Adventist News
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Your Voice Matters: Lessons from SAC on Sharing Stories That Make an Impact Society of Adventist Communicators Convention October 15-17, 2026
– July 8, 2026Podcasts have become one of the fastest-growing ways to share ideas, tell stories and reach new audiences. But great podcasts aren’t just about good microphones or editing software—they begin with a message worth sharing. That’s one of the key lessons from “The Podcaster’s Playbook: Mastering Your Message for Maximum Impact,” presented by communicator and podcast coach Kirk Nugent during the 2025 Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention. Now available through the Adventist Learning Community, the presentation offers practical guidance for anyone who wants to communicate with greater purpose, whether through podcasts, videos, sermons, social media or public speaking. Nugent encourages communicators to focus on serving their audience rather than simply creating content. A clear message, authentic voice and consistent storytelling can help build trust and create lasting connections. Those same principles apply whether you’re recording a podcast, leading a Bible study or managing your church’s social media. The Adventist Learning Community makes this session—and many others from the 2025 SAC Convention—available online, giving church communicators, pastors, educators and volunteers free access to practical training that can strengthen their ministry. The value of SAC extends beyond the presentations themselves. “Communications isn’t just another department in the church. It’s also ministry,” Nugent reminded attendees during the convention. “If we can frame all of the skills and talents that are being entrusted to God’s people…for His purpose and for His glory, we can be more inclusive of what it means to utilize those skills for ministry.” If you’re looking to grow as a communicator, this presentation is an excellent place to begin. And if you’d like to experience even more learning, collaboration and encouragement, registration is now open for the 2026 Society of Adventist Communicators Convention, Oct. 15–17 in Orlando, Florida. We hope to see many communicators from across the Mid-America Union there.
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Versacare Awards Over $5 Million to Adventist Schools During Past 10 Years
– July 8, 2026Since March 2016, Versacare Foundation has awarded 1050 grants totaling $5,459,367 to Seventh-day Adventist primary and secondary schools located in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD) and Inter-America Division of Seventh-day Adventists (IAD). Originally offered as a STEM grant program, today most needs related to classroom instruction qualify for funding. “This milestone is a testament to what can be accomplished to strengthen the learning foundations of our Adventist K-12 schools. It has been Versacare Foundation’s privilege to empower educators and students to build together toward purpose-driven futures,” said Charles Sandefur, Versacare Foundation Board Chair. Eligibility The K-12 grant program is open to every NAD and IAD conference or church sponsored primary or secondary school and provides funding in three categories: • $5,000 for smaller schools of 3 classrooms or less; • $10,000 for larger schools of 4 or more classrooms and 12-year schools; • $10,000 for grades 9-12 schools. Timeline Applications are accepted year-round with funds awarded in January and July. To Apply Visit www.versacare.org. About Versacare Foundation: Versacare Foundation is an independent private foundation which funds grants for programs and projects that are consistent with its mission and with the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. A self-funded lay organization, it is comprised of both lay Adventists and present and former Adventist Church employees. Since 1990 it has awarded 2,580 grants totaling $42,000,000. For more information, contact: President/CEO: Thomas K. Macomber, 602-421-6589, tkmacomber@versacare.org Program Director: Kelly Jackson Daugherty, 951-343-5800, kelly@versacare.org K-12 Program Coordinator: Lisa Corrales, 951-343-5800, office@versacare.org Information provided by the Versacare Foundation.
