In this issue you will read stories of diverse experiences from the International Pathfinder Camporee held in Gillette, Wyoming, in August. With a new location, several new activities were added, including horsemanship. Plus there was room for a number of new exhibits to inform and inspire the approximately 60,000 attendees.
Although the event was shortened due to severe weather, I was still able to meet fascinating and diverse people, and the outstanding common factor among them all was their spirit of generosity. Pathfinder camporees require hundreds of volunteers giving thousands of hours—all for the purpose of guiding our younger travelers along the path toward a close relationship with Jesus, which is the ultimate goal of Pathfindering.
Many people have observed that Pathfinders is one of the best things about Adventism. If your church doesn’t yet have a club, talk with your board and conference youth director about how to get started.
ON THE COVER READ OUTLOOK MAGAZINE ONLINE
Patience Menge, pictured with her pastor Sean Lee and club director Lynette Nyabuto, designed Minnesota Conference’s pin for the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee.
UNIVERSITY Scott Cushman news@uau.edu 402.486.2600 x2275 uau.edu
BRENDA DICKERSON editor
Accepting Whom the Lord Chooses
October is Pastor
Appreciation month!
We recently held a union-wide ministerial retreat in Kansas City and it was amazing to rub shoulders with the pastoral team for our union. MAUC ministerial director Craig Carr and the conference ministerial team put together a wonderful event that was a blessing for all of us.
Mid-America has a tremendous group of pastors who love the Lord, love the church, and are intent on serving their communities and bringing the Three Angel’s Message to their areas. One of the big challenges given to the pastors in Kansas City was to be sure the gospel was front and center in all their presentations. This is something Ellen White also urged all pastors to do.
One of the highlights for me was meeting the various women the Lord has called to ministry here in MidAmerica. I only knew about three of them previously, and
it was nice to get acquainted and hear their stories. Most Adventists have not been around women pastors because there are so few. This was true for me too for half my ministry journey.
The first woman I ever had the opportunity to meet who received a call to ministry was Pastor Esther Knott, who was on the staff of Pioneer Memorial Church in Michigan. I was the youth director in Michigan in the late 1990s and I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with her. Honestly, I had my doubts about her because all I had known in my journey were men in ministry. However, I can tell you from firsthand experience, I saw her ministry bless the church and Andrews University. In fact, she had the courage to tackle one issue on campus those before never wanted to touch. It was then I realized God does call women to ministry and blesses them on their journey.
Another woman in ministry I met when I arrived at the
Rocky Mountain Conference was Karen Lewis. She was the personal ministries director for the conference and was giving seminars and writing Bible studies to help our church members gain a love and appreciation for winning people to Christ.
Before working for the Rocky Mountain Conference, she was employed by the Franktown Adventist Church as their Bible worker. I became a member of that church and learned very quickly of Karen’s love and expertise in collaborating with people interested in learning about Christ. She had a wonderful way of encouraging people to make the Lord first in their lives.
Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain needed to have a large financial restructuring, and a reduction in force was necessary. Karen’s job at the conference ended as part of that financial plan. When she learned of this, while being disappointed, she was gracious throughout the process. In the meantime, she enrolled in the MA in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University. Soon after she received a call to pastor in the Minnesota Conference.
As you might expect, wherever Karen pastored soul winning went up. Her members loved her greatly and she was so effective that the conference asked her to become the ministerial director—a position she still holds today. The pastoral force in Minnesota is thankful for Karen’s leadership. The Mid-America Union is thankful to have one of the few women ministerial directors in the North American Division.
I am grateful for those districts who are open to women in ministry. The ones that have been are thankful they were. I pray we will continue to be a union open to whom the Lord chooses to call to ministry, regardless of gender.
Please be sure to give your pastor a warm gesture of appreciation this month. Not as an ego boost, but as a true gift of encouragement.
Women pastors from across Mid-America—some brand new, some long-timers—gathered during the MAUC Pastors and Families Retreat in Kansas City last summer.
GARY THURBER is president of the Mid-America Union.
Hugh Davis
Women Leading in the Spirit of the Latter Rain
God has promised a special gift to His church and to His people living in the last days. This promise is illustrated in a very familiar passage found in Joel 2:28-29: “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions: and also upon the servants and upon the handmaids in those days will I pour out my spirit” (KJV). This promise is for us today. For all people.
As we prepare for Pentecost 2025,* there is a need to reiterate this promise and to clarify that God is inviting young people, old people, men and women to receive His Spirit, and to teach and preach as a witness for Him in these last days.
In the Seventh-day Adventist Church we believe in the priesthood of all believers—all have been called to proclaim the everlasting gospel of Jesus Christ. To be clear, women are a part of this calling, and our youth are a part of this calling. We need everyone to finish the work that God has entrusted to us. The Seventh-day Adventist Church still believes that God has called women to play a significant role in the advancement and the finishing of His work. The church still calls women to serve in leadership roles in the local church as pastors, elders, departmental leaders, and as conference, union, division, and General Conference leaders.
I want to take this moment to celebrate and thank all the women who have served this church so faithfully over the years. I also want to acknowledge that this church would not be where it is today without women leading in various capacities and the pivotal role they have played in the advancement of our mission.
God calls us to make disciples in Matt. 28:18-20, and promises in Acts 1:8 that He will grant the power of the Holy Spirit upon us to be His witnesses. When the Christian church began, we see in its infancy a marvelous display of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Acts 11:15-17 says, “And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them [Gentiles], as upon us at the beginning ... Forasmuch then as God gave them the gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God?” (KJV). The disciples discerned that the same Holy Spirit that fell upon them had also fallen upon the Gentiles. God was fulfilling His promise. He was, and still is, pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh. It is my prayer that we earnestly pray for the outpouring of
God’s Spirit upon all of God’s people. May His gift be seen in each of us!
As we prepare for Pentecost 2025, the shaking time, and for the final and rapid movements of God, may the words of the prophet Joel be lived out in God’s church: “I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophecy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.”
Let us pray fervently for the outpouring of the latter rain, and let us use everyone that God is calling to preach the everlasting gospel as a witness to all nations so that the end will come and we can see our Lord and Savior face to face. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!
*Pentecost 2025 is an evangelism initiative spanning the North American Division that encourages churches, schools, and members to pray for the Holy Spirit’s power in conducting at least 3,000 proclamation events.
“God was, and still is, pouring out His Spirit upon all flesh.”
G. ALEXANDER BRYANT is
president of the North American Division. This article also appears in the October 2024 Adventist Journey
Courtesy North American Division
Conference Pin Contest
creative teenager’s artistic talent and perseverance have earned her a special place in the hearts of fellow Pathfinders across Minnesota.
TEEN PATHFINDER’S DESIGN WINS A
Patience Menge, a 15-year-old member of the Southview Sabers Pathfinder club, designed the winning pin for the Minnesota Conference, specifically created for the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee, an event that gathers Pathfinders from around the world every five years. Her design features the state bird (loon) and the state flower (lady slipper), combined with camporee-themed Moses imagery.
Patience, who attends Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, joined Pathfinders just two years ago. Despite her relatively short time in the organization, she has made a significant impact with her winning design. Her journey to this achievement began when Lynette Nyabuto, the Pathfinder director at Southview, noticed Patience’s artistic abilities through her WhatsApp profile picture. Ms. Nyabuto encouraged Patience to enter the design contest.
“I just assumed that she knew how to draw based on her profile picture,” Nyabuto recalls. “I encouraged her to submit a design, and she ended up creating four different ones.” Out of over 30 entries submitted by Pathfinders across the state, Patience’s design was selected as the winner.
The contest challenged Patience in new ways. Though she was accustomed to traditional drawing on paper, the contest required her to create a digital design, which was a first for her. “I usually draw on paper, but they wanted something online and in color,” Patience explains. “I had to learn a new skill and technique, but I was excited to take on the challenge.”
The winning design wasn’t a solo effort, though. Patience credits her brother for helping her brainstorm ideas, particularly the inclusion of the state bird and flower. “He helped me think of the idea, but I did everything else,” she says. The design also includes five butterflies, which were added later based on a suggestion from Adriana Sanchez, a Pathfinder area coordinator.
After submitting her designs, Patience faced an anxious wait as conference officials deliberated. “It took them a few months to respond, and I was nervous because I thought I’d be up against many pros,” Patience recalls. But when she finally received the news that her design had been chosen, she was filled with joy. Her hard work had paid off, and she was recognized during a special presentation at the Pathfinder Fair in May, where she was given a full display case of the pins.
“It feels great knowing that hundreds of people are now purchasing and trading my pin,” she says with pride.
Creating community
Beyond the pin design, Patience’s time in Pathfinders has been transformative. “Pathfinders has given me a community of
people who understand and share my beliefs,” she says.
Nyabuto, who has been the director of the Southview Sabers for three years, emphasizes the importance of Pathfinders in nurturing young people’s faith and leadership skills. “I believe that spending time in Pathfinders sets up a stage for the children to stay in church and take up church leadership,” she says.
The success of Patience’s design has not only highlighted her artistic talents but also underscored the value of the Pathfinder program in fostering creativity, leadership and a sense of community. As Minnesota Conference’s youth director Shelina Bonjour reflects on the contest, she notes that the final pin design—a combination of Patience’s work and Adriana Sanchez’s butterfly elements—has become a symbol of unity and pride among Minnesota Pathfinders.
