Health and wellness isn’t just physical—it’s social, emotional, mental and spiritual. It includes the whole person and the entirety of our lived experiences.
In this issue we highlight the work of chaplains, trainers, first responders and other professionals who offer not only health resources but also kindness and compassion for the people whom they serve.
We pray you will be encouraged and inspired to both gain and share higher levels of health and wellness as we walk together on our journey through life.
Iowa-Missouri Caleb Durant communication@imsda.org 515.223.1197 imsda.org
Cynthia Stark, director of spiritual support and physician wellbeing at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Medical Group, believes that caring well for their team members results in better care for the patients.
UNION COLLEGE Scott Cushman news@aua.edu 402.486.2600 x2275 uau.edu
BRENDA DICKERSON editor
Leadership Series Authentic “W
oe to those who call evil good, and good evil; Who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness; Who substitute bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter” (Isa. 5:20 NASB).
We must ask ourselves what guides our thoughts and behaviors when working with—or rather serving—those God has called us to. Whether it is leading the junior department at your local church, or as the president of the North American Division, you must consider what it is that guides your heart and mind.
Having an internalized moral perspective in your leadership is the fourth and final tenant of the Authentic Leadership theory. What does having an internal moral perspective mean? In essence, this means you are guided by values and standards derived from your core set of beliefs. The result of this is ethical decision making and behavior.
As Christian leaders, we of course must be guided by what we have read and know about God and His character. Are we “seeking first the kingdom of God” in what guides our decisions and actions as leaders?
Pillar #4
Once when I was a poor student in college, I was paying a bill at a restaurant and handed the clerk a $10 bill. She then
began to give me change as if I had given her a $20 bill. Now, did I have to ask myself the question, “What should I do now?” Did I need to contemplate if this was somehow God’s way of taking care of a poor starving student? No, there was nothing to think about. God’s Word says, “Thou shalt not steal,” so I had to tell her what just happened. She was very surprised I did, but thankful.
Have you ever worked with or around people who have little or no moral compass that guides their actions? I believe we all have this experience one time or another. We have been around people who are unkind or abusive to those who should be receiving the most care. We have seen or heard of people who cheat, steal and lie to get ahead.
Sometimes it seems like these people really are the ones getting ahead and having all the benefits that come with the money and power they have obtained. The truth is, however, they are not winning. They are not the ones who are receiving the greatest rewards.
Study after study shows those who operate with a strong moral compass live longer, have a healthier sense of identity and self worth, are happier, have more inner peace, build stronger and better relationships, and yes, in the end, make better leaders and have greater success than those who are not guided by moral principles.
What are your core beliefs? Do they include things like honesty, humility, accountability, reliability, loyalty, kindness, thoughtfulness, trustworthiness, gentleness, faithfulness and patience? Please notice that most of the fruits of the Spirit are in the list I just gave. Every day I rehearse them in my mind and pray I can be a leader who exhibits them. I can tell you I have missed the mark more than you can imagine. Every time I have led when I’ve stepped away from my moral compass, I have lost, and worst yet, somebody the Lord has put in my path to serve is usually hurt.
God has called all of us to be authentic leaders—leaders who know themselves, are transparent and genuine, who put in place fair and balanced processes, and leaders who are guided by an internal set of moral core beliefs. If all of us commit ourselves to being authentic leaders for our Savior, there is no limit to what we can accomplish being guided and sustained by our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
GARY THURBER is president of the Mid-America Union.
Mid-America Pastors Flourish at Summer Retreat
Nearly 600 attendees participated in the Mid-America Union Conference Pastor and Family Retreat hosted by the MAUC ministerial team July 28-31, 2024, in Overland Park, Kansas. Themed Flourish, the event was held at the Doubletree Hotel and featured highlysought speakers, including Ty Gibson, Elizabeth Talbot, Fredrick Russell, Michael Campbell and Joe Kidder
Over 230 pastors registered for the retreat, which is usually hosted once every five years. That number represents more than 90 percent of pastors in Mid-America territory.
Early planning breeds high impact
“From a survey of pastors in Mid-America about two years prior, in which 88 pastors responded, we began learning about the current issues, challenges and blessings that pastors were interacting with in their lives and ministries,” said Craig Carr, MAUC ministerial director and event organizer. He added that while wrestling with these various topics, the theme of Flourish eventually bubbled up from the verse in Psalm 115:14, “May the Lord cause you to flourish, both you and your children” (NIV).
The focus of the Flourish event was eight-fold. May the Lord cause you to flourish in your:
• Faith (personal spirituality, walk with Jesus)
• Leadership (administration, vision and empowering others for ministry)
• Understanding (compassion, discernment, emotional intelligence and wisdom)
• Resiliency (self-care and healthy response to anxiety and stress)
• Integrity (healthy boundaries, balancing priorities and life-giving habits)
• Soul-winning (outreach and evangelism)
• Homelife (care and attention to marriage and family)
The event’s theme song—with lyrics written by Carr keeping the above themes in mind—featured an original musical score composed by Sullivan Dutra, former worship pastor at College View Adventist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Pastors also received a devotional book with contributions from each conference ministerial director, compiled and edited by Carr. The afternoon seminars were recorded by Adventist Learning Community and will be available online at a later date.
Nordia Ikner, speaker/director of The Sister Healing Circle, provided special attention to the pastor’s spouses. For the youth, Pastor Karsten Rogers was transparent, sharing from his experience growing up as a pastor’s kid. He encouraged the teens to make good choices. He emphasized that the health message is not just about being physically fit but taking care of our mental health as well. In addition, activities were available for the younger children. Children’s ministry leader Jackie Martin said, “I like seeing the smiles on their faces and seeing them having fun.”
“Our goal was to minister to the pastor and their family in a meaningful way in which they felt recharged and encouraged to return to their respective ministries. While pastors often come to hear about resources and tools for ministry, this convention was meant to pour into them as individuals: socially, physically, spiritually and emotionally,” explained Carr.
Relevant and timely
“The sessions have been substantive and the content is relevant, timely and very helpful to our current experiences,” said Kerth Paye, pastor of the Chapel Oaks and Lawrence churches in Kansas. “It’s coming at a good time—we needed this break from the challenges of ministry as we’re getting ready for fall. It’s a good recharge. The presenters are Spiritfilled. You feel God speaking through them.”
Fredrick Ssepuuya, who pastors a virtual church for the Central States Conference, said “I especially thank the Ministerial Department for this insightful event, which was a unique opportunity to grow spiritually and intellectually. Fellowship with fellow ministers and our families crowns it all, and my children are very grateful to be part of the MidAmerica Union. We gladly thank God for this tremendous spiritual and interracial revival.”
Carr expressed appreciation to AdventHealth Shawnee Mission for their partnership in this event, both in financial support as well as multiple hospital personnel and chaplains who were present to minister to and support the pastors.
Brenda Dickerson is communication director for the Mid-America Union Conference.
Photos: Hugh Davis
Spiritual Health
Starts with the Heal ers
Elizabeth Marin-Rodriguez, a staff chaplain at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, considers it a good day when she is interrupted. In fact, the more interruptions, the better the day.
“My best day is when I am interrupted when I’m headed to a meeting or headed to see a patient because a team member wants to tell me something,” Marin-Rodriguez says. “It’s those unexpected, non-scheduled interactions that I enjoy the most because they remind me of my purpose. Our mission is Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, and I’m reminded that Jesus often had the opportunity to minister to someone when He was on His way to do something else.”
As a hospital chaplain, Marin-Rodriguez spends much of her time attending the spiritual needs of patients and their families. But she spends equal time supporting the spiritual needs of the people caring for those patients.
“Making sure our staff is well taken care of will allow them to take care of our patients,” says Cynthia Stark, director of spiritual support and physician well-being at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Medical Group.
“We are all one,” Marin-Rodriguez says. “We’re one team and we need to make sure we’re providing spiritual care to our team members so they can extend it to our patients.”
Filling the Cup
Across the AdventHealth Mid-America region, which includes hospital facilities in the Kansas City and Denver areas, there are close to 40 team members who are part of the health system’s spiritual integration teams. While some are ordained ministers, many also serve in non-pastoral roles helping ensure that the spiritual and physical health needs of patients are addressed. Equipping staff to provide wholeperson care is essential to delivering on AdventHealth’s mission of Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ.
“Making sure our staff is well taken care of will allow them to take care of our patients,” says Cynthia Stark, director of spiritual support and physician well-being at AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Medical Group. “If we show value and love to our team members, that will translate to the patients.”
Ashley Huber, regional director of spiritual integration at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, is quick to point out that spiritual care is not religious care. “It doesn’t always mean praying for someone or baptizing them,” Huber explains. “Most often, it means listening.”
Stark and Huber both lead teams that extend spiritual care to providers and staff in outpatient medical offices and clinics, such as primary care offices. They work to first support their spiritual needs and also to teach them how to provide spiritual care to patients.
“We recognize that every patient visit is a spiritual visit, not just a physical visit,” Huber says. “We need to equip our providers and staff to be there to respond to and feel comfortable with providing that spiritual care. They can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Listening Is Spiritual Care
AdventHealth describes spiritual care as connecting with people—both patients and team members—around what brings meaning and inspiration to their lives as expressed by feelings of love, joy and peace. Just as mental health screening questions have become commonplace in most doctor’s offices, AdventHealth has integrated spiritual health screening questions into every patient visit:
• Do you have someone who loves and cares for you?