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Iowa-Missouri Pathfinders Gather for Spring Camporee 2026 "Lest we forget"
– July 6, 2026More than 500 Pathfinders, staff and families from across the Iowa-Missouri Conference gathered at Camp Heritage in May for the 2026 Spring Camporee—a weekend built around three words that carry the weight of generations: Lest we forget. The theme, drawn from the timeless call of Deut. 4:9 (“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen”) set the tone for every campfire, every drill, and every message delivered across the weekend. Keynote speaker Dr. Anna Galeneice, an associate director of the Ellen G. White Estate at the General Conference and professor of chaplaincy at Andrews University, brought the theme to life for the hundreds of young people in attendance. Several photographers were on hand to help document the event, including Ben Dickerson, Cedar Rapids Pathfinder club staff. For many Pathfinders, the camporee was more than an outdoor event—it was a reminder of who they are and where they come from. The Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinder Club, a ministry for children ages 10–15 focuses on spiritual growth, life skills, and community service, and has long served as a cornerstone of Adventist youth development. This spring’s gathering was a vivid reminder of that legacy, carried forward by a new generation unwilling to let it fade. As the tents came down and families drove home, the message lingered: remember what God has done. Remember who you are. Lest we forget.
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Minnesota Conference Session Bathed in Prayer and Open Conversations
– June 29, 2026Minnesota Conference delegates met on May 17, 2026 during the conference’s 110th regular session for the purpose of electing leadership, receiving reports and conducting other church business. Three-hundred-fifty-seven delegates gathered at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center in the Twin Cities area, focused on the theme A Season of Transition. Following prayers, heartfelt music by the Maplewood choraliers, and a devotional by Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber, delegates voted the day’s agenda and welcomed eight new companies into the full sisterhood of churches in Minnesota. Reports on church membership, finances and Maplewood Academy were also received and voted. After due consideration, including a time of prayer, delegates voted by a very strong majority to re-elect Elders Jeff Scoggins, Eric Mokua and Gayln Bowers to serve as president, executive secretary and treasurer, respectively, for the coming term. During his remarks, Scoggins paid tribute to Dr. Daniel Honoré who served as Minnesota Conference president during 2022-2023 before his untimely passing. This 110th session was dedicated to the memory of his leadership. Scoggins also highlighted the growing diversity in Minnesota. “Minnesota is now a mission field right here at home,” he stated. “We have opportunities to reach people in our own communities who may be unreachable in their home countries, and we must take advantage of those opportunities.” During the financial report, treasurer Gayln Bowers stated that tithe—the only source of income—was increasing at a faster rate than CPI. However, expenses increased at almost double the percentage of tithe during the same period. “We’ve had to tighten our belts,” he said. “We’ve had to look for different ways…and we’re having to make some hard decisions in our conference in regard to continuing the ministries that we want to offer to each of you.” Elder Eric Mokua shared that the Minnesota Conference began with only 69 members. By 2005 there were about 6,500 members, and due to increased efforts during Pentecost 2025, last year there were 422 baptisms. “The church has grown tremendously here in Minnesota because of God’s faithfulness,” Mokua said. “If the Lord has led us this far, we can trust that He will continue to guide His church in the days to come.” Transitions toward better processes In the afternoon, session delegates voted on proposed changes to the Minnesota Conference’s constitution and bylaws. Most changes were small, but a significant change was voted to hold constituency sessions every five years instead of four years. Other changes included improvements to the process of selecting the nominating committee for constituency sessions. Delegates also voted new members to the Board of Trustees, Board of Education, and Articles and Bylaws Committee for the coming five years. Another special prayer of dedication was offered over these new leaders. One delegate from the Southview Church observed that the session was very well organized. “I appreciate the thought that went into putting it together and the process has gone really smoothly,” she said. “There’s a lot of unity of thought and ideas today. The administration has been listening to the delegates and acting on their thoughts and comments. I especially appreciate how they’ve been intentional about providing context for the motions.” Yet there is more than business reports and votes at constituency sessions. The session also celebrates mission, evangelism and the blessings of the Lord in the past few years. In January, the Minnesota Conference held a special constituency session to discuss the financial challenges facing Maplewood Academy. Referencing that, Scoggins pointed out that “Maplewood Academy belongs to all of Minnesota, and your faithfulness in prayer and generosity has helped keep it operating as the oldest continuously operating Adventist boarding academy in the world.” This session was also a time to pass the torch of leadership at Maplewood Academy from outgoing principal Jeremy Everhart to incoming principal Pastor Jeff “PJ” Deming. A special prayer of blessing was offered over both leaders. The Minnesota Conference is currently comprised of 114 churches and companies totaling 12,208 members. Nearly 50 percent of those churches are located in the Twin Cities metro. In addition, the conference supports 12 Adventist schools serving more than 400 students.