Shawn Lee, pastor of the Southview Church, further underscores the critical role Pathfinders play in the church community. “The Pathfinder program is an all-encompassing ministry that doesn’t just engage the youth, but also brings together the parents and the entire church community,” he says. “It creates a healthy ecosystem within the church, where everyone is involved and connected.”
For Patience, the journey from a simple WhatsApp profile picture to designing a camporee pin has been a memorable one. It’s a story of discovering new talents, stepping out of comfort zones, and finding joy in the community. And as Pathfinders from around the world trade and cherish her pin, Patience’s contribution to the 2024 International Camporee will be remembered for years to come.
Hugh Davis is associate communication director for the Mid-America Union Conference.
CARRYING THE TORCH:
J A Pathfinder’s Journey of Legacy and Leadership
ust minutes before Ilka Judit Fuentes was set to be invested as a Master Guide at the International Pathfinder Camporee, she received devastating news: her beloved grandfather, Benito Monell, had passed away. Benito wasn’t just any grandfather—he was her mentor, her inspiration and a pillar of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Puerto Rico. His legacy was deeply intertwined with the very ministry that Ilka had devoted her life to, making his passing at such a crucial moment profoundly emotional.
“When I posted online that my grandfather passed away, people started commenting,” Ilka recalls. “One of the comments that impacted me the most said, ‘because of the work of your grandfather in the club, I fell in love with Jesus.’ And now, I feel a responsibility to continue that legacy and help young people fall in love with Jesus. I feel that weight to continue sharing God with young people.”
plans to graduate in the summer of 2025. Her prayer is to serve the Lord alongside her husband, who is also a pastor. Together, they hope to minister wherever God leads, even if God calls her to serve in Puerto Rico, where no women pastors currently serve. “I want to inspire Latina women to follow God’s call despite our gender,” she says passionately. “Many people think we should not be here. But if we look at the Bible and our history in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we will notice that definitely God uses all of us.”
Today, as part of the Piedmont Park Thunderbirds club in the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, Ilka continues to live out the legacy of her grandfather. Her journey from San Juan to Andrews University and beyond is a testament to the power of faith and the importance of family.
Ilka’s journey to this moment began long before her grandfather’s passing. Raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, her life was steeped in the rich tradition of the Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder ministry. Her grandfather was part of the first Pathfinder club ever established on the island. He worked closely with Eliezer Melendez, another prominent pastor and the director of that club. Her parents were also Pathfinder club directors.
Growing up with such influential role models, Ilka quickly became involved in the church and embraced leadership roles at a young age. “I have red triangles in my blood,” she says with a laugh, referring to the Pathfinder club’s logo. Her knowledge of knots and Adventist history—skills and knowledge passed down from her grandfather—became integral parts of her life. “I better know knots, or else I would get in trouble,” she remarks with a smile.
Becoming a Master Guide was a significant milestone for Ilka, marking her as a third-generation Pathfinder leader and Master Guide, following in the footsteps of both her parents and her grandfather. “I am proud of continuing the legacy that my family has laid down. It’s a real honor to keep serving God through this ministry,” Ilka shares.
Following God’s call
But as she prepared to take on this new mantle of responsibility, the loss of her grandfather added a new layer of meaning to her investiture. It was no longer just about continuing a family tradition; it became a deeply personal mission to carry forward the torch of faith that Benito had passed to her.
Ilka’s journey doesn’t stop with the Pathfinder club. She is currently pursuing a Master of Divinity at Andrews University, with
Vanessa Alarcón is an elder at the Boulder Church and serves on the Rocky Mountain Conference Executive Committee.
Ilka Fuentes (bottom right holding her grandpa’s sash) preached at the recent memorial service of her grandpa (bottom left). Pathfinders has always been very important to their family.
Photos Courtesy Ilka Judit Fuentes
Amidst Hard Work and Long Days DUAL PASSIONS SHINE THROUGH
Julie Lim was nine years old when her dad started helping with Pathfinders. Julie went along for the ride, even though technically she was not old enough to participate. “They were working on macrame, and one of the kids did not get it, so I sat there and learned how to do it, and then taught her how to do it. And that was the start of my Pathfinder career,” says Julie.
For her family, including parents, brothers and sisters, Pathfinders has been a way of life. “It was my only extracurricular activity growing up,” Julie states. Julie took breaks from Pathfinders during her boarding academy and college years, but every time she went home she’d help with the local club.
Julie has attended all but two of the international camporees, beginning with Camp Hale in Colorado, but she claims she does not have a favorite one. “Each of them has their own personalities,” Julie says. “At Camp Hale it was cold at night. And we had some Popsicle kids—at least one with hypothermia. Most of the early camporees, I’d sleep in a tent and I’d get sick.”
Julie attended the first Oshkosh, and later brought her own club as the director. At the last Oshkosh she was teaching honors for the first time. She taught three of them, in one booth outside: Marine Mammals, Cetaceans and Mountains. “I figured the Rocky Mountain Conference should sponsor the Mountains honor,” she says, smiling.
Creative ... and costly
This year in Gillette, Julie is with the Longmont and Greeley, Colorado, clubs. She is also a Pathfinder area coordinator. In addition, she works at Glacier View Ranch as their acting housekeeper. And now she is teaching the gingerbread house honor.
“It’s quite hectic. It’s taken me a month or two to gather all the materials for it. Everybody wants to come in [to the booth]. Nobody wants to pay for it. But with the amount of stuff that I have here, this is a costly honor.”
The first camporee in Gillette didn’t go as smoothly as hoped for, due to a variety of factors including inclement weather and last minute schedule changes. “I didn’t get as many houses through, so I’m going to have major leftovers, which means I’m eating it. That’s life.”
Julie’s advice to Pathfinder clubs wanting to have a good experience at the next international camporee is based on her many years of experience: Plan on long lines and waiting. Be courteous to others around you. Don’t run your generators all night. Pick up after yourself and your clubs. Take a trash bag to the evening programs. Bring pencils and pens. Keep an eye on your kids because they can get lost easily. Look at the list ahead of time so you know where things are located.
“Pathfinders is one of my passions, obviously,” Julie concludes while keeping a watchful eye on the Pathfinders finishing their houses. “Gingerbread houses are another of my passions. Can you tell?”
Brenda Dickerson is communication director for the Mid-America Union Conference.
Photos: Brenda Dickerson
Last Minute Hospitality INTERNATIONAL GUESTS APPRECIATE
The International Pathfinder Camporee is the perfect place to meet people from around the world. With 60,000 people on campus, nearly 100 countries are represented. Minnesota represents approximately 1,000 of the 60,000, and several clubs hosted international guests. The Flaming Lights club from the Light of Christ Seventh-day Adventist Church was more than happy to accommodate part of a group in attendance from Zambia.
According to club director, Elder Andrew, the Flaming Lights club learned they would be hosting visitors from Zambia at the last minute. They were delighted to host the five visitors, with the remaining 20 people from Zambia staying in either the International Village or with a club from the Caribbean. The few staying with Flaming Lights were provided with bedding, tents, food and other items. The unexpected cool weather created additional challenges, but even in those moments the Pathfinders pulled together to ensure proper provisions were shared.
For some of their visitors, the trip to Gillette took far longer than expected, with one person delayed over 28 hours due to canceled flights. Almost everyone struggled to find appropriate transportation from the Denver airport to Gillette, with unplanned expenses cropping up in unexpected places. Despite the challenges, the visitors have experienced the presence of the Holy Spirit in the people with whom they’ve interacted.
Pastor Angel from the Northern Zambian Union says, “The best experience is the spirit of fellowship from all different walks of life—people from across America, Israel, Africa. Seeing people from across the globe is a foretaste of what we are going to experience in heaven. This is the most enjoyable experience.” Pastor Angel has been serving for seven years as the youth director for the union, with prior experience as a district pastor. The group traveling with him has around 25 people.
One of the club counselors from Zambia, Pamela, states, “It’s amazing here! You see children playing, interacting, seeing people come together as one—Adventurers through Master Guides.”
Making new friends
Fourteen-year-old Zambian Alinaswe, whose name means “God is with us,” has had a wonderful experience. “Getting here was a good experience. I didn’t have any jet lag, but they did lose our luggage,” he says. Thankfully, they weren’t completely stranded as they had their hand luggage with them. It’s his first time in America, and he said it’s mostly been as he expected it to be. “The food portions are bigger here, as expected, but it’s not as green as I expected. It’s also different getting to know people here. The accent is different. The way they socialize is different. It feels like they’re more open. We may laugh at different things, but it’s just as easy to make friends here as it is back home.”
Alinaswe has really enjoyed pin trading and earning honors. He says it’s easier to get the honors at camporee, because once completed, the actual patches and certificates are given out right away. He was delighted to take part in the aviation honor specifically, as he hopes to eventually study avionics and aeronautics engineering. “I’m looking forward to coming to MIT! I’m currently 14, so I’m planning to go when I’m 18.”
Chilubi, another international club member, didn’t know anyone from the Flaming Lights Club. “For me, I would’ve preferred to have stayed with someone I knew, so before I left, I would have been able to connect and feel less lost. We are very grateful we have a hosting team, and now we have friends to connect with next time.”