• Do you have a source of joy in your life?
• Do you have a sense of peace today?
Matt Rainey, AdventHealth
“What brings you love, joy and peace is deeply personal and different for everybody,” Stark says. “For some, it might be nature, being outside. Maybe they’re a runner. Maybe they fiercely love their family. Spirituality is not religious, although it can be. It is what brings you life.”
Though simple, these questions seem to reach people deeply and open doors to intimate conversations. Whether it is a provider or a patient, people immediately relate in a very personal way to the questions and are usually grateful to be asked and, more importantly, listened to.
While men predominantly make up the spiritual integration and hospital chaplaincy teams, women bring a unique perspective to the role. Some people may see women as more approachable and as listeners who support rather than fix. Research, in fact, shows that men and women do listen differently, although there is no evidence that either gender is better at listening. Women also may relate more instinctively to the work-family juggling act, Huber says.
“The burn-out challenges I see are systemic in society,” Huber adds. “Many women who work full time and care for their families are the most affected because of the daily pressures they face.”
Being a female chaplain has some great advantages, Marin-Rodriguez says. “We serve a large population of
(right) As a hospital chaplain, Elizabeth Marin-Rodriguez spends much of her time attending the spiritual needs of patients and their families.
(below) Ashley Huber (left), regional director of spiritual integration at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, shares that spiritual care often means listening.
soon-to-be-mothers who want a woman’s perspective. A Muslim woman, for example, who can only be seen by female caregivers provides a tremendous opportunity to interact with women of other faith traditions.”
Although she has had two occasions when men refused to see her due to her gender, Marin-Rodriguez typically experiences the opposite—patients and providers wanting to talk to a woman. Women tend to be more open to another woman who will listen. Also, oftentimes men will open up more to a woman chaplain. “They may be going through a difficult family relationship or personal challenge. Or they want to begin a relationship with God or a higher being and they don’t know how to start. They seem more willing to share that vulnerability with a woman,” she says.
At the end of the day, though, all three women agree the most important characteristic is not gender but the ability to be present. “They want what everyone wants—to be seen and heard, not as a physician but as a person, as part of a team,” Stark says.
Before joining the spiritual integration team, Stark worked in clinical operations. She brings that business acumen into her current role and relates spiritual care directly to the mission.
“Brand loyalty is built by making sure we deliver on our promise to provide whole-person care,” she explains. “Why do we say we want to do whole-person care if we’re not doing spiritual care?”
Providing whole-person care starts with hiring the right people, Stark says. Through a program called Mission Fit, AdventHealth assesses the cultural fit of providers during the hiring process. They look for providers who believe in whole-person care, who handle conflict well and who are humble, Stark says.
“We want to know who we’re hiring as people, not just medical providers,” she says. “I’ve had many physicians tell me that no other entity has ever asked those questions.”
Michelle Conklin is a freelance writer for AdventHealth.
Photos: Sherri L. Schwinn, Twin Images Photography
Saved to
“God’s girl” now healing
On March 30, 2021 at approximately 7:40 pm I was sitting in my squad car at my corner on Main Street in our small, rural Minnesota town of Akeley
watching traffic and responding to any calls from Dispatch. That’s when Dispatch called and stated that they received a call from an estranged family member stating he believed that a female, named Kelsey, was trying to harm herself in Akeley and he was on the way to check on her.
When the family member arrived at the apartment across the street from where I was sitting, he started waving for me to come
(l-r) Pastor Roger Hagen, Kelsey, Chief of Police Jimmy Hansen
Lola Hansen
others Serve
over to the apartments. I came quickly and observed a female lying on the floor unresponsive. Immediately, I told Dispatch to start an ambulance and then I breeched the door.
Upon entering the apartment, I found the female breathing but unresponsive. I administered first aid until the ambulance arrived. I learned later that Kelsey was overwhelmed with the blows that Satan had thrown at her in life and had come to a point where she felt empty and alone and believed life was not worth living anymore!
Finding a home
Three days later I was sitting back at my corner on Main Street when a white pickup pulled up next to me and the driver introduced himself as Todd. He explained that he was Kelsey’s dad and he had just brought her back from the hospital and dropped her off at her apartment. Todd asked if I could go and meet her and talk with her. I replied that I would certainly do that. Todd stated that Kelsey was in her fourth year of five years of nursing school before he left for home and I headed to Kelsey’s apartment. Upon arriving, I walked up to Apt. #3.
I knocked on the door and it opened up a little, with no response. I knocked again and the door opened a little wider with my knocking. I heard a soft voice state, “I have nothing to say.” I knocked again and the door opened up and I walked in the doorway. (The door handle had not been fixed yet from three days before when I entered with force. Otherwise Kelsey would not have talked with the police or opened the door, I learned later. God’s intervention!)
Kelsey was standing across the room. I explained to Kelsey what I do and that my wife is a nurse. I shared that we have four children and then I asked her if she was a Christian. Kelsey smiled and pointed to her blue colored Bible lying on the table. I asked her if I could tell her a Bible story and she said yes. I shared the story of the Pharisees bringing a girl to Jesus to condemn her. I said that Jesus loved her and only saw a perfect child as He told her to go out and not let the world hurt her anymore.
I explained that this was not planned, but Easter was in a couple of days and the whole world knows what happened Easter morning. I said that Jesus could have called kings or governors to His tomb on Resurrection Morning, but He
called His girl! The same girl that the church wanted to condemn. The first person to see Jesus on Sunday morning was His perfect child.
I then hugged Kelsey and told her that she is Jesus’ girl. We both cried for a moment, then I asked Kelsey if she would like to come to church with my wife and girls and myself on Saturday. Kelsey asked what time it started and for directions to the church.
Sabbath morning, Kelsey was in church with a smile! Kelsey kept coming to church and became friends with then-Pastor Roger Hagen and his wife Shannon. Kelsey started Bible studies and on Sabbath July 24, 2021, Pastor Hagen baptized Kelsey with our daughters Bella and Lena.
Kelsey finished her nursing degree in the spring of 2022 and was pinned by the Akeley Chief of Police at her pinning ceremony and graduated the next day at Bemidji State University with family and friends watching as she walked across the stage! Today, Kelsey is a BSN/RN working in the Emergency Room at a hospital in midwestern Minnesota.
Kelsey believes she found her home in her church family. Kelsey said this is the first church that seemed real to her and has Bible truth. It makes sense to her what the Bible and the Seventh-day Adventist Church teaches on health.
I shared a comment with Kelsey from Adventist pastor and musician Wintley Phipps, who said that in the darkest hour of our deepest despair is when God answers His best prayers!
Jimmy Hansen is Chief of Police in Akeley, Minnesota, and a member of the Wadena Seventh-day Adventist Church.
These free and confidential
Mid-America Churches Utilize VOP Mental Health Event
to connect with communities
Seeking to reach people both inside and outside their walls, over 200 Seventh-day Adventist churches across North America, including 33 in the MidAmerica Union Conference, hosted the short mental health series MindFit this past spring. The Voice of Prophecy produced the event to empower churches to be practical and spiritual resources for their communities in battling a continent-wide mental health crisis.
provided study and discussion.
Pastor Leandro Bizama, who presented MindFit at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado, was delighted by his audience’s engagement with the series.
“On a global scale, one in eight people struggle daily with mental illness—one in five in North America. The implication is clear: it is nearly impossible to live on this Earth and not be affected by mental illness,” said Alex Rodriguez, associate speaker for VOP.
Each session of MindFit, a four-part event, commences with audiences watching a 30-minute episode of a docuseries hosted by Rodriguez, who traveled across North America to speak with mental health professionals and patients. The series sheds light on the history and prevalence of mental health challenges. It emphasizes that effective treatments are available and amplified by biblical principles. After each episode, a local church leader guides the audience through a
“MindFit was a great bridge event because it had subject matter people are hungering to know more about,” Bizama said. “People are almost desperate to know more about mental health. They have a sense of their great need.”
Bizama was pleased with MindFit’s gentle approach to tackling a topic surrounded by confusion and stigma. He witnessed audience members, both churchgoers and newcomers, open up about their personal struggles and engage with the mental health experts who helped lead the series at Campion.
For some guests, the event provided more than education and resources—it piqued their interest in the Adventist Church and, more importantly, Jesus.
A billboard advertisement for Campion caught the attention of one woman. She called the church to learn more and was immediately intrigued by MindFit. She proceeded to come to every session, befriending church members and committing to Bible studies. Now she is regularly attending Campion worship services and even looking for other Adventist churches to attend when traveling out of town.
She was not the only attendee who wished to learn more. After MindFit concluded, multiple individuals attended the VOP-created follow-up Bible study Peace Is an Inside Job.
“MindFit helps to answer the questions people are asking,” Bizama said.
Pastor Leandro Bizama interacts with his audience during the discussion portion of a MindFit session.
Potos: Robert Koorenny
For churches interested in hosting the event and receiving an advertising boost to draw in more community members, VOP will conduct a continent-wide MindFit campaign on Sept. 19-21 and again on Jan. 2-4. In the weeks leading up to these dates, host churches will benefit from a mass social media campaign promoting the series.