Blogs
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Creation Re-Booted VII The Aroma of Rest
– July 9, 2026As soon as I entered the building, I felt exactly as I had a decade earlier. Someone else occupied the principal’s office now. The same classrooms greeted me, though each arranged differently than in my memory. Yet with all the changes, I took a deep breath— and knew why. They still used exactly the same sweeping compound as when I served there. I didn’t see it, but the aroma left no doubt. Scientists tell us that the olfactory portion of the brain—the part that interprets smells—is right next to where we store our memories. Maybe you’ve experienced that. A distinctive scent that brings waves of memory with it. We’re about to see that in the flood story. The dove with the olive leaf took us to day 3 of the re-creation process. The animals created on the sixth day of creation, God had preserved in the Ark. So what remained? The waters continued to recede, but the process took time. Noah had entered the Ark in the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month. Five months later on the seventeenth day of the seventh month, the ark “rested upon the mountains of Ararat.” The boat which saved Noah, whose name “noach” means “rest,” has itself found “nuach” rest from its stormy voyage on the welcoming earth. This echoes the rest of the Sabbath which followed the creation. But re-creation remains incomplete. The waters had not yet fully relinquished their grip. It took nearly three more months until the tops of the mountains became visible, and finally, on the twenty-seventh day of the second month, the earth dried enough for all to leave the Ark. Noah had celebrated a birthday on the Ark. Remember they had entered the Ark on the seventeenth day of the second month. A full year and ten days later, on the twenty-seventh day of the second month, they left it. With the dry land now repopulated with animal life, re-creation neared completion. The Ark had rested, and now the man whose name meant rest had returned to the land. But the original creation ended when God rested, and the first Sabbath became a celebration of that finished work. Preserved through the Flood, and now liberated from the Ark, Noah decided to celebrate, to give thanks to his Creator and Deliverer. Genesis tells us, “Then Noah built an altar to the Lord, and took some of every kind of clean animal and some of every clean bird and offered burnt offerings on the altar. The Lord smelled the soothing aroma.” Genesis 8:20-21 (NASB). The Hebrew literally says, “The Lord smelled the aroma of rest.” On the seventh day of Creation Week, the Lord “rested from the work that He had made.” With the earth now cleansed and life reestablished, and Noah “calling upon” His name, God found rest from the terrible work of the Flood. “And the Lord said to Himself, “I will never again curse the ground on account of man, for the intent of man’s heart is evil from his youth; and I will never again destroy every living thing, as I have done. While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Summer and winter, And day and night Shall not cease.” Not only did God declare that He would never again curse the ground, He also announced the restoration of order to the earth. Seedtime, harvest, summer, winter, day and night—the orderly succession of time itself ensured. Chaos and disorder had been held at bay. With this accomplished, the Ark, the man named “rest,” and God Himself all experienced rest. And it was good. But humankind still held traces of the virus of sin. So this, too, will pass.
