Outlook JulyAugust 2016 by OUTLOOK magazine

MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION

Adventist Education in Mid-America

Changing the World,

One Day at a Time A living Classroom p.8 Caring Heart Awards p.10 JULYÂ·AUG2016 outlookmag.org

CONTENTS | JULY·AUG 2016

ONLINE ADVENTIST EDUCATION: PLANNING AND PASSION What does it take to be a teacher in the Adventist education system? A love of Jesus. A love of seeing people come to Him. A love of learning and completing a teacher-education program. A love of kids. And energy only obtained from heaven.

JOHN KRIEGELSTEIN director of education for the Mid-America Union

As you read this issue of OUTLOOK that focuses on Adventist education, you will find a report of a teacher-training program and the connected multi-grade school designed to uniquely prepare teachers for small schools. You will read parents’ positive testimonies of the education their kids are receiving. You will learn of students with caring hearts. You will be impressed with the report of one remarkable 93-year-old high school graduate! Very little of this could have been written without the careful planning and passion for young people that a Spirit-led teacher provides. Some would say that Adventist education is dying. After reading this issue, I hope you will be impressed that it is alive and well.

Ruth—More Than Meets the Eye “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” But for the observant reader, the Ruth narrative contains layer after layer of irony and reversal, as in Dickens’ great story. bit.ly/ruthblogbyed

3 Ways of Knowing When the Gift of Prophecy is Revealed Understanding the gifts of the Holy Spirit through the life of Christ. bit.ly/3waysbylydia

ON THE COVER Kelli Vigil, a first-year teacher at Rapid City Adventist Elementary School in South Dakota, shared Jesus every day this past school year with her 13 students, only one of whom comes from an Adventist family. Photo by Mike Beck

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OUTLOOK (ISSN 0887-977X) July/August 2016, Volume 37, Number 7/8. OUTLOOK is published monthly (10 months per year) by the MidAmerica 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. Free for Mid-America church members and $10 per year for subscribers. ©2016 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.

MID-AMERICA UNION CONFERENCE

PERSPECTIVES 17

SABBATH: THE TRUE MEANING OF REST —Ed Dickerson p. 4 SHARING JESUS AT 36,000 FEET —Gary Thurber p. 5

FEATURES CHANGING THE WORLD, ONE DAY AT A TIME p. 6

“The example of a quality Christian teacher ‘trickles down’ into our lives.” — p. 8 23

A LIVING CLASSROOM p. 8 CARING HEART AWARDS p. 10

NEWS 12 Central States 14 Dakota 16 Iowa-Missouri 18 Kansas-Nebraska 20 Minnesota 22 Rocky Mountain 24 Union College 26 Adventist Health 28 Farewell 29 InfoMarket

President Gary Thurber VP for Administration Gil F. Webb VP for Finance Troy Peoples Communication Brenda Dickerson Education John Kriegelstein Ministerial Mic Thurber Youth/Church Ministries Hubert Cisneros midamericaadventist.org OUTLOOK STAFF Editor: Brenda Dickerson Managing Editor and Art Director: Raschelle Hines outlookmag.org CENTRAL STATES News Editor: Brittany Winkfield communications@ central-states.org 913.371.1071 central-states.org DAKOTA News Editor: Jacquie Biloff jbiloff@icloud.com 701.751.6177 dakotaadventist.org IOWA-MISSOURI News Editor: Randy Harmdierks rharmdierks@imsda.org 515.223.1197 imsda.org KANSAS-NEBRASKA News Editor: Stephanie Gottfried sgottfried@ks-ne.org 785.478.4726 ks-ne.org MINNESOTA News Editor: Brian Mungandi bmungandi@mnsda.com 763.424.8923 mnsda.com ROCKY MOUNTAIN News Editor: Rajmund Dabrowski rayd@rmcsda.org 303.733.3771 rmcsda.org UNION COLLEGE News Editor: Ryan Teller ryteller@ucollege.edu 402.468.2538 ucollege.edu

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Sabbath

The True Meaning of Rest

ED DICKERSON is a lay pastor, church planter, writer and speaker. He enjoys photography, golf, music, watching football and exegetical Bible study. His passion is to do everything in his power to see that, if the Lord tarries, there will be an Adventist church that his children and grandchildren want to belong to. Ed has been blogging for OUTLOOK since 2009.

s we continue this series on Adventist Identity, we now turn to an examination of one of our most fundamental beliefs—the Sabbath. Woven through our unique understanding of the Great Controversy, the investigative judgment, the cleansing of the sanctuary, the final act of mercy (hellfire), the gift of prophecy, and the state of the dead [I address each of these topics individually in my blog], is the foundational concept of Sabbath rest and celebration. Few doctrines or ideas are more closely connected to the Seventh-day Adventist Church than the doctrine of the Sabbath. It is certainly a major part of our identity, even referenced in our name. And even those who know little about us generally understand that we observe Saturday, the seventh day, rather than Sunday. But strangely, I believe it is one of the most misunderstood doctrines, both within and without the denomination. I count myself among those who, for most of my life, misunderstood the meaning and importance of the Sabbath. I say that because for most of my life I thought of the Sabbath mainly in terms of two checklists of activities: permitted and prohibited. In my younger days, these lists were direct and separate; there was no overlapping, none at all. And then life intervened. I began to read

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the Bible—really read it—not just searching for instruction or proof texts, but to experience it, to put myself in the place of those relating to God in its pages. And as I read the Gospel of John, it became increasingly clear to me that Jesus repeatedly and intentionally “violated” the Pharisees’ ideas on the Sabbath. I also realized, to my chagrin, that I had more in common with the Pharisees than I did with Jesus.

things prohibited and things permitted. It’s more challenging, as well. There are things that were ordinarily on my prohibited list before which, if the focus is to build relationships, are now not only permitted but in some cases are necessary.

Celebrating salvation Genesis tells us that on the Sabbath God rested from all the work that He had made. This is not about an omnipotent God wearing out and needing rest. This is about God ceasing Cultivating from a task because the task relationships is completed. And that is the As the Spirit wielded its final irony concerning my list sword, it cut deeply into my of permitted and prohibited cherished ideas. I read, and behaviors. To enter into Sabbath truly contemplated, that the rest for us means to cease Sabbath was made for man from our everyday tasks, but and not man for the Sabbath. I also to cease from the task of realized that most of my life I attempting to be good enough, had been serving the Sabbath, to earn our salvation. that is, acting as though I was The only 24-hour period created to serve the Sabbath. Jesus spent in the tomb was the The idea that the Sabbath had Sabbath. As He had rested from been created to serve essential His completed work of creation needs of my own revolutionat the end of creation week, ized my understanding. Jesus rested from His completed Clearly, both from the con- work of redemption at the end text in Genesis and the many of redemption week. examples in the Gospels, the For us to attempt by our Sabbath is primarily about behaviors and activities to earn cultivating relationships. That merit toward salvation is the is the context within which greatest violation of the Sabbath we are to understand the imaginable. On the Sabbath Sabbath—our relationship we rest in His completed work with our Creator, yes, but also of redemption, of salvation. our relationships with each On the Sabbath we celebrate other and with the planet, our creation, our relationships, with nature. and our redemption. That is This is far richer, far more the truest way of observing the complex, and far more Sabbath. nuanced than my earlier list of

PERSPECTIVES

Sharing Jesus

at 36,000 Feet

t was a smallish aircraft with only two seats on each side of the isle. I had looked at the seat map of the plane just before boarding and saw there was no one booked to sit next to me. To be honest, I began to dream about having all that extra room for the flight and hoped beyond hope no one on stand-by would take the seat beside me. With this mindset, I started to look at people entering the plane differently. In my head, I was saying as people walked in, “Okay, keep going.” What a great sense of relief I felt when all had boarded and the seat next to me was still empty! Ahhh…now to relax and truly enjoy my flight.

