In February 2024, 99 high school students from eight schools and one home school co-op in North Pacific Union gathered at Camp MiVoden in Hayden, Idaho, to participate in a prayer retreat for youth. 

This prayer-nurturing event was planned by the Upper Columbia Conference education department in partnership with Prayeradigm Shift ministry team. The retreat focused on teaching principles of prayer, helping youth grow in prayer in their lives and empowering them to share what they learned.

“This event sparked a new relationship and a new connection with God,” shared Tyler, student attendee. “I was not as serious about my prayer life before. Now I’ve been praying every morning with God, something I would have never done before.”

Students were challenged to know God more and desire a deeper relationship with Him. Pavel Goia, Ministry Magazine editor and General Conference associate ministerial secretary, shared many stories about the power of prayer and how he has experienced God’s presence. Goia talked about what it means to live a life of total commitment to God and full surrender of ourselves.

“Goia inspired us all and showed us that God is not just a person to ask things from but a friend,” explained Sydney, another student participant.

The weekend was filled with opportunities for students to get to know each other and pray together. Every morning started with one hour of prayer time in which the entire group met to sing, focus on scripture and pray together.

“Being around people your age where you don’t feel a single bit of shame to talk about God is just the most fulfilling thing ever,” said Clara.

After each presentation, students circled up in small groups to talk and pray about what most impacted them. From this, they created a list of 105 “Prayer Principles” that they had learned.

“My whole perspective on prayer is completely flipped, and I'm so excited to start applying some of the prayer principles to my life,” shared Joanna.

The Prayeradigm Shift weekend was a tremendous blessing and changed many lives. The last evening of the retreat included a powerful testimony time where students shared how God showed up and impacted their lives personally.

“I used to be intimidated to pray; now I can’t wait to pray,” said Jonathan.

Before leaving, students met together as school groups and spent an hour answering the question, “Where do we go from here?” The enthusiasm of the weekend was channeled into having a prayer partner, committing to regular group prayer times back home and planning intentional next steps to grow prayer in their lives and on their campuses.

“It was extremely exciting to see the moving of the Holy Spirit in the lives of students who were there,” shared John Spano, Prayeradigm Shift team member. “Our prayer is that God’s Holy Spirit will fan the flames that were started this weekend and that we will see the power of what God can do when youth pray.”

What a time to be parenting a Generation Z kid! 

There are so many things vying for my children’s attention. I want to be doing intentional things in my parenting journey that show them who Christ is, but, I am not going to lie, it’s hard. I am always reading books, articles and blog posts. I want to impact my kids' lives — a positive impact for Christ. Here's what I'm learning:

A recent Barna study¹ shows that more than half of Gen Z are motivated to learn about Christ. Parents are the most influential and important people in kids’ lives.

What Do We Know About Gen Z?

There are many definitions of who Gen Z is, but many consider them kids born approximately between 1997 and 2012. According to Pew Research,² Gen Z is the most diverse generation, and they are also on track to be the most educated. 

Gen Zers lean more progressive on social/political issues. They are more inclusive, open-minded and sensitive to people’s feelings. They have almost no memory of a world before smartphone technology. They are often referred to as Digital Natives. Some researchers have linked the use of smartphones with the growth of anxiety and depression in this group. Values and authentic commitment are important to Gen Zers. 

Knowing what we do about Gen Z, it is important as parents and adults in the church to provide an authentic Christian experience for this group. We learned from a Gleaner article on Gen Z³ last year written by Carolann De León: “Our kids, youth and young adults are desperately longing for peace and joy. As we disciple them into a relationship with the only fountain of sustainable life, they will find the strength and peace to move beyond their debilitating mental health symptoms and the courage to accept mental health support without shame.”

Practical Ways to Reach Gen Z for Christ

Utilize Technology

Gen Z learns with a multisensory experience, often with technology involved. We need to provide ways for them to learn about the Bible and Christ in the ways they learn best. Let them ask questions, eat/drink, fidget and move when talking with them about Christ and Christianity. They want to actively participate in discussions at home, school and church.

Genuine Relationships

Gen Zers want authentic, real relationships based on trust. They want parents, teachers, pastors and family friends who will walk beside them. So get to know this generation better. Engage with the kids in your home, school and church. Provide a judgment-free zone where they are comfortable asking questions and grappling together over issues.

“When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. I do everything to spread the good news and share in its blessings” (1 Cor. 9:23–24).

Get Involved in Community Outreach

Gen Z wants to see your faith be lived out in the community. So bring your kids to community events, outreach opportunities and bridge events. They want to see Christianity in action. If your church or school isn’t actively involved in outreach to the local community, then it’s time for you to help plan those events. Better yet, let the young people plan them. They love having actual leadership roles in the church.

These are just three practical ways to reach Gen Z for Christ as we help to nurture peace, real relationships and a sense of belonging. Gen Z needs authentic mentors. Don’t be afraid to talk openly about mental health issues with Gen Z. Ask them real questions and get to know them. This generation can change the world for Christ — it’s daunting and exciting to be parenting this generation of young people.

John 14:27 tells us, “Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

Sources:

1. “Over Half of Gen Z Teens Feel Motivated to Learn More about Jesus.” Barna Group, June 27, 2023. https://www.barna.com/research/teens-and-jesus/.

2. Parker, Kim. “On the Cusp of Adulthood and Facing an Uncertain Future: What We Know about Gen Z so Far.” Pew Research Center’s Social & Demographic Trends Project, May 14, 2020. https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2020/05/14/on-the-cusp-of-adulthood-and-facing-an-uncertain-future-what-we-know-about-gen-z-so-far-2/.

3. De León, Carolann. “Trauma-Responsive Discipleship.” Northwest Adventists, November 15, 2023. https://nwadventists.com/news/2023/06/trauma-responsive-discipleship.

The North Pacific Union Young Adult LIFE Tour will be held April 19–20, 2024, at Pleasant Valley Adventist Church, 11125 SE 172nd Ave, Happy Valley, Oregon 97086. The Friday check-in will begin at 6:15 p.m. (Pacific). Steven Argue will be the featured presenter, with special guest worship leader, Robert Leslie Jr. Registration is free and now open at youngadultlife.com.

Argue, Young Adult Ministry Now author, is Fuller Theological Seminary associate professor of youth, family and culture and Fuller Youth Institute applied research strategist. He has worked in multiple ministry contexts as a youth pastor, parachurch leader and pastoral team leader.

Leslie Jr. is a worship leader and vocalist who has been leading worship for the last 15 years. Growing up, he felt the calling from God on his life to create authentic spaces where people could have intentional encounters with Jesus. As a Union College graduate, he currently serves as a worship leader for various churches in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska.

Church leaders, pastors and young adults are invited to attend this free young adult ministry training event sponsored by North American Division youth and young adult ministry, NPUC youth and young adult ministries, Oregon Conference young adult ministry, AdventSource and Pleasant Valley Church.

Upper Columbia Conference recently ordained two pastors, James Ash and Jake Wilkinson, into the ministry.

“Ordination or commissioning is a significant milestone in a pastor’s professional development and it’s wonderful to see the church affirm these men in their ministry,” shared Eric Brown, UCC ministerial director.

Ash, Stateline Adventist Church and Dayton Adventist Church pastor, was ordained on Nov. 18, 2023, at Stateline Church. Rodney Mills, UCC vice president for administration, presented Ash as a candidate into the ministry and gave the homily. At the end of the service, Brown presented the certificate of ordination.

“Receiving a certificate is nice, but being ordained isn’t at all like receiving an achievement award,” shared Brown. “When we pray over a pastor like James, it’s a symbol of the trust and responsibility we as a church are placing in him as a spiritual leader.”

Ash was born to missionary parents in Taipei, Taiwan. He attended Far Eastern Academy for three years in Singapore and finished his senior year at Upper Columbia Academy.

From there, Ash went to Walla Walla College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theology and minors in biblical languages and history. Ash then attended Andrews University, where he met his wife, Joy, and graduated with a master’s degree in divinity. 

While Joy attended classes to become a nurse practitioner in Loma Linda, California, Ash did literature evangelism and focused heavily on becoming a certified pilot.

When Joy graduated, they moved to Guyana to become a missionary pilot family. For more than 11 years, Ash served Guyana Conference as a school administrator, project leader and chief pilot. During this time, they were blessed with two daughters, Julianna and Jenna.

In 2021, feeling the calling of God, Ash accepted a call from Upper Columbia Conference to pastor the Stateline/Dayton district.

Wilkinson, Ellensburg and Cle Elum district pastor, was ordained on Dec. 2, 2023, at Ellensburg Adventist Church. Mills presented Wilkinson as a candidate into the ministry. Cary Fry, Kennewick Adventist Church pastor, gave the homily, and Brown presented the ordination certificate.

“Sometimes ordinations can seem very formal and stiff, but not Jake’s,” shared Brown. “His service matched his love for people and his sense of humor perfectly.”

Wilkinson was born and raised in Soldotna, Alaska. He graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in theology and served for two years as an intern pastor at Spokane Valley Adventist Church. After completing his internship, Wilkinson spent two and a half years in seminary at Andrews University and has spent the last three and a half years in the Ellensburg and Cle Elum district. He and his wife, Crystal, currently live in Ellensburg with their two dogs and fish.

“God has blessed us in UCC with an incredible team of dedicated pastors,” shared Brown. “I am so grateful to have these two men as a part of it and to welcome them to the ranks of ordained pastors in the Adventist Church.”

Jennifer Schmidt recently joined Oregon Conference as a new associate superintendent of education. No stranger to the Oregon Conference education field, Schmidt made the transition from her role as Columbia Adventist Academy vice principal and teacher in Battle Ground, Washington. 

In an interview with the Oregon Conference communication team, Schmidt shared that she recognizes the struggles and hardships teachers have faced in recent years and wants to do all she can to support them. 

“In my [job] interview, we talked a lot about supporting teachers,” said Schmidt, “and that’s really what I want to do — support our teachers. I want to know their stories and classrooms and to understand what they need. Coming out of the pandemic has been so tough for so many, and our teachers are really on the front lines. They’re doing such good work, but at the same time, I know they’re tired. I just want to do everything I can to help support the teachers in this conference.”

Schmidt has been serving in educational spaces since her youth and has worked in classrooms internationally. “My mom worked as a teacher, and I would go to her school to help her," said Schmidt. "That was probably when I started to really think about working in education. I was also a student missionary in the Democratic Republic of Congo. I think it was those things that led to me wanting to find some way to work with kids and help them — not only in achieving good academic outcomes but also in bringing them to Jesus.”

Ron Jacaban, Oregon Conference vice president for education, shared, “Jennifer’s knowledge and expertise in all areas of Standards Based Learning make her a major asset to Oregon Conference. She has been on the cutting edge for years and was practicing SBL before it became a focus in Adventist Education.”

One of Schmidt’s top priorities, she said, is making teachers’ jobs easier. “I would like to be an instructional leader,” she said, “and to provide support as we map out our path for the future. I want to help provide those things teachers need to be the best they can be — to go from good to great. I want to be part of helping them do well.”

God has demonstrated His love and kindness powerfully in Wenatchee Spanish Adventist Church in Upper Columbia Conference during the latter part of 2023 and the early months of 2024.

Each Sabbath, we have rejoiced in having 10–20 visitors attend our worship services. During the week of Oct. 1–7, 2023, approximately 50 people visited the church. 

During Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations, many identified with the church, formed friendships and have continued to visit. It's worth noting that some, in their testimonies, have expressed coming to us on their own seeking Bible studies.

During last year's fall evangelism period, we held Friends Day accompanied by a concert prior to the evangelism week. It was interesting to see how our guests expressed their need for God and how the congregation actively invited their friends, family, neighbors and coworkers.

2024 began with high expectations for the church, as a mission-focused spirit has been growing among church families. In January, we continued sharing the message through our radio program on one of the city's most popular stations and on social media through our virtual church coordinated by the UCC Hispanic ministries department. 

Our virtual church has many followers — or what we call "members of our borderless virtual church” — which operates every weekday at 7 a.m. on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

We began planning our eagerly awaited evangelism week — scheduled Feb. 24 through March 2 — with our committees, the evangelist and the entire church service team’s collaboration. 

A week before our event, we organized a family-focused weekend with Mike and Laura Rosario, a couple who were a great blessing to the church. The number of visitors prior to our evangelism week continued to rise. Daily attendance reached an unprecedented 215 people worshiping in our sanctuary.

We conducted our week of evangelistic meetings and the Holy Spirit moved powerfully! Thirty-three individuals were accepted as new church members: 24 through baptism and nine through profession of faith.

We continue to provide follow-up care and support to our new church family members through our discipleship class held on Sabbaths at 10 a.m. We continue to prayerfully plan to plant three new congregations in our area and surrounding communities with our new members and guests. 

We thank God for His blessings, the support of the entire church and supportive church leaders. We continue to serve and work joyfully for Christ.

Kyle Portbury, filmmaker, has a gift to share with the world, and you have an active part in sharing this gift.

Portbury is the writer, director and producer behind The Hopeful, a 90-minute film that shares the Adventist Church origin story. The Hopeful will be released to more than 1,000 theaters on April 17 and 18, 2024.

If you’ve watched the six-part Tell the World miniseries, the storylines and a few scenes may seem familiar to you.

“You couldn't have The Hopeful without Tell the World,” Portbury said during a screening conversation with Pacific Northwest leaders in March. The two projects were filmed at the same time and edited to present distinct narratives. “Now, in 2024, The Hopeful is one Adventist giving his love letter to his roots.”

Cinema evangelism is a unique avenue for community engagement and outreach, using films to spark meaningful conversations about faith and life.

Portbury’s intentionality is evident in the way he crafted The Hopeful, not just as a film, but as a tool for personal evangelism and community engagement.

“Imagine you've known a friend for years, but you've never really talked about your faith with them. It can feel awkward to suddenly bring it up. Cinema evangelism offers a unique chance to change that,” he said. “Who wouldn't want to say yes to a movie and dinner with friends?”

The Hopeful offers a platform for discussing disappointment, pain, loss, grief, mental health, community building and grace in grief. It presents real people and emotions that resonate with viewers, sparking introspection and deeper conversations.

“You will be able to have these wonderful engagements because people aren't seeing something that's trying to teach or preach to them in The Hopeful,” Portbury said. “They will be seeing real people in a storyline who are really experiencing the same things that they do in life. And they will be asking, 'How can I work past the disappointments in my life?'”

Hope Studios, a new cinematic arm of Hope Channel International, is investing in film projects to increase awareness and understanding of the Adventist faith through creative storytelling. An upcoming project, in partnership with Walla Walla University Center for Media Ministry, will be a 10-part series with personal stories of resilience.

“I’m very happy to see where Hope Studios is taking cinematic evangelism,” said Matt Webster, WWU Center for Media Ministry producer and director of studio operations.

Already, Portbury is personally seeing the impact beyond the storyline through his interactions with the cast, crew, investors and industry partners.

The diverse crew of more than 200 included individuals, like a Buddhist editor or atheist assistant director, who respectfully challenged Portbury on different aspects of the story, making the project stronger.

"When the crew is asking you to tell them about the Sabbath just as you’re sitting there working on the scene, you become an evangelist without even realizing it," Portbury reflected. "It was very natural and organic and not weird at all. The concept of the Sabbath was very appealing to them."

Tickets are now available at fathomevents.com where you can purchase individual or group tickets in sets of 25.

The Hopeful aims to keep audiences engaged through local church or school screens and additional faith-sharing assets, such as a new Steps to Christ audio recording, all available via thehopefulmovie.com.

"The film is a perfect excuse to engage with your community," Portbury concluded. “It's an opportunity for you as an individual church member to engage with people in your community who are already in your sphere of influence and then share with them on a deeper level.”

In spring 2024, It Is Written is conducting a mission trip and evangelistic campaign in Alaska, culminating in the Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity series. 

In late March 2024, a mission team of 70 volunteers served in Anchorage, the largest city in Alaska, and Bethel, the largest rural community, ahead of the evangelistic series that begins April 5. The events were held in partnership with the Adventist Medical Evangelism Network and Alaska Conference.

John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, shared his excitement for the campaign and said, "It Is Written exists for the purpose of sharing the gospel. We're thrilled to be collaborating with the churches in Alaska. We have met many pastors and church members who are enthusiastic about what is taking place. The two mission teams are going to do great work for God, and we are trusting that the evangelistic meetings will reach many souls with the message for this time.”

The Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity series, to be held April 5 through May 4, will be a Christ-centered Bible prophecy series led by Bradshaw and Wes Peppers, It Is Written evangelism director. Eight churches in Anchorage are working together to host the series, with a live stream being offered to more churches across the state.

In preparation for the series, It Is Written has held training events for local churches, teaching pastors and members how to effectively reach their community. 

“We've been helping to shape the culture there for mission and evangelism for more than a year,” said Peppers. “The evangelistic meetings are the culmination of that. As a result of our long-term training, the churches will be better equipped to continue the work that's been started."

The Revelation Today campaign will follow a large-scale mission effort in Anchorage and Bethel to offer free medical, vision and dental care to the community. 

“AMEN has a well-established clinical process but wanted to scale up its evangelistic efforts. We’ve been wanting to increase our medical footprint, so this was a natural partnership,” said Peppers.

The Anchorage clinic will offer medical, vision and dental care. The Bethel clinic will also offer medical care, but will primarily focus on mental health, including consultations, depression and anxiety education, and professional counseling. Each clinic visitor will be invited to attend the series and receive Bible studies.

On April 15, 1912, one of the most luxurious and technologically advanced ships of its time sank. Why did it sink? The Titanic sank because they underestimated the dangers of icebergs. The portion of the iceberg you see only constitutes about 10% of its overall mass. What is hidden is much more dangerous than what is visible. 

As human beings, we often struggle with inconsistency. It's frightfully easy to slip into the practice of saying to people, "Do as I say, not as I do." In many ways, we can become a human embodiment of the iceberg principle — showing people our best 10% and hiding the rest below the surface. Sometimes we fall into this trap for all the “right” reasons. We want to be — or feel we have to be — a better example than we actually are.

Jeremiah proclaimed, “The heart is deceitful above all things and desperately wicked; who can know it?” (Jer. 17:9). Is your religion a true religion, or a performative event in which you take part? True Christians will talk the talk and walk the walk, empowered and enabled by God. Instead of using ourselves or others as an example to be followed, we should always point people towards Jesus. Jesus and Jesus alone is the one we should seek to emulate and imitate. In Christ, there is safety from the stormiest of seas.

Jesus’ words in the Gospel of John are useful here, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15). There is a tug of war that occurs in even the most converted of human hearts. Now, more than ever, faithfulness to God’s law of love and authenticity matter. 

On our own, we are incapable of living a truly transformed Christian life. It's only through a daily surrendering of self, a wholehearted submission of selfish desires and gain, that we can be truly genuine and devoted Christians. 

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.  Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God” (Col. 3:1–3).

Jesus promises that He will be with the true seeker, and He will help our words and actions match. He wants us to be truly transformed by Him living in us. He wants to make us new in Him — not just knowers of the "right" but livers of the truth, Jesus Christ, that has transformed our whole being.

How is this accomplished in our lives? It's accomplished through daily submission to Jesus and through reading the Bible — not just to check off a box for the day or to have an advantage over others. Read the Bible to get to know who Jesus is and what He desires to do in our lives. Pray to be like Jesus and that His ways become our ways.

“For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth, one confesses and is saved” (Rom. 10:10).

If we truly seek Jesus, the Holy Spirit will enable us to live out our faith. With Jesus in our lives and the working of the Holy Spirit we will more fully embody the true nature of Jesus. We can be authentic Christians who strive to submit our lives more fully each day to Jesus. Then our actions will display this transformation in our lives. This is to be the goal of a Christian’s life.

I appreciate Ellen White’s statement on this principle in The Acts of the Apostles: “Sanctification is not the work of a moment, an hour, a day, but of a lifetime. It is not gained by a happy flight of feeling, but is the result of constantly dying to sin, and constantly living for Christ."

God doesn't want icebergs — people who say one thing but, in private or in the secret of their home, act in a completely different way. Rather God wants mountains. 

He wants our actions to match our hearts; to truly be transformed by a relationship with Him and have our actions be a true representation of that relationship.

Stand tall and proud because what you have learned about God has changed you; what you say is what you truly believe and live. Stand like a mountain, pointing ever upward to God as the true light and leader of your life.

Lake City Academy in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, began its robotics program three years ago with just eight students. Now, three years later, they have two teams with 16 total students participating.

“The group learns programming, problem solving, presentation preparation and much more in the field of science and technology,” shared Anne Blech, LCA robotics coach. “Core values are an important part of robotics. Everyone on the team must learn how to work together and share ideas. We learn about gracious professionalism and cooperation.”

In February 2024, LCA represented two of the 10 participating teams in the NPUC robotics regionals at Auburn Adventist Academy. Students from fifth through eighth grade participated by presenting their projects to a panel of judges, which evaluated the projects based on the theme, core value and robot engineering.

“Having two teams in our program at LCA can be a challenge, but the teams learn together and help each other,” said Blech. “Our group meets once a week after school for a couple of hours. Sometimes students will go to the robotics lab at a recess to finish programming a mission on their robot.”

During regionals, each team was given a 30-minute judging in front of a panel of judges to present their projects. Then the robot games began with each team having two-and-a-half-minute robot runs to score as many points as possible while completing missions on the table.

Awards are given in each of the categories that are judged. This year, Eagle Studios, one of LCA’s teams, won the award for core values. The other team, Abstract Eagles, placed third and are advancing to the First LEGO League Championship that will be taking place at Forest Lake Academy in Florida. 

Now comes the challenge of fine-tuning the robot programming and getting everything ready to go to Florida.

“I’m looking forward to the robot runs at the FLL Championship,” said Caleb Whalen, Abstract Eagles team captain and LCA seventh-grader. “It’s the best part!”

“Our team is excited to represent our school, conference and union at the FLL Championship. Robotics is a great way to enhance our science programs,” shared Blech. “I'm excited for the students getting to meet other students from around the country who share the same interests in science. It’s fun to see how each team approaches their team projects and how they design their robots.”

Visit adventistrobotics.net for more information about Adventist robotics and how to watch the championships.

Walla Walla University is updating its continuing education program to better serve K–12 teachers pursuing Adventist certification or renewal. The School of Education and Psychology is also adding a bachelor’s degree in science education, which will provide more well-rounded preparation for those interested in teaching the sciences. These program updates are part of a concerted effort to meet the demand for qualified, Christ-loving teachers.

Updated Adventist Certification Courses

The restructured continuing education program consists of online, self-paced courses that are flexible and convenient for teachers. The asynchronous courses are designed to be finished within six months and are centered around job-embedded coursework, making it easier for teachers to complete the courses while teaching.

“Job-embedded assignments allow teachers to implement what they’re learning in their classrooms immediately. Instead of creating lesson plans for a hypothetical class or students, they’re doing that work for their current classroom,” said Maria Bastien Valenca, WWU School of Education and Psychology dean.

Perhaps most importantly, the program is embedded in the Adventist worldview, providing a context of faith for teachers. As they learn about curriculum or literature choices for their classrooms, they’re examining those practices in relation to Adventist beliefs. “Other programs might allow similar flexibility, but we’re really unique in offering high-level education for teachers in the context of Adventist faith,” said Bastien Valenca.

Interested in learning more once this program launches? Visit wallawalla.edu/cont-ed.

New Science Education Degree

The new bachelor’s degree aims to make it easier for undergraduate students to prepare to teach the sciences, especially in smaller schools that require endorsements in multiple areas. The program allows students to concentrate in either physics, chemistry or physics, while allowing time to add a minor in a second science area.

“We are trying to encourage students to think about science teaching as a major,” said Brian Hartman, associate professor of education, “and provide a way for them to be more marketable and flexible, without having to take extra time to complete their degree.”

The new degree will be available this fall, pending final accreditor approval. Learn more about the School of Education and Psychology at wallawalla.edu/ed-psych.

After a recruiting search lasting more than three months, Richie Brower has been tapped to oversee the new Serve One More initiative throughout Upper Columbia Conference. 

Currently serving as associate director for club ministries, youth, young adult ministry and Camp MiVoden, Brower will begin transitioning to his new role as associate director for Serve One More effective immediately. However, due to major club ministries events, the transition will not be complete until Sept. 1, 2024. 

“Brower has a passion for service and an incredible knack for connecting with people,” said David Jamieson, UCC president. “This initiative is a critical piece of our strategic plan to reach every man, woman, boy and girl in the Inland Northwest.”

The Serve One More initiative was established as part of the 2023–2025 strategic plan with the goal of focusing lay people, pastors, teachers, and students who are in schools, churches, Pathfinder clubs, Adventist Community Services agencies and other UCC entities on Christ’s method of mingling with, ministering to and serving others in our local communities. 

On a fine sunny weekend in February 2024, young adults from southcentral Alaska gathered together to grow their faith, enjoy delicious food and foster wonderful fellowship. 

The weekend kicked off on Friday evening with the Anchorage chapter of Adventist Young Professionals leading the evening program, sharing music, giving insights about AYP and emphasizing the value of connecting with friends and God. 

On Sabbath, Tyler Drumm, pastor and young adult from southeast Alaska, explored the theme, “To be like Jesus ... Making Christianity Practical.” Drumm also made sure to include easy and practical resources he has developed or found to maintain a strong connection with our loving Heavenly Father and to share the message of Jesus’ love with others.

During the weekend, the young adult group also took time to experience the sights and trails found in the Anchorage area, which included a great evening at a local entertainment center playing games like nearly life-sized hungry, hungry hippos.

Alaska Conference is blessed and thankful for the exceptional young adults who are taking the lead in many ways in local churches and young adult ministries. The conference stands ready to support young adults as they serve within their congregations and participate in special events, such as the young adult weekend. Plans are underway for an annual young adult weekend focusing on faith, food and fellowship, with additional smaller events throughout the year. 

Reviewing the abundant blessings the Lord bestowed on their church in 2022 and 2023 has filled the members of Oromo Adventist Church with gratitude, joy and praise to God.

As a result of baptisms held in 2022, the Oromo congregation welcomed 24 new souls into their faith-filled fellowship. And, even as they rejoiced over those who have already given their lives to Jesus, they continued to actively reach out, inviting others to personally know and love the Lord. Doing so resulted in more souls accepting Jesus as their personal Savior in 2023.

Oromo Church partnered with It Is Written and other churches to visit Ethiopia on a mission trip, which included doctors, pastors, clinicians and support staff in 2022. Medical professionals performed almost 2,000 cataract surgeries and 15,000 other medical procedures, taking time to pray with every patient. Over the course of the trip, almost 3,000 people were baptized!

In response to their long-held desires, careful fiscal management and fervently faithful prayers, God has provided the means for the Oromo congregation to purchase land on which to build their own church home. Crediting God’s guidance, the congregation managed to successfully navigate the long and arduous building application process of the City of Gresham, Oregon, and has received final approval from the city for their church building plans.

Having a designated plot of land for their future church home has already proven to be an enormous blessing to the congregation. When the facility they had been renting for worship services became unavailable, Oromo members pitched a tent on their newly purchased property, and, instead, worshiped there. Oromo Church’s ultimate goal is to transition to worshiping in their own permanent structure, but with a projected cost in the millions, they need the prayers and the financial support of others to help make this goal a reality.

As they look towards the construction of their new church home, Oromo church members are planning an expansive vision of ministry, not only for their local church members but also for their wider community. They dream of providing a dedicated place of worship and discipleship training for their own rapidly growing congregation of families, young adults and seniors. They are especially proud of their growing Pathfinder club and can’t wait for space to accommodate the club’s various activities.

Additionally, the congregation aims to be a service center, providing refugee/immigrant orientation classes, health education classes and at-risk youth mentoring. And, they desire to be considered a safe gathering place for seniors, those with disabilities and the immigrant/refugee community.

Your partnership with Oromo Church — through your prayers and financial support — will go a long way toward helping them realize these goals. Visit oromosdachurch.org to contribute or learn more.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Oromo Church at sdaoromo7@gmail.com or 503-501-9937.

As a young adult, several friends invited me to attend church with them. I was searching for God and truth. This led me to study the Bible.

Soon I was born again of the Holy Spirit and baptized as a Seventh-day Adventist with a new heart devoted to God. My habits and priorities began to change.

The Holy Spirit planted in my heart a desire to tell others about how God had changed my life. The gospel of Jesus Christ has power. I could not shake the desire to share my newfound faith with friends and family.

The conference where I lived held a witnessing training weekend. Someone at the event preached a sermon based on Exod. 4:2.

There, we find the call of God to Moses when he was in Midian, just after he turned to explore the burning bush. Moses heard the call and listened to God call him to do something for Him.

However, Moses did not believe he could accomplish anything significant for God. I don’t remember much about the message except for how the pastor pressed the question, “What is that in your hand?”

This was a powerful question. It still is.

For Moses, his hand held a shepherd’s rod.

The Creator God has given gifts and talents to all humankind — to all nations, peoples and tongues — male and female, young and old, poor and rich.

When we desire to be a blessing to God and others, the first place to look is at what God has placed in our hands already.

What talent has He given you? What spiritual gift has He given you? What education has He blessed you with? What career or vocation has He given you? What skills have you learned in your work? What hobbies have you learned and enjoy? What friends has He given you? What family members need God’s transforming power?

The North American Division is talking about a new evangelism initiative called Pentecost 2025. The goal is to hold 3,000 evangelistic proclamation events in North America during 2025.

The NAD is working to raise funds to assist each local church that volunteers to hold an event. North Pacific Union is also going to provide funding for churches that hold evangelistic proclamation events.

The Voice of Prophecy is providing training and resources to assist churches and pastors. In fact, all the NAD media ministries are actively looking for ways to assist local churches for this evangelism initiative.

To prepare for Pentecost 2025, we must use the rest of 2024 for preparation. How? Start where you are. Evaluate what is in your hand.

God will bless anyone who will partner with Him to win souls. Look around you at what God has provided already.

After I heard God’s call, I found a stack of invitations to a prophecy presentation in my hand. Sharing those with family and friends, as well as explaining how my life had changed, resulted in my two brothers attending the meetings. Both were baptized.

This Gleaner issue features a plenitude of stories — in both traditional and unusual third spaces — about how Northwest Adventists are using God’s gifts in their hands to creatively build community, share the Good News of Jesus and reach just one more person. As you read and reflect, listen to how God is prompting you to respond to His question, “What is that in your hand?”

I often live out my life through mental narratives about what’s likely to happen next. Yet, life doesn’t have a perfect playbook.

When recently I parked my car and stepped out to start my workday, I realized three things very quickly: 1. I uncharacteristically forgot my computer bag; 2. There was a hissing sound coming from my car; and 3. My day was taking a very different turn.

God had a surprise in store for me for His heavenly playbook for my life.

I soon found a protruding object in my car’s back tire that I likely picked up from an accidentally discovered pothole.

With a quick call of confirmation back home, I mapped out and then carefully drove to the nearest tire shop where technicians assessed the situation and promised to take care of it.

With unexpected time on my hands, I settled in the waiting room with a copy of A Way Forward, by Caleb Foss where I learned more about the art of being interested versus interesting.

This approach to thinking and living is about understanding your identity in Christ first, and then showing increased interest in other people’s lives. It truly does make life more interesting!

After a productive morning of waiting, I headed to lunch where I noticed an older man approach the car parked next to mine. I instantly recognized the university name emblazoned on his sweatshirt.

As a fellow master’s graduate, I had to say something and stepped out of my car to greet him. I soon learned his name is Scotty and we had a great conversation in the parking lot that quickly turned to faith and common connections between our faith traditions and our lived experiences.

“Those of us who believe in Jesus need to stick together,” Scotty proclaimed. “Signs of the end are all around and Bible prophecy is evident. We need each other.”

Sometimes I hear people say how hard it is to share their faith or make new friends. Sometimes I have thoughts like this, too. My mental narrative tells me I’m not enough in some way, shape or form.

However, I keep finding experiences where God is orchestrating various interactions where a simple curiosity, kindness or willingness to be interested turns into a divine appointment. God just asks me to be willing to go on His errands, and He takes care of the rest.

These encounters remind me God works through the seemingly mundane aspects of life to connect us with others in profound ways. Sometimes our world is right in front of us, waiting for us to show up; to not shirk our word, calling or responsibilities; to make a difference in someone’s life for a moment or for eternity; to cultivate joy, peace and grace on the journey toward heaven. That’s the best playbook for life!

Table Talk Prompt

What divine appointments has God set up for you recently? How do divine appointments in your life recalibrate your spiritual walk and your relationship with others?

Since 2021, Upper Columbia Conference has put significant focus on prayer. In 2022, UCC began holding many prayer-focused events, including 40 Days of Prayer, Zoom rooms with special guest speakers and an annual prayer summit. In addition to these events, prayer ministries has been praying for more ways to expand and reach people through prayer, and God answered with the digital prayer ministry initiative.

David Jamieson, UCC president, attended the North American Division year-end meeting last year when he heard a story from Justin Kim, Central California Conference digital evangelism director, about digital prayer ministry. It grabbed his attention, so Jamieson shared it with Kathy Marson, UCC prayer ministries coordinator.

“I found the video from Kim’s presentation and after watching it I was so inspired,” explained Marson. “Several churches in CCC partnered with NAD Adventist Information Ministry to offer prayer in their communities through social media. The outcome was amazing! They had so many requests that they had to stop advertising their prayer posts in order to handle the requests that already came in.”

Marson shared the video with several others and a committee was formed to make this ministry a reality. In early January, Jamieson; Marson; Art Lenz, UCC IT director; and Dustin Jones, UCC communications director, met with Brent Hardinge, AIM director, to talk about digital prayer ministry in UCC. During the meeting, AIM and UCC finalized plans to form a partnership to provide a pilot program in UCC to begin this year.

“The program works like this: The church records a video ad offering to pray with and for people in their community,” shared Marson. “The ad is delivered on social media to anyone within a 6-mile radius of the church. AIM employs student chaplains to respond to messages from call centers located at Andrews University and Walla Walla University. Students handle all of the interests in a timely fashion and turn the contact over to the church as soon as they have shown an interest in a local prayer contact.”

Following the committee meeting, six churches in UCC were invited to participate with the prerequisite that the churches currently have a presence on Facebook and/or Instagram.

“It is the hope and prayer that this will be successful and can be implemented in many more churches in the future,” shared Marson. “God’s timing and miracles are evident. Thank you for your prayers for digital prayer ministry.”

In the heart of Keizer, Oregon, amidst the bustling routines of daily life, a remarkable story of faith and friendship recently unfolded.

Renato Torres and Edmundo “Epe” Selvas are best friends whose journey began with a simple invitation to the Keizer Hub from Vivid Adventist Church, a gathering where young adults from all backgrounds dig into the Bible and engage in meaningful conversations. 

Over time, Torres and Selvas became fixtures in this community, forging deep friendships and embracing the teachings of the Bible. Both young men are dedicated to personal growth and sharing the joy they've found with others. While working with their study group, they have extended invitations to friends and siblings to join, fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome to participate and share their unique perspectives.

As they dived into the book of Romans, Torres and Selvas felt a profound transformation taking place within them. They took to heart the words found in Rom. 8:1–2, ”Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death."

Together, they embarked on a journey of reflection and discernment, leading them to make life-altering decisions rooted in their newfound faith. Their commitment to spiritual growth didn't stop at weekly study sessions. Torres and Selvas hungered for more knowledge and connection with Jesus, leading them to join Friday night studies and house study groups with their church community. Despite the demands of their business, they made the decision to honor the Sabbath, dedicating it to worship, rest and acts of service.

This dedication will culminate in a significant milestone as Torres and Selvas prepare for their baptism alongside two other friends. Their journey is not just one of personal faith, but a testament to the transformative power of the community and the unwavering support of those who walk alongside them. 

As they take this profound step of faith, lift them up in prayer and ask for blessings upon their lives. May their journey inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God and may they continue to be beacons of light in their community, spreading love, hope and the message of salvation to all they encounter.

The Walla Walla University Symphony Orchestra traveled to the East Coast for a unique chance to perform at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The orchestra performed pieces including Rachmaninoff's "Piano Concerto No. 2" and "Finale" and Saint-Saëns' "Third Symphony" with organ.

The invitation to play on the main stage of Kennedy Center came after the orchestra's memorable performance at Carnegie Hall in the spring of 2019. The concert at Kennedy Center was part of the 2024 Capital Orchestra Festival, and WWU's orchestra was one of only four invited to participate.

This rare opportunity was greatly appreciated by all the orchestra members, including Lisa Luzyl Wa-Mbaleka, WWU sophomore health science major, who said, “I was ecstatic to be on the same stage as many great musicians who had performed before me. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget and it ignited my passion even further for music.”

Beyond the performance at Kennedy Center, orchestra students also participated in a workshop with a famous conductor, explored Washington, D.C., monuments and memorial sites, and visited museums. The multi-day tour also included a performance at an Adventist church.

Cristina Showalter, sophomore bioengineering major and first chair cellist, said, “The trip was a total blast. I came into it not really being close to or even friends with anyone on the trip, but by the end, I can genuinely say that I could call basically everyone in the orchestra a friend. I am so thrilled to share amazing memories with all the cool people in the orchestra.”

Providing opportunities for students to play at significant venues is a way to support their love for music. The dedicated practice required to be invited to these concert halls is a testament to the quality of WWU's music program. Ensembles like the Symphony Orchestra are open to all students, not just music majors. With 10 ensembles offered each year, university students have countless ways to hone their musical talents and participate in rich musical experiences.

Follow the daily reading plan and you will read the entire Bible in a year.

April 1: James
April 2: Acts 17
April 3: Galatians 
April 4: Acts 18:1–18
April 5: 1 Thessalonians

April 7: Mark 10–11
April 8: Luke 19
April 9: Matt. 22–23
April 10: Mark 12–13
April 11: Matt. 20–21
April 12: Luke 18

April 14: Luke 20–24
April 15: John 14–17
April 16: Matt. 27–28
April 17: 2 Thessalonians
April 18: Matt. 24–26
April 19: Mark 14–16

April 21: Acts 5–8
April 22: Acts 9–10
April 23: Acts 11–14
April 24: Acts 15–16
April 25: John 18–21
April 26: Acts 1–4

April 28: John 11–13
April 29: Luke 17:11–37
April 30: Matt. 19

Our Bible reading plan leaves Sabbath as a time to share and reflect on your readings for the week. Find creative ways each Sabbath to share your reflections with others on what God is teaching you from your Bible reading time!

Follow us @NWAdventists on Instagram and Facebook.

Peter Simpson will be joining the North Pacific Union team early this summer as vice president for Hispanic ministries and ministerial director.

Simpson is coming to the Pacific Northwest from Ohio Conference where he served as multilingual ministries coordinator as well as church planting and evangelism director for 10 years.

“Through ministry, I love to touch people's hearts with a Christ-centered message, as well as to prepare and equip the church members to share their faith with others to welcome as many as possible in God's kingdom,” Simpson said.

His 33 years of ministry experience includes multiple capacities in different countries as district pastor, professor and department leader at a seminary and at conference and union levels. He also served as a conference president for Atlantic Honduras Conference and South Central Conference of Costa Rica.

Notably, at the beginning of his career in 1990, Simpson served as a district pastor to 26 congregations among indigenous people in the remotest areas of Nicaragua. His seven years in missional pastoral service resulted in thousands of baptisms.

Simpson has a previous connection with the Pacific Northwest. When Jere Patzer, former NPUC president, led the Guatemala for Christ campaign where 500 people were baptized in 2000, Simpson pastored the largest church in Guatemala Central Conference.

Simpson credits his passion for mission and his clear vision for evangelism to his Cuban missionary parents who served God in Managua, Nicaragua. The whole family considers themselves to be missionaries.

Simpson and his wife, Carolina, enjoy sharing in the joy of service to God and His church. The family has two adult sons: one is a financial administrator for Ohio Conference and the other founded Stereo Adventista International, with four local radio production studios in Ohio and thousands of worldwide listeners.

Carolina will also be joining the NPUC team as a part-time administrative assistant for Hispanic ministries.

“We feel God has led us to the Pacific Northwest and are curious to discover and enjoy the many blessings He has stored for us all as we work together,” Simpson said.

Simpson holds a bachelor’s degree in theology, a master’s degree in missiology and a doctoral degree in pastoral ministry. He is a frequent presenter for camp meetings, evangelistic series and ministry training sessions.

“Peter's extensive experience in ministry, church planting, small groups, church revitalization and evangelism will provide invaluable support and encouragement to our administrative and pastoral teams in the Pacific Northwest,” said John Freedman, NPUC president. “We warmly welcome both Peter and Carolina to our ministry team and pray for God's blessings as they transition to this new ministry territory. I am confident you will find their presence enriching and inspiring as you get to know them better.”

Inspiration for event themes comes from a variety of places. For this year's Idaho Conference camp meeting, the theme, "Mountaintop Silence to Life-Changing Mission," came from a feedback segment during the conference's first-ever young adult retreat. 

What is mountaintop silence? It’s the attitude of being in a spiritual retreat with God, where one’s thoughts are focused on Him. It might include reading scripture, listening to music that lifts one’s heart to God, focused periods of prayer that include a significant silent time or listening for God’s voice. It can be somewhere on a mountain, beside a quiet stream, a quiet corner at home or even in one’s car — wherever that solitude can be experienced.

The purpose of mountaintop silence is to discover who God is in your life and what His plans are for you. While it's an escape of sorts, it's much more. It's a time to receive what will be a life-changing mission to share with someone else the great things God has done in your life. 

Mountaintop silence draws one’s thoughts to the 40 days Jesus spent in the wilderness after receiving His Father’s spirit at His baptism in the Jordan River. Those 40 days in communication with His Father helped Jesus cement the relationship He would need to fulfill His task of redeeming the world He created. His faith was tested multiple times. 

Knowing His hunger, Satan tempted Jesus with the words, “If you are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread” (Luke 4:3). Jesus responded with scripture. 

Next, the devil brought Jesus to a high place, showing Him all the kingdoms of the world and promising to give Jesus their authority and splendor, if He would just worship Satan. Jesus again quoted scripture. 

Yet again, when the devil tempted Jesus to throw Himself down from the highest point of the temple by quoting scripture to Jesus, intimating that the angels wouldn’t let any harm come to Him, Jesus quoted scripture.

This year’s camp meeting is designed to bring you to your mountaintop, where you can experience silence with God and move into a life-changing mission for Him. Please join the programming on the campus of Gem State Adventist Academy or join online via the Idaho Conference Communication YouTube channel for livestreamed evening and Sabbath morning meetings. Both the English language and Spanish language camp meetings begin Tuesday evening, June 11 and go through the Sabbath hours of June 15.

Derek Morris, Hope Channel, Inc. field representative, is the main speaker, with support during the daytime hours from Don Klinger, well-known Idaho Conference spiritual leader; Brant Berglin, Walla Walla University associate professor of theology; John Kelly, Oak Haven Health and Country Life Natural Foods president and medical director; and Heidi Baumgartner, North Pacific Union communication director. Benjamin Carballo is the speaker for the Spanish language camp meeting.

Children’s divisions, Beginners through Youth, begin on Wednesday. Luis La Porte, Christian recording artist, is providing a Sabbath afternoon concert. Introduce yourself to his music here: https://bit.ly/3x042Sb.

You can find more information on our website link here: https://bit.ly/43pz9Tj

RED 2024, the annual board members meeting in January, marked a significant milestone for Hispanic churches in Oregon Conference. With an attendance of 250 church board members, this event became a pivotal space for reflection, challenge and strategic planning.

The curtain of RED 2024 rose with an emotion-filled communion service, led by Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president; Ben Lundquist, Oregon Conference young adult director; and Jonathan Russell, Oregon Conference assistant to the president. This sacred moment set the tone for what would be a meeting full of inspiration and purpose. The congregation shared communion while immersing themselves in an atmosphere of unity and commitment.

The core of RED is based on the motto, "Redeeming, Training — Entrenando in Spanish — and Discipling." This triad of concepts became the fundamental pillar of discussions and presentations marking the event. Seven key topics were presented by specialists in specific areas related to redeeming, training and discipling youth, addressing contemporary challenges and effective strategies. Participants engaged in deep and strategic discussions led by expert leaders who shared their knowledge and experiences in guiding youth.

A distinctive feature of RED 2024 was the dedicated time for planning. After each presentation, board members joined their pastors in one-hour sessions to discuss and design concrete plans to implement in their respective communities. This practical approach ensured that the discussed ideas translated into tangible actions, thereby strengthening the impact of the meeting on the ground.

The choice of meeting in January for RED 2024 was not accidental; the third week of that month has become a strategic moment for churches to gather and chart their plans for the year. This temporal consistency has allowed RED to position itself as an annual beacon, guiding Hispanic churches in Oregon toward a future filled with hope and purpose.

The event not only provided a space for reflection and planning but also fostered a strong network among participating churches. Collaboration and the exchange of ideas among leaders strengthened community ties, creating a vital support network to address current and future challenges.

This year’s RED was not just a meeting; it was a catalyst for positive change in Hispanic churches in Oregon Conference. Embracing the call to redeem, train and disciple, participants embarked on a joint journey to build a solid and hopeful future for youth in their communities. 

This annual event continues to underscore the importance of strategic collaboration and long-term planning in the growth and development of Oregon Conference Hispanic churches.

When you think of heart disease, you may picture an older man with a previous heart attack, high blood pressure and years of smoking history — but that's not the whole story. Even people who seem to be in perfect health can be affected by heart disease. By understanding common misconceptions, you can be better informed about your risk and ready to live heart healthy.

MYTH: HEART DISEASE IS A MAN'S DISEASE.

FACT: Heart disease is the number one killer of both men and women.

One in three women die from heart disease, including coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and congestive heart failure, according to the American Heart Association.

Women become more at risk for heart disease and heart attacks during menopause. Why? Estrogen helps reduce “bad” low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and relaxes blood vessels for better blood flow. In menopause, women's bodies produce less of this protective hormone.

Women also live about five years longer than men, and the likelihood of experiencing heart conditions grows as they age.

MYTH: I'M NOT OLD ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT HEART CONDITIONS.

FACT: Heart attacks are striking more young people than ever, especially women, according to the American Heart Association.

Heart disease can affect all of us, regardless of age, weight or activity level. Factors that increase heart disease risk include:

• High blood pressure
• Type 2 diabetes
• Tobacco use
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Excessive alcohol consumption
• History of preeclampsia
• Family history

MYTH: I'LL NEVER RECOVER FROM A HEART ATTACK.

FACT: Your recovery largely depends on quick treatment and your commitment to necessary lifestyle adjustments.

The sooner you get treatment, the better. Most heart damage happens within the first two hours of an attack — that's why it's so important to get to a hospital quickly. Your physician will treat your blockage with clot-dissolving drugs, surgery or a balloon angioplasty, a procedure that involves inserting a small balloon into the artery to expand it and allow blood flow to resume.

Once you're home, your medical team will outline helpful lifestyle changes, such as ways to improve your diet and manage stress.

MYTH: HEART DISEASE IS UNPREDICTABLE; THERE'S NO WAY TO KNOW MY RISK.

FACT: Family health history, personal health history and lifestyle all play into your risk of heart disease.

While we can't predict the future, we can look at specific risk factors that increase your chances of developing heart disease. Start with our free, quick online risk assessment from Adventist Health Portland Northwest Regional Heart and Vascular. You'll receive a report detailing your risk level, which can guide the discussion with your provider about what screening and prevention is right for you.

MYTH: IF I HAVE RISK FACTORS FOR HEART DISEASE, THERE'S NOTHING I CAN DO.

FACT: It's never too late to take steps for a heart-healthy future!

Talk to your healthcare provider about your particular risk factors and to get the support you need to eat healthier, stop smoking, start exercising, get more rest and manage stress. Even simple changes can have a big impact on your heart health, not to mention your overall feeling of well-being.

One summer in Walla Walla, I had the opportunity to tour University Church with Kraig Scott, Walla Walla University music professor. He taught us about the inner workings of the church organ and demonstrated all the different notes the magnificent instrument can play.

A moment I will never forget is when Scott surprised us all by holding the lowest note for an uncomfortably long time. It sounded like a sledgehammer and made everyone cover their ears.

In isolation, it appeared to be an unnecessary key — something that should come with a warning, "Do not touch!"

Yet, when Scott included that note as a compliment to all the keys in his repertoire, it took on a powerful quality that made the music come to life.

The symphony of majestic sound would not have been possible without the “sledgehammer” note. It was a powerful reminder that the best music comes through harmony, not uniformity.

Perhaps this is what the apostle Paul was thinking of when he talked about the church being the body of Christ. Each part of the body works to complement the other parts. It’s not about competition; it's about integration.

Paul makes the point, “The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I don’t need you!' And the head cannot say to the feet, 'I don’t need you!' On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor.”

It is tempting to dismiss those we disagree with as “unnecessary.” I confess I have scratched my head, laughed and cried at comments fellow believers have made at church business sessions.

The music we like, the preachers we listen to and the way we interpret life varies. We are different, and that is okay. What is not okay is thinking that our church would be better if we could just make everyone speak and think exactly the same.

There is a folk song that plays through my head when people start disagreeing at church. It’s called, "All of God’s Creatures Have a Place in the Choir," and it speaks to how our diversity can actually be our strength. If interested, go to YouTube and check out the A Place in the Choir Lyric Video.

At the beginning of the 2023–2024 academic year, Auburn Adventist Academy was blessed with an enrollment of more than 250 students. In January 2024, enrollment jumped to 260.

For many students, AAA is more than just a school. “AAA has not only been a school for me and many; it has been a place that has become a home filled with an amazing family that God has gifted to us,” said Kelsy Zacarias, AAA senior.

Of course, AAA has its challenges. High enrollment means a higher need for student aid. Having been in existence for almost 105 years, the campus is showing its age and requires not only more day-to-day upkeep and maintenance but also some expensive, large-scale repairs and much more.

In response to those challenges, some faculty and staff at AAA sought answers through prayer. For a long time, the school has needed a strong, simple and flexible program for building funds, as opposed to the typical one-time or once-per-year campaign. 

After a lot of prayer and many discussions, the development department felt impressed to establish $10 for Them, a foundational fundraising program designed for donors to give a recurring monthly donation of $10 or more. While it is designed to be monthly, it can be set up for an amount and timeline that works best for the donor.

“Our prayer is that the simplicity and flexibility of the program will drive its success,” said Kellie Nunley, AAA director of development. “Of course, the success of this program depends on a large number of donors willing to invest in the mission of Adventist education.”

The funds raised through $10 for Them will go toward the unrestricted annual fund, which supports the overall needs of the school, including student aid and day-to-day operations. AAA will still have various campaigns and events throughout the year, but this is an ongoing program on which the school will continue to build.

“Year after year, God puts these precious souls in our care,” Nunley stated. “He has given us a mission, which will not be complete until Jesus comes. We take the Great Commission of Matt. 28:19–20 very seriously. To those of us here at AAA and all of us in the ministry of our churches and schools, we are not raising funds — we are raising hearts for eternity.” 

In January 2024, Gary Parks, Oregon Conference relational ministries director, announced his departure from Adventist ministry after approximately 38 years. 

“I’ve dedicated my entire ministry to helping people understand how the gospel of Jesus impacts us practically through improving our ability to love well through relational and emotional wholeness,” he shared. “I’m amazed that I have an opportunity to take this ministry passion and serve others in a broader context.”

Parks came to Oregon Conference in 1998 to lead East Salem Adventist Church. Since then, he served as a trust officer before spending the last few years in the relational ministries department.

Dan Linrud, Oregon Conference president, noted, “It’s always exciting to see how the Holy Spirit directs our paths. When it comes to Parks, the Spirit led to the development of the new relational ministries department, walking with churches, ministries and members in growing healthy, loving relationships."

"Parks' ministry has helped churches to turn around, by addressing ways in which they were previously relationally stuck," continued Linrud. "I will always be grateful to Parks for pioneering this ministry in Oregon Conference. He has also served a long and distinguished career in pastoral ministry, pouring into youth and young adults, as well as being a beloved lead pastor. Parks will be greatly missed by our conference team and by our field. We wish him God’s abundant blessings as he retires from vocational denominational ministry and moves forward into the next things God has called him to.”

New teachers and early childhood educators in the Pacific Northwest have a new leader joining their ranks, bringing both experience and a valuable perspective to the North Pacific Union education team.

Renae Young, currently serving as Montana Conference education superintendent and youth/club ministries director, will begin her new role on May 1, 2024.

Having witnessed the transformative power of Adventist education firsthand, Young is passionate about its impact on students' and parents' lives.

She finds great humility in the testimonials from parents who credit Adventist schools with shaping their children's character and future. Despite the challenges educators face and the inevitability of mistakes, Young believes in the redemptive nature of God's work in their lives and in the lives of their students.

“God is continually at work in our lives and in our students' lives,” Young said.

Young's journey in education has been diverse, including teaching in homeschool, public and private school settings, as well as serving in administrative roles.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and Spanish from Walla Walla College — now Walla Walla University — and a master’s degree in education from Washington State University.

As she prepares to embark on this new chapter, Young is eager to connect with colleagues in the ECE programs, seeking to understand their needs and how she can best support them through training and collaboration. She is excited to build on the foundation of the new teacher support program, aiming to strengthen and empower new teachers as they embark on their careers.

“I’m looking forward to getting better acquainted [with everyone] and hearing what type of support would be most beneficial,” she said.

Beyond her professional life, Young enjoys reading, hiking, working in the yard and paper quilling. Young and her husband, Joe, enjoy traveling to unique destinations where they can enjoy nature. The couple have three grown children — Nate, Sydnee and Josiah — who are settling into their young adult lives and careers.

“Renae Young's dedication to education and her commitment to supporting educators makes her a valuable addition to the North Pacific Union education team,” said Keith Hallam, NPUC vice president for education. “Her wealth of experience and passion for Adventist Education will undoubtedly inspire and uplift those she works with.”

Christian radio broadcasting serves as a vital tool through which God reaches people in rural Alaska, with its reach steadily expanding. Thanks to the efforts of Alaska Adventist Radio Network and Craig Adventist Church, Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska now boasts a new radio station, KPWI, broadcasting on 94.9 FM, which began airing on Oct. 20, 2023. 

After years of prayer, planning, obtaining permits and acquiring equipment, the new station is a welcome voice of hope and encouragement for the island's residents. The project was abundantly blessed by God. Initially estimated to cover a 5-mile radius around the city of Craig, the station reaches a radius of approximately 15 miles, which includes the city of Klawock, touching about half of the residents living on the island.

The radio station provides the community with around-the-clock Christian music and messaging. Your Story Hour is a beloved program for all ages. Residents enjoy gospel bluegrass, country music and Alaska Native language singing, alongside engaging programs like Bible Answers Live, It Is Written and Amazing Facts, igniting a growing interest in the Word of God. 

Craig Church leveraged the station to promote the 2024 Hope For Humanity statewide evangelistic series with plans to introduce local programming soon. While KPWI has already been a significant blessing to the community, prayer warriors are invited to join Craig Church in praying God will use the station to win souls to Christ for many years to come.

Craig Church extends special thanks to Ryan Woehler, Alaska Adventist Radio Network general manager, and his son, Thomas, for traveling from Nome to establish the connections. Craig Church also thanks Tyler Rental Company for providing the necessary heavy equipment for the installation and Jeremy Crew, Craig Church of God pastor, and Dwaine Vaughan, Craig Church elder, for their efforts in erecting and securing the tower.

Where can you go this summer and attend “how-to” workshops for making stone arrowheads, leading small group Bible studies, making sourdough bread, fly-fishing, crocheting, social media witnessing, sermon preparation, metal detecting, natural remedies, watercolor painting, plant-based cooking, CPR certification and much more? 

If your answer is Montana Camp Meeting, you are correct! From one-of-a-kind, wholistic living workshops to great speakers and music, this year’s camp meeting will be bursting with faith, fellowship, food and fun. Montana leaders invite you to come and experience it. John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, will be the evening and Sabbath morning keynote speaker. 

The children and youth divisions are planning special activities to inspire your kids and grandkids to love Jesus more and serve God faithfully. Terry Johnsson, special guest, will share his testimony, “From Schoolroom Failure to White House Honor Guard.” Prayers for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit are being lifted as the community gathers on July 10–13 at Mount Ellis Academy to worship God and deepen in love for Him and others.

This year won’t just be camp meeting. It will be camp meeting — Montana style.

Peter was one of Jesus’ close friends. He watched Jesus heal the sick, and He listened to all of Jesus’ teachings.

One day, after feeding the 5,000, Jesus told Peter and the disciples to cross the lake in a boat while He sent the people home and had alone time to pray.

During the night, the disciples on the boat were in the middle of the lake and it started to get stormy. The wind was blowing hard and big waves splashed against the boat.

In the darkness, the disciples saw a figure walking towards them. They were terrified because they thought it was a ghost.

It was Jesus walking on the water. He said to them, “It is I. Don’t be afraid.”

Peter said, “Lord, if it’s really You, tell me to come to You on the water.”

Jesus invited Peter to join him. “Come,” He said.

Peter cautiously climbed out of the boat to test if he could really walk on the water. As he put his feet down, they miraculously stayed on top of the water. Peter started walking towards Jesus. He was amazed and couldn’t believe he was walking on water.

Walking further away from the boat, Peter’s excitement turned to fear as he suddenly remembered the storm. He could feel the strong wind on his face and the big waves splashing on his legs. Peter began to sink and called out to Jesus, “Lord, save me!”

Immediately, Jesus reached out and caught Peter. “Your faith is small,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt?”

Jesus invites you to walk with Him too, and He will help you do amazing things. We know Jesus’ power, but sometimes this world makes us afraid and doubtful. Jesus doesn’t get upset at us for getting scared or losing faith. Instead, Jesus catches us and pulls us out of the storm when we call on Him.

Oobleck Science Experiment

Oobleck is a strange substance between a solid and a liquid. If you punch it, it feels solid, but if you scoop some into your hand, it will soften and pour out like a liquid. In the story, the water was solid when Peter had faith in Jesus. But when Peter focused on the storm instead, he sank into the water. Play around with your oobleck while thinking of Peter’s experience and how you can grow your faith.

Tools and Ingredients

• Container
• Fork
• 1 1/2 cups cornstarch
• 3/4 cup water

Instructions

1. Combine cornstarch and water in a container. 

2. Mix with a fork until well combined. If your oobleck seems too watery, add a little more cornstarch.

3. Have fun playing with your oobleck!

Finished With This Experiment?

Use a funnel to pour the oobleck into a balloon to make a mini stress ball. Make sure there’s no air in the balloon before tying it tight.

In an exciting development for its statewide community, Montana Conference welcomes three outstanding individuals to new lay ministry positions. Each bringing a unique set of skills and a passion for service, Lizbeth Geary, Oceana Munsey and Shelby Waller are set to play pivotal roles in enhancing the spiritual fabric of Montana Conference.

Elected representatives for North Pacific Union heard energizing reports about church vitality at the most recent executive committee meeting on March 6, 2024.

“NPUC is seeing an uptick in multiplying churches, and we celebrate this,” said Bill McClendon, NPUC vice president for administration. “Our growing churches are growing, our plateauing churches are decreasing in number and our declining churches are finding new life. These are good numbers. God is revitalizing our churches.”

McClendon also noted how it doesn’t take much to move from one category of church growth to the next. “For some churches, it only takes one baptism to move the congregation to its next growth level,” he said.

In all, NPUC is reporting 1,995 baptisms for 2023 representing a 20% growth over 2022. The baptism levels for 2022 also saw a 20% growth from 2021. This number of annual baptisms and professions of faith is approaching pre-pandemic levels, McClendon reported. Notably, small conferences are seeing large gains in membership through baptism growth.

The church vitality markers hold true across North America where there is a reduction in the number of declining churches and an increase in the number of growing churches after the pandemic.

On March 1, 2024 around 400 participants from across Washington Conference gathered at Auburn Adventist Academy to shine at Arts Fest.

At 9 a.m., the campus began to buzz with energy as participants embarked on a day of rehearsals, all leading up to a vespers concert later in the evening. Rainier Auditorium became a gallery of creativity, showcasing an array of artwork while the stage came alive with performances by band, choir, handbells and orchestra.

This year's theme was "Shine." “We wanted our students to be so filled with Christ’s light that they shine in the darkness,” said Wilma Bing, Washington Conference associate superintendent. 

The theme served as a guiding light for participants, urging them to illuminate the world with their unique talents. Artwork and musical renditions of uplifting songs such as "This Little Light of Mine" and "(You Are) Amazing" echoed the theme, inspiring both performers and audience alike.

Capturing the essence of the day, a video featuring students was filmed and edited. Students shared whether they were a morning bird or night owl and how they see others shine Jesus’ light.

Arts Fest, hosted annually by the Washington Conference education department, holds a special place in the hearts of participants. Michelle Wachter, Washington Conference vice president for education, stated, “Arts Fest is not just another event on the calendar; it's a celebration of creativity, camaraderie and community. It provides an opportunity for students to come together in a shared space where their artistic talents can shine.”

Beyond nurturing creativity, Arts Fest fosters connections and forges new friendships among students. “Students can be seen practicing for the evening vespers concert and practicing their skills under the guidance of the clinician," said Watcher. "But beyond the rehearsals, there's an atmosphere of joy and camaraderie as students reconnect with old friends and make new ones. Smiles abound as they share their love for music and art, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

Arts Fest at AAA not only celebrates the artistic talents of students but also serves as a testament to the power of community and the transformative potential of creativity. In a world often fraught with challenges, events like Arts Fest remind us of the enduring light of Jesus that resides within each of us, waiting to be shared with the world.

Adventist Development and Relief Agency continues humanitarian efforts in Ukraine, two years after the armed conflict erupted. ADRA has been at the forefront in Ukraine and neighboring countries providing critical assistance to the most vulnerable populations affected by the hostilities, including food, shelter, psychological support and medical care. 

Within hours of the conflict beginning on Feb. 24, 2022, ADRA mobilized its global network of emergency response teams, thousands of Adventist Church volunteers and massive resources to assist children, women, families and individuals who fled their homes to avoid shelling and seek refuge across the border in other countries.

As the situation enters its third year, ADRA remains committed to providing life-saving humanitarian aid to children, women and families who have been internally displaced, as well as millions of refugees fleeing to neighboring countries. 

"We keep everyone whose lives have been irreversibly changed as a result of the ongoing Ukraine conflict in our prayers," said Imad Madanat, ADRA International vice president for humanitarian affairs. "We are deeply thankful to the numerous partner organizations that have joined forces with ADRA in the relief efforts. ADRA is also profoundly grateful to thousands of Adventist Church volunteers in Ukraine, from Europe and throughout the world who have offered resources and hope to Ukrainians since the crisis began. In particular, we are indebted to our donors for their contributions that enable ADRA to continue serving as the hands and feet of Jesus to the people of Ukraine."

According to United Nations Refugee Agency, the fighting in Ukraine has internally displaced about 4 million people and forced more than 6.4 million to seek shelter in Europe and other countries around the world, with more than 14 million needing humanitarian assistance in 2024.

One of the best pieces of advice to new board members and administrators of an organization is to avoid surprises. An organization and its leaders should mitigate surprises by being timely and transparent if they're going to work together effectively.

Advance preparation can minimize negative surprises. Being familiar with the institution's risk factors, paying attention, preparing for board meetings in advance, getting more information before the meeting if needed and asking questions — especially the "dumb" ones — are deceptively simple strategies.

Why it Matters

Negative surprises shock everyone within and beyond the institution. Its reputation, confidence in its leaders and its future, and its access to resources take a hit. Bad news often divides boards and staff, and it compromises trust. It's easy to forget that preventing or preparing for what might happen is as important as deciding what will happen, and it could go beyond what risk management and insurance coverage may cover.

The Bottom Line

Board members who prepare, pay attention and develop a solid sense of their organization's reality are well-positioned for any potential surprise. They can think on multiple tracks — logical and imaginative, or analytical and hypothetical — instead of scrambling to catch up on essential information. They can focus on future ramifications and alternative options that help the board make better decisions. The foundation of a great board is members who know the institution, its environment and good governance.

If you serve on a board or committee at any level, keep informed and stay engaged. The future of the organization depends on it.

In three presentations for grades K–12, Dorothy Knight Marsh, author, captivated Walla Walla Valley Adventist Schools students as she shared the remarkable journey of her great aunt’s life, chronicled in her book, From Cotton Fields to Mission Fields: the Anna Knight Story. Marsh's presence illuminated the auditorium as she recounted Knight's life's trials and triumphs.

Marsh, a Mississippi native and celebrated figure known for her dedication to humanitarian efforts and her unwavering faith, recounted Knight’s upbringing in the cotton fields of the South, where she experienced the harsh realities of racial segregation and economic hardship. Knight’s father was a Confederate soldier. Her mother was biracial. 

As Marsh described it, “Knight was too Black to go to the white schools and too white to go to the Black schools.” She eventually learned to read from her cousins, whom she bargained with by doing their chores in payment for teaching her how to read. Despite her challenges, Knight found solace and strength in her faith, which ultimately propelled her towards a life of service and mission.

Knight fought for her right to an education and eventually graduated in 1898 with a nursing degree from Battle Creek Sanitarium. After graduation, she started a school in Gitano, Mississippi, where she taught students from primary age to adult. 

Her school was met with prejudice and hatred. At one point, it was even burned to the ground. She built it again, determined to educate Black students in Mississippi. Knight went on to become a missionary in India, the founder of many more schools and even the founder of the first Black Young Women's Christian Association in Mississippi.

From Cotton Fields to Mission Fields serves as a testament to Knight's resilience and her commitment to making a difference in the world. The book offers a timely reflection on her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a beacon of hope for countless individuals around the globe.

During her presentation, Marsh emphasized the importance of education and empowerment in overcoming adversity. She spoke passionately about the transformative power of faith and community, urging the audience to embrace their potential to effect positive change in the world.

Tricia Lofthouse, WWVAS counselor, was touched by the event. “This is a story of tragedy and racism turned into moments that exhibited Knight’s remarkable fearlessness," said Lofthouse. "Nothing could stop her. Need a church? She’ll build it. Need a school? She’ll start it. School is destroyed? She’ll build it again. Nothing could stop her.”

The event, which was attended by students, faculty and community members, served as an inspiring reminder of the impact that one individual can have on the world. Marsh's message resonated deeply with the audience, sparking conversations about social justice, compassion and the enduring power of the human spirit.

In addition to sharing her aunt’s personal story, Marsh took the opportunity to engage with attendees, answering questions and offering words of encouragement to those seeking guidance in their own journeys. Her warmth and authenticity left a lasting impression on all who had the privilege of hearing her speak.

As WWVAS continues its mission to educate and empower future generations, Marsh’s visit served as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, perseverance and service in shaping a brighter tomorrow.

A deep, loud varoom with a trailing swoosh descended from the sky. I reached up to cover my ears but could not remain long in that position. A Blue Angel streaked by as I returned my focus to the job at hand.

I was one of 20 McMinnville Adventist Church members helping at an entry gate for the Oregon International Air Show McMinnville the last Friday in September and first Sunday in October 2023.

We had an easy job: check tickets with a hand scanner and make people feel welcome while checking to make sure they did not carry in food, drinks or explosives.

Full water bottles had the request, “Please take a sip from your water bottle.” Whole families would line up with their bottles and demonstrate they were not afraid of the water.

The other question we had to ask of everyone was, “Did you leave your gun and knife in the car?” Most of the time we got a laugh. They had been to enough public events to know it was for their safety. It was surprising the amount of pocket knives that we had to label for them to pick up on their way out.

We chose to get involved with the international air show because they respected us in asking us to help on Friday and Sunday only, and it was an opportunity to show we are a part of the community. It was a silent witness where our t-shirts did the speaking and led to conversations.

We talked to members of other churches, got asked if we knew a neighbor who was Adventist and told about children attending Walla Walla University. I think these people felt a connection to the Adventist Church even though they were not members. They wanted to acknowledge they knew who we were and bond in a moment of friendship.

From our gate, we could see a portion of the airfield. We were given short breaks to explore the booths. When a plane buzzed the field, we would get a brief glimpse.

Most of the time we didn’t notice what was going on until the sound of the engines echoed in our ears. The people were our main focus and making sure everyone was safe and didn’t feel their privacy was violated. We wanted them to be ready to have a positive experience.

We had all age groups from young adults to seniors involved. Everyone had a place and job. Those comfortable with portable technology began checking tickets. Later, they taught and encouraged those of us less tech-savvy to take over while we changed places and they inspected bags.

The Oregon International Air Show McMinnville acknowledged our church’s involvement with a Group Collaboration Influencer Award on Jan. 9, 2024 at the Hillsboro Airport. They had heard nothing but praise for our group and asked us if we would come back next year at McMinnville and consider Hillsboro as well.

More than 600 youth, young adults and chaperones who attended the quinquennial West Coast Youth Conference in August 2023 are still responding to the appeal to grow in God.

WCYC is an organization designed to develop and empower urban youth and young adults to be leaders and disciples of Jesus who influence their communities through service. The 2023 gathering was held in Phoenix, Arizona.

WCYC occurs once every five years for youth and young adults in North Pacific Union and Pacific Union Conference. It consists of participants from nine states: California, Utah, Nevada, British Columbia, Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington. 

The last conference took place in Ontario, California, in March 2018, with less than 20 young people and chaperones in attendance from NPUC. Through the financial support of NPUC, respective conferences and local churches, there was close to a 600% increase in the number of attendees for the 2023 conference, totaling 127 young people.

Although the union and conferences provided financial support and encouraged attendance, support from the local church level is what makes a difference. 

Youth ministry is an important ministry. It’s helpful when local churches invest in the spiritual growth and development of their young people by providing safe spaces where they can feel accepted and by funding trips like WCYC.

Events like WCYC encourage revival among young people and promote connections. It was an amazing experience for the young people to worship with peers who share the same faith. They experienced dynamic worship and participated in life-changing workshops, service projects and more.

Some young people got an opportunity to write a song with Nicholas Miller, musical artist, that they got to sing during worship. It was delightful to see how excited and engaged the young people were to come up with the right lyrics to complete verses.

Every evening, most, if not all, of our young people responded to the appeal to grow in God. Nine from NPUC requested Bible studies to prepare for baptism. Worship was on fire, so much so, that each night the service ended with an extended worship session. The organizers would have to turn the lights off to get participants to leave.

At every event, there must be something fun. Social events help foster connections among peers, which can result in lifelong, meaningful relationships. The youth and young adults took advantage of the three swimming pools and a water park offered by  Grand Arizona Resort between and after sessions. What a joy it was to see youth interacting with their peers from separate regions.

Special thanks to the two unions, conferences, local churches and members for making it possible for young people to participate in events like WCYC where they are empowered and developed to stand for Christ, church and their community. The echoes of this experience resonate long after the event ends.

Editorial Note: Meet Cortnee Blayton, a social media marketer for an e-commerce company in Seattle, and join her in a #NWAdventists blogging journey about everyday faith. Her favorite Christian saying is "God doesn't call the qualified, but qualifies the called."

As boards and committees reconvene and new members join throughout the year, it's important to understand the basic responsibilities of a board member.

Maybe you agreed to join the board because you felt some obligation to the nominating committee — or person — that asked you to do it, or perhaps you thought it would be a good opportunity for community involvement. Now that the time has come, you're unsure what your role is or how to add value. A good place to start is with the legal duties of board members.

Under the law, directors and officers of an entity are called "fiduciaries." Fiduciaries have certain duties.

What is a fiduciary?

Simply put, a fiduciary is a trustee or caretaker. It's a person — or group of people — that watches over an item of value on another person's behalf. For example, if you serve on your conference's executive committee, you are a fiduciary in your role as a committee member. As such, you are part of a group — the executive committee — that is entrusted by the conference constituency with the oversight and taking care of the local conference organization.

What are a fiduciary's duties?

Fiduciaries have three primary duties: the duty of obedience, the duty of care and the duty of loyalty.

1. Duty of Obedience

Fiduciaries must make decisions that comply with the law and with an organization's governing documents and mission.

Let's use the example of serving on a school board. Each board member has a duty to comply with what they know — both explicitly and implicitly — about the laws, rules and policies that apply to the school. 

As fiduciaries, board members do not have the luxury of doing what they please. Board members cannot simply ignore the law or an organization's governing documents — i.e., articles of incorporation, charter, bylaws, parliamentary procedure rules or policies. They cannot choose when they want to follow these documents and when they don't. Of course, this assumes board members have a basic knowledge of the governing documents that exist and their provisions, and it assumes they know where to find the details when needed or applicable.

2. Duty of Care

Fiduciaries must make decisions with care. More specifically, they have to make choices with the amount of care that a reasonable person would have in a similar situation and that they reasonably believe to be in the best interests of the organization. Board members don't have the luxury of not knowing what's going on in an organization or of turning their heads when they don't want to deal with difficult issues. 

At a foundational level, exercising a duty of care as a board member means you attend board meetings and prep for them by reading materials in advance and coming ready to meaningfully engage. The care level must be high.

3. Duty of Loyalty

Fiduciaries must make decisions in the best interests of the organization, not in their own best interests. They have a duty to use the resources and information of the entity for the entity's benefit, not their own benefit. This duty includes their responsibility to recuse themselves from discussion and votes on actions where they have a conflict of interest. 

When it comes to organizational decisions, board members have an obligation to view decisions through the lens of the organization as a whole, not considering what would benefit them personally or what might benefit their specific group or constituency.

Your Job

If you are a board member, don't get distracted from your basic fiduciary responsibilities of obedience, care and loyalty. The best way you can serve your organization is by providing meaningful leadership that is in line with the group's governing documents and purposes, that gives good attention to the progress of the group and that works for the good of the entire group.

Follow the daily reading plan and you will read the entire Bible in a year.

March 1: Acts 18:19–28

March 3: 1 Cor. 1–4
March 4: 1 Cor. 5–8
March 5: 1 Cor. 9–11
March 6: 1 Cor. 12–16
March 7: Philemon
March 8: 2 Corinthians

March 10: Rom. 1–7
March 11: Rom. 8–16
March 12: Acts 19–28
March 13: Jude
March 14: Colossians 
March 15: Ephesians

March 17: Philippians
March 18: 1 Timothy
March 19: Titus
March 20: 1 Peter
March 21: Hebrews
March 22: 2 Peter

March 24: 2 Timothy
March 25: 1 John
March 26: 2 John
March 27: 3 John
March 28: Rev. 1–7
March 29: Rev. 8–13

March 31: Rev. 14–22

Our Bible reading plan leaves Sabbath as a time to share and reflect on your readings for the week. Find creative ways each Sabbath to share your reflections with others on what God is teaching you from your Bible reading time!

Follow us @NWAdventists on Instagram and Facebook.

Editorial Note: While some may have reservations or doubts about cinema evangelism, it's important to recognize the diverse ways people connect with faith. What resonates with one person may not resonate with another, and that's perfectly acceptable. As we engage as a Pacific Northwest family in various forms of evangelism and outreach, let's remain open to the Holy Spirit's guidance, trusting that different approaches can reach different hearts.

Lada grew up in a non-religious family. Though she was taught to love and respect nature, animals and others, those values came from her country’s traditional myths, not religion.

Her grandmother was Orthodox and one day took 3-year-old Lada and her sister to the Orthodox church to be baptized without their parents’ permission. Although it became a funny story to tell over time, it was never funny to Lada’s grandmother, who believed it would save her granddaughters.

Lada’s next encounter with God took place in college. While earning her bachelor’s degree in history, she took theology courses. Lada’s professor was passionate about the Protestant church. With his help, Lada wrote a paper on Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation. The more she dug into the history, the more she began to agree with Luther.

Lada considered going to a Lutheran church after completing her research. However, due to a lack of connection with anyone in the church, she couldn’t bring herself to go.

Political unrest forced Lada and her husband to flee their home country, leading to a tumultuous period of displacement before settling in Washington. At that time, Lada began to pray. 

Lada said, “Even though I had no idea how to pray, I was kind of like, ‘OK God, pretty bad stuff is going on and I know you can’t be a wizard, but please connect me with the right people who might be honest and helpful and kind."

Lada had difficulty adjusting to her new life. She missed her horseback riding team and friends from back home. Yet she found herself praying regularly and finding connection with God.

Over time, Lada and her husband found an apartment near Volunteer Park in Seattle. She began taking walks and noticed the Seventh-day Adventist church nearby. “I started to feel like I needed a place where I would feel comfort and thinking of going inside this building,” Lada said.

Lada wrote Abner Campos, Volunteer Park Adventist Church pastor, a long email requesting to visit the church and asking what to wear. After a kind reply telling her to come as she was, Lada began her experience with the Adventist Church.

She was nervous to speak to anyone at first. She wasn’t familiar with them and was worried about speaking English, but the people of Volunteer Park Church were friendly, and she began to feel a spiritual connection.

Lada joined a Bible study with Campos and last spring made the decision — without her grandmother — to be baptized. Her deepening connection to the church led to her first job in Washington as a horseback riding instructor at Sunset Lake Camp.

Through connecting with others, Lada found God and the peace He brings. Lada is still learning and growing in the faith and encourages others that it’s okay not to be perfect, just stick with God and His word.

Experience the transformative power of faith and community at a Northwest camp meeting this year. Join fellow believers for a memorable time filled with inspiring sermons, uplifting music, outdoor fresh air and meaningful connections. Encounter God's presence amidst the community and leave refreshed, renewed and ready to impact the world for Christ. Discover the incredible experience awaiting you this summer by joining us at a nearby camp meeting. We warmly invite you to be a part of one of these exciting events.

Following last year’s triumphant in-person return of Washington Conference Camp Meeting, Lee Venden, All About Jesus revivalist, pastor, author and beloved storyteller, will carry the torch as keynote speaker at this year’s annual all-conference gathering June 17–22, 2024 at Auburn Adventist Academy. For six Spirit-filled days, attendees will experience “Greater Things” in prayer, worship, mission, discipleship and community — and don’t forget the food!

Continuing the camp meeting theme from last year, this year’s theme is “Greater Things: Thy Kingdom Come.” God desires us to live the reality of His kingdom, not only as a future hope but as a present reality.

Venden aims to help attendees grasp that reality in the messages he will deliver in Rainier Auditorium. “When we consider what it means to ‘live for Jesus,’ it makes good sense to consider how Jesus lived,” Venden said. “The apostle John tells us, 'The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.'"

Washington Conference recently launched a new children’s ministry webpage with resources tailored specifically for parents and guardians.

Jennifer Bullion, Washington Conference children’s ministry director, initially envisioned the webpage as a resource hub for ministry leaders seeking materials for events such as Vacation Bible School, Sabbath School and children’s programming during evangelistic series or health clinics. However, through conversations with parents, she realized the need to expand the platform to cater directly to moms and dads, empowering them to take on the role of children’s ministry leaders in their homes. 

As a result, the website now features book suggestions for family worship time, engaging Bibles and Bible studies, podcasts for both kids and adults as well as a space to share inspiring family testimonies.

“The vision is for the website to be a shareable, ever-growing hub for great spiritually uplifting content for leaders and families alike,” said Bullion.

The newly launched webpage offers a diverse range of resources. The Parent Fort, a cozy corner created by parents for parents, aims to share valuable information on finances, family matters and marriage. It undergoes regular updates, ensuring parents have access to the latest and most relevant information.

Furthermore, the website compiles podcasts suitable for the entire family. From kids' entertainment to discussions for parents, there’s something for everyone. Dive into this rich collection of audio content that fosters spiritual growth and family bonding.

Are you in search of Sabbath School curriculum? Look no further — this webpage features a comprehensive collection. Save time and explore available resources to discover the perfect Sabbath School program for your church.

Planning or participating in VBS? You will find a plethora of resources. Visit washingtonconference.org/parentfort to access real-time information on VBS times and locations, ensuring you stay informed and engaged.

The children’s ministry webpage is a one-stop destination for parents seeking spiritual resources and guidance. Explore the diverse offerings, connect with other families and make the most of the wealth of information available to enhance your family's spiritual journey.

Are you looking for an unforgettable summer experience that offers a multitude of spiritual and educational benefits for your kids? Look no further than attending a Northwest summer camp!

Summer camps are not only a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn new skills, grow in the Lord, make friends and have fun, but there are also opportunities for the whole family to attend. Attending a summer camp can be a transformative experience for your children and your family.

If you and your children are ready to embark on an adventure of a lifetime, consider attending one of the Northwest summer camps listed below.

Forty-five conference-level children’s ministry leaders and presenters from six Pacific Northwest conferences were among the first to explore and experience the training for the new Alive in Jesus Bible curriculum for children.

The orientation marks the initial phase of training in preparation for the 2025 launch of the Baby Steps and Beginners curriculum for 0- to 3-year-olds.

“Alive in Jesus is beautifully illustrated with the goal of discipling disciples for Jesus,” said Velvet Lang, North Pacific Union children’s ministry leader. I encourage every church to take advantage of the Alive in Jesus curriculum that will be available January 2025.”

Alive in Jesus is the new global Sabbath School curriculum for children that is produced by the Seventh-day Adventist world church and its Sabbath School and personal ministries department. GraceLink, the current children’s Sabbath School curriculum, will be phased out and no longer produced or resourced.

Additional Alive in Jesus releases will come in 2026 with Kindergarten and Primary and in 2027 with Junior and Earliteen curriculums. Orientation and training will be available for local Sabbath School leaders for each division level.

Alive in Jesus will provide local Sabbath School teachers with flexibility to meet the needs of diverse learners and settings. Whether it's accommodating children with special needs or tailoring lessons for different age groups, the Alive in Jesus curriculum is adaptable to various contexts.

“We are so excited [about Alive in Jesus] because we want to share Jesus with our children, who then, as you know, will share Jesus with other children,” said Sherri Uhrig, North American Division children’s ministry director.

On Jan. 13, 2024, a gathering of 305 people braved the cold and snow to convene at Federal Way Performing Arts and Entertainment Center for Days of Celebration, hosted by Washington Conference regional ministries.

The event spanned two days, encompassing Friday night vespers, Sabbath School, church service, afternoon workshops and a Sabbath vespers program. Distinguished speakers, including Edward Woods III, Carmela Monk-Crawford, Cryston Josiah and Jerome Hurst, presented thought-provoking sessions throughout the two-day event.

A notable addition to this year's program was the involvement of the Conscience and Justice Council. This council actively promotes vibrant public affairs and religious liberty ministries at the local church level through comprehensive training and ministry initiatives. Embracing an intergenerational and interfaith approach, the council seeks to sustain and foster a conscience and justice ministry.

"A heart that lacks compassion will not be saved in God's kingdom," Josiah said during the worship service keynote presentation. "If you want to cultivate a heart of compassion, you need to identify with the oppressed, acknowledge that inaction is not an option and recognize you are a foreigner traveling through this world with a heavenly identity and purpose."

The highlight of Days of Celebration was the series of four workshops offered to attendees. Each workshop, featuring a different guest speaker, aimed to empower participants to integrate Christian values with advocacy for social justice. Woods emphasized this point: "God did not come to bring peace. He came with a sword."

The workshops included Adventism and Our Roots in Social Justice (Woods), The Bible Speaks to Social Justice (Josiah), Communicating the Message of Social Justice (Monk-Crawford) and Moving the Church to Social Justice (Hurst). Each session underscored the significance of the church's active involvement in social justice causes.

“My biggest takeaway was being willing to look past the systems we’ve created inside Seventh-day Adventism and break free of those so we can do what Jesus came on this earth to do,” said one participant. “To not just spread the gospel, but to heal others outside our community, outside the temples and outside the churches.”

Days of Celebration unfolded as a crucible of enlightenment. Woods' proclamation of a divine call with a sword resonated, leaving attendees spiritually enriched and committed to breaking free from institutional structures.

The Conscience and Justice Council's intergenerational mission catalyzed a charge, urging participants to advance social justice. This transformative movement sparked a newfound commitment to societal healing.