Andrew says that this year was a learning experience for their club, as they hadn’t hosted before and didn’t know they were hosting until the last minute. “We know for sure next time how to do it better, and how it can be a great experience for everyone.”
Savannah Carlson
Aug. 5-11, 2024
Hugh Davis
Pathfinder Camporee
Liz Kirkland
United Truth Seekers Excel in Drill Team Competition
The United Truth Seekers, from the United Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Minnesota, made a notable impact at the International Pathfinder Camporee drill team competition with a first-place ranking. Led by Joseph Mobegi, the club’s director, the team competed in all three categories: basic, advanced and freestyle drills. Their hard work and preparation paid off as they delivered impressive performances, showcasing discipline and unity.
Mobegi, a seasoned Pathfinder who has been involved since 1976, expressed his passion for the program. “We read in the Bible that God has an army in His work. He could have sent angels to do it, but He uses human beings, like He used the apostles. We want to prepare this army when they are young,” Mobegi said. His dedication to the Pathfinder ministry has spanned decades, beginning in Kenya and continuing in the United States, where he has helped establish numerous Pathfinder clubs.
Building a foundation for service
For Mobegi, the Pathfinder program is about more than just marching and competitions. It’s about preparing
young people for a life of service to God. “We prepare people for God’s service when they are young, so that when they are adults, they can serve God independently anywhere in the world as missionaries,” he explained. This vision is reflected in the way the United Truth Seekers approach their training and participation in events like the camporee competition.
With 64 Pathfinders in their club, supported by 15 parents, the United Truth Seekers are a vibrant and active community. Mobegi takes pride in the impact the club has had, not only in Minnesota but also in the wider Pathfinder movement. He hopes that the experiences gained at events like the camporee will leave a lasting impression on the young Pathfinders.
A global perspective
One of Mobegi’s goals for his Pathfinders is to help them understand the global nature of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We want them to know that we are a worldwide church so that they can see people from all over the world,” he said. The camporee, which brought together Pathfinders from nearly 100 countries, provided the perfect opportunity for this. In addition
to the drill competitions, the event offered a chance for Pathfinders to study the roots of the Adventist Church, engage in Bible study, and deepen their understanding of spiritual prophecy.
The United Truth Seekers’ participation in the drill team competition was not just about winning a first place ranking—it was about
instilling values, building character and fostering a sense of global community among the Pathfinders. Mobegi and his team can be proud of their accomplishments and the lessons they are passing on to the next generation.
Hugh Davis is associate communication director for the Mid-America Union Conference.
Hugh Davis
Caleb Durant
Central States Announces Pastoral Transitions
Last July the Central States Conference Executive Committee voted to make some great and necessary pastoral moves, as we sought to fill vacated pastoral positions in our territory. In pastoral ministry change is inevitable, but being truly led by the Holy Spirit when there are pastoral transitions is the key to sustained growth and success.
The first move was Pastor Pedro Vargas becoming the pastor of the Sioux Falls (SD), Sioux City, Des Moines, and Council Bluffs (IA) Hispanic District, after the former part-time pastor took a full-time call in another conference. Pastor Vargas is an experienced pastor who we believe will manage
well and grow these four congregations.
Pastor Abel Zepeda will join the CSC team as a parttime pastor at the Agape Multicultural and North Wichita Spanish churches. He is a young pastor who is excited for the opportunity to begin his pastoral journey with us. We believe that he will be impactful in reaching the younger Hispanic population for Christ.
Pastor Evenson LouisJeune will be moving to the Agape Church in St. Louis, Missouri. Pastor Evenson, recently ordained to the fulltime gospel ministry, is an excellent fit for this church and will bring his gospel-centered preaching and love for people and communities to
this congregation. Pastor Luckson Emmanuel will be joining our CSC team from the windy city of Chicago. He will pastor the Calvary and Covenant churches in Davenport and Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is a dynamic and Spirit-filled leader who is multilingual, which will be a tremendous blessing to the rapidly growing Haitian population in this district.
We are excited for our CSC field as we do this pastoral reset, even though we are never thrilled to have our great pastors leave us for other territories. But we always trust that God knows best. And as the good prophetess Ellen White told us (paraphrasing), no one pastor
has all the gifts that a church needs to grow them. May God continue to bless our conference as we do all we can to complete the mission of spreading the everlasting gospel in this territory.
Cryston Josiah is vice president of administration for the Central States Conference.
Photos Courtesy Central States Conference
(l-r) Pastor Pedro Vargas, Pastor Abel Zepeda Madero, Pastor Luckson Emmanuel, and Pastor Evenson Louis-Jeune
Dakota Pathfinders Attend Gillette Camporee, Believing in God’s Promises
“Incredible!”
“Amazing!”
“I can’t wait to come again.” These were just a few of the many positive responses Dakota Pathfinders shared after attending Believe the Promise International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, in August. They joined over
60,000 others for the highly anticipated event that was five years in the making, and it truly did not disappoint Dakota Pathfinders.
“My relationship with God grew because I spent so much time with so many people who also want to get closer to God. Everything was really focused on growing my faith.
I definitely want to go next time, and I’d like to work next time!” shared Rayne Simmonds from the Rapid City Mountaineers club. At 14, Rayne is already thinking about how she can prepare to be a leader and help at the next international camporee in 2029.
Rayne’s personal reflection
(above) Dakota Pathfinders gather for a group picture on Friday under their conference banner.
(below left) Natalie Erickson from the Cleveland Prairie Trails club happily spreads out mulch during a community beautification project in Gillette.
(below right) Dakota Conference camp, club and youth ministries directors Ted and Lynnette Struntz pause their recovery efforts to acknowledge the appearance of God’s beautiful double promise after Tuesday’s storm.
and goals for her future beautifully illustrate why Pathfinder camporees exist. With such a strong pull for children to live in largely virtual worlds, camporees provide a safe place for kids to interact face to face with other believers, learn more about Jesus and explore how they can actively serve and lead for Him. They also learn life skills and earn honors focused on God’s creations, all while having fun with other kids their age. For three Dakota Pathfinders, this camporee provided the perfect setting for their baptism—declaring their love for Jesus and their desire to serve Him in front of thousands of other Pathfinders. For several others, this camporee was the event that led them to make decisions for Jesus; they returned home wanting to be baptized in their local church. In anticipation of Dakota Pathfinders’ arrival, the conference camporee team traveled to Gillette a week before the event to prepare the Dakota Conference campsite. This team included several Dakota Adventist Camps staff who had been working all summer at the conference’s two camps and agreed to continue working with kids throughout the camporee. These dedicated camp staff prepared the campsite on the racetrack, set up the kitchen for the entire conference to share meals, staked out areas for each club, transported golf carts for the entire Mid-America Union, and were on call at all hours
Jahsoulay Walton
Jahsoulay Walton
Melissa Erickson
to assist as needed.
As the gates opened Monday morning, thousands flooded the grounds; it was estimated that more than 45,000 people entered and set up that day. The “tent city” seemed to erupt from the ground. All Dakota clubs arrived that first day and started participating in activities and honors on Tuesday. Pathfinders had the opportunity to walk through a life-sized version of the tabernacle and learn about its significance. They also had the chance to help with one of 45 community service projects; Dakota Pathfinders picked up trash and assisted with a beautification project in town.
Tuesday afternoon of the camporee turned out to be a day that would go down in Pathfinder history. While the day started out hot and sunny—the perfect kind of day for Pathfinder fun— leadership soon received notices of a fierce weather system approaching, bringing driving rain, possible hail and winds with projected gusts up to 50-70 mph. The Dakota camporee team had already experienced sustained winds of 17 mph and gusts of 30 mph during a sandstorm the previous week while setting up camp; some of their tents
had collected 10-12 ounces of sand—even with windows and doors closed. With the threat of 60 mph wind, the International Camporee administration took the warning seriously. Around 4:00 pm, all activities closed, and people were encouraged to return to their campsites. Most clubs had just made it back to their campsites when a new announcement urged everyone to seek shelter in hardened sites: buildings, cars and RVs. Thousands moved into shelters in about 20 minutes. It was amazing to watch the mass exodus from the campsites; most arrived indoors just as the wind and rain picked up.
While Pathfinders and leaders ran to brick buildings or campers for shelter, DAC staff stayed at the campsite to ride out the storm and secure the kitchen and tents.
Having seen considerable tent damage from lesser winds the previous week, they knew it would be necessary to physically hold down the tents to keep them from blowing away. As the fierce storm raged, the staff sang praise songs while each team member held a portion of the large kitchen and serving tents. The wind was so strong that it lifted a few of the team
Henry Inyangala, Charis Ngaira and Sharlyne Inyangala from the Black Hills Lightbearers club stand together after their baptism at the main stage Friday evening.
off the ground, and it seemed the canopies might be lost, but with God’s help, the staff managed to save the kitchen tents and items. Though completely soaked and covered in mud, they were thankful they still had a place for the Pathfinders and leaders to be fed. Unfortunately, other conferences lost their main tents, and a few tents even landed on nearby vehicles. Despite the mud and flooding, nearly everyone had a positive attitude and worked together to rebuild their campsites.