“With approximately 6,500 Adventist churches dotting the landscape of North America, our denomination is uniquely
positioned to be a center of healing for those who are struggling,” Rodriguez observed.
“We filmed MindFit to place churches at the forefront of the mental health conversation. May the love of Jesus be reflected through us as we cooperate with the Holy Spirit in bringing physical and spiritual healing to a world perishing in hopelessness.”
Amanda Blake is a writer for the Voice of Prophecy.
Attendees watch the MindFit docuseries at Campion Seventh-day Adventist Church in Loveland, Colorado. Visit MindFitEvent. com/host to join the myriad churches serving their communities through this unique evangelistic event.
Allon Chapel’s Block Party Brings Neighbors
Together
Post-COVID celebration
Allon Chapel Seventhday Adventist members, under the leadership of Pastor Brandon Williams, hosted a community block party to reconnect with the neighborhood and former church members postCOVID. The event, themed Love Thy Neighbor, aimed to foster community engagement and provide a fun, inclusive environment for all attendees.
A dedicated team planned the event, focusing on creating an atmosphere that emphasized community connection through collaborative activities, engaging games and giveaways.
The block party featured an array of activities and attractions, including a bike and scooter giveaway, thanks to the generous donations from private individuals and community members. In total, six bikes, three scooters, an air fryer and other prizes were distributed. The event also
showcased group games such as relay races, an inflatable tic-tac-toe, hopscotch and a popular water relay, which proved to be a hit among the children, especially as the weather warmed up.
Additional attractions included a face painting booth and music bingo, providing entertainment for both kids and adults. Sunlight Senior Care also participated in the event by setting up a booth to inform the
community about their services for seniors and persons with disabilities.
Over 50 people attended the block party, with a diverse mix of families and children of various ages. Attendees praised the event for its sense of community, good food and enjoyable games. Some expressed interest in visiting the church again, highlighting the event’s success in fostering a welcoming environment.
One touching moment occurred when a long-time community member, who had seen the church’s growth over 25 years, won an air fryer and expressed his excitement about the church holding such an engaging event. Another attendee, who was invited at the last minute, shared that the event lifted his spirits during a difficult time and expressed interest in attending future services.
Don’t be afraid to start
For other churches looking to host similar events, the organizers from Allon Chapel have valuable advice:
• Don’t be afraid to start small and learn from each experience.
• Mistakes are opportunities for growth, and people in your community will appreciate your efforts to connect with them.
• Encourage participation from volunteers and allow them to take on leadership roles. This not only helps with the workload but also fosters a sense of belonging and community among your members.
The event concluded with positive feedback and a renewed sense of community spirit. The church plans to host more events—including a community yard sale and a craft session—to continue building strong relationships
Photos Courtesy Allon Chapel
Pedal to Wellness
My journey with cycling and health
If you want to get healthy or stay healthy, try cycling! I started cycling when I was a child. My mother and I would go bike riding to a relative’s home about once a month on Sunday mornings. We would have brunch and return home.
When I was a minister in Sacramento, California, a member of my congregation invited me to go cycling with him. Sacramento is blessed with a beautiful 32-mile winding trail, filled with plant and animal life, on the edge of the American River. As I rode on the trail, I fell in love. I loved the feeling of wind blowing in my face, because I have no hair for the wind to blow through.
Cycling isn’t always about speed; it’s about endurance. I don’t have to be the fastest or the strongest, but if I keep putting one pedal in front of another, I will make it to my destination.
Since that invitation to go on the American River Trail, I have done three century rides (100 miles each) and countless other rides. I love
the summer months because I can go out early in the morning, do a 20-25-mile ride, and be at my desk before 9:00 am. When I start my day like this, I feel energized and focused. Plus, this routine has helped me drop 23 pounds since I have been in St. Louis! I feel better, and my family tells me I look better.
Of course, no love story is without pain. On that first fateful day, my guide took me 22 miles. That’s way too long for a first-time bike rider. My body hurt, especially my backside. However, even in the pain, I felt a passion for the thrill of going up and down the hills on the trail. I loved the exhilarating feel of taking a sharp corner and
viewing the beauty of God’s creation.
Cycling may not be for everyone; however, I encourage you to do some daily physical activity. It will make you healthier. In class at Oakwood College (now University), E. E. Cleveland used to say, “There is nothing wrong with eating flesh, but those who eat flesh are singing a song: ‘I ain’t got
with their neighbors.
This block party not only achieved its goal of reconnecting with the community and former church members, but also laid a foundation for future engagements and community support. Allon Chapel would like to thank their local church volunteers and community partners
such as Antoine Exteriors, Lincoln Bike Kitchen and The Hub for their dedication and service.
Written by Hugh Davis in collaboration with Ken E. Cooper, Toyin Alabi-Kottich, Natalie Adeleke and Elizabeth Jeanniton
long to stay here.’” I suggest that even if you don’t eat meat, yet aren’t taking care of your body with some physical activity two to three times per week, you are singing the same song!
Get out, get active and do something to strengthen your mind and soul and your body because every part of our being is interconnected— mind, body and soul. Cycling may not be for you, but you can walk, lift weights, play basketball, hike or go skiing. There is something for everyone, and your body will thank you, for if you don’t use it, you will lose it.
Trevor Barnes pastors the Northside Adventist Church in St. Louis, Missouri and serves as communication director for the Central States Conference.
Photos Courtesy Central States Conference
Photos Courtesy Allon Chapel
Elder Vernon Herholdt Steps into Leadership as Dakota Conference President
Elder Vernon Herholdt is the newly elected Dakota Conference president. Although this is his first time serving as president, his varied experiences have prepared him for this role.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in theology from Helderberg College in South Africa and a master’s in international development with a focus on organizational leadership and conflict resolution from Andrew’s University.
His ministry began after a career in the South African police service, where he served for 12 years as a detective in the Child Protection Unit and the Crime Prevention Unit (SWAT). The demands of this role and the start of a family led him to transition to a human resources officer position for six years. However, his calling to serve God grew stronger, leading him to pursue theological studies and pastoral ministry.
Elder Herholdt’s pastoral career started as an associate pastor in the Northern Conference of South Africa, where he pastored multichurch districts and later served as a senior pastor. During this time, he held various positions and contributed to various committees, including the conference executive committee, acting as regional president, camp meeting coordinator, school board chairman, and serving on the board of directors for the conference retirement and assisted living home. In 2016, he accepted a
pastoral position at the Hollister congregation in the Central California Conference. After five years in Hollister, he was called to serve the Bismarck and Dakota Adventist Academy churches in the Dakota Conference, where he also took on the role of Conference ministerial director.
He has been married to his wife, Melanie, for 27 years. They have two adult sons, Etienne (26) and Grant (24). Etienne, after completing his military service in the Marines, is pursuing a career as a paramedic while working as an EMT, and Grant is currently serving in the Marines in Okinawa, Japan.
In his leisure time, he enjoys fishing, golfing and painting. The family values time spent together, exploring new places, and maintaining their close bond. They share a strong love for each other and for God.
Vision for the Dakota Conference
Elder Herholdt’s vision for the Dakota Conference is inspired by the teachings of Jesus Christ, focusing on compassion, transparency and effective communication. He believes that by building strong relationships and a sense of community, the mission can be fulfilled and preparation for the second coming of Jesus can be achieved. His vision includes the following key elements:
1. Fostering Friendships: Building friendly and loving communities within
churches, schools and neighborhoods. Addressing perceptions of unfriendliness by working to create a welcoming environment.
2. Valuing Every Member: Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of all members, regardless of their skills or education. Every individual plays a crucial role in building the Adventist Church and school model.
3. Promoting Belonging: Cultivating an inclusive attitude, and respecting differing opinions while maintaining the integrity of Scripture. Navigating differences with care to create a cohesive community.
4. Spiritual Transformation: Encouraging members to live by Rom. 12:2, focusing on spiritual transformation and distinguishing ourselves through our close relationship with Jesus, reflecting Jesus’ love and salvation in all interactions.
5. Strengthening Stewardship: Reinforcing the commitment to
God and reassessing the approach to stewardship. Financial and spiritual dedication are essential to support churches, elementary schools and the academy, ensuring their growth and continuity.
6. Facing Challenges: Recognizing and addressing the financial challenges faced by the community, especially regarding the academy. By re-evaluating purposes and working actively toward realistic goals, these challenges can be overcome.
By embracing these principles, Elder Herholdt aims to enhance the spiritual health of the community and extend the mission throughout the Dakotas, continuing the legacy of the pioneers with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication.
Article by Jodi Dossenko, Dakota Conference communication director, and Vernon Herholdt, Dakota Conference president
Reese Saxon
Pastor Spotlight
Paving the way for future generations
Amidst the debate on women’s roles in pastoral ministry in the Seventhday Adventist Church, it is easy to overlook the inspiring stories of real people. Kisa de Bruin’s journey stands out as a testament to faith, perseverance and an unwavering commitment to serving Jesus. Her work highlights the vital role that women play in spreading the gospel and serving their communities.
As Kisa’s husband, it is an honor to serve alongside her in ministry, and the praise of others demonstrates her
true impact.
Kisa holds a B.A. in theology from Walla Walla University and an M.Div. from the Seventhday Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. Her education laid a strong foundation for her ministry, with colleagues and friends noting her professionalism, attention to quality and pastoral passion.
