March | April 2025

For the Sake of the Gospel

In 1 Corinthians 9, Paul shares his method of spreading the Gospel: becoming like those he was sharing the Good News with, so that by all possible means he might save some. Today, that means being an active disciple in the digital sphere. There are over 5.5 billion people using the Internet worldwide. That’s 68 percent of the global population.

For generations, Seventh-day Adventists have harnessed the cutting-edge communication tools of their time—from establishing printing houses in the 1800s to broadcast radio in the 1930s and satellite television in the late 1900s—in order to share Christ’s message with as many people as possible. In this issue, we explore how digital tools are carrying this mission forward. Whether through Zoom meetings, YouTube videos or Facebook posts, it’s inspiring to see the Holy Spirit reaching people online.

Kristina P. Busch

Kristina P. Busch,

SOUTHWESTERN

Editorial

EDITOR

KRISTINA P. BUSCH | KBusch@swuc.org

MANAGING EDITOR

LORI FUTCHER | LFutcher@swuc.org

ASSISTANT EDITOR

TAMMY G. PRIETO | TPrieto@swuc.org

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Arkansas-Louisiana Conference

FRANCES ALCORN | News@arklac.org

Oklahoma Conference News@okla-adventist.org

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Texas Conference

KENN DIXON | News@txsda.org

Texico Conference DEBBY MÁRQUEZ | News@texico.org

Southwestern Adventist University Communication@swau.edu

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President Carlos Craig

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Undertreasurer Bo Just

VP Church Ministries Tony Anobile

VP Education Carol Campbell

VP Multicultural Ministries Osvaldo Rigacci

Children’s Ministries Sonia Canó

Church Planting Robin Lopez

Communication Kristina Busch

Community Services Bo Gendke

Evangelism English Stephen Brooks

Evangelism Spanish Osvaldo Rigacci

Family Ministries Letty Craig

Health Ministries Randy Phillips

Human Resources Joel Wallace

Men’s Ministries Tony Anobile

Ministerial Tony Anobile

Ministerial Spouses Letty Craig

Personal Ministries Stephen Brooks

Prayer Ministries Helvis Moody

Prison Ministries Tyrone Boyd

PARL Stephen Brooks

Revolving Fund Joel Wallace

Sabbath School Sonia Canó

Secondary Education Mike Furr

Stewardship Tony Anobile

Planned Giving/Trust Services Bo Just

Women’s Ministries Letty Craig Young Adult/Youth Ministries Helvis Moody

Conferences & Institutions

Arkansas-Louisiana Conference

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Oklahoma Conference

OkAdventist.org | 405.721.6110

Southwest Region Conference

SouthwestRegionSda.org | 214.943.4491

Texas Conference

TexasAdventist.org | 817.783.2223

Texico Conference

Texico.org | 505. 244.1611

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AdventHealth Central Texas

AdventHealth.com/CentralTexas 254.526.7523

AdventHealth Rollins Brook

AdventHealth.com/RollinsBrook 512.556.3682

Texas Health Hospital Mansfield (AdventHealth)

TexasHealthMansfield.org | 682.341.5000

Texas Health Huguley Hospital (AdventHealth)

TexasHealthHuguley.org | 817.293.9110

Spreading the Gospel on Social Media

If proclaiming the Gospel is a priority, then we must use social media. It is essential for sharing both our journey with Jesus and the hope we have of His glorious return.

In Habakkuk 2:2, God instructs the prophet, saying, “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it.” Just as Habakkuk had a message to convey, we, too, have a proclamation to spread. If the Lord were instructing us today, perhaps He would say, “Write messages. Record videos. Then, post them as soon as possible. Use all available resources so those who listen will hurry to prepare for My coming.”

Admittedly, this may not be my natural talent or inclination, and I have not always prioritized it. Yet, as I reflect, I recognize the opportunity to inspire and empower young people and adults who excel at preparing and sharing messages. Together, we can rise to the challenge of this time and these circumstances to “go into all the world.”

In today’s reality, using social media is not merely an option; it’s an urgent need. Imagine if, during biblical times, those who received God’s messages had not transmitted them by every possible means, writing and copying them countless times. Their efforts

gave us what we now treasure as the Holy Scriptures.

Current statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, there were approximately 5.2 billion social media users worldwide—63.8 percent of the world’s population—with an annual growth rate of 5.2 percent. How else could we reach so many people if not through the media platforms they frequent?

But we’re not doing that. A 2018 Barna Group report revealed that less than 30 percent of Christians had witnessed on social media, and a 2014 Pew Research Center study found that only 20 percent share their faith online in an average week.

But wait, those statistics are from before 2020. Certainly we’ve gotten better at sharing online in our post-pandemic world? Not so. A 2023 Pew Research Center study found that 17 percent of American adults share religious content on social media—and only 2 percent do this daily.

Sharing our beliefs is not about gaining fame, influence or followers. It is about connecting with our contacts—family, friends, coworkers and classmates—through platforms we already enjoy. Through consistent sharing, the wave of influence expands exponentially, one person at a time.

Let us pray for wisdom so we can understand the needs of those around us and, following Jesus’ method, build bonds of friendship—even through technology. By doing so, we can share the Bread of Life and Living Water with those hungry and thirsty for acceptance, love, faith and hope.

Paraphrasing what God told Habakkuk, let us faithfully listen to and record God’s message. Then, let us clearly and creatively share what has been revealed to us, using every resource God has placed in our hands. a

By Osvaldo Rigacci Vice President for Multicultural Ministries

A Click Away from Salvation

I had no idea that one sermon series, preached to a group of young people, would travel beyond the church walls and change the life of someone I had never met.

I was invited to preach at a youth and young adults week of prayer. Each night, I shared messages from God’s Word, and by the final evening, I felt a strong conviction from the Holy Spirit to make an appeal for baptism. As a few individuals stepped forward, I silently praised God for using me to help lead others to Him.

The week came to an end, and I prepared to return home. But the story wasn’t over. The next morning, as the pastor drove me to the airport, he shared something incredible. The

night before, a woman had come to the church, asking to see me. The pastor explained that I had already delivered my final sermon that Sabbath morning, but he was curious—how had she heard about the church?

Her answer amazed him. She had stumbled across one of the week’s sermons on social media and watched every single message. When she heard my call for baptism, she knew the Holy Spirit was speaking to her. That night, she came looking for an opportunity to give her life to Christ.

Through that experience, God confirmed for me the importance of using social media, technology and various digital platforms to preach the Gospel. In today’s world, many people

who are struggling with life’s burdens turn to social media, endlessly scrolling through videos in an attempt to escape. If we do not use these tools to share the Gospel, many may never hear the message of salvation.

That’s where we, as Christians, come in. We bring the Word to them. If we must become influencers or online preachers, let's do it so that we may reach those who need the Lord. Paul, one of the greatest preachers in the Bible, said it best in 1 Corinthians 9:2223: “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the Gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”

In this passage, the word win in Greek is kerdaino, a term often used in business, meaning “to make a profit.”

The “profit” Paul sought was bringing both Jews and Gentiles to the Lord. In other words, he ensured that he became the tool God needed to use so that both groups could become “profits” in the great heavenly business of salvation.

I believe this same concept applies to us today. We can use technology, social media and the various digital platforms available to become tools in God’s hands so that others may hear the Gospel.

After witnessing the miracle of someone coming to church and getting baptized because of a sermon I preached that was livestreamed on social media, I committed to using these tools to reach even more people for the Lord.

I have a personal YouTube channel, where weekly sermons are posted for people inside and outside my congregation. Additionally, I’ve made it a goal to post inspiring messages several times

a week on Instagram, where I have a Bible club channel with more than 100 people reading the entire Bible in one year. I also use TikTok to share daily spiritual encouragement from the Bible. The content has been viewed more than 100,000 times across all social media platforms.

People I have never met are hearing the Gospel because, as Paul said, “I

became weak to win the weak.” May God help us use social media to reach others for His glory. In a world where social media is often associated with negativity and harmful content, let us choose to use it to glorify the King of kings and Lord of sords.

The Bible says in Matthew 24:14: “And this Gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

This could mean that, if used for God’s glory, social media might help spread the Gospel to the world— bringing us just a few views closer to Christ’s return.

Let’s take part in the Great Commission in Matthew 28 through social media so that, together, we can hasten Christ’s return and go home. a

By Raul Alvarez. Alvarez is pastor of the Lubbock Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texico Conference. Alvarez lives in Lubbock, Texas with his wife Giovanna Lizarzaburo.

Virtual Gatherings, Real Connections

Sitting alone at her eight-seat dining room table, Deirdre Rivera-Martin put on her noise-canceling headphones to block out any distractions, then lit a candle before opening her Bible to the book of James.

As an introvert, this was Rivera-Martin’s favorite way to study the Bible—just her and God. Little did she realize that a verse she would

read that morning would change not only her life but the lives of, at first, five other women, then 22 individuals and eventually an uncountable number, who—though separated by miles—would grow deeper in their relationships with God and with each other. “But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only,” she read from James 1:22 (KJV).

A Life-changing Question

Then the Holy Spirit spoke to her heart: “What are you doing?”

“Nothing,” she realized. She had been a Christ-follower for 30 years and a pastor’s wife for nearly as long, but, as she would later admit, “I was just sitting on my salvation.” But this verse in James woke her up. As the weeks went by, she began to sense that the Spirit

was guiding her to start a small group. But there was a problem, she hadn’t ever felt comfortable in a small group.

She was, however, finding encouragement among two friends from the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church who had begun texting each other, sharing prayers, Bible verses, and practical support. Bo Livingston and Karla Dechavez became what Rivera-Martin called her Portable Life Group (PLG).

Livingston is Rivera-Martin’s best friend, though the two live an hour away from each other. The two women probably would have never met had it not been for how Seventh-day Adventists embraced 1990s technology with Net ’98, a global satellite-based evangelistic series that brought Livingston’s family into the Adventist church.

Livingston’s mom found a flyer for Net ’98 on her car windshield and decided to check out the program being broadcast at the Desoto Seventh-day Adventist Church. Eventually, both of Livingston’s parents were attending church regularly and were even bringing Livingston’s oldest son along. “I went to go see what these people were doing,” said Livingson, “and they were just the sweetest people. So that was my first church. It’s where I found Jesus.”

In 2006, Livingston and her family began attending the Arlington church where her sons, who were entering their teenage years, began participating in more church activities.

“I thought doing life by myself was enough,” said Rivera-Martin, “but that's a lie.

Doing life with other people actually transforms you to becoming more like Christ.”

two women as mentors. Dechavez, a mother to one son, felt a deep connection to Livingston because of her experience raising sons, and to Rivera-Martin, who, like Dechavez, had an only child.

In March 2020, the global COVID-19 pandemic reshaped what life looked like for many. Rivera-Martin remembers the uneasiness many felt during that time. As PLG delved into the Scriptures, the group supported each other.

The Power of Virtual Connection

One evening, the three women and their husbands hopped onto Zoom for a virtual Newlywed Game. “This was just three couples doing community online during COVID-19,” said Rivera-Martin. Soon, the trio of women realized they had found a tool to create a formal life group, which they would call Zoom Life Group (ZLG).

It was here where she met Rivera-Martin, who had come to the church in 2010 when her husband, Allan, was asked to lead the Arlington church’s young adult ministry, Younger Generation Church (YG).

Karla Dechavez, on the other hand, had been an active part of the Arlington church’s congregation since college; she was even part of YG’s inception. Though a decade younger than Livingston and Rivera-Martin, she looked up to the

In the weeks that followed, each woman prayerfully considered whom she would invite. Rivera-Martin invited Michelle Wells, another pastor’s wife. Dechavez invited her best friend, Kisha Norris. Livingston immediately knew whom she wanted to invite, but when she prayed about it, God placed a different name on her heart. She was impressed to invite Barbara Quaye, who, in her late 20s would become the youngest in the group. “I’m so grateful to God that I came to Bo’s mind and that He revealed Himself to me like this,” Quaye shared.

Without Zoom this life group probably would have never happened. For one thing, meeting online provided the introverts in the group with a sense of safety. Each woman met from her own home with a screen between them,

Bo Livingston, Karla Dechavez and Deirdre Rivera-Martin formed the foundation of the Zoom Life Group that changed not only their lives, but impacted others on their spiritual revival journeys.

giving them the space they needed to feel comfortable. For another thing, these were busy women who were scattered throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. Each one was a working professional, several of them were also raising kids.

