Adventist News
Jason Logan Appointed Vice President of Administration and Ministerial Director
– October 9, 2024
Elder Jason Logan has been appointed the new vice president of administration and ministerial director for the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Logan brings a rich background in ministry and leadership to his new role. For the past two years, he has served as the pastor of the Invitation Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dickinson, North Dakota. He and his wife, Grace, married since the summer of 1998, have three adult children: Abigail, an occupational therapy assistant residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, with her husband Drew; Gideon, a pre-med and International Rescue and Relief student at Union Adventist University; and Afton, an archeology major at Southern Adventist University. Born in New Port Richey, Florida, Elder Logan was the fourth of six children. His family moved to Newcastle, Wyoming, within a year of his birth, where he grew up and met his high school sweetheart, Grace. Shortly after their marriage, he enrolled in the Black Hills Mission College of Evangelism, completing both the evangelism and pastoral programs. It was during his pastoral training that the “Revelation Promises Hope” evangelistic team was formed, with Elder Logan serving in full-time evangelism for three years across large cities in the United States. After their first child, Abigail, was born, the Logans settled in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan for Bible work, where their son, Gideon, was born. Elder Logan then took a position as a western sales and service representative for Messersmith Manufacturing Inc., working there for 10 years and returning the family to Wyoming. In Wyoming, he co-lay-pastored the Sundance Adventist Church where their third child, Afton, was born. Later the family moved and lay-pastored the Newcastle Adventist Church. Shortly after moving back to Newcastle, at the age of 27, Elder Logan was diagnosed with cancer. During this time, he stepped down from church leadership but later became the head elder of the Newcastle Church. This role led to an opportunity to become the part-time pastoral assistant. Logan’s pastoral calling, present since his childhood, took a non-traditional route. After becoming a pastoral assistant, he was called by the Rocky Mountain Conference to serve as the pastor of the southwest district of Wyoming, overseeing five churches. Following his ministry in Wyoming, Elder Logan pastored the Greeley and Elm Haven churches in Colorado for approximately five years before his most recent role in Dickinson, North Dakota. Elder Logan considers it a great privilege and honor to minister to God’s children. He seeks daily guidance and wisdom to effectively serve on his Savior’s behalf. He and his family look forward to God’s continued leading in their future and are committed to contributing to the growth of God’s kingdom in the Dakotas.
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Wasemiller Takes New Position
– October 9, 2024
Kelli Wasemiller has resigned as the Dakota Conference elementary education superintendent to accept a new role—full-time mom. Despite stepping down, Kelli has graciously agreed to continue working for a few months on an hourly basis to ensure a smooth transition. After marrying Stephen and returning to the Dakotas, Kelli began working on her master’s in leadership. In January 2022, just months before completing her degree, she was offered the position of elementary superintendent. For the past two and a half years, Kelli has dedicated herself to our education system and elementary teachers. Her dedication and support have left a lasting impact on those with whom she worked. Kelli and Stephen are expecting twins, a boy and a girl, in early December. Dusty Ricketts, teacher at Hillcrest School in Jamestown, reflecting on her experience, shared, “Though I have only been with the Dakota Conference for one school year, that has been enough time to feel so appreciative of Kelli’s gentle nature and generous availability to answer questions. May this next aspect of her life be all the best in God’s blessings.” Janna Wright, head teacher at Invitation Hill School in Dickinson, praised Kelli’s efforts, stating, “Kelli has gone above and beyond in her role as superintendent. Any requests or suggestions given to her were quickly and thoroughly addressed. She advocated for us teachers, doing anything and everything she could to make our jobs easier. I will miss her ‘uncommon’ sense and support. She has done an amazing job in this role!” Leanne Erickson, teacher at Prairie Voyager School in Grand Forks, echoed these sentiments, saying, “When thinking about Kelli’s impact on education in the Dakota Conference, I feel that the motto the 2024 Dakota Adventist Academy seniors chose exemplifies Kelli’s impact on education in the Dakotas: ‘Leadership is not a position or a title, it is action and example.’ Kelli didn’t lead from a title position but as a fellow teacher who had done the job we are currently doing. She didn’t claim to have all the answers but worked with us to help us find solutions. She empathized with the stress we felt and shared ways to deal with it. She listened to our requests and worked to meet them. It is clear she has a passion and calling for children, education and the teachers doing the work. I will miss her official title as superintendent but I know her support is still for Dakota Adventist Education. I wish her the very best as she and Stephen begin the most precious form of education—their own children.” Kelli’s departure leaves a significant void, but her contributions will continue to inspire and guide the Dakota Conference. We wish her all the best in her new journey.
