OUTLOOK – May 2022

MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION

MAY2022 FEATURING UNION COLLEGE STUDENT WRITERS OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

in defense of the

COLOR ORANGE

MAGAZINE MAY 2022 PERSPECTIVES 4

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“GET OFF THE COUCH!” —Lori Peckham

FEATURES 6

IN DEFENSE OF THE COLOR ORANGE —Max Lassel

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FALLING INTO HIS ARMS —Mary Freeman

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MISS PINK FLAMINGO AND THE LAST SUPPER —Lyndsey Elsey

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WET AND SCARED —Shiloh Baillou

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LEARNING THE (ADVENTIST) LINGO —Micah Rose

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SLEEP WELL —Annika Cambigue

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THE MASTERCHEF —Enoch Alcala

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NEWS 13 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 31

MID-AMERICA UNION CENTRAL STATES DAKOTA IOWA-MISSOURI KANSAS-NEBRASKA MINNESOTA ROCKY MOUNTAIN ADVENTHEALTH FAREWELL INFOMARKET

OUTLOOK (ISSN 0887-977X) May 2022, Volume 43, Number 5. OUTLOOK is published monthly (10 months per year) by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing Association, Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional offices. USPS number 006-245. Postmaster: Send all UAA to CFS. Free for Mid-America church members and $12 per year for subscribers. ©2017 Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Unless otherwise credited, all images are iStock.

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

CONTACT us by email: info@maucsda.org or phone: 402.484.3000.

“I used to aimlessly read the Bible, and would end up frustrated.

Then I started looking into different methods. This allowed me to find what worked best for me, my ‘shade.’”—p. 6

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MID-AMERICA UNION CONFERENCE

ONLINE

mag.org

NEWS AND INSPIRATION

The Last Plane out of Ukraine outlookmag.org/the-last-planeout-of-ukraine

YOUR ORANGE, MY ORANGE Do you like the color orange? This year’s student writers from Union College take an in-depth look at “finding your shade” as they share personal stories and experiences from their own faith journeys.

We pray you will be blessed by this collection of short feature stories and will want to share them with friends. It’s easy to do from outlookmag.org where all the stories will be posted individually, or from issuu.com/outlookmag where the entire magazine (and back issues) can be read online.

May God bless us every day as we discover that He always has more for us ... in every shade of every color!

OUTLOOK STAFF Editor: Brenda Dickerson Managing Editor: Barb Engquist Digital Media Manager: Hugh Davis outlookmag.org DESIGN Hallock Writing & Design brennanhallock.com

Central States Cryston Josiah josiah.c@central-states.org 913.371.1071 central-states.org Dakota Jodi Dossenko j.dossenko@gmail.com 701.751.6177 dakotaadventist.org

BRENDA DICKERSON editor

ON THE COVER

Butterfly Christians outlookmag.org/butterflychristians

midamericaadventist.org

CONFERENCE NEWS EDITORS

“The gifts of Jesus are ever fresh and new. The feast that He provides for the soul never fails to give satisfaction and joy” (Desire of Ages, 148).

Be Anxious for Nothing? outlookmag.org/be-anxiousfor-nothing

President Gary Thurber Secretary Hubert J. Morel Jr. Treasurer David VandeVere Church Ministries Tyrone Douglas Communication Brenda Dickerson Education LouAnn Howard Hispanic Ministries Roberto Correa Human Resources Raylene Jones Ministerial Craig Carr Religious Liberty Darrel Huenergardt Women’s Ministries Nancy Buxton

Students from Union College’s Feature Writing class are excited to share their stories with OUTLOOK readers.

More on p. 6 Photo by Joseph Lee/ Union College

Iowa-Missouri Christina Coston communication@imsda.org 515.223.1197 imsda.org Kansas-Nebraska Saul Dominguez sdominguez@ks-ne.org 785.478.4726 ks-ne.org Minnesota Savannah Carlson scarlson@mnsda.com 763.424.8923 mnsda.com Rocky Mountain Rajmund Dabrowski rayd@rmcsda.org 303.733.3771 rmcsda.org UNION COLLEGE Ryan Teller ryteller@ucollege.edu 402.486.2538 ucollege.edu

PERSPECTIVES

“Get Off the Couch!”

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bout a decade ago my young son and I sat in Katarina’s kitchen with some other invited moms and their children. As we munched on Katarina’s flaxseed carob-chip cookies, she suddenly clapped her hands. “Let me have your attention,” she said in her German accent. “We will now have worship in the family room.”

Her toddler son, Fritz, scowled. “When can we play?”

“Worship comes first.” Katarina led us to the family room and read a devotional. She then invited us to kneel for prayer.

Everyone complied . . . except Fritz.

Katarina squinted at him. “Get down on your knees, Fritz.”

“I don’t want to.” He delivered his verdict in a sing-song voice.

“We are kneeling to talk to Jesus. Get on the floor.”

“I want to stay here.” The young dissenter pushed farther into the back of the couch.

“Fritz!”

“I’m comperbull.” He hugged a pillow. “It’s soft.”

“Comfortable? Soft?” The pitch of Katarina’s voice rose with each word. “Jesus hung on the cross for you! And you can’t even kneel for Him?” This was one of those moments when I, while kneeling with my eyes half closed, tried to give the impression that I wasn’t listening. But I not only heard every word of their exchange, I couldn’t forget it.

“Jesus hung on the cross for you! And you can’t even . . .”

As those words echoed in my mind over the next months (and still do), I completed the sentence in personal ways: You can’t even . . .

• get up 30 minutes earlier to have devotional time with God. • dig into your vacation fund to help a

4 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

refugee family.

• volunteer your afternoon to move someone’s heavy books.

• give up social media every seven days to focus on spiritual thoughts.

As I rehearsed the sentence for myself, I realized that the “can’t” really needed to be “won’t.”

“You won’t even . . .” These were daily choices I was making—choices to stay on the cushy couch when God might be calling me to more spiritual disciplines like prayer, Bible study, temperance, stewardship and service.

And then I thought about the rich young ruler (Matt. 19:16-22; Mark 10:17-22; Luke 18:18-23). Three gospels record his brief interaction with Jesus, and all three have basically the same details, including the challenge Jesus gave him: “sell your possessions, give to the poor, and follow Me.” The OUTLOOK theme this year is There’s More: Strengthening Our Spirituality. And that’s exactly what Jesus was telling this young man: “There’s more you can experience and give.”

He is actually a well-known Bible character because of this galvanizing exchange, yet I can’t help but wonder what more we would be reading about if he’d followed Jesus’ call.

In the same way, what more are you and I missing because we’re too comfortable? We want to be in a soft, warm, secure place.

But is there more? What is the more Jesus is offering you today?

Fritz did finally get off the couch and onto his knees.

I hope we will do the same.

Lori Peckham teaches communication and English courses at Union College.

She has served as editor of Insight and Women of Spirit magazines and the “Guide’s Greatest” book series, as well as written for numerous publications.

PERSPECTIVES

The 2022 Feature Writing class (L to R): Mary Freeman, Micah Rose, Lyndsey Elsey, Annika Cambigue, Shiloh Baillou, Enoch Alcala, Professor Lori Peckham, Max Lassel Photo by Joseph Lee/Union College

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 5

In Defense of the

COLOR ORANGE “What’s your least favorite color?” I asked in between bites of my cheese pizza.

Next time you are stumped with your worship habits, find your shade of orange.

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Devin leaned forward in the cafeteria booth. “That’s a hard question. I’ve never thought about that before.” He slouched back into his seat.

“Think about one that bothers you, makes you annoyed to see.” I took a sip of my mango smoothie.

Shooting up out of the booth he answered, “Orange!”

I ask this question frequently. It catches people off guard, and I like to see the reactions I can get. Everyone has a favorite color, so it’s interesting to see what comes up when asking for the opposite.

Over time I have started to notice a trend in the answers, with orange coming up as the least favorite color of them all.

I used to share a similar opinion; I thought orange was a detestable, annoying color that didn’t go with anything. I couldn’t get it to work with any of my outfits, it clashed on all of my graphic designs, and it was just a big eyesore for me to look at. This was before I found the shade that worked for me, and started figuring out what contexts I liked orange in. I started to apply orange to more color palettes, until I found combinations of colors that looked good next to each other, and different shades of orange that I found appealing.

I talked to one of my graphic design professors at Union College, Bruce Forbes, and he echoed this same idea: colors are subjective, and everyone has their own taste in what they find appealing.

Interestingly, his least favorite color is purple!

This caused me to come up with a simple theory: there are no “bad” colors. I just need to find my shade.

This theory is equally applicable to my experience of worship. I used to aimlessly read the Bible, with no direction, and would end up frustrated when the verses I was reading had no bearing on my life.

I got bitter. I started despising my worship periods altogether, seeing no progression in my spiritual journey. I was completely turned off from the idea of reading the Bible.

Then I started looking into different methods, which included quiet time, and reflections on short patches of text. This allowed me to find what worked best for me, my “shade.”

Next time you are stumped with your worship habits, don’t throw it out all together; take a step back, and find what works best for your life.

Find your shade of orange.

Max Lassel is a junior at Union College studying public relations.

Fa ll i well in life and then all of a sudden things change. This last summer, I had a close family member get sick out of nowhere and be hospitalized while I was out of state. In those moments, it was hard to feel like God was going to catch me. We all have ups and downs on our journey, and sometimes we make decisions that lead us off the path God has for us. As we fall, we can get hurt along the way.

Maybe the decisions you made put a strain on your relationships or made you feel like you weren’t worthy enough for God anymore.

You may even close your eyes and get ready to hit the ground, but God isn’t going to let that happen. He promises, “Even to your old age I am He, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save” (Isa. 46:4, ESV).

