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August 25, 2026 Central States Strengthens Pathfinder Ministry Through Leadership Training
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August 25, 2026 RMC Announces Nathaniel Gamble as New VP for Administration
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August 23, 2026 Two Thousand Years, One Mission Why Seventh-day Adventists are looking toward 2027 as a renewed call to continue the mission of Jesus
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Adventist News
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Bethesda Temple Elevates the Community With Five Days of Faith, Giving and Fellowship
– August 25, 2026Bethesda Temple in Omaha, Nebraska, recently welcomed more than 500 visitors during its Elevate Community Event, held July 15–19, 2026. Advertised through Facebook, the five-day outreach initiative brought local residents together for spiritual encouragement, practical assistance, and family-friendly activities. Each evening, attendees registered to receive a free featured giveaway designed to meet an everyday need. Items distributed throughout the week included diapers, sneakers, food gift cards, and gas cards. Before receiving the evening’s featured giveaway, participants attended a service featuring uplifting music, a brief spiritual message, and an icebreaker giveaway. Pastor Brandon Williams delivered an energetic message each night, encouraging attendees to strengthen their faith, make positive changes, and pursue a closer relationship with God. At the conclusion of each message, Williams invited anyone moved by the Spirit to respond. Several people raised their hands each evening and joined Williams at the front of the church for prayer, publicly expressing their desire to make positive spiritual changes and become part of the body of Christ. Some visitors returned throughout the week, receiving not only practical assistance but also what church members described as nightly blessings. The event demonstrated how faith-based outreach can address both spiritual and practical needs. By combining worship with meaningful assistance, Bethesda Temple created a welcoming environment where community members could receive encouragement, fellowship, and support. The celebration concluded on a sunny Sunday afternoon with a community Fun Day. Families enjoyed a bounce house, face painting, games, music, and free massages in massage chairs. A mobile diabetes unit offered free diabetes screenings and blood pressure checks, giving residents an opportunity to learn more about their health. Representatives from the local fire station also attended to share fire safety information and give children an up-close look inside a fire truck. Children received free backpacks filled with school supplies, helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Free food was served throughout the afternoon, with the church’s kitchen team feeding more than 200 people. The variety of activities gave children, parents, and older adults opportunities to participate in an atmosphere filled with joy and fellowship. Volunteers played an important role in the event’s success. From welcoming and registering guests to organizing giveaways, preparing meals, and assisting with activities, church members worked together to serve their neighbors. Their efforts helped ensure that visitors felt welcomed, supported, and valued. The Elevate Community Event was more than a series of giveaways. It was an opportunity for Bethesda Temple to demonstrate its commitment to faith, service, and community connection. Over five days, residents received essential items, health resources, spiritual encouragement, and memorable family experiences. Through Williams’ nightly messages and the congregation’s generosity and service, Bethesda Temple created an event that encouraged hope, connection, and positive change. The week concluded with strengthened relationships and a reminder of what can happen when a church opens its doors and intentionally serves its community. By Georgette Terrill, Bethesda Temple Seventh-day Adventist Church Communication Leader
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Central States Strengthens Pathfinder Ministry Through Leadership Training
– August 25, 2026The Pathfinder club is one of the most effective entities to teach our children principles that will stick with them for the rest of their lives. To make this a success, committed volunteers are necessary. After conducting a brief survey among Pathfinder leaders in Central States Conference, the results showed that many folks lack the necessary training needed to effectively run a Pathfinder club. It also showed some folks are interested in volunteering in the Pathfinder club, but they lack the knowledge in working with the Pathfinder curriculum and with the Pathfinders. To address those issues and concerns, an all-inclusive Pathfinder training workshop training was offered last April at the conference center in Kansas City, Kansas. Around 100 people attended the presentations on mental health wellness and identifying concerning mental health cues in Pathfinder-aged children. Presenting on that topic was Dr. Dustin Young, a licensed social worker and professor at Andrews University. From the Southern New England conference, Glorimar Teixeira presented on the Master Guide Track. Cesar and Nelly Cruz presented the training track in Spanish. The main presenter from Northeastern Conference, Judith Hill, presented the Basic Pathfinder Training Track. The 10-hour Basic Pathfinder Training course was geared toward volunteers and anyone who works or is planning to work with a Pathfinder club in any capacity. Employees from Adventsource were also present selling Pathfinder club related items. Please keep the CSC Pathfinder clubs in your prayers. There are plans in place that require seven prayer warriors and additional support for success. By the end of 2029, God willing, the plan is to have a total of 100 Master Guides throughout the conference. This will include those who have previously been invested plus those who will be invested leading up to that time. Also, during the summer of 2027 plans will be put in place to hold the first ever Central States Conference Pathfinder Fair. Ian Francis is Pathfinder director for the Central States Conference.