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The Teacher’s Notes–The Message of the Cross, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, "First and Second Corinthians"
– July 4, 2026Sabbath School Lesson for July 4-10, 2026 Introduction of Lesson 2, The Message of the Cross Memory Text: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” 1 Corinthians 1:18 NIV Paul’s first topic of discussion, after the preliminary greetings in chapter one of Corinthians, was how to reach both Jews and Gentiles with the message of the cross. To the Jews, who were looking for a powerful ruler to overthrow their enemies, the humble Servant Jesus did not fit their idea of a Messiah. Nor were the Greeks, who valued wisdom and philosophical thought, satisfied with Paul’s message of the cross. The story of Jesus, a crucified criminal, being the God of the universe sounded unlikely and even foolish to them. Regardless of these negative responses, Paul promoted ways to counter these obstacles of gospel ministry that prevailed in the first century after Christ’s resurrection. This week, we will explore: Sunday: The Gospel of Christ Monday: Foolishness to Those Who Are Perishing Tuesday: Power to Those Who Are Being Saved Wednesday: A Messiah Crucified Thursday: Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God Sunday: The Gospel of Christ Paul had learned from his experience in Athens, that the message of a crucified Savior needed to be the center of his preaching (1 Corinthians 1:17, 2:2). Argument and debate did not lead to many conversions in that great metropolis, and Paul henceforth declared a new approach. Making the crucified and resurrected Son of God foremost in all their discourse would be helpful in uniting the Corinthians, who, as Paul had mentioned, were experiencing a problem with divisions in the church. Paul explained that he was not sent to baptize (as some were called to do), but to preach the gospel of the cross. That alone was his goal–to share Christ with all who would listen. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 1:17-31 What was the main idea that Paul wanted to convey about God in these verses? 1 Corinthians 1:17 and 2:2 What was Paul likely trying to avoid with his new emphasis on preaching the gospel? Monday: Foolishness to Those Who Are Perishing Paul mentioned “foolish” or “foolishness” several times in the first chapter of his epistle to the Corinthians. The gospel sounded foolish to both unbelieving Jews and the Greeks, the ones who were perishing, who would not be saved when Christ returned. He pointed out that the Jews, who had crucified Jesus, wanted to be shown signs of God’s power, and the Greeks felt there could be no power in a god who was a crucified in such a shameful way. Therefore, the message of the cross was a tremendous stumbling block for the Jews, and a source of laughing and ridicule for the Greeks. It’s helpful to know in advance what accounts for the opposition one faces when delivering something as unusual as the message of the cross. Today, explanations for not accepting the gospel may be different, but it remains that there will always be those who resist our efforts to change their behavior and thought patterns. It is necessary to understand their mindset and learn ways that will attract their attention and ultimately transform their way of thinking and living. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21, 23, 25, 27 What did Paul mean by saying that the cross was foolishness to certain people? Who were those people, and why did they think it was foolish? What are obstacles people have in believing the gospel today? Tuesday: Power to Those Who Are Being Saved Very soon in preaching the message of the cross, one is faced with puzzling opposites. How could the shedding of Jesus’ blood bring us peace (Colossians 1:20)? Bloodshed usually indicates a lack of peace. And how could we be healed, by Jesus being wounded (1 Peter 2:24)? These things don’t make sense to those who are perishing due to their reckless neglect of learning more about God. When we remain open to hearing the gospel, however, we begin to recognize the actual power there is in the message of the cross. It is God’s power alone that saves us from ourselves through the death of His Son. We must come to the point where we see how powerless we are against the things of the world. This lack of power is in stark contrast to the power God imparts to those who have developed a desire to be led by God and allow their trust in Him to grow. The foolishness once felt about the gospel can instead become a source of power when we allow the message to sink into our minds and hearts. God gives us power to overcome those harmful things in the world that cause our self-destruction. No wonder Paul was anxious to share this powerful message. Verses for reflection and discussion: Colossians 1:20 and 1 Peter 2:24 Why would people find these statements contradictory? How can you explain them to someone who doubts these truths? 1 Corinthians 1:30, 31 Why is it important to give God credit for all the wisdom and power in our lives? How should our praise for God be expressed, and how important is it that others see and hear it from us? Wednesday: A Messiah Crucified Today the cross is a beloved symbol that adorns churches, both inside and out. People wear a cross around their neck without a thought as to what the symbol meant to those in the Roman Empire during and after the time of Christ. Many back then would have witnessed someone suffering on a cruel cross. To them, the cross was a symbol of death and shame, something one would turn away from and avoid, if at all possible. For Paul and his associates to preach about the cross as a symbol of God’s power and love ran counter to the prevailing mindset of both Jews and <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-the-message-of-the-cross-lesson-2/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–The Message of the Cross, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, “First and Second Corinthians”“>Read more…
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Anti Inflammatory Salad Lower Inflammation With Food
– July 2, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/R_R76_qdmtI?si=WfUWQPAGVdQ7oZtd
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Treat The Cause For Disease Cause Or Symptons
– July 1, 2026https://youtube.com/shorts/XeOTCdsJJQY?si=8yGF9BTQCs4dkdTP
Featured Stories
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A Broader Perspective on Our Diet Health Message The emphasis appears to be consuming the most nutritional diet available no matter where we live.