stop talking about her phone. People all around could hear of her dilemma and most, I believe, wished she would quiet down. After a few more unsuccessful attempts to find her phone, the young lady next to her said, “Would you like to pray about your lost phone?” I was amazed at the openness of this young lady’s request and was very happy when the older Cell phone saga lady welcomed her suggestion. But not really. Although no The young lady offered a one was sitting beside me, I beautiful prayer that deeply could clearly hear the two ladies touched the older wombehind me. One was older, and an’s heart (mine too). A few by listening to how she talked moments later the phone was I knew she had some major found! The older lady was health challenges. Next to her so joyful and couldn’t share was a young person who was enough appreciation for her being very kind and gracious newfound friend. to her. Just as we were getting ready to take off, the older lady Hey, I know her started to panic because she During the rest of the flight couldn’t locate her phone. The the older lady told more and flight attendant wasn’t being more of her life story to the helpful at all, and actually younger, asking for advice. seemed somewhat annoyed I was amazed at the young with her distress. woman’s insightful responses. On the other hand, the young At one point, the young lady lady sitting next to her was was sharing how prayer had being very caring and trying to been so powerful in her own life help find the lost phone. and began telling stories of how By now, the plane had taken God had helped her. It was then off and the older lady couldn’t I realized I knew this young

lady. She was Hannah Abbott, daughter of John and Maria Abbott who live in Lincoln, Nebraska where John pastors. I was so proud of her! Before we landed, Hannah and her seat mate had exchanged contact information. Hannah promised to send her new friend some books to help with her life changes, and the woman promised to call. As their conversation concluded I couldn’t help wondering what had prepared Hannah to be such a blessing. Certainly it made a difference that she grew up in a loving, Christian home and had many Christian friends. Hannah just finished college and is now heading to graduate school to continue her studies in speech pathology. I am sure that being part of our Adventist schools also contributed to her witness. Already, she is changing her world for the better! Suddenly I was no longer relishing the empty seat beside me. Instead, I was wishing I had someone I could be a witness to as well. Thank you, Hannah, for reminding me to serve others as Christ did.

Before we landed, Hannah and her seat mate had exchanged contact information. Hannah promised to send her new friend some books to help with her life changes, and the woman promised to call.

GARY THURBER is president of the Mid-America Union.

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Changing the World,

One Day at a Time John Kriegelstein, director of education for the Mid-America Union, interviews Kelli Vigil, a first-year teacher in South Dakota. Kelli, tell us about your school. I am the upper grades teacher at the Rapid City Adventist Elementary School in Rapid City, South Dakota. It is a two-teacher school with 21 students, and I have 13 students in grades 4-7. Only one of my students is an Adventist and five of my students are Native American, making for interesting diversity dynamics. Tell us a bit about yourself. My cousin and I like to joke that we were bred to be Adventist educators. I am

I have a burden to show kids jesus— plain and simple. 6

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blessed with a family that has dedicated their lives to Adventist education and you’ll often find the conversation around the Christmas dinner table shift to curriculum or dress code policies. Because I grew up surrounded by educators, I didn’t want to be a teacher at all. I knew that teaching is not a job...it’s a lifestyle. You can’t leave work at the office and you don’t really get summer “off.” But God with His divine sense of humor gave me a love for young people and wrangled me into education, regardless. I have a burden to show kids Jesus—plain and simple. When I’m not lesson planning or grading papers, you’ll find me out in nature hiking or camping, or in my kitchen cooking and baking.

Photos: Mike Beck

I believe Adventist education to be one of the most important ministries that our church offers. How well were you prepared for your first year of teaching, and what have you learned about the teaching profession this year? I attended Union College and loved it! After graduation, I left with an entire network of mentors to whom I can turn during moments of frustration, confusion or joy. My Union College family is a true blessing. Throughout this first year of teaching I’ve watched my philosophy of education change. Yes there are standards to meet and concepts to cover, but my overall goal is to help my students fall in love with learning. So would I rather see my students memorize and verbatim recite the dates of each Revolutionary War battle? Or instead watch students get excited to become investigators at the crime scene of the Boston Massacre? My educational priorities have shifted so that my students have positive encounters and fall in love with learning. That way when they reach high school and it’s time to study the Revolutionary War, they are fascinated and excited to learn more.

You chose to teach in an Adventist elementary school. Why? While I was at Union, various speakers would quote statistics or share consumer reports about how college students are currently being trained for jobs that will no longer exist in five years. And all I could think about is how I hope my job still exists in five years! It saddens me to watch Adventist education struggle and my heart breaks as schools continue to downsize or close. I believe Adventist education to be one of the most important ministries that our church offers. Yet priorities seem to shift and my aunt describes it by saying that families just aren’t willing to sell the cow anymore to pay for school. It’s easy for me to get on my soapbox about this, but I truly believe the future of our church lies in the hands of our youth and we need to sacrifice to provide our youth with a Christian education that is unrivaled in quality and opportunity.

Tell us about an experience that has reinforced your decision to be teaching in an Adventist school. We held a dinner social at the church as a fundraiser, and included an auction. A couple of the students had made birdhouses with their dad and my entire class stood wide-eyed as the auction bids kept going up and up. One girl whispered to me that she couldn’t believe people would pay that much for a birdhouse. And I explained that it wasn’t about the birdhouse; it’s about people who believe in them and want to help them. My students were absolutely shocked at the love and support shown by the church members. How does having so many students who are not from Adventist families affect your teaching? Over 90 percent of my students are from the community, so my classroom is quite the religious melting pot. There are also a variety of family backgrounds, which makes classroom dynamics difficult at times. But what a tremendous opportunity to minister to these students and show them the love of Jesus!

What do you feel is the most important thing you can teach your students? That Jesus is real and wants to be their friend. My kids can validate that I repeatedly tell them, “You can’t have an encounter with Jesus and not be changed.” It’s our classroom mantra. Every day the prayer in my heart is that the Master Teacher will teach through me. When Satan is attacking my classroom and the pre-teen hormones are flying, it’s a joy to be able to stop everything and pray or have another worship talk. When these students graduate from our school it’s my prayer that they leave equipped with the spiritual tools necessary to combat the devil’s attacks. Kelli, we hear reports that you are doing a great job as a first-year teacher. Why do you think people say that? That’s definitely all God. I’m just thankful for the opportunity to work for Him. My prayer is that I can lead by example and that the kids will see Jesus in me.

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A Living Classroom

George P. Stone Elementary School W

Photos: Jenienne Kriegelstein

Jackie Simpson

hen Kurt and Beth Miyashiro moved to Lincoln, Nebraska from a small town in Illinois, they looked at all the elementary education options for their children. The family valued a small learning environment where older students interact and help younger children. They found an education match at George P. Stone Elementary School, a fullfledged multi-grade, twoteacher elementary school operating on the campus of Union College under the direction of the Education Department of the Human Development Division. “As parents, it is our most earnest desire for our children to develop morally and spiritually,” said Beth. “We want to have our children in a school that provides support and guidance that leads them toward eternity. The example of a quality Christian teacher ‘trickles down’ into our lives.” This school is unique in that it is also a teacher-in-training learning environment where student teachers observe, interact with students, and model what they learn from master teachers.

Why the need? America’s heartland today still is dotted with many one-, two-, and three-teacher elementary schools. In fact, 87 percent of all Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools in the United States reflect this learning environment

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profile. In the Mid-America Union, the percentage of elementary schools with three or more grades per teacher is even higher at 91 percent. Special training for teachers planning to work in these small, multi-grade schools was virtually non-existent until the fall of 1977 when Union College opened the George P. Stone Elementary School. George Stone is fully accredited by the State of Nebraska and the North American Division. George Stone School provides the best possible Adventist Christian education for its elementary students while providing practical laboratory experience for teachers-in-training and opportunities to develop curriculum materials especially suitable for multigrade schools.