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RMC Announces Nathaniel Gamble as New VP for Administration
– August 25, 2026The Rocky Mountain Conference is pleased to announce that Nathaniel Gamble has accepted the call to be the new vice president for administration. Gamble presently serves as RMC’s Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, a member of the RMC Executive Committee, and lead pastor of the Grand Junction district of churches on the Western Slope of Colorado. He will maintain his role as PARL director and begin his new administrative role for the conference on August 1. “I am excited to have Nathaniel join our administrative team here in the Rocky Mountain Conference. His love for Jesus and pastoral experience, coupled with strong administrative skills, will be a great blessing for our conference family,” said Dave VandeVere, RMC president. Gamble was born and raised in the Rocky Mountain Conference region and received his Bachelor of Arts in religion from Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, and his Master of Arts in theology from the Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado. He is currently finishing his Doctor of Philosophy in systematic theology from the Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “We are very excited that the Lord has been preparing Nathaniel for this type of work and that he is willing to accept this position. He has the administrative skills that are essential to the role, plus a deep theological understanding. RMC is blessed to have him join the leadership of the conference,” remarked Doug Inglish, current RMC vice president for administration who is retiring. Serving RMC since 2019, Gamble has held several lead and district pastor positions, chaired the Mile High Academy Board from 2021-2025, and served as the conference’s PARL director since 2022. In his pastoral roles, he facilitated training, mediation and safety at his local churches, and created the MHA Bylaws and Constitution committee that drafted a new constitution for the academy. Gamble has also contributed to the Adventist position against Christian Nationalism and is a published author with the North American Division Ministerial Association. “It is a great honor, privilege and weighty responsibility to serve the members and workers of the Rocky Mountain Conference in the capacity of vice president of administration,” remarked Gamble. “While I did not actively seek this position, God and RMC have called me to this role, and I am heartily willing to serve according to the Lord’s grace.” He added: “I see [this] role as uniquely situated to encourage and promote compassion and listening to each other throughout the conference, so I’m looking forward to using my administrative abilities to continue building up unity and mission between the schools, churches, pastors, teachers and church members in RMC. I ask the members of RMC to keep me in their prayers so that I continually pursue humility, obedience and attentiveness to Jesus as I execute the responsibilities of this role on behalf of my brothers and sisters. Thank you for the trust you have placed in me.” Gamble is joined by his ministry partner and wife, Alex, and toy poodle puppy, Johnny. He enjoys learning Colorado and Wyoming history and exploring ghost towns. You will also find Gamble spending time reading Greek poetry, learning about Christian communities in Jerusalem, and losing at chess.