She began her ministry in the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. After completing seminary, we moved back to the Dakotas in 2020. Due to circumstances, she couldn’t work in church employment at that time, so she served as a case manager for Lutheran Social Services, ministering to troubled teenagers. Her compassion and professionalism were evident, as she truly cared about where people were in their walk with Jesus.
In the summer of 2022, Kisa joined Dakota Adventist Academy as the chaplain and Bible teacher. She revamped
the campus ministries department, empowering students and touching many hearts, including two students whom she baptized. Students have credited her with having a tremendous impact on their school and spiritual life. “Kisa is the reason I have become as close with God as I am now,” expressed Hannah Miller
Kisa served as interim lead pastor of the Bismarck Seventh-day Adventist Church over the summer months of 2024. Her warm smile and kind demeanor make her approachable and beloved by many. As Jeana Eszler noted, “Pastor Kisa takes the time for genuine conversations and builds on the foundation of friendship.” Others have observed her passion for Christ and how it comes through in her work, making her a wonderful example for all women in faith.
Despite facing various challenges, she remains committed to service. Leslie
Soules remarked on Pastor Kisa’s gift of distilling the gospel into its purest form—God is love—and putting it into action. Co-workers note her patience and the loving image of God that she shares.
Kisa never set out to become a pastor, but when God’s call came into her life, she knew she had to follow. Her journey in ministry has been marked by dedication, faith and a deep commitment to serving others. Fellow pastor Stephen Eastwood summarized it well: “Being respected as a pastor comes from a life connected to God. Kisa is the real deal, and her students see it too.”
Kisa’s journey is an example of the vital role women play in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Her faith, resilience and unwavering commitment inspire and pave the way for future generations of women in ministry.
Kris de Bruin is pastor of the Mandan Adventist Church in North Dakota.
Jodi Dossenko
IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE
Pastor Clark Appointed as Conference Bible Worker Director
The Iowa-Missouri Conference Executive
Committee appointed Pastor Jeremy Clark as the new conference Bible worker director in May. This role is set to enhance the conference’s outreach efforts.
Pastor Clark’s journey to this position was marked by personal growth and dedication to faith. After overcoming early life challenges, he and his wife Tori experienced a spiritual renewal that led to active involvement in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Clark quickly assumed leadership roles in his local congregation.
His passion for evangelism led him to complete the SALT program with It Is Written in 2018. The Clarks then served as Bible workers in Indiana before returning to the Iowa-Missouri Conference in July 2020. They initially served the Ottumwa, Albia and Centerville churches and then moved to St. Louis in July 2023 to work with the Mid Rivers Adventist Church and establish a new congregation.
school of evangelism because it will create a continuous cycle of evangelism in St. Louis and provide tools for church members to use in their local communities.”
While assuming his new responsibilities, Clark remains committed to his work with the Mid Rivers Church. His appointment
marks a new chapter in the Iowa-Missouri Conference’s mission to spread the gospel and nurture faith throughout the region.
In his new role, Clark expressed excitement about the opportunities in St. Louis, which represents a significant portion of the conference’s population. He also shared his vision for a school of evangelism.
“The opportunity to meet people’s needs and teach them about Jesus is outstanding,” Clark stated. “We’re excited about the
Journey of Faith Leads Toward God’s Remnant Church
It started over a year and a half ago. Chris Duncan began coming to the Sullivan Seventh-day Adventist Church with Ed Murray , one of the elderly church members. Murray had a few rentals on his property and Duncan was staying in one. Duncan rode to church with Murray and faithfully attended each Sabbath for some time, quietly and humbly soaking up the friendly fellowship and spiritual atmosphere through the Sabbath school
class and sermons during the worship hour.
One day, Murray suggested to Bill Pyke , the official part-time Bible worker for the Sullivan Church, that he should visit their place to study the Bible with Duncan. Pyke immediately made plans and arrangements to meet at Murray’s home, which was a good way out in the country. They started meeting on Thursday evenings, and since Pyke had authored his own Bible lessons ( Truth
for the End Times ), which he hoped to get published soon, they started using them as lesson guides.
Murray, Duncan and Pyke would meet, and occasionally, a few of Murray’s nephews or acquaintances would step in and join or listen in. A little way into the study, some out-of-county work assignments in the St. Louis area temporarily took Duncan away from their weekly Bible study group. But eventually, after several months, their routine
resumed.
Throughout this journey, Duncan eagerly absorbed the lessons and often expressed
Caleb Durant
Stories on these pages were written by Caleb Durant, communication director for the Iowa-Missouri Conference.
Bill Pyke
Bryan Gallant Appointed to Conference Leadership Team
From missionary to ministerial director
The Iowa-Missouri Conference Executive Committee recently appointed Pastor Bryan Gallant as the new ministerial director. This decision came as Pastor Lee Rochholz stepped into the role of conference president on July 1, creating an opening for the ministerial director position on the conference’s leadership team.
Pastor Gallant, who assumed his new responsibilities on Aug. 1, brings a wealth of diverse experiences that uniquely position him for this role. His journey with the Iowa-Missouri Conference began in 2015 when he and his wife, Penny, arrived to serve as refugee coordinators. This initial position laid the groundwork for a multifaceted ministry within the conference.
Following his time as refugee coordinator, Pastor Gallant went on to pastor
the Kirksville and Macon churches, demonstrating his ability to connect with and guide diverse congregations. In 2020, he moved to the Rolla, Bourbon and Sullivan district, further broadening his impact within the conference.
Pastor Gallant’s journey in ministry spans not only decades but also continents.
After serving as student missionaries in Micronesia, he and Penny embarked on a
diverse career path. His roles included teaching at a K-12 school in Yap, Micronesia, serving as mathematics chair at Wisconsin Academy and working as a missionary with Adventist Frontier Missions in Cambodia.
Pastor Gallant’s expertise in Adventist-Muslim relations led to positions with The Quiet Hour and the North American Division, culminating in his role as director of an Interfaith Study
Center in Indonesia. This rich tapestry of experiences, coupled with his degrees in mathematics education and Islamic studies, has uniquely prepared him for his new role as ministerial director.
“What I’m looking forward to most is just walking closely with the pastors and their families and ministering with them,” Pastor Gallant shared when asked about his new role. He emphasized his belief in the importance of nurturing healthy, whole individuals who can naturally be a blessing to those around them.
As Pastor Gallant embarks on this new chapter, he carries with him not only his professional experiences but also the support of his family. Married to Penny for 35 years, they have weathered personal tragedies and joys together, including the loss of two children and the blessing of four living children, two of whom are now adults.
his appreciation for the truths he was learning. But most of all, he enthusiastically remarked about his deep love for Jesus and, with tears in his eyes, shared the different times when his life had been miraculously spared for a reason—and now he knew why! He realized God had a plan for his life, and a new purpose had dawned upon him. He shared his newfound faith with others, including
on social media, whenever he could. He had become a missionary in his own right!
Duncan’s spiritual growth culminated in his baptism on April 6, 2024. Following this significant event, a few more people joined the study group, inspired by Duncan’s transformation. Murray reflected that nothing was more thrilling than seeing a common, humble, friendly man turn from a worldly
lifestyle, give his life over to Jesus, enthusiastically accept the gospel and three angels’ messages, and commit his life to Christ through baptism. No other experience could compare to this!
Murray said that if all their church members could get involved in some way or another according to their God-given gifts and talents, what a revival would unfold across their churches, local
conferences, unions and divisions! He humbly asked the Lord to give them a deeper appreciation of His truth, His salvation and a fervent hunger for souls. Precious souls are out there, just waiting to be gathered in!
Courtesy Gallant Family
Joel Navarro Ordained at Piedmont Park Church
On June 8, 2024, the Piedmont Park Seventhday Adventist Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, came alive with a special kind of joy as the church gathered to ordain Pastor Joel Navarro, who serves together with his wife, Martha. This beautiful event marked an important milestone in Joel’s spiritual journey, celebrating his dedication to ministry and the support of his loving family. The service began with a musical prelude, creating an atmosphere of reverence. Warm greetings welcomed everyone, and a heartfelt invocation invited God’s presence into our midst.
A particularly touching moment was when their daughter, Sophie, performed a special musical piece.
Pastor Glen Mitchell then introduced Joel Navarro, sharing highlights of his remarkable journey and steadfast commitment to his calling. Pastor Lee-Roy Chacon’s sermon, “Are You the Right Person for the Job?” resonated deeply with those present. The ordination service was more than just a formal ceremony; it was a heartfelt celebration of faith, love and unwavering commitment to God’s calling.
All pastors and their spouses were then invited to
participate in the ordination prayer. Joel responded with heartfelt gratitude, reaffirming his commitment to serve God and his congregation with love and dedication.
From Europe to Nebraska
Joel’s journey began in Sagunto, Spain, where he was inspired by his father’s pastoral ministry. His educational path took him from Switzerland to Andrews University and then back to Europe, where he earned his undergraduate degree in theology and met his future wife, Martha. Together,
Joel and Martha Navarro, surrounded by supporters, celebrate the recognition of Joel’s commitment to pastoral ministry.
they embarked on a life of ministry, teaching and mission service across various parts of the world, including Spain, Texas, Oregon and Hong Kong.