He will always be ready to catch you even if you get bumps and bruises along the way and feel like you can’t go on. He will pick you up and put you back on solid ground.

ng “ Into His Arms

“

I

’m gonna break my neck. That’s all I had time to think as I fell headfirst toward the ground. I had done this move dozens of times at gymnastics practice. How did it go so wrong? Moments before, I was so confident and excited. I had signaled my bases and told them I wanted to do a back tuck out of a toss. “Five, six, seven, eight …” I heard the count and jumped into their arms. I was flying through the air and began to rotate around, but then I stalled.

As I fell toward the ground, I heard gasps from all around the room and I knew things were going south. I closed my eyes and prepared for impact … but it never came. All I felt was strong arms wrapped around me. I opened my eyes and saw I was just inches from hitting the ground.

After being set down safely, I noticed everyone was looking at me. It wasn’t until then that I felt the pain in my face.

Looking into the camera on my phone I saw my eye was swollen and turning black and blue, and I felt very lightheaded. Even though my bases caught me, I got a black eye and a concussion. I was safe, but still hurt.

As I look back on this story, it reminds me of how our journey with God can be. I’ve experienced when everything seems to be going

He will always be ready to catch you even if you get bumps and bruises along the way and feel like you can’t go on. He will pick you up and put you back on solid ground.

Mary Freeman is a senior communication major at Union College. She has been on the Union College gymnastics team, the Gymnaires, for all four years of her college career.

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MAY 2022 7

Miss Pink

Miss Pink Flamingo sat upon Beth’s pillow, legs crossed, showcasing her pink feathers, blue eyes, and long lashes.

Once a vibrant fuchsia plushie, she was now worn from use. Beth received Miss Pink Flamingo from her mother as a child, but now she was passing the plush along to her boyfriend, Brian, before his departure to Australia.

Beth met Brian at the age of 20. After they had dated for six months, Brian needed to take a semester at a school in Australia. Beth wouldn’t get to see him for four whole months. Even worse, there would be pretty Australian girls waiting for him there. Beth couldn’t stand the thought of losing him.

As the couple said their goodbyes at the airport, Beth gave Brian one last hug. When she pulled away, she placed Miss Pink Flamingo in his hands.

“Here,” she said. “Take care of Miss Pink Flamingo. When you get to the dorm, place her upon your pillow.” With a smile she added, “She will help you remember me.”

Brian planted a kiss goodbye on Beth’s forehead. With one last wave, he was gone. He was not excited about taking Miss Pink Flamingo along with him, but he did. Brian carried her onto the airplane along with his hand-held luggage.

Just as Beth asked, Miss Pink Flamingo had a place on Brian’s pillow. During his stay, people would come into Brian’s room and ask about the flamingo. Brian would smile and talk about his girlfriend, Beth. Soon enough, Brian grew fond of Miss Pink Flamingo, as whenever he saw her he thought of Beth.

In remembrance of Me In 1 Cor. 11:23-26, we are told that “The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.’ In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, ‘This cup

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is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.’ For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”

Jesus wants us to remember Him and from this passage, it is clear that He wants us to do so through the communion service. The bread represents His body that was broken for us. The cup reminds us of His blood that was spilled for us.

When we eat the bread and drink the cup we proclaim the Lord’s death until His promised return.

Nowhere else in Scripture does Jesus Himself take emblems and ask us to remember Him by that thing. The bread and cup are important because they are reminders that God loves each one of us so much that He gave His son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for our sins. By accepting Jesus as our Savior and believing in Him we are saved. Jesus never wanted us to forget His sacrifice on the cross and how much He loves us, so He gave us the bread and cup to remember Him.

In anticipation of heaven Once his semester in Australia was finished, Brian returned to Beth. They ended up getting married. On their bed between the pillows sits Miss Pink Flamingo, a reminder of their time apart and their new adventures together.

When we celebrate communion, we remember the cost of our salvation and how much God loves us, but we should also look forward to the day that we celebrate communion in heaven with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Lyndsey Elsey is an English major at Union College. Her interests include doodling dinosaurs and taking long walks on the beach.

WET AND

“The victim loses consciousness, stops struggling, and gives up the rest of their air.”

sunset.

“Yo! We need to head back soon if we are still gonna get This description of food,” said Janz drowning became as he dove back into reality to me as I the water and headed slipped under the for the shore. Two of my water. other friends, Jared and Dave, quickly went too, with It all happened during the absurd athletic strength my last year of high school. they still had to keep swimOur senior class went on ming. Thinking I had recova cruise to the Bahamas, ered enough, I too dove into specifically to the island the water as the last person. resort called Coco Cay. We During my swim, I could spent most of the day doing feel all my strength leaving various fun activities like because I was still exhausted. volleyball, foot racing and I’ll try that thing my uncle snorkeling. Toward the taught me, I thought. So I end of the day, a few of my rolled to my back and tried friends and I decided to go floating to rest and gain swimming before it got too strength. But the ocean waves late. We saw wooden pallets prevented this, and eventuanchored out in the ocean for ally I got pulled underwater. us to swim to, and we swam Attempting to get back to to each pallet, going farther the surface, I flailed my arms and farther from the shoreand legs, but it only helped line until we reached the last keep my head bobbing. After one. I don’t think my arms realizing the seriousness of can work after this, I thought the situation, my heart began as I collapsed from exhausto race. tion with my friends.

“HELP! HELP! PLEASE, Minutes later, we heard our LIFEGUARD!” I screamed chaperones shouting from louder than ever before shore at everyone to hurry up in my life not knowing if and return to the ship before anyone was around to hear

me. My body became fully submerged and I could feel myself inhaling sea water.

The only thing that came to my mind was God. I knew I couldn’t speak but as my mind started getting dizzy I prayed. “Please help me, God! Don’t let this be the end for me! I want to live this life You gave me!”

I screamed internally. I could feel my subconscious fading in and out when I suddenly felt a strong hand pull me out of the water and onto a flat board. I gasped for air then started coughing up all the saltwater I had just swallowed.

“Whoa! You okay there, son?” asked the lifeguard who had just saved me.

Unable to really talk, I nodded and gave a thumbs up. I was taken to shore, where the nurse on duty took care of me. After feeling better, I tried looking for the lifeguard who rescued me, but after asking around, it seemed the lifeguard had disappeared.

Whether he was an actual lifeguard or an angel sent by God, I was grateful for what God had done for me. After that experience, my spiritual walk became much more important in my life.

I wanted to know why God had saved me, and

when I thought of the question this verse popped into my head: “Don’t fear because I am with you; don’t be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will surely help you; I will hold you with my righteous strong hand” (Isa. 41:10, NASB).

Just like when Jesus pulled Peter out of the water when the storm was rough, God will pull us out of storms in our lives that are too big for us to handle on our own.

And His hand is way stronger than any lifeguard’s.

Shiloh Baillou is a junior communication major at Union College.

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MAY 2022 9

LEARNING THE (ADVENTIST) LINGO words or references Adventist Sabbath? Pathfinders? Haystacks? How confusing— events my family doesn’t know about.” well, at least for those of us who weren’t raised Adventist.

The Adventist subculture and lingo is fun and makes Adventists unique. There’s a arlier in my life, I certainly wasn’t familiar with these things. sense of unity in these things, They didn’t ring a bell for me like they might for others. I was and even when someone is new to this group called the “Seventh-day Adventists,” who, unfamiliar with them, it’ll all as far as I knew, ate strange foods and didn’t have fun on the make sense eventually as they weekend. Coming into Adventism was sort of like walking into a become fluent. room where the people in it are either playing a board game you don’t understand or speaking a language you don’t speak. There are certain norms and expectations that are definitely not negative things—just different!

When I was about the age of 11, I was brought into the Adventist sphere of influence by a family member who began attending an Adventist church. Soon enough, I too was attending the same church and found myself in Vacation Bible School, an Adventist middle school, and Pathfinders. One overarching thing everyone spoke of was the Sabbath, which was a completely new word for me. Prior to Adventism I was raised non-denominational, so the idea that on the same day I went to church also meant I couldn’t Micah Rose is a compartake in so many activities, like watching certain movies/shows, was very odd to my younger self. Many times when I was told “You munication major from Alpharetta, Georgia, can’t do that—it’s Sabbath” or “We can’t go there today” I would actually get upset and heavily question this new church I was going attending Union College in to. However, eventually I came to understand the reasons why and Lincoln, Nebraska. became just as used to it as those raised following the Sabbath. I came to learn that Sabbath is not just a day of rules or no fun; it’s a day to observe what God has given us, and a day to rest as He did upon the same day.

I know I’m not the only one who has had this experience. Many others have found themselves in culture shock when first encountering Adventism. A friend informed me of her transition into Adventism and what struck her the most: she was raised Presbyterian, a Protestant denomination that greatly differs from Adventism. She stated, “It was weird; definitely not what I was used to. The theology was really new, including the idea that the dead don’t go to heaven upon death. But the theology wasn’t the only weird thing to me.

People used lingo I just wasn’t used to. Names for food, events and other things associated with Adventism were constantly thrown at me, which was a little alienating. I eventually came to know these words, either from being around other Adventists long enough to learn them, or by asking for explanations. After a while, I too was using the Adventist lingo. You just become sort of used to it all, and it becomes new and exciting. Now I’m the one that uses ‘weird’

E

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If somebody is new to Adventism and does not understand these terms, help them out!

A good way to do so is to explain what they mean.

Special-K Loaf

A baked loaf made from Special-K cereal

Haystacks

The Adventist spin on taco salad

General Conference Session

World church business meeting every five years

Pathfinders

The Adventist co-ed version of Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts

Ellen G. White

Co-founder of the Seventhday Adventist Church

Big Franks

Vegetarian hot dogs

S

well

health issues. Your doctor can make sure everything is well with you and help create a plan to treat you.

On that sleepless night, God did answer me but not in the way I expected. For years I had been afraid of insomnia and the way it seemed to Limit blue light exposure overpower me. But “God has not given us a spirit of fear from electronics in the and timidity, but of power, evening. I already knew love, and self-discipline” I shouldn’t be scrolling late (2 Tim. 1:7, NLT). into the night. Finding the Although practicing willpower to stop was the healthy habits takes selfchallenge. Now I put my control, God gives me the phone down an hour before strength I need to keep going.

