Adventist News
Minnesota Conference Session Bathed in Prayer and Open Conversations
– June 29, 2026
Minnesota Conference delegates met on May 17, 2026 during the conference’s 110th regular session for the purpose of electing leadership, receiving reports and conducting other church business. Three-hundred-fifty-seven delegates gathered at the Heritage Center of Brooklyn Center in the Twin Cities area, focused on the theme A Season of Transition. Following prayers, heartfelt music by the Maplewood choraliers, and a devotional by Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber, delegates voted the day’s agenda and welcomed eight new companies into the full sisterhood of churches in Minnesota. Reports on church membership, finances and Maplewood Academy were also received and voted. After due consideration, including a time of prayer, delegates voted by a very strong majority to re-elect Elders Jeff Scoggins, Eric Mokua and Gayln Bowers to serve as president, executive secretary and treasurer, respectively, for the coming term. During his remarks, Scoggins paid tribute to Dr. Daniel Honoré who served as Minnesota Conference president during 2022-2023 before his untimely passing. This 110th session was dedicated to the memory of his leadership. Scoggins also highlighted the growing diversity in Minnesota. “Minnesota is now a mission field right here at home,” he stated. “We have opportunities to reach people in our own communities who may be unreachable in their home countries, and we must take advantage of those opportunities.” During the financial report, treasurer Gayln Bowers stated that tithe—the only source of income—was increasing at a faster rate than CPI. However, expenses increased at almost double the percentage of tithe during the same period. “We’ve had to tighten our belts,” he said. “We’ve had to look for different ways…and we’re having to make some hard decisions in our conference in regard to continuing the ministries that we want to offer to each of you.” Elder Eric Mokua shared that the Minnesota Conference began with only 69 members. By 2005 there were about 6,500 members, and due to increased efforts during Pentecost 2025, last year there were 422 baptisms. “The church has grown tremendously here in Minnesota because of God’s faithfulness,” Mokua said. “If the Lord has led us this far, we can trust that He will continue to guide His church in the days to come.” Transitions toward better processes In the afternoon, session delegates voted on proposed changes to the Minnesota Conference’s constitution and bylaws. Most changes were small, but a significant change was voted to hold constituency sessions every five years instead of four years. Other changes included improvements to the process of selecting the nominating committee for constituency sessions. Delegates also voted new members to the Board of Trustees, Board of Education, and Articles and Bylaws Committee for the coming five years. Another special prayer of dedication was offered over these new leaders. One delegate from the Southview Church observed that the session was very well organized. “I appreciate the thought that went into putting it together and the process has gone really smoothly,” she said. “There’s a lot of unity of thought and ideas today. The administration has been listening to the delegates and acting on their thoughts and comments. I especially appreciate how they’ve been intentional about providing context for the motions.” Yet there is more than business reports and votes at constituency sessions. The session also celebrates mission, evangelism and the blessings of the Lord in the past few years. In January, the Minnesota Conference held a special constituency session to discuss the financial challenges facing Maplewood Academy. Referencing that, Scoggins pointed out that “Maplewood Academy belongs to all of Minnesota, and your faithfulness in prayer and generosity has helped keep it operating as the oldest continuously operating Adventist boarding academy in the world.” This session was also a time to pass the torch of leadership at Maplewood Academy from outgoing principal Jeremy Everhart to incoming principal Pastor Jeff “PJ” Deming. A special prayer of blessing was offered over both leaders. The Minnesota Conference is currently comprised of 114 churches and companies totaling 12,208 members. Nearly 50 percent of those churches are located in the Twin Cities metro. In addition, the conference supports 12 Adventist schools serving more than 400 students.
Read more...
