popularidad. Fue la fidelidad a la enseñanza de Cristo. Vivimos en una sociedad donde muchas personas están confundidas acerca de su identidad, la verdad, la moralidad, la vida, la muerte y la eternidad. En medio de tantas voces, la iglesia no puede responder con opiniones humanas; debe responder con la Palabra de Dios. Las tendencias, las culturas, y las emociones cambian, pero la Palabra del Señor permanece para siempre. La iglesia que el mundo necesita hoy no es una iglesia arrogante que condena, pero sí una iglesia clara, bíblica, compasiva y cristocéntrica. Una iglesia que predique que Jesús salva, que la gracia transforma, que el pecado puede ser perdonado, que la

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cruz todavía tiene poder, que la tumba está vacía y que Cristo viene otra vez. Cuando la iglesia pierde la Palabra, pierde su voz; y cuando pierde su voz, el mundo pierde un testigo. Segundo, el mundo necesita una iglesia que se sienta como familia. La Biblia dice que los creyentes perseveraban en la comunión. La comunión bíblica no es simplemente saludar el sábado y decir: “Feliz sábado”. La comunión bíblica es vida compartida. Es orar juntos, comer juntos, llorar juntos, servir juntos, sobrellevar las cargas juntos y crecer juntos. Muchas personas entran a nuestras iglesias buscando más que un programa. Buscan un lugar donde puedan ser vistos, reconocidos y amados. Buscan un lugar donde sus hijos sean recibidos, donde sus heridas no sean rechazadas, donde su historia no sea usada para condenarlos, sino para acompañarlos hacia la restauración. La iglesia no debe ser solo una audiencia; debe ser una familia. No basta con que la gente asista.Necesitamos

que el visitante encuentre un amigo. Que el solitario encuentre comunidad. Que el herido encuentre compasión. Que el joven encuentre propósito. Que el anciano sea honrado. Que el niño sea valorado. Que cada persona pueda decir: “Aquí encontré a Jesús, y aquí encontré una familia”. Jesús dijo en Juan 13:35: “En esto conocerán todos que sois mis discípulos, si tuviereis amor los unos con los otros”. El mundo puede discutir nuestros argumentos, pero no puede negar una comunidad que ama de verdad. El amor es el sermón que muchos leen antes de escuchar la predicación. Tercero, el mundo necesita una iglesia que ore con poder. Hechos 2 nos muestra que la iglesia primitiva perseveraba en las oraciones. Antes de Pentecostés, estaban orando. Después de Pentecostés, siguieron orando. Cuando enfrentaron persecución, oraron. Cuando Pedro estuvo en la cárcel, oraron. Cuando necesitaban dirección, oraron. La iglesia nació en oración, fue

FEATURE sostenida por la oración y avanzó por medio de la oración. Una iglesia sin oración puede tener actividad, pero no tendrá poder espiritual. Puede tener música, programas, comités, edificios y planes, pero sin oración carece de la presencia que transforma. La oración no debe ser la rueda de repuesto de la iglesia; debe ser el volante. No debe ser una transición en el culto; debe ser la atmósfera de la comunidad. Cuando la iglesia ora, el cielo se mueve, los corazones se ablandan y las cadenas se rompen. Cuando la iglesia ora, los hijos pródigos regresan y las familias son restauradas. Cuando la iglesia ora, el Espíritu Santo desciende. Zacarías 4:6 nos recuerda: “No con ejército, ni con fuerza, sino con mi Espíritu, ha dicho Jehová de los ejércitos”. La obra de Dios no avanza principalmente por talento humano, sino por poder divino. Cuarto, el mundo necesita una iglesia generosa. Hechos 2:44-45 dice que los creyentes compartían y distribuían según la necesidad de cada uno. Esto no significa que todos tuvieran abundancia material, sino que todos tenían un corazón dispuesto. La plenitud del Espíritu Santo los llevó a dejar de preguntar solamente: “¿Qué necesito yo?”, para comenzar a preguntar: “¿Quién me necesita a mí?”. Esa es la

generosidad del reino de Dios. El mundo ha visto demasiado egoísmo, indiferencia y avaricia. Necesita ver una iglesia que refleje el corazón generoso de Jesús. Una iglesia generosa con su tiempo, su misericordia, su hospitalidad, su perdón, sus recursos y su compasión. No podemos representar a un Salvador generoso con una fe egoísta. Jesús lo dio todo. Dio su tiempo, su atención, su cuerpo, su sangre y su vida. “Porque de tal manera amó Dios al mundo, que ha dado a su Hijo unigénito […]” (Juan 3:16). El amor verdadero siempre da. Quinto, el mundo necesita una iglesia en misión. “El Señor añadía cada día a la iglesia los que habían de ser salvos” (Hechos 2:47). La iglesia primitiva no crecía simplemente porque tenía una buena estrategia. Crecía porque estaba viva, llena del Espíritu, unida en amor, firme en la verdad, perseverante en la oración y comprometida con la misión. La iglesia no existe para sí misma. Existe para la gloria de Dios y la salvación de las personas. No somos un museo para santos, sino un hospital para pecadores. Jesús dijo: “Porque el Hijo del Hombre vino a buscar y a salvar lo que se había perdido” (Lucas 19:10). Si esa fue la misión de Jesús, también debe ser la misión de su iglesia.

El mandato sigue siendo: “Id”. Vayan al vecino, al compañero de trabajo, al joven que se siente invisible. Vayan a la madre soltera que se siente cansada, al inmigrante que se siente solo, al que dejó la iglesia, pero no ha dejado de necesitar a Dios. La iglesia que el mundo necesita hoy no es simplemente una iglesia con puertas abiertas, sino una iglesia con corazones abiertos, Biblias abiertas, manos abiertas y vidas rendidas a Jesús. Como un faro en medio de la tormenta, la iglesia no existe para admirarse a sí misma. Existe para alumbrar en la oscuridad. Existe porque hay almas en peligro, familias heridas y personas buscando un puerto seguro. Jesús dijo: “Vosotros sois la luz del mundo” (Mateo 5:14). Por lo tanto, la iglesia no está llamada a esconderse, sino a brillar. No estamos aquí para decorar la comunidad, sino para iluminar con la esperanza de Cristo. Hoy más que nunca, Dios nos llama a ser la iglesia que el mundo necesita: una iglesia anclada en la verdad, llena de amor, encendida en oración, generosa en servicio y apasionada por la misión. El mundo no solo necesita escuchar que Jesús vive. El mundo necesita verlo vivo en nosotros.

Cuando la iglesia ora, el cielo se mueve, los corazones se ablandan y las cadenas se rompen. Cuando la iglesia ora, los hijos pródigos regresan y las familias son restauradas. Cuando la iglesia ora, el Espíritu Santo desciende.

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INSIGHT

The Lifeline of Prophecy By Endi Stojanovic, Assistant Professor, Department of Religion, Southwestern Adventist University Imagine being trapped with no way out and only a slim chance that someone might find a message calling for help. In 2019, three hikers set out on a four-day trip through California’s Arroyo Seco Gorge. Three days later, they reached a 40-foot waterfall and discovered they were trapped. High water from spring runoff had made the river deeper and swifter than expected. Though a rope had been available on the route years earlier, it was now gone, making it too dangerous to descend the waterfall. Backtracking through the gorge was also not a safe option. With no cell service and no clear way out, they were stranded. One of the hikers had a desperate idea. He quickly found a small piece of paper and wrote the date, their approximate location, and the message “Get help please!” on it. He sealed the note inside an empty water bottle, carved “HELP” on the outside, and sent it over the waterfall, hoping someone downstream would find it. The plan worked. Hikers discovered the bottle, alerted authorities, and search-and-rescue crews found the group the following day. You can imagine how relieved they were when help finally arrived. This story has made me wonder what I would do if I needed saving. What if a message containing vital information could help me get out of a trap an enemy had set? The God of Scripture is portrayed as One who desperately seeks to commune and fellowship with His lost children. Sin broke our relationship with God, and part of what was lost was our ability to commune with Him face to face. God chose and called special men and women throughout history to bear His message to anyone who would listen—messages of hope and encouragement, as well as warning and rebuke. God alone decides whom He will reveal Himself to and appoint as His prophets. Some prophets were given the task of recording what God revealed to them. These writings eventually formed part of the canon we call the Bible. Other prophets were just as inspired by God but were not tasked with writing for future generations—for example, Elijah, Nathan, and Anna. It’s my firm belief that in these final days of earth’s history, Ellen G. White fulfills the role of this latter group. Her writings are not canon, like Scripture, but she is nevertheless just as inspired by God as biblical prophets. While her role may be different, the Source of her messages is the same. She not

God chose and called special men and women throughout history to bear only passes the scriptural tests of a prophet, but her writings are also full of hope, guidHis message to anyance, and safeguards especially pertinent for our time. one who would It’s common to hear stories about the mislisten. use of her writings in our church today. Twisting

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a prophet’s writings and meaning is something that has been common throughout biblical history. Many in Christ’s time had large portions of the Old Testament memorized, yet some were able to plot the death of the One to whom all Scripture testifies. I would encourage readers to read Ellen G. White for themselves and not allow someone else’s sour experience to paint an inaccurate picture of her. I believe you will find, as I have, that when you give God a chance through her writings, you will grow to appreciate the beautiful truths of the Bible in greater detail and, as a result, grow closer to the One who inspired her message.