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Registration Open for the 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention
– August 18, 2026In considering the 250th Anniversary of America’s Independence, the Conscience & Justice Council (CJC) invites community leaders, faith leaders, advocates, educators, young adults, and all people passionate about conscience, justice, religious liberty, and the future of democracy to register for the 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention. The 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention takes place at the Crowne Plaza Philadelphia—King of Prussia, located at 260 Mall Boulevard, King of Prussia, Penn., Sept. 17-20. “This year’s convention, themed ‘Religious Freedom and Democracy: Fractured, Fragile, or Firm?,’ will bring together people from diverse backgrounds to examine the relationship between religious freedom, democracy, conscience, justice, and the realities, not the ideals, facing America today, said Edward Woods III, Conscience & Justice Council chairperson. “As a content driven and networking convention, we look forward to addressing this timely theme from a biblical perspective.” Why This Conversation Matters Questions surrounding religious liberty and democracy are not merely historical or political questions—they touch the fundamental freedoms, responsibilities, and relationships that shape communities and society. The 2026 convention will invite participants to consider critical questions: What does religious freedom mean in a diverse democracy? How can people of faith engage in public life while respecting the conscience and convictions of others? What happens when democratic ideals and lived realities collide? How can communities strengthen principles of justice, liberty, and human dignity? What role can individuals, churches, and organizations play in protecting freedom of conscience for generations to come? Rather than simply discussing these questions from a distance, this convention seeks to foster engagement, learning, connection, and action. Featured Speakers Kevin Burton, Apocalyptic Abolitionism, Author Timothy Golden, Attorney and Philosopher Orlan Johnson, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director, North American Division Bettina Krause, Editor, Liberty Magazine Valerie Lee, Retired Provost for Diversity and Inclusion, The Ohio State University Bishop Frank Madison Reid III, African Methodist Episcopal Church Jeanette Senecal, Chief of Civic Learning & Impact, League of Women Voters Robert Schenck, Author, Confessions of a Former Christian Nationalist W. Nick Taliaferro, Former Executive Director, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations Pilira Zapita, President, Association of Black Adventist Religion Scholars And so many more, please click here for the agenda. Be a Part of the Conversation Registration is now open, and interested participants are encouraged to secure their place. Register now at 2026 Conscience & Justice Council Convention Registration. You can also register by phone at 1-800-732-7587. Early registration ends Friday, Sept. 4. About the Conscience & Justice Council The Conscience & Justice Council is committed to strengthening conscience and justice ministry through training, mentoring, interactive programming, and an intergenerational and interfaith national convention. Its purpose includes encouraging thriving public affairs and religious liberty ministries at the local church level, developing programs addressing the biblical basis for conscience and justice, and sustaining a national community committed to these principles.
Blogs
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What Genealogies Tell Us VI The Chain Connects
– August 26, 2026We’ve already watched Noah break this genealogy’s pattern several times — five hundred years before a son is named, three sons instead of one, the wrong son listed first. But there’s another break, and it’s the one that changes what the whole chapter has been doing. Every age in Genesis 5 does the same job. It measures one generation against the next. Adam is 130 when Seth is born. Seth is 105 when Enosh is born. On and on, ten times over — each number tying one man to the man before him and the man after him. Internal bookkeeping, generation to generation, and nothing else. Then look at what happens to Noah’s age a second time. Genesis 5 tells us he’s 500 when his sons are named. But Genesis 7 tells us something Genesis 5 never told us about anyone else: “Noah was six hundred years old when the floodwaters came on the earth.” That number doesn’t link Noah—or the genealogy—to any person. It links them both to an event. A world-altering event. That’s a clear signal, telling us what the author wants us to understand. Count back through nine generations and ten ages and hundreds of years of “he lived, and he fathered, and he died,” and you won’t find another instance. No one else’s age is pinned to anything outside the family line. Adam’s isn’t linked to the fall. Enoch’s isn’t linked to any historical moment related to his walk with God. To this point, only Noah’s reaches past the genealogy’s pattern to grasp something happening in the world. Again, this signals that the chain itself was never just a family record. Ten generations, ten sets of ages, all of it internal, all of it self-referential — until the last name suddenly points outward and says: this is what it was all for. The genealogy wasn’t counting years. It was counting down. Counting down to the greatest catastrophe humankind had yet known. And the greatest deliverance.