Debra Eszler to Retire After Nearly Four Decades of Teaching
– June 29, 2026
After nearly four decades in the classroom, Debra Eszler is closing a chapter that has defined much of her life—39 years of teaching, including the past 10 in the Dakotas at Brentwood Adventist Christian School. Eszler, who became a Seventh-day Adventist at age 15, said her path into education was clear from the start. “I used to play school at home,” she recalled. “I’d keep my papers from school and pass them out to my ‘pupils.’” From that early beginning, she committed her career to Adventist education. Over the years, Eszler has taught in a wide range of settings, from one-room schoolhouses to multi-teacher schools, though much of her career has been spent in multi-grade classrooms. She said she especially values the “family feeling” of smaller schools, where older students help younger ones and learning happens across grade levels. Her greatest joy in teaching has remained consistent: “Watching a child grasp a concept—that ‘aha’ moment,” she said. “It’s really rewarding.” She also found joy in the everyday moments—playing games like soccer and Foursquare, reading stories aloud, and seeing students fully engaged in learning. Eszler has witnessed significant changes in education over her career, particularly with the rise of technology. From mimeograph machines to online gradebooks and classroom programs, she has adapted while maintaining a balance between digital tools and traditional learning. “I don’t like to do away with traditional learning,” she said. “They still need to know how to read a book.” Beyond academics, Eszler emphasized the importance of character and faith in her classroom. She described herself as a firm but caring teacher, striving to prepare students for life while showing them love. “Life is hard,” she said. “We have to help our kids learn to live in this world as well as heaven.” Her goal, she added, has always been that students leave knowing they are loved and knowing Christ more personally. Her own faith has shaped that approach. “I want them to know Christ,” she said. “I hope it’s made me more kind and loving.” She also values the opportunities Adventist education provides for spiritual growth, such as student-led worships and the ability to integrate faith throughout the day. Reflecting on her career, Eszler said teaching has been more than a profession. “It’s kind of been my life,” she said. “It’s just a part of me.” In retirement, Eszler plans to spend more time with her three grandchildren, travel and focus on her health after a busy final year. She is also looking forward to rediscovering hobbies and spending more time with her husband, who has supported her throughout her career. To those considering Adventist education, Eszler offered encouragement. She believes strongly in its value—not only academically, but spiritually. “You get to talk about Jesus,” she said. “You get to sing worship songs… I believe strongly in our Adventist education system.” As she steps away from the classroom, Eszler leaves behind a legacy shaped by consistency, care and commitment to helping students grow both academically and spiritually—one lesson, one conversation, and one “aha” moment at a time.
Read more...
Northside SDA Church Connects Community With Resources, Food and Service
– June 25, 2026
Northside Seventh-day Adventist Church combined practical assistance, community partnerships and children’s programming during its “Serve Sabbath” on May 30, serving nearly 200 community members while connecting families with local resources. The event featured food and clothing distribution, a community resource fair, children’s activities and outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness. According to Pastor Trevor Barnes, people from the community were already lined up when volunteers arrived at the church around 8:15 a.m. “We served probably about 180-200 people that day,” Barnes said. Along with distributing food and clothing, church members directed guests to a resource fair held in the church gymnasium. Community organizations and nonprofit agencies provided information about services ranging from financial assistance and domestic violence support to banking and health resources. Organizations represented at the fair included the American Red Cross, Pink Angels, Commerce Bank, Mid-America Transplant, YWCA, Smart Kids, Southeast Behavioral Hospital and Minority Health STL. The event was open to all ages and free to attend. The need for community-based resource events remains significant in the St. Louis area. A City of St. Louis Community Health Assessment highlights ongoing health and social challenges throughout the region. In addition, city data show that 31.7% of Black residents live in areas of concentrated poverty, underscoring the importance of connecting residents with local services and support programs. Mary Persaud, head deaconess at Northside SDA Church, said the congregation views Serve Sabbath as an opportunity to meet both immediate and long-term needs in the community. “One of the things we did this Sabbath was distribute food, clothes, shoes, and toiletries,” Persaud said. “It was truly a blessing to meet the needs of so many in a tangible way.” Persaud noted that many families are facing increased financial pressure. “In light of the rising cost of living and the growing challenges that so many are facing, it is our hope and prayer that our church will become that ‘pillar’ so needed in times like these,” she said. She also expressed appreciation for the strong volunteer turnout from church members. “We had an excellent response to the event, and the strong involvement from our members was impressive,” Persaud said. “It showed the commitment to being a place of hope and light to our community.” According to Persaud, several community members who attended expressed interest in future events and fellowship opportunities with the congregation. While many volunteers served at the church campus, another group traveled to the Pallet Yard, where services are provided to individuals experiencing homelessness. Barnes said the church’s outreach philosophy is rooted in the example of Jesus. “The real reason we do this is because Jesus didn’t just take care of the soul; He took care of the body,” Barnes said. “As Christians, we’re called to do the same.” He explained that Northside intentionally plans service projects during fifth-Sabbath weekends to address practical needs within the community. The church also offered a special children’s program led by member Terri Fleming. During the program, Dr. Beeks, a dentist and church member, taught children the importance of dental health. Using a dental chair, Dr. Beeks demonstrated proper brushing techniques and helped children learn how to care for their teeth. The children also participated in activities focused on healthy food choices and decorated paper tooth crafts. “At the end of the day, each child received a goodie bag filled with a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, and a timer,” Fleming said. For Northside members, the event reflected a simple goal: Just do good! This is the calling Christians have to meet practical needs while building relationships and pointing people toward hope.
