On a day marked by joy, gratitude and renewed vision, V. Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist School celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newly renovated library and STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) lab, two spaces designed to transform the student learning experience and support the school’s continued growth. What was once underutilized space has been reimagined into vibrant, student-centered environments that promote curiosity, creativity and academic excellence. The ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together students, families, staff and community members to witness not just the opening of new rooms, but the beginning of a new chapter in the school’s journey. As the ribbon was cut, students eagerly stepped into the spaces, many wearing lab coats, ready to explore, question and engage. Their excitement was immediate and unmistakable. The STREAM lab, designed to support hands-on, inquiry-based learning, reflects a commitment to preparing students for a rapidly evolving world while grounding their education in faith-based principles. Central States Conference president Elder Cryston Josiah was among those in attendance, and his words captured what many felt in the room: “In all my years of visiting schools, and even as a parent with children who attended here, I have never seen a lab like this. The integration of STREAM, especially the inclusion of reading and the arts alongside STEM, is truly exceptional. From the microscope stations to the maker space and 3D printing, this is a powerful example of what intentional, forward-thinking education can look like.” His remarks affirmed what many experienced firsthand. This was not just a renovation, but a reimagining of what learning can look like. The STREAM lab gives students access to tools and resources that support innovation and discovery: 3D printers, microscopes, experimental tables, building and maker stations, manipulatives and virtual reality glasses. From exploring the human body in virtual reality to designing and building with engineering tools, students are already discovering new ways to think, create and problem-solve. On the library side, the newly redesigned space offers a warm, welcoming environment that encourages literacy, reflection and discovery. With flexible seating, a reading nook tree, and dedicated areas for individual and collaborative reading, the library invites students to grow both academically and spiritually. For a school that had books on site for years without a fully functioning library space, this transformation carries particular meaning. Literacy remains a cornerstone of V. Lindsay’s mission. School leaders understand that reading is foundational to student success, and they are committed to helping students grow in literacy across every subject—not only in academic achievement, but in self-confidence and Christlike character as well. This milestone is also part of a larger vision for continued growth. Future plans include expanding outdoor play areas, upgrading classroom technology, and pursuing STREAM certification to further strengthen academic programming and student outcomes. The renovation reflects the broader values of the Central States Conference and its commitment to quality Christian education. By investing in schools like V. Lindsay, the conference is demonstrating that excellence is possible and expected even in smaller settings. At its core, this celebration reflects the mission of Adventist education: to nurture the whole child—mind, body and spirit—while preparing students to serve and lead. As students filled the rooms with energy and excitement on that March afternoon, one thing was unmistakably clear: the investment in these spaces is already shaping the culture of learning at V. Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist School. And this is only the beginning. Schari Fontus was education superintendent for the Central States Conference at the time of this writing.

More than 200 student musicians from across the Iowa-Missouri Conference gathered at Sunnydale Adventist Academy in Centralia, Missouri, April 9–11 for the 2026 Iowa-Missouri Music Festival — a weekend of worship, artistry, and fellowship centered on the theme “Our Hope Brings Us Together.” Over 150 students participated in the festival choir and more than 50 in the festival band, representing schools from both states under the direction of accomplished Adventist educators and a world-class guest director. The weekend opened with vespers on Friday evening, April 10, presented by the SAA Music Department, before moving into a full Sabbath schedule. Sabbath School, led by SAA Campus Ministries, filled the academy gymnasium at 9:30 a.m., followed by the worship service at 11:00 a.m. The morning message, titled “Our Hope Has a Name,” was delivered by Michael Coridan, drawing from Romans 8:16–17 — a fitting anchor for a festival reminding students that their gifts of music are rooted in a living, personal hope. The centerpiece of the weekend was the Music Festival Concert, held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. Elder