I go to bed and charge my With a rested body, I can electronics as far away from truly experience and celebrate my bed as possible. the spiritual rest I find in my Follow a nightly routine. relationship with Him. We are creatures of habit, whether we like it or not. The 1. Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, p. 392 American Sleep Association 2. https://www.sleepassociation.org/ recommends performing a blog-post/why-you-should-onlyuse-your-bed-for-sleeping/ calming bedtime routine at 3. https://www.sleepassociation.org/ the same time each night. about-sleep/how-to-fall-asleep/ When I do the same tasks in the same order every evening, I am telling my brain it is time to wind down for bed. My favorite part of my nightly routine is a hot shower, which I use to reflect on my day.

Building spirituality with sleep hygiene

“God, I’ve been praying for so long!”

I cried. “Why won’t You answer me?”

The clock beside my bed read 1:30 am, and once again, I was awake. This time, I had spent hours pouring my heart out to God about my problems and begging for a reply. I lay huddled under my covers, eyes wide open and burning with tears. I finally paused in my monologue, and in that moment of silence peace pressed down on me like a heavy quilt. As I let my eyes close in relief, I felt God’s loving whisper in my heart: “You need to go to sleep. We’ll talk about it in the morning.”

Insomnia has been a struggle of mine for many years.

I knew my sleeplessness was damaging my physical and mental health, but I had no idea how much it was impairing my relationships with people, and more importantly, with God. In Mind, Character, and Personality, Vol. 2, Ellen White writes, “The health of the body is to be regarded as essential for growth in grace and the acquirement of an even

temper.”1 Chronic sleeplessness can hold us back from reaping the full benefits of a relationship with God. When I began practicing healthy sleep habits, I saw dramatic benefits in my spiritual life. A good night’s sleep allows me to see clearly God’s hand at work in the world around me, more so than I ever did when I lived life in an exhausted daze.

I gained control of my insomnia by following these guidelines for good sleep hygiene. Although they require self-discipline to implement, the results have been life-changing for me.

Only use the bed for sleeping. This was the most difficult change to make, and the most rewarding. I loved to read, watch TV and do work from the comfort of my bed. But according to the American Sleep Association’s website, “When you work from your bed, your brain starts to associate your bedroom with work. That means when you try to fall asleep at night, your brain won’t cooperate.”2 Reteaching my brain that my bed is only for sleeping was a long process, but worth it.

Use a heavy or weighted blanket. The pressure a heavy quilt or weighted blanket provides can be very calming. I’ve found that using one helps me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.

Talk to your doctor.

Occasionally chronic insomnia can be a symptom of other

Annika Cambigue is a junior at Union College, majoring in English and communication. She lives in Dayton, Ohio.

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MAY 2022 11

The Masterchef A Parable

One

day, in a big city, a young chef debated on what should be his signature recipe for his upcoming culinary battle.

His opponent was famed for having three Michelin stars and thousands of customers. As evening approached, the young chef decided to go to bed.

He dreamed of what he could only describe as The Masterchef. As he slept, a person appeared in a pure white chef ’s coat and gave him a recipe that was sure to provide him with a win. “There will be several cooks at your door tomorrow,” the Masterchef said. “Show them this recipe, and they’ll help you prepare it.”

The following day, he woke up and heard a knock at his door. “Do you have the recipe?” asked one of the cooks. The young chef looked around frantically until he checked his back pocket; a folded paper containing the recipe was inside. “Let’s get cooking!” the chef said.

As they worked, everyone was happy and eventually finished the final recipe. The young chef tasted the food, and it was terrific. All the flavors melded together to create a symphony. It was like a choir of angels singing with each bite of the food, and those were just the side dishes. The main course was as if he was in the presence of The Holy One himself.

While it tasted amazing, the young chef still had a few days to practice, so he asked the cooks to come back the next day.

The young chef went to bed and started to think about the recipe and any way to tweak it to make it better.

He woke up the next morning and heard the doorbell, and when he

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opened his door, they began to practice again. As the cooks prepped the dishes, the young chef added something new.

“What are you doing?” one of them asked.

“I just think it’ll taste better with this in the food.”

“O- okay then …” the cook stammered but continued cooking.

The food tasted good, but this time there was something about it that he didn’t like as much. The next day the cooks came back, and he changed the recipe again.

“But The Masterchef made this recipe for you,” one of them objected.

“Oh, I’m sure he won’t mind.”

“Well, okay…” The cooks worked even slower this time.

The food tasted okay, but something was missing. The young chef had one more day to practice. This time, he changed the main protein.

“But The Masterchef made this recipe for you. Why would you change it?” asked one of the cooks.

“Because,” the young chef stated, “I. Don’t. Care. It’s my recipe now, and I can do whatever I want with it.”

The cooks sadly sighed. The food came out okay, but there was something off about it again.

Finally, the day of the competition came, and it was time for the culinary battle. The young chef and his opponent pulled out all their ingredients and began to work.

Once the chefs finished the meals, they brought out their food for the judges to critique. The judges gave the young chef ’s opponent great reviews and complimented each little piece. Once the critics finished with his opponent, the young chef gulped

and presented his dish. The judges critiqued every detail. His opponent won by a landslide, and the young chef sobbed into his counter. He knew he could have done better. He now knew that he would have been the winner if only he hadn’t modified the recipe. He wiped his tears and was desperate to redeem himself.

“I demand a rematch!” the young chef cried, slamming his countertop.

After much discussion, the judges agreed that there would be a second battle the following week on the same day and time.

The following day he woke up with no cooks at his door. As he sulked, he heard his doorbell. He could not believe his eyes. It was The Masterchef; the young chef fell on his knees. The Masterchef smiled and lifted him to his feet. “Boy, do I have a recipe for you.”

Enoch Alcala is an English major at Union College. He plans to author fantasy and fiction novels. He also plans to take culinary classes to become a cook or a chef at a restaurant.

Kingdom of

ADVENTIST EDUCATION

Of Such Is the

S

he bounced through the door and beamed from ear to ear as she exclaimed, “Guess what!? I finished all my Bible studies! Now I can get baptized!” My heart was full to overflowing as I celebrated with her and, just two days later, witnessed my fourth-grade student lead her mother into the waters of baptism. What a privilege it was to watch these two precious souls give their lives to Jesus with brand new commitment and to see them experience a new relationship with Him. Just two years prior to this experience our school decided to incorporate several Preview Days into our marketing efforts. We now choose various school days throughout

each school year and invite students from our community to join us for the day. Students are invited to Preview Days on days when our calendar differs from the local public school district’s schedule.

This allows visiting students to preview what Hillcrest Adventist Elementary School has to offer without missing any class time at their own schools. Leading up to our first Hillcrest Preview Day, Matia’s family heard the radio spot advertising our event and decided to check it out.

As time went on, God continued to lead and guide in amazing ways. After visiting during our spring Preview Day, Matia’s family enrolled her to start the following

Matia and her mother, Lacey, were baptized at the Jamestown Adventist Church by Pastor Justin Walker.

Heaven

school year. That fall they immediately immersed themselves in our church and school family. Matia attentively soaked up class worships, asked amazingly insightful questions in Bible class, and openly shared her growing love for Jesus with her classmates and me.

Watching her relationship with her Maker grow and mature into a real and personal experience has been a priceless privilege to behold.

Matia’s eager participation in worship, Bible studies and Bible class at school, regular Sabbath school attendance, as well as a willingness to engage in any kind of spiritual conversation, soon grew to another level. Her love for Jesus inspired her mother and ignited a quest for biblical truth in their home. She became interested in baptismal studies and her excitement influenced her mother to also request baptismal studies with one of our pastors. Together, mother and daughter completed all their baptismal studies with sincere eagerness and were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church on Feb. 19.

Matt. 19:14 was recited from the baptismal tank as Matia’s love for Jesus is a beautiful embodiment of these words: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Recapping the details of Matia’s journey is a refreshing reminder of why we do what we do as Christian educators.

This sweet, outgoing young lady visited our Preview Day as a second grader, enrolled that fall as a third grader, then as a fourth-grader completed baptismal studies and not only gave her life to Jesus, but also led her mother in the same decision. To God be the glory!

While Matia’s story is beautiful and inspiring, not all faith journeys unfold so quickly and smoothly. As educators, pastors and also as lay disciples of Jesus, we don’t always have the privilege of reaping (or even hearing news of) the harvest produced by the seeds we sow. However, I want to urge you to keep sowing those seeds. I want to leave you with the reassuring encouragement of Gal. 6:9, “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”

Tabitha Coto is the lower grades teacher at Hillcrest Adventist Elementary School in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Photos: Tabitha Coto

MID-AMERICA UNION NEWS

St. Louis Metropolitan Adventist Health Clinic Holds First Pop-up Clinic

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free health clinic was recently held in St. Louis at the Northside Church’s gymnasium. The clinic, which was open for two hours on Sunday, Feb. 27, served over 20 people.

The clinic provided health screening services, spiritual counseling and prayer, mental health screenings and home remedy seminars.

These services were administered by more than 30 volunteers from local Adventist churches in the St. Louis area.

The pop-up health clinic was the first event overseen by the St. Louis Metropolitan Adventist Health Clinic (STLMHC), a steering committee that was formed in 2021 with the purpose of making healthcare more easily accessible to the underserved in St. Louis.

The idea to start a free health clinic in St. Louis was introduced by Geoffrey Ikpeama, a member of the St. Louis Central Church and vice president for STLMHC. During a trip to Nigeria, Ikpeama witnessed a free temporary health clinic which offered basic services to those in need. Ikpeama, whose background is in public health, was inspired by what he saw.