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AdventHealth Invites Young People to a Life of Promise at the 2024 Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee
– October 2, 2024
In early August 60,000 Pathfinders, sponsors and support staff pitched their tents in Gillette, Wyoming, for the week-long 2024 Believe the Promise International Pathfinder Camporee, sponsored by AdventHealth. Pathfinders experienced a dramatic telling of the story of Moses on the main stage each evening and spent their days participating in offsite activities, service projects, honors and a variety of on-site activities. AdventHealth’s decision to be this year’s camporee anchor sponsor stemmed from a desire to engage a new generation of mission-focused young people and to invite them into a life of promise serving in the health care field. In an interview during the official camporee livestream, Terry Shaw, president and CEO of AdventHealth, shared how the Pathfinder Pledge, being a servant to God and a friend to man, fits naturally with the mission of AdventHealth: Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ. Through three activations, Pathfinders were invited to explore the variety of roles that exist within AdventHealth—from doctors and nurses to human resources professionals, accountants, carpenters, creatives and even pilots. No matter what the career path, Pathfinders were shown that they can pursue it at AdventHealth.” Career Experience The Career Experience was AdventHealth’s largest activation at camporee, an 11,000 square foot space with several hands-on activities using cutting edge technology. Following registration, attendees entered through a “promise portal” leading them into the experience that included a large Wholeness Sphere, an LED sphere, showcasing photos of Pathfinder clubs from around the world and short welcoming videos from AdventHealth team members. Inside the experience, which was attended by approximately 24,000 individuals, Pathfinders played interactive tabletop electronic games that demonstrated how different roles at AdventHealth work together to help patients feel whole. They also learned about various health care careers and tried on different uniforms in the AI-powered virtual Career Mirror. In a separate area called the Sim Lab, participants learned CPR skills using augmented reality before moving to Music from the Heart, an activity that measured the heartbeats of participants and used the rhythm to create a unique symphony together. Honors Classes AdventHealth taught two honors at camporee: Legacy of Healing and Health and Healing, which are part of a suite of five new honors created by AdventHealth in 2024 to help young people live better and healthier lives, learn about health careers and better understand how they can be an extension of Christ’s healing ministry today. In the Legacy of Healing honor Pathfinders learned about how Christians have been relieving suffering and providing healing to the world since the time of Jesus. This honor shows the direct links between Christ’s healing ministry, the early Christian church, the Adventist Church’s focus on health, and modern faith-based Adventist health care. In addition, it challenges Christians to share Christ’s healing ministry in the community and extend it into the future until His second coming. The Health and Healing honor focuses on connecting Christ’s healing ministry, how He empowered others to extend healing, why Christ healed and how we can be part of this special ministry today. The honor also provides dozens of examples of health care careers that can serve as conduits for Pathfinders to serve others and extend healing through their work. “The excitement of the Pathfinders was palpable from the moment they walked into the classroom,” shared Gianni Arroyo, communications specialist at AdventHealth who attended the camporee and co-taught the Health and Healing honor alongside Hearly Mayr, director of stakeholder communication at AdventHealth. “They wanted to learn but they also wanted to contribute to the conversations we were having. Earning the patch and receiving a pin was just an added bonus for them. I feel blessed to have been a part of this AdventHealth activation, sharing the importance of Christ’s healing ministry and how we all can be vessels of His ministry whether it’s in clinical or non-clinical roles.” Almost 5,000 people earned honors from AdventHealth at the camporee. Sports Experience AdventHealth sponsors a variety of professionals sports organizations and one of those is NASCAR’s Legacy Motor Club and the Daytona International Speedway. To highlight this partnership and the impact it has in the community, AdventHealth brought Legacy Motor Club’s number 43, AdventHealth Toyota Camry XSE to the camporee for Pathfinders to see first-hand, sign their name and write messages of support on giant thank you cards to first responders and frontline health care workers. Attendees also had the opportunity to participate in the Pit Crew Challenge game where Pathfinders could try their hands changing tires much like professional pit crew teams do. AdventHealth has a firm belief that faith-based health care is the best kind of health care and it’s the desire of the organization to serve as many people with this type of health care as possible. Its focus is to show up in the community where people gather so they will have a connection with AdventHealth and choose it when they need health care. Approximately 10,400 people signed the card and completed the challenge. The AdventHealth Pin Challenge As Pathfinders participated in each AdventHealth activity at camporee, they received a limited-edition pin. Once they collected all three pins, Pathfinders were eligible to receive an exclusive executive pin from an AdventHealth executive to complete their set. The AdventHealth Pin Challenge allowed Pathfinders the opportunity to engage in each AdventHealth activity, immersing them in the complete purpose brought to life through each activity as outlined in the manifesto AdventHealth created to drive the focus of their presence at camporee: “At AdventHealth, our brand promise—feel whole—invites each person to experience love, healing, growth and fulfillment. In 2024, we’ll extend that invitation to the camporee attendees as they discover God’s promise for their lives and are inspired to consider how that promise could lead into a future in healing—for others and for their communities—using their unique, God-given talents.” — an excerpt from AdventHealth’s manifesto for participation in the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee
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Union Adventist University Enrollment Hits Five Year High
– October 2, 2024
This year, 799 students have chosen to pursue their God-given calling at Union Adventist University. That’s an increase of 126 over last year (673), and the highest headcount since 2019. Union’s enrollment has seen a slow but steady decline since 2007 when it briefly exceeded 1,000 students. With errors and delays in the application for federal financial aid (FAFSA) as well as the economic pressures of inflation and high interest rates, it seemed like only a miracle could reverse the trend this year. So Union’s faculty and staff asked for one. Every Wednesday this summer, employees gathered to pray in the College View Church, earnestly asking God to bring students who will benefit from Union’s rigorous academic programs and unique campus culture. “These are prayed-for students,” said Dr. Yami Bazan, university president. “We are praising God for growth both in new students and overall enrollment. Each of our students is writing their success story, and we are grateful and privileged to play a role in it.” In addition to praying, faculty from across campus got involved with the recruitment process this summer. Union’s academic programs each hosted a Zoom session to connect with prospective students and answer questions. Due to the many issues with the new FAFSA, Student Financial Services worked even longer hours than usual to provide accurate financial aid packages for applicants. While this freshmen class is 10 percent larger than last year’s, first-year students don’t account for all of the growth. The number of graduate students increased by five to 104, exceeding 100 for the first time in Union’s history thanks to the inaugural class in the new master of occupational therapy program. The university also welcomed 61 transfer students and 25 returning students who are back to complete their degrees after a period of absence. “I cannot praise the faculty, staff and College View community enough, particularly Student Financial Services, Records and Enrollment who went the extra mile (or extra thousand miles) to help overcome the additional obstacles students faced this year,” Bazan said. “God has blessed us with an amazing community of students. It’s a joy to see our team — our Union family — in action.”