WHOLENESS

How PTSD Can Impact Anyone By AdventHealth Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, happens when a person’s brain, and therefore someone’s body, is overwhelmed by trauma that cannot be processed all at once. When this happens, a person’s brain suspends “normal operation” in order to protect them. Traumatic stress can change brain structure and chemistry, and studies suggest that trauma is associated with changes in key areas of the brain, including the amygdala (processes fear and other emotions), hippocampus (responsible for learning and memory), and the prefrontal cortex (responsible for executive functions like planning, decision-making, personality expression, and social behavior). Risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing PTSD include genetic predisposition, history of previous trauma, childhood adversity, and lack of social support. Any form of traumatic stress, including ongoing emotional abuse, can lead to these physiological changes that influence someone’s psychology. Since car accidents, natural disasters, and exposure to war and violence are all traumatic events, they can all lead to a person developing PTSD. While PTSD can and does impact men who experienced war, it affects people of all ages, including women and children, as long as they were exposed to trauma.

EXAMPLES OF TRAUMA The most common examples of events that can lead to PTSD: • Emotional abuse

• Experiencing or witnessing violence

• Exposure to media coverage of a distressing event • Imprisonment or even the feeling of imprisonment

• Learning of a traumatic event that impacted a loved one • Loss of a loved one • Serious illness

• Witnessing a crime or the aftermath of a traumatic event WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF PTSD? Reach out for help if you’ve experienced trauma and are experiencing some or all of the following symptoms.

1

2

3

• • • •

• Avoiding reminders • Difficulty concentrating or remembering • Feeling emotionally numb or detached

• • • •

Intrusive Thoughts & Re-experiencing

Distressing thoughts Flashbacks Nightmares Physiological reactions

Avoidance

Negative Changes in Cognition & Mood

4

Arousal and Reactivity

Difficulty sleeping Distorted perception of safety Guilt, shame, fear, or anger Negative beliefs

• • • •

Easily startled Difficulty sleeping Hypervigilance Recklessness or impulsivity

PTSD TREATMENT OPTIONS | One or a combination of the treatments may be offered to support healing from PTSD: • Psychotherapy cognitive behavioral or interpersonal

• Support groups

tization and reprocessing

• Experimental brain stimulation therapies transcranial

therapy, prolonged exposure, or eye movement desensi• Medications SSRIs, SNRIs, or other medications

At AdventHealth, we strive to care for the whole person, which means keeping you well physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you’re struggling with PTSD symptoms or another mental health condition, reach out to our AdventHealth

• Lifestyle modifications exercise, diet, and sleep

magnetic stimulation and vagus nerve stimulation

behavioral health specialists for a personalized treatment plan and expert care that sees and treats the whole you. You deserve to feel whole—in body, mind, and spirit.

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MINISTRIES

Your Judea By Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union Vice President for Ministerial and Multicultural Ministries What role does church play in your life? Is it a place you attend once a week, or is it something that shapes who you are every day? I don’t believe church is simply a place we attend once a week; rather, it defines who we are. As we've been studying Acts 1:8, I've suggested that Jerusalem can represent our home. Now let's look at Judea, which to me represents the church. The reason the early church had success is that it was a biblically functioning community. The biblical pioneers met together in the church (temple) every day. (See Acts 2:44.) Church was a way of life for them. But we must remember why that was so. They were motivated by one factor and one fac- Healthy, vibrant church communities can define who we are. tor alone. They wanted Jesus to come back. I would like to encourage you to take some time to conThey couldn’t wait for their Friend and Savior to return so sider how you can become more involved in your local they could be with Him again. Everything they did was done church. There are three main areas that I believe should be with this in mind. Their life was the church, and in their spare our focus. time they worked to meet their financial obligations. How are we doing in comparison with the early church? Is your experience like the one described in the book of Acts? 1. We want to bring people into the church. That’s evanTake a moment right gelism. I’m so encouraged by the wonderful reports of now to think about how our pastors are diligently sharing the Gospel through your priorities. Where evangelistic efforts. But evangelism is not only for pastors. on that list is church? All of us should be involved in evangelism. Remember that How many times evangelism takes place in different ways. Whether public during the week do or personal, all of us should be sharing the good news of you think about your Jesus with everyone we come in contact with. church? If it isn’t often, I think you have to ask 2. We want our people to stay connected. That’s retenwhy. Why is church not tion. We want to retain our family of believers so we are all that important? ready and excited when Jesus comes again. You might say, “Times have changed, 3. We want our people to be active. Our churches must Pastor Tony. It’s have programs, ministries, and initiatives that encourage not the same anymembers to remain healthy and active in stewardship, promore.” Are you sure? viding opportunities to serve according to the gifts God Shouldn’t our priority has given them. still be to prepare for Jesus to come? Isn’t My dream for the Southwestern Union is that we will The church it important to meet have healthy, vibrant church communities filled with with fellow believers people who are excited about spending time together defines who and encourage one throughout the week as they share the Gospel of a cruwe are. another as a community? Shouldn’t we cified, risen, and soon-coming Savior with the world be exploring ways to share Jesus and around them. the Gospel together?

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EDUCATION

A Vision for Adventist Education By Kisha Norris, Ph.D., Southwestern Union Vice President for Education pastors, school boards, and church members who share a common belief: Adventist education is one of the most effective ministries that’s entrusted to the Church. While academic excellence is essential, our schools exist for a greater purpose. We are called to lead young people Students at Seventh-day Adventist schools throughout the Southwestern Union are experi- into a saving relationship encing transformative learning experiences. with Jesus while preparing them for lives of service, leadership, and mission. It is with deep gratitude and a proAs I look ahead to the next five years, found sense of responsibility that I our vision is grounded in the Southbegin my service as vice president for western Union theme, “Together in Education at the Southwestern Union. Mission.” The future of Adventist eduHaving spent nearly my entire life cation will not be built by any one within the Southwestern Union family, individual, school, or conference. It will this appointment feels less like a new be made stronger through collaboradestination and more like a continuation, shared purpose, and a collective tion of a lifelong journey. commitment to our mission. I was born and raised in San Antonio, First, I hope to strengthen the spirTex., and Adventist education has been itual foundation of our schools by woven into the fabric of my life from providing the necessary resources and an early age. My mother, an Adventist professional development to assist our educator, showed me the very essence teachers in the integration of faith and of what commitment to this work learning. Every classroom should be entails. Until she passed away in 2004, a place where faith is nurtured, biblishe was a fierce proponent of Adventist cal values are modeled and students education. As an elementary student encounter the love of Christ daily. at Maranatha Adventist School in San Academic achievement and spiritual Antonio; a high school student at Valgrowth are not competing priorities. ley Grande Academy; and a two-time They are complementary aspects of graduate of Southwestern Adventist true education, which Ellen G. White University, I experienced firsthand the described as the harmonious develtransformative influence of Adventist opment of the physical, mental, and education. Dedicated teachers, menspiritual powers. Today, that philosotors and spiritual leaders helped shape phy remains as relevant as ever. not only my academic development Second, I’m committed to supporting but also my relationship with Christ and and empowering educators by priorimy understanding of service. Those tizing investments in their professional experiences left an indelible mark on growth, spiritual well-being, and leadmy life and ultimately inspired my comership development. Because teachers mitment to Adventist education. are so influential in students’ lives, when I now have the privilege of serving educators thrive, students flourish. alongside educators, administrators,

Third, I believe we must continue to pursue excellence and innovation while remaining firmly anchored in our Adventist identity. Our schools must prepare students for a rapidly changing world by fostering critical thinking, creativity, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning. At the same time, we must never lose sight of our distinctive mission to prepare young people not only for success in this world but for citizenship in God's eternal kingdom. Finally, I hope to strengthen partnerships among our churches, schools, families, and conferences. Adven-

Adventist education will be strengthened through collaboration, shared purpose, and a collective commitment to our mission. tist education is most effective when it is embraced as a shared ministry. Together, we can create environments where students are known, valued, challenged, and inspired to answer God's call on their lives. The Southwestern Union has a rich history of educational ministry, and I am honored to be part of its future. As we move forward “Together in Mission,” I remain confident that God will continue to bless our schools, our educators, and our students. By His grace, we will continue developing young people who will love Jesus, serve others, and help finish the work He has entrusted to us.

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KIDS’ PAGES

The BIG Bully By Gerson Pancorbo, Communication Director

Hey! You're not gonna believe this story I heard about David and this huge giant named Goliath. It's so cool. So the Israelites (that's God's special people) were fighting these mean guys called Philistines. The Philistines had this humongous soldier named Goliath. He was taller than two grown-ups stacked on top of each other! Every day, this giant Goliath would stomp out and shout, "Send someone to fight me! If he wins, we'll be your servants. But if I win, you'll be our servants." He was such a big bully. And he said mean things about God too. All the Israelite soldiers were super scared—even King Saul! They were all hiding and shaking like when there's thunder and lightning. Then one day, David came to bring lunch to his big brothers, who were soldiers. When he heard Goliath being all mean and stuff, David was like, "Why is everyone so scared? I'll fight him!" The soldiers laughed at David because he was just a kid! Like your age, or maybe a little bigger. They were like, "No way, you're too little." But David told King Saul, "I take care of my dad's sheep, and sometimes lions and bears try to eat them. I grab those meanies and whack them! God helped me beat up lions, so He'll help me beat this giant too."

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King Saul tried to give David heavy armor and a big sword, but David was like, "I can't even walk in this stuff!" So he just took his shepherd's staff and his slingshot. David went to a stream and picked up five smooth stones. Just regular rocks! Then he walked right up to the giant. Goliath started laughing when he saw little David. He was all, "Am I a dog that you come at me with sticks? I'll feed you to the birds!" But David shouted back, "You come with a sword and spear, but I come with God on my side! Today everyone will know there's a real God in Israel." Then David put a stone in his slingshot, spun it around super fast, and—zoom—the stone flew and hit Goliath right in the forehead. Bonk! The giant fell down face-first. He was knocked out cold. David ran over, grabbed Goliath's own huge sword, and finished the fight. Whoa! The big bully was finally defeated. All the Philistines got so scared they ran away, and the Israelites chased them! See, David wasn't big or strong, but he trusted God. That's why he won! It's like when big kids at school are mean, but you know God is with you, so you're not scared. I think this teaches us that it doesn't matter if you're little. With God's help, you can do amazing things!