Norris says that when she was first invited, she agreed with the idea that, if necessary, she could multitask.

“Zoom made it easy, safe and accessible,” she said. As it turns out, Norris never multitasked during a ZLG meeting. “I knew that I needed to dial in,” she said about her decision to focus only on ZLG during their time together. “I want to be a person that is very respectful of God and the Word.”

Overcoming Obstacles, Building Community

world that includes a vast digital landscape, where many of our next generations will spend a vast majority of their time.”

For a year and a half, they studied together, memorized Bible verses and found a safe place to share their authentic journeys.

“This group has collectively seen some really, really dark—just dark times,” Rivera-Martin’s voice broke as she reflected on ZLG’s journey during the first Zoom meeting since their studies concluded. “All six of us. Things that we didn't see coming for sure. And

From Small Group to Larger Impact

After 18 months, Rivera-Martin felt impressed that it was time to bring the ZLG studies to an end so that the women would be free to take what they had learned and nurture others.

“I think at first we were all kind of conflicted,” said Dechavez, who had hoped the ZLG group would continue meeting forever. However, the women realized that, while the studies were drawing to a close, the relationships they had formed with each other would continue as strong as ever. The texts kept coming. The prayers continued. The friendships remained. And in some ways, the end of their formal studies was just the beginning.

Recognizing these obstacles, the church’s pastors fully supported finding ways to keep members connected. Zoom provided a virtual space for the group to meet, creating a muchneeded sense of community.

“With the frenetic pace of life most of our members are dealing with,” said Arlington senior pastor Kevin Wells, “whatever opportunity we can provide them to seamlessly connect with each other is invaluable.”

“We no longer live in a real-time, live, in-person-only world,” added Allan Martin, YG pastor. “We live in a

they just knocked the wind out of us. I don't think the six of us could have gone through it without the support that we had.”

Livingston interjected with one of the verses she learned that helped them get through those dark times.

“My soul melts with heaviness. Strengthen me according to God's word,” Psalm 119:28 (NKJV).

This was how they frequently supported each other. They shared verses to lift each other up. They prayed for each other and were there for each other in many tangible ways.

The Holy Spirit’s work continued and three new life groups were formed, allowing 22 more individuals to experience the same kind of deep spiritual relationships that had been formed within ZLG.

Through the support found in one of the new groups, McKenna Guinta-Moreno cemented her decision to follow Christ through baptism. Wells and a group of women from the church are planning a women’s event called gatHER, whose mission is “to empower women to be lifelong learners

Michelle Wells and Deirdre Rivera-Martin

Bo Livingston and Barbara Quaye

Karla Dechavez and Kisha Norris

“As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend.”

- Proverbs 27:17 (NLT) -

of Christ, cultivating a community that encourages spiritual growth and transformation into His likeness in every aspect of life.” And Rivera-Martin is preparing to start a mentoring and training initiative called Flourish.

“I thought doing life by myself was enough,” says Rivera-Martin, reflecting on the transformation she has experienced. “but that's a lie. Doing life with other people actually transforms you to becoming more like Christ.” a

By Lori Futcher. Futcher is the Record managing editor and associate

communication director at the Southwestern Union. She lives in Keene, Texas with her family. The six members of the Zoom Life Group are members of the Arlington Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Texas Conference.

McKenna Guinta-Moreno's story is available online! Read how the Holy Spirit worked to touch her heart and how community led her to baptism.

7 Keys to Boosting Church Websites

By Anthony White, Adventist Information Ministry Associate Director for Web Platforms and Operations

In today’s digital world, your church or school’s website serves as more than just an online address—it’s a virtual welcome mat for your community, their first impression of you. An inviting, easy-to-navigate and informative website can be your ministry’s most powerful tool for outreach, connection and engagement.

Whether you’re welcoming new visitors, keeping parents in the loop or sharing your mission, a strong digital presence is essential. Together, let’s use every possible means to share God’s love and help your church or school thrive in the digital age. Here are some practical steps to strengthen your web presence and make it shine:

1. Make Your First Impression Count

First impressions matter. Your website often provides visitors their first glimpse of your community. Make it count by creating a clear, inviting site full of information that visitors are looking for. For churches, highlight service times, upcoming events and ministry opportunities. For schools, showcase academic programs, enrollment information and student life. Use warm, engaging photos and easy-to-read text to help visitors feel welcome from their very first click.

2. Keep Your Digital Ministry Active

An outdated website can be as unwelcoming as a locked church door. Regular updates show that your community is vibrant and active. Share inspiring stories of God’s work in your church or classroom, post recent event photos and maintain calendars. Fresh, relevant content encourages repeat

visits and helps build connections with your digital visitors.

3. Provide Convenient Online Giving Options

Ensure your online giving options are clearly visible and convenient for people to support your ministry. This makes it easy for people to give back to your church or school, even if they can't be there in person.

4. Offer Digital Resources Like Bible Studies or Educational Materials

Provide access to valuable resources like Bible study guides, devotionals and other materials that encourage spiritual growth or learning. This is a great way to connect with people and equip them to deepen their faith.

5. Share Simple Ways To Connect With Your Ministry Team

Make it easy for visitors to connect with your ministry team. This could be through a contact form or chat integration. Fostering meaningful connections with people is key to growing your community and helping it thrive.

6. Integrate With Social Media To Amplify Your Message

Share updates, announcements and inspirational content with a wider audience on social media. Link back to your website to drive traffic and make it the central hub for your digital community engagement.

7. Partner with Adventist Connect

To help elevate your ministry and thrive in today's digital age, the North American Division offers Adventist Connect, a refreshed website platform designed specifically for Adventist churches and schools.

This powerful tool provides: modern, customizable and mobile-friendly templates that create an inviting digital presence and align with your mission; user-friendly content management, even for those with limited technical experience; built-in storytelling tools for sharing your community's message in creative, engaging and dynamic ways; and comprehensive training and support to help you succeed and maintain your website with confidence. Visit AdventistConnect.org to learn how we can help your church or school create a website that supports your mission, connects with your community, strengthens connections and shares the Gospel effectively. a

GET READY FOR THE UPGRADE!

If your church or school website is hosted on Adventist Church and School Connect, now is the time to prepare for the transition to the new Adventist Connect platform. If you have a custom domain name, make sure your DNS information is updated. Take action today and ensure a smooth migration: Support.AdventistConnect.org

AI for Church Growth and Outreach

By Courtney Herod, Carolina Conference Associate Director of Communications

Artificial intelligence (AI) is often met with skepticism and fear. While these concerns are common, most people are unaware that AI’s history stretches back to 1956 in computer science labs. British scientist Alan Turing, who helped crack the Enigma machine during World War II, first conceptualized AI. While AI itself isn’t new, it has recently become more accessible to the general public.

AI can be a useful tool in ministry—much like Photoshop, which revolutionized photography. Many photographers originally feared Photoshop would replace their work, but the software merely became a modern-day darkroom. Similarly, AI should be seen as a tool to enhance church ministry, not as a replacement for human work.

One of the most popular AI platforms today is ChatGPT, which has transformed my approach to tasks in church communications. Let’s explore how churches can use ChatGPT and other AI.

1. Optimizing Writing

In my role, I often receive church articles that need to be formatted and edited for tone and grammar. ChatGPT is incredibly effective for this area of my work. For example, I use the platform to edit articles that aren’t in the third person or written according to the magazine style. I input the article into ChatGPT and instruct it to “edit for spelling, grammar, format in third person and use the latest style guide.” Now I’ve saved time and quickly transformed a rough article into a draft ready for publication.

--- 2. Generating Social Media Content

AI can also enhance your church’s social media strategy. I use AI tools

to generate compelling social media posts that engage followers. By training ChatGPT to understand the tone of voice, phrasing and hashtag requirements, I can generate content that resonates with the audience and ranks well in search engines.

But it doesn’t stop there. Opus Clip is another AI tool I use to edit longform videos into short, shareable clips for social media. Videos are a great way to engage people, and Opus Clip can automatically select and trim the best segments from a sermon or event video into bite-sized clips that are perfect for platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. These shorter clips allow your videos to get more views and for users to engage more with your church’s message since 73 percent of our population prefers watching shorter videos.

--- 3. Increasing Engagement

When I shared with a group of pastors how AI tools like Opus Clip can help churches increase engagement,

some were initially skeptical, but one pastor decided to test the concept. He uploaded a sermon with only 11 views on his church’s YouTube channel, created short videos using Opus Clips, and shared them on YouTube Shorts and Facebook Reels at 11 p.m. The next morning, the clip had more than 100 views on Facebook and nearly 300 views on YouTube Shorts. This experiment showed how AI can expand the reach of church messages.

There is AI in almost every digital tool we use today—from search engines to voice assistants like Siri and Alexa. AI doesn’t replace the work we do; it enhances it. Likewise, it should not be used to create important content like articles, sermons, Bible Studies, etc. If our church leaders use AI ethically, it can be a valuable asset for everything from editing articles to enhancing social media content and increasing the church’s engagement with wider audiences online.

Small Church, Big Reach

By Makala James, Record Contributing Writer

“The potential is unlimited,” says Gin Lian Thang, youth pastor of the Zomi Seventh-day Adventist Tulsa Church. Through social media ministry, Thang and his small church are sharing Christ-centered media with an international audience far beyond their local congregation.

Thang joined the Tulsa Zomi church in June 2024, transitioning from a career as an accountant. But even before entering full-time ministry, he envisioned a future in which the Adventist church would be at the forefront of social media evangelism. So, he volunteered his free time to create and share Gospel-centered posts.

Using the church’s weekly livestreams posted to YouTube, Thang began creating impactful less-than-aminute-long clips, known as “shorts,” and sharing them on Facebook. As engagement grew, so did church’s enthusiasm for the potential of online ministry. “People began to come to our church because they stumbled

upon our ministry,” says Thang. “When you see that, you see the value.”

Recognizing an opportunity to involve young people, Thang focused on building a dedicated media ministry team, primarily composed of youth and young adults. The team now films, photographs, edits and creates content for the church’s social media platforms. “People see the vision of their kids working for God,” says Thang. “They are very proud and happy.”

Today, the Zomi church, with a membership of just over 130 members, has nearly 10,000 followers and reaches an estimated 75,000 people across Malaysia, India, Myanmar and the United States. The Zomi people, an ethnic minority from Myanmar, are predominantly Christian, despite Myanmar being a largely Buddhist country. However, Seventh-day Adventism remains a small presence within their culture. Tulsa is home to the largest Zomi community, around 9,000 people, in the United States, yet only about 300

attend an Adventist church. “That is a very small percentage in the community,” says Thang.

Committed to expanding its reach, the church continues to produce new content, including short-form videos, sermons and podcasts, primarily shared on Instagram, YouTube and Facebook—where its following is strongest. Thang’s goal is to post as frequently as possible and encourages other churches to do the same.

“It’s so exciting to see a pastor embracing the power of technology for reaching people for Christ,” says Ashley Alipoon, communication assistant for the Oklahoma Conference. “I believe that Christ’s message of love is going to reach the ends of the earth because of the work people like Thang are doing.”

“If someone searches for a spiritual message online, they are not likely to see Adventist content right away,” Thang says. “We need to put out more content so that people will be able to stumble upon the Seventh-day Adventist message, even if they are not searching for it. Our message needs to be the first thing people find.”

Thang sees digital evangelism as a natural extension of Christ’s commission. “The Bible says to go where the people are,” he says. “People are online, and even just one encouraging video could be the thing that changes someone’s life.” a

A Personal Journey of Faith & Learning

By Sandra Patterson, Texico Conference Education Superintendent

Adventist education is positively impacting the lives of students like Savita Fay, a junior at Sandia View Academy (SVA).

Fay’s journey to SVA began when she moved to Corrales, New Mexico, and began looking for a new school. Before attending SVA, she had attended public, charter and private schools, but this was her first time at a Seventh-day Adventist school. Though she grew up in a Christian home, she hadn’t heard much about Adventists.

“This was a big change,” said Fay, as she describes her first day. “I was both excited and nervous.” Immediately Fay could tell this school was different from the others she had attended. “I knew it was the beginning of something that would help me grow as a person.”