Read more...
Piedmont Park Members and Friends Build a Church in Peru
– June 22, 2026
It all started with a dream about two years ago. Pastor Smerdis Fuentes, youth and young adult pastor at Piedmont Park Church in Lincoln, Nebraska, felt impressed to create an opportunity for young people to experience serving God in a new and meaningful way—one that would inspire them to look beyond themselves. He connected with Valeree Krueger, who serves on the board of Maranatha Volunteers International. Together, they dreamed big: a mission trip to Peru. They began working on logistics—fundraising, vision casting, finding sponsors and coordinating travel—and before they knew it, the trip became a reality. In March 2026, members of Piedmont Park, along with several families from other churches in Lincoln, traveled to Pucallpa, to build a church and share the gospel in the heart of the Peruvian jungle. Pucallpa, also known as the “Red Land” became their mission field for a little over a week. During their time there, the group led a Vacation Bible School program that reached over 400 children at a local public school, distributed food baskets to the community, visited Colegio Adventista Maranatha, built a church for the Villa Selva Adventist congregation, and immersed themselves in Peruvian culture. The Villa Selva congregation had been praying for 17 years for a church building. One of the church leaders, Eli Dávila López, shared what a blessing this building would be. In their community, having a physical place of worship gives people a reason to gather. Many members had invited friends and family before, but without a building, some did not see the purpose of attending. Throughout the week, the construction team worked diligently as the structure began to come to life. At the same time, the rest of the group poured into the lives of students and teachers, sharing the love and knowledge of God. By the end of the week, the group had the opportunity to worship in the church they helped build. One highlight of the trip was visiting the Peru Projects Air Base, a ministry that Piedmont Park Church has supported for many years. In 1964, a deeply loved and remembered brother, Clyde Peters, became the first missionary pilot to arrive in Peru, launching what is now known as Peru Projects. Today, that mission continues through the leadership of pastor and pilot Eben Espinoza, and vice president Bradley Church. Together with a dedicated team, they carry the gospel to remote communities—often under challenging conditions. It is inspiring to witness the Great Commission being lived out so faithfully. Matt. 28:19–20 reminds us that this mission is an invitation for all of us. You don’t have to go abroad to share the gospel. You can do it right where you are—whether with neighbors, family members, coworkers or classmates. Every moment is an opportunity to share hope with someone who needs it. Ilka J. Fuentes works at Union Adventist University and is an active member of Piedmont Park Church.
Read more...