KIDS’ PAGES

Bonded Friends

Friends are an a mazing gif t from God to m ake our lives better. W hen a good frie nd is around, happy ti m es are even better, a nd rough ti mes are more bearable .

Some famous friends from the Bible are listed below, but the letters of the friends’ names have been merged.

Can you separate the names of these Bible friends?

EXAMPLE: ABLRAOHATM​​​​ ABRAHAM

​LOT

1. NRAUOTMHI (See Ruth 1:11–14.)

_________________

_________________

2. DJOANAVTHIAND (See 1 Samuel 18:1–3.) _________________

_________________

3. EELLIIJSAHHA (See 2 Kings 2:2.)

_________________

_________________

4. SDMAHAEBADSENRHDIAAENCCLEHGHO (See Daniel 2:49.) _________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

5. JMLMEAAAZSRARURTYUHSSA (See John 11:25.)​ _________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

6. PPARIQASUCUIILLLLAA​(See Acts 18:1–3.) _________________

_________________

_________________

See answers on page 23.

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NEXT GENERATION

Finding Peace in the Digital World By Luzeli Prieto, age 14 When I was 13, I was depressed because of family problems. What I felt was like a pain in my mind. My stomach felt empty, but not like hunger. It was as if my stomach was clenched, and it felt like if I let go of my clenched stomach, I would throw up. There was always a specific moment when I would feel my depression hit. It was every time my mom left me alone. I distracted myself with my phone so I wouldn't feel that pain. Ever since I was little, I was always with my mom, and when my parents divorced, I needed my mom more than ever. I didn't want to do things alone because I was scared. That's when I drowned myself in music and the shows I watched so I would feel something. There was a time I didn't want to go to school because I thought I would throw up or faint. All I wanted was sleep and peace in my mind. I was anxious all the time and so lost that I lost my will to live, my spirit, and my joy. The things I used to love were nothing but a void. My aunt had to come and help me find my way back to God and my passions. It was all a miracle. A month before I had depression, my aunt had quit her job, so when I had depression, she had the time to take care of me. The things she made me do were exercise, eat healthier foods, walk, and do crafts to stimulate my mind. Her visits helped me think more clearly, to actually look up from my phone and see the things I had missed before. Now I'm better than I have ever been before. I feel more peace in my mind. I'm not saying I don't get sad because I do get sad about certain things, but I know things are going to be okay. It's hard to let go of the phone, but when you let go, God will be waiting to catch you and will be waiting to talk.

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Southwestern Union News

RISE Camporee Leaders Answer Questions On July 21, Southwestern Union camporee leaders hosted their first live question-and-answer session about RISE 2026, the unionwide Pathfinder camporee scheduled for Oct. 1–4 at Lake Whitney Ranch. Organizers shared updates on registration, programming, camping logistics, and volunteer opportunities while answering questions submitted by Pathfinder leaders across the union. When is the registration deadline? Late registration is available through Sept. 20, at a cost of $75 per ticket. Texas Conference participants should register through the Texas Conference system. Participants from other conferences may register through the Southwestern Union Camporee website (SWUCamporee.org) or Eventbrite. What does registration include? The registration fee covers admission, parking and access to most activities. Clubs are responsible for providing their own meals, and some honors requiring specialized supplies may carry an additional fee. Can I come as a volunteer? Individuals who register through the official volunteer form will receive admission, meals, and a campsite. When may clubs arrive? General check-in is expected to begin Thursday, Oct. 1, at 1 p.m. What will the camporee include? Each conference will lead a worship program based on one aspect of the RISE theme: • Texico: rising intellectually • Oklahoma: rising emotionally • Arkansas-Louisiana: rising physically • Southwest Region: rising spiritually • Texas: rising socially Jonathan Osorio of Florida will serve as keynote speaker. The camporee will also feature baptisms, worship services, honors, recreational activities, obstacle

courses, team-building events, marching exhibitions, parades, and more.

Can guests attend only on Sabbath? A Sabbath pass will be available for those attending worship services or supporting baptismal candidates. Registration and camporee safety requirements will still apply.

Are there required activities? All activities and honors are optional, allowing clubs to choose the experiences that best fit their PathIs merchandise available? finders. Most activities won’t require Official RISE merchandise is now preregistration, though some honavailable for advance purchase, includors will. The camporee is designed as ing collectible sliding pins, shirts, a learning experience rather than a glow-in-the-dark hoodies, and points-based competition, Scan the QR code to watch rain ponchos. Online ordering although marching exhibirecording of livestream. closes Aug. 10 at 8 a.m., and tions will be judged. some prices will increase at the camporee. What should clubs know about camping? How can I learn more? Camping assignments will Check the camporee webbe based on registration numsite at SWUCamporee.org bers and coordinated through for the manual, daily schedule, and each conference. Electricity will be very additional resources as they become limited, so clubs should plan to camp available. without it. Drinking-water stations will be available throughout the campground, but clubs are encouraged to bring additional drinking water. Campfires and generators will be permitted only under camporee guidelines. What safety requirements apply? Every participant must have a completed medical consent form. Adults must meet their conference's background-check requirements, and clubs should maintain appropriate adult-to-Pathfinder supervision ratios.

Puzzle Answers from page 21: 1. Naomi and Ruth 2. David and Jonathan 3. Elijah and Elisha 4. Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego 5. Jesus, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus 6. Paul, Priscilla, and Aquila

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Southwestern Union News

Public Campus Ministry Day Equips Students What happens when a person dies? How do I stay connected to Christ? What is grace? Those were among the questions college students brought to Public Campus Ministry Day at Houston International Seventh-day Adventist Church on June 27, where students spent the day exploring the spiritual and practical challenges of living out their faith while pursuing higher education. Throughout the day, students and church members explored both biblical and practical topics. During Sabbath School, discussion centered on questions about heaven, hell, and what happens after death. An afternoon question-and-answer session shifted to issues young adults face every day, including identity, careers, dating, accountability, and staying connected to Christ while away from home. In a sermon, Helvis Moody, Southwestern Union Youth & Young Adult Ministries director, described college campuses as one of today's most important mission fields, noting that

Thirty-three college and university students came forward for a special prayer of dedication at the end of the worship service.

Texas is home to approximately 1.6 million collegians. He challenged the congregation to imagine the impact if just 1 percent—or even 0.1 percent— of those students accepted Christ through campus ministry. He encouraged students to remain committed to Christ, grounded in Scripture, and connected to a Christian community. After the sermon, Pastor Jacques Francois invited college and university students to come forward for a special prayer of dedication. Thirty-three

students came forward, and both Moody and Francois prayed over them. Then Francois invited anyone who wanted to give their life to Christ through baptism to respond. One young visitor who had been invited to Public Campus Ministry Day by a friend immediately raised his hand and then stepped forward. "We still have students who are on fire for the Lord," Moody says. "Keep them prayed up."

Pedro Perez Chosen to Lead International Camporee The Center for Youth Evangelism (CYE) has appointed Pedro Perez as International Pathfinder Camporee director, succeeding Ron Whitehead, who served as both CYE executive director and International Pathfinder Camporee director for 29 years. Perez joins the CYE after serving as Pathfinder and Adventurer director for the Florida Conference, where he has been since 2017. His ministry experience also includes serving as Youth Ministries director for the Florida Conference and as youth director for the Southern New England Conference. “We are excited to have Pastor Pedro Perez as our new NAD International Camporee director!” says Tracy Wood, North American Division (NAD) Youth and Young Adult Ministries director.

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“We look forward to collaborating with him and the CYE team in serving our vast network of club ministries leaders.” With Perez’s wealth of experience in club ministries and many years of involvement with the International Camporee, NAD leadership anticipates that Perez will help make the 2029 Stand Strong International Camporee a phenomenal event. “The international camporee is a monumental experience in the spiritual journey of a Pathfinder,” says Wendy Eberhardt, NAD vice president, “and I am confident he will continue to move the camporee forward as a life-changing space where Pathfinders grow their faith and build discipleship connections that will last an eternity.”

Pedro Perez has been involved with the International Camporee for many years and is now the camporee’s new director.

Southwestern Union News

Equine Training Prepares Camp Wranglers

The annual equine training prepares summer camp wranglers for a safe and successful horse program.

The Southwestern Union hosted its annual equine training at Lone Star Camp, May 24–29. This event prepares wranglers working at summer camps

throughout the union to operate a safe and successful horse program. Wranglers learned how to safely and effectively work with horses in a camp

setting, gaining practical knowledge, strengthening their horsemanship skills, and learning how to confidently teach and lead campers around horses. Participants found the opportunity to practice teaching skills and receive constructive feedback to be especially beneficial. “It was an incredibly valuable experience,” said Lone Star Horsemanship Director Heather Brown as camp season was about to begin. “Because of this experience, I am confident that our wranglers will be excellent instructors during the summer camp.”