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Blogs
The Teacher’s Notes–The Backstory, The Prologue, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 4Q, "Themes in the Gospel of John"
– October 12, 2024
Sabbath School Lesson for October 12-18, 2024 Overview and Introduction of Lesson 3, The Backstory: The Prologue Memory Text: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1 KJV The beginning of the Old Testament takes us back to the Creation story–how “In the beginning” God created our world. John follows that Creator theme in his Gospel, with a new revelation that God’s Son was the Word that spoke our world into existence. He also begins with the words: “In the beginning”. As our memory text declares, God and the Messiah, God’s Son, were together from the very beginning. Our study of John’s Gospel began with a quick look at the end of the book, where John told us his overriding purpose for writing. He wants us to know who Jesus Christ is, and that by knowing the Son of God, we would believe and have life, both now and forever (John 20:31). We now go back to the very start of this unique Gospel and discover John’s main theme throughout–the equality the Father had with His Son, their shared purpose and authority; but especially their mutual love and sacrifice for humanity. Here’ how John develops his theme… Sunday: In the Beginning–The Divine Logos–affirming Jesus’ eternal existence Monday: The Word Made Flesh–the meaning of logos, meaning Word Tuesday: Hearing or Not Hearing the Word–many Jews rejected Jesus, they would not hear the Word Wednesday: Reappearing Themes–Belief/Unbelief–unbelief is a blindness for those who reject the Light Thursday: Reappearing Themes–Glory–the Father was glorified by His Son’s earthly life and death Sunday: In the Beginning–The Divine Logos The very first verse of John contains a concept that we can barely grasp. How could Jesus be with God, and yet be God at the same time? He was with God back then, but more than that, He was the One who created our world. It says so in those first three verses of John. As a matter of fact, it asserts that God’s Son, the Word, was responsible for anything that was created. Evidently, this would include anything that was created before or after our world. He merely speaks the Word, and the things of creation appear. See John 1:1-3. It’s important for us to recognize the full deity of Christ. If He was merely human like us, He would not be able to give us eternal life. And if He were only divine, He would have an unfair advantage and not be able to be our Substitute. Jesus was therefore fully human and fully divine. And He still carries with Him the scars in His hands to verify His connection with us (John 20:25-27). He is the exact image of God’s greatness and majesty. Which is why we can pattern our lives on His selfless example and reflect His light to others. Bible Verses: John 1:1-5 What do we learn here about Jesus, the Word? Why is it important to recognize His deity? Monday: The Word Made Flesh The Greek term for “word” is logos. But in Greek philosophy, we find it referring to something between the perfect, heavenly realm and our imperfect, earthly existence. The two being far apart from each other. John directs us to God’s truth by affirming that the Word (or logos) is actually a heavenly Being, equal with God, who humbled Himself and became one of us. He’s a human/divine “go-between” for us and God. Christianity is distinct from other world religions, where humans strive to be like the gods, for mostly selfish reasons. In Christianity, we see something different. Instead of being righteous by the works we do or don’t do to make the gods happy, we find that God actually comes down to our level and becomes one of us, which is what allows us to have a close, loving relationship with Him. Jesus took a radical step by putting on our human flesh, in order to veil His glorious divinity and show us what He is really like. Only a loving Creator would undertake such a risky, rescue operation to free us from the evil forces that hold us captive on this planet. Bible Verses: John 1:1-3, 14 and Exodus 25:8 How did God try to dwell with the Israelites of the Old Testament? Why was it important for the Messiah to become flesh and dwell here on earth in person? What kind of Father did Jesus show us, while He was here? Tuesday: Hearing or Not Hearing the Word John continues chapter one with a description of Jesus being the light of the world. It also tells us how He was rejected by many of His own people, the Jews. They did not welcome the light, not wanting to hear about the spiritual kingdom the Messiah came to share with them. Paul in Romans, chapters 9-11, talks extensively about Israel’s rejection of God’s Son, the Word. They may have known the Scriptures, but they did not know Jesus, the One who inspired the prophets to write them. John does not give a totally dismal picture, however. He tells us in John 1:12 that those who did not reject Him, who