What stood out most to Fay was the kindness she received from

teachers and students who made her feel welcome. “I could tell that, with enough time at this school, I would be able to build meaningful relationships and experience a sense of community I hadn’t felt before.”

That community, Fay discovered, was built around supportive teachers. “They really care about us,” said Fay, “and they push us to work hard.”

As the months passed, Fay began to appreciate the values and unique aspects of Adventist education. “I learned a lot about religion and its importance in daily life,” she shared, expounding on how impacted she’s been by the values and principles taught at the school–especially when she applies them to her own life.

Fay’s experience at SVA has affected her both academically and spiritually. “I’ve grown and matured so much,” she said. She credits this growth to having a daily class in religion and a weekly chapel. “This has opened my eyes,” Fay said.

Fay’s experience at Sandia View Academy has been life-changing. She said, “This school has played a big role in shaping who I am.”

Fay’s story is just one example of how Adventist education can change lives as teachers nurture their students’ minds, spirits and hearts—leading students to become their best selves. a

March

1

SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE

North Central Texas Youth Federation

SouthwestRegionSDA.org

8

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Elders’ Encounter/Stewardship Training, Longview Seventh-day Adventist Church TexasAdventist.org/Encounter

6-9

SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE

Learning Expo & Robotics Tournament

Lone Star Camp SouthwestRegionSDA.org

7-9

TEXICO CONFERENCE

FESJA Texico

Bonita Park, N.M. FesjaTexico@texico.org

12-15

SOUTHWESTERN UNION

More Compassion Mission Trip Albuquerque, N.M.

14-15

ARKANSAS-LOUISIANA CONFERENCE

South Louisiana Spanish Camp Meeting

South Louisiana Convention Center FAlcorn@arklac.org

13-16

SOUTHWESTERN UNION

Children’s Ministries Retreat

Lone Star Camp SouthwesternAdventist.org/Children

21-23

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE

Lay Leadership Training, pt. 2 Wewoka Woods Adventist Center OkAdventist.org

22

SOUTHWESTERN UNION

Union Pathfinder Bible Experience

Southwestern Adventist University

21-22

ARKANSAS-LOUISIANA CONFERENCE

South Louisiana English Camp Meeting South Louisiana Convention Center FAlcorn@arklac.org

28-29

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Catalyst: Dallas Area Church Planting TXChurchPlanting@txsda.org

28-30

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Women’s Retreat TexasAdventist.org/Women

29

TEXICO CONFERENCE

Texico Children’s Ministries Retreat Albuquerque Rio Grande Seventh-day Adventist Church ChildrensMinistry@texico.org

30

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Adventist Community Services Training, Valley Area Texas-ACS.org

April 5

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE OKC Youth Rally, Oklahoma City OkAdventist.org

4-6

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Adventurer Family Camp Lake Whitney Ranch Youth@txsda.org

12

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Elders’ Encounter/Stewardship Training, Austin Spanish First Seventhday Adventist Church TexasAdventist.org/Encounter

13

TEXAS CONFERENCE

Adventist Community Services Training, East Texas Area Texas-ACS.org

25-26

NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION

Division Pathfinder Bible Experience Battle Creek, Mich.

27

OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE

Constituency Session

Wewoka Woods Adventist Center OkAdventist.org

Pastors Recharge at Ministerial Convention

ROUND ROCK, TEX. – While a fierce winter storm blanketed much of the nation, including the Southwest, approximately 1,200 individuals basked in the warmth of fellowship and spiritual renewal at the Southwestern Union Ministerial Convention: Elevate & Energize. Held from Jan. 6-8, at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions, the first unionwide ministerial convention in 12 years, provided a special opportunity for pastors and their families to come together.

More than just an escape from the cold, the convention was a time for ministers and their families to recharge, reconnect and be reminded of their value. “The Southwestern Union really does care about its pastors and families,” said Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union vice president for church ministries and ministerial director. “We serve the conferences and the churches. That’s why we’re here—to support them.”

As Anobile recruited top-tier speakers for the event—speakers like Dwight Nelson, Alex Bryant, Elizabeth Talbot and Randy Roberts—his only direction was that the speakers pour love into the attendees. “All four of our general session speakers did a phenomenal job,” said Anobile.

But the retreat was about more than just general sessions. There were breakout sessions in both English and Spanish for the pastors, with separate meetings for their spouses. Meanwhile, children enjoyed engaging programs designed just for them, while youth and young adults participated in dynamic meetings.

Families were also given free time to enjoy the resort’s water park, shop at the pop-up Adventist Book Center or plan their financial future.

On the final evening, an appreciation dinner was held with a dedication service in which pastors who have served for 35 or more years were honored

with service medallions from the North American Division.

But it wasn’t just the formal options that helped this event achieve its goals. By providing a space for pastors from throughout the union to gather, connect and share experiences, an environment of community and support was fostered.

“Thank you for planning such a wonderful retreat for the pastoral families,” wrote Michael Gibson, lead pastor of the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We are grateful for the time away and the nourishing sessions and hallway chats.”

“We can’t ever pour enough into our pastors,” said Southwestern Union President Carlos Craig. Therefore, Anobile has already begun laying the groundwork for the next union-wide ministerial event in 2029.

By Lori Futcher Managing Editor and Associate Communication Director

PARL Summit Explores Prophecy, Politics and Liberty

SHREVEPORT, ARK. – From Nov. 20-24, the Southwestern Union, under the leadership of Stephen Brooks, executive secretary, organized the first unionwide Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL) Summit. The event took place at the Shreveport South Seventh-day Adventist Church, with nearly 200 in attendance.

The goal for the event was for participants to become well-informed in three areas: authentic Adventist eschatology, public affairs and the Adventist understanding of religious liberty.

Presenters explored prophetic themes, such as America in prophecy, the time of trouble and Sunday laws. Speakers from Southwestern Adventist University’s religion department, Jorge Rico and Joaquim Azevedo, along with Pedro L. Cortés, pastor for the Hot Springs Spanish District, examined these end-time events from both historical and biblical perspectives.

The summit also addressed community engagement and public affairs. Jennifer Gray Woods, Lake Union PARL

director, moderated a panel discussing the relationship between church and government. Tony Anobile, Southwestern Union vice president for ministries, and Edward Woods III, Lake Region Conference PARL director, joined Brooks to highlight the importance of advocacy. Practical sessions offered attendees strategies for engaging with civic leaders and fostering meaningful dialogue on religious freedom.

Plenaries and panels covered a range of pressing topics, including workplace accommodation issues, religious legislative challenges, Christian nationalism and the church’s role in advocacy. “We’re living in challenging times when it comes to many issues at the intersection of faith, politics, law and culture,” said Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty magazine. She reaffirmed the publication’s commitment to religious freedom, while Melissa Reid, North American Division PARL associate director, provided the latest updates on government affairs. Brooks led an open discussion, urging

participants to actively defend and promote religious liberty within their communities.

The pinnacle of the event was the Sabbath morning service, where 3ABN Director for World Evangelism John Lomacang spoke about Bible prophecy in relation to recent events.

The summit profoundly impacted attendees, prompting deep reflection and a shift in perspectives. “People have shared how their eyes have been opened, calling the experience revolutionary and describing how it captured their minds and imaginations,” said Brooks. “We hope this enthusiasm will spread to local congregations, leading to strong and vibrant PARL ministries at the local church.”

The Southwestern Union is planning a second PARL summit for 2026 to take place in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.

By Lori Futcher Managing Editor and Associate Communication Director

Embracing Digital Evangelism

One of the greatest promises we hope to witness in our lifetime is the imminent return of our savior. Among these indicators of Christ’s return given in Matthew 24, the worldwide preaching of the Gospel stands out. If we truly believe this, we must utilize every means at our disposal to share the good news.

Creative avenues exist for all of us to be involved through what is known as digital evangelism. Before the debut of the World Wide Web in the early ’90s, many could not have imagined how a simple push of a button would connect us globally. Today, technological advances allow us to connect with friends and family through video calls and social media platforms, keeping us informed in real time.

For years, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has effectively utilized television, radio, podcasting and social media to deliver the message of Jesus Christ. While our institutions have made significant strides in this area, imagine the impact we could achieve if each of us took to our social media platforms to share our personal stories of what Jesus has done in our lives. The possibilities are endless! Creating engaging content does not have to be

costly; the key is to interact with people online and spread the message of hope and salvation. Here are a few suggestions you could use right away:

Create personal profiles or pages dedicated to sharing our faith. Regularly post inspirational stories, Bible verses, testimonies and resources related to your faith. Engage with followers by responding to comments and messages. A word of caution: do not post controversial topics.

Use platforms like Facebook Live, Instagram Live or YouTube to host interactive discussions, prayers or devotional sessions.

Create short videos sharing your testimony and how your faith has impacted your life. Post these on platforms like YouTube, TikTok or Instagram Reels.

Organize virtual Bible study groups using online platforms like Zoom or Microsoft Teams (see the feature on page 4 for an example).

Utilize social media to host prayer initiatives. Encourage followers to submit prayer requests and create a supportive praying community.

Start a podcast focused on topics related to faith, Scripture and daily living. Invite guests to share stories.

While we should seize every opportunity to preach the Gospel through these digital means, I want to caution you that none of this will yield positive results unless it is accompanied by much prayer and the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Acts 1:8 reminds us of this: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

May we advance His kingdom, and may we prepare our hearts to receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, which will bring about true transformation.

By Jeff Villegas President

Youth-led Evangelism Series Leads to Baptisms

SILOAM SPRINGS, ARK. – Preaching at the “We Are One” weekend in Gentry, Ark., former Arkansas-Louisiana Media Director Ben Orian felt God calling him to make an appeal. Students in fifth through eighth grades from across the conference—along with academy students, parents and community members—were in attendance.

Although Orian was initially hesitant to make an appeal, the quiet, firm prompting of the Holy Spirit was undeniable. He invited attendees to come forward if they were willing to be used by the Holy Spirit to make a difference for God. Several students and adults responded.

Among them was Graham Cox. This eighth grader from Ozark Adventist School had been considering becoming an evangelist. He approached Orian to ask what that might look like. Another young person who responded

was Orian’s daughter, Siena Orian, a seventh grader who wanted to make a difference for Jesus. Together, the three decided to pursue co-preaching a series of evangelistic meetings.

After discussing the idea with then-Arkansas-Louisiana Conference President Rick Dye and Evangelism Coordinator Leonardo Melendez, the plan received approval and a budget. The Compass Fellowship Seventh-day Adventist Church in Siloam Springs agreed to host the series. With Orian coaching, Graham and Siena began preparing their sermons.

On opening night, in front of an audience of about 65, Graham and Siena co-preached their first sermon about finding identity in Jesus. The series lasted five nights, with an average nightly attendance of 60. By the end of the meetings, four individuals made first-time decisions for Jesus and

were baptized. Two of the decisions were young people inspired by hearing their peers share their faith.

Although speaking in front of an audience was both exciting and terrifying for Graham and Siena, the most thrilling part for them was being in the baptistry alongside the pastor during the baptisms. The experience left them eager to preach again.

Never underestimate what God can accomplish through someone, regardless of their age, who is willing to say yes.

By Frances Alcorn Communication Director

Victory in Jesus: Exploring Mental Health

fight-or-flight world. The event kicked off on Friday night with an overview of mental health, the importance of overcoming the stigmas often associated with it and how it relates to our overall physical health.

Throughout the weekend, we explored mental health topics such as anxiety and depression, focusing on recognizing their causes, avoiding unhealthy coping methods, practicing healthy ways to overcome them and identifying the best ways to help others.

Those who attended were blessed as they learned about the importance of mental health and how it impacts our lives. After all, there is victory in Jesus, my savior forever!

By Lanetta Janda

Our theme song, “Victory in Jesus,” helped set the tone for the weekend as Dr. Marjorie Belizaire shared valuable insight on having peace like a river in a

MARTHAVILLE, ARK. – Have you ever had a song stuck in your head? It pops up randomly throughout the day, and maybe you even wake up with the melody playing in your mind as you silently (or not-so-silently) sing the lyrics. That was my experience for the first couple of weeks after the mental health weekend, Nov. 15-17, at the Marthaville Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Mountain View Church’s Healthy Living Legacy

MOUNTAIN VIEW, ARK. – The Mountain View Seventh-day Adventist Church has hosted monthly healthy living classes each September through May for more than 25 years. This popular class regularly draws visitors from the community.