Spanish Children's Ministries Training Held in Louisiana Children's ministry leaders from four Spanish-speaking churches throughout the greater New Orleans area gathered at New Orleans Kenner Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church, June 13–15 for Children's Ministries certification training conducted by Sonia Canó, director of Children's Ministries and Church Ministries for the Southwestern Union. Bible verses became songs. Paper bags became lions for Daniel's den. Hand-traced outlines became reminders that people learn best when they take part. Participant interaction was built into every seminar. After Canó introduced key concepts, attendees applied what they are learning through questions, activities, games, and discussion. “It was hands-on, of course,” she says. “We were learning and applying what each seminar had to say.” Throughout the weekend, participants explored ways to help children connect with God through Sabbath School, Bible activities, Scripture memorization, and worship. They also learned practical teaching methods, including active learning, nature-based instruction, crafts, and disciplining with

Participants from four Spanish churches throughout the greater New Orleans area received Children’s Ministries certification after taking part in a weekend of trainings conducted by Sonia Canó, Southwestern Union Children’s Ministries director.

grace and love. Canó says one of the highlights of the weekend was watching participants learn from one another. “You can have an 82-year-old Sabbath School teacher sharing her experience with a 20-yearold,” she says. “I just love that.” She recalled one discussion in which the veteran teacher described how she responds when children ask difficult Bible questions. Rather than feeling pressured to provide an immediate answer, the teacher encouraged leaders to pray about the question and allow time for the Holy Spirit to guide their response. Canó does certification trainings like

these throughout the union, each with its own focus depending on what local leaders indicate they'd like to learn. The next Children's Ministries certification training is scheduled for the Oklahoma City area the last weekend of September.

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Arkansas-Louisiana Conference News

Summer Blast Hits Northwest Arkansas By Leonardo Melendez, Church Ministries Director, and Frances Alcorn, Communication Director

Kojo Twumasi and Pastor Fernando Villegas invited visitors to bring their burdens to Jesus.

Bentonville Seventh-day Adventist Church led in a week of fun, friends, and faith at its Summer Blast, July 12–18. Each night, families were invited to the church for games, music, prizes, and a short spiritual message given by Kojo Twumasi, evangelism director of the Ohio Conference. The free event demonstrated Christ’s compassion to the neighboring community while sharing the life-changing message of salvation. Every night ended with a giveaway, including such items as fuel cards, Walmart gift cards, sneakers, school supplies, toys, laundry supplies, a Visa gift card, and groceries.

And after an incredible week, on Sabbath, July 18, Summer Blast concluded with a day of rest and worship. More than 1,000 guests visited the church during this special week, and 35 individuals made the decision to surrender their lives to Jesus. Please pray for the Bentonville church as they disciple these new believers and continue reaching their community with the love and hope of Christ.

Anointing Service

Lake Baptism

During the divine service on July 4, the Slidell Seventh-day Adventist Church held a special anointing service, seeking a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

In the early evening of July 12, the Yellville Seventh-day Adventist Church held a baptism in Bull Shoals Lake. Church members attended as Jennie Sanchez was baptized.

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Arkansas-Louisiana Conference News

‘Revelation of Love’ at Fort Smith

Two Conference Directors Receive Doctorates

By Lea Treshnell

Within just over a month, two conference directors have earned their doctorates: Tim Kripps, Education Director, Ed.D., and Leonardo Melendez, D.Min., Evangelism Director. Kripps earned his doctorate in educational leadership. His doctoral research focused on improving communication between school administrators, parents, students, and other stakeholders. He used Ozark Adventist Academy as the case study to develop practical recommendations for strengthening school-community relationships. After two-and-a-half years of diligent study and relevant projects, Kripps successfully defended his dissertation before the board of Liberty University on June 18. Tim graduated with high distinction for having a 4.0 GPA. His degree was conferred on June 25. For Kripps, this was not just a personal accomplishment, but also preparation to better serve God, the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference, and the schools entrusted to our care. The knowledge, research, and leadership skills he gained have strengthened his ability to make thoughtful decisions, solve complex challenges, and provide stronger support for our educators, students, and school leaders. He hopes that the things he has learned will ultimately contribute to the continued growth and excellence of Christian education throughout the conference. “Completing a doctoral program required countless hours of study, research, and writing,” says Kripps, “and I know I could not have accomplished it in my own strength. God provided the wisdom, endurance, and guidance I needed every step of the way.” On July 22, after six years of study, Melendez successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at Andrews University. His doctoral research, titled “Preparing Church Leaders for

The Vela Family was welcomed into the Fort Smith church. Photo by Gaby Salazar.

Five people were baptized, one person was re-baptized, and one made a profession of faith following the Revelation of Love Seminar presented at the Fort Smith Seventh-day Adventist Church in March. David Machado presented the Revelation of Love seminar for four weeks. Bible truths were clearly and concisely presented in a loving way that touched many hearts. Through a children’s department program, children enjoyed learning the same message as the adults each evening. Attendees also enjoyed nightly snacks and fellowship after each presentation, along with weekly fellowship meals and an international food festival. Laura Williams provided worship in song each night and presented a concert on the final day of the seminar. Her husband and sound engineer, Ernie Hernandez, shared his testimony of his journey to Jesus, as did their friend and assistant, Fabian Garcia. Friendships and bonds were forged that will last through eternity, and decisions were made for Christ.

By Frances Alcorn, Communication Director the Ministry of Spiritual Warfare in the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference,” reflects his passion for equipping leaders and strengthening ministry throughout our territory. Melendez expresses that it has been an incredible privilege to journey through this leadership cohort, learning alongside outstanding professors

Tim Kripps and Leonardo Melendez both completed their doctorates this summer.

and classmates. He says could not have done it without the support of friends, family, and the administration of the Arkansas-Louisianna Conference, who believed in him and encouraged him every step of the way. He believes this step will contribute to the advancement of God’s mission.

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Oklahoma Conference News

Myanmar Children Share Faith Door to Door

Young people used the New Beginnings curriculum to give Bible studies in neighborhood homes.

A group of children from the Myanmar Adventist Fellowship is taking their faith beyond the church walls, visiting homes across their community to share Bible messages, offer prayer, sing, and invite neighbors to learn more about Adventist beliefs. Using the New Beginnings multimedia series as their guide, the young witnesses have combined courage, compassion, and clear teaching to make a visible difference in the neighborhoods they serve. The outreach, organized by local leaders and supported by parents and volunteers, pairs short, age-appropriate presentations with personal conversation and prayer. Teams of children visit households in small groups, present brief Bible messages drawn from the New Beginnings curriculum, and follow up with singing and prayer. The program is designed to teach the children how to witness and how to open gentle, respectful conversations about faith with neighbors. “We want our children to know that sharing Jesus can be simple, loving, and respectful,” said one leader involved in the program. “They’re learning how to speak from the heart, listen to others, and pray for real needs they encounter.” The New Beginnings series provides a structured, multimedia approach that helps young presenters explain core Adventist beliefs in accessible language. Its combination of short videos, discussion prompts, and review materials has helped the children prepare confident, clear presentations. Safety protocols are in place for all visits. Children travel in groups, are accompanied by at least one adult, and follow clear guidelines for respectful engagement. Organizers also provide debriefing sessions after outreach activities so children can reflect on their experiences, ask questions, and receive pastoral encouragement. Residents who received visits described the encounters as warm and thoughtful. Several households welcomed the

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children and their adult mentors into their homes for prayer and conversation; others accepted literature or invitations to future community events. The goal is not to pressure anyone but to share hope and be a visible expression of Christ’s love. One neighbor commented, “They came with smiles and songs. It was encouraging to see children so willing to share something that matters to them.” Beyond community impact, the outreach is shaping the spiritual lives of the children themselves. The program intentionally pairs practical evangelism skills with discipleship, encouraging children to live out the message they share. Parents and leaders note increased confidence, a deeper understanding of Scripture, and a growing sense of responsibility among participants This outreach would not be possible without the dedication of our families and leaders. Their time, prayer, and practical support have made this ministry a blessing to many. Plans are underway to expand the program’s schedule and offer additional training sessions for new participants.

Cabin Groundbreaking Groundbreaking for Cabin 5 at Wewoka Woods Adventist Center took place Sunday, July 12, during camp meeting. Photo by Emily Watts.

Oklahoma Conference News

Oklahoma Churches Celebrate New Beginnings

"Sabbath School Go!” Launches

Across two Oklahoma congregations, five people publicly committed their lives to Christ through baptism, one couple celebrated their wedding, and church members rejoiced as they witnessed God's faithfulness. In Ketchum, Okla., three people were baptized on Independence Day, marking a significant change in their lives. Gabe Harper had expressed his desire to be baptized at teen camp, but his family was unable to attend. However, it did not stop him from his commitment. The very next weekend, he celebrated his baptism with family beside him at the Ketchum Seventh-day Adventist Church. After being together for 15 years, Curt Wigelsworth and his fiancée, Betty, felt a deep spiritual awakening. Their baptism was an event filled with joy, tears, and the clear presence of the Holy Spirit. The following weekend, that journey continued as the couple stood together again—this time to be married. Their wedding was simple and beautiful, and the couple was overflowing with gratitude to God. Kris Knott, church pastor, both baptized them and officiated at the wedding. "It was a beautiful Sabbath and a beautiful wedding,” said Knott. “The Lord is working in their hearts in a big way." Meanwhile, in Miami, Okla., another couple stepped forward in faith. Sherman and Becky Hamon were baptized, publicly declaring their commitment to Christ. Their story, like the Wigelsworth's, reflects years of God's quiet work—shaping, healing, and preparing them for this moment. Their baptism brought deep joy to the Miami Seventh-day Adventist Church family, who had been praying for them and walking alongside them. Together, these baptisms and wedding were more than merely ceremonies—they were testimonies of God's

A dynamic new online video channel, "Sabbath School Go!," meets modern believers where they are. In a world that moves fast, this initiative leverages technology, time, and teaching to bring the timeless truths of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide directly to viewers in a concise, powerful format. "Sabbath School Go!" addresses the challenge of Sabbath School attendance by taking the study out of the classroom and into daily life. Three-minute episodes are released Monday through Friday. Hosted by Chris Bailey III, Sabbath School ministries director for the Oklahoma Conference, the video content is rooted in the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, ensuring a solid foundation. "What we study remains unchanged,” says Bailey. “But how we study the Bible is as wide open as its pages." "Sabbath School Go!" represents the conference's commitment to innovative discipleship and spiritual education. By utilizing digital outreach, the ministry aims to support churches, families, and individuals seeking a deeper connection with Scripture. The new video series can easily be shared across Scan to watch social media platthe first episode. forms, making it a practical tool for personal devotion, group discussion, or sharing with friends and family.