“Seeing that really made me think, Okay, you know, we could probably do something at least as basic as this in St. Louis,” Ikpeama recalled.

After returning to the United States, Ikpeama met

with Rob Alfalah, who at that time was the pastor for St. Louis Central Church and a representative for Adventist Ministers and Pastors of St. Louis (AMPS). AMPS is an organization to connect pastors and churches in the St. Louis metropolitan area with the intent of ministry and fellowship. AMPS has members from the Central States Conference, Illinois Conference, Iowa-Missouri Conference and Lake Region Conference.

Ikpeama and Alfalah discussed the idea of holding a similar clinic in the St. Louis area to the one Ikpeama had seen in Nigeria. Alfalah thought it was a great concept and brought the idea to the chair of AMPS, Abraham Weekes.

Weekes saw the potential of a health initiative in the St. Louis area and believed any health efforts would be best accomplished by the different conferences in the St. Louis area working together.

“The thought was that, consistent with the mission and the vision of AMPS, it just might be that working together we can accomplish more at times,” Weekes said.

With the support of AMPS, a steering committee was formed. Trevor Barnes, pastor for the Northside Church, was appointed president for the STLMHC. Barnes, who previously conducted similar outreaches in Sacramento, believed a health clinic would

be beneficial to St. Louis.

“I resonated with [the possibility of doing a health clinic]. I thought it was a great idea,” Barnes reflected.

For months, the STLMHC group planned the logistics of their ministry. The group developed a three-phase plan to bring free health services to the underserved in St. Louis. As stated on STLMHC’s website, the first phase is to host pop-up clinics. The second phase is to purchase a medical van to serve as a vehicle for a mobile clinic. The third and final phase is to build a lifestyle center.

With this infrastructure in place, the team planned the first pop-up clinic. Upon completion, the team considers the event a success.

In addition to serving the community’s health needs, the group also hoped their efforts would form connections between the local Adventist churches and the community.

“We’re trying to build relationships with the community,” Ikpeama said.

Photos: Jim Guy

14 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

The clinic attracted the attention of a local news outlet who interviewed Barnes about the clinic. Barnes said the news anchor had never heard of Seventh-day Adventists and struggled to pronounce the denomination’s name correctly.

“The church has to be able to be known in the community,” Barnes said. “And I feel this is a great way to be able to do that.”

Christina Coston is communication director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.

STLMHC plans to hold a second popup clinic in June.

The group is still finalizing details for the event and will update their website after the specifics are confirmed.

UNION COLLEGE

Eno Named VP for Academic Administration

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ebbie Eno has been appointed to the position of vice president for Academic Administration at Union College. Having served as the interim VP for almost a year, she enters the role already experienced in leading Union’s faculty and academic operations.

After graduating from Union in 1999, she worked in Lincoln as a medical/ surgical nurse. She became a traveling nurse and during that time completed a postgraduate degree. In 2003 she returned to Union as a nursing professor.

Eventually, she advanced to Nursing Program director, helping build the nursing school into one of Nebraska’s top programs— consistently earning the best first-time board pass rate scores in the state.

In 2011 students chose her as Teacher of the Year.

“I love teaching and being in the classroom,” she said.

Even now, she plans to continue teaching a research class for nurses.

Eno spent the last several years in the Academic Administration office, most recently serving as one of three academic deans at Union, each of whom oversees the administration of several academic disciplines.

During that time she oversaw many college programs, including communication, business and the popular

Scott Cushman/Union College

Long-time Union College professor Debbie Eno has been named the vice president for Academic Administration at Union College.

International Rescue and Relief program.

She was approached about a promotion to the top academic position last summer, but she waved it off.

She did agree to step in as an interim VP. “I thought it was good for the college to have someone in that role while the search committee did its work,” she said.

While she worked as the interim, her colleagues took notice of how adept she was at her temporary position. “In just the short time she was interim, she moved along initiatives and projects that had been in the wings for years,” said Union president Vinita Sauder. “She is a results-oriented leader. And very good at collaborating and working with teams.”

Union College uses Gallup testing to measure the strengths of the staff, and dealing with responsibility is recognized as one of Eno’s strengths. It is a strength she will need in her new position.

“It is a lot of responsibility to keep our current academic offerings market-matched to the needs of the students,” she admits.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant program launched in 2020 is an example of how the college is adjusting its offerings to match the demands of the market.

“We looked for someone who fit the culture and could lead us forward,” said Sauder.

“She’s going to make sure our academic programs are sharp and up to date. Best of all, she approaches her job as a

calling and is committed to Christian education.”

When not engaged in the adventures of budgeting and accreditation reports, Eno and her family enjoy canoeing in the Boundary Waters and hiking Colorado’s fourteeners. Her husband, Alan, is a professor at the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communication. They have two young children, Devin and Elle.

“I’m always excited to see what the possibilities are for the next steps at Union,” said Eno. And now, she is ready to help set the direction of those steps.

Kim Peckham is director of communication strategy for Union College.

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MAY 2022 15

CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

continued at the West County Church. Elder Hubert J. Morel Jr., vice president of Venus Douglas administration for the MidAmerica Union, prayed for an anointing of God on the city of St. Louis and a blessing for all who are praying. Elder Bryant, the main speaker for the evening, focused on 2 Chron. 7:14, which states that if God’s people will humble The featured speaker on Union, said what a privilege it embers and church themselves and pray and turn Friday was Elder Mark will be to welcome the world leaders from four from their wicked ways, He Finley, special assistant to church to St. Louis not only conferences, two unions, the will hear them and forgive the president of the General this summer but also in 2025 North American Division their sins and heal their land.

Conference.

Finley, a wellwhen the GC Session will and the General Conference “God cannot resist a humble known evangelist, teacher again be held in St. Louis. gathered both in-person spirit,” said Bryant. “God and author in the Adventist North American Division in St. Louis and virtually stops what He is doing when Church for nearly 40 years, president Elder G. Alexander on March 18 and 19 for a we come with a humble and spoke on the prayer of Jesus Bryant, who became an weekend event titled Victory broken spirit and turns His recorded in John 17 where Adventist as a young man living Through Prayer. This prayer ear toward us.”

Jesus prays for Himself, for all in St. Louis, spoke about how initiative, hosted at both the Bryant went on to describe who believe in Him, for His important he believes it is to West County and Northside church, and for the salvation the process and power of “ask, seek and knock for the churches, is a prelude to the of humanity.

Finley also refprayer.

“Prayer is one of the Holy Spirit to be poured out” in GC Session scheduled to be erenced Eph. 6:13, which tells most powerful tools we have these last days of earth’ s history. held in St. Louis June 6-11. us to put on the whole armor and one of the least used,” he “This is to be a house of Pastor Keith Hackle Jr., of God that we may be able to stated.

“The angels marvel prayer for all people,” said who leads the Agape Church stand and endure to the end. that we pray so little because Pastor Trevor Barnes, Jr. in St. Louis, welcomed As the evening concluded, prayer is the key to move the who leads ministry at the participants the first evening sincere prayers were offered hand of God. If we pray, God Northside Church.

“I am and prayed for the Holy by three local members for will fulfill His promises.” delighted to have the opporSpirit’s presence and power. the “three doors” that need Musical ministry throughElder Roger Bernard, prestunity to host you all here this weekend.” to be opened for ministry in out the evening was provided ident of the Central States The Tabernacle of Praise St. Louis to move forward: by a team coordinated by Conference, talked about the Pastor Darren Robinson choir ministered through ministry to family; commuimportance of continuing to nity service and engagement; from the West County and pray and anticipate the things music, and musicians from South Side churches in the Berean Church also and the health message.

God will do. contributed to the worshipful On Sabbath, March 19, St. Louis. To conclude the Elder Gary Thurber, Victory through Prayer evening, three young people atmosphere. president of the Mid-America

Focus on Prayer Brings Members Together in St. Louis

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16 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

Courtesy Central States Conference

Elders Ordained in Colorado

offered deep and heartfelt prayers as members knelt in the pews.

Elder Tyrone Douglas, prayer ministries leader for the Mid-America Union, noted that “our nation is divided, our cities are divided and even some of our churches are divided.

The beauty of prayer is that it unifies and calls us to be of one accord.” Douglas also said that it was a blessing for members to come together to focus on praying for the city of St. Louis, the communities and families as we approach the upcoming General Conference Session.

“We’ve got to have two or three coming together to pray during this season to see the change that prayer makes,” said Gail Coridan, prayer ministries coordinator for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.

Pastor Robinson wrapped up the event by stating, “We need to continue praying for our families, our youth, our communities, people who need healing… We have a special part to play to glorify our Father.”

Brenda Dickerson is communication director for the Mid-America Union.

Three elders were ordained this year: (l-r) Ian Francis, Guy Harris, Masafiri Lugoe.

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embers of both the New Community and the Boston Street Adventist churches in the Denver area will long remember the elders’ ordination that took place on Sabbath, Jan. 22. It had been over 10 years since there had been an elders’ ordination service at either of the churches, making that Sabbath indeed a special day.

The ceremony started out with heavenly harp music by Erin Newton, followed by Wendy Bawnann who sang while playing the electric harp.

The charge was given

by Elder Roger Bernard, president of the Central States Conference. He challenged the elders to live a faithful life and to be courageous and ethical leaders like Joseph. The three elders being ordained were

Guy Harris from the Boston Street Church, Msafiri Lugoe also from the Boston Street Church, and Ian Francis from the New Community Church.

The concept of servant leadership is widely adopted and practiced in corporate America. Servant leadership in practice emphasizes interaction between management and employees to build and develop effective leadership qualities, and not emphasizing management and power. That is the model and concept the elders of both churches will be working toward to foster a more effective leadership team.

Elder Guy Harris said he accepted the call to serve as an elder due to the affirmation and support that was provided by the congregation.

He has been an elder since the beginning of 2021. “I will make a difference by establishing and supporting our local church with their community missions,” he said.