Each month features a different theme, along with delightful new vegan recipes. The November 2024 meeting began with bluegrass music by talented local young musicians. This was followed by a skit from the church youth group about the folklore of stone soup. A light meal of stone soup, salad, bread and pumpkin bars was served, with recipes shared. Visitors enjoyed friendly fellowship while eating their fill, followed by a presentation on using activated charcoal as a home remedy.

Hosting a monthly class is a significant commitment, but it provides a fun

and meaningful way to connect with the community. The church expresses gratitude to Jacque Felber, who has been leading the monthly meetings with the help of Ruthie Doss and many

others, including church members and faithful visitors. Thank you for making this class a success.

By Esther Doss

Texarkana Church Continues Fair Booth Ministry

TEXARKANA, TEX. – The personal ministries team at the Texarkana Seventh-day Adventist Church began its annual outreach ministry with a fair booth in September 2024.

This successful ministry, led by Brenda Litchfield, began years ago with one booth at the Four States Fair in Texarkana, and it has become well known throughout the region.

The church clearly identifies its name with a sign at the fair booth where the team, which includes volunteers from Texarkana Spanish Seventh-day

Adventist Church, distributes literature in English and Spanish and signs interested people up for Bible studies. They also provide a prayer ministry at the booth with the help of the church’s prayer coordinator, Sally Birl, who collects prayer requests as she receives them throughout the year.

Church volunteers follow up by mailing thank-you notes on church letterhead and a prayer book to those who visited the booth. Voice of Prophecy Bible studies are mailed out to those who requested them.

Many local festivals and fairs now request the presence of the booth. This growing ministry now manages 13 different booths.

By Loretta Johnson

Innovative Evangelism in Arkansas and Louisiana

SHREVEPORT, LA. – Two evangelistic campaigns that combined traditional evangelism with innovative technology and media ministry were held last year in the Arkansas-Louisiana Conference—one in Louisiana and another in Arkansas. These events marked a new chapter in our approach to outreach, bringing a dynamic and impactful element to spreading the Gospel.

In Louisiana, the conference embarked on a bilingual evangelism campaign aimed at uniting both Spanish- and English-speaking churches.

We prayerfully set a goal of bringing 25 individuals to the kingdom of heaven. By God’s grace, the result exceeded expectations: 44 people

committed their lives to Christ. This success energized the churches in Southern Louisiana, inspiring them to embrace evangelism not merely as an event but as a lifestyle. They’re now working to embed this mission into their identity, making it a core part of their ministry.

In Arkansas, a similar movement unfolded in June. Every Hispanic church in the state participated in simultaneous evangelistic campaigns. Preaching teams spread out across eight congregations, delivering messages of hope with live translation. Our goal was to see 75 individuals come to Christ, and God blessed us abundantly with 84 new believers.

Both events were broadcast live via Facebook and YouTube, drawing thousands of online viewers. The use of media amplified the reach of the message, creating a ripple effect of inspiration and encouragement throughout the conference.

These initiatives have not only brought many people into the kingdom but have also fostered a culture of evangelism. Our conference remains committed to Christ’s mission to “go, grow and multiply,” building on the foundation of Jesus’ ministry to reach even more for His glory.

By Leonardo Melendez Church Ministries Director

Life-Changing Summer Camp at Camp Yorktown Bay

MOUNTAIN PINE, ARK. – As summer approaches, Camp Yorktown Bay is preparing for another unforgettable experience. We invite all young people to join us for an incredible journey that promises not only fun and adventure, but also a deep spiritual encounter with Jesus. For years, our summer camp has been a place where thousands of young people have heard God’s call to serve Him, and this year will be no different.

Anticipation is high as we look forward to welcoming new faces and reuniting with familiar ones. With a team of dedicated staff, we are committed to providing a safe, fun and spiritually enriching environment where campers can grow in their faith, develop lasting friendships and experience God’s presence in powerful ways.

One inspiring story that demonstrates the impact of Camp Yorktown

Bay is that of Kate Rodriguez, a young woman who once served on our staff and whose life was forever changed by her camp experience. During the summer of 2023, while serving at Camp Yorktown Bay, Rodriguez felt a calling to ministry. She wrote: “I took this calling to heart and started college this fall to study nursing and do two of my favorite things—serve people medically and spread the Gospel. My end goal is to be a pediatric missionary nurse and serve wherever God leads me. An incredible opportunity to serve in Zambia this Christmas opened up, and I am immensely grateful to be in a place where I can share my knowledge and love for Christ with others on a different continent.”

Rodriguez’s story is a testament to the life-changing experiences that await each camper at Camp Yorktown Bay. Through the programs, worship

services and fellowship, young people are given the opportunity to have fun and are also challenged to hear God’s call for their lives and step into the plans He has for them.

We encourage everyone to come and experience something truly unique this summer. Whether you’re seeking a deeper relationship with God, an exciting adventure or a place to grow and connect with others, Camp Yorktown Bay offers it all. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to hear from God and experience His transformative love. Join us at Camp Yorktown Bay and be part of something extraordinary. We look forward to seeing you there!

By Juliana Mercado

Reaching All People with God’s Love

Jesus gave us a commission to preach the gospel to all the world as a witness, saying that the end would come after that. Therefore, the greatest activity we could engage in is sharing the message of God’s salvation and His soon coming.

Through Jesus’ life, we see an example of how to do this: He came down to us, came close to us and met our needs. He ministered to all classes— rich and poor. He went beyond the Jewish nation, ministering to Samaritans and Canaanites. He healed people, fed people, met a need at a wedding and ultimately gave His life to save anyone who would respond and receive Him as savior. Scripture tells us He desires all people to be saved and is not willing that any should perish. This shows there is no class of people or individuals whom He would not go out of His way to reach.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9:22–23, “I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.” Paul followed Jesus’ example under the inspiration of the

Holy Spirit. So, what does it mean in today’s world to become all things to all people? I believe it means being outward-focused—always looking for opportunities to minister and share Jesus. It also means meeting people where they are, not expecting them to come to us; not trying to change them first but instead listening, showing sympathy and seeking to serve wherever possible.

In today’s world, many people are not attending church or public events; instead, they are tuning in to media of all types. Podcasts and programming on websites, television and radio are where most people are watching and listening. Individuals, leaders and churches should be asking themselves how we can prayerfully use these tools. Some preachers encourage their listeners to hit the share button on their phone or device when watching a sermon or program to give family and friends an opportunity to view it. I have often shared sermons with family and friends that I enjoyed. God may also be ready to inspire us with new and creative approaches to sharing the gospel through media.

Why not pause now and ask God to teach us how to be fishers of people through whatever outreach tool He wants us to use? The modern-day fulfillment of Paul’s words, “becoming all things to all people,” undoubtedly includes today’s multimedia platforms. I can almost visualize Paul (had the technology been available to him) having a podcast or media program to reach people who cannot be reached any other way. Let’s pray about how we can do the same.

By James Shires President

Parkview Academy Students Dive Into Aquaponics

OKLAHOMA CITY – Students at Parkview Adventist Academy recently completed the construction phase of their aquaponic systems, an engaging hands-on project blending STEM learning with real-world biology.

Working in pairs, students designed and assembled their own systems, constructing sturdy frameworks and setting up intricate plumbing to ensure balanced water flow. After successfully building their systems, they carefully balanced the water levels to create a suitable environment for fish. A highlight of the project was a field trip to

select fish for each setup, bringing their aquaponic systems to life with real aquatic ecosystems.

Since then, students have been fully engaged in daily data collection and scientific observation, enhancing their analytical skills and understanding of biological processes. They’re learning to take detailed observational notes, graph pH levels, track changes and make adjustments to support fish health and plant growth. As part of the project, students observe fish development, behavior and plant growth rates, practicing critical thinking and

data interpretation. In addition, they conduct research on aquaponics and related biological concepts, culminating in comprehensive research reports. This project not only reinforces biology principles but also hones students’ research and problem-solving skills, making it a true multidisciplinary learning experience.

By Thadeus Roberts Principal

Hispanic Elders Retreat Inspires Service and Worship

WEWOKA, OKLA. – The Hispanic Elders and Families Retreat was an extraordinary experience! Held at Wewoka Woods the weekend of Nov. 8-9, 2024, the event revived families with powerful messages from Ronald Costa, pastor of the Ann Arbor Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. In addition, seminars and instructions were provided to help improve the elders’ ministry to church members. Attendees heard reports on church operations and discussed ideas for further developing the Hispanic ministry in Oklahoma.

The children of our elders had an unforgettable weekend, participating in classes and the special program, “Go Fish,” which helped them identify and learn how to use their spiritual gifts.

The wives of our elders gathered for sessions on topics such as “The Elder’s

Wife—Her Calling and Relationship with God,” during which they earned certifications. It was a blessing to spend time with our sisters who support their husbands in providing wise spiritual leadership to their churches.

Additionally, we launched the project “Mission of the 70,” which encourages

church members to dedicate a week of their time this coming May to going two-by-two to preach the gospel across Oklahoma. We praise God for the privilege of serving Him.

By Luis Prieto Hispanic Ministries Coordinator

Myanmar Fellowship Reaches New Milestone

SAPULPA, OKLA. – Myanmar Adventist Fellowship Church officially gained church status on Oct. 19, 2024, marking a significant milestone in its journey of faith. Organized as a company in 2021, the church has grown steadily, with weekly attendance now averaging 70–80 and occasionally reaching 90.

On Dec. 28, 2023, the congregation purchased 2.55 acres that included a 75-by-55-foot two-story garage building. Thanks to a generous donor who contributed the down payment, the

members remodeled the building using church funds. With limited resources, members volunteered their time and skills to transform the space. By the last Sabbath of February 2024, the congregation moved from its rented facility into its own building.

While the current building wasn’t originally intended for worship, plans are underway to expand it for this purpose. The congregation is praying and raising funds to achieve this goal, with the vision of using the existing building

for Sabbath School classes and fellowship activities in the future.

Three Oklahoma Conference officers joined the celebration of the church’s new status. James Shires, president, delivered an inspiring message, reminding attendees that Jesus is “the same yesterday, today and forever,” and encouraging them to reflect on God’s past blessings as they move forward in faith. Apple Park, executive secretary, led the dedication service and Charles Reel, treasurer, offered a prayer of consecration.

Three choirs from various churches enhanced the worship service, with attendees traveling from as far as Oklahoma’s panhandle and Indianapolis, Ind. More than 250 people came together for the celebration, which concluded with a large dinner, a beautiful reminder of the future banquet that believers will share with Jesus.

By Mang Lian Pastor

Transforming Schools Through Meaningful Support

MUSKOGEE, OKLA. – There’s something special about the experience of buying a tangible object—something you can see, touch and feel. Often, when giving tithes and offerings, we don’t experience that same immediate gratification because the impact isn’t always directly visible. To address this, the Education Department of the Oklahoma Conference introduced a way to directly support our schools through Amazon Teacher Wish Lists.

Adventist schools in Oklahoma have needs that extend beyond basic supplies. Each teacher was asked to create a wish list for their school, including items that would benefit both teachers and students.

Teachers added items like basketball hoops, STEM kits, air conditioning units, books, paper and dry-erase markers. The conference communication team shared this opportunity to support schools through social media, email and promotions at conference events. So far, 13 teachers across five schools have created wish lists, and the response has been overwhelming.

Muskogee Seventh-day Adventist Christian Academy, in particular, has an inspiring story. The school’s principal,

Svetlana Willbanks, shared: “I added all of the things we needed at our school to the Amazon Wish List program suggested by the Oklahoma Conference. Then, big boxes started arriving. The kids were curious and asked about the deliveries. I explained the wish list, and they were thrilled. We received acrylic paint, paintbrushes, posters, books for our library, printer paper, a bulletin board and many other needed items. It was amazing!

“Interestingly, one donor had trouble ordering printer paper and asked if she could substitute a different kind. She ended up sending six times as much as we had requested! We were blown away. We discussed these blessings with the students and decided to pray for everyone who donated and thank God for His wonderful provision.