instead believed in His name, would be God’s children. That includes all of us who now believe, who have taken our stand for Christ. We continue to have a choice about whether to hear the Word, or turn away from Him. How much better to listen and obey His word. His Ten Commandments have stood the test of time and remain a faithful guide for the development of a loving lifestyle. Bible Verses: John 1:4-9 What part did John the Baptist play in preparing us to hear and accept Jesus? John 1:10-13 and Romans 2:28-29 How do we become a spiritual Jew? Wednesday: Reappearing Themes–Belief/Unbelief The verb “believe” appears 98 times in John’s Gospel (and 241 times in the entire New Testament). We have come to appreciate John’s great desire for us to believe, which is more important than just having a belief in God. The Teacher’s Notes–The Backstory, The Prologue, Lesson 3 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 4Q, “Themes in the Gospel of John”“>Read more…
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#TuesdayTalk: “In Sickness and in…” Family Life in Sickness and Sickness and Sickness
– October 8, 2024
My family just got over COVID-19 for the second time since 2020, and this round was much more difficult for us. Additionally, one of our sons who was asymptomatic the last time, got very sick this time (and his coughs are still echoing through the house as I type this). We’ve been sick twice since late summer, and I’m no fan, but more than that, there has just been a lot of loss. Family members of friends have passed, friends and family have gotten difficult diagnoses, and in the midst of all that we have annoyances like COVID-19 and walking pneumonia. Then there are the chronic illnesses and life-disabling diseases. This all has me thinking about wedding vows. In Sickness and [Never] Health It’s easy to pat ourselves on the back when we bring our family through an illness (“In sickness and in health! Look at me! I did it!”). It’s far more difficult to look on the bright side when the sickness stretches through our days and nights and turns into months and years. When there is a chronic illness, recurrent cancer, or terminal diagnosis, it can be easy to become burned out and start to look for the healthy days like they’re a promise owed. The promise, though, when we make our wedding vows, is not that God will grant us healthy days, but that we will stand by our partner through the sick and healthy ones. “In sickness and in health” hits differently when a terminal or incurable diagnosis makes it clear there will never be another healthy day to look forward to. Hope for the Healthless Days Whether you’re a caregiver to someone you love or you have a tough diagnosis yourself, there is hope to be found in God’s Word. God is There in Our Weakness Chronic illness can make us feel forgotten, but God’s Word reminds us that He’s right there in our weakest moments. In 2 Corinthians 12:9, God tells Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Even when we feel powerless, God’s strength shines through. He never promised we’d have all good days, but He promised to be there for us when those hard days come. Perspective is Everything Chronic illness forces us to rethink what a “good” day looks like. Instead of dwelling on what we can’t do, we can try to focus on small victories: getting out of bed, moments of joy, or a day with less pain. Philippians 4:11 talks about learning to be content in all situations. Contentment isn’t about our circumstances being perfect; it’s about trusting in God’s unfailing love, no matter what. Grace is a Game Changer Illness affects everyone—family, friends, caretakers. It’s important to give grace to others, and also to yourself. You won’t always be patient or hopeful, and that’s okay. God sees our weariness and offers rest: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). Rest doesn’t necessarily mean healed, but may mean peace—which brings healing of its own. Community is Important Chronic illness can be lonely, but God created us for community. Galatians 6:2 tells us to “carry each other’s burdens.” Letting others in—whether to pray for you, help you, or just be there—lets God show His love through them. When we share our struggles, we also help others see they’re not alone. Trials Build Perseverance Persevering through chronic illness is hard, but it’s also beautiful. James 1:2-4 tells us that trials build perseverance. Each day you endure is a testament to God’s sustaining power. Even on the toughest days, your perseverance points others to a faithful God who carries you through. Hope Goes Beyond This Life Our hope as Christians goes beyond this life. Chronic illness can make us long for a place with no more pain or suffering (Revelation 21:4). This perspective is not about giving up on the here and now—it’s holding on to the promise of a future where all things are made new. Remembering that our struggles are temporary can help us find comfort now. There’s Beauty in Quiet Faith