– July 8, 2026Our health message covers a broad area, but is our health message regarding diet basically about vegetarianism? Or should our perspective of this message be much broader? If we are honest with ourselves, we have to admit a vegetarian diet today can be unhealthy. Compared to even 50 years ago, the average American diet contains a massive amount of calories from added fats, high concentrations of sugar, salt and ultra-processed foods. The Bible clearly states our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor 6:19-20. Because of this statement one aspect of understanding is our bodies should only receive the most nutritional food we can provide them all the time. This is how Jesus ate. There was no refrigeration during His time. There was no global transportation to ship whatever food He wanted twelve months of the year. He ate the most nutritional food available in those days. I would suggest the key words are “most nutritional” and “availability.” Another powerful biblical message is the aspect of self-control in Gal 5:22 and Prov 25:28. We can also read about God’s blessings received for diet choices from Daniel and his friends experience in Dan 1:12 and how God blessed them for their choice. God provided the number one and most nutritional diet during creation. About two thousand years later He advised us on the second most nutritional diet available when after the flood came the beginnings of seasons: drought, famine, cold winter freezes, poor soil conditions, etc. The perfect all-encompassing global greenhouse of growing all year round was destroyed to just a few months of the year. Availability In 1863 Mrs. Ellen White was given a vision regarding health. The Lord divinely and loving shared so much information through Mrs. White that it took an entire book to compile the health message. We read in Counsels on Diet and Foods 380.2 that our diets should return to the original and healthiest Garden of Eden diet. The time frame when she received this message is when the ability of man and industry was able to adjust to the post-effects of the global changes that had occurred since the flood. Massive agriculture capabilities and global shipping with refrigeration was beginning. In The Ministry of Healing 297.1 she writes about the improvements and abilities of food transportation. Today we can buy all the Garden of Eden foods anytime we want, twelve months of the year and some stores provide them around the clock. Science is confirming and supporting the message she was impressed to share 150 years ago. Do a Google search and read the latest recommendations by The American Heart Association Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations, March 2026. Celebrating life It takes faith to believe God knows best. We honor God by providing His temples with the most nutritious foods. This is how we receive the same blessings as Daniel and his friends received. We have had this health message of faith in what God Himself instructed for over 150 yrs. These are messages of love and concern from our deeply caring heavenly parent, creator and savior to the temples He gave His life for. These are messages Mrs. White was impressed to pass down to us from Him so that we can understand how to celebrate life in the purest form. Our bodies do not belong to us; they are on loan. The earth is a training ground. Are we training our appetites for heaven? The choice is ours. 1 Cor 10:31: Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. Important Note: Please read possibly the clearest statement of how God looks upon our choice of diet. Tom Taylor is a retired General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist employee.