Blogs
#SabbathSlowdown: Let God Speak About God's Voice Through the Ages
– June 27, 2026
On June 20, I preached a sermon at my local church that was written on my heart the week my dad died in January 2024. It took me 2 1/2 years to finish, and then when I preached it, to my horror, I cried. Nevertheless, I do think it’s an important message, so I’m publishing it here. “In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.” —Hebrews 1:1-2, NIV This is a sermon that has been written in my heart for more than two years, but I didn’t have the heart to write it, and if I wrote it, I didn’t think I’d have the strength to stand up here and speak it. This is a sermon from my Dad. God began giving me this message the week after he died. Something I’ve learned about God and how He operates is that He never gives up. When He speaks, He makes His intentions clear. When my dad passed away, and I was numb to everything about his life, God still had something to say to me, and what He said was… that He still has something to say. Isn’t that funny? So, I’ll explain it here, so you know just how far God will go to get His point across. My dad died on January 6, 2024, and just 6 days later, thumbing through his Bible, I happened upon a margin where he wrote the following: “Don’t Fear, Don’t Lose Hope, Don’t give up, Don’t be discouraged,” “Joy Will Come Again,” and “Let God Speak.” Now, the “Let God Speak” left such an impression on me that I got it tattooed on my arm. But just then, still reeling from loss, I wasn’t getting the message yet. Just one day later, our first Sabbath back at church after Dad died, Pastor Kris Hicks was preaching, and the name of his sermon was… ready for this? “God is Speaking.” Coincidence? If you follow Christ long enough, you become very aware that coincidences are not a real thing that happens. What happens? God happens. So, when I was going through Dad’s books later that same week, just three days later, and happened upon a book with Dad’s writing in it, my eyes fell on a chapter called: “He Speaks to Me” followed by several lines dad wrote. He said, “First, friend, decide to love God always as you live. Next serve God and love God’s world for life. Now always obey God’s way of truth and love Him. Love God always. Love His world and all people. Love your neighbors always and love all sinners as you live. Reach forward and love life with God.” It was around this time that I sat up and really started to pay attention. What did God want to tell me? What was He preparing me for? I tried to write a blog about this. If you know me, you know I write blog posts for OUTLOOK magazine. But I found I wasn’t ready to write. God wasn’t done, though. On February 5 that same year, the Adventist Review arrived as usual, but this month, one month almost to the day since my Dad died, Pastor Ted Wilson’s article was titled “How God Speaks to Us.” I wish I could report to you that I figured it all out. It was an easy riddle, and God had something amazing to tell me. That’s not what happened, though. I left my unfinished blog in drafts on the OUTLOOK website until May of this year. I couldn’t write a sermon because, actually, I stopped preaching for more than a year after Dad died. What could I possibly have to say if God wasn’t saying anything to me? Don’t worry. Those feelings didn’t last forever. And I think I needed every bit of that time to work through my grief. Unfortunately, my grief returned this last week again—I assume because Father’s Day is coming up—and I attempted to make myself feel better by getting my Dad’s old Bible down. I did not go searching for my favorite scriptures to see what he wrote about them. Instead, I flipped from the beginning, page by page, and right on the title page for the Old Testament, Dad had scrawled a list across the entire page, with the title, “God the Father Speaks.” I’m telling you, I can’t make this stuff up. God is still telling me He’s speaking, and I think it’s high time we learn to listen. Every relationship has a history of how it learned to talk. If you are married, have been married, or even have a very close friend, you can think back and see that communication began awkwardly, even quietly, before it became brave. A couple married many decades ago, or friends since grade school, can likely finish each other’s sentences now, but it didn’t start that way. It started with letters and notes, awkward phone calls, then learning each other’s tone, and finally just knowing what the other means before they say it. The Bible is the story of God learning to talk to us—not because He changed, but because He kept drawing closer, and the form of His voice changed as the distance closed. Hebrews 1 says God spoke “at various times and in various ways”—many times, many ways. Dad saw this through Scripture, and this morning I’m going to walk us through each of his points. I. God Spoke Through the Law (Moses) It starts at Sinai. Smoke, fire, trumpet—and a voice. Let’s turn to Exodus 19:16–19 and read together. The Law wasn’t God being harsh. It was God doing something no other god in the ancient world did: telling His people exactly who He was and what He was like, in terms <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/sabbathslowdown-let-god-speak/" title="Continue reading #SabbathSlowdown: Let God Speak About God’s Voice Through the Ages“>Read more…
Read more...