It’s easy to celebrate big faith moments, but there’s so much beauty in the quiet, everyday faith of those enduring chronic illness. Hebrews 11 talks about heroes of faith who didn’t see the promises fulfilled in their lifetime, but they stayed faithful. Living with chronic illness is like running a marathon without an end in sight, but you know there is a finish line in the distance. Your daily trust in God is a powerful testimony. Your story matters, and your endurance brings glory to Him. A Prayer for the Suffering Father in Heaven, I come before you—King of the Universe and Holiest of Holies—to lift every caregiver and every loved one they walk alongside through illness. Lord, You see their weariness, their moments of doubt, and their quiet sacrifices that often go unnoticed. I pray that You would be their strength when they feel powerless and their comfort when they feel overwhelmed. Remind them, Father, that they don’t have to be perfect or have the perfect body or mind. Your grace is enough for us. Help the sick and their loved ones to extend grace to themselves, forgive their own moments of impatience, and recognize that You love them right where they are. May they find rest in Your promise that You will give rest to the weary. Surround them with a community that uplifts them, and helps them to feel Your love through the hands and prayers of others. Give them perseverance for each day, Lord. Let them see even small victories as Your goodness, and let Your peace wash over their hearts amid the unknown. Thank You, God, for Your steadfast love, patience, and joy that is sometimes all that brings us through our trials. Bless the chronically ill, the terminal, and the caregivers reading this now. Sustain them and remind them that they are #TuesdayTalk: “In Sickness and in…” Family Life in Sickness and Sickness and Sickness“>Read more…
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One Thing That Every Human Has In Common
– October 7, 2024
There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23, 24 There is a reason why we don’t greet each other, “Hello there sinner! How are you today?” “Got any sinning planned for the afternoon?” Yea, no, that just wouldn’t do, would it? People would see you coming a mile away and avoid you at all costs. Or they might start walking with a baseball bat if you keep calling them sinners. No, I don’t recommend this as a spiritual practice. I don’t know if Jonah was practicing his spirituality when he went into Ninevah and basically said you are all sinners and are in big trouble. The funny thing in that case, it worked. They had one response; they repented. How do you like the idea that you might be living in heaven next door to one of those wicked Ninevites? They turned 180 degrees and decided to turn back toward God and away from themselves as god. This is also the pattern of the greatest Old Testament story, that of the Shepherd King, David. The down side of David’s life was that he too was a sinner, in some cases a big time, wicked, brutal and at times, heartless King. I hope he lives in my neighborhood in heaven. I’m going to have a lot of conversations with him. I think I know what he will say to this question, You did so many evil things David, why do you think God called you a man after His own heart? Boom, mic drop, that question is. You see, God has a funny way of talking about us sinners. It doesn’t make sense in fact, until you understand the simple act of repentance. This act is a turning away from your own abilities, strengths, confidence, and so much more, and turning toward God as your all in all. You turn your life over to Him because He has finally gathered your full attention and you are tired of living in a pit of hopelessness. I wish all would repent and know this joyful truth. Then I could greet them as saints. I still struggle to find repentance in Jonah’s personal life. His audience repented, but did he? I can hear you now, What did Jonah do wrong? He finally carried out Gods orders, didn’t he? Sure did, right up to the point where he didn’t allow Gods love to melt his own heart. Think about the incredible lives that were changed forever on that day when he preached in their presence. One of the greatest convocations in history. And Jonah, as we see him in the short book of Jonah, didn’t get it. At least not fully, and maybe not then. I have a strong hunch that he did get it at some point. I sure hope so. David was at once the worst king and the greatest king. All it took was a turning toward the King of Kings. I won’t call you sinner anytime soon, but don’t be surprised if I tell you about One who gave His life for sinners and even counted Himself as a sinner, strange as that sounds. BTW, I’ll be glad to live next door to any Ninevite in heaven as well. So what do we have in common? We are all sinners, right? But don’t forget about that second statement. “All are justified freely by his grace…” Next time I see you I just might surprise you with, “Hello Saint.”