Practical teacher training Union College students who are studying elementary education come into this dual-purpose learning environment for first-hand observation of multi-grade instruction. The experienced, multi-grade teachers at George Stone are open and willing to allow student teachers to observe, ask questions, and teach sample curriculum units. It’s an accommodating learning laboratory. For example, while teaching about Asia, student teacher Elizabeth Gustafson infused a

Photos: Denise White

did not expect to see, and this newfound confidence turned into mentoring younger children. Trudy Holmes-Caines, a professor at Union College, and her husband, Devon, enrolled their daughter in George Stone when she reached the sixth grade. Alexi already demonstrated her ability as an excellent student, and her parents noticed additional areas of growth, thanks to the multi-grade environment. The Holmes-Caines family observed their daughter becoming more responsible. She is showing signs of being more patient, understanding and respectful of younger trip to the Asian Market and approval and suggestions, and classmates. She is also learnthen led her students through their work is regularly moni- ing how to express herself culinary activities as together tored by the classroom master more clearly and explain they prepared and ate an teachers. Because brand new, things to others. Asian meal. multi-grade curriculum units Alexi is benefiting from An end-of-semester are being created through the a personalized, continuactivity for the elementary teacher training program, ous-progress learning plan. Math Methods class requires George Stone students are She completes her assigneducation majors to design an regularly exposed to exciting ments during school hours interesting math activity and educational innovations in and seldom has assigned prepare to teach it to elemen- addition to the standard cur- homework, which allows for tary students. When Math riculum requirements. free evening hours to interact Day arrives, students rotate with her parents. Top quality student through three of 12 math Ana and her husband, stations where student teach- instruction Venito, brought their son ers lead out in an engaging When Jennifer Martin and to George Stone part way math learning activity. This her husband, Travis, began through the school year. He is a highlight of the year for looking for an alternative was not experiencing success George Stone students! to the public school their at his previous school and In addition, education daughter was attending, they were seeking another majors conduct physical they were drawn to George educational path for him. education activities with Stone because of the low Within six months, the Taylors George Stone students, presstudent-teacher ratio and the saw their son become more ent worship talks and week teacher-in-learning classroom confident in his own abilities, of prayer sessions, and gain interaction. They wanted more focused, realize the 100-plus hours of student a small, loving, low-stress importance of academic work, teaching experience through learning environment for their and become more involved observations and practicums daughter who was behind in in spiritual activities at home. at George Stone and addiher learning. He now excels at math and tional off-campus educational Learning in the multi-level reading—his parents say all he partner schools. school allowed the Martin’s does now at home is read! All student teachers’ daily daughter to be mentored by Crystal and Adam plans are submitted sevolder children. She gained Schaecher’s son is a seceral days ahead of time for confidence that her parents ond-generation George Stone

At an early age, George Stone students are experiencing how to live a life of service, learning and leadership.

student. Adam attended during his elementary years, and next fall both his sons will be part of the George Stone School family. The George Stone classroom curriculum includes Lego robotics for older students; exposure to current technology through using Chromebooks and laptops; and features hands-on learning with science fair projects, research paper writing, art classes, band class and more. Each year, George Stone students participate in Union College’s Project Impact day of service to the community. At an early age, George Stone students are experiencing how to live a life of service, learning and leadership.

Representing the best of Union College The concept of George Stone School is well matched to the educational values of Union College: learning, discipleship, service, mentoring, diversity, community and stewardship. Union College education professors are training and equipping elementary teacher candidates to help students—no matter the school size—reach high achievement levels in language arts, reading, mathematics, science, social studies and other areas of learning. The overall Adventist Christian education system benefits with the placement of Union College-trained teachers who understand small school, multi-grade learning environments. Denise White chairs the Human Development Division at Union College.

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Caring Heart Awards for 2015-16

Each school year, senior academies in the North American Division select a junior or senior student with a strong citizenship record, a personal commitment to witnessing/service, and an overall positive influence on their campus to receive a $500 scholarship, a plaque and an engraved Bible.

Sunnydale Adventist Academy Midland Adventist Academy

Campion Academy

Robert Benjamin Lingle Logan Seibold

Xander Assa

en is a caring young man who lives his love for Jesus. Ben's talents include preaching, photography, music composition and performance. Spreading the gospel message is natural for Ben through his talents. His caring attitude for everyone is apparent through his interactions with everyone he meets.

ogan was chosen as the Caring Heart award recipient because of his servant heart. He treats fellow students with courtesy and respect each day, no matter if it is their first day at Midland or if they have been classmates since elementary school. Logan has participated in mission trips and has been a spiritual leader on campus by serving as class pastor. His quick smile and harmonic contribution to choir will be missed. Logan plans to head west to Walla Walla University in the fall.

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enior Xander Assa received the Caring Heart Award because of his commitment to follow Jesus and bless others. From the beginning of the year he has shared his love for God with his classmates and encouraged them in their faith. Xander is always smiling and welcoming to everyone, even those outside his normal group of friends. The staff have noticed a passion within Xander for knowing more about God. Other students look to him as a spiritual leader on campus. He has demonstrated a spiritual maturity beyond most of his peers and staff say it has been fun to see him grow in Christ and share the love of Jesus with others.

Maplewood Academy

Dakota Adventist Academy

Mile High Academy

College View Academy

Stephanie Chavez

Daniel Venegas

Ethan Sieber

Nathan Follett

tephanie has demonstrated Christian kindness through her participation in service and outreach programs at Maplewood including Operation Christmas Child, Feed My Starving Children, delivering meals to the elderly and many community outreach programs. Stephanie also participated in two mission trips during her academy years. Additionally, Stephanie volunteers in her home community of Dodge Center, Minnesota. On campus, Stephanie volunteers as a mentor to younger students and is known for her sweet spirit and friendly smile. She is intentional about offering friendship to all students.

enior Daniel Venegas has been a spiritual leader on campus since he arrived. His involvement in class offices, Student Association, and praise team has impacted both students and staff. Off campus, he has been involved in musical ministries throughout the Dakota Conference and beyond. This year, Daniel worked closely with school chaplain, Derek Timms, to plan Friday night vespers and Sabbath afternoon activities for the entire school year. Daniel is always willing to help those in need, and his genuine love for others shows to those who know him.

than shows his caring through a heart for mission, going to Thailand and the Dominican Republic his Freshman and Sophomore years, participating in community events such as Love Matters Most, and running a half marathon through World Vision to raise money for water in Rwanda. At church, Ethan is a leader in his youth group and is quick to volunteer for community outreach projects.

athan has a very positive, Christ-like attitude. He consistently displays a great sense of citizenship and a willingness to participate in a variety of activities, from athletics to music and drama. As secretary/treasurer of the Student Association and a member of National Honor Society, Nathan can always be counted on to be a great leader in his own quiet and positive way.

At school, Ethan is class president, always ready to help a friend in need, and known for his kindness to everyone he meets.

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CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE

St. Louis Unified School Chosen for STEM Education Carla Drake to attend

n Sabbath, May 14, the Simba Pathfinders led out during the morning worship service. The program began with a processional of the Pathfinders and staff singing the Pathfinder song. Brother Levi Cruse led the audience with the Pledge of Allegiance, and Brother Tavion Copolen-Johnson led the Pathfinder Pledge. Brother

Every Praise. Other songs were With Jesus as the Captain and I’m in the Lord’s Army. Pathfinder leader Milton King, assisted by secretary Carol King, presented honors and awards for a job well done. This year’s Pathfinders include Giselle Olliver and Ke’Maree Hackle (newly invested Teen Leaders in Training) Levi Cruse (Pathfinder of the Year),

Delanius Shetworth-Jenkins

Mealreasna Shetworth Jenkins

led the Pathfinder Law, and the (recently baptized), Tavion invocation was offered by Elder Coplin Johnson, Delanious Estepha Francisque, youth Shetworth and Shyla Turner. leader for Philadelphia Church. Some of the honors the Sister Metreauna Shetworth– Pathfinders earned are: Jenkins welcomed the visitors. Grasses, Archery, Basic During the Children’s Sewing, Christian Manners, Ministry spotlight, the Grooming, Flowers, Basketball, Pathfinders put on a skit Red Alert, Friends, Camping about Jonah and the whale. Skills and Camp Craft. Their costumes and props Sharon Tate is communication were excellently assembled, secretary for the Philadelphia and their performance was Church. equally well done. Next on the program, they signed the song 12

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Mrs. Drake is a passionate educator who is always looking for ways to engage her students in hands-on learning experiences.

e are excited to announce that Mrs. Carla Drake, preK-2nd grade teacher at St. Louis Unified School of Seventh-day Adventists, was one of the teachers in the North American Division selected to attend the sixth session of Excellence in STEM Experiential Education Conference held at Loma Linda University June 20-24. EXCEED is an innovative and collaborative program designed to help teachers enhance the integrated science, technology, engineering and math education in Adventist K-12 schools. The goal of EXCEED is to collaboratively support and empower K-12 educators in STEM disciplines. We want our scholars in Central States Conference to be excited and engaged when they study science, technology,

engineering and math. For the past few years we have emphasized high engagement and improvement in the teaching and learning process as it relates to math, science and technology. Drake is a passionate educator who is always looking for ways to enhance her teaching through the incorporation of best practices and engaging her students in many kinds of hands-on learning experiences. We are happy she was selected for participation in this wonderful workshop and plans to share her experiences and what she learns with her fellow colleagues in educational ministry. Congratulations, Mrs. Drake! Judith Mason is superintendent of education for the Central States Conference.