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Kansas-Nebraska Prayer Conference Focuses on Mission and Prayer
– July 6, 2026The Kansas-Nebraska Prayer Conference convened May 1 and 2 at Wichita South Church in Kansas, bringing together pastors and church members around a central theme: developing a prayer life that leads to a living relationship with Jesus and active mission. Keynote speaker Jim Moon explored how a consistent prayer life translates into a powerful witness in everyday settings, including the workplace. Smerdis Fuentes, associate pastor at Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, shared personal stories of God’s leading in his life and ministry. Jean-Marcel Clouzet, pastor of Wichita South, offered practical, down-to-earth approaches to engaging in daily prayer. I had the privilege of teaching on what it means to fall in love with Jesus and how that love compels believers into outreach and effective ministry. Hosting regional prayer conferences is now the strategy of Kansas-Nebraska Conference prayer ministries, designed to advance the mission of prayer across the conference and encourage members toward a living, loving relationship with Jesus that launches them into mission. We know that prayer is the key in the hand of faith to unlock heaven’s storehouse, and in that storehouse we find the greatest treasure of all: Jesus. Prayer, then, is central to our religious experience. In prayer, you come to know the goodness and power of God. You experience His grace, kindness, and forgiveness. You come to know His comfort and protection firsthand. You will have stories to tell, praise to give, and in the contemplation of Jesus, tears will come to your eyes. The greatest need of the Adventist Church is Jesus. When a person comes to love Jesus, everything changes. As Ellen White writes, “Those who feel the constraining love of God do not ask how little may be given to meet the requirements of God; they do not ask for the lowest standard” (Steps to Christ, 44). They seek to be all they can be for Jesus, and they find God’s indwelling Spirit brings love, heart change, power to resist temptation, and a burning desire to share Jesus with others. Prayer ministries is about Jesus. It is about inviting people everywhere to fall in love with Him. Presentations from the conference are available at: tiny.cc/v633101 Virgil Covel is ministerial director and prayer ministries leader for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
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Whole Health Tips for Body, Mind and Spirit
– July 6, 2026Have you ever monitored your health through numbers? Numbers on a scale, counting calories or tracking cholesterol can become very common when monitoring your health. While these measurements can be important, health is not a single metric. True health embraces a wholistic approach that considers every aspect of your well-being. AdventHealth’s whole-person care model recognizes that physical health, mental wellbeing and spiritual needs are deeply interconnected. Whole-person care means addressing all three aspects: caring for your body, strengthening your mind, and nurturing your spirit. When we focus on all areas, we’re better equipped to serve our families, thrive at work and support our communities. David Kennedy, vice president of mission and ministry in the Mid-America Region for AdventHealth echoed this sentiment saying, “We can’t feel whole unless all parts of us are healthy and well. Jesus modeled this for us in so many ways. Think of the paralytic who was brought to Him for healing. The first thing Jesus said to the man was, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The man was being brought to be healed of a physical impairment, but Jesus saw him as a whole person. That man left his encounter with Jesus feeling whole—body, mind and spirit.” The most meaningful change often begins with small, consistent habits that are done with intention and supported by your care team, guided by what matters most to you. Caring for the body With new health trends, restrictive diets and conflicting information, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Health is not one size fits all and physical health is no exception. Nutrition is the foundation, followed by regular physical activity. Sustainable wellness is built on balance, and it may be helpful to experiment with different healthy routines and consult with your care team to discover what works best for your needs. It is also important to remember that nutritional needs vary by age, activity level, health history, day-to-day schedule and personal preferences. Nutrition Tips for All Ages Try to build a balanced plate with protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, produce (fruits/vegetables) and healthy fats for most meals. Keep water accessible and sip throughout the day, especially with higher activity or warmer weather. Notice which meals leave you energized verses tired and adjust gradually. Healthy habits are important, and preventive care can help identify potential issues early. Annual wellness visits with a primary care provider are also a good time to review labs, medications