OFFICIAL NOTICES

We’ve received everything on our wish list and are now submitting more items because of the tremendous response. Our church family is incredibly supportive of our school, and we are so grateful. Our God is so good!”

Thank you to everyone who has purchased items and supported our local teachers. The need continues, and the teachers are truly grateful!

Visit OkAdventist.org/Education to find your favorite school’s wish list and purchase items with just one click. It’s fun—you should try it!

By Svetlana Willbanks, Principal and Ashley Alipoon,

Communication Assistant

THE OKLAHOMA CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS

Notice is hereby given that the 71st Regular Session of the Oklahoma Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will be held Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Wewoka Woods Adventist Center, 36242 State Highway 59, Wewoka, Okla., 74884. The meeting will convene at 10 a.m. Registration will begin at 9 a.m.

This constituency session is being held for the purpose of receiving reports for the past quadrennium, the election of officers, departmental directors and executive committee; and the transaction of such other business as may properly come before the delegates, including proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws. Each church/company is entitled to one delegate for the organization. The remaining delegates shall be apportioned based on the percentage of church membership to the total conference membership as of October 15 of the year preceding the session.

James Shires, President Jung-Wook Park, Executive Secretary

Embracing Innovation: Spreading the Gospel Boldly

Jesus used parables, drawn from the common experiences of His audience, to make the truth of God accessible. Likewise, in every era, the church has found creative ways to bring the light of Christ to a world in need. Today is no different. In fact, it demands even greater innovation.

The 21st century has seen decisive cultural shifts, including the rise of digital communication, the globalization of society and the increasing diversity of worldviews. While the gospel message remains the same, our methods for engaging hearts and minds must speak to this new reality.

Paul’s approach in 1 Corinthians 9:22 provides us with a blueprint. Please note that Paul didn’t compromise the message, but he contextualized it. Whether preaching in synagogues, at marketplaces or before philosophers in Athens, Paul met people where they were. His mantra to “become all things to all people” challenges us in our present day to embrace every possible means of spreading the gospel.

Social media platforms are today’s marketplaces, where millions gather daily. Churches and ministries that embrace these platforms can reach

people who may never set foot in a traditional church building. Live-streamed services, podcasts and online Bible study groups are breaking barriers of time and geography, allowing the Word to reach all corners of the earth.

Yes, the gospel thrives in community, but the way people form and engage with community is changing. Consequently, small groups don’t need to be confined to living rooms anymore; they can also happen in virtual spaces. Churches can host forums for discussing faith and culture, providing safe spaces for seekers and skeptics to explore Christianity.

Additionally, artificial intelligence (AI) and virtual reality (VR) are opening new doors for evangelism. Imagine virtual spaces where people can experience the gospel story or AI tools that help answer theological questions in real time. These innovations are not a threat to the faith, but an opportunity to expand its reach.

While exploring these new methods, let us never forget, however, that the power of the Gospel lies not in our techniques but in the Holy Spirit. The methods may change, but the truth of Jesus Christ and His offer of salvation

remains unchanged. The challenge before us is not whether to change, but how to change while remaining true to our calling. Like Paul demonstrated, it’s possible to innovate without compromising.

As Romans 10:14 says, “How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” Let us minister boldly, creatively and faithfully, using every tool at our disposal.

By Carlton P. Byrd, D.Min. President

Dallas Project Shares Love at Community Event

DALLAS – On Sabbath, Dec. 21, 2024, the Dallas Project Church hosted its “Community Engagement Day.”

For weeks, dedicated members of the church had been praying, planning and preparing for this special event with a simple yet powerful goal: to serve and share the love of Christ with those in need. By the end of the day, 400 holiday food baskets had been distributed to underserved families in the Dallas community, but the impact reached far beyond what anyone could have imagined.

“Community Engagement Day” was created to meet both the physical and spiritual needs of the community. With rising food costs and financial pressures affecting many, the church saw an opportunity to bring hope during the holiday season. Church members rallied together to donate nonperishable food items and assemble the baskets. They canvassed neighborhoods, distributed flyers, promoted the event on local radio and spread the word via social media, where individuals could register to receive a food basket.

When Dec. 21 arrived, more than 1,000 individuals attended the worship service at the Dallas Project Church, including many community residents who had registered to receive food baskets. Following the service, 400 food baskets were distributed to community members.

For some, the holiday food baskets provided much-needed relief during a difficult season. One mother, who had recently lost her job, expressed her gratitude through tears. “I didn’t know how I was going to make Christmas happen for my kids,” she said. “This basket is an answer to prayer.”

For others, the day served as an important introduction to the church and its message of hope. Several community members have since begun regularly attending the Dallas Project Church and are currently taking Bible studies. Southwest Region Conference President and Dallas Project Church Pastor Carlton P. Byrd shared, “We want people to know that God’s love isn’t seasonal. It’s constant, and it’s for everyone. This community

initiative was just one way to share that message.”

During the worship service, two members were recognized for their community involvement. Thirteenyear-old Orion Jean, known for his national kindness campaign and named Time magazine’s 2021 Kid of the Year, was honored. Judge Kim Bailey Phipps was also acknowledged for her recent election to the 162nd District Court in Dallas.

The impact of “Community Engagement Day” extended beyond food baskets. It was a day of connection, compassion and Christ-centered service. In a world where many feel unseen and unheard, 400 families were reminded that they are loved by their neighbors and by God.

For more information on Community Engagement Day, go online to TheDallasProject.org.

Singles’ Enrichment Weekend Sparks Faith and Renewal

FOREST HILL, TEX. – The annual Singles’ Enrichment Weekend, held Dec. 3-5, 2024, at the Forest Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church, featured guest speaker Darriel Hoy, pastor of the Baton Rouge/Lafayette District.

Following an agape feast, Hoy opened the spiritually-charged weekend by highlighting biblical characters who cried out to God for deliverance, victory and discernment. She encouraged attendees to incorporate more “crying out” and lingering with God into their prayer lives. Prayer warriors were assigned to each table, where attendees were encouraged to pray for

specific challenges in their churches. Heartfelt prayers filled the room as singles cried out to God.

On Sabbath, Forest Hill church’s dynamic praise team prepared participants for Hoy’s next presentation from the book of Exodus, which followed the children of Israel into the desert. “Even though they were headed in a direct route to the Promised Land, God put in a monkey wrench, sending them in a different direction,” said Hoy. She reminded attendees that while delays in their journey may occur, keeping their eyes on God will eventually eradicate those challenges.

Emmanuel Church’s Christmas Outreach

HAMMOND, LA. – On December 8 and 15, 2024, the prayer ministry team of the Emmanuel Seventh-day Adventist Church spread holiday cheer to shoppers at popular local restaurants and stores. The team handed out Christmas cards containing inspiring literature and gift cards, bringing smiles to customers’ faces. Sick members of the church family were also remembered,

receiving Christmas cards accompanied by thoughtful love tokens.

The prayer ministry team extends heartfelt gratitude to the Emmanuel church family for their generous financial support, which made the outreach and inreach Christmas project a great success. Special thanks go to the store managers who willingly participated in this endeavor, the team members for

The Sunday morning brunch revisited the Sabbath message. Attendees reflected, “We can have multiple discussions, but building a real connection takes time and effort. We should be building a continuous relationship with God, not just seeking Him when things are good.” Hoy’s closing remarks and coordinator Vera Ragland’s acknowledgements concluded a weekend that enriched all 80 attendees. From all indications, the participants are eagerly awaiting the 2025 Singles’ Enrichment Weekend.

By Evelyn Edwards

their dedication, Robert Williams for taking pictures and our pastor for his encouragement and help. Our committed team members include leader Delores Weathersby, Gail Brown, Ben Hammond, Rosetta Hammond, Paulette Jackson, Robin Jones and Mary Richardson.

By Shannon Williams

Southwest Region Teams Shine at Bible Bowl Championship

SOUTH LANCASTER, MASS. – On Oct. 25 and 26, 2024, nearly 250 players across 39 teams from 10 conferences gathered for the National Bible Bowl Championship at the College Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Lancaster, Mass.

The Southwest Region Conference has been a part of this event for 25 consecutive years, with four teams from the Arlington Metro Community Seventh-day Adventist Church representing the pre-junior, junior youth, senior youth and adult divisions.

Southwest Region Associate Youth Coordinator Kevin Bruce inspired the participants with an uplifting opening charge on Friday evening, setting a positive and motivating tone for the event. Every team from the Southwest Region had a strong start, performing well in the opening rounds.

In 2023, the senior youth team from Arlington Metro church placed as first runner-up to the senior youth team from Ontario, Canada, in the finals. Before the 2024 event, senior youth team member Debra Mokua shared her anticipation, saying, “I can’t wait to go because I am determined to

win this year.” The senior youth team ended the event with an impressive 5-0 record, securing the National Championship after facing the same Canadian team in the finals. Congratulations to the senior youth team for their dedication and months of study. This team included Debra Mokua, Deborah Tachiri (who also served as coach), Tamara Ogato, Caleb Nchore and Deborah Nyabuto.

By the end of the event, all Southwest Region teams had earned at least three wins, a reflection of their hard work and commitment. Each team proudly brought home plaques, celebrating their collective efforts and growth over the weekend.

Bible Bowl is an annual opportunity to dive into the Word of God with Bible Bowl games organized by the Youth Ministries Department of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and endorsed by the North American Division. The Black Adventist Youth Directors Association (BAYDA) organizes Bible Bowl Nationals that bring together participants from different regions. While the program is sponsored by the Seventh-day

Adventist Church, individuals from all backgrounds are welcome to participate, starting at the local church level and advancing through various competition tiers. These games are intended to encourage youth, young adults and adults to study the Word of God and to find a degree of enjoyment in doing so.

Each year youth, young adults and adults within their respective peer groups gather together to play Bible Bowl games. These peer groups are pre-junior (ages 6-9), junior youth (ages 10-15), senior youth (ages 16-22), young adult (ages 23-35) and adult (ages 36 and up). After receiving guidance from their team coaches and conference coordinator, the teams demonstrate their ability to answer random questions from the Scriptures within a four-second time frame and for a total game time of 12 minutes. It's a game of quick recall, a way to demonstrate one’s knowledge of the Word and a sustaining and retaining ministry. Also, it's a way to be blessed, for, as Luke 11:28 says, "blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

By Maurice Turner

Reaching a Broader Audience with the Good News

From the printing press to the Internet, technology has historically played a role in spreading the Gospel. Today, our church utilizes various tools, including television, radio, podcasts, social media and digital evangelism to reach different demographics and engage with people in meaningful ways.

In 1 Corinthians 9:22-23, Paul emphasizes the importance of not compromising the Gospel’s message while being flexible in his approach. This principle can be applied today using modern tools and platforms to share the Gospel in ways that resonate with contemporary audiences.

In 2019, the Texas Conference established a media studio to produce high-quality content in both English and Spanish, enabling us to share Bible truths with all who view the programs. Almost all of our conference’s ministries and departments utilize the studio and media team to empower, inspire and support local church leaders and members. Annual events like Adventurer, Master Guide and Pathfinder camporees and East Texas and Laredo convocations can be livestreamed so more people can hear the power-packed messages by renowned speakers and musicians. This past year, we had a Hope evangelism

campaign, with host sites throughout Texas tuning in.

Our churches are also embracing digital technology to spread the Gospel. Several churches manage radio stations, develop podcasts, livestream their services and utilize websites and social media.

Social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram and X offer unprecedented opportunities for evangelism, allowing for real-time interaction and engagement with a global audience. Creating engaging content, such as inspirational posts, live videos and interactive discussions, enables us to spread the Gospel and build online communities of faith.

Technology has empowered anyone to be a digital evangelist. When you like and share posts and videos with Bible truths, you are planting seeds that the Lord can germinate by someone else. Only in heaven will we know all the fruits of our labor.

I invite you to like and share posts or videos from our social channels.

The English channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube by searching “TexasAdventist.”

The Spanish channels can be found on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube by searching “HispanosTXC.”

The principle of becoming all things to all people for the sake of the Gospel is highly relevant in today’s technologically advanced society. By embracing and utilizing modern tools and platforms, we can fulfill the Great Commission more effectively and reach a broader audience with the Good News. Let us be encouraged to explore new ways of sharing the Gospel while remaining faithful to its core message. In doing so, we can trust that God will use our efforts to bring many to salvation.