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It’s Not Too Big For God No Problem Too Big
– August 25, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/Vtk8aBy9tag?si=KiFI_rOTgmEx2ydi
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The Teacher’s Notes–Love-driven Ministry, Lesson 9 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, "First and Second Corinthians"
– August 22, 2026Sabbath School Lesson for August 22-28, 2026 Introduction of Lesson 9, Love-driven Ministry Memory Text: “For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.” 2 Corinthians 2:4 NKJV The tone in Paul’s next letter to the Corinthians is packed with emotional love and is best understood with knowledge of the historical background of Paul’s relationship with the Corinthian church. As we know, he had just written them scathing rebukes about their lack of love. In addition to Paul’s concern over how they would receive his previous message and advice, other unavoidable misunderstandings caused him to express more boldly his love for them. He requested that they give him the benefit of the doubt in judging his words and actions. Paul had deep compassion and concern for others that reflects the love that drove the ministry of Jesus. This second epistle of Corinthians shows us Paul’s anguish and concern for all the churches where he visited and ministered. This week, we’ll explore: Sunday: Thanksgiving Monday: Simplicity and Sincerity Tuesday: Changing Plans for Love Wednesday: Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of Love Thursday: Triumph in Christ Sunday: Thanksgiving Paul was generous with praise and thanksgiving for all the ways God had comforted him in the past. When he expressed compassionate care for someone, he wanted it known that it was only through God’s providing comfort to him that he are able to comfort others. All the apostles had surely withstood many troubles and hardships in their missionary efforts, as Paul often reminded them. But he regretted none of their trials, because it was through such pain that they were able to comfort others. Through intercessory prayer and gratitude to God, we can all experience the same peace and joy that were given the apostles, despite their grief and heartaches. God blesses us so we can bless others when we bless Him. What a glorious cycle of blessings we are given! Verses for reflection and discussion: 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 What reason(s) does Paul give for why we should be thankful to God for our suffering and hardships? 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 Why do you think Paul felt the need to list some of their trials in this epistle? What makes it possible for us to have intercessory prayer for others, and why must we do it with thanksgiving (v. 11(? Monday: Simplicity and Sincerity To convince the Corinthians of his good intentions and love, Paul described his interactions with them with these two words: simplicity and sincerity (2 Corinthians 1:12). Some in Corinth had tended to think of Paul as vacillating and indecisive. But he pointed out that he and his associates had always dealt with them honestly, not hiding things or twisting the truth to fit their needs. Paul attempted at all times to show personal integrity as he ministered in the various churches he cared for so deeply. It’s important to have the kind of holy integrity Paul claimed for himself. It means that, with God’s help, we, too, can have strong moral principles that cause us to do the right thing even when no one is watching. It was important for Paul to remind them that his intentions and motives had always been clear and pure. He was quick to credit God with any good that came from his missionary endeavors. God alone made everything he did possible. Verses for reflection and discussion: 2 Corinthians 1:12, 13 What other words would you use to describe Paul’s simplicity and sincerity? How can we have the simplicity and sincerity Paul had shown to the Corinthians? How would you like others to describe your interactions with them? 2 Corinthians 2:17 and 4:2 What do these verses tell us about Paul’s motives for his ministry? What words and actions describe the opposite of simplicity and sincerity? How is it possible to see the difference in motives, when it is often so subtle and covered up? Tuesday: Changing Plans for Love Paul had declared his plans to visit Corinth and even stay with them for the winter (1 Corinthians 16:5, 6). But, evidently, upon getting a report from Timothy, it seemed best to postpone that visit until things had calmed down after his last letter to them. Not wishing to cause them further pain or distress, he changed his plans and continued first to Ephesus before coming back to Corinth. This departure from his original itinerary, however, caused some upheaval among the Corinthian believers, who now claimed that Paul was indecisive and vacillating. In his defense, Paul repeated his sincere love for them, explaining that he had not responded with a “yes or no” attitude when his plans changed, but with the firm reply to God’s wishes, which was always a “yes”. How careful we must be not to misinterpret someone’s intentions, but instead to give our brothers and sisters in Christ the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Paul’s ministry would have been much easier, if the Corinthian church members had heeded his advice and remembered Paul’s sincere love for them. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 16:5-7 and 2 Corinthians 1:15, 16, 2:1, 3 Why would Paul’s visit have caused pain at that time? 2 Corinthians 1:17-19 What did Paul mean by mentioning that God was faithful and our answer should always be “yes” to Him? Wednesday: Forgiveness and Reaffirmation of Love Thankfully, Titus, one of Paul’s Greek converts and a trusted companion, reported that the reaction of the Corinthian church to Paul’s earlier epistle had been positive. The strong words of Paul must have been effective in correcting the situation involving one of their members. No one was happier to receive such news. Paul again reminded them that the purpose of church discipline is always restorative. It must have given Paul hope and joy that he, too, had been forgiven and that all was well between him <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-love-driven-ministry-lesson-9/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Love-driven Ministry, Lesson 9 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, “First and Second Corinthians”“>Read more…