or supplements, recommended screenings and any changes you’ve noticed in sleep or mood. Schedule an annual checkup with a primary care provider and keep a running list of questions. Bring your medication/supplement list to appointments to ensure safe coordination. Follow through on recommended screenings to address concerns early. Strengthening the mind Mental health is deeply connected to physical habits and daily rhythms. Movement, sleep and stress management can shape your mood and resilience. The most helpful routine is usually the one that feels realistic and sustainable, not the most intense plan. A study conducted at the AdventHealth Research Institute, led by Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., director of translational neuroscience at the AdventHealth Research Institute, showcased that everyday movement is connected to cognitive function. He shared, “The earlier we can positively influence the course of brain health the better off we’re likely to be in the long run.” Mind health tips Try a 10-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a short strength routine. A brief walk between tasks can help provide more mental clarity and reduce stress. Take part in a screen-free day or limit your screen time, especially before bed. Monitor your mood changes and reach out to your family, friends or to a professional for support. Brain health is influenced over time by everyday habits that include sleep quality, movement, stress management and mental engagement. Sleep supports memory, emotional regulation and sharper thinking the next day. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule for most days of the week. Create a wind-down routine such as dimming the lights and pair with a calming activity such as reading, journaling or prayer Be mindful of late-day stimulants such as heavy meals close to bedtime which may disrupt sleep for some people. Nourishing the spirit Spiritual wellbeing gives depth and direction to whole health. Staying centered in Christ can offer steadiness and provide peace, purpose and a reminder that our worth isn’t measured by productivity or performance. “Daily practices are vital to maintaining peace and purpose in life, from exercise, to prayer, to reflection on Scripture,” says Kennedy. “Reading and reflecting on Scripture constantly reminds us of eternal truths that serve as an anchor. Prayer is a releasing of anxiety to God, who cares for us. It gives us the ability to rise above our challenges and see them in their proper perspective.” Daily spiritual health practices Begin the day with prayer, Scripture or a gratitude practice. Take micro-pauses such as slow breaths and short prayer before a meeting or after a stressful moment. Stay connected to community through worship, small groups and service activities as they strengthen spiritual resilience. Living a well-rounded and whole life Whole health is not about perfection but it grows through small, intentional choices repeated over time. These choices help you feel grounded, resilient and connected. If you’re not sure where to start, choose one small step in each category this week: Body: add one serving of produce per day or take a 10-minute walk after lunch. Mind: maintain a consistent bedtime or schedule one screen-free break. Spirit: start a two-minute morning prayer habit or write down three things you are grateful for each evening. At AdventHealth, community members of all ages can take part in classes and activities free of charge to help you live a whole life. Participate in cooking demos, become certified in Basic Life Support or take a class to learn how to support your loved ones. Get started by visiting: AdventHealth.com/Events For more health tips, visit: AdventHealth.com/Blogs
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Jesse Hawkins and Mary (Palmer) Cook: Missionaries to Kansas A Quaker from Ohio and a Quakeress from Ontario married in Iowa, joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and become missionaries to Kansas.
– June 29, 2026In 2026 I will be exploring early Sabbatarian Adventists in the states that now comprise the Mid-America Union. There is no way to know who the first Millerite or Adventist was in each state. Instead, I will feature the first people to write to the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald (forerunner of the Adventist Review) from the territories or states in what is now the Mid-America Union. On March 6, 1866, the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald, published a letter from Mary M. Cook,* who had, with her family, recently arrived in Mound City, Linn County, Kansas. Mary’s letter began: Our journey to this State being ended, with thankful hearts we meet a few kind relatives with whom we have not mingled much since our childhood days. But they, like their neighbors, know but little of the third angel’s message. Our religious sentiments are a Wonder to them. Mary found Linn County a beautiful place and praised God not only for His creation, but for the protection of His angels on their journey. She also found it lonely, having left behind likeminded Adventist friends in Iowa. She concluded: We pray the Lord to turn