DAC staff quickly helped get the Dakota campsite back in working order before checking on their own belongings. While the staff girls’ tent had soaked areas, the staff boys’ tent turned into a large water bed. Nearly all of their clothes were wet, and their sleeping bags and blankets had to be wrung out. Some tents had more than three inches of standing water. Elaine Chism, a leader from the Sioux Falls Falcons club, was impressed by their quick response and shared, “[They are] such an amazing group of kids! While they were soaking wet and weather-beaten, they didn’t hesitate to make rounds helping anyone they could. We love the DAC staff!”
Immediately following the storm, Dakota Conference president Vernon Herholdt came to the campsite to check on everyone. He quickly took the staff’s soaked sleeping bags to get them dried so they could have a dry place to sleep that night. Although a few tents had broken poles and many flooded, everyone was safe and vowed to continue enjoying the week’s activities. As the team assessed the extent of the damage, a beautiful double rainbow covered the camp, reminding Pathfinders of the camporee’s theme: Believe the Promise. It was amazing how God turned a challenging situation into a positive, bonding memory.
For many Pathfinders, the storm and rainbow were one of the highlights of the week and indelibly emphasized the camporee’s theme. “It was really cool to see the rainbow because it’s God’s promise to us,” said Juliet Hawronsky from the Rapid City Mountaineers club. Summing up her camporee experience, she said, “I grew more in Christ.” This experience is why local club leaders drive hundreds of miles to use port-a-potties and stay in wet tents for a week. Be sure to thank a local Pathfinder leader for facilitating this life-changing ministry for your young people!
Pastor Ted and Lynnette Struntz are Dakota Conference camp, club and youth directors.
Michael Bohlman
Weather Halts Music Director’s Plans for Pathfinder Camporee
Joseph Choi’s resilience highlights the dedication and adaptability required to create meaningful musical experiences.
Inclement weather thwarted the efforts of Joseph Choi, music director of Sunnydale Adventist Academy, canceling all Saturday events at
the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming, including a highly anticipated musical performance. The announcement came Friday morning, just a day before Choi’s 100-member orchestra was set to showcase their hard work. Choi, serving as director of music for the camporee, had meticulously planned a program that reflected the values of the Pathfinder organization while maintaining a respectful atmosphere suitable for an outdoor worship
service. “We chose music that sort of reflects that,” Choi explained, detailing his selection of pieces, including Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5 (“Reformation”), “How Great Thou Art,” and the final movement of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony.
The journey to this point began long before the camporee. Choi’s involvement dates back to 2014, when he served as the choir director. His experience and dedication led to his current role, where he was responsible for organizing the orchestra and choir for the 2024 event.
Assembling the orchestra was no small feat. From scratch, Choi reached out to music teachers from various academies, and college orchestra and choir professors across institutions such as Walla Walla University,
Pacific Union College, La Sierra University, Oakwood University, Southwestern Adventist University, Southern Adventist University, and Washington Adventist University. “It was like God knew what my needs were,” Choi reflected, recounting how last-minute additions to the orchestra seemed almost miraculous.
The orchestra’s international composition, representing approximately 10 different countries, added to the undertaking’s complexity. Despite these challenges, Choi successfully brought together 100 musicians from diverse backgrounds.
At the camporee, the orchestra maintained a rigorous schedule. Choi’s days began at 6 am for setup, with rehearsals starting at 7:15 am and lasting until about 8:45
Cedar Rapids Launches NEWSTART Health Initiative
The Cedar Rapids Seventh-day Adventist Church successfully held its first NEWSTART Health Expo in June, drawing 17 unchurched community members and numerous local congregants. The event, part of a proven outreach initiative, marks a significant step in the church’s community engagement efforts. Over 30 volunteers contributed to the expo, many participating
in such an event for the first time. The overwhelmingly positive feedback from volunteers indicates strong support for future initiatives.
The expo, preceded by a 3K walk with 55 church volunteers, offered free health screenings and wellness information. Medical professionals, including Dr. Sharon Collins and massage therapist Julie Morse, provided expert guidance to attendees.
“This expo is what I need right now,” said one unchurched attendee who received prayer just 20 minutes into the event. Another recent widower participant spent over two hours at the expo, and has since been regularly attending church services.
The event’s success builds on Pastor Essam Habib’s experience organizing four similar expos in other districts over the past decade.
“The NEWSTART Health Expo has consistently proven to be an effective tool for community outreach and evangelism,” said Pastor Habib. “It opens doors to spiritual conversations through addressing physical health needs.”
Articles on these pages were written by Caleb Durant, communication director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
Courtesy Joseph Choi
Photos: Caleb Durant
am. Between rehearsals, he balanced music preparation, emails, and even participation in master guide classes at Gillette College.
The planned Saturday morning performance included an 8:30 am soundcheck on the main stage, followed by a single service starting at 9:30 am and ending around 11:30 am. However, the cancellation of all the Sabbath activities serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of outdoor events and the resilience required in organizing largescale musical productions.
Despite the setback, Choi’s efforts in bringing together musicians and his careful curation of a program that balances reverence with youth appeal highlight music’s significant role in Pathfinder events. “I wanted to make sure that our young people had a chance to perform together, and that we approach everything with a little bit of conservativeness because this is for worship service and we want it to be reverent, even though it’s outdoors,” Choi explained.
While expressing his disappointment, Choi remained optimistic about future opportunities. He mentioned the possibility of the orchestra playing together at the General Conference Session in St. Louis next summer, for which he has been a member of the music planning committee since 2017.
Couple Finds Faith, Marriage and Baptism at International Camporee
At the International Pathfinder Camporee, Christopher and Erin Owen had a day they will never forget. They got married and were baptized on the same day, along with Christopher’s three sons. This was a big step in their spiritual journey.
Pastor Jeff Fender, who baptized the family, shared, “Chris and his family have been in the prayers of the Warrensburg Church family, as well as many others, for a long time. It was an answer to a personal prayer of mine to be able to baptize him. We look forward to continuing to walk with him and his family as they grow closer to Christ.”
Christopher wasn’t initially planning to attend the camporee. But at the last minute things changed, and he ended up going because of his children’s Pathfinder group. Even though they had car trouble, they made it to the event.
On Thursday night, both Christopher and Erin felt a strong pull to respond to an altar call. The next day, they discovered that both of them wanted to be baptized. After talking with their pastor, who suggested they get married before being baptized, they decided to do both that
same evening.
“Everything about the situation felt like God was saying, ‘This is what you need to do,’” Christopher said. “The doors opened, and it was a really powerful experience.”
Both Christopher and Erin have had tough times in their faith. Christopher, who grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist home, had turned away from religion when he was younger. “For most of my life, I really didn’t want anything to do with religion,” he said. But after going through a hard divorce and receiving support from his church, he began to rethink his beliefs.
Erin, who was baptized at 12 and had rededicated her life three times, also went through a period where she drifted away from the church. She reconnected with her faith after meeting Christopher and finding a welcoming church community. “I felt like God was telling me that I needed to get my life back on the right track,” Erin shared.
This experience brought the family closer together. “There’s a closeness that was not there before,” Christopher said, talking about his relationship with his children.
Erin agreed, saying that the way she, Christopher and the children interact has changed for the better.
Christopher and Erin also talked about how important their church community has been. They felt supported, loved and cared for, especially during tough times. “It really is like having a family that just rallies around,” Christopher said.
Being at the camporee made them feel even more connected and supported. Erin said, “The biggest blessing was realizing that I’m not alone and that there are people who are there for me.”
Pastor Fender was thankful for the camporee’s role in the couple’s decision. He said, “We especially thank God for bringing them to the International Pathfinder Camporee so they could better hear His call and make their decision to choose Jesus.”
Photos: Caleb Durant
KANSAS-NEBRASKA
Flourish Retreat Inspires KansasNebraska Pastors
Last July the MidAmerican Union Conference hosted the much-anticipated “Flourish” Pastors Retreat in Overland Park, Kansas. The event, years in the making, brought together pastors from across the union to rejuvenate their spiritual lives and ministries.
“For the last five years, ministerial directors from across the Mid-American Union have been working on organizing this unionwide retreat,” said Virgil Covel, Kansas-Nebraska Conference ministerial director. The retreat, aptly named “Flourish,” was born out of a desire to address the needs pastors identified in surveys conducted at the previous union-wide pastors’ retreat.
“Our hope is that each pastor’s life, marriage and family will flourish, and that their ministry will also thrive as a result,” Covel added.
The retreat featured three main speakers who guided attendees through a series of thought-provoking and spiritually enriching sessions. Freddy Russell and
Elizabeth Talbot led the morning sessions, while Ty Gibson delivered powerful messages in the evening. Each presenter emphasized the importance of making Jesus the central focus of both life and ministry. Gibson, in particular, delved into the historical struggles the church faced, offering insights and encouragement to overcome them.
In addition to keynote presentations, the retreat offered a comprehensive array of afternoon seminars. Each pastor had the opportunity to select areas of focus for personal and professional development, further enhancing the retreat’s impact. These seminars provided practical tools and spiritual nourishment, equipping pastors to return to their congregations with renewed vision and energy.
One of the retreat’s highlights was the opportunity for networking and building connections. Many pastors, who often find themselves feeling isolated in their ministry, were able to meet
new colleagues and share their experiences. These moments of fellowship served as a reminder that they are not alone in their challenges and that there is a broader community of support.