The elders harmoniously see their role as being able to support the local congregation spiritually and to provide leadership and guidance.

Elder Guy—along with all the other elders—has a common role, and that is to lead by example and pray for the power and baptism of the Holy Spirit.

Ian Francis is communication director for the New Community Church in Denver, Colorado.

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DAKOTA CONFERENCE

Charlie O’Hare: Last of the Old Guard Retires Rachel Fernando

in Pueblo, Colorado, and for the next two-and-a-half years saved money for graduate school. He was accepted into Old Dominion University, but when he went to his bosses and told them he was leaving, they didn’t want to let him go. They asked if he was interested in a management job with a substantial pay increase. Charlie decided to stay a while longer and attend grad school after he saved more money. harles O’Hare did not He was making good grow up as a Seventh-day money and life was going Adventist; his family regularly fairly well, but he felt like a attended a Baptist church. spiritual change was needed.

When he was just a boy, his It was about this time that he parents attended a Revelation saw an advertisement for a seminar in Cortez, Colorado, five-week Revelation semiwhere they had been favorably nar put on by an Adventist impressed with Adventists.

They never joined the church church. Charlie was dating a Catholic girl, who also but adopted some of the worked at the steel mill, and dietary practices and lifestyle and kept their positive view of things were getting serious.

His girlfriend’s family was Adventists. strict and would not accept Charlie graduated from a son-in-law from a different college in his early twenties faith. He knew he didn’t want with a degree in electronics to join the Catholic church, engineering. After college so he asked his girlfriend to he took a job at CF&I Steel

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18 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

go to the meetings with him.

She attended one night and then her father heard about it, which was the end of their relationship.

Despite this, Charlie continued to attend the meetings. The evangelist, Don Shelton, introduced him to a young woman who was also in attendance, and they began dating soon after. Joann and Charlie were both converted and became members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church at the end of the series. A year later, the couple was married.

Two years after the Revelation seminar and Charlie’s baptism, Elder Don Shelton came back to the area for another set of meetings.

When the meetings ended, Elder Shelton asked Charlie and Joann if they would be willing to travel with him across Rocky Mountain Conference to do evangelism.

Elder Shelton had purchased a high-quality camera since the couple last saw him. He planned to use the photos he

took with it to update and remake his seminar slides.

Without knowing it, the purchase entered his name into a contest where he won $100,000. From this money, he paid Charlie and Joann to travel with him for the next 10 months. Elder Shelton would record an audio version of his presentation, Joann would transcribe it, and then Charlie would take the slides of photos and text and arrange them—adding them to six carousels, ready for the projector. Joann used her gift of music to enhance the program and Charlie not only helped run the meetings but also visited area attendees.

Shortly after the meetings ended, the O’Hares sold their house in the Pueblo area and used the money to put Charlie through seminary at Andrews University. During this time, Elder Shelton had become the Dakota Conference president. As soon as Charlie graduated, Shelton called and extended an offer for the couple to

DAKOTA CONFERENCE serve in the Dakotas. On July 1, 1988, Charlie became a pastor at the Williston Church in the northwestern corner of North Dakota.

They stayed in the district for two-and-a-half years, moving to Wahpeton shortly after their first daughter, Rachel, was born. They pastored in Wahpeton for 10 years during which their second daughter, Rebecca, was born and Joann went to school for nursing.

From there the family moved to Rapid City to pastor a three-church district.

Charlie began to look at his options and was referred to a surgeon at John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica, California. Two surgeries, a nicked cranial nerve connected to his left eye, and many MRIs later, Charlie has had no change in the size of the remaining tumor.

After the Dakota Conference office moved to Bismarck, North Dakota, in 2012, Charlie and Joann relocated for the last time during his career. Charlie has enjoyed his time in the Trust Department. The transfer to A new opportunity trust work has allowed him to Conference president have a job that aligns with his Neil Biloff called Charlie way of thinking—methodical in 2008 and asked him to and logical. consider a move to the His favorite part of this Dakota Conference office to position has been getting become the trust director. At to know the people of the first Charlie said no; he was Dakotas in a way that he content where he was. After never could as a pastor. He administration asked him can still help the people he several more times, he prayed works with, not by solving about the matter and felt church problems, but by called to say yes. He realized assisting and guiding them that a change was needed in through their paperwork. his life, so the family moved Charlie estimates that he has to Pierre, South Dakota. helped 300-400 individuals In 2010, he began to have write wills, trusts, power of mild seizures, and not know- attorney documents, and ing what they were he began healthcare directives. taking extensive notes about After 35 years of his symptoms. He felt disoriented during the episodes and as they grew worse and happened more frequently, he realized he needed to see a doctor. The physician took one look at Charlie’s notes and immediately sent him to a larger hospital for testing.

He was diagnosed with a non-malignant pituitary tumor and had surgery soon after. The surgeon could not remove the whole tumor but did not feel it would grow back. When it did grow back,

ministering to the constituents of the Dakota Conference, Charlie has decided to retire. He has a bucket list of places to visit and things to do, the first of which will be to finish the restoration process of a graveyard in Ohio where O’Hare ancestors are buried.

He also plans to go back to Sierra Leone in Africa. His daughter and son-in-law, James and Rachel Fernando, work at the Waterloo Mission Hospital where Charlie plans to volunteer his handyman services and spend more time with his one-year-old grandson.

Charlie says he will miss the co-workers he has come to consider friends, as well as the people he has gotten to know while working in the Dakotas. He would like to thank his assistant, Julie Brude, for her help over the years. “This job would be impossible without her. I give her the more menial things like recording emails and logging messages. She gets to do all of those ‘fun’ things that takes the burden off of me and allows me to get to the things I need to. She has been such an asset because of

Elena Cornwell

her North Dakota roots and all of the people she knows.”

He thanks the members of the churches he pastored. He would also like to thank all the individuals and families he has worked with over the years creating documents, along with the other pastors in the conference. “They have been awesome!” Charlie says. He has gotten to know some of them very well over the years, especially the guys in the sound booth at camp meeting.

Charlie’s service has been greatly appreciated by the constituents of the Dakota Conference. His presence will be missed in the office and throughout the Dakotas.

Over the time Charlie has spent in the Dakota family, many things have come and gone but not his kind heart, steady work ethic, and painful dad jokes. There are very few pastors remaining in the Dakota Conference who served in pastoral ministry with Charlie, and he will be the last of the old guard to leave since he began his ministry those short 35 years ago.

Jodi Dossenko is communication director for the Dakota Conference.

Courtesy Charles O’Hare

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IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

From Amish to Adventist

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ary Gingerich was born and raised in an Amish community. She was committed to the church, married an Amish man and was raising her children in the Amish faith.

One year, Mary and her husband at the time decided to join a mail book club.

Each month the couple would receive a book in the mail. One of the books they received was The Power of Positive Thinking by Norman Vincent. Mary and her husband at the time were impacted by the book and told others in the community about its contents.

While Mary believed they were doing nothing wrong, many in the community believed the book contained witchcraft. Pastors visited her house asking her to burn the book. She and her husband at the time refused to do so, saying the book did not conflict with the Bible nor their Amish beliefs.

After refusing multiple times to burn the book, the community voted to excommunicate Mary and her family from the church.

Feeling excluded from their community, Mary and her

husband at the time decided they wanted to move.

The family had a lot of farm machinery they did not want to take with them, so they began planning a sale.

During this time, a man, who introduced himself as Mr. Jackson, knocked on the family’s door. He explained he was selling machinery.

Mary’s family said they weren’t interested because they were planning their own sale. Mr. Jackson spoke with the family for a few minutes to better understand their situation. He also realized the family would have a need in a couple months.

The family had huge strawberry patches that would soon be ready for picking.

In the past, the family relied on the Amish community to help pick all the strawberries.

Now excommunicated from the church, the family was unsure how they would pick all the strawberries before they went bad.

When Mr. Jackson heard of the family’s dilemma, he assured them not to worry. Mr. Jackson was an Adventist with connections to nearby Sunnydale Adventist Academy. When

harvest season came, Mr. Jackson returned with several students to help pick the strawberries. The family was surprised by the number of students who helped quickly pick the berries. It was a huge help to them.

Later that evening, Mr. Jackson returned with his own family and a Bible in-hand. Together they studied the Bible until 1 am. Mr. Jackson continued to come by the family’s house in the days and weeks that followed, answering questions the family had about the Bible.

“The way we were brought up [in the Amish community], they don’t really want you to study the Bible,” Mary said. “You listen to what the preacher says, and that’s good enough.”

Mary and her husband at the time began to learn more about the Bible and discovered some of the things they were taught growing up were untrue. They continued to study the Bible together and occasionally with Mr. Jackson. From those studies, they decided to be baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

No longer able to send

their children to the nearby Amish school due to their excommunication, the family sent their children to Sunnydale Adventist Elementary School.

However, due to financial struggles they pulled their children out of the school after a short time and sent them to public school.

A few years later, one of Mary’s daughters, Sarah, wanted to attend Sunnydale Adventist Academy. However, Mary was unsure how to pay the bill. To help with the expense, Sarah got a job on campus. A generous donor covered the rest of Sarah’s bill, and she was able to attend the academy for all four years.

“I don’t know who the donors were, but I want to say thank you to them,” Sarah said. “I really found Christ during my years at Sunnydale.”

Mary and Sarah said that if it were not for the immediate actions of a few people from the church, they are not sure where they would be today. Mary said each of those kind actions made the biggest difference.

Today, Mary encourages others to reach out to the Amish community. She says that many communities are more open to speaking with outsiders than they were in the past. She said, however, that the best way to reach the community is quite simple.

“Just become a friend,” Mary said.

Christina Coston is communication director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.

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IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

What Making New Friends Who Believe Differently Taught Me

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y parents taught me that it is okay—important even—to make friends outside my denomination.