The Teacher’s Notes–Paul’s Ministry at Corinth, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, "First and Second Corinthians"
– June 27, 2026
Sabbath School Lesson for June 27-July 3, 2026 Introduction to Lesson 1, Paul’s Ministry at Corinth Memory Text: “One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, ‘Do not be afraid, but speak out and do not be silent; for I am with you, and no one will lay a hand on you to harm you, for there are many in this city who are my people.’ ” Acts 18:9, 10 NRSV God came to Paul in a vision and reassured him that there were many of His people in the city of Corinth. The same holds true for us. God will be with us, protecting us from those who might do us harm in the last days. There are still many longing to know more about our God. The Corinthian church dealt with many of the same problems we experience today in our secular, divided, immoral society. Every Christian church in every denomination has problems of one kind or another that at times seem insurmountable. The two letters we have available that Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth (and there’s cause to believe there may have been one or two more) contain core beliefs that helped the Corinthians navigate their problems. These truths have the potential to do the same for us. Paul’s determination to remember Christ and Him crucified is especially something we can cling to and hold fast (1 Corinthians 2:2). This week, we will explore: Sunday: Paul, a God-called Apostle of Jesus Monday: From Athens to Corinth Tuesday: The City of Corinth Wednesday: “Many in This City” Thursday: Paul’s Letters to the Corinthians Sunday: Paul, a God-called Apostle of Jesus The method of connecting with people in Paul’s day was different than in our world of electronic communication (phone calls, texts, emails, and social media). But at the beginning of Paul’s letters to the Corinthians, we see a similar need for first identifying who we are. Paul announced at the beginning of both his epistles to the Corinthians that he was an apostle of Jesus, one who was called and sent out to do the will of God. He also identified himself in some of his epistles as a servant of Christ, a preacher and a teacher. Christ maintained a position front and center in all Paul attempted to do and say. What we need to remember is that we each have a calling as well. God is anxious to convey His wishes for our lives, just like He did for Paul. We can all be followers of Jesus and serve Him in many and diverse ways. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 1:1, Galatians 1:1 and Romans 1:1 How does Paul identify himself at the beginning of these epistles? What kind of work has God chosen for you–what do you feel is your calling? Monday: From Athens to Corinth It’s helpful to know what brought Paul to Corinth. The book of Acts, recorded by Luke, reveals that Paul and his friends had experienced opposition in Berea, causing Paul to remove himself and flee to Athens. In Athens, while waiting for his missionary friends Timothy and Silas to join him, Paul was able to share the gospel in the marketplace in Athens and even to philosophers who met in the open theatre called the Areopagus. Sensing there was significant work for their team in a metropolitan place like Athens, Paul felt impressed to go to the similar bustling trade city of Corinth, where he continued to wait for his faithful team of Silas and Timothy to catch up with him. Staying and working with Priscilla and Aquila, two Jewish tentmakers, Paul, a tentmaker himself, began his work in the vast port city of Corinth. Once again, Paul began his preaching there in the Jewish synagogue, since Jesus had indicated that the work should go first to the Jews, and then to the Gentiles. That strategy had worked quite effectively so far for Paul’s team, so it made sense to continue the practice. Verses for reflection and discussion: Acts 17:16-34 Why is it helpful to know about Paul’s stay in Athens, just before he went to Corinth to preach the gospel? How did Athens prepare him for the work in Corinth? Acts 18:1-11 What seemed to make Paul’s efforts in Corinth effective? What does his working as a tentmaker tell us about missionary work that we might be called to do? Tuesday: The City of Corinth Corinth, an economically-advantaged metropolis and rival of Athens, was fortunate to have two harbors that encouraged the trade of goods and ideas. It had thus become a very pluralistic city, where many religious shrines and idolatrous practices thrived. Ritual prostitution, encouraged by many of these religions, also had a home there, causing its citizens to have lowered sexual standards than other places where Paul could have gone. Paul recognized, however, that if the faith took root in Corinth, it would likely find its way to other locations in that part of the world. Understanding what worked best for Paul with the difficult challenges he faced in Corinth will therefore inform and encourage us as we struggle to make inroads in the many large cities of our world today. Ignoring large cities is probably not the best way to conduct missionary work. Cities contain our most needy populations who deserve to hear the gospel as much as anyone. Let’s not neglect them, overlooking perhaps our most effective way to have the truth go out from their borders to others who are thirsting to know the true God. Verses for reflection and discussion: Acts 18:1-3 and 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, 8:4 How would you describe the economy, morality, and religious life in the city of Corinth? Why did Paul likely choose such a difficult population to work with, and how should this impact where we go to conduct evangelism today? Wednesday: “Many in This City” His initial work with the Jews of Corinth was not promising. There were many Jews who <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-pauls-ministry-at-corinth-lesson-1/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Paul’s Ministry at Corinth, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, “First and Second Corinthians”“>Read more…
Read more...
Easy Jackfruit Recipe Jackfruit
– June 26, 2026
https://youtube.com/shorts/sKBG605ohZY?is=EGsZhTpGRBTI8qUj
Read more...