Pastor Kris Knott baptized five people at two churches in back-toback weekends. Becky and Sherman Hamon were baptized in Miami, Okla., and Betty and Curt Wigelsworth were baptized in Ketchum, Okla., along with teen Gabe Harper.

faithfulness, the power of love, and the beauty of surrender. Two churches. Five baptisms. One wedding. One God moving in many mighty ways. The Oklahoma Conference celebrates with these families and prays for their continued growth, joy, and discipleship as they begin this new chapter.

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Southwest Region Conference News

Church Ministries Unite for Young People By Lawanna G. Williams-McCoy, Ed.D., Education and Children's Ministries Director

If the Church is to remain strong for years to come, young people cannot wait until tomorrow to serve.

Church leaders from across Oklahoma came together at Voice of Hope Seventh-day Adventist Church for the first Church Ministries Collaboration. Guided by the theme “We Are Called” and the rallying cry, “One District. One Ministry. One Purpose,” Southwest Region Conference leaders shared a vision for strengthening ministry for young people across the conference. One key focus of the event was the role of Sabbath School. Leaders emphasized that it should be the foundation for church growth and cooperation. Rather than working separately, departments

were encouraged to partner in ways that help families grow in God's Word and give their communities meaningful opportunities to connect with Christ. Young people were at the center of the day's activities. Youth and young adults co-led Sabbath School and Children's Church, gaining leadership experience while mentoring younger children. During divine worship, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director Wesley McNorton challenged young people to boldly answer God's call. At the same time, the multimedia ministries team trained the local church's youth media team by giving them responsibility for event coverage and technical production. Afternoon breakout sessions focused on mentoring young leaders and preparing them for future service. Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Director Tyrone Boyd encouraged leaders to involve young people in teaching, outreach, visitation, and church leadership. McNorton met with youth leaders, while Lawanna McCoy, Ed.D., Education and Children’s Ministries director, encouraged children's ministry leaders

to identify and mentor future leaders through hands-on service. Together, the sessions emphasized that ministry includes preparing others to lead. Executive Secretary Jason North concluded the afternoon with a panel discussion on building healthy congregations, then presented membership trends that highlighted the importance of investing in children and youth. President Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min., closed with an update on the conference and an inspiring vespers thought. Leaders were challenged to strengthen local ministries through intentional mentoring, unified planning, and active discipleship. The collaborative model will continue throughout the Southwest Region Conference, with each region launching a youth-led digital storytelling project that highlights how God is working in local churches and communities. The message of the collaboration was clear: If the church is to remain strong for years to come, young people cannot wait until tomorrow to serve. They must be trained, empowered, and called into active ministry today.

God's Daughters Inspires Next Generation By Anysia Alexander-Archibald, Women's Ministries Director Forty-two girls, ages 10–21, are participating in God’s Daughters at Arlington Metro Community Seventh-day Adventist Church. Sponsored by the conference Women's Ministries Department, God’s Daughters helps girls recognize their value in Christ and grow with confidence, grace, and purpose. Through engaging classes, mentoring, and hands-on learning, the participants are exploring lessons in biblical self-worth, spiritual growth, etiquette, healthful living, leadership,

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service, and personal development. They are also learning that they are loved, chosen, and uniquely gifted. The girls participate with enthusiasm as they build confidence, and develop meaningful life skills. This ministry is strengthened by the support of parents, sponsors, mentors, volunteers, and church leadership. We thank Merciline Nyabuto, the church's Women's Ministries leader, and her team for their excellent work and dedication. Southwest Region Conference Women’s Ministries is grateful to invest in

God’s Daughters is a program for 10-21-year-olds designed to help girls recognize their value in Christ.

developing the next generation of young women for Christ.

Southwest Region Conference News

3,000 Attend Campmeeting By Leslie Soupet, Communications Director Church members and guests gathered at Lone Star Camp for the 2026 Southwest Region Conference Camp Meeting, celebrating a week filled with powerful worship, dynamic preaching, heartfelt fellowship, and life-changing spiritual experiences under the theme "Rooted. Revived. Reaching." From the opening service to the closing "Amen," the campground was alive with praise. Among the events that made this year’s gathering one to remember were the Morning Manna devotionals, practical workshops, inspiring children's and youth programming, the Pathfinder Parade through the City of Athens, the annual Watermelon Festival, Comedy Night with Jonathan Slocumb, and an unforgettable Sabbath evening concert featuring John P. Kee and New Life Community Choir, Gayle Jones Murphy, Stephen Manders and Decree, and the Southwest Region Mass Choir.

The greatest celebration, however, came during the evening worship services. Night after night, the Holy Spirit moved as heartfelt appeals invited attendees to respond to Christ's call. By the close of camp meeting, 19 individuals had made decisions for Jesus. The impact extended far beyond the campground as thousands more joined the experience through the camp meeting livestream, connecting from across the Southwest Region Conference territory and beyond. As attendees departed, they carried home more than cherished memories. They left more deeply rooted in God's Word, revived by the power of the Holy Spirit, and inspired to continue reaching their families, churches, and communities with the Everlasting Gospel until Jesus returns.

Summer Camp Ends With 18 Baptisms By Wesley McNorton, Youth and Young Adult Ministries Director

Southwest Region Conference’s 2026 summer camp ended with 18 baptisms. Throughout the week, campers strengthened their faith through worship, Bible messages, and a variety of activities.

More than 100 campers ages 7–15 attended Southwest Region Conference's 2026 summer camp, where 18 chose baptism during the closing Sabbath service. Campers enjoyed activities including archery, swimming, baking, arts and crafts, and jet skis. Each evening, Camp Pastor Daniel Charles and Worship Coordinator Alyse “Joy” Williams led campers in songs and sermons. The final day of camp was a special Sabbath, during which parents joined their children for worship and watched the baptisms.

The spirit of God was evident in every song sung, every morning manna devotional, and in all 19 individuals who chose to be baptized.

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Texas Conference News

Texas Conference Welcomes New Employees Along with electing a new president, Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., as reported in the last issue of the Record, the Texas Conference has also filled two key positions in education and property development. Robyn-Anna Grimsley, Ed.D.

Tex., and a Master of Education in educational leadership from Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Tex. This year, she completed her Doctor of Education from Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Tex. “Robyn is passionate about preparing future educational leaders, supporting professional growth, and connecting education theory with practical application,” says Castillo. “We appreciate her fondness for learning and the desire to help our educational leaders and schools be the best they can be. Our 21 schools across Texas provide incredible educational and evangelistic opportunities with amazing teachers and staff.” Richard C. Dye, Sr.

Robyn-Anna Grimsley brings more than 20 years of experience to her new role as Texas Conference vice president for education.

The Texas Conference elected Robyn-Anna Grimsley, Ed.D., to be the conference’s vice president for education at the executive committee’s regularly scheduled in-person meeting on June 25 in Alvarado, Tex. Grimsley has been an elementary school teacher at The Oaks Adventist Christian School in Cypress, Tex., a principal at Fort Worth Adventist Junior Academy, and an associate superintendent for the Texas Conference with more than 20 years in educational work. She began in 2002 as a thirdgrade teacher at Mitchell Boulevard Elementary School in the Fort Worth Independent School District. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in kinesiology and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from The University of Texas at Arlington, as well as a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction from Tarleton State University in Stephenville,

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After more than 40 years of denominational service. Richard C. Dye, Sr., is now Texas Conference Property Development director.

Richard C. Dye, Sr., began serving as Property Development director for the Texas Conference on Aug. 1. Previously under the Treasury Department, Property Development is a new department created and voted on during the regular in-person executive committee meeting on June 25. It will oversee all properties registered under the Texas Conference Association, including Texas Conference churches and schools, the Adventist Book

Center, Adventist Community Services, Lake Whitney Ranch, Transportation, and the main conference office building. All property transactions are voted on by the Texas Conference Association board. Other responsibilities for the position include ensuring that all properties adhere to applicable policies, regulations, and compliance standards. In addition, the Property Development director will work with the treasurer/ CFO, the association secretary, and local entities to verify that properties are safe, functional, and in a visually appealing condition. Dye has more than 40 years of service with the Seventh-day Adventist Church, with experience in administration, education, evangelism, ministry, and pastoral ministry in five different conferences, including Texas, Oklahoma, Texico, Iowa-Missouri, and Kansas-Nebraska. He is a Doctor of Ministry candidate at Andrews University Theological Seminary in Berrien Springs, Mich. He earned his Master of Divinity from the same institution and completed his Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Union College (now Union Adventist University) in Lincoln, Neb. “Richard is very familiar with conference operations and understands the importance of ensuring our properties are cared for,” says Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., Texas Conference president. “Having a pastor’s heart and an administrative mind will be an asset as he works with our church and school leaders to care for, renovate, purchase, or sell their properties.”