Sometimes it’s hard to do, since they go to church on a different day than me and sometimes, they don’t understand our rules. And most of the time, my friends don’t get why Saturday can’t just be a “regular” day for me like it is for them.

But there are many good things that can happen when you make friends with people who don’t believe the same things as you. For instance, when I was younger, I had a friend who went to church on a different day than me.

When she would come over to my house on Sabbath,

she wanted to play games that I knew I couldn’t play, but we still had a lot of fun anyway. We walked my dog and played on the trampoline with the sprinkler system under it.

She ended up coming to church with me almost every Sabbath that she came over.

This happened because I was friends with someone, despite us having different beliefs.

Jesus can use anyone, including you, to be a positive influence on someone today. Sometimes it can be hard to do His work, like it was for Jonah or Moses, but do it anyway. Because only God knows what effect it will have on that person. Who knows how big of an impact

even smiling at someone you see or waving at someone could make?

Because God can use anything, I challenge you to let God work through you and change someone’s life for the better. Remember that God

can use the simplest things to tell anyone and everyone about Him and all He offers.

Lisette (age 11) is a student at College Park Christian Academy in Columbia, Missouri.

Legal Notice of the Quinquennial Session of the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Legal Notice of the Quinquennial Session of the Association of the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Notice is hereby given that the Eleventh Regular Session of the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventhday Adventists will be held at Sunnydale Adventist Academy in Centralia, Missouri, on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 10:00 am. The purpose of this meeting shall be the election of officers and departmental directors for the Conference, consideration of any proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Session. Each church is entitled to one delegate for the organization and an additional delegate for each 25 members, or major fraction thereof. All regularly elected delegates from the various churches of the Conference shall be seated at the meeting. This is the regular constituency session that was originally scheduled for September 2021 but was postponed due to COVID.

Notice is hereby given that the Eleventh Regular Session of the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventhday Adventists will be held at Sunnydale Adventist Academy in Centralia, Missouri, on Sunday, June 5, 2022, at 11:00 am. The purpose of this meeting shall be the election of officers and a board of directors for the Association, consideration of any proposal amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Association, and for the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the Session.

Delegates to the Eleventh Regular Session of the Iowa-Missouri Conference of Seventh-day Adventists are also delegates for the Iowa-Missouri Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists. This is the regular constituency session that was originally scheduled for September 2021 but was postponed due to COVID.

Dean Coridan, President

Dean Coridan, President

Robert Alfalah, Executive Secretary

Rhonda Karr, Treasurer

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MAY 2022 21

KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

College View Youth Celebrate Kids at City Mission

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ecently the youth of College View Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, went to People’s City Mission to throw a Birthday Bash party for the children who live at the mission with their moms. “The students organized crafts, face painting, games and music in order to show the kids at the mission they are worth celebrating and there is a God that cares about them,” said youth pastor Mic Henton. “I am so blessed to be able to minister alongside such dedicated and creative students. The students loved the community service so much they are already planning to make it a regular activity so they can build lasting relationships with the kids and better show them Jesus.”

Photos Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference

Midland Adventist Academy Students Lead Week of Prayer

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ur student-led week of prayer at Midland Adventist Academy was a huge blessing,” said Ryan Dennis, chaplain. “All week our kids put on morning chapel. We had student speakers, singers, organizers, and discussers putting on our worship services from beginning to end. They chose the theme ‘How can you connect with God?’ and gave us a different way each day. We started with the idea of role models and moved through the Bible, music, friends and family, and finished with the Sabbath.” For the K-6 students Pastor Nick Snell and Dennis led out worship with the kids, and seventh and eighth grade finished the week with a production of David and Goliath.

“I’m happy to say that the week went well and it was good to see the kids taking charge and sharing with others how to know God,” said Dennis.

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KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

Olathe New Life Serves Community

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e are so grateful to God that Olathe New Life Community Church hosted ReNewed Hope Mobile Pantry for the community,” said Jacqueline Clark. “What a great team of volunteers we had. Together we all served 54 families equaling 227 people,” said Clark.

Conference-wide Music Festival Hosted in Kansas City Photos Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference

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antus 2022 Middle School Choir Festival was a smashing success,” said Steven Hutchison, Midland Adventist Academy music director. “Seven schools brought their fifth-eighth graders to participate in a one-day festival choir of around 90 singers.” The theme for the festival this year was Take Heart and the songs, worship services and activities focused around finding courage in God to answer His call. The event was co-directed by Hutchison and College View Academy music director Renae Cross.

Health Talks Held in Great Bend

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r. Bell Razafindrabe recently held a three-night series in Great Bend, Kansas, on how to stay healthy. Featured topics were how to support the immune system, how to obtain good health and longevity, and the prevention of obesity, diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. “Each evening the ladies of the Women’s Ministries group served a healthy light meal. This delicious food was enjoyed by all. Two local doctors were among those who attended and greatly enjoyed the food,” said Doris Reile-Kneller.

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 23

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Minnesota Conference Reports on Church Vitality

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n the recent past Minnesota Conference has emphasized evangelism and church planting. During the period 2017-2021 we have organized seven new churches. Currently the Minnesota Conference administers 114 congregations with 10,903 members.

A few years ago the North American Division launched a program to partner with local conferences to plant 1,000 new community churches; they encouraged smaller conferences with fewer than 15,000 members to plant

at least three new churches every year. The Minnesota Conference took that seriously, and in this period planted 24 new churches, of which five were multicultural, eight were African and 11 were Hispanic.

The question has been asked, “Why are we planting more churches when we have so many small struggling churches?” This question stimulated my desire to investigate the issue, as I wondered what the governing principles in church planting and revitalization are, what propositions

Legal Notice Minnesota Conference to Hold Their Constituency Session May 15, 2022 Notice is hereby given that the 3rd Quadrennial Session of the Minnesota Conference Association of Seventhday Adventists, a non-profit corporation under the laws of the State of Minnesota, be held at the Earle Brown Heritage Center, 6155 Earle Brown Dr, Brooklyn Center, MN, 55430 on Sunday May 15, 2022, at 10 O’clock a.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to elect the officers and members of the Board of Trustees for the Association, as well as transact any other business that may properly come before the delegates. Delegates from the churches comprising the Minnesota Conference are on the following basis: One (1) delegate for the organization and one (1) additional delegate for each thirty-five (35) members or major fraction thereof The first meeting will be called to order at 10 O’clock on the said date at which time all duly elected delegates shall be seated.

Justin C. Lyons President Brian K. Mungandi Vice President for Administration Gayln L. Bowers Vice President for Finance

24 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

define a successful church, and what life elements in a church will make it relevant to the community in which the church is established.

This investigation raised the question of congregational care. Thus, I recently asked eAdventist, the NAD statistics collecting office, to conduct a study on church vitality in Minnesota. I was shocked by the data provided: • 58% of our churches in Minnesota are declining • 6% are plateauing • 33% are growing • 3% are multiplying The picture doesn’t look any better in the Mid-America Union Conference or the North American Division.

I was fascinated by this data, coupled with the conversation in Christian Media in the last decade showing the decline of the Christian institution in the Western world, while at the same time the Pew Research Center was saying Christianity will continue to be the largest

world religion.* My assumption is that people will become members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church if they perceive added value to their lives. I wondered, Are Seventh-day Adventist churches adding value to the communities in which our churches are serving? I also asked myself, When a person joins my church will they experience added value in their life?

I would submit that the Seventh-day Adventist Church in practice and function should be impacting life—adding value to the community, preserving morals, establishing sustainable life and everything that makes life worth living.

The church should be our means to connect with our neighbors in the community.

During the 2016-2021 period, Minnesota has seen the Lord bless the work in amazing ways. We saw during this time 2,472 individuals unite with Christ through baptism or profession of faith, representing a net of 1,352, which is

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE 14.16% growth. Because of our emphasis on evangelism and church planting, the conference invested in training the members so they could actively engage in ministry. The Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) calls us to make disciples by baptizing people. It follows then that these men and women, boys and girls must be joined to a church community.

Opponents of church planting would argue that “We have churches with lots of room; let’s fill them before we start planting new ones.” I take the position that planting new congregations is one of the best strategies for kingdom growth; therefore, continued church planting is seen by many soul winners as the means of extending the grace of God in our population centers.

The Minnesota Conference

has seen that these new congregations seem to attract a higher percentage of risk takers. It seems a new congregation of people right out of the unchurched group will have more zeal to invite and attract nonbelievers. We have seen unchurched people and people who were not involved in any significant church ministry become part of a new church body as instruments of grace.

We have seen the mushrooming of new leaders. Church growth experts all seem to agree that new congregations have more willingness to allow new people to be engaged in ministry than older churches.

New people have the ability to reach other unchurched people more easily than older members in long-established churches. It therefore goes without saying that growth

happens by new cells. I propose that we need an extensive church planting movement to plant churches in every population center, in every people group, and in every county!

Our statistical analysis indicates that the Lord is blessing His work in our territory. As we move into the next quadrennium the next Minnesota Conference team will continue to fix our EYES on Jesus as we preach the everlasting gospel.

We will try to find more methods to bring the gospel to the changing population landscape in Minnesota in ways that will not compromise the gospel.

Brian Mungandi is vice president for administration for the Minnesota Conference.

2022 Camp Meetings Minnesota Camp Meeting Dates: June 7-11 Theme: Hope in Jesus Text: Rom. 15:13 NKJ Theme Song: Cornerstone Speaker: Jose Cortes Jr. (NAD)

Twin Cities African Camp Meeting Dates: July 3-9 Theme: Hope in Jesus Text: Rom. 15:13 NKJ Theme Song: #522 My Hope Is Built Speaker: Dr G. Alexander Bryant (NAD)

*www.pewforum.org/2015/04/02/ religous-projection-2010-2050/

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 25

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Serving, Socializing, Seeking, Seeing Brandon Westgate, Rocky Mountain Conference’s newly-appointed youth director, shares his vision and outlook for the youth department.

Serving How can we help?