The Kansas-Nebraska Conference pastors and their families were treated to a special dinner during the retreat. At this gathering, new pastors were introduced, and Ron Carlson, president of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the pastors for their dedication and service.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Covel shared, “This retreat was truly inspiring. My prayer is that each pastor will flourish in their relationship with Jesus and in their ministry. As John 12:32 says, ‘And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.’”
Written by Saul Dominguez, communication director, with additional information provided by Virgil Covel, ministerial director.
Photos Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Longtime Leader Steve Ladig Reflects on Four Decades of Pathfinder Service
For 41 years, Steve Ladig has dedicated his life to guiding young people through the Pathfinder organization, a global youth group sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He has served 20 years as the director of the College View Trailblazers Pathfinder Club in Lincoln, Nebraska, leaving a legacy that stretches back more than three decades. But this year marks a turning point for Ladig as he steps down from his role as director, handing over the reins to the next generation of leaders while reflecting on a journey filled with memories, challenges and deep spiritual fulfillment.
Ladig’s involvement with Pathfinders began at a young
age, although his path to the Seventh-day Adventist Church was not typical. “I wasn’t raised a Seventh-day Adventist,” Ladig explained. “I became an Adventist on my own when I was 14 years old. I was active in Boy Scouts and even became an Eagle Scout at 15 and a half.” His transition into the Pathfinder organization came naturally after joining the Adventist Church, where he quickly rose through the ranks due to his prior experience in the Boy Scouts.
Over the years, Ladig has been involved in various Pathfinder clubs across the country, including in Oregon and North Dakota, before settling in Nebraska. His long tenure as a leader has given
him a unique perspective on the importance of Pathfinders as a ministry for youth.
“Pathfinders is more than just a club; it’s a social and spiritual lifeline for young people,” Ladig said. “It’s one of the most important youth ministries we have in our church because it provides kids with a space to build relationships—with their peers and with adult mentors—outside the traditional church setting. Ladig noted that statistics show that kids who stay in Pathfinders for three or more years are more likely to remain in the church. “That’s why this ministry is so important,” he added.
Ladig’s commitment to Pathfinders is rooted in his belief that the ministry helps young people develop practical life skills while also strengthening their connection to their faith. “We teach them everything from camping and survival skills to community service,” he said. “But it’s also about giving them ‘warm fuzzies’—positive memories and experiences they can hold onto when they face the inevitable challenges and ‘cold pricklies’ that life and even the church might throw at them.”
This “warm fuzzy” philosophy is central to Ladig’s approach to leadership. He believes that by building a foundation of positive experiences, Pathfinders can be a source of strength for young people throughout their lives. He recounted a story that exemplifies this
philosophy—a story about a former Pathfinder named Mike, whose life took a dark turn after his parents’ divorce. Despite the efforts of Ladig and his team, Mike eventually drifted away from the church and found himself in and out of jail.
Years later, at an Oregon camp meeting, Ladig encountered Mike again. Mike had returned to the church, inspired by a memory from his Pathfinder days—baking cinnamon apples over a campfire. “He realized at that moment that he had walked away from God, but God had never walked away from him,” Ladig recalled, his voice filled with emotion. Today, Mike is a head elder in a small church in Eastern Oregon, his faith rekindled by a warm memory from his Pathfinder years.
As Ladig prepares to step down, he reflects on the impact Pathfinders has had on his own life and the lives of countless young people he has mentored. “It’s time for me to step back and let someone else take over, but I’m not leaving entirely,” he said. “I’ll still be involved, just in a different capacity. I want to support the new director and continue to contribute where I can.”
Hugh Davis is associate director of Communication for the Mid-America Union.
Photos: Emma Bermeo
Camporee Storms Bring Out Pathfinder Spirit
The Pathfinder spirit was alive and well despite various challenges during the International Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming. Hit with a massive storm on Tuesday night, many Minnesota clubs experienced flooded, ripped or flying tents.
Walking through the camp on Wednesday morning, the adults were in recovery mode while the kids went off campus for activities. Kenyan Community Church’s club experienced flooding, but the biggest challenge was damage to their kitchen tent. Unlike some clubs, who lost their kitchen tents altogether, KCC’s tent poles bent, making it very difficult to put the tent back up.
Pathfinder ingenuity took over, and the leaders used ropes and stakes to pull the tent into position. They used their tent continuously throughout the week with success.
KCC had already experienced challenges before the storm hit: their bus broke down about two hours away from Gillette! Despite the inauspicious start to the week, they were in good spirits. Their Pathfinders were having a fantastic time. With 14 Pathfinders scheduled for baptism, the leaders were excited and ready for the positive experiences to come.
God’s presence in moments of stress
Bethel, Mount of Blessings
and Cornerstone congregations joined together for their camporee experience. The storm took their team somewhat by surprise. Leaders gathered their campers and rushed to the Wyoming Center, a gathering place to stay out of the wind and rain.
Upon arrival, one Pathfinder leader leaned against the wall and overheard a family arguing with their son who wanted to go outside. He left in a huff, and the leader leaned over and asked to pray with the family. They prayed together, both for the weather and for the son. Not too much time went by before he returned.
A little later, a medical emergency became apparent. There was so much noise in the hall, they couldn’t get enough quiet to request an AED. This young man jumped up and got everyone to quiet down, resulting in the successful delivery of the AED. Even in moments of stress,
Courtesy Minnesota Conference
God’s presence could be felt. Thankfully, the AED wasn’t needed, but the return of that young man ensured that the medical equipment could successfully be delivered.
Extraordinary hospitality
During the storm, Evelyn, a leader from the Faith Church International club, sat next to a gentleman from Tanzania. She learned he was staying in the International Village and had a large group of people with him. Later, Evelyn and two other leaders visited their new friend in the International Village. They had planned to just go and connect with the group but instead learned they were in need.
“They said they were doing everything for themselves, so we felt it was good to feed them one time,” Evelyn shared. So, on Thursday morning, their 47-person club hosted 76 visitors from
Tanzania. They provided them with cereal, milk, tea, porridge, bread and fruit.
The group from Faith Church International has 13 Pathfinders and 13 Adventurers, and in the storm, four or five of their own tents were damaged, including their kitchen tent. In perfect Pathfinder preparation, they brought extra tents with them, and were able to pitch the new tents and throw their damaged ones away.
Despite the challenges the weather brought, they were having a wonderful time. “We have a great team working together,” said Evelyn. “We have great teamwork, good hands, and we have really enjoyed taking our kids from station to station.”
Stories on these pages were written by Savannah Carlson, communication director for the Minnesota Conference.
Minnesota Baptizes 40 at Pathfinder Camporee
During the International Camporee in Gillette, approximately 40 young people were baptized from the Minnesota Conference. Two clubs had more than 10 baptisms each: Kenyan Community Church and Southview Adventist Church. Witnessing the hordes of people committing their lives to Christ was an incredible experience, with the glory of God and the presence of the Holy Spirit resting on the gathered crowd.
After speaking with the young people from Southview, it was clear that the working of the Holy Spirit was so evident. Pathfinder Hilder’s desire for baptism began two years ago. She stated that she experienced Jesus specifically at North Star Camp, and waited to get baptized at camporee so she could be with all her friends and family as she dedicated her life to Jesus.
Another Pathfinder, who had been contemplating baptism for some time, felt that the International Camporee was the perfect moment to make this public declaration of faith. Surrounded by friends and family not just from Minnesota but from as far as Kenya, he shared, “I’ve been thinking about it and wanted to make sure I was ready to give my life to God. I felt that camporee was the best time because I could share this moment with everyone.” For him,
the camporee wasn’t just a gathering; it was a global celebration of faith, making it the ideal setting to commit his life to Jesus.
Pathfinder Becky hadn’t initially planned to be baptized at Gillette, but she experienced Jesus in a mighty way as she got involved with Pathfinder Bible Experience. Studying for PBE helped her learn so much more about Jesus and learn how to study the Bible in a way that is personally impactful.
Before coming to camporee, she wasn’t sure how many people were going to be there, because she wanted her whole family to be present. But it turned out that her whole family would be there, plus all her friends, and it was the right moment to be baptized. Her father was in the special cordoned-off family area to witness her baptism, and it was especially meaningful for the baptism to take place at such an incredible event.
In January or February of
this year, Pathfinder Celeste was very sick. She healed without any lasting effects, and that experience showed her how much God loves her and cares for her. As a result, she decided she wanted to be baptized. She talked to her mom about it, and due to the timing of the Bible study classes, being baptized at camporee was the best time to commit herself to God. “No matter what I do, I know God loves me,” Celeste shared. “No matter if I make a mistake, I know God will forgive me.”
Pathfinder Faith shared that her favorite Bible hero is Daniel. When asked why, she said, “Because even when he was thrown in the lion’s den, he didn’t lose faith in God.”
Faith also shared that the key to keeping that kind of faith lies in “praying to God every day, reading the Bible, going out with friends and having Bible studies, and understanding the idea that I’m with God and God is with me.”
Photos:
Pathfinder Ethan, a Companion and a two-year veteran of the club, shared he loves Jesus because, “He’s our Savior, He died for us, and I want to spend eternal life with Him.”
Savannah Carlson
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Camporee: A Memorable Experience for RMC
The theme “Believe the Promise” was tested true at the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee held at CAM-PLEX Multi-Event Center in Gillette, Wyoming, Aug. 5-11. The “promise” was that of a personal and spiritual journey.