Texas Conference News

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Drill & Drum Bootcamp September 10–13 Lake Whitney Ranch

Inside Lake Whitney Ranch's Camp Preparations By Tamara Michalenko Terry, Public Relations and Editorial Services Director

Men’s Retreat (Spanish) September 11–13 Dallas Area

World Pathfinder Day September 19

Southwestern Union Pathfinder Camporee October 1–4 Lake Whitney Ranch

10 Days of Prayer October 7–16 Virtual event

Freshmen Bible Camp October 8–11

‘Together As One’ Convocation October 16–18 Keene area

Women’s Ministries Event (English) October 18 Fort Worth area

Women’s Ministries Event (Spanish) October 18 Fort Worth area

Master Guide Texas Camporee October 23–25 Lake Whitney Ranch

BetterLife Tour October 24 Dallas area

MAS Evangelismo East Texas (Spanish) October 24–31

Before campers arrived at Lake Whitney Ranch in Clifton, Tex., on Sunday, June 7, staff prepared to welcome them, anticipating a summer filled with fun, friendship, and faith-building experiences.

From June 7 to July 5, registered campers attended Lake Whitney Ranch each week based on age group. A team of enthusiastic counselors guided them through various activities designed to inspire creativity, teamwork, and personal growth. Campers enjoyed arts and crafts, STEM classes, go-karts, ropes courses, horses, boat rides, group games, water and land activities, and praise and worship. While summer camp at Lake Whitney Ranch has been a tradition for more than a decade, preparing for the 2026 summer camp season was a little different. Recent state legislation on safety and emergency preparedness plans was enacted following the tragic losses at Camp Mystic caused by a flash flood last summer. While most requirements only enhanced the emergency plans already in place, the new fiber-optic cable requirement raised concerns about whether camps could open, especially since most are located outside urban areas. Hector Perez, director of Lake Whitney Ranch, noted that the nearest fiber-optic cable is approximately 10 miles away from the ranch. Because the rocky soil requires specialized, costly installation equipment, it would be virtually impossible for Lake Whitney Ranch to have the cable installed that far. Fortunately for Lake Whitney Ranch and scores of other Texas camps located outside urban

areas, those requirements were ultimately waived for 2026. While Perez awaits word on whether fiber-optic cable will be required for the 2027 season, the Lake Whitney Ranch summer camp program continued to follow the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) approved by the Texas Department of State Health Services for 2026. “Our goal is to provide a safe and nurturing environment where campers can explore their interests, challenge themselves, and deepen their relationship with Jesus,” says Olga Falakiseni, summer camp director for Lake Whitney Ranch. Texas Conference President Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., visited the summer camp staff before the start of the summer camp season. “It is a blessing to see how much this summer camp season has been bathed in prayer,” Castillo says. “Campers of all ages have been making decisions for baptisms at summer camp through the years, so we know how important it is for them to have this time in God’s creation.”

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Texico Conference News

Unexpected Gifts Follow Faithful Giving

The Torres family says they would rather live on 80 percent of their income with God’s blessing than 100 percent without Him.

Years before she married, Armida Torres decided to accept God’s invitation in Malachi 3:10 and trust Him more completely. She began returning an additional 10 percent of her income as a regular offering. Not long afterward, business at work began to slow. Coworkers were seeing

their hours reduced, and uncertainty filled the workplace. Then her boss called her into his office. "I know it doesn't make sense,” he said, “but I am giving you a raise.” “It didn't make sense to him,” Torres says, “but it made perfect sense to me." Today, Torres and her husband continue to give faithfully. Recently, another opportunity to trust God came when their growing family needed a second vehicle. With two daughters attending El Paso Adventist Academy, finances were already stretched, and they hoped to avoid taking on a car payment. Torres prayed specifically, asking God for a full-size SUV that would meet their family's needs. Soon afterward, a close family friend mentioned he was planning to sell his SUV. Although its estimated value was around $10,000,

the friend unexpectedly lowered the price to $7,000 while they were discussing it. Torres’ father generously offered to pay half, making the purchase possible. Then another unexpected blessing arrived. Just days later, the girls' principal called to share that someone had anonymously contributed $5,000 toward their tuition. The gift covered more than the remaining tuition balance they had been preparing to pay, freeing resources that made purchasing the family vehicle possible. Torres does not focus on the numbers as much as the God behind them. "We are not rich," she says, "but our Father in heaven is the King of Kings and owns the universe."

Visitor Finds More Than Information By Antonio Cano, Executive Secretary On July 11, I experienced a beautiful reminder of why our churches exist. A man visited one of our churches for the very first time. Although he had driven past the church many times before and had even received invitations to attend, this was the Sabbath he finally decided to visit. When asked why he had come, he replied, "I came to get information." What happened next is a picture of what every church should strive to be. One of the church deacons warmly welcomed him, chose to sit beside him, and began a genuine conversation. Together they opened the Bible and discussed Scripture, including a passage about Elijah. The visitor listened with interest and curiosity. As the worship service continued, I began preaching. To the visitor's surprise, I referenced the same passage that he and the deacon had just been discussing. That caught his attention.

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Then, during the sermon, one of the presentation slides displayed a simple statement: "We'll settle for information when God is offering revelation." At that moment, something changed. With genuine excitement, the visitor exclaimed, "I didn't come for information. I came to meet Jesus!" What a powerful testimony. His words reminded me that people aren't ultimately searching for more facts, more opinions, or even more religious knowledge. Deep within their hearts, many are searching for hope, purpose, forgiveness, and a Savior. They may think they're looking for answers, but what they truly need is an encounter with Jesus Christ. As I reflected on this experience, I couldn't help but ask myself an important question: How many more people like this man are all around us? The deacon who welcomed this visitor may not have realized the eternal

During Antonio Cano’s sermon,one man in attendance realized he had visited the church looking for more than just information.

impact of a simple conversation. Yet through that act of hospitality, God was already preparing a heart before the sermon even began. The Holy Spirit had woven together the conversation, the Scripture, and the message into a divine appointment. Every handshake matters. Every smile matters. Every conversation matters. Every member has the opportunity to participate in God's work of drawing people to Himself.

Texico Conference News

Evangelistic Series Begins With a Baptism On July 18, the Albuquerque North Valley Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church began its week of evangelistic meetings with guest speaker Ronald Costa. While many evangelistic series conclude with baptisms, North Valley church's outreach produced a beautiful reminder that the work of evangelism begins before the first meeting and continues long after the final sermon. On Sabbath morning, before the evangelistic meetings began, Dora Trujillo publicly gave her life to Christ through baptism. Trujillo’s journey to baptism was years in the making. More than five years ago, Trujillo was invited by her sister-in-law and began attending church.

After Trujillo experienced the devastating loss of both her husband and her daughter, she searched for hope and discovered the promises of Jesus. Those promises became an anchor through life's darkest seasons and ultimately led her to make the decision to publicly declare her faith in Christ. Surrounded by her new church family, Trujillo entered the waters of baptism with joy and gratitude, excited not only to follow Jesus but also to become part of His family of believers. Her story reminds us what evangelism is truly about. Trujillo’s baptism happened before the evangelistic series had really begun, but in reality, it was the result of years

Dora Trujillo (center) was joined by her family for her baptism.

of faithful ministry. It was evidence that God had already been working behind the scenes through ordinary people who simply chose to love, pray, invite, and remain faithful.

Camp Texico On the Go Travels to Local Churches By Eric Chavez, Youth and Young Adult Director God is meeting young people right where they are through Camp Texico On the Go. Instead of asking families to come to us, we bring camp to them. Each summer our team travels across the Texico Conference, partnering with local churches to create a fun, Christ-centered experience for children and families. From exciting games and creative activities to worship, every part of camp is designed to help kids discover that Jesus loves them and that church is a place where they belong. This summer, our staff of nine served churches in El Paso, Tex.; Amarillo, Tex.; and Albuquerque, N.M. One of the greatest strengths of a traveling day camp is that it doesn't just impact the children who attend; it strengthens the local church. Camp creates opportunities for members to serve together, helps churches connect with their communities, and often opens doors for families who may be visiting a Seventh-day Adventist church for the very first time. Long after our team

A Camp Texico On the Go participant in Amarillo works on creating a tie-dye T-shirt.

leaves town, those relationships remain in the hands of the local church to continue nurturing and discipling. We finished the season with our newest addition, Family Camp at Bonita Park. Family Camp gives parents, grandparents, and children the opportunity to grow in their faith together. It's the perfect way to celebrate what God

has done throughout the summer while creating treasured memories. We are grateful to our conference president, Lee-Roy Chacon, for his continued encouragement and investment in the young people of the Texico Conference. His support reflects a commitment to the next generation and a belief that ministry to children, youth, and families is one of the greatest investments we can make in our local churches and in God's kingdom. Thank you to every church that opened its doors, every volunteer who gave of their time, every parent who entrusted us with their children, and every camper who made this summer unforgettable.

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Noticias en Español

Castillo es elegido presidente de la Asociación de Texas El Comité Ejecutivo de la Asociación de Texas eligió a Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., como presidente. La elección tuvo lugar el jueves 28 de mayo de 2026, durante una reunión celebrada en la sede de la Unión del Suroeste, en la que el comité entrevistó y eligió al próximo presidente de la Asociación de Texas. Castillo es pastor, educador y administrador, con cerca de 30 años de liderazgo ministerial. Recientemente ocupó el cargo de vicepresidente de Ministerios Multiculturales de la Unión del Suroeste, tras cinco años como vicepresidente de Ministerios Hispanos y Evangelismo en Español en la Asociación de Texas. Castillo cuenta con experiencia en asignación pastoral, planificación evangelística, resolución de conflictos y

formación de líderes. En su ministerio ha impulsado el crecimiento de la iglesia mediante el evangelismo tradicional y digital, incluido el desarrollo de contenidos para medios y redes sociales en español. Su experiencia pastoral incluye pastor principal en Houston, pastor de jóvenes en Keene, Texas, y responsabilidades de liderazgo en diversas iglesias y distritos pastorales. Además, ha servido como docente, capacitador ministerial y comunicador. Es bilingüe en español e inglés y posee estudios avanzados en teología y educación, incluido un doctorado en Administración Curricular. “Su visión para la comunicación, el evangelismo y la unidad fortalecerá la misión de la Asociación de Texas”, afirmó Elton DeMoraes,

Ismael A. Castillo, Ph.D., es pastor, educador y administrador, con cerca de 30 años de liderazgo ministerial.

presidente de la Unión del Suroeste y del comité de búsqueda para la presidencia de la Asociación de Texas.