Since 2022, Joel has served as the family life and discipleship pastor at Piedmont Park Church, along with Martha and their two daughters Sophie and Lily.
Saul Dominguez, is communication director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
Photos
Courtesy Kansas-Nebraska Conference
Ashley Barnett’s mission to serve and inspire Street Outreach Specialist in KC Feeds and Disciples Homeless Population
Ashley Barnett had a troubled past with abuse that led to many addictions and poor decisions. She asked Jesus into her heart at age 7. However, she did not fully comprehend what a relationship with Him truly meant. Today she is an active member at Commons in Kansas City and other ministries and, most importantly, relies on her heavenly friend Jesus. In 2017, Barnett was in the shower and experienced what she refers to as a divine encounter. Sitting on her shower floor and feeling at the end of her rope, Barnett began to continuously cry out, “I just want to be!” She was uncertain whom she was telling, but she had to get the words out. “There I was letting the stream of water flow over my face with my eyes shut and I had a vision. I saw my grandparents and my dog just like a movie was playing. I knew I was in heaven and noticed my heavenly home, a cabin. As I walked towards
the cabin, Jesus opened the door. He told me ‘Get up and stop doing drugs. Get up and walk.’ At the time I did not know how to feel right if I did not feel wrong.” She accepted what He had to say when she was most vulnerable.
Although she believed in God, she had not thought about needing Him in her life for quite a while. However, after her encounter she began to seek out the Lord while attending many churches around the metro area, searching for a safe place and welcoming members.
Besides looking for a church, Barnett felt the Holy Spirit also sparked a fire within her to serve the homeless in Kansas City. “I got the idea to bake something and saw two bananas on the kitchen counter. I made loaves of banana bread and took them to a homeless outreach. I started going there often and felt the need to help people and pray with them.”
To pay for supplies, such as hot chocolate and cups, Barnett started to sell her plasma. “Even on the bed at the plasma center, I began to witness. I offered to pray for the person lying on the bed next to me. I was on fire for the Lord and wanted to introduce others to my new friend, Jesus.”
If you meet Barnett, you instantly feel her social personality and see her
infectious smile. While attending many worship services around town, Barnett met Christians from all denominations. During her search for just the right church, she discovered Seven (a contemporary worship started by Pastor Kyle Smith) at New Haven on Friday evenings. “The kindness and caring spirit of the others felt good. I had not found such accepting people at the other churches. No one judged me and I felt like I could be myself. Pretty soon I was bringing friends with me or homeless people I had been serving.”
Today, Barnett is an active member of Commons and employed by the KansasNebraska Conference as a Street Outreach Specialist. She leads out with the food truck on Friday evenings serving food in Washington Park near Crown Center. Many of the other volunteers are people she befriended at non-Adventist churches she attended early in her walk with Christ.
She has designed the Friday event to welcome anyone in need of a good meal and show them God’s love. “The atmosphere is all about God. Jesus is attractive to people and so many people want prayer whether they are homeless or not.”
On Sabbath morning she takes the New Haven van
downtown and fills it with people who want to attend our church. “There are so many people, I ran out of room in the van. Other Commons members are now helping by driving their cars to bring people to church.”
Barnett already does so much to show God’s love to so many, but she wants to do more. Starting last July (on the first Saturday of the month from 6 to 8 pm) she is co-facilitating a worship service at New Haven. The goal is to bring others to the Lord who may be seeking Jesus just as she was seven years ago. Eventually, they hope to have a bilingual service to include as many people as possible. Divine encounters do not happen to all of us in such a vivid way as Barnett experienced. Yet our Lord does reach out to all of us and asks us to show His love to others. Being open and vulnerable to hear His voice is key.
Thankfully, Barnett listened to Him. As a seven-year-old, she believed in God and today the walk she has with Him gives hope to anyone who meets her.
Kristen Seltman is newsletter editor for the New Haven Church.
Minneapolis First Engages Community with Multicultural Celebration Sabbath
In a jubilant display of unity and warmth, Minneapolis First Seventh-day Adventist Church Evangelism Department and Health Ministry recently hosted a Visitors’ Day that surpassed all expectations. Approximately 50 Spanish-speaking guests and community members were embraced by the congregation in a spirit of inclusivity and fellowship. The event, which featured a dedicated interpreter throughout the service, left visitors and regular attendees alike feeling welcomed, uplifted and inspired.
When guests entered the church, the greeters met everyone with warm smiles and open hearts. The air was filled with anticipation as everyone prepared for a day of connection and spiritual enrichment. The service commenced with a harmonious blend of English and
Spanish worship, a testament to the congregation’s diversity and richness.
The interpreter, a pivotal figure in the event, flawlessly translated every word, ensuring that all present could fully engage with the shared message. This underscored the church’s unwavering commitment to reaching out to all community members, regardless of their language.
Following the service, the church invited the guests to stay for a vibrant fellowship meal, where the aroma of homemade dishes filled the air. Conversations flowed as people exchanged stories and shared laughter, united by a common bond of faith and love. It was a joyous celebration of community and belonging, leaving no doubt that the church had succeeded in creating a welcoming space for all who entered its doors.
The Health Expo team offered insights and free resources to attendees.
As the day neared its end, many of the Spanishspeaking guests expressed their heartfelt appreciation and eagerness to return. They spoke of feeling not just welcomed, but truly embraced by the church family, noting the genuine warmth and hospitality they had experienced throughout the day.
For them, it was not just a visit to a church but a profound encounter with God’s love in action, a testament to our church community’s inclusive and loving nature. Their sense of belonging was not just a feeling, but a palpable reality.
Moreover, the Health Expo, meticulously organized by the dedicated members of the Health Ministry, offered valuable insights and resources on topics ranging from nutrition and exercise to mental wellness and preventive care. Attendees eagerly immersed themselves in the information provided, engaging in lively discussions with health experts and participating in hands-on activities to promote holistic wellbeing. From cooking poster demonstrations showcasing delicious and nutritious recipes to fitness challenges that inspired movement and vitality, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
Indeed, it became evident
that the Health Expo had not just provided information, but had struck a chord with attendees, inspiring them to embrace a healthier way of life. Many expressed gratitude for the invaluable resources provided and pledged to incorporate the newfound knowledge into their daily routines.
For some, it was a catalyst for positive change, igniting a renewed commitment to prioritize their well-being and nurture their bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. The church’s commitment to holistic care was not just evident, but profound in the impact of the Health Expo on the attendees’ well-being, a testament to the church’s dedication to the physical and spiritual health of its community.
For the members of Minneapolis First, the success of Visitors’ Day was a testament to the power of unity and outreach. With the echoes of worship and fellowship lingering in the air, one thing was abundantly clear—this was only the beginning of a beautiful journey together. It was a reminder that miracles can happen when people come together with open hearts and a shared vision. As they look to the future, they do so with renewed faith and enthusiasm, knowing their doors will always be open to those seeking hope, healing and belonging.
Jude Senatus pastors the Minneapolis First Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Photos Courtesy Minnesota Conference
Highlight is first-time canvassing experiences Maranatha Students Engage in Career Week
This year at Maranatha Adventist School we engaged community members to kick off our career week. Throughout the week, parents from various professions shared firsthand insights into their jobs. One parent, a nurse, made her session interactive by having the children dress up in different roles and simulating emergency scenarios. Another parent, who works in construction, involved the students in assembling picnic tables and exploring his tools. Each presentation was captivating and left a lasting impression on the students.
However, the highlight of our career week was when the children experienced canvassing for the first time. Literature evangelists Darrell Conway and Ronisha Belgrove provided training and supervision as the children practiced distributing Glow tracts door-to-door. The children approached this task eagerly, even celebrating when they reached milestones in their efforts.
Their enthusiasm continued beyond school hours,
with some asking to continue canvassing in their neighborhoods. One fourth grader was already eager for the next opportunity, exclaiming, “Next year! That’s so far away!” Their dedication and positive energy throughout the experience were inspiring for all of us involved.
To gauge their experiences, I asked several students how they felt the day after. Their responses were overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few of their reflections:
Silas Mosier (4th grade)
My greatest experience was getting to meet a pastor who bought Simply Fresh. The pastor was cleaning his garage and said, “You guys are from the SDA school over there. Are you canvassing? Can I take a look?”
“Yep!” I said. Then he took a look at Simply Fresh
“How much do these cost?”
He asked.
“$20-$30,” I said.
“Hey, I’m a pastor in Medford. Well, here is $30.” He said.
“Wow! Thank you!” I said.
“Have a nice day!”
I learned that getting rejected was how I got more faith to keep going! Canvassing is selling books that will turn people to Jesus. I kept going because of what I was doing.
Isai Guzman (3rd grade)
When people get a book, they thank you. Sometimes people reject you, but it’s okay. People might go to church and be a Christian.
Emily Faudi (3rd grade)
When I helped with the GLOW tracts, I learned that everybody can help. Everybody can do something to help Jesus’ work. When we do something to help Jesus’ coming, we feel happy and that may be canvassing. I loved the feeling of everybody running to do everything on time.
Annabelle Thiemann (4th grade)
There was a kind elderly lady that met Shiloh and me. The house we were at looked a little run down.
We greeted her. She looked
like she didn’t know what to say. She said that she read her Bible every day. She said, “I hope I don’t regret this, but I’ll buy a book.” She bought Simply Fresh.