Courtesy Central States Conference

Philadelphia Church EXSEED conference Celebrates Pathfinder Sabbath

V. Lindsay School Holds Annual Science Fair

CENTRAL STATES

CONFERENCE

Young scholars and scientists explain their experiments

Photos: Courtesy Central States Conference

Breanda Lewis, 3rd grade

Jonathan Hall, 3rd grade

Joseph Ikner III, 7th grade Scholars in grades 5-7 with their parents and meteorologist Nicole Phillips

. Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist School held its annual Science Fair at the school on April 21. Students in Kindergarten through 7th grade participated by creating individual or group (grades K-2 only) projects. Before the ruling of the judges was announced, students, parents, staff, family and friends were delighted to listen to special guest speaker Nicole Phillips, a local meteorologist from Channel 41 Action News in Kansas City, Missouri. Ms. Phillips talked to the audience about her career journey and love of science. She graciously

answered several questions from the audience about her job and the science and mathematics that go into predicting the weather. Excitement and anticipation were in the air as students and parents awaited the ruling of Science Fair judges Melissa Buchanan and Kelli Paris. The projects were evaluated in grade level categories: grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8. Mrs. Darlene Smallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kindergarten class (Kristian Brown, Madison Charles, Joseph Hall, Jamari Phillips, Bailey Swift, Brooklyn Swift, Kaleb Thomas and Dontae

White), along with Kristin Castro and Joseph Ikner III,

received first place ribbons in their grade level category. second place ribbons were awarded to Isaiah Lewis, Jahvon Black, Jadyn Jacob and Reaia Leatherman-Turner. Breanda Lewis, Jonathan Hall, Lydia Josiah, Nadja Hunt and Zion Seals were recognized and awarded third place ribbons. All students who participated in the Science Fair received Certificates of Participation. After teachers Mrs. Darlene Small, Ms. Jessica Jacob and Ms. Sandra Johnson awarded

students with their certificates and ribbons, the meeting ended and everyone had the opportunity to view the colorful Science Fair projects again. Students stood by their projects and explained to those passing by how they went about completing their projects and what they learned from their experiments and investigations. Congratulations to all the V. Lindsay scholars and young scientists for a job well done! Judith L. Mason is superintendent of education for the Central States Conference.

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DAKOTA CONFERENCE

Photos: Carrie Heilman

Turning Tragedies into Triumphs

Dakota Adventist Academy Graduates 12 Students

Joshua Ronalds

God used a serious accident to bring our family closer to Him.

(front, l-r) Jaime Johnson, Karen Rohrich, Jennifer Johnson (back) Pastor Christian Ronalds, Daniel Afari (joining by profession of faith)

rowing up in a Seventhday Adventist home doesn’t always guarantee we will become Christians, but it certainly helps, and we are very thankful for having that opportunity. It was our grandparents, Merle and Ida Lehman, who were instrumental in helping my sister Jennifer and myself enroll at Dakota Adventist Academy for high school, and it was while attending that we first met Jesus and accepted Him as our Lord and Savior. However, life gets busy and after academy we found ourselves more preoccupied with living and less with Jesus. Thank God for His patience with us! Three years ago our mother, Karen Rorich, was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which led her to reach out to God more than before. During the recovery process she was unable to work and she began Bible studies with Pastor Christian Ronalds. While Mom, Jennifer and I

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had all accepted Jesus as our personal Savior before, we had allowed ourselves to become consumed with worldly obligations. Now we were meeting on a weekly basis for Bible study and we could feel that we were growing closer to the Lord, and He was at work in our lives. God used a tragedy to bring our family closer to Him and to each other. He has a way of turning tragedies into triumphs when we trust Him. Now we are also sharing the same hopes and aspirations with our children so they will also learn to follow the Lord. We feel very fortunate to be a part of such an amazing church family. The Lord’s movement in our hearts brought forth our decisions to be baptized and to devote our lives to serve Him. We are so blessed to become a part of something much bigger than ourselves—His kingdom. Jaime Johnson is a newly baptized member of the Red River Church in Fargo, North Dakota.

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Ivan Sievers, right, with Neil Biloff, conference president

akota Adventist Academy graduated 12 students on Sunday, May 29, including seniors from Indonesia, Australia, South Korea, Canada and Thailand. Three were fouryear seniors. Six received Hero Awards for donating blood at least three times since they turned 16. One graduated with an enriched diploma in Visual Arts and two were part of the National Honor Society. However, one who had been attending camp meeting, alumni weekends and special occasions for 73 years, finally graduated. Ivan Sievers’ last year at then Sheyenne River Academy was the 1941–42 school year, and because of WWII he missed his senior year. His military service was a farm deferment to return home to work on the farm and produce extra food for the war effort.

(back, l-r) Kenneth Waggoner, “Tom” Sung Chong, Jenna Freese, Daniel Venegas, Micah Redlich (front) Ashley Cloutier, Gabrielle Matahari, Brighton Ulery, Katelyn Wade, Rylee Jo Peterson, “Boss” Sarawak Sirisatit The belated graduation was intended to be a surprise for Sievers, but his wife had to convince him he needed to go to graduation. He was not expecting a cap, gown, tassel and diploma, however. Sievers is known in his community for being able to fabricate anything. His life is one of dedication, volunteering and donating to Christian education. His words of encouragement to the seniors were, “You know the verse, ‘Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might,’ so I admonish the Class of 2016 to keep busy. That’s one way that time goes fast.” Sievers, who turned 93 years young in June said, “Now I can start college. Maybe I’ll graduate before I’m 100.” Jacquie Biloff is communication director for the Dakota Conference.

DAKOTA CONFERENCE

DAA Participates in Band Night Parade Charlotte Messer

Dakota Adventist Academy’s band played the Medical Cadet Corp March during the parade in Bismarck as a tribute to Seventh-day Adventists who have served as medics.

n May, Dakota Adventist Academy participated for the first time with 89 other entities from around the state in the 24th annual BismarckMandan Band Night Parade in Bismarck, North Dakota. The day was very windy and cold, but the weather did not seem to dampen attendance. The academy’s position in line was number 29 until it was noted, about a week before the parade, that the school had indicated they planned to enter three horses as well as the band. Their entry number was then changed to 90—last place. Most participating bands are marching bands in full regalia, but since DAA’s band is not, they elected to sit on straw bales on the back of a 40-foot fifth-wheel trailer in blue jeans and school shirts. Director Charlotte Messer conducted the band from a standing position at the front of the trailer. The nation flags of attending students (Canada, Australia, China, Korea, Indonesia and

Thailand) were draped from the fifth-wheel platform. Dennis and Cherryl Kaiser donated the use of their truck for the occasion, which pulled the trailer belonging to Ryan and Tracy Peterson. Attached to the truck were magnetic signs advertising the school and the Dirt Kicker Charity Run, which originates at the school the day after camp meeting. Blue metallic fringe decorated the sides of the trailer. Displayed on the back of the trailer was the KTWJ Christian radio station’s banner. Rylee Peterson, Alea Juhl and Faith Peterson rode the three horses following the procession. They held the United States flag, the North Dakota state flag and the Christian flag. Students walked on both sides of the float, distributing candy and DAA stickers to children along the route. Four ladies representing the Dirt Kicker Charity Run shared postcard-sized advertisements and also handed out pens

advertising the radio station. Citizens along the route said, “I’ve heard of that school. Where is it located?” Many also stood while the flags passed, saluting or holding their hands over their hearts. The Marine Corps started the parade with the United States flag and the academy, as the last entrant, closed the parade displaying the flags. It brought tears to many eyes. The children, however, were excited to see the horses. Messer said she chose to use the Medical Cadet Corp March as the predominate music for the parade because it is exclusively Adventist and because “my Grandpa Sheldon was in the MCC and sang this song.” She found a photo and write-up regarding the Medical Cadet Training in the 1945 Yearbook (see side bar). Jacquie Biloff is communication director for the Dakota Conference.