Lee Rochholz, Iowa-Missouri Conference president, opened the concert with a welcome and prayer before an audience that watched the assembled students perform a diverse and moving program. The festival band — directed by Mr. Joseph E. Choi — performed works including “Fanfare and Flourishes ‘2’” by James Curnow, “Praises” by W. Francis McBeth, and “Celebration and Song” by Robert Sheldon. The festival choir delivered selections including “Gathered As One” by Deanna Light and Paul A. Tate, and “Keep Your Lamps” by Victor C. Johnson. The concert concluded with a combined choir and band performance of “When You Believe,” arranged by Audrey Snyder. Leading the band was Mr. Joseph E. Choi, currently serving as Music Director at Sunnydale Adventist Academy, where he also teaches 5th–8th grade band for College Park Christian Academy and Sunnydale Adventist Elementary. His extensive résumé spans Music Director positions at Adventist academies across the country and conducting engagements with professional orchestras internationally, including a conducting debut at Carnegie Hall in 2013 and performances with ensembles in Russia, Portugal, and South Korea. A graduate of Southern Adventist University and the University of Hartford, Mr. Choi brings both deep Adventist educational roots and rare professional experience to his work with young musicians. Serving as guest choral director was Gale Jones Murphy, a prolific composer, singing evangelist, concert pianist, and recording artist from Orlando, Florida. A published hymn writer in two hymnals — Total Praise (2010) and One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism (2018) — Mrs. Murphy brought extraordinary gifts to the festival. Her choral composition “Together” was among the pieces performed by the festival choir. Congregations worldwide may already be familiar with her hymn Sabbath Rest, sung each week in churches around the globe. The choir was accompanied throughout by Pamela Sutter. Participating schools included Andrews Christian Academy, Des Moines Adventist School, and Nevada Christian School from Iowa, and College Park Christian Academy, Hillcrest SDA School, Sedalia SDA School, Springfield Adventist Academy, Summit View Adventist School, Sunnydale Adventist Elementary, and Sunnydale Academy from Missouri. Home school and public school students were also welcomed as guests — a reflection of the festival’s inclusive spirit. The weekend also included meaningful recognition moments. Superintendent Jovannah Poor Bear-Adams honored teachers for years of faithful service: Cam Bieksza and Lisa Kijak each received five-year service pins, while Julie Olson was recognized for 20 years of dedicated service to Adventist education. Student creativity was also celebrated through artwork contests — Paige Burkett (Sunnydale Elementary), Esther Htoo (Des Moines Adventist School), Michael Weber (Sedalia Adventist School), and Moses Mafuta (Andrews Christian Academy) each earned recognition for their contributions to the festival’s visual design. The event was sponsored by the Iowa-Missouri Conference Education Department and made possible through the tireless work of Sunnydale Adventist Academy’s administrators, deans, staff, and students — along with teachers, chaperones, parents, and volunteers from across the conference.

When Minnesota churches began delivering food to families earlier this year, few expected the outreach would grow into a long-term ministry effort. In the months following a community outreach effort that supported immigrant and refugee families facing uncertainty and food insecurity, Adventist Community Services (ACS) ministries across Minnesota continue to expand their impact. According to Minnesota ACS Director Leslie Morrison, the experience changed how churches think about community ministry and long-term support. “We have five churches now that have established their own ACS center because of this,” Morrison said during an interview with Mid-America Union Church Ministries Director Tyrone Douglas. “They want to help their neighbors more.” A sixth ACS center is now being developed at the Minnesota Conference office. The conference has dedicated part of its building to continue a food shelf ministry and a winter coat outreach. “The Lord’s providing,” Morrison said. “This is huge.” Earlier this year, churches across Minnesota responded as many immigrant families struggled to access food and basic necessities during a difficult winter season. Since then, volunteers and churches have distributed more than 6,000 pounds of food throughout local communities. Morrison said the outreach effort revealed a growing need many people do not realize exists. “What I’m finding out is that people from all walks of life here in Minnesota don’t have food,” he explained. “They might have jobs, but they still have a hard time buying food because it’s just so expensive.” As a result, ACS is now preparing to open an ethnic food shelf designed to better serve immigrant families by providing culturally familiar foods. During the early stages of the ministry effort, obtaining enough supplies was difficult. Morrison