Adventist News

  • Iowa-Missouri Conference Hosts Annual Music Festival at Sunnydale Academy

    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.”

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  • AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region Sends First Clinical Team to New Partner Hospital in Lesotho

    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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  • David VandeVere Accepts Call to be New Rocky Mountain Conference President

    RMCNews with Hugh Davis – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) is pleased to announce that David VandeVere has accepted the nomination to become the new RMC president, effective August 1. After careful consideration during a special evening session on June 2, the RMC Executive Committee voted to extend an official call to VandeVere. The presidential search began after Mic Thurber, former RMC president, announced his retirement starting March 1 of this year at the RMC Executive Committee meeting held February 18. The committee received and vetted over 50 nominations, with the facilitation of officers from the Mid-America Union Conference (MAUC). “This process was marked by genuine cooperation on the part of the Executive Committee. Every name submitted was thoughtfully followed up on, and the committee prayerfully considered each one,” recalled Gary Thurber, MAUC president, who chaired the process. “After much discussion, review, and prayer, they voted to extend the call [to David VandeVere],” he continued. “I was so grateful to work with this committee. They took their task very seriously, were committed to prayer, and worked well together. It was a blessing to be part of the process. David VandeVere is a man who loves his Lord and loves his church. He will be an outstanding leader for the Rocky Mountain Conference.” VandeVere graduated from Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree in accounting. He then earned his Certified Public Accountant license and received Trust Certification from the General Conference Trust Committee. In 2006, he completed the Pastoral Coaching Systems program through Ministry Advantage in Dallas, Texas, and was ordained in 2007. VandeVere has held various leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as a public accountant, treasurer/secretary for the Minnesota Conference, and lead pastor of Damascus Grace Fellowship in Damascus, Maryland, for 10 years before returning to financial ministry in 2014. While serving as the vice president of Finance for the Potomac Conference, VandeVere led several strategic initiatives, including restoring adequate working capital reserves, developing an integrated finance committee for the conference and its institutions, implementing a debt-relief program for academies, and launching a recruiting process to attract young accounting graduates from Adventist colleges. VandeVere currently serves as vice president for Finance for the MAUC, a role he has held since October 2021. In this position, he serves the members of the Mid-America Union by overseeing finances and promoting stewardship. As the ninth RMC president since its restructure and merger with the Wyoming Conference in 1981, VandeVere will serve as the spiritual and administrative leader to the churches, schools, and ministries within the conference. He will guide the conference’s mission and vision, fostering unity with the broader mission of the Global Church and serve as a chairperson for various committees. Additionally, VandeVere will emphasize team and leadership development in the pastoral, educational, and administrative spheres. He will also represent the conference at broader organizational levels. “I’m humbled, yet excited by the invitation to lead the team in the Rocky Mountain Conference,” remarked VandeVere. “I believe the Spirit is calling us to unity of purpose, especially in this time of societal turmoil and chaos. He will empower the uplifting of our Savior Jesus Christ and His soon return.” Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, commented, “I have known Elder VandeVere for years, and he is a very spiritual, capable, and humble leader. I am very excited at this opportunity to work with him, and I believe RMC will prosper with him as our president.” “I have gotten to know Dave quite well over the past several years in his current role, and I am really looking forward to working with him here,” RMC vice president for Finance Darin Gottfried remarked. “I believe that Dave’s approach to leadership will help strengthen our employees and grow the Church in exciting ways.” —RMCNews with Hugh Davis, MAUC Communication director. Photo courtesy of Mid-America Union Conference.

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  • Liberal Hispanic Adventist Church Celebrates Mortgage Burning Ceremony