By Elton DeMoraes, D.Min. President

Keene Church Launches Community Impact Center

KEENE, TEX. – What started as a dream became a reality on Dec. 1, 2024, when the Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for the Keene Community Impact Center. This center is the new home of Great Stuff Resale Shop and also the location where new counseling and service initiatives are aiding and supporting the community.

In Dec. 2023, the Keene church launched a giving campaign to raise the necessary funds to rehabilitate and renovate an existing house located on the campus of Chisholm Trail Academy.

In just under five months, the church raised almost $400,000 for the renovation and start-up of the center. Then, in one year’s time, the church opened the center with a fully operational used goods store and classrooms.

The goal of the center is to provide a centralized and accessible location in Johnson County where individuals and families can access mental health services and a variety of classes and groups, including whole-person wellness seminars, grief and anxiety support groups, book clubs and spiritual growth and discipleship programs.

Keeping Up-to-date on Upcoming Events

TEX. – The Texas Conference, which has the third-largest membership in the North American Division, hosts many events. From club ministries events to retreats to training events, the conference staff work yearround to coordinate these events for the almost 60,000 members and the communities they represent.

While churches, schools and the Texas Conference social channels

promote many of these events, the best ways to keep up to date is through the conference website or app.

To see the online calendar, visit TexasAdventist.org and click on “Events.” This site shares the latest updates or changes as they become available, with information about upcoming events as well as a calendar graphic for the year that is constantly updated. The Texas Conference app,

Other safety net organizations in the area seeking to make positive impacts in people’s lives have been invited to host classes and groups in the space as well.

Designed for sustained success and growth, the store drives traffic and raises awareness of the programs available while also funding the initiative, as all sales proceeds go toward hardship assistance and community services.

The Keene church thanks its members and community for supporting the opening of this new facility.

By Michael Gibson Pastor

TXSDA, can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store.

May these events help us fulfill God’s directive to “Go and … preach,” Mark 16:15. “Together as one,” as the Texas Conference theme states, let’s share God’s light with those around us.

By Tamara Michalenko Terry Director for Events & Editorial Services

ALVARADO,

Lake Whitney Ranch Expanding to Meet Growing Needs

CLIFTON, TEX. – Did you know that if every household within the Texas Conference were to contribute $25 per month for Lake Whitney Ranch (LWR) development in 2025, we would be able to initiate the next phase of development in 2026?

With this in mind, we launched the $25 in ’25 campaign to raise funds for LWR development. As Texas Conference President Elton DeMoraes stated in the inaugural campaign video, “We have a vision to see Lake Whitney Ranch fully developed by 2030.”

Already, the improvements made to the ranch are making a difference. Large groups and camporees have enjoyed the four bath-and-shower houses as if they had always been part of the ranch. The 50 RV sites, Saddle

Barn and Town Hall offer additional lodging and meeting spaces, as well as spaces for camporee registration and an Adventist Book Center. In addition, the Red Barn provides another meeting space.

The ropes course has also been a welcome addition, providing fun and interactive team building activities as well as offering a great way to get some physical activity.

Adventurer and Pathfinder camporees will be the first to use the new open-air pavilion, which seats 5,000 people. This improvement provides a flat area for camping chairs and eliminates the need for tent rentals.

The LWR operating committee has diligently worked to identify the projects for each phase based on the

needs and funds available. It has been exciting to visit LWR and witness the progress being made by both contractors and volunteers.

There is still time to join the $25 in ’25 campaign to support LWR development. You can contribute each month using a tithe envelope or by marking a gift for Lake Whitney Ranch Development at AdventistGiving.org. Alternatively, you can access the online giving page by texting LWRDevelop to 41444. There, you can set up a recurring gift or give a one-time gift of $300.

“Together as one,” let’s partner with Lake Whitney Ranch to be “A Light in the Heart of Texas.”

By Lynette Ecord Director for Stewardship, Planned Giving & Trust Services

Create Lasting Memories: Register for Lake Whitney Camp

CLIFTON, TEX. – Lake Whitney Camp leadership is excited about this year’s annual Texas Conference summer camp at Lake Whitney Ranch in Clifton, Tex., with the theme “Jesus, Our Upgrade.” Camper weeks for children ages 7 to 17 are scheduled for June 8-July 6, 2025, and a young adult retreat for ages 18 to 35 is scheduled for July 10-13, 2025.

Manufacturers regularly improve computer software and electronic devices to enhance functionality and

strengthen protection against viruses. When an upgrade is ready, your device notifies you, giving you the option to accept it. Likewise, our “Heavenly Manufacturer” is sending us a notification: An upgrade is available! We do not have to live lives bound by sin and its effects. We can choose Jesus, our upgrade, who will cleanse us and make us whole. Through Him, we can receive the tools necessary to function better in this life and defend ourselves against the devil’s attacks.

We all could use an upgrade! Register a young person now and encourage them to take their next step toward Jesus in the summer of 2025! Find registration information under “summer camp” on the TXYouth.org website, and follow the journey on Facebook at Facebook.com/SummerCampLWR.

By Olga Falakiseni Associate Director for Youth and Young

Adult Ministries

Groves Community Church Celebrates Freedom from Debt

GROVES, TEX. – The Groves Community Seventh-day Adventist Church marked a significant milestone on Nov. 9, 2024, with a mortgage-burning ceremony, celebrating the payoff of their building’s mortgage.

Established in 1937 as the Port Arthur Seventh-day Adventist Church, the church relocated to Groves in 1980, doubling its membership. Hurricane Rita destroyed the facility in 2005,

but construction of a new building began in 2007, with a fellowship hall completed in 2009 and the sanctuary finished in 2011.

This achievement highlights God’s provision and the dedication of the church community. Learn more at TexasAdventist.org/Groves-church-2024.

By Mark Dubon Pastor

Spanish Women’s Convention Sparks Spiritual Renewal

ROUND ROCK, TEX. – The Spanish Women’s Ministries Convention brought more than 1,000 women to Kalahari Resorts & Conventions this past September. Attendees traveled from across the United States, predominantly Texas, as well as from Curaçao, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala, making the event a truly international gathering.

The convention’s theme, Verdaderamente Libre (Truly Free), inspired by John 8:36, “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed,” resonated with participants, creating an atmosphere of spiritual renewal.

While the venue offered the nation’s largest indoor waterpark and luxurious resort amenities, the true highlight was

the spiritual enrichment with impactful sermons centered on freedom, uplifting worship and moments of strength shared among peers. A prayer room provided freedom through scripture and prayer exercises.

One participant, who had struggled with suicidal ideations before the event, found hope and freedom through the convention and celebrated victory over darkness through her renewed faith in Christ. Her testimony was one of many life-changing stories shared. Additionally, approximately 15 women were baptized, highlighting the event’s spiritual significance.

Participants embraced their individuality through themed attire,

symbolizing various seasons of life. Teenagers wore spring-inspired floral patterns, while older women chose winter tones.

Building on this success, a second convention was held in the valley area Oct. 4-6, 2024, hosting about 325 women. The “truly free” message continued to inspire and uplift, ensuring that the retreat’s mission of spreading hope and renewal reached even more communities. Through these gatherings, lives were transformed, and faith was strengthened.

By Nilda E. Diep Women’s Ministries Spanish Coordinator

Love Rekindled on ForeverONE Marriage Enrichment Cruise

COZUMEL, MEXICO – The ForeverONE Marriage Enrichment Cruise to Cozumel last September was an unforgettable journey. From the moment we boarded the cruise ship to our bittersweet farewell at the dock, this trip was packed with laughter, learning and love.

The cruise began with excitement as couples from all walks of life gathered with a shared goal: to enrich their marriages while enjoying a vacation to remember. The sun, the ocean breeze and the relaxing vibe of the ship set the perfect tone for reconnecting with our spouses and making new friends.

The schedule was thoughtfully designed to balance meaningful workshops with plenty of free time for fun and exploration. The ForeverONE team did an incredible job of blending practical advice with engaging activities, helping us strengthen our relationships.

The marriage enrichment sessions were the heart of the cruise. Cesar and CarolAnn De Leon, who lead the North American Division Family Ministries Department, covered topics like communication, conflict resolution and rekindling romance. The discussions

were open, honest and often hilarious, as couples shared stories about the quirks and joys of married life.

One of the trip’s highlights was our day in Cozumel, a tropical paradise with crystal-clear waters and vibrant culture. Couples boarded buses to explore a natural reserve on the island. Having time to reflect, worship and admire God’s creation was a high point of the experience.

As the ship returned to dock, there was a mix of gratitude and reluctance to leave. The ForeverONE Marriage Enrichment Cruise was more than just a getaway—it was a transformative experience that reminded us of the importance of prioritizing our marriages.

We returned home with fresh perspectives, rekindling love and a renewed commitment to our spouses. And we carried countless memories of the laughter, adventures and heartwarming moments we shared during this incredible journey.

Space may still be available for the next ForeverONE Marriage Enrichment cruise to Cozumel, which is scheduled for Sept. 25-29, 2025. Find more information at ForeverONE.org

By Ruber Leal Family Ministries Director

Bradshaw to Speak at ASI Southwest Chapter Convention

CROWLEY, TEX. – The Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Southwest Chapter invites you to its annual convention, held April 3-6, 2025, at the Crowley Seventh-day Adventist Church. This gathering will bring together ASI members, friends and supporters for a weekend of worship, fellowship and learning.

Renowned evangelist and speaker John Bradshaw, president of It Is Written, is the keynote speaker. With

his dynamic and Christ-centered approach, Bradshaw will challenge and inspire attendees to deepen their walk with Christ and embrace the mission of sharing the gospel.

This year’s theme, “We Shall Behold Him,” is a call to focus on Christ’s soon return and prepare to meet Him. The convention will offer uplifting messages, practical workshops and powerful testimonies designed to encourage and equip attendees

for effective service in their churches, communities and workplaces.

All are welcome to join the Sabbath sessions for free. Registration is required to join Thursday and Friday’s sessions and meals. If you are an Adventist leader with a heart for service and a desire to support the mission of the church, visit ASIsw.org or call 817.219.5724 for more information about the ASI Southwest chapter. By Patricia Humphrey

Taking Jesus to the World: Refocusing Our Mission

In a world hungry for hope, what is our mission? This question often arises but is seldom fully explored. In Family Feud fashion, if we polled 100 of our brethren, we would undoubtedly receive a variety of answers. At the top of the list might be “Preach the Three Angels’ Messages.” Other responses could include “Make disciples of all nations,” “Tell others about the soon coming of Jesus,” or “Bring people to Jesus.” While these answers encapsulate elements of our mission, they only begin to scratch the surface.

Often, we equate inviting someone to church with fulfilling our mission. But what if our purpose extends beyond bringing people to Jesus and includes taking Jesus to the world?

This mission takes many forms. However, many of our members have a local church mindset, struggling to see beyond their immediate community. Effective evangelism engages all five senses, but here’s a crucial question: Can it succeed if the personal touch is removed? How do we define success when measurable outcomes are not

tracked by the local congregation?

In the aftermath of COVID-19, these questions take on added significance. The rise of livestreaming has sparked debate among church members. Some argue that livestreaming discourages physical attendance and reduces local financial support. Others highlight the benefits of extending our reach to the homebound, the unchurched and those in remote areas. These contrasting views underscore the need for balance and discernment in leveraging technology for mission work.

Ministry and local evangelism aim to lead new prospects to baptism and active discipleship. However, global ministries like Adventist World Radio have transformed lives in regions where Christians are forbidden. Many who accept Jesus through these efforts may never enter a church building. Does this absolve local congregations of their responsibility?

Should we prioritize church growth or kingdom growth? While both are desirable, the ultimate goal must remain clear—filling the kingdom of heaven.

Technology offers undeniable value in advancing our mission. As we navigate these complexities, let us remain focused on the goal: taking Jesus to the world. By seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can effectively use the tools at our disposal and ensure our mission reflects Christ’s heart and meets the needs of the world.