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The Teacher’s Notes–Signs of Divinity, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 4Q, "Themes in the Gospel of John"
– October 5, 2024
Sabbath School Lesson for October 5-11, 2024 Overview and Introduction of Lesson 2, Signs of Divinity Memory Text: “Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?’ ” John 11:25, 26 NKJV Jesus not only spoke words that told of His divinity, His actions verified His claims. When Jesus claimed to be the resurrection and the life, He backed it up by raising His friend, Lazarus, after he’d been dead four days! That miracle, and several, unprecedented others, reveal that Jesus truly was the divine Son of God, not a created being. He has always existed, is in heaven now with His Father, and He will always be with us in the future. The great “I AM” is a title He and God share. He has always been intimately connected with the human family. He spoke our world into existence and continues to speak to us through the Bible, the written word of God. Finally, He died to save fallen humanity. We can safely say, He was the Son of God and the Son of Man–fully human and fully divine. No one else can make that claim. There are seven “I AM’ declarations that came from the lips of Jesus. This week, the miracles that proclaim the truth about His divinity are the ones that tell us He is the bread of life (John 6), the Light of the World (John 9), and the life and the resurrection (John 11). He truly is everything to His beloved followers. This week we shall see… Sunday: The Feeding of the Five Thousand–John 6, the bread of life Monday: “Surely, He Is the Prophet”–the seven “I am” statements of Jesus Tuesday: The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 1–John 9, the light of the world Wednesday: The Healing of the Blind Man, Part 2″–how we are spiritually blind Thursday: The Resurrection of Lazarus–John 11, the resurrection and the life Sunday: The Feeding of the Five Thousand Many today are thrilled by Jesus’ miraculous feeding of the multitude with just a few loaves and fishes. The healing miracles He had already performed meant that crowds were soon following Him everywhere, especially since this particular miracle occurred near the time of the Passover (John 6:4). The feeding of five thousand people captivated the disciples’ hearts in a way that hadn’t been experienced since the time of Moses, when manna, called bread from heaven, fed the Israelites in the wilderness. There are some interesting parallels in John’s Gospel story and the one in Exodus about Moses. First of all, John 6:3 mentions that Jesus had gone up on a mountain (as Moses often did). Then, John 6:5-6 says that Jesus “tested” Phillip by asking him where they might buy bread for everyone (just as the Israelites had been tested during their wilderness experience). And finally, after they were all fed that day, there were twelve baskets remaining. This must have been reminiscent of the twelve tribes of Israel. The disciples couldn’t help but wonder if this Master they were following might actually be the long-awaited Messiah, the Prophet and Deliverer of Israel. They didn’t know it fully yet, but they were indeed getting glimpses of Christ’s divinity. Bible Verses: John 6:1-14 What similarities do you see in Jesus’ feeding such a large crowd and the miracle of manna during the time of Moses? Monday: “Surely, He Is the Prophet” Most of the people in Judea, including the disciples, were looking for an earthly messiah, someone who would save them from the oppressive Roman Empire. Two things have always been needed for an army to achieve victory over its enemies: the troops have to be fed, and the wounded and dying must be cared for. With the many healings Jesus had already done, and then blessing the food that miraculously fed so many, Jesus had proven dramatically that He could lead His people to victory against the hated Romans. But there was much more that Jesus had to show them. He would ultimately save them from eternal death by saving them from their sins. The full impact of a spiritual, heavenly kingdom was yet to be understood. John, in wanting us to recognize Christ’s divinity, was purposeful in choosing the events he would record in his Gospel story. He scattered “I AM” statements from Jesus whenever they would get the most attention–such as after the miracles we see in John 6, 9, and 11. Here are seven “I AM” proclamations found in John: I am “the bread of life” (John 6:35), “the light of the world” (John 8:12), “the door” (John 10:7, 9, “the Good Shepherd” (John 10:11, 14), “the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25), “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and “the true vine” (John 15:1, 5). Bible Verses: John 6:14-15, 26-36 What was wrong with the way the people responded to this miracle of feeding the multitude? Why were they thinking this way? How did Jesus try to explain the true purpose for His miracles? And what was that purpose? Tuesday: The Healing of the Blind Man (Part 1) There are a few instances in the Old Testament that convey the idea that sin is somehow connected with sickness–that the reason for sickness is because either that person or some member of his family had sinned. Examples of this might be the command about worshipping idols. Exodus 20:5 suggests that the children of the third and fourth generations would suffer for their parents’ idolatry. Then again, we recall the story in 2 Kings 5 of the greedy servant Gehazi, who acquired Naaman’s leprosy, and passed it on to his descendants. Although many children often repeat the mistakes of their parents, and our own sinful lifestyles may contribute to our diseases, the story of Job should also inform us that sometimes God has a higher The Teacher’s Notes–Signs of Divinity, Lesson 2 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2024 4Q, “Themes in the Gospel of John”“>Read more…
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More Training Resources Provided for Pentecost 2025
– October 10, 2024
Pentecost 2025 is a North American Division initiative inviting Seventh-day Adventist churches in North America to collectively hold 3,000 or more proclamation evangelistic events throughout the year 2025. As an approved training ministry for Pentecost 2025, It Is Written is thrilled to offer several resources for pastors, churches, and individual lay members. “Pentecost 2025 is a fantastic opportunity for churches and groups to reach their communities for Christ,” said John Bradshaw, It Is Written president. “It Is Written is drawing on decades of experience in public proclamation to provide resources to enable any church or group to conduct a successful, high-impact series of presentations. We have learned that it’s the small things that are often the difference between an effective and an ineffective evangelistic program. Our team has pulled together everything from sermons and slides to comprehensive training that will help churches and church members unlock their potential to do a great work for God.” Preparing for Pentecost Livestream Webinar Events Mark your calendar for November 23 and December 14! We will