    On March 22, the Liberal Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a joyful milestone: the burning of their church mortgage. Led by Pastor Brayan Maldonado, the celebration commemorated the full payment of their church building and served as a witness to God’s faithfulness through years of dedication, faith and perseverance. Located at 901 N Kansas Ave in Liberal, Kansas, the church has become a steady presence in the community. The celebration was attended by leaders from the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, including Ron Carlson, conference president, Jim Jenson,  treasurer, Alejandro Dovald, director of multilingual ministries, and Miriam Dovald, director of women’s, children’s, and family ministries. The church began as a planting effort. A small group of members traveled weekly to Liberal to give Bible studies. During this time, Brother Max Elvira met Pastor Michael Valentier at Walmart—a chance encounter that led to a significant turning point. Pastor Valentier encouraged Brother Elvira to move to Liberal to support the growing group. “It was a difficult decision,” said Pastor Elvira. “I had to leave my job, but God opened doors. My wife found part-time work, and I began selling church books while continuing Bible studies.” Interest grew, and a Revelation seminar brought new people in. The team divided the city by zip code and personally visited homes to offer Bible studies. The English-speaking Adventist church generously shared their space with the Hispanic group, reflecting a spirit of unity. The results were encouraging. People from different backgrounds began attending. One visitor shared, “In six months I’ve learned more than in 20 years at my previous church.” Some of the original families, including Brother Isaías Gutierrez and Sister Novia Salgado, are still active today. When Pastor Elvira was later called to serve in Oklahoma, local leadership passed to Roberto Fraire. As the group continued to grow, their space became insufficient. After praying and searching, they found a hall to rent. Although the original rate was $200 per day, the owner reduced it to $40 upon learning it was for a church group. Eventually, the need for a permanent space became clear. One day, the members of the English-speaking church shared their plans to purchase a larger building—a former bank—that would accommodate both groups. However, their plans changed. When Roberto asked what they would do with their current building, they responded that they hoped to sell it to another Christian church. Fraire asked, “Why not sell it to us?” After some discussion, the American church agreed. The initial price was too high for the Hispanic group, but after more prayer, the building was offered at half price—a gesture of unity and mutual support. “It was a blessing,” said Fraire. “They told us: we are one church, even if we speak different languages. We want to help you.” Now, with the mortgage paid off, the church reflects on how far God has led them. The celebration was not just about financial freedom, but about what can be accomplished through prayer, partnership and a shared mission. “We’ve been waiting for the conference leaders to come,” Fraire said with a smile, “so we can tell them we no longer fit in this church—we need more space.” The dream continues: to keep growing and to create more room for ministry and outreach in the community. Information provided by Brayan Maldonado, Liberal and Garden City District pastor.

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Blogs

  • Helping You to Healthy Christian Living Fulfilling Your Purpose

    I am offering my services free of charge to assist anyone who is interested in consulting with me. We are living in the last days.  It is important for us to be healthy and sometimes we need a little push. I am here to help with lifestyle changes, holistic remedies, losing weight, starting an exercise program  and continued motivation. https://youtube.com/shorts/TGjsRkwtsA4?si=MDs886Nu4LusCYgL

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  • Lower Your Risk Part 2 Healthy Christian Living

    This video is part 2 of our journey to lowering our risk for chronic disease and taking charge of our health.  God has provided tools for us to use and has given us a specific diet that can reverse disease and allow us to be healthy to serve him better. https://youtube.com/shorts/FeCY5ejmTA0?si=4341yRdllx5VFaBU  

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  • The Teacher’s Notes–Ruth and Esther, Lesson 11 Adult Bible Study Guide--2025 2 Q, "Allusions Images Symbols"

    Sabbath School Lesson for June 7-13, 2025 Introduction of Lesson 11, Ruth and Esther Memory Text: “So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.” Esther 5:2 NKJV It’s totally understandable why a study of women in the Bible might be helpful to our study of prophecy. God likens His church to a woman. As a matter of fact, two kinds of women are spoken of repeatedly in Revelation–one a pure, chaste woman (representing God’s true followers) and the other an adulterous prostitute (representing a false religious system, claiming to be God’s church, but in reality listening to and worshiping Satan). Examining two particular women, Ruth and Esther, who have books named after them in the Bible, will help inform us of the proper response we must strive for as Christians who struggle to remain close to God in the perilous times of the end. Their thrilling stories contain powerful allusions, images, and symbols that will make many prophecies about the last days seem more alive and real. In Esther’s case, a plot was developed by hate-filled, arrogant Haman to destroy Esther’s people, the Jews. Esther bravely came before the king to plead for their lives, proclaiming herself to be one of them. Sound familiar? Sunday: Famine in “The House of Bread”–There was a famine in Bethlehem, a town whose name meant “The House of Bread”. Monday: Ruth and Boaz–God had not forgotten Ruth and Naomi. Tuesday: Boaz as Redeemer–Boaz was a type of Christ and the gate of Bethlehem was a type of the judgment scene in Daniel 7. Wednesday: Haman and Satan–Haman’s lust for power and arrogant nature remind us of Satan. Thursday: For Such a Time as This–God will use His church to deliver warnings to the world and give hope to the last generation. Sunday: Famine in “The House of Bread” Many allusions can be drawn from the story of Ruth and Naomi, which occurred during the earliest period of Israel, when the judges ruled (Ruth 1:1). The famine in Bethlehem that sent Naomi’s family away to the land of Moab seems ironic with the name Bethlehem meaning “The House of Bread”. But, in Amos 8:11, we find in the last days that there will be a famine of hearing God’s word. Christ, the Bread of Life, will be difficult to find then as well. Adam and Eve were told that of “every tree of the garden” they could eat freely (Genesis 2:16). They were given the task of taking care of the garden, of subduing it, a pleasant task to be sure. But after sin, “in the sweat of their brow” (Genesis 3:19), they would begin to experience the fallen world subduing them. Natural disasters, famines, and wars have consistently made our planet a place of tragedy for man and beast alike–shown in Ruth and Naomi’s personal episodes of loss and grief. The story of Ruth is full of the power of kindness and love though. Her courage, despite her setbacks in life, helps us see that God’s love will triumph, too. Our Redeemer wants us to stay close to Him. Just as Ruth was invited to stay close to the gleaning fields of her kinsman Boaz, we are invited to tighten our hold on God, no matter what anguish and pain we may be experiencing in the world. Verses and questions: Ruth 1:1-5 What personal losses did Naomi experience and how do we normally deal with such tragedies? Genesis 2:16 and 3:19 What kind of world did the Lord create for us, and why has it deteriorated into something so much more uncomfortable and unbearable today? Monday: Ruth and Boaz After so many personal losses, Naomi changed her name, which meant “pleasant”, to Mara, which meant “bitter” (Ruth 1:20). So devastated was she about her dismal life that it totally changed her feelings about herself and her future prospects. It must have been some comfort to have her daughter-in-law Ruth by her side, but it wasn’t until she discovered that Boaz, a kinsman, might be interested in Ruth that her bitterness began to melt away and be replaced by welcome thoughts of hope again. Boaz was indeed a type of Christ, in that He chose to be our kinsman too. Jesus was not just the Son of God, but often called Himself the Son of Man. Despite our spiritual poverty, God looks down on us with compassion and wants us as His bride, just as Boaz desired to marry Ruth. God easily identifies with our suffering, because He also suffered extreme grief and loss during His brief stay on earth. Verses and questions: Ruth 2:5-20 Besides her beauty and the fact that she stood out as a foreigner, what was it about Ruth that Boaz noticed and found attractive (v. 11)? In what ways can we, as Christians today, show the same love and kindness to others, as portrayed in Ruth’s story? What can we do to stand out in our communities and draw them closer to God? Matthew 12:8, Mark 8:31, Luke 22:22, and John 3:14 Why did Jesus refer to Himself as the Son of Man on different occasions? Why is Jesus uniquely qualified to be called the Son of God and the Son of Man, and what does that mean to you personally? Tuesday: Boaz as Redeemer We may be familiar with the story of Ruth and Boaz, but perhaps have not paused long enough to consider who the “close relative” was that threatened their marriage. He must have represented Satan, who, after introducing sin here, claimed ownership of the earth by “walking back and forth” on it (Job 1:7). He also claimed the body of Moses when God resurrected him (Jude 1:9), and later was so bold with his claim as to tempt Jesus <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-ruth-and-esther-lesson-11/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Ruth and Esther, Lesson 11 Adult Bible Study Guide–2025 2 Q, “Allusions Images Symbols”“>Read more…