By Antonio Cano Executive Secretary

SVA Students Ignite Faith Through Service

CORRALES, N.M. – Students at Sandia View Academy (SVA) participated in a Week of Prayer last fall with Cory Jackson, pastor of the New Covenant Church in the South Central Conference. The theme for the week was “Faith on Fire.” Students dove deep into scriptures such as Deuteronomy 6:5, which admonishes, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Jackson creatively engaged students, offering practical applications of God’s Word. He formed small groups, and students began their journey by taking off their shoes to symbolize their committed desire to follow wherever God might lead. Throughout the week, Scripture urged them to physically walk toward God despite distractions. They were challenged to hold heavy objects over their heads for two minutes, and as their arms began to quiver, they were reminded to lift burdens to our Lord.

The latter part of the week focused on God’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves with the compassion described in Matthew 19:19. Students explored how Jesus modeled compassion by reaching out to the least of these. Through a deep dive into the parable of the Good Samaritan, students learned the critical need to accept all people despite differences.

The week culminated in a back-toback community service initiative at the Roadrunner Food Bank of New Mexico and the New Mexico Dream Center, which serves youth victims of human trafficking. Students engaged in organizing storage rooms, packaging hygiene products, cleaning recreation areas and stocking the onsite clothing store. These activities were so rewarding that students eagerly shared their experiences with their Pathfinder leaders, pastors and families, inspiring them to also share their time, talent and treasures with the least of these.

After this joyful week of prayer, SVA staff and students decided to remain

consistent change agents in a world that often feels divided. Students are volunteering monthly, demonstrating the power the Holy Spirit gives when we ask to keep our faith on fire. Students are quickly becoming beacons of hope, bringing together individuals from diverse conferences, communities and backgrounds to ignite positive change in Albuquerque. This initiative is driven by the belief that faith is not just a personal journey but a collective mission to serve others and uplift those in need.

Founded on the principles of compassion, empathy and community engagement, the Faith on Fire initiative encourages individuals, schools, churches and organizations to collaborate and participate in service projects that address pressing social issues. Current and future projects include expanding the current food drive into a larger mobile food distribution effort with the Roadrunner Food Bank, providing mentoring programs, clean-up efforts for senior citizens and support for the homeless and trafficked youth. These initiatives aim to foster a spirit of giving and meeting the least of these where they are.

The initiative also emphasizes community engagement, empowering individuals to take action, building relationships across diverse backgrounds and encouraging participants to live out their faith through service. In the next year, the Faith on Fire initiative will launch several impactful projects, such

as community clean-up days, involving volunteers from local congregations to clean parks, streets and private/public spaces and promoting environmental stewardship and community beautification. Additionally, the initiative will host Bible and educational workshops for youth, focusing on the Bible, life skills, mental health awareness, post-secondary and vocational exposure and leadership development.

The Faith on Fire initiative welcomes everyone! Whether you are a seasoned volunteer or looking to get involved for the first time, there are countless opportunities to make a difference.

During a recent visit to the bank, the branch manager heard about our outreach and eagerly requested more information—proof that Faith on Fire is spreading like wildfire. Hallelujah!

Our 2024 Fall Week of Prayer catapulted us to become sermons in shoes! The SVA Faith on Fire initiative exemplifies the power of collective action rooted in faith and Jesus’ command to show compassion to the least of these. By uniting in service, we can create a brighter future, fostering love, understanding and support.

To learn more, visit our website at SVAKnights.org or contact us at 505.898.0717 or 317.919.4371.

By Patrice Laura Principal

Diné Adventist Radio Celebrates Grand Opening

GALLUP, N.M. – In a world where the airwaves are filled with countless voices, a new beacon of hope has emerged in the heart of the United States. Diné Adventist Radio (DAR), a bilingual religious network broadcasting in Navajo and English, celebrated its grand opening with a heartfelt ceremony. This momentous occasion brought together conference leaders, future listeners and radio enthusiasts, marking the culmination of nearly five years of effort to share faith, love and acceptance with the Navajo Nation.

As the first of its kind in the region, DAR seeks to empower the Diné (Navajo) community by promoting total well-being.

The ceremony opened with a warm welcome from Dale Wolcott, who has ministered to the Navajo people for years. As the Native Ministries leader for the Arizona Conference, Wolcott shared his belief in the importance of using radio—despite its perceived antiquity—to reach the Navajo Nation. Reflecting on years of dedication to this project, Wolcott expressed praise to God for this new beginning.

Throughout the program, representatives from the North American Division (NAD) and various conferences shared their joy and gratitude for God’s guidance in establishing DAR. Speakers included Rick Remmers, NAD assistant to the president for Native Ministries; Reggie Leach, Arizona Conference treasurer; and Allen Steel, Adventist World Radio ambassador. Lee-Roy Chacón, president of the Texico Conference, concluded the event with a blessing and an inspiring prayer of dedication for the new network.

The program also featured performances by students from Holbrook Indian School and La Vida Mission School, who sang songs of praise in both Navajo and English.

The highlight of the event was the ribbon-cutting ceremony, which symbolized the official launch of DAR. As the ribbon was cut, cheers erupted from the audience, celebrating the beginning of a new chapter for the Navajo community.

Attendees toured the studio, gaining insight into the technology and dedication behind DAR’s programming. The

studio, equipped with state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment, promises to deliver high-quality, uplifting content to listeners.

Lunch, prepared by La Vida Mission’s kitchen crew and a volunteer team led by Nancy Wolcott, provided a delicious conclusion to the day’s events.

The launch of Diné Adventist Radio represents more than the start of a new station—it is a step toward sharing faith, hope and healing with a community grappling with poverty and other challenges. With a commitment to delivering inspiring, locally created content, DAR aims to be a trusted companion, offering spiritual nourishment and a sense of community.

As the event concluded, attendees left with a feeling of excitement and anticipation for the impact DAR will have on the Navajo Nation. The grand opening marks the start of a faith-filled journey, and the network is poised to follow the path God has set before it.

By Steve Pester

New God-Pod Brings Joy to Thoreau Resident

THOREAU, N.M. – “Even though I live in a small one-room house with my dog, Sam, and don’t have all the things I used to have, because Jesus is in my life and I love Him so much, I have everything,” shared J.R. Sanders.

Recently, Window Rock, Ariz., Pastor and Arizona Conference Native Ministries Advisor Dale Wolcott received a phone call from Sanders, a 69-year-old man whose life has been shaped by faith, despite challenges. With glaucoma robbing most of his sight and a recent knee surgery leaving him in a wheelchair much of the time, Sanders’ connection to scripture relies on a solar-powered God-Pod radio containing pre-recorded Bible and health messages.

After Sanders used the device for more than three years, it stopped working. Unable to see well enough to read and without electricity in his home, Sanders reached out to Wolcott for help replacing the device.

Unbeknownst to Sanders, Diné Adventist Radio (DAR), a radio

network serving the Navajo Nation, had recently received a long-awaited shipment of more than 300 God-Pods from Adventist World Radio. The timing, Wolcott noted, felt providential.

On Dec. 9, Steve Pester, DAR network manager, made the 90-minute drive from Window Rock to Thoreau to deliver the new God-Pod.

Sanders’ modest home, far off paved roads, was easy to locate thanks to detailed directions referencing unique landmarks, including a tree with license plates nailed to its trunk. Upon arrival, Pester was greeted by six dogs and a wheelchair ramp adorned with bells.

Inside, the home was simple yet filled with warmth: a single bed, a chair, milk crates for storage, a propane heater and the afternoon sun streaming through the open door.

Sanders, a soft-spoken and friendly man, shared his story. Raised Christian by his mother, he had little exposure to Navajo traditions. After serving in the military in Germany, he ran a construction contracting business before health

issues led to significant life changes.

Injuries and medical challenges, including knee and back surgeries and a 19-month hospital stay, brought Sanders to his current home, where he found solace in radio programs and his God-Pod. It was through the God-Pod’s evangelistic series that he learned about the Sabbath. Though unable to attend a Seventh-day Adventist church, he discovered DAR’s Sunday program on KTNN at 8:30 a.m., which became his worship time.

Sanders appreciates DAR’s bilingual broadcasts, especially those translated by Anita Jones, whose Navajo skills he describes as “beautiful.” Listening to the Word of God excites Sanders, who proudly identifies as a “child of God.”

Thrilled to receive his new God-Pod, Sanders began listening to scripture as soon as Pester left. His faith and joy, even in the face of challenges, remain an inspiration.

By Steve Pester

CORRALES, N.M. – Leadership—what is it, and where do I find the magic pill to ensure I have enough of it? Unfortunately, leadership doesn’t work that way. For many, it’s a calling they never anticipated. As a young man, I never imagined I would lead an entire conference department, yet here I am. Many of our club ministries leaders share similar stories. Some say they ran from the calling for years, others began as helpers, and still others had no interest until they were asked. No matter their journey, we are grateful for each of our club leaders and proud to have them as part of the Texico leadership team. Each year, we dedicate a weekend to our club leaders, equipping them with the tools they need to run local church clubs and lead people to heaven. New Mexico is blessed with many beautiful locations, and our leadership weekend, called Leadershop, takes place in the

Empowering Texico’s Club Leaders for Service Albuquerque Heights Leadership Retreat

scenic Manzano Mountains at Camp Inlow. This Baptist camp has generously opened its doors to us, a blessing we credit to God’s providence.

During the weekend, we offer training classes, time for fellowship, games and food. This year, Armando Miranda, North American Division Club Ministries associate director, joined us, along with other presenters, to lead sessions on risk management, current practices in club ministries and ways to engage our clubs. These trainings aimed to provide leaders with the most up-todate information and practical skills.

The weekend concluded with an anointing service for our club leaders. This sacred moment symbolized God’s Spirit being poured out on them, covering their efforts with His guidance. Leaders were anointed for wisdom, clarity, strength and open hearts to follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and He will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil,” Proverbs 3:5-7.

This past October, the leadership of the Albuquerque Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church followed the wisdom of Proverbs 3:5-7 as they sought the Lord’s guidance in planning their upcoming year of evangelistic events.

Gathering at the Sandia View Academy campus, they dedicated time to intentional prayer before diving into calendar discussions. During individual and group prayers, and while claiming God’s promises, several members felt impressed to share what God had placed on their hearts.

“Communication and prayer are essential for our church leadership at the Heights Church,” said Jep Choate, the church’s head elder. “This retreat provided the perfect atmosphere to

Over the past two years, Texico clubs have experienced remarkable growth. We look forward to seeing even more young people come to know Jesus through nature, practical life skills and the unwavering dedication of our leaders who work tirelessly with some of the most challenging and rewarding clientele—our young people.

By Eric Chavez Youth, Young Adults and Club Ministries Director

promote God’s work at Heights as we confirmed our 2025 evangelism and program calendar. The setting was inspiring and facilitated prayer and productive discussions.”

The day retreat left the church’s leaders greatly encouraged. They heard God’s voice, were empowered by the Holy Spirit to follow His guidance and now have a calendar of evangelistic events inspired by God rather than human plans.

Would you like to draw closer to God and seek His guidance in your life? Take time to pray, claim His promises and trust in His plans for you. Stay connected with the Albuquerque Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church at ABQHeights.org for updates on upcoming evangelistic events and opportunities to grow in faith.

By Julia Lewis

Mansfield Community Fights High Blood Pressure

MANSFIELD, TEX. – High blood pressure emerged as a top priority in Mansfield, Tex., during the 2022 community health needs assessment conducted by Texas Health Resources, with nearly one-third of local adults affected.

In order to raise awareness about high blood pressure, Texas Health Hospital Mansfield’s chaplain initiated a partnership with the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church to host seven DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) workshops. These workshops, which took place at the Mansfield church, provided a variety of resources, including health checks,

educational presentations and interactive cooking demonstrations.

“Upon arrival, participants got their blood pressure, blood sugar levels and weight checked,” shared Lindsey Trook, the hospital’s community relations manager. “Then a physician would speak on healthy eating, the importance of regular health checks and other topics.” After the physician’s presentation, attendees would participate in an interactive cooking demonstration for healthy meals they could recreate at home.

In addition to the focus on nutrition, the workshops also included an

exercise component. “We partnered with the local YMCA,” said Trook, “and their class instructors would conduct an exercise demonstration and speak on the importance of movement at the end of each session.”

Though the goal of seven workshops has been met, Trook anticipates this will continue to be a resource for the community. “We would love to reach more community members,” she said, “It is a great program, valued by all who attend.”