The youth department exists to serve the youth and young adults of the churches in the Rocky Mountain Conference. They are the epicenter of activity and engagement. We desire to help equip, encourage and inspire local leaders to create opportunities for the youth and young adults to grow in their faith walk with Jesus.

This includes promoting local events and organizing larger conference-sponsored events like Greater Summit and our summer camp program. We are here for you.

Please reach out and let us know how we can help.

Socializing Let’s hang out!

Many of our young people have been impacted by the challenges brought on by

COVID-19. Aside from the virus itself, these younger church members have been exposed to bickering in their own homes, local churches and schools about mask mandates, vaccines and social distancing. They have been witnesses to the divisive results of political and social agendas perpetrated by well-intentioned older saints within our midst.

The results are that some families who previously socialized together no longer invest in one another, and our younger members feel caught in the middle. Many of these are left trying to navigate the emotional minefield that lost friendships (due to grown-ups isolating from one another) have brought about.

This is one reason why creating opportunities for our youth to interact in a non-threatening environment

Courtesy Rocky Mountain Conference

26 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

is vital. This is the key to building a solid faith-based community. We are social creatures, and the younger we are, the more we need positive social interactions to nurture healthy development.

Events like Greater Summit and our summer camp programs at Mills Spring Ranch and Glacier View Ranch and grassroots gatherings such as MVMNT events work together to foster continued spiritual growth for our younger members.

staff. If you or someone you know is 18+ or a graduating high school senior and would like to be involved in the summer camp ministry, visit www.rmcyouth.org/summerstaff, where you will find an application to be part of something WILD!

Seeing I see you!

You may be reading this and wondering, “How can I help?” First, pray for and with the young people you know.

Prayer is a powerful yet Seeking under-utilized tool. Second, You find what you seek. as you see youth events Speaking of summer camp scheduled, please make sure ministry, preparations for you prioritize these times summer camp are already so that our young people underway. The RMC youth can engage with their peers department is busy at our in healthy, safe spaces. If camps hosting various groups needed, perhaps you can help and readying the facilities with funding or by providfor the 2022 summer camp ing transportation, or even season. We are planning an by providing refreshments impactful program for the (hint: pizza is always a win). young people who are fortu- And please remember to nate enough to find themtake some time and engage a selves at summer camp. Our younger church member in a theme this year is “WILD.” conversation. Make them feel We will focus primarily on seen and they will feel like the story of Ruth and hope to they belong! bring out of that story some Regardless of age, we are WILD aspects, including all in this together. So, let us Ruth’s WILD commitment press together to equip and and her WILD faith. inspire our youth to contribA big piece of our summer ute their energy and talents to camp program is making spread the gospel message of sure we have a motivated and grace in our homes, churches spirit-filled summer camp and communities.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

RMC Pathfinder Club Advances in National Bible Competition

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he 2022 Pathfinder Bible Experience kicked off Jan. 29 at the Fort Collins Adventist Church, with nine RMC Pathfinder clubs working for a spot so they could advance to the Mid-America Union competition on Feb. 19.

The annual event is similar to a Bible Bowl where teams study and memorize a book of the Bible. This year, Pathfinders have been studying 1 Kings.

Nine teams were reduced to five after the first round of competition. They regrouped a week later to compete to advance to the Mid-America Union Conference PBE. Aurora Las Aguilas and Loveland Cougars teams advanced to Lincoln, Nebraska, to compete in the Mid-America Union Conference PBE.

Tim Floyd

competed along with 17 other teams to try to advance to the North American Division PBE on April 22 and 23.

The Aurora Las Aguilas came in first and are preparing for the NAD competition.

Martinez Jr. explained the Competing in the PBE Reflecting on the 2022 expeprocess the Aurora Las Aguilas rience, Lonnie Nelson, Midis deeper than just another Pathfinders use to memorize competition, explains Aurora America Union Conference Scripture. “We always have one PBE coordinator, said, “We Las Aguilas team captain method to study for PBE, and Clemente Martinez Jr. “We added 13 new job positions that is to memorize the major- utilizing more staff from each feel like the main focus of this experience isn’t just the compe- ity, if not all of the chapters. conference than ever before.

We ask ourselves questions like This year was a team effort that tition itself or the amount of how, when, where, and why of was enjoyable to be a part of. studying each one of us does. every chapter. Every question It’s all about learning that My hat goes off to all leaders certain stories and experiences that is presented to us, we ana- and staff at all levels for helping lyze before answering because PBE run smoothly.” that the people of God went sometimes there are simple through [can be] used by us as examples of how we should ones and sometimes, confusing Sue Nelson is Rocky Mountain Pathfinder live our lives, and to reflect on ones. Analyzing has proved to Conference co-coordinator. the power that God has shown give good results.”

The two RMC teams throughout the Bible.”

World Cultures Celebrated at Campion Church

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ampion Adventist Church recognized and celebrated the many cultures that make up the church during their annual International Sabbath on March 5. The special event provided the opportunity to highlight different cultures through dress, song, prayer and sharing.

The service began with a procession of country flags, which were placed on the

platform, followed by greetings from students and church members in 13 languages.

Reflecting on the event, Campion freshman Samuel said, “This Sabbath was an incredibly special experience.

From hearing all the different languages and looking at the flags, it truly was endearing to see the church do something like this.”

The praise team led worship

songs in various languages, and several individuals prayed and read Scripture in their native language. During the congregational prayer, each member was invited to take a small flag and pray over that country. A special prayer was held for the conflict in Ukraine.

“Diversity is one of the most beautiful aspects of humanity.

It was as if a little bit of the world had come to one place.

Singing songs in Swedish, French, Portuguese and many other languages was not the easiest thing, but I was overjoyed at the opportunity,” said Tiffany, a junior at Campion.

“My favorite part was getting to wear my African kitenge and seeing my schoolmates dress in

their distinct traditional clothing. I look forward to seeing another day like this next year,” she added.

Leandro Bizama, Campion’s worship pastor, led the praise team and organized the different aspects of the service. “It was simply very fun to experience. I felt nervous to sing in all other languages at first, but I loved every minute, and I felt the church singing together in a special way. It was a great opportunity for everyone to feel comfortable with their differences and to reflect on how God sees all of humanity,” said Bizama.

Airi Nomura is a senior at Campion Academy.

Courtesy Rocky Mountain Conference

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 27

ADVENTHEALTH MID-AMERICA

Recognizing Nurses for Their Life-Saving Dedication National Nurses Week is celebrated each year May 6-12. Every day, nurses provide care for our whole health—body, mind and spirit. Never has that been more evident than during the COVID pandemic. Nurses have been there to care for the sick, comfort families, pick up extra shifts, and work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

In celebration of Nurses Week, the following was written by nurses from AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. Their moments give a glimpse of the tremendous impact nurses make on our communities.

and nursery nurses, attending deliveries for the day. It was then that I fell in love with nursing and never looked back.

What keeps you in the profession? There is a quote I love that I think sums it up perfectly: “Your profession is not what brings home your weekly Ashley Jones, RN, BSN, or the elderly man in a wheel- paycheck. Your profession is LPN | Nursing Director of chair who couldn’t help but cry what you’re put here on earth Mother, Baby and Nursery tears of relief when we agreed to do, with such passion and Why did you become a nurse? to give a vaccine to his pregsuch intensity that it becomes When I was 13, my mom had nant daughter who was waiting spiritual in calling” (Vincent twins who spent eight weeks in in the car.

Van Gogh). the NICU, so we spent a lot of It was an absolute privilege I love having a profession time with nurses, and I fell in to work alongside Emily. Her that allows me to make an love with nursing through that leadership, hard work and impact in many different ways, experience. dedication to keeping patients from the patients I care for, to What has been an impactful safe absolutely inspired me. the team I work alongside. moment for you as a nurse? In Lauren Stillwell, RN | January 2021, Emily Huffman Eva Shay, RN, BSN | Labor and Delivery Emergency Department (AdventHealth Shawnee Director Mission regional supply chain Why did you become a nurse? director) called to tell me she Why did you become a nurse? I love helping people and being needed help with administerLooking back, I think I was able to provide compassion ing a few COVID-19 vaccines destined to be a nurse. My and understanding of what and asked if I was interested. I grandma was a CNA for they may be experiencing. As agreed, and through the hard First Lady Bess Truman. She a former elementary teacher, work of many AdventHealth went to nursing school after I love the unknown of what I leaders/team members and raising her kids, and I vividly may encounter throughout my Church of the Resurrection remember reading her nursing day. I love not knowing who volunteers, we were able to books, looking at anatomy I will meet or the challenges I administer 50,000 COVID-19 models and asking millions of may face. vaccines to members of the questions.

Who inspires you? I continue community.

My grandma went on to to be inspired by the patients That is easily the most become an oncology nurse for and the family members that important moment in my her career. Up until the age take the time to personally nursing career. I will never of 14, I had my heart set on thank myself and my coworkforget the 102-year-old woman pursuing a law degree. That ers for all we do, whether that who sent in a handwritten note all changed the day I went to is in person, a note or sending “to whoever was in charge” “Take Your Daughter to Work snacks to our department. asking for help because she Day” with my stepmom, who My mother has inspired me didn’t know how to register was a NICU nurse. I got to in many ways. She was a NICU online to receive the vaccine, shadow Labor & Delivery nurse for 50 years at the same

28 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

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hospital in the same department and became the nurse everyone aspired to be.

I did not become a nurse at first because I wanted to branch out and be a teacher instead of a nurse, but I finally found where I’m supposed to be.

What has been an impactful moment for you as a nurse?

When a patient grabbed me and hugged me to thank me for saving his life only a week prior. I was a triage nurse alone and a man in his 40s walked in the front door doubled over, grabbing his chest and was short of breath. I was checking in another patient at the time but knew this patient needed my full attention at the time.