Un bautismo marca el inicio de una campaña evangelística El 18 de julio, la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día Hispana de North Valley, en Albuquerque, dio inicio a una semana evangelística con el orador Ronald Costa. La mañana del Dora Trujillo descubrió las promesas de Jesús tras sufrir la pérdida de su esposo y de su hija. sábado, antes de que las reuniones comenzaran oficialmente, Dora Trujillo entregó públicamente su vida a Cristo mediante el bautismo. Hace cinco años, Trujillo comenzó a asistir a la iglesia de North Valley después de que su cuñada la invitara. Tras sufrir la pérdida de su esposo y de su hija, buscó esperanza y descubrió las promesas de Jesús. El bautismo de Trujillo fue el resultado de años de ministerio, evidencia de que Dios ya estaba obrando por medio de personas que decidieron amar, orar, invitar y mantenerse fieles.

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Nueva Cabaña La colocación de la primera piedra de la Cabaña 5 del Centro Adventista Wewoka Woods se llevó a cabo el domingo 12 de julio durante el campestre. Foto: Emily Watts

Noticias en Español

Dos directores de la Asociación de Arkansas-Luisiana obtienen sus doctorados Por Frances Alcorn, directora de Comunicación

Leonardo Meléndez considera que el doctorado le permitirá desarrollar un ministerio más práctico.

Tim Kripps obtuvo un doctorado en liderazgo educativo y se graduó con máximos honores.

En poco más de un mes, dos directores de la asociación de Arkansas-Luisiana obtuvieron sus doctorados: Tim Kripps, director de Educación, Ed.D., y Leonardo Meléndez, director de Evangelismo, D.Min. Kripps obtuvo un doctorado en liderazgo educativo. Su investigación doctoral se centró en mejorar la comunicación entre administradores escolares, padres, estudiantes y otros miembros de la comunidad educativa. Para ello

utilizó la Academia Adventista Ozark. Tras dos años y medio de estudio y desarrollo de diversos proyectos, Kripps defendió con éxito su tesis doctoral ante la Universidad Liberty el 18 de junio. Se graduó con máximos honores al obtener un GPA de 4.0. Para Tim, más que un logro personal, es una preparación para servir mejor a Dios, a la Asociación de Arkansas-Luisiana y a las escuelas. Confía en que lo aprendido contribuirá al crecimiento continuo y a

la excelencia de la educación cristiana en toda la asociación. “El doctorado requirió incontables horas de estudio”, afirmó Kripps. “Dios me concedió la sabiduría, la perseverancia y la dirección que necesité durante todo el proceso”. El 22 de julio, después de seis años de estudio, Meléndez defendió con éxito su tesis doctoral en la Universidad Andrews. Su investigación, titulada Preparación de los líderes de iglesia para el ministerio de la guerra espiritual en la Asociación de Arkansas-Luisiana, refleja su pasión por capacitar a los líderes y fortalecer el ministerio en todo el territorio. Meléndez señaló que no habría podido alcanzar esta meta sin el apoyo de sus amigos, su familia y la administración de la Asociación de Arkansas-Luisiana. Considera que este paso le permitirá desarrollar un ministerio aún más práctico al servicio de la asociación y contribuir al avance de la misión de Dios.

Capacitación de Ministerios Infantiles para líderes hispanos en Luisiana Líderes de Ministerios Infantiles de cuatro iglesias hispanas se reunieron del 13 al 15 de junio en la Iglesia Adventista Hispana de Kenner, en Nueva Orleans, para participar en una certificación de Ministerios Infantiles impartida por Sonia Canó, directora de Ministerios Infantiles y Ministerios de la Iglesia de la Unión del Suroeste. “Fue una capacitación muy interactiva”, comentó Canó. “Aprendemos y aplicamos lo que se presenta en el seminario”. Los participantes aprendieron cómo ayudar a los niños a conectarse con Dios mediante la Escuela Sabática,

destacados del fin de semana fue ver cómo los participantes aprendían unos de otros. La próxima certificación de Ministerios Infantiles tendrá lugar el último fin de semana de septiembre en el área de Oklahoma City. Líderes de cuatro iglesias hispanas completan certificación de Ministerios Infantiles.

actividades bíblicas, memorización de versículos y adoración. También exploraron métodos prácticos. Canó afirmó que uno de los aspectos más

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Southwestern Adventist University News

SWAU Launches New Nursing Educator Certificate The Department of Nursing at Southwestern Adventist University has launched a new certificate for graduate nurses to become certified educators. This certificate provides essential tools for registered nurses to transition into formal educator roles within both academic institutions and clinical practice settings. Admission to the Graduate Nurse Educator Certificate program follows the standard MSN admission protocol. Prospective students must submit a formal application, a current résumé, a letter of intent, and two recommendation letters. With the application, all students declare their intended track: the MSN-prepared RN Certificate or the BSN-prepared RN Certificate. The curriculum is designed to provide foundational expertise in pedagogical theory and curriculum design. The MSN-prepared RN track, for nurses who already have a master's degree, focuses on teaching and learning

theories while preparing nurses for classroom instruction, clinical education roles, and staff development. The BSN-prepared RN track, for nurses who have a bachelor's degree, provides expertise in the student’s current practice, serving as a strategic introduction to graduate-level study. The efficient, flexible program consists of three to four eight-week courses and can be completed in as little as 11 months. “This is such an exciting opportunity for multiple reasons,” shares Terri Gibson, Ph.D., MSN program director. “We need nurse educators, and we have a great program designed to build competence and confidence in teaching. We can help nurses process the expertise they’ve gathered through their work experience and translate that into becoming a teacher who can provide practical, enriching, and life-changing educational instruction.” Students will take the certificate

Southwestern Adventist University nursing students now have the option of earning a nursing educator certificate.

program online and will have access to academic support services, including library and learning resources. Students who complete the certificate remain eligible to transition into the full MSN Education degree program.

AI Skills Meet Ethical Discernment

Artificial intelligence is changing the look of today’s workforce, and Southwestern Adventist University is responding.

As artificial intelligence (AI) transforms society, Southwestern Adventist University is preparing students to use the technology thoughtfully through a new certificate in AI prompt engineering. The certificate program teaches students to engage effectively with artificial intelligence through the design, evaluation, and ethical application of prompts across diverse contexts. Emphasizing critical thinking, creativity,

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extending time to graduation by selectand responsible use of AI technoloing an appropriately aligned major and gies, students also explore the ethical, electives. Students receive societal, and spiritual implicathe certificate when they earn tions of artificial intelligence Scan to learn more about the AI Prompt their bachelor's degree. through a Christ-centered Engineering Certificate Required courses include lens, preparing them to “AI Prompting: Minds, integrate faith, values, and Machines, and the Arts” and discernment into technologi“AI Prompting: Personal, cal decision-making. Professional, and Technical AI prompt engineering is the Communication.” Coursework science of structuring, refinfocuses on prompt engineering, and optimizing prompts ing literacy, including crafting effective to guide AI models toward producing prompts, analyzing AI-generated outaccurate, relevant, and high-quality puts, refining interactions for desired outputs. outcomes, and applying communicaThe AI Prompt Engineering Certifition strategies across artistic, personal, cate consists of two courses, totaling and professional settings. six credit hours. Designed to provide This certificate reflects the unia strong foundation in prompt design, versity’s commitment to preparing AI communication, and ethical engagegraduates who are both technologiment with artificial intelligence, the cally competent and mission-driven in program is structured so students a rapidly evolving digital world. can complete the certificate without

Southwestern Adventist University News

Global Studies Certificate Broadens Perspectives Understanding different cultures and worldviews is important in today's interconnected world. Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is helping students develop those skills through a new Global Studies Certificate. The certificate complements students' degree programs by building proficiency in global literacy and cross-cultural communication while developing analytical skills applicable to global systems. Areas of focus include cultural diversity, worldviews Southwestern Adventist University students can now earn a Global Studies Certificate while working toward their bachelor’s degree. and politics, and meaningful engagein peace and conflict, environmental also complete a two-week experienment in cross-cultural contexts. stewardship, global development and tial learning component, such as study Students can earn the certificate economy, human rights and social jusabroad, international service alongside their bachelor's Scan to learn more tice, and international politics. learning, a related internship, degree, allowing them to comabout the Global The certificate reflects SWAU's comor another global learning plete the program without Studies Certificate mitment to providing a Christ-centered, experience. extending time to graduation. mission-driven education while preparRequired courses include The certificate consists of ing graduates to serve wherever they “Introduction to Global Misfive courses—three required are called. sions,” “World Civilization,” and courses and two approved “International Relations.” Elecelectives—for a total of 13 tive options include courses credit hours. Participants

Machine Learning Certificate Builds AI Skills

Southwestern Adventist University students can now prepare for a career in one of technoloy’s fastest-growing fields.