A good lesson I learned out of all this [her experience] is sometimes people will not buy books from you when you canvass, but maybe you just won a heart for Jesus. In the books people read, they may see something about it.
Anna Mosier (3rd grade)
Have you ever put GLOW tracts together? You use more than one GLOW, and it is sometimes hard. It was so fun to get the GLOW tracts ready. Even though it was a lot of work to get them ready, it was worth it!
It was nice to pray over the GLOWs and it was fun to see how many we got done. I learned that even if it was hard work, it was amazing to know that it was for God.
Andrea Vassell is the head teacher at Maranatha Adventist Christian School in Dodge Center, Minnesota. Edited by ChatGPT.
Photos: Andrea Vassell
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE
Newday Running for Clean Water
Twenty-four members of Team World Vision Newday crossed the finish line of the Denver Colfax HalfMarathon on May 19. This team of racers was championed by the Newday Adventist Church in Parker, Colorado.
Along the course, the team was cheered on by family and friends who turned out to support them on a beautiful race day. In addition to accomplishing the challenge of covering 13.1 miles, they also changed lives by raising funds for World Vision’s* clean water work. At the end of race day, the team’s total had surpassed $38,000, which will provide clean water to more than 760 people for life.
This race marked the tenth year that Team World Vision Newday has moved their feet for clean water. Returning members welcomed new teammates, and some of our youngest runners were second-generation participants.
The season began back in January with 18 weeks of training to prepare for the race. Throughout that time, the team shared the need for clean water and invited others to partner with them to end the water crisis. Many on the team stepped out of their comfort zones, both to make fundraising asks on behalf of vulnerable kids and to run further or faster than they thought they could.
First-time participant Cynthia Lim says of her experience, “I have never run a race or done solo fundraising before! But going through
these past five months with such a supportive team has been a huge joy. I not only got to make an impact but also build relationships, break personal distance records and grow my comfort zone.”
Baylie Thurber, who completed her fourth season with Team World Vision Newday, reflects on why she joined and what has kept her coming back: “When I first met [the team], they didn’t know me and I didn’t know them, but we instantly had a shared bond as runners. I was seeking connection and support, and, in my new teammates I found this and so much more.
“I was inspired by passionate, loving people who would not call themselves runners, yet they ran to bring awareness to a desperate need in the world,” she continued.
“After learning more about World Vision, my heart was filled with that same passion and love. Every time I ask for a donation, I get to share a little more of that passion and love for others and I am honored to be a part of that.”
Team World Vision often
(top left) Newday running mates Irma, Susana and Cynthia catch a moment after the race.
(top right) Baylie Thurber takes a midrace selfie
(bottom) Part of the Newday Race Team
reminds its runners that they can go “further together,” and it proved true again this season. The encouragement of teammates and the support of the church helped this team accomplish more than any of them could have done on their own.
World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization, is the largest non-governmental provider of clean water in the world, and clean water is essential in their
efforts to address the root causes of poverty.
Emily Woodhull writes from Newday Adventist Church and is Team World Vision Newday captain and a seven-season team member.
*World Vision is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference nor the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.
Baylie Thurber Baylie Thurber
Shawna Sadjak
Ron Craig Nominated for Denver7 News Cares Award
Throughout the Bible, we are encouraged to love and care for one another. Ron Craig, member of the Boulder Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boulder, Colorado, has been quietly providing care for others for many years.
About 23 years ago, Craig started volunteering with an organization in the Boulder/ Longmont area called Colorado FriendShip. Since that start, he has served lemonade and iced tea in the summer and hot chocolate and coffee in the winter every Sunday evening to men and women who need a warm meal. He has missed only a handful of times in those 23 years. In appreciation, he was nominated for the 7 News Cares award.
In early March, 7 News came to “Meals on the Street” and interviewed Liz Friedenson, one of Colorado Friendship’s executive directors: “We set up here every Sunday. We serve a hot meal to anyone who needs it. For those who are low-income
Correction Notice
Ron Craig has been recognized by a local news station for over 20 years of volunteer service with Colorado Friendship.
or experiencing homelessness, it’s more than just a meal. Helping those in need in Boulder County is the main mission of Colorado Friendship, but it wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers.”
She went on to say, “Everyone loves Ron, and, if he’s not there, everybody needs to know where he is and what happened.”
Craig says he has grown in appreciation for people, and has developed some friendships along the way, including with the crew he works with every week. “You know you’ve worked that long when you give a couple of bucks to a guy on a corner, and he
says, ‘Hey! Thanks, Ron!’”
Yes, thank you, Ron.
“Ron has blessed our lives with Christ-like love in action, beyond the smiles and hugs. He walks into church and exudes the down-deep joy that comes from always speaking a cheerful word, spending time with folk who are homeless or friendless, gathering up coats for the cold, and fixing hot chili for the hungry,” commented Jackie Hayes, an elder at Boulder Church.
“You know when Ron gives you a hug, it’s heartfelt; it’s backed by Christ-inspired
love. I am so thankful for the 20 years I have been privileged to worship with him,” she continued.
For I was hungry, and you gave me food, I was thirsty, and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. ... Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
... And the King will answer them, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these, my brothers, you did it unto me” (Matt. 25:35-40).
Kathy King is an elder at Boulder Adventist Church.
There was an error in the title of an article in the July-August 2024 edition of OUTLOOK Magazine. The correct article title is “The Kingdom of Children Thrives in Aurora.” We apologize to the author, Jose R. Alarcon, for the oversight in the proofing process and to the readers for any subsequent confusion. Our deepest regrets. —The Editors
Courtesy Denver7 News
Union nursing students share unusual story From Rejection to Graduation
Stephanie Ponce hurried back to the hotel room she shared with Anayeli Tellez. It was summer 2021, the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the two young women were on assignment as traveling COVID testers.
Although they had only met a few months before, they’d bonded over their shared backgrounds and circumstances: both grew up near Yakima, Washington, and were close to their families. Both had become interested in medicine by translating for their families in the hospital as children. Additionally, both Tellez and Ponce had great grades and had completed the prerequisite classes to enter nursing school, but kept getting rejected from the handful of highly competitive programs in their area. Ponce
had received an email from another nursing program that evening. When she reached the room, she quickly opened the email — only to see another denial.
“I felt really lost,” said Ponce. “I didn’t know what my next step was.” After crying together, Ponce and Tellez decided it was time to start applying to programs out of state. They pulled up NursingCAS, a centralized application system for nursing programs, and started browsing schools. As they scrolled through their options, Union caught their attention. They didn’t know much about Nebraska or Adventists, but an accredited BSN program with a nearly perfect first-time NCLEX-RN pass rate and no wait list sounded great.
“We applied to Union that
Anayeli Tellez (left) and Stephanie Ponce had only known each other for three months before deciding to move to Nebraska together to attend a university they’d never heard of.
night,” said Tellez. “And a couple of days later, we got acceptance letters and just decided to go for it.”
Ponce and Tellez drove to Lincoln, where they rented an apartment together and started the Nursing Program at Union Adventist University that fall. Ponce said, “It was crazy because I had only known Anayeli for a few months, and we were like ‘Let’s move to Nebraska together.’ Now, we’re best friends.”
The transition away from family and friends was difficult at first, but Tellez and Ponce soon found their stride. Tellez said, “I remember that first semester was so hard for me, but just knowing how supportive my professors were made everything 100 percent better. I was impressed by how welcoming everybody from the Nursing Program was and how much they cared about us.”
“This school is a very closeknit community,” said Ponce. “For me, coming from out
of state and not wanting to leave my family, Union made the process of starting a new program really easy. Time goes by so fast, and I still can’t believe that I’m already graduating.”
Tellez and Ponce plan to return home to southern Washington. Ponce plans to work as a nurse in Yakima and eventually return to school to become a family nurse practitioner. Tellez is also planning to work as a nurse in Washington then earn her doctorate in nursing and open her own clinic.
“When you have a goal or something you’ve really wanted for so long, you don’t let anything get in your way,” said Ponce. “Even though it can be tough, it’s all worth it.”
Tellez agrees, adding, “I think the best decision I ever made was leaving home to come to Union.”
Stories on these pages were written by Annika Cambigue, a 2024 communication and English graduate of Union Adventist University.
Photos Courtesy Union Adventist University
Adventures in Service
Travel nurses in Sierra Leone continue Union’s tradition of service
For Union alumni Lenny and Perla Finn, nursing has opened the door to a world of adventure — and more importantly to giving back.
The 2016 and 2017 graduates spent two months volunteering with Mercy Ships in Sierra Leone. Mercy Ships is a nonprofit Christian organization dedicated to delivering free, worldclass healthcare services to underserved communities in developing nations. The Finns served on the Global Mercy, a state-of-the-art hospital ship currently docked in the port of Freetown, Sierra Leone. Patients from across the nation came aboard the ship to receive life-changing surgeries. In addition, Mercy Ships invests in long-term development projects in Sierra Leone, such as training local healthcare professionals, supporting community health initiatives and renovating medical facilities.
“We had donated to the Mercy Ships before, so we knew about the organization,” said Perla. “We were thinking and praying about them, and we felt drawn towards volunteer medical work like we had done as students at Union.”
Lenny and Perla met and
(left) Lenny and Perla Finn fell in love at Union. Now the travel nurses share their medical expertise both as a career and as volunteers.