By Elizabeth Camps Stakeholder Communications Manager

QPR Training Equips Communities to Prevent Suicide

BURLESON, TEX.

– In the primary service area for Texas Health Huguley Hospital and Texas Health Hospital Mansfield, 21.6 percent of adults experience depression. This rate surpasses both the state average of 18.4 percent and the national average of 19.6 percent.

Seeking professional help is essential, but individuals can also learn how to support those around them who are struggling with mental health and guide them toward professional care. One way to do this is through QPR (question, persuade, refer) training.

QPR training is an initiative designed to prevent suicides by teaching participants to recognize and respond to the warning signs. Texas Health Huguley

Hospital offers this training to anyone interested in becoming a resource for their community.

“QPR is built to be community focused, community based and community driven,” said Robert Garza, behavioral health clinical manager at Texas Health Huguley. “Anyone can do it, and we teach them how to do it.”

Provided free of charge, with no prerequisites or qualifications required, QPR training is a highly accessible way to empower individuals to identify signs and symptoms, take appropriate action and refer people to the resources they need. At the end of each session, participants receive a QPR certification card.

“Anybody, anywhere, anytime— you’ll be able to immediately intervene and get that person the help they need right then and there without waiting,” said Joshua Brown, behavioral health administrator at Texas Health Huguley. “It really empowers them to be the action piece of the equation.”

To learn how to bring QPR training to your local church or community, contact Robert Garza at 817.568.3312 or Texas Health Huguley’s behavioral health services office at 817.568.5950.

By Elizabeth Camps Stakeholder Communications Manager

Southwestern Adventist University

Knight Readers Boosts Literacy at SWAU

KEENE, TEX. – Southwestern Adventist University is addressing a national literacy crisis with the launch of Knight Readers, a 10-year initiative aimed at improving student reading skills.

After years of progress, our society may have reached the peak of literacy, and we’re now apparently slipping into an era of reduced reading ability. Books are increasingly replaced by smartphones as gateways to information. Yet, reading ranks as only the

14th most common activity done on smartphones, trailing behind texting, engaging with social media, making calls and playing games.

This trend is particularly concerning for Christians. Reading is a primary way to understand our spiritual heritage and discern God’s will. As literacy declines, so does the ability to engage deeply with these truths.

Recent data highlights the seriousness of the issue. SAT and ACT scores for 2023 were among the worst on record, revealing that many college-bound students lack proficiency in math, reading and writing. According to a Pew Research survey, 25 percent of American adults did not read a book in the past year—three times the amount reported in 1978. These findings indicate a cultural shift.

To combat these trends, SWAU’’s Knight Readers program will focus on improving students’ reading ability, reducing reading anxiety and fostering a campus-wide culture of reading.

The plan includes collaboration with instructors, who will integrate reading techniques into their courses. We are also promoting campus book clubs on a wide range of topics, from classic literature to the Spirit of Prophecy.

As the ancient Roman statesman Cicero said, “A room without books is like a body without a soul.” At Southwestern, we aim to ensure that students embrace the transformative power of reading.

By Renard Doneskey, Ph.D. English Professor

Honors Program Explores Southern Music and Culture

TEX. – As Southwestern Adventist University’s Honors Program prepares for its upcoming summer tour to Memphis, Nashville and New Orleans, where students will explore the music and culture of the American South, students who wish to participate are taking a course that will provide context for the experiences awaiting them in May.

Southern music, deeply rooted in African-American traditions dating back to pre-Civil War times, emerged from circumstances where enslaved people were denied musical instruments. As a result, the human voice became the instrument of choice, for people will make music regardless of the circumstances. One of the earliest distinctly American musical traditions, the spiritual, combined religious lyrics with African melodies and work songs. These lyrics often contained coded messages to preserve African-American culture and offer hope. For example,

the spiritual “Deep River” conveys hope for a heavenly promised land but also suggests that crossing the “deep river” (the Mississippi) could lead to freedom and peace.

In Memphis, students will visit the National Civil Rights Museum to delve deeper into the political dimensions of Southern culture. They’ll also see how Memphis’ musical traditions evolved from spirituals to blues music, which influenced popular music recorded in the city by legends like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and B.B. King.

In Nashville, students will tour the Ryman Auditorium, a large historic church with stained-glass windows that eventually became the home of the Grand Ole Opry, the mecca of country music.

In New Orleans, they will witness the mighty Mississippi River emptying into the Gulf while enjoying jazz performances by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and talented street musicians.

Honors students continue to engage in research alongside faculty mentors. Their projects range from studying diabetes education at Texas Health Huguley Hospital to investigating whether UV lights in restrooms effectively combat bacteria.

From exploring American music to conducting original research, the Honors Program offers students unique opportunities to learn about our nation’s roots and serve others through impactful research.

By Renard Doneskey, Ph.D. English Professor

KEENE,

SWAU’s Annual Meyerson Event Receives an Upgrade

KEENE, TEX. – Southwestern Adventist University’s (SWAU) annual music festival, now expanded to a fine arts festival, will take place April 10-13.

For 31 years, the festival has been bringing students from around the Southwestern Union together. Gathering on the university’s campus, students practice songs, learn from clinicians and spend time playing and praising the Lord throughout the weekend. The finale concert is traditionally held at the Meyerson Symphony Center in Dallas, where students grace the same stage where many talented professional musicians have performed.

In its 32nd year, SWAU is opening submissions to those with artistic ability in drawing and painting. All Southwestern Union schools have been invited to participate. Students who submit pieces of art and are selected to exhibit during the festival will be eligible to win a scholarship. So far, $20,000 has been donated toward these scholarships. Participants will have an opportunity to exhibit their art throughout the weekend, with select students also able to display their pieces at the Meyerson Symphony Center prior to the finale concert.

“I am excited for this opportunity to expand the festival to include more of our Southwestern Union students,” said Ana Patterson, SWAU president. “We had a generous donor come

forward to support the growth. I’m looking forward to seeing the art skills of our union’s students.”

Students who sign up for the art track will join the music students for all general activities and benefit from their own workshops with Marcela Wall, music and art instructor, and alum Mavis Mann-Rojas, guest clinician.

“This year, we asked participating students to paint their view of music within the context of their own unique culture,” said Wall. “They’ve been encouraged to look at their personal heritage and traditions, talk to their families and share about their culture. I’m so excited to see the results.”

The expanded experience is designed to include students who want to contribute to and grow their artistic skills. The focus for the art track is on drawing and painting this year. However, additional art opportunities are planned for the future, including photography, pottery and graphic design.

The auditions and scholarship opportunities for music students remain the same. In fact, the finale concert at the Meyerson Symphony Center last year broke records in sponsorships and ticket sales, raising a total of $124,400 for music scholarships.

“A Night at the Meyerson has been providing scholarships to talented students of all majors,” explained Jonathan E. L. Wall, music festival artistic

director. “The scholarships are not given exclusively to music majors. We now have a legacy of scholarship recipients who have gone on to become doctors, educators, nurses, pastors and leaders in their respective fields. The pursuit of musical excellence along their journey here at Southwestern Adventist University has given scores of students the opportunity to earn additional awards as they pursue their various degrees. We’re thrilled that the festival now has such a rich history of supporting students as they prepare for their chosen careers.”

Students can apply to attend the festival by submitting an audition piece. They can audition for both the art and music opportunities and could potentially sing in the finale concert as well as have an art piece on exhibit. However, during the festival weekend, they will need to pick one track to participate in for the workshops.

“We want everyone who wants to be there to have an opportunity to join us,” said Wall. “The audition process may be daunting, but we encourage anyone who is interested to apply. We’ve found that putting in a little extra effort to attend helps increase the quality of the event for everyone. We want you there!”

By Darcy Force

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OBITUARIES

Brannam, Ellis Jr., born April 10, 1935, Lake Worth, Fla.; died Dec. 9, 2024, Fort Worth,

Tex. Church membership: Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church. Church employment: Review & Herald Publishing. Preceded in death by parents, Ellis Sr. and Vera Crosby Brannam; son Mark Brannam; brother, Grady Brannam. Survivors: wife, Mary Brannam; son Ellis Brannam III (Linda); daughter, Robin Broussard (Wayne); four grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

Davis, Juanita W., born Dec. 8, 1921, Tecumseh, Okla.; died Sep. 9, 2024, Muskogee, Okla. Church membership: Berean Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by husband, Earnest Lee Davis; daughter, Donna LaVonne Davis Edwards; six sisters, and six brothers Survivors: daughters, Anita Golden Arnold, Carolyn Winrow-Blevins, Jacquelyn S. Davis-Parks, Betty Davis-Slaughter and Ellisa Davis-Johnson, and son, Terry Lee Davis.

States, Jerry Don, born June 30, 1945, Prague, Okla.; died Nov. 19, 2024, Noble, Okla. Church membership: Norman Seventh-day Adventist Church. Jerry served as a dedicated pastor for 47 years in the Oklahoma and Texas Conferences. Preceded in death by siblings, Velma Harris, John States, Norma Walden and Bobby States. Survivors: wife, Pat Mercer; daughters, Sandra Hanna and Teresa States; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Stauffer, Bob, died Aug. 19, 2024. He served as a pastor for more than 50 years,

Nora Ethel Kylar, 88, passed away on Jan. 7, 2025, in Austin, Tex. Born in Salem, N.J. on Feb. 7, 1936, to Issac and Edith (Leedom) Brown, Nora grew up in Elmer, N.J. and married John J. Kylar Sr. in 1954.

Nora and Johnny built a home in Kresson, N.J., and welcomed four children into it before moving to Waxahachie, Tex., in 1963. They added a fifth child to their family in 1966. In 1973, Johnny succumbed to cancer. After her husband’s death, Nora completed the raising of their children and then enjoyed the addition to her family of children-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Despite her humble beginnings and limited education, Nora overcame many challenges during her life and ultimately thrived. She owned and operated Kylar’s Kiddie Korner, a full-service daycare center in Waxahachie, for more than 30 years. In retirement, she bought a home in Sparta, N.C., to be near her sister, Dale, and brother, Lawrence, and their families. She felt comfortable in the peaceful mountain setting, established herself in the

community and enjoyed worshipping at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Galax, Va.

Nora is survived by her children, Joe Kylar (Annette) of Strasburg, Pa., Debi Kylar (Robin Smith) of Austin, Tex., Suze Crumpton (Jimmy) of Waxahachie, Tex., Jeff Kylar (Amy) of North Platte, Neb. and Victor Kylar (Penny) of Hutchinson, Kan.; sister Dale Mount (Kenny) of Piney Creek, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; brothers, Garfield, Ralph, Lawrence and Robert; sisters, Marietta and Evelyn; and great-grandson, Randon J. Kylar Jr.

Nora’s wishes were to be cremated, and her cremains interred with her husband at Laurel Land Memorial Park in Dallas, Tex. A celebration of life ceremony will be held at the Waxahachie Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 9, and at the Galax Seventh-day Adventist Church on March 16. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages memorial donations be made in Nora’s name to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Adventist Development and Relief Agency or Fruit Tree Planting Foundation.

including in the Texas Conference (Joshua, Houston and Edinburg) and as an interim pastor in Oklahoma and Arizona. Survivors: wife, Alma, and four children, Mark Stauffer, Tad Stauffer, Crystal Pena and Amber Etter.

Williams, Velma Mae, born Dec. 17, 1942; died Dec. 3, 2024, Baton Rouge, La. Church membership: Faith-Baton Rouge Seventh-day Adventist Church. Preceded in death by her parents, Wilbert Thomas and Velma Benton Thomas; son, Herman Welch II; daughter, Deloris Welch; brothers, Melvin Thomas and Herbert Thomas; sister, Mildred Mitchell; and grandson, Keonta Welch. Survivors: daughters, Malinda (Allen) Brown and Crystal (Briley) Reed; sons,

Mark (Lolita) Welch, and Theodis (Carla); brothers, Alfred (Eloise) Thomas, Isaac Thomas, Wilbert (Barbara) Thomas and Lionel (Betty) Thomas; 19 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Submissions

Back Pages: Submit announcements, milestones, obituaries and address changes to Record@SWUC.org or visit SWURecord.org.

Advertising: Cost information and deadlines: Bradley Ecord at BEcord@swuc.org.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE IN NURSING