Creation Re-Booted V God Remembered Noah
– June 23, 2026
Eight souls. Adrift on an endless sea. Water had surged up from the depths, and fallen from the sky forty days and forty nights, submerging everything. And then, nothing. For 150 days. Five months. Nothing. The world they had known drowned, vanished. No port to welcome them, no haven to shelter them—only water. Beyond that more water, and after that, still more water. It required faith to build a boat with no great water nearby. Faith to predict water from the sky, when none before had ever fallen. Faith to face the turbulent storm for forty days and nights. Yet all that paled before 150 days of nothing. Then: God remembered Noah. Not that God had forgotten, as if He could forget—He “caused a wind to pass over the earth,” and the water began to subside. He let the eight know they had not been forgotten. How so? Hebrew uses the word “ruah” for wind. But it also means “breath,” and “spirit.” An ancient reader saw all three. Look at what that means: God caused a wind, a breath, a spirit to pass over the earth. The text tells us how the wind functioned. But the ancient reader also sees God’s breath, God’s spirit. And hears echoes of Creation. The “wind passing over the earth,” at this place in the story an earth covered in water. Change wind into spirit passing over the water, and we’re back at the formless and void of the beginning. And God’s breath? Above all the multitude drowned by the water, the eight living humans hear an echo of God giving the breath of life to humankind. God remembered Noah. The ancient reader hears the depth of that remembrance. The breath tells them God remembered the race whom He had given the kiss of life, remembered that He had created them. The spirit reassures them that God remembered they were alone on an endless sea, and that His creative power will be exercised on their behalf. The wind gives them tangible proof that the vast sea will not be truly endless: that dry land would appear again, that life would resume, that Lamech’s world was gone, and would not return. Yet something remained that “all the Flood’s great ocean,” could not wash away. The biblical author does not declare it, he demonstrates it. After the rains stopped, Noah sent out a Raven, which “flew here and there until the water was dried up from the earth.” Since the narrative later reveals that drying did not finish until more than eleven months would pass, what does this tell us? How did the Raven survive? Then we’re told that Noah sent out a dove, but the dove found no “no resting place for the sole of its foot, so it returned to him in the ark, for the water was on the surface of all the earth.” Two birds sent out. Only one returns. Telling them one immediately after the other, the author wants to tell us something. But what? How will we recognize it?
Read more...
Featured Stories
Whole Health Tips for Body, Mind and Spirit
– June 29, 2026
Have you ever monitored your health through numbers? Numbers on a scale, counting calories or tracking cholesterol can become very common when monitoring your health. While these measurements can be important, health is not a single metric. True health embraces a wholistic approach that considers every aspect of your well-being. AdventHealth’s whole-person care model recognizes that physical health, mental wellbeing and spiritual needs are deeply interconnected. Whole-person care means addressing all three aspects: caring for your body, strengthening your mind, and nurturing your spirit. When we focus on all areas, we’re better equipped to serve our families, thrive at work and support our communities. David Kennedy, vice president of mission and ministry in the Mid-America Region for AdventHealth echoed this sentiment saying, “We can’t feel whole unless all parts of us are healthy and well. Jesus modeled this for us in so many ways. Think of the paralytic who was brought to Him for healing. The first thing Jesus said to the man was, ‘Friend, your sins are forgiven.’ The man was being brought to be healed of a physical impairment, but Jesus saw him as a whole person. That man left his encounter with Jesus feeling whole—body, mind and spirit.” The most meaningful change often begins with small, consistent habits that are done with intention and supported by your care team, guided by what matters most to you. Caring for the body With new health trends, restrictive diets and conflicting information, it can be hard to separate fact from fiction. Health is not one size fits all and physical health is no exception. Nutrition is the foundation, followed by regular physical activity. Sustainable wellness is built on balance, and it may be helpful to experiment with different healthy routines and consult with your care team to discover what works best for your needs. It is also important to remember that nutritional needs vary by age, activity level, health history, day-to-day schedule and personal preferences. Nutrition Tips for All Ages Try to build a balanced plate with protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate, produce (fruits/vegetables) and healthy fats for most meals. Keep water accessible and sip throughout the day, especially with higher activity or warmer weather. Notice which meals leave you energized verses tired and adjust gradually. Healthy habits are important, and preventive care can help identify potential issues early. Annual wellness visits with a primary care provider are also a good time to review labs, medications or supplements, recommended screenings and any changes you’ve noticed in sleep or mood. Schedule an annual checkup with a primary care provider and keep a running list of questions. Bring your medication/supplement list to appointments to ensure safe coordination. Follow through on recommended screenings to address concerns early. Strengthening the mind Mental health is deeply connected to physical habits and daily rhythms. Movement, sleep and stress management can shape your mood and resilience. The most helpful routine is usually the one that feels realistic and sustainable, not the most intense plan. A study conducted at the AdventHealth Research Institute, led by Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., director of translational neuroscience at the AdventHealth Research Institute, showcased that everyday movement is connected to cognitive function. He shared, “The earlier we can positively influence the course of brain health the better off we’re likely to be in the long run.” Mind health tips Try a 10-minute walk, gentle stretching, or a short strength routine. A brief walk between tasks can help provide more mental clarity and reduce stress. Take part in a screen-free day or limit your screen time, especially before bed. Monitor your mood changes and reach out to your family, friends or to a professional for support. Brain health is influenced over time by everyday habits that include sleep quality, movement, stress management and mental engagement. Sleep supports memory, emotional regulation and sharper thinking the next day. Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule for most days of the week. Create a wind-down routine such as dimming the lights and pair with a calming activity such as reading, journaling or prayer Be mindful of late-day stimulants such as heavy meals close to bedtime which may disrupt sleep for some people. Nourishing the spirit Spiritual wellbeing gives depth and direction to whole health. Staying centered in Christ can offer steadiness and provide peace, purpose and a reminder that our worth isn’t measured by productivity or performance. “Daily practices are vital to maintaining peace and purpose in life, from exercise, to prayer, to reflection on Scripture,” says Kennedy. “Reading and reflecting on Scripture constantly reminds us of eternal truths that serve as an anchor. Prayer is a releasing of anxiety to God, who cares for us. It gives us the ability to rise above our challenges and see them in their proper perspective.” Daily spiritual health practices Begin the day with prayer, Scripture or a gratitude practice. Take micro-pauses such as slow breaths and short prayer before a meeting or after a stressful moment. Stay connected to community through worship, small groups and service activities as they strengthen spiritual resilience. Living a well-rounded and whole life Whole health is not about perfection but it grows through small, intentional choices repeated over time. These choices help you feel grounded, resilient and connected. If you’re not sure where to start, choose one small step in each category this week: Body: add one serving of produce per day or take a 10-minute walk after lunch. Mind: maintain a consistent bedtime or schedule one screen-free break. Spirit: start a two-minute morning prayer habit or write down three things you are grateful for each evening. At AdventHealth, community members of all ages can take part in classes and activities free of charge to help you live a whole life. Participate in cooking demos, become certified in Basic Life Support or take a class to learn how to support your loved ones. Get started by visiting: AdventHealth.com/Events For more health tips, visit: AdventHealth.com/Blogs
Read more...