broadcast two special evangelism training events live from the It Is Written studios. Further details will be released soon. Online Course A multi-part online evangelism training course will be launched on November 23 during the livestream event. Learn from experienced pastors including John Bradshaw, Eric Flickinger, Wes Peppers, Doug Na’a, and other special guests. Gain all the tools you need to be equipped for your Pentecost 2025 event! Certification through the North American Division, It Is Written, and Southern Adventist University will be made available for each course completed. ReCharge Training Our annual ReCharge training will be held in person January 12–15 near Baltimore, Maryland. We are dedicating this year’s ReCharge specifically to topics relevant to Pentecost 2025. Benefit from expert instruction by It Is Written trainers and special guest speakers on key topics like increasing Bible study interests, effective preaching, preparing for and conducting proclamation events, visitation, gaining decisions, baptismal preparation, discipleship, and more! This event will also be livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Visit iiw.us/recharge for more details and registration. SALT Baltimore Prepare your church and community for Pentecost 2025 by attending SALT, the It Is Written evangelism training program. Learn and grow with other committed students through practical, Bible-based classes and put this knowledge into practice through hands-on outreach. Plus, receive a Bible instructor certificate upon completion of the program! The SALT program will be held February 1–March 1, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland. Find out more information and register by January 19 at salt.training. Evangelism Resources We are offering a number of resources for every stage of Pentecost 2025, including sharing books, Bible study mailers, printed Bible studies, and more. “One especially effective and easy-to-use resource is our Bible study mailers,” said Pastor Bradshaw. “Our mega mailer currently averages around 9 to 10 Bible study requests per thousand, which is a phenomenal rate. They’re inexpensive, can be mailed in bulk, and are virtually guaranteed to provide you with people who want to study the Bible. Every church should do it.” These resources will help your church or small group before, during, and after your event. Visit itiswritten.shop/pentecost-2025 to get started. Online Bible Studies Our online Bible studies are the perfect tool for reaching your friends and family as you prepare for your Pentecost 2025 event. Choose from adult, children’s, or health Bible studies. Complete them online in English or Spanish at itiswritten.com/biblestudy. Revelation Today: Hope for Humanity 2025 Pastor John Bradshaw and Dr. G. Alexander Bryant (North American Division president) will co-preach a Revelation series from October 3 to November 1, 2025, from Baltimore, Maryland. This high-impact series will be broadcast across the North American Division on It Is Written TV and other major channels. As you plan your proclamation event, consider making your church or small group a host site for this exciting series. “I know how much people want to reach their communities with the gospel,” said Pastor Bradshaw. “We’re in a unique position to help anyone present Jesus and the Bible message for these times in the most effective way possible.” For more information, contact us at 888-664-5573 or evangelism@iiw.org. Cassie Matchim Hernandez is a marketing & communications specialist for It Is Written.
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Accepting Whom the Lord Chooses
– October 8, 2024
October is Pastor Appreciation month! We recently held a union-wide ministerial retreat in Kansas City and it was amazing to rub shoulders with the pastoral team for our union. Craig Carr and the conference ministerial team put together a wonderful event that was a blessing for all of us. Mid-America has a tremendous group of pastors who love the Lord, love the church, and are intent on serving their communities and bringing the Three Angel’s Message to their areas. One of the big challenges given to the pastors in Kansas City was to be sure the gospel was front and center in all their presentations. This is something Ellen White also urged all pastors to do. One of the highlights for me was meeting the various women the Lord has called to ministry here in Mid-America. I only knew about three of them previously, and it was nice to get acquainted and hear their stories. Most Adventists have not been around women pastor because there are so few. This was true for me too for half my ministry journey. The first woman I ever had the opportunity to meet who received a call to ministry was Pastor Esther Knott, who was on the staff of Pioneer Memorial Church in Michigan. I was the youth director in Michigan in the late 1990’s and I had the opportunity to rub shoulders with her. Honestly, I had my doubts about her because all I had known in my journey were men in ministry. However, I can tell you from firsthand experience, I saw her ministry bless the church and Andrews University. In fact, she had the courage to tackle one issue on campus those before never wanted to touch. It was then I realized God does call women to ministry and blesses them on their journey. Another woman in ministry I met when I arrived at the Rocky Mountain Conference was Karen Lewis. She was the personal ministries director for the conference and was giving seminars and writing Bible studies to help our church members gain a love and appreciation for winning people to Christ. Before working for the Rocky Mountain Conference, she was employed by the Franktown Adventist Church as their Bible worker. I became a member of that church and learned very quickly of Karen’s love and expertise in collaborating with people interested in learning about Christ. She had a wonderful way of encouraging people to make the Lord first in their lives. Unfortunately, Rocky Mountain needed to have a large financial restructuring and a reduction in force was necessary. Karen’s job at the conference ended as part of that financial plan. When she learned of this, while being disappointed, she was gracious throughout the process. In the meantime, she enrolled in the MA in Pastoral Ministries from Andrews University. Soon after she received a call to pastor in the Minnesota Conference. As you might expect, wherever Karen pastored soul winning went up. Her members loved her greatly and she was so effective that the conference asked her to become the ministerial director—a position she still holds today. The pastoral force in Minnesota is thankful for Karen’s leadership. The Mid-America Union is thankful to have one of the few women ministerial directors in the North American Division. I am grateful for those districts who are open to women in ministry. The ones that have been are thankful they were. I pray we will continue to be a union open to whom the Lord chooses to call to ministry, regardless of gender. Please be sure to give your pastor a warm gesture of appreciation this month. Not as an ego boost, but as a true gift of encouragement.