The first days of the program were seasonably warm and a bit windy for the 60,000 participants setting up their club campsites in their allocated union areas. Pathfinders were able to participate in around 300
honors activities, pin trading, community service projects, and a multitude of local activities, one being small rodeo demonstrations.
Jade Teal, RMC assistant youth director, assisted in leading a climbing expedition at Wyoming’s Devils Tower National Monument for teens to climb one pitch of the monument. “We had prayer before we went up,” Teal reminisced. “I’m really scared of heights. But I’m tied into a rope so I know I’m okay, because I can trust my rope.
(below) The Casper Church Pathfinder group shares a moment in prayer.
An RMC Pathfinder gets baptized by RMC youth director Brandon Westgate.
RMC Pathfinder clubs and staff gather for a special conference-wide Sabbath service.
And we can trust God, so we don’t have to be afraid.” There were supposed to be five sessions, but weather conditions only allowed for one session, which happened on Monday, Aug. 5. Four teens participated in that session: one from Nebraska and three siblings from Canada.
Several RMC Pathfinders received recognition during the camporee. The Flying Garuda Pathfinder Club from the Colorado IndonesianAmerican Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver, won first place for the basic marching category in the Drill Team & Drum Corps competition featuring the Mid-America, North, and North Pacific Union clubs. In addition, two of the six $500 Adventist school scholarships for best modules built in the Great Ball Contraption challenge were awarded to Pathfinders from the Littleton Lights Pathfinder club: Nathan Matabi and Benjamin Pelley
Activities at camporee were put on hold when a severe storm passed through
the region on Tuesday evening, Aug. 6. Campers evacuated into the facility buildings or their vehicles while heavy rain and winds tore through the camp. Many campsites sustained damage, leaving some clubs without shelter until equipment could be dried out or replaced. “What you can see is God’s guidance and His protection. Yes. A lot of camps were wiped out, but I’m not aware of anyone who was hurt,” remarked Axel, an instructor and counselor with the Rifle club from Rifle, Colorado.
Reports were given of local Gillette facilities opening to provide housing for the night and residents bringing over camping supplies. Many remarked after the storm how much the Pathfinder and local community came together during this moment of crisis.
Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for administration, personally ordered and delivered warm food to displaced Pathfinder clubs staying at the Gillette Seventh-day Adventist Church. “To carry, in both hands, 80 burritos was not an easy task,” he light-heartedly remarked.
Camporee activities and programs resumed at noon on Aug. 7. By that afternoon, camps had been rebuilt and traces of the impact of the storm were not visible, other than dumpsters full of mangled camping equipment.
Several Pathfinders from RMC clubs joined the over
Savannah Carlson
Liz Kirkland Liz Kirkland
1,000 runners in the camporee’s 5K race. Michael Taylor, lead pastor at the Casper Seventh-day Adventist Church in Casper, Wyoming, was one such racer: “It was a beautiful day; fantastic weather. As a runner, I love the overcast and slightly breezy [days].”
After the race, the announcement was made that camporee would end a day early, and that Friday, Aug. 9, would be the last full day of activities. The Saturday night baptisms would be joined with Friday night’s group, and actors would present the remaining chapters of the Moses story. That evening 16 RMC Pathfinders joined the 500 other baptismal candidates in the pools located on the evening program stage.
Ten-year-old Oscar from the Brighton Seventh-day Adventist Church Pathfinder Club in Brighton, Colorado, was baptized that night. When asked why he chose to be baptized at camporee, Oscar said, “Because there was going to be a lot of people here, and everyone could see me give my life to God.” His fellow club member, Josephine, decided during camporee to be baptized after watching keynote speaker Damian Chandler: “I wasn’t
ROCKY MOUNTAIN
going to do it at camporee, but what he said last night in the [evening program] really hit me.”
Although the camporee-wide Sabbath service had been canceled, many conferences offered the option for their clubs to stay for a conference-wide service. RMC conducted an impromptu service that was well attended. Leandro Bizama, Campion Church associate pastor, led praise music during the open-air service with RMC president Mic Thurber giving the sermon. The service also featured special recognition of baptism participants and a love-offering collection for a couple from Brazil who had assisted RMC at camporee until serious health issues sent the wife to the hospital. Following the Sabbath service, a special ceremony was held at the RMC camp area for the seven RMC Master Guide candidates: David Hopkins, Lacinda Hopkins, Roger Beckermeyer, Jen Beckermeyer, Brent Learned, Natalie Lerma and Joel Hernandez.
Many RMC Pathfinder clubs had departed by late afternoon, with only a few partial clubs staying around to enjoy time together and
do last pin trades. “I was so impressed driving through the camping areas after most clubs had left at how clean everything looked,” commented Inglish. “No litter! Just a few overflowing dumpsters, which is to be expected.”
While the weather conditions and cancellations created difficulties for leaders, the resounding feedback from the young Pathfinders was that it was a wonderful experience. Nancy, a 17-yearold first-year Pathfinder from the Montrose Seventhday Adventist Church in Montrose, Colorado, remarked on her experience: “I think my favorite thing has been all the friends we made along the way. Also, [I liked] the concert last night. I really felt the Holy Spirit, and it was honestly such a good feeling.”
But the camporee experience did not end when clubs left the CAM-PLEX. Other national and international Pathfinder clubs had flown into Denver International Airport to leave on Sunday flights and needed to find lodging for Saturday. It was reported to RMCNews that, as the host conference, several Adventist schools and churches hosted these Pathfinder groups from Denver to as far north as Casper, Wyoming.
Rajmund Dabrowski, RMC communication director, was involved in assisting the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists media relations. “Our involvement yielded 16 articles in the local Gillette
and Wyoming state media. We were not just involved for ourselves, but for the benefit of others,” he said.
The RMC Communication Department would also like to acknowledge Nathan Cranson, lead pastor for the Montrose, Gunnison and Paonia Seventh-day Adventist churches on the Western Slope of Colorado, for his videography support at camporee. His video of the morning after the storm has had a staggering reach of 100,000 views to date, and his work received accolades from fellow NAD media reporters.
Mic Thurber was present for the entirety of the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee and remarked, “Words seem inadequate to summarize the camporee. Maybe simple declarations are enough. Some will think: heat, lightning, downpours, crowds and mud. But others will think: new friendships, learning, singing, pins and pin trading—you’d have had to have been there to fully get that!—adventure, baptisms, Moses, meeting other cultures, and lots and lots and lots of fun and joy!
“Kudos to our youth and Pathfinder leaders for their incredible work and leadership in helping it be a memorable experience for all,” he continued. “I can’t help but think our heavenly Father looked down and thought, ‘Well done, My good and faithful servants.’”
RMCNews
The RMC campsite was flooded after a severe thunderstorm passed through the Gillette area.
Rajmund Dabrowski
Welcome to Disaster City
Union’s
international rescue
and relief students drew from experience to train and entertain Pathfinders
Though most of us avoid disasters if given the opportunity, for international rescue and relief majors at Union Adventist University, to “go on God’s errands” often means heading into communities after a tornado, hurricane or earthquake.
Pathfinders got a taste of that experience at Union’s Disaster City activity at the 2024 Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyoming.
“We had people waiting in line for more than two hours,” said Andrew Saunders, the director
of Union’s International Rescue and Relief Program. Responsible for Disaster City’s setup, operation and management, Saunders and the IRR students crafted an engaging and exhilarating experience that was worth the wait.
To begin the timed rescue simulation, teams of eight were given a chainsaw (with the chain removed for safety) and tasked with clearing a tree blocking one of Disaster City’s main roads. Next, they had to avoid fallen power lines using a radio to communicate with a simulated power company. After that, participants repaired a damaged roof by nailing a tarp over it. Finally, the team needed to rescue a two-hundred-pound mannequin, affectionately named Randy, from under a collapsed building. During the process, Pathfinders utilized real tools and techniques taught by the IRR Program.
“Hopefully they were able to see a glimpse of what disaster response can be, and how to use a professional skill set to help somebody else,”
explained Saunders. “I think we were able to make a pretty positive impact.”
The activity not only provided education about real-life emergency management, but also gave Union an opportunity to showcase the strength of its curriculum.
“It brought a lot of awareness to Pathfinders about the IRR Program,” said Calista Covel, a senior from Topeka, Kansas. “It showed them what Union has to offer and why it might be a good fit.”
The IRR students were pivotal in this success, volunteering time out of their summers to make Disaster City possible. They talked with Pathfinders, guided them through the experience and celebrated their victories.
“I stood and watched the Union IRR team interacting with each Pathfinder in a meaningful and personal way,” said Jodie Aakko, the mother of a Colorado Pathfinder. “What’s more, just when they could have said goodjob-have-a-nice-day when a team completed the activity, the IRR team spent several minutes with each Pathfinder,
Photos: Emma Bermeo
chatting with them, and to extend a personal invitation to join the Union Disaster Response Team when they start college.”
These consistently positive interactions between Pathfinders and students built lasting memories and non-simulated friendships.
“We got to meet a lot of really cool people,” said Caleb Bonilla, an IRR graduate now in Union’s Master of Public Health Program. “A lot of alumni came by, and a lot of kids were looking for an exciting, hands-on program.”
Saunders added, “I think our team did very well at representing the values of the university.”
The construction of Disaster City was
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY
spearheaded by Savannah Fortney, a 2024 IRR graduate. She built a prop house for the roof-patching scenario and created broken pieces of concrete out of Styrofoam for the collapsed building. She also designed an electromagnetic tree with sections that fell apart when the chainsaw was brought near it. Fortney’s commitment and ingenuity was key to making the exhibit so impactful to the Pathfinders who took part in it.
Disaster City saw a growing number of visitors every day, all enthusiastically awaiting their simulated heroism.
“There were always kids in line,” Covel recalled. The activity’s hands-on involvement captivated Pathfinders,
and the high-stakes scenarios caused genuine excitement.
Friendly competitions sprung up among the Pathfinders with every team working to earn the best time. A leaderboard was posted in front of the activity, displaying the current record to be broken. This encouraged Pathfinders to improve their time, with multiple groups returning repeatedly. “People would get really into the competitiveness of it,” Saunders said. He added that a group of middle-aged dads had resolved to beat the record their kids set. Clearly, the activity was fun for the whole family.
“I had a bunch of parents come back and said it was the best activity there,” recalled
Allen Stafford, an IRR major. “People genuinely loved it.” Thanks to extraordinary student leadership and an exhilarating premise, Disaster City became a camporee favorite. The effect it had was palpable, attracting a never-ending flow of eager Pathfinders. The disaster may have been simulated, but the fun was authentic. As Aakko said, “I am certain many Pathfinders will remember their thrilling camporee experience at the Union IRR activity when they reach college.”
Reef Peckham is a senior English major at Union Adventist University.
(opposite page, top) Pathfinders bring their mannequin victim on a stretcher to safety.
(opposite page, left) Union’s “Disaster City” provided a post-disaster scenario for Pathfinders to practice rescue skills.
(opposite page, right) Union students Jonathan Handley, Savannah Fortney and Katelyn Page work behind the scenes recording participation. From construction to completion, the activity relied on student leaders, particularly Fortney who took on the role of project manager.
(below left) Pathfinders patch holes in a roof with tarps, an echo of the work Union’s students are often tasked with in the aftermath of tornados and hurricanes.
(below right) Pathfinders remove a mannequin victim from rubble.
AdventHealth Invites Young People to a Life of Promise at the 2024 Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee
In early August 60,000 Pathfinders, sponsors and support staff pitched their tents in Gillette, Wyoming, for the week-long 2024 Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee, sponsored by AdventHealth. Pathfinders experienced a dramatic telling of the story of Moses on the main stage each evening and spent their days participating in offsite activities, service projects, honors and a variety of on-site activities.
AdventHealth’s decision to be this year’s camporee anchor sponsor stemmed from a desire to engage a new generation of mission-focused young people and to invite them into a life of promise serving in the health care field. In an interview during the official camporee livestream, Terry Shaw, president and CEO of AdventHealth, shared how the Pathfinder Pledge, being a servant to God and a friend to man, fits naturally with the mission of AdventHealth: Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.
Through three activations, Pathfinders were invited to explore the variety of roles that exist within AdventHealth—from doctors and nurses to human resources professionals, accountants, carpenters, creatives and even pilots. No matter what the career
path, Pathfinders were shown that they can pursue it at AdventHealth.”
Career experience
The Career Experience was AdventHealth’s largest activation at camporee, an 11,000 square foot space with several hands-on activities using cutting edge technology. Following registration, attendees entered through a “promise portal” leading them into the experience that included a large Wholeness Sphere, an LED sphere, showcasing photos of Pathfinder clubs from around the world and short welcoming videos from AdventHealth team members.
Inside the experience, which was attended by approximately 24,000 individuals, Pathfinders played interactive tabletop electronic games that demonstrated how different roles at AdventHealth work together to help patients feel whole.
They also learned about various health care careers and tried on different uniforms in the AI-powered virtual Career Mirror. In a separate area called the Sim Lab, participants learned CPR skills using augmented reality before moving to Music from the Heart, an activity that measured the heartbeats of participants and used the rhythm to create a unique symphony together.
Honors classes
AdventHealth taught two honors at camporee: Legacy of Healing and Health and Healing, which are part of a suite of five new honors
created by AdventHealth in 2024 to help young people live better and healthier lives, learn about health careers and better understand how they can be an extension of Christ’s healing ministry today.
In the Legacy of Healing honor Pathfinders learned about how Christians have been relieving suffering and providing healing to the world since the time of Jesus. This honor shows the direct links between Christ’s healing ministry, the early Christian church, the Adventist Church’s focus on health, and modern faith-based Adventist health care. In addition, it
challenges Christians to share Christ’s healing ministry in the community and extend it into the future until His second coming.
The Health and Healing honor focuses on connecting Christ’s healing ministry, how He empowered others to extend healing, why Christ healed and how we can be part of this special ministry today. The honor also provides dozens of examples of health care careers that can serve as conduits for Pathfinders to serve others and extend healing through their work.
“The excitement of the Pathfinders was palpable from the moment they walked into the classroom,” shared Gianni Arroyo, communications specialist at AdventHealth who attended the camporee and co-taught the Health and Healing honor alongside Hearly Mayr, director of stakeholder communication at AdventHealth. “They wanted to learn but they also wanted to contribute to the conversations we were having. Earning the patch and receiving a pin was
just an added bonus for them. I feel blessed to have been a part of this AdventHealth activation, sharing the importance of Christ’s healing ministry and how we all can be vessels of His ministry whether it’s in clinical or non-clinical roles.”
Almost 5,000 people earned honors from AdventHealth at the camporee.
Sports experience
AdventHealth sponsors a variety of professionals sports organizations and one of those is NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club and the Daytona International Speedway. To highlight this partnership and the impact it has in the community, AdventHealth brought Legacy Motor Club’s number 43, AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE to the camporee for Pathfinders to see first-hand, sign their name and write messages of support on giant thank you cards to first responders and frontline health care workers. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in the Pit Crew Challenge game
where Pathfinders could try their hands changing tires much like professional pit crew teams do.
AdventHealth has a firm belief that faith-based health care is the best kind of health care and it’s the desire of the organization to serve as many people with this type of health care as possible. Its focus is to show up in the community where people gather so they will have a connection with AdventHealth and choose it when they need health care.
Approximately 10,400 people signed the car and completed the challenge.
The AdventHealth pin challenge
As Pathfinders participated in each AdventHealth activity at camporee, they received a limited-edition pin. Once they collected all three pins, Pathfinders were eligible to receive an exclusive executive pin from an AdventHealth executive to complete their set.
The AdventHealth Pin Challenge allowed Pathfinders the
opportunity to engage in each AdventHealth activity, immersing them in the complete purpose brought to life through each activity as outlined in the manifesto AdventHealth created to drive the focus of their presence at camporee:
“At AdventHealth, our brand promise—feel whole— invites each person to experience love, healing, growth and fulfillment. In 2024, we’ll extend that invitation to the camporee attendees as they discover God’s promise for their lives and are inspired to consider how that promise could lead into a future in healing—for others and for their communities—using their unique, God-given talents.”
an excerpt from AdventHealth’s manifesto for participation in the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee
Brian Henning is manager of communication platforms at AdventHealth.
FAREWELL
Brooks, Janean Annette (Heinrich), b. Dec. 2, 1945 in St Helena, CA. d. Aug. 19, 2024, in Springfield, MO. Member of Kimberling City (MO) Church. Survivors include husband Lyle; daughter Amy; son Matthew; 2 sisters; 1 brother; 3 grandsons; 4 great-grandchildren.
Card, David L., b. April 7, 1950 in Midland, MI. d. July 19, 2024 in Columbia, MO. Member of Columbia Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother. Survivors include wife Donna; daughter Jennifer Kasey; son Joshua; 3 sisters; 4 grandchildren.
Clark, Lawrence M., b. April 9, 1939 in Glen Gardner, NJ. d. June 29, 2024 in Ozark, MO. Member of Lebanon (MO) Church. Preceded in death by daughter Margaret P.; 1 brother. Survivors include wife Margaret Ann; daughters Melissa and Ronna Ann; sons James and Victor; 13 grandchildren; 15 greatgrandchildren.
Delinger, Marilyn L., b. Dec. 31, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI. d. July 21, 2024 in Cody, WY. Member of Montana Conference. Preceded in death by 2 sisters; 1 brother. Survivors include husband John; sons Jonathan and Timothy; 3 grandchildren.
Dick, George (Jack), b. March 27, 1929, Belle Fourche, SD. d. July 16, 2024 in South Dakota. Member of Spearfish (SD) Church. Preceded in death by 2 sisters. Survivors include wife Wilma; daughter Melanie Lehmann; sons Mike, Dave, and Steve; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren.
Served in U.S. Army 19531955. Served in South Dakota National Guard for 20 years.
Dockter, Pearlene (Werner), b. June 2, 1931 in McClusky, ND. d. May 31, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Goodrich (ND) Church. Preceded in death by husband Alfred; 1 daughter; 1 sister; 1
brother; 3 grandchildren. Survivors include daughters Debbie Lauer and DeLaine Forth; sons Randy, Daryl, and Dean; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren.