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Summer Health Tips Stay Active In The Summer
– August 21, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/EiClNHUvHRI?si=LvDagM3ki0OyNZ2y
Featured Stories
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Investing in People MAUC Presidential 5-Year Report 2026
– August 26, 2026The first constituency session I ever attended was when I entered ministry in 1984 as a pastoral intern in the Washington Conference. I remember sitting in awe as I watched church leaders prayerfully conduct the business of God’s work. Now, more than 40 years later, I still believe these meetings matter because they remind us that we are accountable to one another, and united in mission. That is why the theme for this constituency session, United in Service—Living the Gospel, resonates so deeply with me. Being united in service is essential if we want to accomplish the work God has called us to do in Mid-America. We will not always agree on every issue, but that should never keep us from loving one another or working together for His mission. The apostle Paul reminds us, “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit…regard one another as more important than yourselves…do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3–4, NASB). In the Mid-America Union, we have sought to live out that biblical principle through our core values of collaboration, responsibility and diversity. Together, these values help guide our desire to spread hope and wholeness to every person who lives within our territory. One exciting opportunity to do that is through the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s OneVoice2027 initiative. As churches around the world unite in evangelistic outreach over the coming year, I look forward to seeing how God will work through His people. A FOCUS ON FAITHFULNESS As you read the reports in this publication, you will see evidence of God’s blessings on the tremendous ministries taking place across Mid-America during the past five years. Our territory had the privilege of hosting two General Conference Sessions and the International Pathfinder Camporee, but the ongoing story is found in the faithful ministry happening every day throughout our churches, schools, healthcare ministries, camps and local conferences. Our deeply committed educators shape young lives both academically and spiritually. Equally committed Community Services and Disaster Response volunteers bring hope during times of crisis. Camps create places where lifelong friendships are formed and young people encounter their Savior. AdventHealth continues Christ’s healing ministry, while Union Adventist University prepares students for lives of faithful service. Perhaps what encourages me most is what happens every Sabbath in our local churches led by our devoted pastors. Members gather to worship, study God’s Word, encourage one another, and share Christ with their communities. Those quiet acts of faithfulness are the foundation of everything we do. STRONGER TOGETHER Looking back on my years as president, one lesson stands above the rest: ministry is always stronger when we work together. No single office or individual can accomplish God’s mission alone. Some of the accomplishments I am most grateful for are not buildings completed or events hosted, but partnerships strengthened, leaders encouraged, and ministries supported across our nine-state territory. Having served as a teacher, pastor and youth ministries leader, I have always believed that investing in people is one of the church’s greatest responsibilities. It has been a joy to watch God raise up faithful leaders across Mid-America who serve with humility, compassion and a heart for mission. BLESSING UPON BLESSING Looking back, I am most thankful not for milestones reached but for lives changed. Every baptism, every student who chose to follow Christ, every family that found hope reminds us why we do this work. Changed lives are the true measure of success. Time and again, I have watched the Lord provide exactly what His church needed. He has opened doors, raised up leaders, and blessed ministries beyond what we could have imagined. One of my greatest blessings has been serving alongside an exceptional group of conference presidents. I would not trade our leadership team for any other in the North American Division. I am equally grateful for Dr. Yami Bazan, the dedicated faculty and staff at Union Adventist University, and the remarkable employees of the Mid-America Union office. Their servant hearts, professionalism and commitment to God’s mission have blessed me beyond measure. I would also be remiss if I did not thank my wife, Diane. Her faithful partnership, encouragement, and unwavering support have strengthened me throughout our years in ministry. Whatever good has been accomplished during my service has been possible because we have served together. OUR ETERNAL HOPE This session is especially meaningful because it will be my last as president. At its close, a new leader will be chosen for the Mid-America Union. While I will miss serving in this role, I believe God blesses His church through new leadership and fresh perspectives. My heartfelt request is simple: pray for and support the person He calls to serve. I cannot express how thankful I am for the privilege of serving the wonderful people of Mid-America. Your faithfulness, generosity, and commitment to God’s mission have been a constant encouragement to me and gives me great hope for Mid-America’s future. If we truly embrace the call to be United in Service—Living the Gospel, while remaining grounded in our values of collaboration, responsibility, and diversity, I believe the years ahead will be among the most fruitful in the history of the Mid-America Union. May God continue to use us to provide something good and eternal in a very broken world as we spread hope and wholeness throughout our territory until the day we are all united in His eternal kingdom. Gary Thurber is president of the Mid-America Union.
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Recording the Data MAUC Secretariat 5-Year Report
– August 26, 2026It has been my privilege and honor to serve as executive secretary. Though these past five years have not been without their challenges, I am grateful to God for His sustaining power. The office of secretariat had a unique and distinctive responsibility to gather and chronicle with accuracy the figures and data from each conference within the Mid-America Union Conference. These records emphasize the successes and gains—along with the opportunities afforded God’s people during these last five years—thereby making this office a vital component to the effectiveness and growth of this great union. MEMBERSHIP NUMBERS In this report will give a snapshot of the growth of the union based on the data received from the six conferences. The account will show both gains and losses. In spite of the challenges and pitfalls of the economy, we can still offer our praises and gratitude to God, who has been very good to the Mid-America Union Conference. At the beginning of this quinquennium the membership of the union stood at 64,787. At the end of 2025, total membership was 67,512. During the quinquennium 5,720 were baptized, while 1,746 joined by profession of faith and 3,601 transferred in by letter. However, 3,442 transferred out by letter, there were 2,808 deaths, 746 were removed, 1,218 missing, and 128 adjustments totaled 67,512. Hence an increase of 2,725. We also record data regarding local churches. The MAUC is growing in diversity. The number of languages and ethnicities we have now is nearly 20. Churches & Companies by Language/Ethnicity English 393 Spanish 78 Gussi/Swahili 15 Koren 9 Indonesian 8 French/Creole 4 Karen 2 Kinyarwanda 2 Ethiopian/Oromo 2 Portuguese 2 Russian 2 Akan 1 Ghanaian 1 Ganda 1 Hmong 1 Kpelle 1 Mizoram 1 Nuer 1 Zambia 1 Total 525 Membership Totals by Year This report has been made possible through the concerted efforts of the committed conference vp’s for administration/executive secretaries and the conference clerks, who are responsible for sending the data and statistics to our office on a quarterly basis. These facts and figures reflect the commitment and dedication of our pastors, teachers, Bible instructors, church leaders and members whose daily work is filled with the Spirit of God. Through various mechanisms such as evangelism, reclaiming strategies and other ministries, these individuals took to heart the mission of Jesus Christ and went out and did battle with the enemy of God and grew the kingdom of God in the process. They have courageously made an impact in their communities, churches and conferences across the Mid-America territory. Membership Totals from 2021 – 2025 2021: 65,011 2022: 65,243. 2023: 65,975 2024: 66,727 2025: 67512 WORDS OF APPRECIATION Nothing that has been accomplishment during this past quinquennium would be possible without the inspiration, guidance and direction of Jesus Christ. I am therefore, honored to express my gratitude to Him for all He has done. I am also reminded that none of the progress that has been made would have been possible without the faithful efforts of the conference clerks and executive secretaries. To them I express my sincere appreciation. To the NAD representatives, I thank you for being a reliable and good resource. To my fellow union officers, Dr. Gary Thurber and Elder Roy Simpson, I express my deep and sincere appreciation for having had the privilege of working with you. I thank the members of the MAUC executive committee for their work and for representing the union well. To the union’s Constitution and Bylaws committee, thank you for your dedication and for accomplishing the work assigned. The efficiency of the day-to-day operation of my office is largely due to the coordinated services of my executive assistant, Mrs. Michelle Swanson. I want to thank her for her commitment and dedication in making the office of secretariat run with top-notch performance. I would be remiss if I did not say a word of appreciation to my former executive assistant, Mrs. Paula Correa. I thank her as well for her excellent work over the time we worked together. To my wife, Raquel, I express heartfelt appreciation for the support, encouragement, patience, understanding and honesty shared with me regarding my work in this office. I am eternally grateful. Finally, to the constituents of the Mid-America Union Conference, I thank you from the depth of my heart for the privilege and opportunity you gave to me to serve you in this capacity. LOOKING TO THE FUTURE In Luke 19:13, we are reminded to occupy till He returns. My prayer and hope are that when He does return, He will say to each of us, “Well done thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy Lord” (Matt. 25:21). May we remain United in Service—Living the Gospel as we continue to grow in the grace of God and keep our minds and hearts focused on Jesus Christ and His soon return. Maranatha! Hubert J. Morel, Jr. is vice president for administration for the Mid-America Union.