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  • Fathers Day Strength in Unity ...focus on Jesus!

    The concept of “divide and conquer” has long been recognized as a way to gain military or political dominance. Divisions cause weakness, but unity makes a group stronger. Jesus prayed fervently that His followers, back then and now, be united—that they be one, as Jesus and His Father were one (John 17:21). It should come as no surprise then that Satan, master creator of divisions, has split Christians into 45,000 denominations worldwide, with over 200 of them here in the United States! Satan has left no area of our lives untouched by division. He has managed to distract our attention away from God and divide families in various ways. Racial and cultural differences have also divided us, causing wars and oppression on a massive scale in many countries. Jesus had reason to worry about the unity of His beloved followers. Today, we are witnessing troubling division within many Christian denominations, including the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Besides worship-style differences, with some church members described as either liberal or conservative in their religious practice, the current political atmosphere of the country has also become a major distraction for the church, putting us at risk of becoming further divided and weaker. Satan’s strategy to “divide and conquer” is working well in the church setting. We long for ways to counter Satan’s persistent attempts to make us weak. Perhaps, the way Jesus stayed focused and addressed division can give us some reliable tools to maintain healthy relationships with others and get closer to God at the same time. Prayer comes immediately to mind. During His ministry, Jesus often spent hours in solitary places, in communion with His heavenly Father. Almost all of us would do well to increase our time spent with God. Both prayer (our communication with Him) and Bible study (His communication with us) are great ways to put aside those distractions of the world that lead to division. Next we notice that when Jesus did associate with others, He showed respect and a willingness to have an open, honest dialogue with them. He gave them His full attention and showed that He understood their feelings. His responses were always appropriate for the situation and showed empathy and compassion, even when His answers were not what they expected or what they wanted to hear. We, too, can develop better communication skills that will strengthen our relationships, instead of weaken them. We can actively listen to people with an awareness of the feelings behind their words. (“I believe you are saying that —. Is that correct?”) We can graciously accept the value of their viewpoint, acknowledging and thanking them for sharing it. (“I appreciate your logic and clarity on this. It helps me understand how others think about the issue.”) And finally, we can ask permission before we share our thoughts and ideas or give advice. (“Would you mind me sharing how I have come to think about this?” or “I have some suggestions about what we can do to make this situation better. Can I share them with you?”) Observing these simple, courteous boundaries (remember them as L.A.P.–listen, accept, and permission) will go a long way toward building better relationships and causing fewer divisions among those we want to see in heaven. Who knows, they might be our “next-door neighbor” there! Let’s stay focused on God’s methods to achieve and maintain unity.

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