Sheyenne River Academy’s 1945 Yearbook (precursor to Dakota Adventist Academy) states in part, “Several years ago, even before this terrible global war, Seventh-day Adventists, guided by the Holy Spirit, began to train the young men in the denomination for skilled service to save life…Our Medical Cadet training began in 1933 at Union College, Lincoln, Nebraska, and by now has spread to nearly every college and academy in the United States. Many of the boys, so trained, that are now in the Service, have written back testifying that it is a very valuable asset to the S. D. A. draftee. “Sheyenne River Academy has a Medical Cadet Corps of eighteen boys that are nearing the draft age and who are intensely interested in receiving this training and are applying themselves so as to receive the most possible from this course. “This war has given us an opportunity to render valuable Christian service in relieving suffering and saving life. Our boys do not hesitate to place their lives in danger where ever they can best serve their country, mankind, and God.”

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JULY/AUGUST 2016

IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

New Director Appointed for Communication Department

feel truly blessed to have served as communication and Sabbath school director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference for the past 13 years. However, due to non-life-threatening health issues, I need to step down. I have only love and respect for the conference administration, staff and Executive Committee. I am grateful to have worked in such a godly and genuinely friendly environment for all these years. The conference team, pastors, teachers and the church members have been a great blessing to me, and I pray

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Randy Harmdierks is the new Iowa-Missouri Conference communication and Sabbath school director.

the best for all of you and the work in this conference as you move forward. “We are grateful for Michelle’s faithful service in our conference,” said the conference officers. “She will be missed and we wish her rich blessings in her new ventures.” Quite providentially, the Lord has enabled our conference officers and Executive Committee to find a replacement. The Iowa-Missouri Conference welcomed Randy Harmdierks as the new communication and Sabbath school director on June 1. Harmdierks was the managing

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wonderful things God is doing through you in this part of His vineyard.” Harmdierks grew up in Minnesota and graduated from Union College. He and his wife, Angie, who grew up in Nevada, Iowa, have three long-haired chihuahuas: Noodle, Gonzo and Chicky. Michelle Hansen is the former communication and Sabbath school director for the IowaMissouri Conference.

Revelation Series Focuses on God’s End-time Love Christine Armantrout

Mic Thurber

Courtesy Michelle Hansen

Michelle Hansen and her husband, Alan, trying, unsuccessfully, to get their puppies, Buster Posey (the little guy) and Tony (the big guy) to look at the camera for Christmas pictures.

editor of OUTLOOK magazine for the past four years, as well as working with social media and the Mid-America Union websites. “I am truly humbled by this opportunity to serve the members of the IowaMissouri Conference and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in this new role,” said Harmdierks. “I look forward to playing a part in telling the world your stories and reporting on the many

The Tipton, Missouri’s Branch Sabbath School recently hosted a Revelation seminar led by evangelist Cami Oetman (center of photo in striped shirt). During the month-long series, Oetman shared about God’s love for all His people and about the end time events we are experiencing. At the conclusion of the meetings two people were accepted into the Adventist Church on profession of faith, two people were re-baptized, and three came forward requesting baptism. Christine Armantrout is a member of the Sedalia (MO) Church.

IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE

Pathfinders Experience Christ’s Passion

Members of the Independence Samoan-English group perform The Passion Play for Pathfinders during their recent camporee.

Alicia Spaid

last moments, living the pain and anguish of seeing our Lord and Savior go from being loved and adored to being hated and despised. It was during this powerful display that one Pathfinder told his director, “I want to be baptized and I want it to happen today.” Pastor Mark Tagaloa, from the Samoan-English Church, performed the baptism on Sabbath afternoon. Afterward Pastor Tagaloa asked if anyone else was feeling the Holy Spirit tug at their hearts. With tears rolling down their faces and shoulders shaking, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit was evident as 26 young people came forward and declared that they wanted to take a public stand for God. Later that evening another girl let Pastor Tagaloa know she too wanted to be baptized, and her baptism closed out the weekend on Sunday morning. Alicia Spaid is the Pathfinder area coordinator for the IowaMissouri Conference.

Kids Assemble Care Packages for Soldiers Christine Armantrout

he Iowa-Missouri Pathfinder Camporee is always a special time, and this year was no exception. The entire weekend was filled with inspirational singing led by the Ankeny, Iowa’s Son Seekers. Other Pathfinders shared various presentations in the form of song, sign, skits and poems. On Friday evening retired pastor Dale Rosette presented the story of Desmond Doss, a Seventh-day Adventist conscientious objector who served in WWII. Rosette made the account come to life with battle sounds, lights programmed to simulate gun flash, and fireworks. Elder Rosette, who was also a conscientious objector in Vietnam, spoke of the difficulties of war and the necessity of trusting God. He showed the Pathfinders that by putting their faith and trust in God they can make it through any situation. On Sabbath morning the Independence Samoan-English Church group brought us The Passion Play. Over 350 people walked the journey of Christ’s

The Sedalia, Missouri’s Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs showed their support for our service men and women overseas by sending them care packages of books, toiletries and letters thanking them for protecting our country and our rights. The young people learned more about what military personnel do and how much they appreciate care packages from home when local Army Sargent Kraft visited during a club meeting. Christine Armantrout is a volunteer for the Sedalia Pioneers Pathfinder Club.

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KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

College View Academy Serves the Community Brian Carlson

Wichita School Prepares Students to Lead

Wichita Adventist Christian Academy

Jordi Obregon, a 10th grader at WACA, practices skills learned in class while preaching about joy at an area church.

Mr. Louie Roehl and several high school students organize clothes to be given away at the Good Neighbor Community Center.

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dventist education offers students the opportunity for both spiritual and academic growth. Sharon Burton, principal at Wichita Adventist Christian Academy in Wichita, Kansas, has found a practical way for her 9th and 10th grade students to use the skills they have learned in Bible and English class to witness. During second semester of each year these students are required to preach at local churches in the area. The students spend a month preparing to preach. Pastor Travis Forde, who pastors at the Wichita South Church, spends several days with the students going over the parts of a sermon and how to organize them. He also shares tips on delivery and ways to connect with audiences while preaching. Pastor Forde said, “I am very proud of our 9th and 10th graders’ efforts in putting together their sermons. They worked hard and grew as preachers over the course of our time together. It’s our goal at WACA to develop our youth into leaders

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and we feel getting them to lead out in these types of events is valuable both to the youth and the church.” The theme for their sermons this year was Fruits of the Spirit. There are nine fruits of the Spirit and nine students, so each student focused on one fruit. In addition to preaching, the students also lead out in song service, tell the children’s story and the band ensemble provides special music. Burton feels that preaching in the local congregations helps students gain confidence in leading out in their churches and gives the members, including parents, an opportunity to see their children becoming responsible, capable and contributing members of their church family. These students also benefit by attaining more knowledge of the Bible and gaining the tools and skills to be strong witnesses for Jesus. Stephanie Gottfried is publications director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.