the hearts of some of the friends this way that here we may raise a standard of the gospel. We beg the brethren and sisters to remember us in their devotions, that we may be humble, pure in heart, living for Christ alone. Among the possible relatives Mary joined in Mound City were her brother Isaac Brock Palmer (1827-1908), his wife Hannah, and their children. Mary and Isaac’s grandparents had moved to Canada West (Ontario) from New York when their father, Abraham Sr. (1795-1862), was young. Abraham Sr. married Catharine Bradshaw (d. 1852) in the Quaker Leeds Monthly Meeting in 1821, and all of their children were born in Canada, including Mary who was born about 1826. The family moved to Iowa around 1848-1850. The date is obscured by conflicting information. Mary and Isaac’s brother, Abraham Jr., claimed in 1910 that he had arrived in Chicago, Illinois, aboard the Empire State (a Great Lakes steamer that operated between Buffalo, New York, and Chicago, Illinois, in May 1848; however, the Empire State did not begin passenger service until October 1848). The Leeds Monthly Meeting did not remove Abraham Sr. and Catharine from its roll until February 14, 1850. Regardless, upon arrival in Iowa, the Palmer family briefly settled in the Quaker town of Salem, Iowa. They would relocate several times before Abraham Sr. and his second wife, Sarah, settled in Grinnell, Poweshiek County, Iowa. A week after Mary’s letter was published, a letter from her husband, Jesse H. Cook,** to the Review was also published. There are in these parts six of us who are trying to live in obedience to the requirements of the third angel’s message. Here is a wide field of labor for those who have the cause at heart. . .At present we feel somewhat lonesome being so far separated from the people of God, and the endearing associations connected there with. Yet we are not without hope, for we realize even here, that God is the portion of all those who put their trust in him. . . Jesse had also come from a Quaker family. He was the seventh child of Eli Cook (1777-1874) and Elizabeth Denny (1801-1874) who had married on November 12, 1817, in the Elk Monthly Meeting in Preble, Ohio. Jesse was born in Preble, Ohio, on July 13, 1828. His ancestors had followed the Quaker migration from Pennsylvania to the Carolinas and then to Ohio. While the search for land motivated Quakers to move from Pennsylvania to points south in the 1760s, anti-slavery sentiment drove them to seek free soil in Ohio and Indiana in the early 1800s. In 1837 they were most likely again seeking land when the Cooks joined a group of Quakers who founded Salem, Iowa. Thus, they were among the first Quakers to settle west of the Mississippi River. Anti-slavery sentiment was strong in Salem, and its proximity to Missouri made it an important part of the western Underground Railroad. Quakers in Salem sharply disagreed on how to help freedom seekers, and the monthly meeting split between those who actively assisted freedom seekers and those who merely protested enslavement but refrained from breaking the law. In 1846 the Salem Monthly Meeting took disciplinary action against an Elizabeth Cook for “Neglecting the attendance of our religious meetings and uniting with the separatist[s].” The separatists were active participants in the Underground Railroad, and given the date this woman was likely Jesse’s mother. (Cedar Creek and Its People) From Quaker to Adventist While it is easy to conjecture how Jesse and Mary met in Henry County, where they married on February 8, 1851, there is no information tracing their spiritual journey from Quakerism to Adventism. They remained in Salem Township, Henry County, Iowa, through 1852 and perhaps longer. By 1860 they were living in Lynn Grove, Jasper County, Iowa, with their four children—Almira E. (1851-1871), Horatio Nelson (1855-1931), Cordelia Ellen (1857-1936), and Melissa M. (1859-1947). In 1863, Jesse registered for the Civil War draft in Pleasant Grove Township, Marion County, Iowa. Comparing the locations of Adventist preachers and churches in Iowa, it appears that Jesse and Mary Cook encountered Seventh-day Adventists in Marion County where one of the first churches was organized at Knoxville. Moses Hull preached in Pleasantville, Iowa, (a town in Pleasant Grove Township) in 1860 where 12-15 unnamed people joined the Adventists (Review). Jesse and Mary may have been in this group. Kansas Conference Founder While Jesse H. Cook was not a minister and held no official position in the Seventh-day Adventist denomination in 1866, he exhibited leadership in Kansas from the start. In March 1868 he announced the first quarterly meeting of Seventh-day Adventists in southern Kansas (Review). While it is not clear if the six Adventists Jesse referred to in his letter were only his family or whether he meant <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/jesse-hawkins-and-mary-palmer-cook-missionaries-to-kansas/" title="Continue reading Jesse Hawkins and Mary (Palmer) Cook: Missionaries to Kansas A Quaker from Ohio and a Quakeress from Ontario married in Iowa, joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and become missionaries to Kansas.“>Read more…