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A Gift That Keeps the Fire Burning for Flag Mountain Camp
– August 24, 2026Have you ever noticed how some of the best learning happens out in nature? At Flag Mountain Camp, sometimes it happens with a hammer in hand and a piece of hot steel on an anvil. This year, we have something to be extra thankful for at Flag Mountain Camp. The camp was awarded a $3,500 STEM grant through the Versacare Foundation. Versacare made 35 grants available to camps across the North American Division, and we are so blessed that Flag Mountain Camp is one of those camps to receive this grant! Now here’s the part I really like. Blacksmithing at camp isn’t something brand new to Flag Mountain. Blacksmithing has been around since 2016; sometimes the program was strong, sometimes not. Like a lot of good ideas, it needed the right support at the right time. About three years ago, a family from the Dakota Conference territory donated $500 to help us get things going again. That gift allowed us to purchase a small gas forge. And wouldn’t you know it, that one piece of equipment helped turn an “on again, off again” activity into a steady part of camp life. Since the summer of 2023, campers have been stepping up, heating metal, shaping it, and learning by doing. There’s something powerful about that. They’re not just watching; they’re creating. They’re seeing how heat changes metal, how effort shapes results, and how patience pays off. Our blacksmithing instructors also teach spiritual lessons from the Bible as they teach campers this amazing skill. That’s STEM learning, camp style. But here’s the honest truth: we’ve been making it work with what we have. And while that’s part of camp ministry, it’s also why this new grant matters so much. With the $3,500 from the Versacare Foundation, we’ll be able to improve the program in ways that really count. We can purchase better equipment, with tools that are safer, more durable, and even specifically designed with young people in mind. That means more campers can participate, and they can do so with greater confidence and safety. It also means we can keep this program going strong year after year. I think about it this way: God often takes something small and grows it into something meaningful. A $500 gift helped restart a program. Now, a $3,500 grant helps strengthen it for the future. And along the way, campers are learning skills, building confidence, and maybe even discovering something new about themselves, or even a lifelong career. We’re grateful for the family who gave, for the Versacare Foundation, and for the chance to keep offering experiences that matter—because sometimes, the lesson a young person needs isn’t just something they hear. Sometimes, it’s something they build. Ted Struntz is youth and young adults director for the Dakota Conference.
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Seeking the Spirit Through Prayer
– August 24, 2026I watched a documentary a couple years ago that followed the training of Navy Seals. It was impressive to watch what young men would put themselves through to become a part of America’s elite fighting force. There was one aspect of the training that caught my attention in regard to the current state of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. During their training candidates have to perform surf passage, where about eight individuals are in an inflatable raft with the task of paddling out to sea over large waves. All the groups on their first try completely failed, with rafts and bodies flying everywhere. In time they learned to listen to the officer giving directions and started rowing as a team. This teamwork led them to pass through the toughest of waves. As we think about the current the state of affairs within the Seventh-day Adventist Church from the local congregation to the General Conference, I believe we could find consensus in the following statement: We are not rowing together. The church is made up of people from all over the world with varying backgrounds, viewing the world through different lenses and ideologies. This doesn’t have to mean that we can’t paddle together, but it seems obvious to many, myself included, we are indeed paddling in different directions. If we are all honest, whether as lay persons or denominational employees, the affects of individuals trying to row in different directions is obvious. I am also concerned with the fact that more and more I hear statements, privately and publicly, that certain people groups with certain views are the problem in the church and if group X or Y were gone the church would move forward. The message is clear— certain people shouldn’t even be in the boat. This troubles me deeply. As a movement with a strong emphasis on prophecy, highlighting the rise and fallen of kingdoms and people groups, we should be strongly aware that no worldview is perfect. I am constantly reminded of Prov. 14:12, “There is a way that seems right to man, but its end is death.” Follow that up with Rom. 3:23, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” The message should be loud and clear that we cannot rely on our world view of how the church should look. Seeking to cleanse the church from those who see through different glasses than we do, won’t make the church better. What we need, what Jesus longs to do, is bind us together through the power of the Holy Spirit. This will only happen through sincere prayer with humble hearts. Imagine how far those Navy Seal hopefuls would get if they sat in the boat, tried to row in their own different directions, and criticized each other. They would be in a constant state of turmoil, getting dumped over and their bodies tossed by the waves. But that is our currently reality. My appeal to the readers of this article, regardless of what church or conference you belong to, would be to seek the Holy Spirit through prayer. That each of us would seek a deeper relationship with Christ, that would lead us to building bridges of relationships with each other and allow the Holy Spirit to dissolve the labels we give ourselves and each other and bind us as one in Christ. Lee Rochholz is president of the Iowa-Missouri Conference.