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ollege View Academy students, teachers and some local church pastors banded together to make a difference for Christ in the Lincoln community last April. The experience was Project Blitz, a one-day event that has occurred annually or semi-annually for the last 13 years. This community service endeavor is similar to Union College’s annual Project Impact, but it is scaled back for about 80 participants. Following a devotional by Pastor Caleb White (Piedmont Park Church) in the CVA chapel, students and sponsors headed out to five different destinations. A group of 10 freshmen went to the Salvation Army to help with general cleaning, vacuuming and scrubbing of walls. A group of 10 juniors and freshmen spent time at the Good Neighbor Community Center to sort clothes, organize diapers by size, distribute food to clients of the Center, and organize the toys and books donated to the Grandparents’ Room. Five freshman men engaged in cleaning chairs, walls, doors, windows and baseboards at Region V Services. Seven freshmen and a senior went to Northbridge Early Childhood

Development Center where there were plenty of walls to scrub, floors to sweep, closets to organize and surfaces to sanitize. The largest group went to the People’s City Mission distribution center. This group of 22 sophomores, juniors and seniors sorted toys, clothes and household items to be put on shelves for clients who came to shop later in the morning. Rainy weather prevented one group from going on trash patrol at Holmes Lake Park; they were redirected to paint some of the gym walls and perform needed cleaning elsewhere in the CVA building. The Parent Teacher Student Organization graciously served a delicious lunch of haystacks, drinks and desserts for participants when they returned to campus at noon. The day raised the spirits of both givers and receivers. Students experienced how important service to the community can be. “…Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Louie Roehl serves is chaplain and history teacher at College View Academy.

KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE

Midland Test Scores Exceed National Averages

Timothy Floyd

staff takes pride in knowing the name of each student, parent and even younger siblings. We pray for students and their families by name each morning during staff worship. Parent and student surveys express a feeling of safety at Midland and indicate that our students know their teachers care about them in many ways. The focus on God, the feeling of family, and strong academic classes all enable a small school like Midland to produce students who are well equipped for their futures.

ACT Scores for Midlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Class of 2015 (Percentage of students ready for college level coursework)

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he latest American College Testing report shows that for the last five years Midland Adventist Academy students have consistently tested well above state and national averages and are prepared for college in all testing categories. For the past four years Midland seniors have averaged 25.7 on the ACT while the national average is between 20.0 and 21.0. Students who attended Midland for all four years of high school averaged 27.0 and those attending all 13 years averaged 28.4. When asked how a small school in Kansas can have stellar test scores for so many consecutive years, we point first to the God factor. Each class period begins with prayer time and often a short devotional thought. Students are reminded throughout the day of Godâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

SOCIAL SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

State of Kansas

Darlene Fairchild serves as registrar at Midland Adventist Academy in Shawnee, Kansas.

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presence in our school, and that our mission is Teaching Minds, Touching Hearts, Training Hands for Jesus. At every grade level, elementary through high school, teachers can be found working one-onone with students during study hall or after school. Our goal is teaching for mastery of skills, providing students with a solid foundation for future learning. During the last two years multiple Midland students have earned full-tuition scholarships through the current Adventist Colleges and Universities scholarship packages, and there has been a National Merit Commended Scholar each year for the past four years. We are proud of our academics, and we make no apologies for being a uniquely Seventhday Adventist school. Each student is part of our family. Our

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JULY/AUGUST 2016

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Stone Ridge Hosts Student Round-up

Minnesota Conference Re-elects Officers Second Quadrennial Constituency Session held in Minnesota

Collene Klick

Photos: Brad Leavelle

Prospective students attending this year’s round-up, themed The Body Temple, dressed up in surgical garb and played the Operation game.

ne of the jobs that falls on teachers in our school system is recruiting students. At Stone Ridge SDA Christian School, the principal and grades 1-8 teacher Rudy Carlson has found an exciting and engaging way to invite prospective students into the classroom. Every year we designate a special day for inviting students to experience the blend of Christian atmosphere, dynamic learning and friendship available here at Stone Ridge. This year’s theme was The Body Temple. The kids learned about healthy eating while creating their own fruit kabab. Then they took their resting pulse before and after exercising, comparing the two. They played the game Operation and dressed up in surgical garb, learning how to glove up and the correct way to remove gloves after you’re done with a “procedure.” They also got to see a real heart, view a

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specimen under a stereoscope, and see actual bone marrow in the bone. The highlight of the day was when each student did surgery on a Little Debbie. No, not a person—the snack cake! The challenge was to unroll the snack cake completely, turn it over and keep as much of the chocolate cover intact as possible. Sounds easy enough until you learn you can’t use your hands; you can only use your “surgical instruments.” In this case those instruments were a plastic fork, knife and spoon. Half of the children attending the round-up were not from Adventist homes. At Stone Ridge we actively recruit community students as we believe our school is a mission and we are committed to bringing the love of Jesus to the community, one child at a time. Collene Klick is a member of the Duluth Church.

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Justin Lyons was reelected as president of the Minnesota Conference.

n May 15, 2016, the Minnesota Conference Association held their Second Quadrennial (108th regular) Constituency Session. During regular constituency sessions, electing officers for the next four years is a high priority. The names for each position are recommended by the Nominating Committee prior to the constituency session. Twenty members of the Nominating Committee are selected by the delegates of 10 territorial regions, meeting separately to select representatives from the region they represent. Three additional members are selected by the Board of Trustees. The committee is chaired by the Mid-America Union Conference president or his designee. This year Gil Webb, vice president for administration of the MAUC, chaired the Nominating Committee

Elder Brian Mungandi was re-elected as vice president for administration. a few weeks prior to the Constituency Session. We are pleased to announce that the constituency voted to re-elect Justin C. Lyons as conference president and Brian K. Mungandi as vice present for administration. Each candidate was recommended for re-election by the Nominating Committee, and was voted into their position by a sweeping majority. Reggie Leach has accepted the vice president for finance position in the Arizona Conference, and due to time constraints, a candidate to fill that role in Minnesota was not brought forth during the constituency session. That position will be filled through the regular hiring process by the Board of Trustees. Brian Mungandi is communication director for the Minnesota Conference.

MINNESOTA CONFERENCE

Simple Church: A Very Old New Idea S imple Church is a term used to refer to small congregations that primarily meet in homes. These Sabbath home gatherings start with a team of four missionary-minded Adventists (commonly called a CORE4 missionary team) who focus on reaching secular and unchurched people who typically will not walk into a conventional church on a given weekend. This fast-growing spiritual demographic now represent about 66 percent of your neighbors. Simple Churches are not small groups because they are not a side-activity of a regular church. They are full churches on par with conventional churches whose congregations own, lease or rent a building where worship and ministry are conducted. Simple Churches tend to be smaller in attendance (5-35) and have a simpler worship format and organizational structure. Research by The Barna Group reports that as of 2014 approximately 104 million people living in the United States walked away from their local church. Their reason? To go find God. This may come as a surprise, but a massive cultural shift is taking place in North America. How will we reach these people with Bible truth about the God they seek? Are we willing to become modern-day missionaries? Simple Church is more effective at reaching some groups than a conventional form of church, especially for the unchurched and younger

adults. Since the majority of North American residents are not active in any religious congregation, this is an approach that can be used to successfully achieve the mission of the Adventist Church. This is not a new form of church. The New Testament clearly reveals that early Christian believers met for worship in homes (Rom. 16:5, I Cor. 16:19, and Col. 4:15). Surprisingly, neither is this a new form of church for Adventists. During the early decades of the movement, most local churches met in homes or rented lodge halls. In fact, this concept lives on in Adventist heritage under the old-fashioned terminology of cottage meetings. Current church attendance statistics indicate it is time to dust off this old concept and reinvent it for the 21st century. “The Simple Church planting network is working,” says Florida Conference president Mike Cauley. Currently, 54 percent of attendance in the average Simple Church is secular and/or unchurched people. The North American Division leaders endorse the Simple Church model as an missional, effective church planting method. Overseas church officials also have taken notice, and Milton Adams has been asked to develop a global network of house churches around the world. Welcome to the mission field that lives where you live!

How do I get started with Simple Church? Minnesota Conference has scheduled a Simple Church Training Workshop for Sept. 23-25 at North Star Camp. Registration information is listed below. Minnesota members will be given first priority in registering until July 1. Can my family come? Yes. Simple Church is about reaching “the mission field that lives where you live”— beginning at home. One of the best ways to reach this first mission field is to bring them alongside you as part of the mission team. In keeping with this family-styled missionary work, children are welcome to come and participate.

How much does it cost? Five meals served. Each meal is $10 per person, $5 for children ages 3–12, children under 3 years free. Seminar fee is $25 per participant over the age of 12. What are the lodging options? $80 per cabin $26 per tent site (bring your own tent) Reserve your place by Sept. 1. Contact Information Call Kristen Hallman at 423.508.5718 Send check or money order to: North Star Camp 11287 Eagleview Drive NE Brainerd, MN 56401

There will be no child care provided, so please plan to bring quiet activities for young children. Parents are responsible for supervision.

For more information visit: SimpleChurchAtHome.com

Milton Adams is a Simple Church Plant Facilitator.

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ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE

Hospital Administrators Discuss Strategies International delegation evaluates GHI’s impact Hospital administrators from Peru and Colorado meet to strategize and celebrate.

dministrators of three Adventist hospitals in Peru paid a visit to Colorado’s Adventist hospitals and met their counterparts last May to jointly plan celebrations for 10 years of involvement through Centura’s Global Health Initiative. They also exchanged experiences and engaged in strategic planning. Meeting at Avista Adventist Hospital, the Peruvian delegation included representatives of Seventh-day Adventist Church leadership in South Peru, including Pastor Enzo Chavez, president, and David Echevarria, treasurer. Representing Adventist hospitals in Colorado were CEOs of Avista, Castle Rock, Littleton, Parker and Porter. The group committed themselves to strengthening ties, recognizing, in the words of Dr. Milika Brañez, CEO of Clinica Adventista Ana Stahl, that they “are each a part of one family, working as a team.” Pastor Eric Nelson, vice president of the Rocky Mountain Conference, welcomed the opportunity for the church to exchange ideas and learn from each other’s experience in serving our communities through medical missions. Adventist medical

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and healthcare work etched itself into Colorado life and culture dating back 150 years. Stephen King, vice president for mission integration for Centura Health South Denver, presented the visitors with developments that led to the creation of a well-recognized health system, Centura Health. In his opening remarks, Dennis Barts, Avista Hospital’s CEO, recalled his direct encounter with the Peruvian hospital and its staff. “When our groups come, it’s a lot of work for you and your staff. But it’s a blessing for us to be involved with our Peruvian friends,” he said. Regarding the GHI engagement with health and medical needs in Peru, Greg Hodgson, GHI director, stated that “after working together in Colorado for many years as a system of hospitals, Centura Health is honored to engage with the leaders of the three Adventist hospitals in Peru and the South Peruvian Union.” Rajmund Dabrowski is communication director for the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Read the full story: bit.ly/admindiscuss

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Photos: Rajmund Dabrowski

Students Shine at RMC 2016 Education Day

Critical thinking, collaboration, communication and creativity were the focus of Education Day, hosted by Brighton Adventist Academy last May.

early 350 students from 11 schools participated in the Rocky Mountain Conference Education Day 2016 held May 4 at Brighton Adventist Academy. The brain-child of Heather Blair, principal of BAA, the event focused on engineering, with students from grades 5-8 bringing their own supplies to build projects in teams of four at each table. The organizers asked, “What better way to encourage the 21st century skills of collaboration, creative problem solving, critical thinking and communication than to put student teams together and ask them to

engineer a machine that meets the specifications?” While watching the proceedings Lonnie Hetterle, RMC’s education superintendent, said, “This is an example of how we are training young people today for 60 percent of jobs that do not yet exist but will be available when they graduate from college.” Carol Bolden is administrative assistant for communication for the Rocky Mountain Conference.

More on Education Day: bit.ly/eduday2016photos.

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CONFERENCE

Campion Students See God at Work in Wildfire 2016 Event

Sanitas Lectureship Launches in Boulder Lawrence Turner explains value of biblical narratives

n a large tent erected on the grounds of Campion Academy, students gathered each evening for a week to hear classmates present their beliefs about some of Christianity’s toughest questions: Is God real? Is God on my side? Why should we keep the Sabbath? Tent walls were dismantled one night to allow for enough chairs to be set up to accommodate the people. Other nights, clouds gathered and rain threatened. Yet, the palpable enthusiasm of the speakers and their classmates spoke to church members and visitors alike. Coordinated by Nestor Soriano, Campion’s pastor for evangelism, Wildfire was held as a community outreach as well as an opportunity for Adventist youth to make Jesus real in their lives. Mentored by Soriano, Xander Assa prayed for weeks that God would touch one person through his talk titled What Happens When We Die? “At first,” Xander explains, “no one came forward for my appeal.” He told the audience he had been praying for someone there. “Then,” he explains, “I saw seven of my friends come up.” His enthusiasm was uncontainable as he related

the moment that God worked through him. “There’s nothing more exciting to me than seeing these young people own and share their faith,” said Soriano. One student’s message helped another student understand that Jesus’ perfect life will be credited to her in the judgment. Local pastors coached student presenters in preparation for their talks. “My whole life now is focused on teaching kids Christ-centered preaching,” states retired evangelist Phil Jones. “These kids are awesome. They’re preaching for a decision that will change lives.” Invited through flyers and personal invitation, four or five people from the Loveland community attended each night. Several individuals requested to be baptized at the conclusion of the series. Jennifer Sigler teaches English at Campion Academy. Madison Kamarad is a student at Campion.

To see more reports, search #wildfire2016 on Instagram and Facebook, or look at Campion’s newsupdates. For photos visit: bit.ly/ rmwildfire2016

Dr. Lawrence Turner, right, noted theologian from Newbold College, addresses listeners with Japhet Oliveira, Boulder senior pastor.

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r. Lawrence Turner, a

noted theologian from Newbold College in England, was the featured presenter on May 20-21 at the inaugural Sanitas Lectureship series hosted by Boulder Seventhday Adventist Church in Colorado. An expert in biblical studies and principal lecturer emeritus, Turner stated that “biblical narratives convey messages through human experience.” Turner prefers to speak of the Old Testament as the First Testament, and explained that the Bible is a product of the Semitic mind. Turner said that “when you want to talk about profound matters, you tell a story . . . Through stories, we communicate the human aspect of our

relationship with God.” The audience appeared to enjoy Dr. Turner’s uniquely witty and insightful interpretations of Old Testament themes that have made him a popular speaker for a wide variety of audiences around the world. Rajmund Dabrowski is communication director for the Rocky Mountain Conference.

Dr. Turner’s lectures are available on the Boulder Church website. Video: bit.ly/boulderpodcast Audio: bit.ly/boulderaudio Read the full story: bit.ly/turnerexplains

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UNION COLLEGE

Connecting in Cambodia Sometimes it takes a trip around the world to hear God’s voice Photos: Scott Cushman/Union College

Meredith Nichols discovered Union’s IRR program was the perfect fit for her calling to serve as a missionary.

hat am I going to do with my life? Meredith Nichols was definitely not the first high school senior to ask that question. She thought she had everything planned out. A soccer star in her small north Texas hometown, Nichols planned to play at a university in New York. But an ACL tear brought her plans to a screeching halt. “I was super lost,” she remembered. “Sports were a huge part of my life, but I know now that my priorities weren’t straight.” One day in class, a recruiter caught her attention as he

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described the extensive disaster relief work the Navy carries out all around the world. “I thought that was really cool,” Nichols said. “I could see myself doing that.” Her mother didn’t share her enthusiasm for the military. “We’ll find another way for you to learn those skills,” Nichol’s mom insisted. So naturally, they turned to Google and discovered a small Christian school a few hundred miles north that offered the exact kind of training she sought through a program called International Rescue and Relief. After a free trip to Union College for a preview days visit, she was sold. “It was awesome,” she said. “The enrollment office did an amazing job and I met a lot of wonderful, welcoming people.” But that first year proved challenging. If being hundreds of miles from home and tackling the challenging IRR course work wasn’t enough, Nichols—who had grown up in the Baptist faith—had to acclimate to a new culture. “I love Jesus and He is a huge part of my life, but it was hard to feel like I belonged at first,” she said. “I had to learn all kinds of Adventist terms like ‘vespers’ and ‘Ellen White.’ People have been really open. They knew I was different, and still wanted to include me and know more about me. But it was still hard.”