Pediatric orthopedic patients play bingo aboard the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone.
fell in love at Union Adventist University (then Union College), where they were both nursing students. While in the Nursing Program, they were introduced to many opportunities to volunteer their skills in the Lincoln community and beyond.
Lenny said, “We took Kristine Folletts’ Global Health Nursing classes and went on a week-long mission trip during spring break. We went to Nicaragua to help provide medical care and bring medicines. We hiked back into the jungle — the mud was up to our knees at times — carrying all the supplies. It was a little crazy. I really appreciated that Union introduced me to ways I could use nursing to volunteer.”
“We did a lot of volunteer work at People City Mission and Clinic with a Heart,” Perla added. “We wanted to give back because we were given so much.”
The Finns saw volunteering on the Global Mercy as a great chance to use their nursing skills to serve. The volunteer application process is rigorous, so they applied more than a year in advance. Finally, they heard that they had been accepted for the positions
last fall. Since volunteers live on the ship, room and board were covered, but the Finns needed to pay for their own plane tickets and vaccinations. “We’re very thankful for the people who were able to donate towards our fundraising,” Perla said. “We couldn’t have done it without them!”
As travel nurses, the Finns have flexibility in their schedules that made serving in Sierra Leone for two months possible. When they arrived in Sierra Leone in January 2024, they went straight to work as ward nurses. Lenny worked in a pediatric orthopedics ward, caring for children receiving surgeries. Perla floated between adult and pediatric wards.
“I got to see one of the little kids — probably nine years old — be able to see again,” said Perla. “He was born able to see, but he developed cataracts that caused him to lose his vision. He had cataract removal surgery and then had to have the bandages on for 24 hours. When the physician came in to remove the dressings, it was like night and day. He was able to see again. He had remembered his colors from before he lost his vision. His mom was so excited and kept pointing out things and asking the little kid what colors they were. The feeling was so overwhelming, but in a good way.”
“Some of these kids were outcasts because their legs were
so severely deformed,” Lenny added. “Without the Mercy Ship, they most likely would never have been able to fix that. There were adults with tumors as big as a cantaloupe on their face. Any of these conditions would make it on the nightly news in the United States. But there, it’s almost common; there aren’t many opportunities for healing.
“It was amazing to see how God was present,” he continued. “Global Mercy Ships is a Christian group, so we were able to pray with patients if they asked. Hearing people praise God for the healing they had received gave me a sense of how much He was working on the ship.”
After Perla and Lenny returned to the United States in March, they went back to their usual travel nursing jobs. Since the couple began travel nursing in 2022, they’ve worked across the country, from Colorado and Texas to New Mexico, Washington and Hawaii. Although they spend months at a time in various states, their home base is still Lincoln, Nebraska, where they put down roots during college.
“Growing up, people tell you that everyone has different skills God has given them,” said Perla. “I think that Lenny and I have been given the gift of nursing, and it’s fulfilling to be able to help people in need and see the difference a simple surgery can make.”
Nurse Intern Learns from the Same Labor and Delivery Nurse Who Delivered Her
When Brooke Eitel, a nursing student at Union Adventist University, walked into the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center for her first day as a nurse intern, she had no idea the day would mark the beginning of a heartwarming, full-circle moment. As she was shadowing Jamie DeLong, a labor and delivery registered nurse, the two began talking about where they were from.
Quickly, the two realized they had met before, almost two decades ago when DeLong assisted bringing Eitel into this world when Eitel’s mother, Millie Eitel, gave birth to her.
Throughout the years, DeLong stayed in touch with Millie, who also works at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission as a nurse and the director of emergency services for AdventHealth Prairie Star and AdventHealth College Boulevard.
“I always felt connected to Millie since she worked at AdventHealth,” DeLong shared. “I continued to ask how her daughter was doing, but never imagined I would have her shadowing me in my unit.”
They both were in shock when they made the realization of who they were to each other. Immediately,
they took a photo to send to Eitel’s mom.
Both commented that the AdventHealth Shawnee Mission Birth Center felt like home, even more now since they have discovered this unique connection. Each describes the clinical staff of the Birth Center as a close-knit team known for exceptional and compassionate care; it is the home of miracles and the beginning of lifelong memories.
“AdventHealth Shawnee Mission has brought me friendships and amazing memories such as this,” DeLong said. “I’ve been here for 25 years and couldn’t imagine being anywhere else. It excites me to think that someone like Brooke is inspired and determined to come back here to our Birth Center [when she graduates].”
Shadowing DeLong has
been a transformative experience for Eitel.
“Jamie is everything I aspire to be as a nurse,” Eitel said. “Her mentorship extends beyond clinical skills; she embodies compassion and dedication. Also, knowing she was there for my first moments in this world and now I have the opportunity to have her guide me as I start my career, it’s truly a full-circle moment.”
Eitel had the opportunity to do a rotation with Labor and Delivery and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, and shared that it’s amazing watching the meticulous attention to detail around patient care and learning the nuances of hospital operations.
As Eitel closes her internship, she does so with a sense of purpose and destiny. She feels as if she has a calling
(l-r) Jamie DeLong, labor and delivery registered nurse at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, and Brooke Eitel, a nursing student at Union Adventist University
to follow the footsteps of a nurse who helped her and her mother on the first day of her life, to now assisting her on her first steps into a nursing career. Both commented on how it was “meant to be,” and that their journeys were destined to collide. It is a testament to the bonds that are created behind the doors at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission’s Birth Center.
“I feel honored knowing that she is inspired by me,” DeLong said. “I simply wish her nothing but love and luck as she ventures onto her own nursing journey.”
AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
Courtesy AdventHealth Shawnee Mission
How AdventHealth Is Using Leading-Edge Technology to Keep Cancer Patients Safe
The American Cancer Society expects the U.S. to see more than 2 million new cases of cancer in 2024. That comes out to 5,500 cancer diagnoses a day. Groundbreaking cancer treatment is happening at AdventHealth hospitals in the Rocky Mountain Region thanks to the work of Michael Tallhamer, chief of radiation physics. AdventHealth is currently using a variety of technologies that not only decrease treatment times, but also ensure the highest quality of care for patients.
AdventHealth wants to make sure patients are getting the exact dose of radiation they need, nothing more and nothing less. That’s why AdventHealth’s Rocky Mountain Region was the first in the nation to use a state-of-the-art facial
recognition system from Vision RT. The technology links a patient’s unique biometric signature with their personalized treatment plan, eliminating any possibility of someone being misidentified. This ensures patients only receive the radiation they are prescribed.
Another leading-edge technology AdventHealth uses is AlignRT. This optical tracking system ensures radiation is delivered only where necessary. Every patient is positioned and monitored to less than 0.5 mm of accuracy, meaning healthy tissues are protected from radiation. The system is so accurate that if a patient were to cough or sneeze, the instant they move out of the prescribed tolerances, the radiation is immediately turned off. Studies have shown the use of AlignRT shortens the amount
of time needed to treat a patient by an average of 22 percent per session.
AdventHealth is also one of the first systems in the United States to use MapRT. This program images the entire surface of the patient and the instruments needed for treatment to generate a clearance map. The software detects potential hazards before a patient returns for their first treatment. This allows AdventHealth’s team members to create the safest possible treatment plan while also minimizing any delays in their care.
AdventHealth is also the first clinical environment in the world to offer a new radiation visualization system called DoseRT. This technology uses a specialized camera system that makes the invisible light produced by these treatments visible
to the naked eye. That allows the organization’s clinicians to verify in real time the accurate delivery of radiation treatments.
AdventHealth has technology that takes a patient’s movements from breathing into account. SimRT and Respiratory Motion Management are two systems that allow the health system’s team members to account for respiratory motion during planning and treatment. By tracking this motion, the radiation beam can be turned off and on, decreasing the radiation dose to sensitive areas.
AdventHealth is the only place in Colorado to have the ZAP-X system, which uses a gyroscope to direct radiosurgical beams from hundreds of angles, allowing it to precisely concentrate radiation on tumor targets in the brain.
At AdventHealth, patient safety and well-being is top priority. By using these technologies, the health system can not only keep patients safe, but also decrease treatment times, allowing patients to go back to doing the things they love. Using leading-edge technology is just another way AdventHealth provides whole-person care to its patients.
AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region
FAREWELL
Brauer, Carroll V., b. Oct. 27, 1925 in San Mateo, CA. d. Dec. 30, 2023 in Hendersonville, NC. Preceded in death by wife Mary Alice (Bicket). Survivors include sons Robert, James, Ronald, and Marvin; 8 grandchildren. Served as a missionary and pastor.
Chaddic, James Ronal, Jr., b. Aug. 15, 1947 in Denver, CO. d. May 26, 2024. Member of Campion (CO) Church. Preceded in death by son Jeff. Survivors include wife Evie (Pearson); son Gregory; 3 grandchildren.
Chamness, James, b. Feb. 16, 1934 in Flat River, MO. d. March 10, 2024 in Apache Junction, AZ. Member of Leadville (CO) Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother. Survivors include wife Yvonne; sons Mark and Robin; sister Rhea; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren.