From recommendation engines to fraud detection, machine learning is one of today's fastest-growing technology fields. Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) is preparing students to enter the field through a new Machine Learning Certificate. Machine learning is a subset of artificial intelligence in which computer systems learn patterns from data. Using algorithms, machine learning models

project that solves a real-world probidentify relationships in data to make lem, demonstrating their ability to predictions, support decisions, and analyze data, implement generate content. Scan to learn more appropriate models, and Students in the program about the Machine interpret results. learn core concepts, impleLearning Certificate. Reflecting SWAU's commenting and interpreting mitment to providing a algorithms, analyzing data, mission-driven education, and evaluating model this program teaches strong performance, and applyanalytical, computational, ing data-driven methods and problem-solving skills, in an increasingly digital, equipping graduates to make technology-driven world. a faith-based impact across Designed to fit within existing degree diverse, data-driven plans, the certificate allows students to professions. earn an additional credential without delaying graduation. The Machine Learning Certificate consists of three courses (“Computing as a Human Endeavor,” “Data Analysis,” and “Introduction to Machine Learning”) totaling nine credit hours. Scan for Participants also complete a capstone more news!

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AdventHealth News

The Making of a Goalkeeper

World Cup Goalkeeper Mark Freese told AdventHealth that his Christian faith brings him comfort.

Through its yearlong Feel Whole campaign, AdventHealth is sharing stories of people who exemplify

whole-person health—body, mind and spirit. As part of this campaign, AdventHealth staff interviewed Matt Freese,

goalkeeper for New York City Football Club and the U.S. Men's National Team, whose journey of faith and preparation was shared as the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought nine matches to Arlington, Tex. “My faith as a Christian is something that I find very comforting,” Freese told AdventHealth. “I always have a deep faith that God is watching over me and has a plan for me and whatever that plan is, I am going to follow it.” Goalkeeping is a position defined by pressure. Matches can hinge on a single save, a split-second decision, one moment where everything is on the line. But those high-pressure situations aren’t something Freese fears. Instead, he embraces them. “High-pressure moments don’t scare me because I feel like they make me come alive,” he says, “and I know that I’m as prepared as I’ll ever be for them.”

Texas Health Huguley Earns National Safety Recognition Texas Health Huguley Hospital is being recognized for its commitment to patient safety after receiving an “A” Hospital Safety Grade, the highest designation awarded by The Leapfrog Group. Leapfrog evaluates hospitals using more than 30 evidence-based measures tied to patient safety. These measures examine areas such as medical errors, accidents, injuries and infections, along with the systems and processes hospitals use to prevent patient harm and keep patients safer throughout their care journey. According to Penny Johnson, president and CEO of Texas Health

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Huguley Hospital, “This ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade is the result of our teams across various departments and physicians working as one, focused on what matters most—our patients. Across every department, we are guided by our mission of ‘Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ,’ creating an environment where safety, compassion, and excellence come together in every moment of care.” The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade is the only national hospital ratings program focused exclusively on patient safety. The grading system uses a public, peer-reviewed methodology, is fully transparent and is available for free to the public. “Achieving an ‘A’ Hospital Safety Grade reflects enormous dedication to patient safety,” says Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “I extend my congratulations to Texas Health Huguley, its leadership,

The patient-focused work that Texas Health Huguley team members provide led to the hospital receiving an “A” Hospital Safety Grade.

clinicians, staff, and volunteers for creating a culture where patients come first.” To learn more and find valuable tips for staying safe when visiting any hospital, go to HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

Back Pages

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. 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 Pre-K through college educational positions across the North American Division, please visit Jobs.adventisteducation.org. Union Adventist University seeks qualified candidates for a business program professor. This is a full-time opportunity with excellent benefits. A professor in the business program participates as a member of the team preparing professionals for Christian service in the business world by providing a quality, student-oriented education that emphasizes ethics and balances practice and theory. See the full job description and apply at UAU.edu/ employment. Union Adventist University seeks qualified candidates for a full-time art and design program director. Excellent benefits included. The program director provides effective leadership for and oversees all aspects of the program, including responsibility for communication, program assessment and planning, fiscal management, faculty evaluation, and professional development while carrying a regular teaching load. See the full job description and apply at UAU.edu/employment.

Union Adventist University seeks qualified candidates for a computer technician in Information Systems. This is a full-time opportunity with excellent benefits. The computer technician is responsible for all hardware and software, including security, on desktop computers and other end user devices. See the job description and apply at UAU.edu/employment. Union Adventist University is seeking qualified applicants for controller. The controller is to direct and coordinate Union Adventist University accounting operations to include disbursements, accounting data, accounting records, payroll, general accounting services, and accounting operations system. They are to develop and administer accounting business policies and regulations. Please see the full job description and apply at UAU.edu/ employment.

REAL ESTATE Summit Ridge Retirement Village offers peaceful rural living near Oklahoma City. We are a close-knit community featuring homes and apartments, and an on-site church. Enjoy engaging community activities, reliable transportation, and scenic walking. Wolfe Living Center provides full-care nursing and rehabilitation services. Contact Bill Norman for a private tour: 405.208.1289 or SummitridgeRetirementVillage.org.

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 at ApexMoving.com/ adventist. Authors, transform your manuscript into a globally distributed book. Get a free evaluation from a trusted Seventh-day Adventist publisher that’s been around

42 years. If accepted, we edit, design, layout, market, and distribute worldwide. Submit today at TeachServices. com. Look for red “Submit Manuscript” button at the top of the homepage. We buy/sell used Adventist books: LNFbooks.com or 706.504.919. Smarter kids. Research shows excessive TV causes kids to have trouble paying attention and thinking clearly. But when they listen, their imagination is actively engaged. So fuel their imagination! Kids grow better with radio. Encourage them to listen online at LifeTalkKids.net. Need a vocation? Gain a valuable trade in HVAC, welding, or other fields—and be equipped to share the Three Angels’ Messages. Streams of Light Training Institute is where trades meet mission. Learn more at StreamsOfLightInstitute. net or call 888.765.7654. Join a life-changing mission trip with Build and Restore International—serve communities, build churches and schools, and grow spiritually. We also design customized mission trips for your church or school, fully organized and impactful. Make a difference locally or globally. Learn more or contact us at BuildAndRestore.org or 916.316.8972. 14-Day Great Controversy Tour. Visit four countries (Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and France) and 60 cities. For more information, email GCTours@naver.com or call 202.714.8751. Ready to ditch big-city hustle and bustle for quiet country living? The Mount Pleasant Seventh-day Adventist Church invites you to East Texas! Experience a lower cost of living, wide open spaces, local state parks, and, best of all, our friendly congregation! Our English services meet Sabbath mornings and Spanish in the afternoons. Bring a dish and enjoy fellowship lunch each week. Lend a hand in our community outreach projects. Get involved in a ministry. Come worship with us. We’d love to meet you!

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Back Pages The Life and Times of Adam and Eve by Dwayne Mauk is now available on Amazon.com in Kindle, paperback or hardback form. Order yours today at https://a.co/d/06Npo4Bu.

Announcements Sandia View Academy Alumni Weekend in Corrales, N.M., will be Sept. 18–19, 2026. For details, call 505-898-0717or email SVARocks@gmail.com. The Bonnerdale Seventh-day Adventist Church will celebrate its 120th anniversary with a reunion on Sept. 5. Please let others know about this historic event. Pass the information along, and feel free to join us if you have an interest in the Bonnerdale church and its legacy.

Obituaries SueElla Vincent Doucet, who was born Dec.17, 1972, in Sulphur, La., died March 25, 2026, in Dequicny, La. She was a member of the DeRidder Seventh-day Adventist Church. She is survived by her husband of 35 years, Wilbert Doucet; daughter, Isabella Doucet; sister, Connie Henry (Randy) of Dequicny, La.; brother, David Vincent of Sulphur, La; and parents, Donnie and Susan Vincent.

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 church or school news, with high-resolution photos, to Record@swuc.org.

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Dennis Shafter died June 3, 2026, at his home in Titusville, Fla., following an extended illness. Dennis served as Arkansas-Louisiana Conference secretary and ministerial director from 2002 to 2017. During his years of ministry, he was known for identifying and sharing resources that strengthened pastors and supported their work in local churches. Colleagues remember Dennis as a dedicated servant whose influence extended far beyond his years of conference leadership. Through his ministry, he helped guide many individuals in their spiritual journeys and encouraged pastors throughout the field. Dennis is survived by his wife, Karen, and daughter, Wendy. The couple had been married nearly 51 years. A memorial service was held June 28 at the Titusville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Titusville, Fla.

Henrik Larsen, 93, of Jacksonville, Ark., passed away on April 28, 2026, after a short illness. He was born June 7, 1932, in Korsør, Denmark. Henrik was a longtime member of the Sherwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, formerly the North Little Rock Seventh-day Adventist Church. He had served as the head elder since 1985 and filled many other roles. Henrik and his late wife, Dorothy, served the church in many ways by leading all community services efforts. Larsen’s favorite way to serve was running the church food pantry for the last 25 years. He taught Sabbath School and delivered sermons when the pastor was absent. He was indeed a great example to those he mentored and a true servant of the Lord. A small service was held at his church on May 9 to honor Larsen.

Barbara Peery, who was born Jan. 4, 1946, in Maxwelton, W.Va., died July 9, 2026, in Arlington, Tex. She was a member of the Grand Prairie Seventh-day Adventist Church. Barbara is survived by her daughters, Tammy Andrews, Robin Thomason, Christina Peterson, and Apreil Gregory; a son, Tracey Stevens; 11 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren; as well as a brother, William Wiley, and a sister, Connie Wiley.

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