Three Graduates From the Class of 2026 Share Their Union Experiences
– June 22, 2026
Gideon Logan As a graduating International Rescue and Relief and Biomedical Science double major, Gideon Logan’s time at Union offered him countless adventures. When first starting college, Logan planned on becoming an ecologist. Around the time he realized a career in habitat restoration would actually keep him in an office, he started taking IRR’s EMT class. While in the class, Logan recalls being left with a lot of questions. He was learning how to treat a variety of issues, but he wasn’t learning the root causes. His curiosity drew him to rethinking his path and deciding to become a doctor. During the IRR expedition in Malawi last year, he gained valuable first-hand experiences that confirmed his calling as a physician. “I did more than 100 hours of shadowing in clinical rotations,” Logan said. “I got to scrub in to assist with surgery. I had my first experience doing CPR on someone. I got to suture. I even delivered a couple babies … there’s a little boy in Mozambique named ‘Gideon’ after me. It was a really good experience.” Logan’s desire to be a compassionate person is very apparent. Whether it’s to be a listening ear or someone who offers wisdom-filled advice, Gideon’s primary goal is to be authentic and build real connections with people. Savannah Fortney, Logan’s fiancé, said, “When he worked as an EMT, he was known for not just getting the patient from point A to point B, but taking the time to hear their story and to get to know them even in a short ambulance ride. One thing that is pushing him to pursue this career path is the continued opportunity to get to know people who are hurting. He wants to be able to form relationships and trust with those that he interacts with.” Yann Birasa From his confident walk across campus, there is no indication in Yann Birasa’s relaxed stride that he hasn’t lived in the Midwest his whole life. Having grown up in Belgium and Rwanda, Nebraska wasn’t a place Birasa had ever intended to go. This changed, however, when his cousin told him about Maxwell Adventist Academy in Kenya. By attending an Adventist high school, Birasa’s life was turned around. Through God moments, he was baptized, and with a little help from Union’s own Pastor Rich Carlson, he made the decision to seek education across the ocean at Union. Before ever making it on campus, Birasa had been messaging his soon-to-be teammates on the men’s basketball team. Pastor Rich had connected him with men’s basketball coach Drew Mekelburg and students on the men’s team. Birasa said, “It felt like I was already on campus without even being on US territory. It was insane.” So when he showed up as a wide-eyed international student, he was able to settle in with a ready-made circle of friends. Now, everybody knows Birasa. From being a freshman on the basketball bench, to being voted SA president and even receiving a campus celebrity award at this year’s spring banquet, Yann has become an important leader on campus. He’s everywhere. Whether it’s up front giving speeches or exploring Lincoln with his friends, Birasa is always offering a hello and a smile. Graduating with a degree in business finance with a minor in psychology, Birasa is ready to take the next step of his life to Florida where he’ll be working for AdventHealth. He’s bringing with him a newfound love of golf, a mindset of curiosity and discovery, and an eagerness to explore the restaurants of Orlando. Birasa’s memories — the days spent with friends, the long hours on the bus with the basketball team, and the time enjoying every homemade chocolate chip cookie he could get his hands on — will stick with him for the rest of his life. While reflecting on his years spent on Nebraska soil, Birasa said, “The best part of Union is the people. The people let you come as you are. You can come from far, you can come with a different culture, you can come different, and the Union community welcomes you and understands you. Even though we are different, at the end of the day, we are all God’s children.” Kylie Wehling In seventh grade, Nebraska native Kylie Wehling sat with her dad at Union’s Friday night vespers. The chords of the song “Oceans” drifted across the sanctuary as the pianist’s hands glided along the piano keys. Her dad turned to whisper to her, “One day, you’re going to play like that up there.” Wehling remembers thinking how unbelievable that seemed, but at the same time praying that what her dad said would turn out to be true. Not long before that night, Wehling had suffered a massive hand and wrist injury. Shattered glass had severed nerves, tendons and arteries in her left hand, taking away her ability to play the instruments she loved. Creating music with the piano, cello and French horn now seemed impossible, and Wehling wondered how this was a part of God’s plan. Now a graduate from Union Adventist University, Wehling’s life has been filled with challenges, and with each one, her perspective grows. “I always go back to Scripture and have a solid, honest prayer with God,” she said. “Like, ‘hey, this kind of stinks. I failed, I hit a wall. I don’t know what You want me to do next. Lead me.’ And it kind of reframes my mindset that this is not necessarily a closed door, but an opportunity to go somewhere else until we walk into a different area that God has called us into.” Union ties run deep in the Wehling family, as does a commitment to the ministry of health care. Both of her parents, Dr. Merlin Wehling and Chere (Ray) Wehling, graduated from Union in 1997, and her brother, Caleb Wehling, graduated in 2024. While her brother followed in their mother’s footsteps to a career in nursing, Kylie is finishing her degree in biomedical science to follow her Read more…
Read more...
“IM Called” School of Evangelism: One Year Later A fire that couldn't be put out
– June 22, 2026
Nearly one year ago, a small group of church members walked through the doors of an Adventist Community Services building in Bridgeton, Missouri, with a shared conviction and more than a few nerves. They weren’t pastors or theologians. They were laypeople who felt the pull to do more—and had said yes to something that would change them. The Iowa-Missouri Conference’s IM Called School of Evangelism and Discipleship launched on June 23, 2025, and concluded last September. In the months since, the fruit of that first class has continued to grow: dozens of lives touched and a new congregation now meeting every Sabbath in Wentzville, