Adventist News
Mark Finley Series in St. Louis Shares Bible Truths and Discoveries Hugh Davis – June 20, 2025
Dr. Mark Finley recently led a five-night series called Astonishing Discoveries and Prophecies at the St. Louis Central Seventh-day Adventist Church, where Pastor Mark Tagaloa, from the Iowa-Missouri Conference, serves as lead pastor. The meetings were held on June 12, 14, 15, 17, and 18, and focused on how history and archaeology support the Bible. “There was a welcoming spirit in the room as people visited with one another before and after the meeting,” said Craig Carr, Ministerial and Evangelism Director for the Mid-America Union Conference. Each night began with a friendly greeting from Dr. Finley, who introduced the evening’s topic. His wife, Ernestine “Teeny” Finley, also gave short talks about living a healthy and happy life using natural foods and remedies. The presentations explored ancient Egypt, the Valley of the Kings, and discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Dr. Finley showed how these findings support the truth of Scripture. He also shared stories from his travels to places like Philippi, Thessalonica, Athens, and Corinth, following the path of the Apostle Paul and highlighting how Paul’s message still matters today. Each night ended with an invitation to trust in God, who has always been part of human history. The series pointed to the books of Daniel and Revelation as keys to understanding Earth’s final events. This series helped prepare the way for Elder Ted Wilson’s Revelation of Hope meetings, happening nightly from June 20–28.
Read more...Royal Sisterhood: Women’s High Tea Celebrates Faith, Mental Health, and Community Guest Contributor – June 18, 2025
In May more than 100 women and girls gathered at Southview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Eagan, Minnesota, for the Daughters of the King high tea—a celebration of faith, sisterhood, and mental health awareness. Hosted by the church’s Women’s Ministry, this annual event doubled in attendance from the previous year and welcomed guests of all ages, including girls as young as 10. This year’s tea party extended beyond the Adventist community. For the first time, women from different faith backgrounds joined the celebration, opening the door for spiritual conversations and new friendships. Held in Southview’s newly acquired church building, the elegant setting created a warm, welcoming environment where every guest felt seen, supported, and valued. The event featured food that accommodated all dietary needs, and the church’s youth and deaconesses helped set the stage—literally and figuratively. Carefully chosen decorations and intentional discussions helped create a space where deep connections could grow. The high tea began in 2019 as “Afternoon Tea with Pastor T,” started by former Women’s Ministry leader Mary Nyarusa and Pastor Darnisha Thomas. That first gathering focused on sisterhood through the biblical story of Mary and Elizabeth. Though the pandemic paused the event, it returned in 2024 with the name “Daughters of the King,” led by Sister Pauline Misiak. The theme continued this year with renewed purpose: to honor all women, married or not, and help young girls feel confident in their identity as daughters of God. The event also featured a special mental health session facilitated by Sister Jane Nyachae, a mental health expert, with support from Pastor Darnisha Thomas and Elder Alison Pichel. Mentorship played a key role in the gathering. Women of all ages led and learned from one another. As attendee Ceciliah Mwebi described it, “The tea party was a heartwarming and enriching gathering… A special highlight was the mentorship session, led by both young and older women, which provided spiritual nourishment and opportunities for personal growth.” Many guests shared how meaningful the day was for them. Phebe Samson appreciated the talks on mental health and the beautiful decorations. “It was a great way to connect with the other girls and ladies,” she said. Cindy Kaigama, who recently lost her husband to cancer, attended with her daughter. “We were grateful to have the opportunity to fellowship with others… It blessed my family to be invited.” Mary Nyarusa shared a joyful message of thanks, joking about learning to wear her hat properly for the occasion and praising the team for creating an amazing “Only Women” party. She gave special thanks to Leader Pauline and her team. In a touching act of care, gift bags with Bible verses were delivered to a woman recovering from surgery and her daughter who had recently been baptized. This thoughtful gesture reminded everyone that the spirit of the event extended beyond the walls of the church. Behind the scenes, the event was made possible by a team of women who used their talents to bring the vision to life. Leaders like Marie Denniston, Lynette Nyabuto, Dr. Yolanda Lewis, Pauline K. Misiak, Jane Nyachae, Dr. Cheryl Saunders, and Alison Pichel played key roles in planning and hosting the event. One committee member summed it up by saying, “We poured our hearts into this project, and it was all worth it to experience eating as Daughters of the King.” By Pauline Kenyanya Misiak, as told to Hugh Davis
Read more...Iowa-Missouri Conference Hosts Annual Music Festival at Sunnydale Academy Caleb Durant – June 9, 2025
The Iowa-Missouri Conference Education Department hosted its 2025 Music Festival at Sunnydale Adventist Academy last April. The event brought together approximately 98 elementary students from nine Adventist schools across Iowa and Missouri, along with 13 homeschool/public school students and 66 academy students. The festival featured Mr. Joseph E. Choi directing the choir and Ramón Araújo leading the band. The weekend program included Friday evening vespers, Sabbath school, a worship service featuring festival participants, and concluded with a special concert on Sabbath afternoon in the academy gymnasium. During the program, three teachers received service pins for their years of service: Heidi Nicholas (10 years), Karli Kuehmichel (15 years), and Pennie Wredberg (30 years). Student artwork winners Alyssa Sanchez, Gael Nelson and Judy Hoyt were also recognized for their designs featured on T-shirts and the program cover. Special recognition was given to Karen McCarthy, education administrative assistant, for her many years of service in the Education Department. Melissa Morris, education superintendent, was also recognized for her significant contributions in the Education Department as she transitions to the executive secretary position. The festival showcased musical selections including “Genesis” and “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” by the band, while the choir performed “Because He Lives” and “Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).” The event concluded with a combined performance of “My Jesus I Love Thee,” arranged by Ramón Araújo, demonstrating the students’ musical talents developed “to the glory of God.”
Read more...AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Sends First Clinical Team to New Partner Hospital in Lesotho AdventHealth – June 9, 2025
Global Health Initiatives (GHI), the Rocky Mountain Region branch of AdventHealth Global Missions, recently launched a new partnership with Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho, a small mountainous country in southern Africa. This past March, the GHI team led its first clinical mission trip to Lesotho, focusing on collaborative projects with the hospital and outreach efforts in the surrounding communities. “The first AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region team to serve at Maluti Adventist Hospital in Lesotho was very successful,” shared Greg Hodgson, director of GHI. “The partnership with the hospital was outstanding with full support of Maluti staff and logistics.” The team from AdventHealth was made up of several specialized groups, including community health, Helping Mothers and Babies Survive (HMBS), a hospital-based team, and a clean water team. During the mission week, the community health team served 1,164 patients, providing screenings for HIV, tuberculosis and cervical cancer. They also offered well-being consultations to support overall patient health. The HMBS team led a weeklong master class for nursing leaders from Maluti Adventist Hospital and the affiliated College of Nursing at Maluti Adventist College. During the training, AdventHealth’s team identified local champions from both the hospital and nursing school to help lead future trainings for local nurses and midwives across the region. The hospital-based team collaborated closely with local medical staff to address a variety of needs. Their work ranged from assisting in two surgeries to leading suturing workshops for hospital and nursing school personnel. The team focused on meeting the Maluti Adventist Hospital team where they are while also encouraging a shared vision for advancing the quality of care moving forward. The clean water team, led by GHI partner Rob Miller with Global Access 2030 – a Colorado based nonprofit organization and longtime partner of GHI— distributed nearly 400 clean water filtration systems across four villages. To help ensure the long-term sustainability and effective use of the filters, a representative from Maluti Adventist Hospital was designated to provide ongoing support and follow-up within the communities, mirroring the sustainability model used in the HMBS program. These initial steps mark the beginning of a meaningful and lasting journey with our new partners at Maluti Adventist Hospital. “As in any first project, some areas for improvement were acknowledged, yet everyone was impressed with the overall success of the partnership,” expressed Hodgson. “As we prepare for the next visit in October, we will continue to build on the foundation laid during this important visit.” To learn more about this and other AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Global Mission sites, please reach out to Courtney Haas at Courtney.Haas@adventhealth.com. Courtney Haas is a development officer at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region.
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Blogs
The Teacher’s Notes–Images of the End, Lesson 13 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 2Q, "Allusions Images Symbols" The Teacher's Notes – June 21, 2025
Sabbath School Lesson for June 21-27, 2025 Memory Text: “So he said to them, ‘I am a Hebrew; and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.’ ” Jonah 1:9 NKJV There is something in the statement Jonah made to the sailors to identify himself that reminds us of the first angel’s message in Revelation 14:7. Jonah, a reluctant prophet who God patiently encouraged to preach to a very wicked city, was quick to point out that he worshiped the Creator, which is the very Creator God we are told to worship in the last days. We, too, have been told to warn people about a dramatic judgment about to fall on individuals who must repent to avoid disaster. Other Bible stories that provide images of last-day events are the fall of Babylon, a kingdom also mentioned in the three angels’ messages. And the Persian king Cyrus, who by liberating God’s people so they could rebuild Jerusalem, became a type of Christ. Although these images are imperfect, partial representations of things in the future, they give us principles that can help us navigate the confusing, worrisome events in our world today. Jonah, Belshazzar, and Cyrus are characters we can learn from, as we try to do God’s will under the most difficult circumstances imaginable. Sunday: The Reluctant Prophet–Jonah obeyed His Creator, but reluctantly. Monday: A Work of Repentance–We, too, must repent and call others to repentance. Tuesday: Belshazzar’s Feast–Belshazzar’s lack of humility was a problem. Wednesday: The Drying of the Euphrates–Modern Babylon will be caught off guard by the Second Coming. Thursday: Cyrus, the Anointed–The Persian king Cyrus was used by God to “save” His people, the Jews. Sunday: The Reluctant Prophet It’s easy to identify the lessons in Jonah’s story. The three days and nights in the belly of a big fish brought Jonah to his senses, and gave him the motivation he needed to preach in a terribly wicked city. Jonah was swallowed by the fish because of his own sins, but Jesus spent three days and nights in a tomb because of ours. The themes in the book of Jonah are quite pertinent to the last days. Despite Jonah’s initial failure to follow God’s directions, his final evangelistic effort in Nineveh was an astounding success. Jonah recognized God as his Creator, and was used by Him to preach about judgment against a city that was exceedingly wicked. We must look at ourselves today and constantly ask God to give us the courage to come out of our comfort zone and preach things that are necessary for people to hear, even if our safety is threatened by doing so. Our salvation, and theirs, depend on faithful obedience to God, no matter what He asks of us. Verses and questions: Matthew 12:38-41 and Luke 19:10 What was Jesus trying to tell the scribes and Pharisees about their desire for a sign? In what ways was Jesus’ ministry greater than Jonah’s? Jonah 1:9 and Revelation 14:7 How significant will worship of the Creator, and thus the Sabbath, be in the last days, and why? Monday: A Work of Repentance Jeremiah 18:7-10 provides an explanation for why Nineveh was not destroyed in forty days, as Jonah had predicted. God makes ample provision for nations and individuals to repent and turn from their evil. When that happens, God is happy to relent and avert the destruction that comes without our repentance. Nineveh’s revival after Jonah’s preaching was heartfelt and widespread. God was more than happy to stop the coming disaster, even if His reluctant prophet was disappointed that the Assyrian enemy was spared. However, the Ninevites’ foolish pride later returned and they forgot God, leading to Nineveh’s downfall when a coalition army of Medes and Babylonians attacked them in 612 B.C. The warnings that need to be made in the last days will be all the more dire and necessary, because the prophecies at that time will not be conditional. The Second Coming, and all that accompany it, is guaranteed to happen, no matter how much repentance there is. But, those who do repent will receive protection and a place in heaven, when the final plagues and tribulation are over. Our solemn duty then is to repent and share the warning messages we’ve been given. Verses and questions: Jonah 3:4-10 and Jeremiah 18:7-10 What appropriate response did the Ninevites have? What does God’s response show us about His character? Revelation 18:4 Although God won’t save the world from its final end, how can repentance still be beneficial? Tuesday: Belshazzar’s Feast Every chapter in Daniel brings us a story to be remembered. There was a party told about in chapter five, hosted by Nebuchadnezzar’s successor Belshazzar, that people to this day remember. It isn’t remembered though for the lavish refreshments and entertainment, but for the astonishing handwriting on the wall that no one but Daniel could interpret for the drunken guests. It is believed that despite his many missteps, Nebuchadnezzar may have died a believer in the God of creation. Belshazzar, on the other hand, knowing the story of Nebuchadnezzar, failed to humble himself as his predecessor had, and his nation suffered a crushing defeat as a result (Daniel 5:22). Besides the intemperate partying that night, Belshazzar disrespected God’s temple vessels, all the while they were praising “the gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone” (Daniel 5:4). In the last days, all people will have had an opportunity to know God’s truth (just like Belshazzar had), but they will refuse to do anything about it, resulting in their eternal ruin. Verses and questions: Daniel 5:1-31 What led to the defeat of Babylon? What more can we do to humble ourselves before God and others? Wednesday: The Drying of the Euphrates Several ancient historians describe the overthrow of Babylon by the Persians as achieved by the diverting of the Euphrates River. The riverbed was dried up to the extent that their soldiers could <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-images-of-the-end-lesson-13/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Images of the End, Lesson 13 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2025 2Q, “Allusions Images Symbols”“>Read more…
Read more...Jesus and the Disinherited: What One Powerful Book Can Teach Us Today Walking with Christ Through Fear and Injustice Guest Contributor – June 19, 2025
Howard Thurman was one of the most important Christian thinkers of the 20th century. He was a pastor, author, and civil rights leader. His book Jesus and the Disinherited became a powerful influence on many leaders in the fight for justice—including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. In fact, Thurman was a mentor to King’s father and later became a personal influence on King himself. Dr. King often carried Jesus and the Disinherited with him while marching for civil rights. The book’s message of love, courage, and nonviolence helped shape the way King led the movement. Thurman wrote this book especially for people who feel left out, pushed down, or powerless. He called them the “disinherited.” The book offers spiritual wisdom and hope to help them rise with dignity and strength. Who Are the Disinherited? Thurman uses the word disinherited to describe people who have been robbed of hope and opportunity—especially due to poverty, race, or social class. These are people who live with fear, rejection, and injustice. Having grown up in the segregated South, Thurman knew this experience firsthand. Fear and Its Effects One of the main ideas in the book is that fear shapes the lives of the disinherited. Fear of violence, fear of loss, and fear of being seen as “less than” can lead to anger, shame, or bitterness. It can also cause people to hide their true selves or act in harmful ways. Thurman says this fear must be faced if healing is to happen. Jesus Stands with the Oppressed Thurman points out that Jesus Himself was poor and part of a group that faced injustice—the Jewish people under Roman rule. Jesus knew what it meant to live with fear and pressure. But instead of giving in to hate, Jesus chose love. He stood with the weak, healed the hurting, and challenged those in power. His example gives hope to the disinherited. Love as Resistance For Thurman, love is not weakness—it is power. He teaches that responding to hate with love, and injustice with kindness, takes great courage. This kind of love breaks the cycle of hate. It also builds dignity and opens the door for healing. This message of nonviolent love deeply inspired Martin Luther King Jr. and became a foundation for the civil rights movement. The Importance of Community Thurman writes that people need one another. A supportive, caring community helps the disinherited find courage and joy. In community, people can pray together, speak honestly, and stand up for justice without being alone. Love and unity give strength in hard times. Faith as a Force for Justice Thurman says faith is not just about comfort—it’s a tool for change. Trusting in God’s love and justice gives people the strength to resist wrong and live with hope. Faith leads the disinherited to rise above fear and live with purpose, no matter what the world says about them. Living It Out Daily At the end of the book, Thurman gives practical ways to follow Jesus: Face your fears honestly Choose love instead of hate Pray with openness and truth Build supportive relationships Speak and act for justice in daily life Why This Book Still Matters Even today, Jesus and the Disinherited speaks clearly. It reminds us that Jesus is on the side of the hurting. It challenges us to face our fear, reject hate, and live in love. And it shows us that even when the world pushes people down, God lifts them up.
Read more...Lower Your Risk Part 3 Healthy Christian Living Jeanine Qualls – June 16, 2025
Lowering Your Risk is something we all can do. There are many things that will help us to lower our risk for heart disease, stroke and other chronic diseases along with losing weight and feeling better. Thrive with me as we make lifestyle changes together. https://youtu.be/mH3l0jdBxlk
Read more...#SabbathSlowdown: The Duck Commander, Duck Dynasty, and Seeing God Home, Church, School – June 14, 2025
Recently, the world lost a very faithful steward of God—Phil Robertson. Whether you are a fan of duck hunting or the hit A&E television show Duck Dynasty, or you just live in the U.S. and have seen giant cardboard cutouts of bearded men donning camo at your local Walmart, you’ve probably heard of him. Phil Robertson, known as Duck Commander to many around his hometown and in the world, lived a life so full of faith in God that he couldn’t hardly be another way. Through the 2023 film The Blind, the world got a glimpse of Phil’s life before faith and fame. He was lost, addicted to alcohol, angry, and seemed to ruin his marriage with chaos and infidelity…but God. A key quote in the film is “You’ve got to come to the end of yourself to find the beginning of God.” Twenty-eight year-old Phil Robertson met God at the end of himself—when there was nothing left to live for and he no longer cared for himself or anyone else. He was empty, and at that place he could be filled…with God. What I know—and what others who were praying for Phil all those years ago knew—is the man the world grew to know and love always lived in him. The generous, kind, loving, down-to-earth outdoorsmen and neighbor we saw on the television screen simply needed to see himself the way God had all along. So, I’m not convinced we have to empty ourselves of everything valuable to find God. I’m not convinced we need to come to the end of ourselves or even hit rock bottom. I think we merely need to see God, and in seeing Him, we will see ourselves clearly. Seeing God In Exodus 34, Moses ascends Mount Sinai to meet with God, and when he returns, his face shines with divine radiance. Scripture says, “…he was not aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord” (Exodus 34:29, NLT). Moses’ face was transformed—not by effort or will, but by proximity to God’s glory. Seeing just a glimpse of God’s presence, left a visible mark that set Moses apart. The people saw the glow and knew he had been with God. It was not just a private encounter—it was a public testimony. Too often we look at stories like this as if they’re just a piece of history we’re learning. We think, “that’s just another Bible miracle. It can’t happen to me.” I wonder if the disciples thought the same thing… Another mountaintop moment unfolded centuries later—this time for the disciples. In Matthew 17:1–8, Jesus takes Peter, James, and John up a high mountain, and there He is transfigured before them—His face shining like the sun, His clothes dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, and the voice of the Father declares, “This is my dearly loved Son… Listen to him.” This was no ordinary vision—it was a revelation of Jesus’ divine identity. The disciples fell face down in reverent fear. And when they looked up again, they saw only Jesus. This moment confirmed what faith had begun to grasp: that in seeing Jesus, they were truly seeing God. Those who see God are changed. We don’t leave those moments the same. His glory reshapes us, His presence marks us, and His voice commissions us. There are believers who haven’t seen God. Some have attended church weekly for three or more decades and believe in a God of human making—someone hateful or fickle, not just and loving. There are people who have never believed because they’ve never been introduced to God properly. It’s like being introduced to someone at a party, except you get the gossip before you get the introduction. How do we meet God properly? 1. Approach God with Humility, Not Performance We don’t meet God by impressing Him—we meet Him by surrendering to Him. Moses didn’t climb Sinai to prove something; he came in response to God’s invitation. It’s not perfect church attendance God wants—it’s your willing heart. “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” (James 4:6, NLT). If you want to see God clearly, come humbly, not pretending or performing. 2. Seek Him in Scripture, Not Just in Crisis Yes, Phil Robertson met God at the bottom, but we don’t have to wait for disaster. God reveals Himself every day through His Word. Jesus told the Pharisees in John 5:39–40 that the Scriptures point to Him—but they refused to come to Him. If we’re not in the Word, we risk forming a picture of God based on gossip and guesses. Read with the prayer, “God, show me who You really are.” 3. Make Space for Silence God spoke to Elijah not in the wind or the fire, but in a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:12). In a noisy world, we often miss God’s voice because we’re too full of other voices. Turn off the noise. Put down the phone. Practice quiet, reflective prayer. Seeing God starts with stilling your soul enough to notice Him. 4. Walk With Jesus, Not Just Around Him Peter, James, and John saw Jesus transfigured not because they were bystanders, but because they were walking with Him. The closer you walk with Christ—day by day, in relationship—the more clearly you’ll see God’s heart. Don’t just sit near the things of God. Walk in step with Jesus. 5. Expect Transformation, Not Just Information When Moses saw God, his face changed. When the disciples saw Jesus in His glory, they fell down in worship. When you truly meet God, you won’t stay the same. So don’t approach Him just to learn something new—come expecting to be changed. Come ready to reflect His glory, even if it means your life looks radically different afterward. Phil Robertson—he thought he had come to the end of himself to find God there, but I think he just finally stopped looking at himself and finally looked at God. Once you see Him, you can never go back to the way you Read more…
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Featured Stories
Bethesda Temple Surprises Shoppers by Helping Pay for Groceries Guest Contributor – June 16, 2025
Recently, members of Bethesda Temple Adventist Church in Omaha, Nebraska, brought smiles, gratitude and even a few tears to the aisles of one of the local grocery stores near the church by giving away money to help customers cover the cost of their groceries. The church organized an outreach event, showing up as a team and handing out envelopes of cash to unsuspecting shoppers as an act of kindness and love. What started as a simple idea to bless the community quickly turned into a powerful moment of connection. “We just wanted to meet people where they are,” said one of the volunteers. “With prices rising and families feeling the pressure, it was a good way to step in and share God’s love in a practical way.” Church volunteers were stationed at the checkout section, offering cheerful greetings and surprising customers by offering help at the checkout line. Some recipients were moved, sharing how they had been struggling financially or how the gesture came at just the right time. Others were simply stunned by the generosity, asking why a church would do something like this. Many of the recipients expressed heartfelt thanks, while others shared personal stories. It didn’t take long for the church to give away several hundred dollars to help cover grocery bills for shoppers of all ages and backgrounds. While some volunteers were helping to pay for groceries, other volunteers were stationed in an area praying for customers who had prayer requests. Several people stopped and waited for their time to pray with the volunteers. It was a very heartwarming experience. This act of generosity is part of a larger effort by Bethesda Temple to serve the local community in tangible ways. From food pantries and gas give-a-ways to paying for laundry services and the youth giving away water in the park on hot summer days, the church believes that faith should be lived out beyond Saturday mornings. Sometimes, the simplest acts of kindness can make the biggest difference. Georgette Terrill is the communication leader for Bethesda Temple Adventist Church in Omaha, Nebraska.
Read more...Thrift with a Purpose: Giving Back Through Twice Is Nice Amy Bacon – June 16, 2025
For over 50 years, Twice Is Nice Thrift Store has been helping those in need in Hutchinson, Minnesota. More than just a thrift store, this nonprofit organization owned by the local church and run by Angie Lombard, is an amazing community outreach, offering affordable goods, supporting local charities, and uplifting individuals and families in need. Located on Maplewood Academy grounds and open three days a week, Twice Is Nice serves as a resource for shoppers looking for budget-friendly items and for those seeking support in times of hardship. Each year, the store donates approximately $3,400 worth of clothing and household goods to community members through partnerships with organizations like Common Cup Ministries and the McLeod Alliance for Domestic Violence. These items are distributed through a referral process, ensuring they reach people experiencing real need. Last year alone, more than 100 people were blessed by donations to help them through crisis. The store also collaborates with the Disabled American Veterans by donating any items that cannot be sold in-store. This effort reduces waste and furthers the mission of supporting those who served our country. A highlight of the store’s seasonal giving is its Thanksgiving Basket Program, which provides 20 families with baskets filled with a Thanksgiving meal, extra groceries, locally sourced apples and baked goods provided by the Hutchinson Seventh-Day Adventist Church community. This program is conducted in cooperation with local social services and exemplifies the store’s commitment to reaching out to those in need. Twice Is Nice also gives back in financial ways. Each year, the store contributes $4,200 in monetary donations to local nonprofits and community groups. Beneficiaries include Maplewood Academy, Safe Avenues, Birthright, Northwoods, United Community Action Partnership, the local food shelf, Common Cup, and many others—reflecting the store’s wide-reaching community impact. The store’s operations are made possible by an enthusiastic team of more than 20 volunteers, most of whom are retired. Their efforts span everything from hanging clothes, sorting and pricing goods, and assisting customers. In addition, Twice Is Nice offers community service opportunities and provides work experience for students at Maplewood Academy, encouraging youth engagement and responsibility. All items sold or given away by Twice is Nice have been generously donated by local community and church members. Twice Is Nice continues to be a place where neighbors support one another and meaningful impact is made every day.
Read more...The Strength of Adventist Education A foundation in times of crisis Guest Contributor – June 16, 2025
Adventist education is in my blood. Both my parents were educators; my father served as a teacher, principal, and superintendent, while my mother taught for many years. As a child, I spent countless hours helping with lesson plans, grading papers, and decorating classrooms. I often took Adventist education for granted, even wishing at times to attend public school where faith and learning felt more separate. I was a sheltered child, unaware of how deeply this faith-based community would one day hold me together. At 15, I entered academy eager to experience all it had to offer me as a village student. I was involved in everything—sports, choir, class leadership, and it appeared all was going according to plan. Then one afternoon everything changed; my mother was in a devastating accident. Though she survived, she was left an invalid, bedridden, and in constant pain. My father and I suddenly carried the full weight of our household. Each day, I wondered if my mother would survive another week. That crisis opened my eyes to just how much I had taken for granted, not only at home but also at school. With my mother no longer able to support me, I saw how deeply my teachers had been supporting me all along. Algebra II was a particular struggle for me. But my teacher stayed after school with me day after day, always encouraging, never complaining. Only later did I learn that she, too, was facing her own private crisis. Yet in the midst of her pain, she used her gifts to minister to her students, showing me what it meant to persevere with faith. She taught me that God’s strength shows up most clearly when we are going through a crisis. My Bible teacher, “Uncle” Larry, guided me to make my faith my own. He taught me to study the Bible with intention, to live with integrity, and not to let difficult circumstances dictate my attitude. His mentorship changed how I viewed my relationship with God. Then there was Gale Jones Murphy, my choir teacher. She saw I was struggling and immediately took me under her wing. She put me in the elite traveling choir–though I was definitely not at the level of the other chosen members–and brought me along to a music conference as her assistant when I hadn’t made the audition cut. Through her, I found a built-in community and stability I so desperately needed. These were just a few of the mission-driven, Christ-centered educators who supported me when my world fell apart. They prayed with me, included me, and treated me like family. They modeled what it means to live a life of faith, not just talk about it. Even during my elementary years, teachers were pouring love and spiritual wisdom into my life, I just hadn’t realized it because my home life had been so stable. God didn’t remove the hardships, but He placed Adventist educators in my life to walk with me. They helped me grow my faith when I was hurting and questioning, showing me how to depend on God when life didn’t make sense. These moments of crisis became the foundation of a faith that has carried me through other devastating times. Yes, Adventist schools are known for their academic excellence. But that’s not the main reason I promote them. The true strength of Adventist education is in the way it equips students spiritually and emotionally. In a world full of trials, our children need more than academics; they need faith, community, and teachers who will model Christ’s love through their actions. I’m grateful my parents made Adventist education a priority. My teachers helped me depend on God and showed me what it means to live for Him. I wish they knew the full impact they had on my spiritual journey. Adventist educators don’t just teach, they disciple. They help students build a faith that holds, even when everything is falling apart. And for that I will always be thankful. Lynnette Struntz is the Dakota Conference education superintendent, HR director, and associate youth director.
Read more...Reflection: Are You Prepared to Evacuate? RMCNews – June 16, 2025
“Prepare to evacuate!” are orders that none of us want to hear. Yet is that not what Christ has told us do to? We often say as Christians, “Get ready for Christ to come,” yet we do little. How do we prepare for the evacuation order Christ has given us? Dwelling daily in His presence through His Word Seeking the Holy Spirit and His indwelling in our hearts Praying continually to be guided Praying for those God has laid on our hearts—family, friends, coworkers, church family Doing the work He has called us to—each job description is written for that individual We, as Seventh-day Adventist, believe the Holy Spirit is withdrawing for the earth. Therefore, we should not be surprised nor shocked by depraved human behavior, the increase of “natural disasters,” or the lack of godliness in the occupants of the world. We are to prepare to evacuate this world—not only this world, but be prepared to evacuate our homes when the order comes. So, how do we prepare to evacuate our homes? When the human mind begins to fear, fear takes over and can lead to irrational behavior. That is why it is important to have a plan in place before an emergency arises. Use this QR code for a suggested Emergency Evacuation Plan with details on what items to gather depending on the amount of time you have to safely evacuate. It sounds simple, but, if you have a plan, it can work. Cathy Kissner is the RMC Adventist Community Services coordinator.
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