Clark, Philip Steven, b. Feb. 27, 1942 in Sabetha, KS. d. March 19, 2023 in Leavenworth, KS. Member of Leavenworth All Nations Church. Preceded in death by wife Dorothy. Survivors include wife Patricia; 1 brother; many cousins. Served in the U.S. Army.
Finneman, Russell Eugene, b. Nov. 28, 1938 in Marmarth, ND. d. Dec. 3, 2023 in Crawford, NE. Member of the Crawford Church. Preceded in death by sons Tom and Brian. Survivors include wife Jean; daughter Shelly Kummer; son Jerry; 1 sister; 1 brother; 4 grandchildren; 3 great-grandsons.
Hanson, JoAnn C., b. June 5, 1941 in Natchez, MS. d. June 2, 2024 in Windsor, CO. Preceded in death by husband Bill. Survivors include daughter Juliann; 1 grandson.
Lehman, Juanita Jean (Griffith), b. June 30, 1935 in Aitkin, MN. d. June 11, 2024
in Bozeman, MT. Member of Cody (WY) Church. Preceded in death by 4 siblings; 1 granddaughter. Survivors include husband Gilbert; daughters Linda Nallick and Tricia Geery; sons Kevin and John; 2 siblings; 7 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren.
Lightwine, Anita L., b. Dec. 4, 1939 in Deerfield, MO. d. Dec. 24, 2023 in Ft. Scott, KS. Member of Nevada (MO) Church. Preceded in death by husband Howard; brothers Burl, Grover, Keith, and Forrest. Survivors include children Leslie, Lee, Anthony, and Michael; 1 brother; 9 grandchildren.
Martsching, Treva L., b. Jan. 30, 1927. d. June 9, 2024 in Ames, IA. Member of Ames Church.
Correction: Oster, James “Jim”, b. Sept. 18, 1941 in Boulder, CO. d. Feb. 20, 2024 in Greeley, CO. Member of Greeley Church. Preceded in death by wife Lelia; 1 sister; 2 brothers. Survivors include son Marc; 2 sisters; 2 grandsons.
Peters, Clayton P., b. July 10, 1936 in Buffalo, NY. d. Nov. 9, 2023 in Sheridan, WY. Preceded in death by son Brian. Survivors include wife Shirley; daughter Lynne Long; sons Stephen and Dean; 4 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren.
Quast, Karene (Onstad), b. Oct. 5, 1940 in Pine City, MN. d. May 29, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Bismarck Church. Survivors include daughter Monee’; sons Mark, Michael, and Marlo; 5 grandchildren; many foster-grandchildren.
Quast, Roger William, b. June 22, 1939 in Ellendale, ND. d. June 16, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Bismarck Church. Preceded in death by wife Karene; 1 sister. Survivors include
daughter Monee’; sons Mark, Michael, and Marlo; 1 sister; 5 grandchildren; many foster-grandchildren. Served in the U.S. Army in Germany.
Roberts, Lorene, b. May 6, 1932 in Wilburton, OK. d. June 6, 2024 in Nevada, MO. Member of Nevada Church. Preceded in death by husband; daughter Valerie; sons Rusty and Ronnie; 3 stepchildren; 1 sister; 1 brother. Survivors include daughters Connie, Marilyn and Sherrie; son Patrick; 1 twin sister; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Sheppard, Bernadine
“Bernie”, b. April 24, 1961 in South Dakota. d. April 7, 2024 in Sioux Falls, SD. Member of Pierre (SD) Church. Preceded in death by daughter Christina Tucker. Survivors include children Athaniel Johnston, Jaysun, Bobby, Angelina, Elizabeth Shisler, Rachel Rieger, and Amanda Tucker; 2 sisters; 3 brothers; numerous grandchildren.
Shrock, Wayne, b. Nov. 4, 1947 in Wasilla, AK, d. June 12, 2024 in Nome, ND. Member of the South Fargo (ND) Church. Preceded in death by 1 brother; 3 sisters. Survivors include wife Charlene; daughter Maria Chavie; sons Ray, John, Jerry, and Steven Strange; 1 sister; 2 brothers; 12 grandchildren; 8 greatgrandchildren.
Vickroy, Don W., b. Aug. 18, 1947 in La Junta, CO. d. May 26, 2024 in La Junta, CO. Member of Arkansas Valley (CO) Church. Preceded in death by 1 sister; 2 brothers. Wife Marita perished with him. Survivors include 1 brother; nieces and nephews and their families. Served in the U.S. Army.
Vickroy, Marita, b. Sept. 9, 1946 in La Junta, CO. d. May 26, 2024 in La Junta, CO. Member of Arkansas
Valley (CO) Church. Husband Don perished with her. Survivors include numerous cousins and their families.
Wendell, Burton P., b. Nov. 4, 1921 in Franklyn, MA. d. March 23, 2024 in Denver, CO. Member of LifeSource (CO) Church. Preceded in death by wife Vernice; 1 brother. Survivors include daughters Jan and Karen; son Donald; 5 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren. Served 40 years as pastor; educator; director of mission station and ADRA in Africa.
Woll, Anna Rose (Dailey), b. July 2, 1931 in Bison, SD. d. June 23, 2024 in Bismarck, ND. Member of Bison Church. Preceded in death by husband Kenneth; 1 sister. Survivors include daughters JoAnn Miller and Karen Gilson; son Melvin; 3 granddaughters.
Please email Barb Engquist at Barb. Engquist@ maucsda.org. Or go to outlookmag. org/contact.
SERVICES
Free App: Discover faith-building, Bible-based and Christ-centered radio programs for all ages. LifeTalk Radio streams all music at LifeTalkMusic.net and awesome kids programs at LifeTalkKids.net or listen to talk radio at: LifeTalk. net. Download our APP at: LifeTalk.net
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
September 2024
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.
EMPLOYMENT
AdventHealth University seeks a full-time faculty member to teach Introduction to Sociology online and in person and to team teach a graduate course on cultural and ethical considerations in healthcare. Applicants must have 18 semester hours of graduate level sociology courses. A doctorate in sociology is preferred; however, a master’s degree will be accepted. For more information, contact Julie Cook at Julie.cook@ahu.edu or go to jobs.adventhealth.com/ orlando-fl/sociology-assis-
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 assisting Treasurer and other accounting staff. Position is full-time (38 hours per week) plus overtime, located
INFOMARKET
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
Southern Adventist University seeks a full-time Engineer teaching faculty member for School of Engineering and Physics in the areas of mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering. The ideal candidate will be proficient in developing and teaching undergraduate engineering courses, including both lecture and laboratory components. Master’s degree in mechanical, electrical, or computer engineering or related area required. Doctorate preferred. Prior higher education teaching experience and/or relevant industry experience preferred. Please visit www. southern.edu/jobs
Southern Adventist University seeks a full-time faculty in the area of Counseling for School of Education/Psychology. A doctoral degree in counselor education from a CACREP-accredited program is required. Doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology from APA-accredited program could be considered if applicant has been employed as full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2013. Please visit www.southern.edu/jobs.
Southern Adventist University seeks a full-time
program director to launch a new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. The ideal candidate will be proficient in managing the CAPTE accreditation process, new program development, and teaching graduate physical therapy courses as well as clinical practice. The successful candidate will be committed to mentoring advisees, nurturing student learning both in and out of the classroom, and discipling students in Jesus Christ. Please visit www.southern. edu/jobs
Southern Adventist University seeks a full-time teaching faculty member in the Department of Applied Technology, specifically in the area of Construction Management. Master’s degree in Construction Management related field is required. The successful candidate will demonstrate competency in the varied trade areas relevant to course content and, ideally, have experience in commercial construction. Candidate must be capable of mentoring university students and have a strong commitment to Christ. Please visit sau. catsone.com/careers
Southern Adventist University seeks qualified candidates for the following staff salaried positions: Director of Marketing and Enrollment Management—Graduate and Professional Studies; Systems Analyst—Information Technology; DHSI Retention and Resilience Coordinator (REOPENED)—‚Academic Support and Retention Services; DHSI Community Outreach Coordinator (REOPENED)—Academic Support and Retention Services; Associate Chaplain—Office of Ministry and Missions. For more information go to sau.catsone.com/careers.
Southern Adventist University seeks qualified candidates
for the following staff hourly positions: Office Manager—Chemistry Department; S.A.L.T. Outreach Coordinator for School of Religion; Cashier/Customer Service Clerk—Village Market; Automotive Technician—Applied Technology/Southern Auto Care; Deli Manager—Village Market. For more information please visit sau.catsone.com/ careers
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 applicants for a University Campus Counselor. This is a full-time, exempt position. Candidates must be licensed to practice. The primary role is to provide counseling services, educational programming, and group experiences for students. Generous benefits package included. Please see full job description 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.
EVENTS
The Mankato Adventist Church in Minnesota is celebrating its 150th Anniversary since its founding in 1874. Each Sabbath of this September a guest speaker will preach, there will be special musical numbers and there will be a planned meal for members and guests. All former pastors and members are invited to come join us for one or all of the celebration Sabbaths.
Oak Park Academy Alumni Weekend Sept. 27-28: All alumni, former faculty and staff are invited to this special reunion weekend. Honor Classes are: 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, and 1979. Location: Gates Hall, 825 15th St., Nevada, IA. For more information: Allayne Petersen Martsching, 402.312.7368 or email: allaynemartsching@ gmail.com.
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.
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.