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Finding a calling Conflicted, Nichols took the next year to teach English in a little village in Kep, Cambodia. “Many of the missionaries there had studied intercultural studies or international studies,” she said. “They all said they received good information, but they didn’t have tangible skills to use in the mission field.” For Nichols, that changed everything. “I had a new vision—not my own, but God’s,” she said. “I knew Union’s IRR program was perfect for me. I knew it would give me the tools to be effective in the mission field. I emailed the IRR director the next time I had access to the internet to let him know I was coming back to Union.” She returned with a new attitude and a new mission. Nichols enjoyed the IRR coursework in disaster response, emergency management, public health and even wilderness survival, and she wanted to make a difference on campus, too. “I served as a student senator as a freshman, so I saw the impact student government has on campus,” she said. At the end of her second year at Union she was elected executive vice president of the Associated Student Body— Union’s student government. “A lot of students see the events, the social events, banquets, etc. I’m glad we do so

many events and get everyone involved. But it’s rewarding to lead the student senate in order to help shape policies and ideas that can lead to lasting change at Union.”

What’s next? Now entering her senior year, Nichols feels confident in God’s plan for her life. “After graduation, I plan to earn a master’s degree in Global Community Development at Southern Adventist University and possibly work for an aid organization like World Vision or ADRA,” she said. “After my experience in Cambodia I have a heart for southeast Asia, so it would be amazing to go back. I would love to work in food and water security or fight the rampant sex trafficking in the region.” And she knows God isn’t done with her yet. “I don’t know for sure where God wants me, but I do know He has given me a heart for marginalized people and a passion to help those who are suffering.” Ryan Teller is director of public relations for Union College.

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UNION COLLEGE

Called by the Creepy-Crawlies Sometimes you hear God’s call in strange places Her illness and frustration brought her to question her Creator and His plan for her life.

Corraine McNeill found her calling in researching bedbugs and sharing her passion for insects with her students.

here do you want me to go, God? Corraine McNeill was frustrated with her studies. She had already spent three years pursuing a doctorate at the University of Florida, and found herself no closer to finishing than when she began. Now an assistant professor of biology at Union College, McNeill’s love of slugs and bugs drew her to her ultimate calling—teaching students to love scholarship and be passionate about what they are studying. And she recently received international attention for her doctoral research on bedbugs and their attraction to color.

decide for sure,” she said. Halfway through her time at Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (now Randolph College) in Virginia, she started studying slugs with one of the professors and fell in love with research. “I realized I was more interested in pursuing organisms related to medical research than in becoming a physician,” McNeill said. After starting graduate studies at Virginia Commonwealth University, she hoped to find a place to study slugs, but without success. Her advisor suggested a switch to insects. “She told me they were similar to slugs agriculturally, but a lot more diverse,” McNeill explained. But she didn’t start out She finished a master’s that way. degree at the University of After graduating from Florida and began doctoral Glenmuir High School in her studies researching chemnative country of Jamaica, icals to control the pepper McNeill thought she wanted to weevil. But many of the become a physician. “I decided chemicals made her sick, and to attend a liberal arts college after three years she couldn’t in the United States and then take it anymore.

At home with bedbugs She didn’t have to wait long for answers. She soon found herself in the Urban Entomology program under the tutelage of Dr. Phil Koehler and Dr. Roberto Pereira studying bedbug behavior and bedbug education. “I was still at the University of Florida, and I really wanted to finish my doctorate,” she said. “And I did not realize the broad impact that bedbugs had.” But as she dug deeper, she began to see the importance of bedbug research. “Looking back, I really think it was God’s leading,” McNeill said. “Bedbugs are pests of medical significance. I ended up doing exactly what I felt called to do back as an undergraduate without realizing it.” Her research involved various experiments to determine if bedbugs prefer certain colors. She and her team tested males and females at all stages of growth, and they discovered that the pests prefer red and black and tend to stay away from green and yellow. “I always joke with people, ‘Make sure you get yellow sheets!’” said McNeill. “But to be very honest, I think that would be stretching the results a little too much.” She hopes her research can help lead to finding better ways to trap or eradicate bedbugs. “We are thinking about how you can enhance bedbug traps by using

monitoring tools that act as a harborage and are a specific color that is attractive to the bug,” said McNeill. “However, the point isn’t to use the color traps in isolation, but to use color preference as something in your toolkit to be paired with other things such as pheromones or carbon dioxide to potentially increase the number of bedbugs in a trap.”

International attention The article outlining her research appeared in an April issue of Journal of Medical Entomology, and immediately drew attention from news media around the world. She and her research partners interviewed with CNN, CBC, Newsweek, The Times (London) and many more. “God will put you in the most unexpected places and you will find it’s where you were meant to be,” McNeill said, happy to be sharing her love of bugs with her Union College students. “I have always loved teaching—ever since I was a little girl—and would line my teddy bears up and teach to them,” McNeill explained. “Union was the obvious choice because I knew I wanted to work at an Adventist college where I would have the opportunity to teach and inspire my students while promoting Christian scholarship.” Megan Wehling graduated from Union College in May 2015 with a degree in English.

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JULY/AUGUST 2016

ADVENTIST HEALTH SYSTEM SHAWNEE MISSION HEALTH

Shawnee Mission Health Uncovers Community Needs, Offers Vital Services

s a member of Adventist Health System, Shawnee Mission Health operates as a not-for-profit organization focused on improving the health of the community it serves. Every three years, SMH conducts a Community Health Needs Assessment to determine the major needs in our area. In 2013, SMH conducted its first CHNA and evaluated health-related needs of the broader community as well as those of low income, minority and underserved people. Using the results, SMH developed a three-year Community Health Improvement Plan that included specific and targeted ways to improve the health of the populations within the communities it serves. “The Community Health Improvement Plan enhances the health of our community through education, research, financial assistance, special clinical and non-clinical programs, and the provision of spiritual resources,” said SMH president and CEO Ken Bacon. “These services, referred to as community benefits, are offered without regard to profit and have the sole purpose of strengthening the well being of

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the community and aiding vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly and underprivileged.” Some key needs identified in the first CHNA included better education regarding eating habits and nutrition as well as a greater emphasis on physical activity and wellness. SMH developed and implemented strategies for each of these priorities throughout the threeyear period from 2014-2016. For example, SMH introduced CREATION Health—an eight-week wellness program featuring lifestyle seminars and a special training program for those who want to live healthier and happier lives. Participants are encouraged to consistently practice the principles of CREATION Health (Choice, Rest, Environment, Activity, Trust, Interpersonal Relationships, Outlook and Nutrition) to better fulfill God’s plan for us to live and be happy. To improve eating habits and nutrition, SMH expanded its community wellness offerings to include specific weight-loss and nutrition programs. In addition, SMH empowered Kansas City women to live healthier lives physically, mentally and spiritually through its uplifting annual

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conference called Living in Vitality or LIV. The conference features keynote speakers and breakout sessions on a variety of nutrition, fitness, stress and other wellness-related topics, as well as offers important health screenings for women. Another excellent community resource SMH continues to provide is the ASK-A-NURSE Resource Center, a free service providing answers to health questions for any person living in or visiting Kansas or Missouri. AAN is staffed 24/7, 365 days a year and offers guidance to individuals needing to make both urgent and non-urgent health care decisions. Through the years, AAN associates have directed more than 11,000 callers to take action by calling 911 or going to a hospital emergency room. AAN also provides assistance in registering for classes and services offered at the SMH campuses. According to Community Benefit Manager Jeanette Metzler, SMH is working on a new CHNA, which is due by the end of 2016.