Set against the rugged backdrop of the Badlands, the Dakota Conference hosted its 30th Annual Men’s Retreat last March at the Rough Riders Hotel in Medora, North Dakota. With the theme Locked and Loaded: Being Minutemen for Jesus, the weekend offered men a space to grow spiritually, connect with one another, and be challenged to live with courage and conviction in today’s world.
A group of nearly 70 men from across North and South Dakota gathered to hear keynote speaker Dr. Sergo Namoradze. Raised an atheist in Soviet Georgia, Sergo’s journey to faith began when he encountered a Bible during a government-sponsored visit to the United States. That moment of curiosity sparked a life-changing transformation. Today Sergo serves with Adventist Frontier Missions, coaching missionaries to share the gospel with cultural sensitivity and compassion. His messages throughout the weekend testified to the power of God’s Word to penetrate even the most unlikely hearts.
Dakota Conference president Elder Vernon Herholdt also shared his testimony. A former child protection and SWAT officer in South Africa, Vernon described his search for something more than the violence and trauma he encountered on the job. His story of redemption through Jesus Christ offered attendees a vivid picture of how God reshapes lives from the inside out.
Returning speaker Ed Dickerson, known across the Mid-America Union for his thoughtful teaching and soft-spoken wisdom, led sessions on understanding Scripture in its historical and cultural context. His insights helped attendees connect more deeply with the biblical narrative and discover God’s heart behind the commands.
Attendee Brooks Payne encouraged fellow participants to remain spiritually alert in a world that often resists faith. “Always be ready to give a reason for the hope within you,” he reminded, echoing the call to live as faithful witnesses in everyday life.
Behind the scenes, Dakota Conference men’s ministries coordinator Randy Rubbert played a vital role in organizing the event. A member of the Grand Forks Church in North Dakota, Randy works in general aviation and brings both a practical mindset and a heart for ministry to his role. He seeks to make each retreat inspiring, beneficial and welcoming to men of all ages and spiritual experience. His commitment helps make the annual retreat a consistent highlight for men across the conference.
Beyond the worship and workshops, men enjoyed warm hospitality provided by the Medora Foundation, whose team catered the weekend with kindness and professionalism.
For three decades, this retreat has equipped men to be stronger leaders in their homes, churches and communities. This year was no different. As the weekend ended, men left not just encouraged—but ready. Ready to serve, to lead, and to stand as “minutemen for Jesus” wherever God calls them next.
Information provided by Randy Rubbert, Dakota Conference men’s ministries coordinator