Ewer, Eugene Claude, b. Feb. 2, 1928 in Renville County, MN. d. June 29, 2024 in Andover, MN. Member of Andover Church. Survivors include daughters Joy Lindquist and Gwen Myre; sons Keith and Kent; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great-grandchild. Served in the U.S. Navy.
Gray, Sherry, b. Feb. 27, 1957 in Norfolk, NE. d. June 7, 2024 in Norfolk, NE. Member of Norfolk Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister. Survivors include husband Roy, sons Shawn, Brandon, and Austin; 3 sisters; 4 grandchildren.
Holguin, Judy Soulis, b. Jan. 28, 1938 in Chicago, IL. d. July 7, 2024 in Topeka, KS. Member of Topeka Wanamaker (KS) Church. Preceded in death by husbands Alexander Soulis and Raul. Survivors include daughters Esther, Andria Graham, and Kristina Johnson; 2 brothers 1 granddaughter.
Israel, Dorothy Louise (Sherman), b. April 2, 1929 in Kansas City, MO. d. May 24, 2024 in Lampe, MO. Member of Kimberling City (MO) Church. Preceded in death by husband Frank; son Mitchell. Survivors include sons Michael, Dale, and Lonnie White; stepdaughter Becky; 17 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; 8 great-great-grandchildren.
Mantz, Gary Dean, b. July 6, 1942 in LaCrosse, KS. d. Jan. 8, 2024 in Ness City, KS. Member of Bazine (KS) Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister. Survivors include wife Dianna; daughter Brenda; son Greg; 1 brother; 2 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
Mathews, Joyce A., b. Nov. 19, 1946 in Niangua, MO. d. Feb. 25, 2024 in Lebanon, MO. Member of Lebanon Church. Preceded in death by 2 brothers. Survivors include husband John B.; daughters Joni Pawlikowski, Janette Green, Jolene Phelps; 3 sisters; 1 brother; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren.
Prettyman, Fisher, Kathleen (Davis), b. Oct. 9, 1940 in Kamath Falls, OR. d. March 14, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Richardton (ND) Church. Preceded in death by husbands Sheldon Fisher, Perry Eyler, Ray LaVerene Prettyman; 2 brothers. Survivors include daughters Vaunda Fisher, Sheleen Fisher, and Shannon Drake; son Craig; 2 sisters; 22 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren.
Seltmann, Eddie L., b. May 2, 1943 in Hays, KS. d. March 21, 2024 in Orlando, FL. Member of Forest Lake (FL)
Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister; 1 brother. Survivors include wife Jan Seltmann; sons Joel and Brad; 5 grandchildren. Served the U.S. Army in Vietnam.
Smith, Nettie S., b. March 29, 1936 in Holcomb, MO. d. Aug. 10, 2024 in Gideon, MO. Member of Poplar Bluff (MO) Church. Preceded in death by daughter Gwendolyn; 1 brother. Survivors include 1 grandson; 5 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great-grandchildren.
HOW TO SUBMIT AN OBITUARY
Please email Barb Engquist at Barb.Engquist@ maucsda.org.
Or go to outlookmag.org/ contact.
SERVICES
Get free stickers: LifeTalk Radio has free stickers for kids. Order at LifeTalk.net/ stickers. Great to share your faith at Halloween. Let others know LifeTalkKids.net has awesome programs for kids. Discover exciting adventure, captivating history, amazing Bible stories and more.
Move with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for all your relocation needs! Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Contact Marcy Danté at 800.766.1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at www. apexmoving.com/Adventist
Partner with ASAP Ministries in serving the marginalized and reaching the unreached in Southeast Asia
with the wholistic gospel. What you do today can change a life for eternity! To learn more visit asapministries.org. Subscribe to our weekly Mission Matters videos. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube: asapministries.
Summit Ridge Retirement Village: An Adventist community in a rural setting that offers affordable homes or apartments and caring neighbors with a fellowship you’ll enjoy. On-site church, planned activities and transportation as needed. Also, Wolfe Living Center offering independent living and nursing home. Website: www.summitridgevillage. org or call Bill Norman at 405.208.1289.
FOR SALE
Shop for new/used Adventist books: TEACH Services
offers used Adventist books at www.LNFBOOKS.com or new book releases at your local ABC or www.TEACHServices.com. AUTHORS, let us help publish your book with editing, design, marketing, and worldwide distribution. Call 800.367.1844 for a free evaluation.
Adventist Coin Dealer—1844 Communion Token: $25. 1742 French silver jeton w/ Noah’s Ark: $285. Widow’s Mite: $20. Hundreds of books. 531.333.6858 or email lawrencejlee42@ gmail.com. Dr. Lawrence J. Lee, PO Box 6194, Lincoln, NE 68506.
EMPLOYMENT
Adventist Media Ministries seeks a full-time Treasurer in Support Services to manage the treasury/accounting operations, supervise treasury staff, provide leadership, administration, and assistance in shaping business services to the needs of the media ministries. Includes some travel. Position is located in Riverside, CA. For information or to apply, visit www.adventistmediaministries.com/available-positions.
Adventist Media Ministries seeks a Senior Accountant to work in Support Services and handle various specialized accounting duties, participate in department cross-training, and assist Treasurer and other accounting staff. Position is full-time (38 hours per week) plus overtime, located in Riverside, CA. For more information or to apply, visit www. adventistmediaministries. com/available-positions.
Andrews University Seeks qualified applicants: Andrews University is seeking qualified Seventh-day Adventists who may fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World.
If this is of interest to you, please check out our current openings at: www.andrews. edu/admres/jobs
It Is Written seeks qualified and talented candidates for full-time positions, including: Director of Planned Giving and Trust Services, Trust Officer for the Central Region, and Associate Director of Development. For more information about these and other positions, and to apply online, please visit itiswritten.com/employment
Radio Broadcast mission positions—Stateside! Looking for that special place to apply your adventurous spirit? Want to reach thousands and make an eternal difference? Degree not required. Practical communication skills and Kingdom dedication essential, www. radioofhope.org/mission
Union Adventist University is seeking candidates for three full-time positions: Master of Public Health Graduate Faculty, Executive Assistant to the President, and Office Manager of Operations. All include generous benefits package including tuition assistance for dependents. Must be legally authorized to work lawfully in the U.S. Please see the full job descriptions and instructions for application at uau. edu/employment
Union Adventist University seeks qualified candidates for an Accountant in Student Accounts. Bachelor’s degree required, prior accounting, finance, or collection experience preferred. Responsible for managing all aspects of billing and charges for current and non-current student accounts. Full benefit package including tuition assistance. Visit uau.edu/employment for more details.
Union Adventist University is seeking an electrician.
INFOMARKET
This is a full-time position with generous benefits including tuition assistance for dependents. The Electrician is responsible for the installation and repair of all electrical distribution systems, low voltage systems, lighting, motors, and appliances. A Master Electrician’s license is preferred but not required. Please see the full job description and instructions for application at uau. edu/employment or contact Paul Jenks at paul.jenks@ uau.edu.
Union Adventist University seeks applicants for an Expedition Coordinator/ Faculty to lead in the International Rescue and Relief Program. This is a full-time, exempt, faculty position with generous benefits. The Coordinator will work on campus during the fall semester and plan the spring semester abroad, as well as help out with other program
initiatives. The Coordinator will lead out in the spring semester abroad, accompanying students and coordinating class instruction, planning, and logistics. Please see the full job description and instructions for application at uau.edu/employment
HOW TO SUBMIT A CLASSIFIED AD
Please email information to Barb Engquist: Barb. Engquist@maucsda. org.
Or mail letter to: OUTLOOK magazine PO Box 6128 Lincoln, NE 68506
For more information call 402.484.3013
Mid-America Union OUTLOOK Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation
This statement of ownership, management and circulation was filed on August 29, 2024 with the U.S. Postal Service for the MidAmerica OUTLOOK, publication number 0887-977X, a magazine owned and published by the Mid-America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. It is published 10 times per year at a subscription price of $12. For further information, contact the Mid-America Union Conference, publisher, or Brenda Dickerson, editor, at the above address. The following figures for the extent and nature of the circulation apply to the year ending with the September 2024 issue of OUTLOOK and are printed in the October issue of this publication.
Description
Total number of copies
Total paid/requested outside-county mail subs
Total paid/requested inside-county mail subs
Sales through dealers, carriers, street vendors
Other classes mailed through USPS
Total paid/requested circulation
Total complimentary distribution
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Copies not distributed
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Short-Term Medical and Evangelistic Mission Trips
Whether you’re interested in becoming an international evangelist and preaching a series of meetings, or would like to serve through an AWR360° Health medical clinic as a medical professional or non-medical volunteer, we have various opportunities throughout the year.
Start planning now:
Visit: awr.org/missiontrips | Deadline to help with the evangelism program: Oct. 28
Attend a university where faith is baked in
There’s a lot you can learn about King David while you’re waiting for the shortcake to come out of the oven.
That’s what the women in the Baking and Bibles small group have discovered.
“It’s really nice to spend time with people you don’t usually spend time with, and to get to know them better,” said Calista Covel, who co-leads the group. “And to share thoughts on the Bible.”
This isn’t the only small group where members encourage each other in God’s word while enjoying an activity together. Other groups focus on music, pickleball or walking. At Union, you have more than 26 small groups to choose from.
It’s easy to make friends in this kind of environment, and even easier to grow spiritually. Come join us and see what’s cooking.