I grabbed a wheelchair, checked him in, took him to triage one to get vitals and get an EKG as fast as possible. I was almost running to the doctor to show the EKG printout knowing that it was a STEMI, a serious heart attack where a major artery is blocked.

One week later, the same patient brought his wife into the ER and remembered that I was the one who had gotten him back to a room when he needed help.

His words will always be with me. He said, “Thank you for noticing me when I came in the door. If you weren’t there, I would not be standing here today.” He gave me a bear hug and said thank you. I tried so hard not to tear up, but we both were. It was a great feeling!

ADVENTHEALTH ROCKY MOUNTAIN/CENTURA

Avista Adventist Caregivers

Demonstrate strength and resilience in wake of Marshall Fire

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aregivers at Centura– Avista Adventist Hospital in Louisville, Colorado, are “loving neighbors helping loving neighbors”—people helping people and members of the community they serve with compassionate, whole person care. When the Marshall Fire began burning near Avista Adventist in Boulder County on Dec. 30, 2021, employees from the hospital sprung into action to care for one another in ways they never could have imagined.

For Allison Brown, the smell of smoke was the first clue something was burning near the hospital. As the flames crept closer to Avista Adventist, the threat of evacuation became a reality. As a NICU nurse, Brown’s job is to help new moms and take care of the hospital’s tiniest, most fragile patients.

“We started with our NICU babies, the neonatal intensive care unit,” CEO Isaac Sendros explained of the evacuation process, “followed by our OB, newborns and ICU patients.

Med/Surg was next, and so were our emergency department patients.”

Brown and her colleagues loaded up the infants’ medical charts and scrambled to stash mothers’ breastmilk in a backpack. They grabbed rolling carts, warm blankets and tucked in the babies before fleeing to safety.

In just two hours, Avista Adventist evacuated 51 patients and around 100 employees. Patients were transported by ambulances to other Centura Health facilities, St.

Anthony North Hospital and Longmont United Hospital, where caregivers were prepared to welcome them.

“When we got to the hospital, the babies reunited with parents. Moms got settled... it was such a sigh of relief,” Brown said. “But man, these babies, like little tiny babies, they’re strong; they’re fighters.”

Strength showed up in many ways that day. “Part of being a nurse is you are in countless situations where things don’t go the way you plan. You have to keep your calm,” said Brown. “There was no other choice, really.”

After all, this is her community, too. Brown said Avista Adventist feels like home.

“We know these babies. We’re connected to these babies, they feel like an extension of us,” she said. “If you take one step back—so many of us live in this community. This is our home that’s burning.”

The Marshall Fire came within feet of Avista Adventist.

Though flames spared the facility, the hospital did suffer significant smoke damage.

Avista Adventist employees and volunteers, led by restoration experts, worked tirelessly in the weeks following the fire to deep clean and sanitize every surface of the hospital.

The resilience and dedication of the Avista Adventist caregivers has been inspiring.

Many of them were supporting their patients—all without knowing whether their own homes would survive the fire.

Kim Christensen, a nurse in GI who has worked at Avista for 18 years, was taking care

of patients and looked out the window to see a big black plume of smoke. Her home was just down the street from the hospital, and she quickly realized it might not survive.

“I was hopeful, but I really didn’t think we would have a home to come back to,” Christensen shared.

After evacuating the hospital and joining her family as parts of surrounding Louisville burned, Kim learned her home was burned. Through donations coordinated through a local TV station, her mortgage will be paid through the end of the year.

Centura Health also stepped in to support employees impacted by the fire, investing $1.5 million to help caregivers rebuild their lives. Support included financial assistance to individuals who experienced loss, covering up to three months of housing for employees who experienced the loss of their homes, and paying Avista Adventist employees in full who were scheduled to work to

ensure they had time to begin the process of recovery. This assistance was made possible in partnership with Centura Health’s sponsors and foundations. Fellow employees and community members also supported those impacted by the fire with donating over $220,000 of in-kind gifts.

“Our caregivers have sacrificed over the last few years, putting themselves at risk to care for others. Their response to the Marshall Fire was another example of healthcare workers putting others first and themselves second,” Sendros added.

Less than three weeks after the fire, Avista Adventist reopened, continuing its 31-year legacy of delivering high-quality, whole person care. Today, the hospital serves as a beacon of hope, again safely caring for its neighbors and helping the community heal after devastating loss.

Margo Christensen is a writer for Centura Health.

(below left) Neonatal Intensive Care Unit nurse Allison Brown evacuates with a patient. (below right) Smoke from the Marshall Fire is seen from the roof of Avista Adventist Hospital.

Photos Courtesy AdventHealth

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OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 29

FAREWELL Baker, Virginia Laura, b.

Aug. 8, 1928 in Ft. Lupton, CO. d. Feb. 18, 2022 in Lincoln, NE. Member of College View (NE) Church. Preceded in death by husband Melvin; 1 brother. Survivors include daughters Judi Wagner, Joni Gorton, and Jeanne Hevener; 8 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren. Worked as a teacher, director of the Good Neighbor Community Center, and dean of girls at Union College.

brothers. Survivors include daughter Connie Christenson; sons Gary and Kelly; 3 sisters; 4 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 greatgreat grandchildren.

Hehn, Estella (Schroeder), b. Feb. 2, 1926 in Cleveland, ND. d. March 31, 2022 in Jamestown, ND. Member of the Jamestown Church. Preceded in death by son Victor; 1 sister; 3 brothers. Survivors include 1 brother; 5 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren.

Carlson, Avis Marguerite Jaynes, b. Oct. 6, 1927. d.

March 6, 2022 in Grand Junction, CO. Key, Leonard, b. Feb. 29, 1936 in Brunswick, MO. d.

Christenson, Lorraine Nov. 19, 2021 in Sullivan, (Knittel), b. April 28, 1929 in MO. Member of Sullivan Bowdon, ND. d. March 10, Church. Survivors include 2022 in Harvey, ND. Member wife Glenda; son John; 1 of Harvey Church. Preceded sister; 6 grandchildren; 4 in death by husband Gordon; great-grandchildren. daughter Kathy; 1 sister; 3

Correction: Llewellyn, Alexenko, b. Aug. 3, 1937 in Dickinson, ND. d. Nov. 21, 2021 in Killdeer, ND. Member of Grassy Butte (ND) Church. Preceded in death by son Brent; 1 sister. Survivors include wife Sharon Dickhaut Alexenko; daughter Tiffany Thomas; son Brad; 6 grandchildren; 1 step-grandson.

Mill, Virgil Lee, b. Sept. 20, 1951 in Girard, KS. d. Mar. 18, 2022 in Wichita, KS. Member of Wichita South Church. Preceded in death by wife Letitia “Tisha” Mill; daughter Sarah; 1 sister; 2 brothers. Survivors include son Christopher; 4 sisters; 1 brother; 4 grandchildren.

Quance, Carol (Magnuson), b. April 25, 1924 in Big Stone County, MN. d. Sept. 16, 2021 in Westminster, Colorado. Member of Tolstoy (SD)

Church. Preceded in death by husband Arthur; son Derek; 1 sister. Survivors include daughter Deborah Lake; 3 grandchildren.

Schenk, Charlie Morgan, b. July 12, 1927 in Montana. d. Aug. 2, 2021 in Lincoln, NE. Member of Capitol View (NE) Church. Preceded in death by 2 sisters; 1 stepdaughter. Survivors include wife Verla Ann; brothers Gale and Mike; 3 stepdaughters; 4 step-grandchildren; 10 nieces and nephews.

Sharp, Thomas J., b. March 4, 1981 in Arcadia, CA. d.

Jan. 25, 2022 in Adams, NE. Member of New Creation Community (NE) Church.

Survivors include wife Jessica; sons Dominic, Logan, Willem, and Finlay; parents Vince and Julie; 1 brother.

Served in U.S. Army.

May 2022

How to Submit an Obituary Please email obituary information for the OUTLOOK to Barb Engquist at Barb.Engquist@maucsda.org. or mail typewritten announcements to: OUTLOOK magazine PO Box 6128 Lincoln, NE 68506

30 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG MAY 2022

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Competitive pay and full benefit package included. Contact Bruce Forbes at bruce.forbes@ ucollege for more information.

The Voice of Prophecy at Adventist Media Ministries is seeking a full time Manager/Treasurer. The Manager-Treasurer is responsible for managing all hands-on operational aspects of the ministry, which also includes developing and managing its financial well-being. Being a fellow administrator, they assist the speaker/director in achieving the goals and objectives set for the organization. For more information, you may email Victor Pires at victor@ vop.com or apply at www. adventistmediaministries.com/ available-positions/ Walla Walla University is hiring! To see the list of available positions, go to jobs.wallawalla. edu.

EVENTS Oak Park Academy Alumni Weekend September 9 & 10, 2022. Alumni, former faculty and staff are invited. The 2022 Honor Classes are: 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, & 1977. Location: Gates Hall, 825 15th St., Nevada, IA. Plan to attend. For more information: Allayne Petersen Martsching, 402.312.7368 or email: allaynemartsching@gmail.com.

OUTLOOKMAG.ORG

MAY 2022 31

PERIODICALS

PO Box 6128 Lincoln, NE 68506-0128

Bring someone you love to

Summer Bash

Summer Bash is the most fun your family will have this summer, or your money back. (Actually, we’ll give your money back anyway.*) Think about it: You might change the future of a son or daughter by bringing them to Union’s preview event on June 23 and 24. You and your student can talk to professors in your student’s area of interest as well as meet the life coach who will support them during their first year. Your family can explore the city, take selfies at local hot spots, and see who else will be in the freshman class. You might also discover new sources of financial aid.

Speaking of financial aid, those attending can lock in a bonus $500 scholarship! And remember, whether you travel by plane, train or automobile, we’ll cover your expenses.* Register now and turn your summer break into a summer bash.

Register and find out more at ucollege.edu/summerbash *For the Summer Bash event, we will reimburse expenses of up to $500 for a family group.