said major stores limited how much food organizations could purchase at one time, making it harder to quickly respond to growing community needs. Still, schools and families were deeply grateful for the support they received. “The schools we delivered the food to were so overwhelmed that our organization was doing this,” Morrison said. The outreach also led church leaders to think about other practical needs families might face. Morrison said ACS leaders even explored the possibility of helping repair damaged doors after hearing concerns from community organizations about families struggling to feel safe in their homes during the winter months. “Sometimes in ministry we focus on food or clothing,” Morrison said. “But when God calls for something different, we should act on it and make it happen.” For Morrison, the experience has also carried spiritual lessons. Minnesota ACS has served communities through emergencies and relief efforts for nearly two decades, but Morrison said this was the first time he had seen needs develop at this scale during the winter months. “The Lord has shown me that He cares all year long,” he said. “And that we need to be prepared all year long.” Morrison also shared how a personal injury unexpectedly prepared him for the ministry work ahead. After suffering a serious hip injury in late 2025, he was unable to continue his regular full-time work as a school bus driver. At first, he struggled to understand why it had happened. Then the outreach effort began. “If I was working 50 hours a week, there’s no way I could have gotten this warehouse together and helped get food to these people,” he said. Morrison said he later experienced healing after praying for strength to continue the ministry. “I cried out to the Lord,” he said. “And He healed my hip 100 percent.” Looking back, Morrison believes the experience has challenged church members to think differently about caring for others during difficult times. “If we don’t help those now, who’s going to help us in the time of trouble?” he asked. “How are we going to live through that?” As the ministry continues growing, Morrison said one of the greatest needs now is trained volunteers. “We need more than financial support,” he said. “We need trained boots on the ground.” Minnesota ACS regularly offers disaster response training designed to prepare volunteers to serve during emergencies and community relief efforts. Morrison explained that trained volunteers allow ministry leaders to respond more effectively and help communities faster during times of need. “Once people are trained, they can adjust to almost any situation,” he said. “It makes the whole operation smoother.” For church leaders in Minnesota, the outreach has become more than a temporary relief effort. It has grown into a reminder that ministry often begins by simply noticing the needs of neighbors and being willing to respond. By Tyrone Douglas, Mid-America Union church ministries director, and Hugh Davis, Mid-America Union communication director

The Denver Central Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church witnessed a powerful week of spiritual revival last October, culminating in the baptism of eight individuals who publicly committed their lives to Jesus. The evangelistic campaign opened with a single baptism on Sabbath and concluded with seven more by the following Friday, each one representing a story of transformation and months of intentional discipleship. Guest speaker Juan Blanco Suero, a pastor with the Southeastern Association of the Dominican Union of Seventh-day Adventists, led the weeklong series with clarity, conviction and compassion. His messages resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom had been studying the Bible and participating in small groups since the spring.  “This wasn’t just a week of baptisms—it was a week of breakthroughs,” said Leonardo Jiménez, pastor of the Greeley Hispanic District, who organized the campaign. “Every soul that stepped into the water reminded us that the gospel still transforms lives, one heart at a time.” Among the most moving moments was the baptism of a father and daughter, part of a family Jiménez had been ministering to personally. Their decision to be baptized together underscored the campaign’s theme: that evangelism is not only public proclamation, but also deeply relational. “Every visit, every study, every prayer shared in their home was part of the process God used to reach their hearts,” Jiménez reflected. The campaign was part of the broader Pentecost 2025 initiative, a mission-focused program from the North American Division. More than a numerical goal, Pentecost 2025 was a call to intentional living, disciple-making and community transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. As the church looks ahead, the momentum from that week continues to inspire. “Every baptism is a victory,” said Jiménez. “Every family reached is a blessing. And every step forward is part of greater work. We move forward with gratitude for what God has done—and with faith in what He will continue to do.” Jose Briones is a stewardship promotion and content creator.