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Teen Pathfinder’s Design Wins Conference Pin Contest
– September 26, 2024
A creative teenager’s artistic talent and perseverance have earned her a special place in the hearts of fellow Pathfinders across Minnesota. Patience Menge, a 15-year-old member of the Southview Sabers Pathfinder club, designed the winning pin for the Minnesota Conference, specifically created for the 2024 Pathfinder International Camporee, an event that gathers Pathfinders from around the world every five years. Her design features the state bird (loon) and the state flower (lady slipper), combined with camporee Moses imagery. Patience, who attends Park High School in Cottage Grove, Minnesota, joined Pathfinders just two years ago. Despite her relatively short time in the organization, she has made a significant impact with her winning design. Her journey to this achievement began when Lynette Nyabuto, the Pathfinder director at Southview, noticed Patience’s artistic abilities through her WhatsApp profile picture. Ms. Nyabuto encouraged Patience to enter the design contest. “I just assumed that she knew how to draw based on her profile picture,” Nyabuto recalls. “I encouraged her to submit a design, and she ended up creating four different ones.” Out of over 30 entries submitted by Pathfinders across the state, Patience’s design was selected as the winner. The contest challenged Patience in new ways. Though she was accustomed to traditional drawing on paper, the contest required her to create a digital design, which was a first for her. “I usually draw on paper, but they wanted something online and in color,” Patience explains. “I had to learn a new skill and technique, but I was excited to take on the challenge.” The winning design wasn’t a solo effort, though. Patience credits her brother for helping her brainstorm ideas, particularly the inclusion of the state bird and flower. “He helped me think of the idea, but I did everything else,” she says. The design also includes five butterflies, which were added later based on a suggestion from Adriana Sanchez, a Pathfinder area coordinator. After submitting her designs, Patience faced an anxious wait as conference officials deliberated. “It took them a few months to respond, and I was nervous because I thought I’d be up against many pros,” Patience recalls. But when she finally received the news that her design had been chosen, she was filled with joy. Her hard work had paid off, and she was recognized during a special presentation at the Pathfinder Fair in May, where she was given a full display case of the pins. “It feels great knowing that hundreds of people are now purchasing and trading my pin,” she says with pride. Beyond the pin design, Patience’s time in Pathfinders has been transformative. “Pathfinders has given me a community of people who understand and share my beliefs,” she says. Nyabuto, who has been the director of the Southview Sabers for three years, emphasizes the importance of Pathfinders in nurturing young people’s faith and leadership skills. “I believe that spending time in Pathfinders sets up a stage for the children to stay in church and take up church leadership,” she says. The success of Patience’s design has not only highlighted her artistic talents but also underscored the value of the Pathfinder program in fostering creativity, leadership and a sense of community. As Minnesota Conference’s youth director, Shelina Bonjour, reflects on the contest, she notes that the final pin design—a combination of Patience’s work and Adriana Sanchez’s butterfly elements—has become a symbol of unity and pride among Minnesota Pathfinders. Pastor Sean Lee of Southview Church further underscores the critical role Pathfinders play in the church community. “The Pathfinder program is an all-encompassing ministry that doesn’t just engage the youth, but also brings together the parents and the entire church community,” he says. “It creates a healthy ecosystem within the church, where everyone is involved and connected.” For Patience, the journey from a simple WhatsApp profile picture to designing a camporee pin has been a memorable one. It’s a story of discovering new talents, stepping out of comfort zones, and finding joy in the community. And as Pathfinders from around the world trade and cherish her pin, Patience’s contribution to the 2024 International Camporee will be remembered for years to come.
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Lower Your Risk by Jeanine Qualls
– September 18, 2024
Exercise can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes and other diseases. Many studies have shown that walking, cycling, swimming and weight training can significantly help your overall health and lower your risk for disease. Walking outside in the open air as exercise allows you to breathe better, increase circulation, build muscle and improve Vitamin D levels. The weather is still nice outside but winter will be upon us very soon. Therefore, take advantage of the opportunity to get outside and get moving. Thrive in Health Here are some comments from individuals with whom I have worked: “I have been consulting with Jeanine for over 15 years. I started off with personal training and exercise. Over the years as Jeanine has started consulting with lifestyle changes and natural remedies she has helped me tremendously. I recently had open heart surgery and Jeanine assisted me with starting a walking program to strengthen my mobility. She has also assisted me with relieving edema in my legs and feet through natural remedies. Since working with Jeanine, I have much more energy and am implementing lifestyle changes. Jeanine has been a real blessing to me in my recovery journey.” “I meet Jeanine at church while she was doing a presentation on the 8 Laws of Health. I started consulting with Jeanine to begin a walking/ exercise program. Jeanine helped me strengthen my upper body to the point that I could lift my arm again and have more mobility. She also assisted me in making changes in my diet for weight loss. Exercise, especially walking outside and strength training, has helped me meet my health goals. Jeanine has been a great resource and motivation for me.” If you are struggling with getting started or just need a little motivation and coaching, please call Jeanine at 1.800.610.8478. Check out Jeanine’s YouTube page: jenny qualls thrive in health
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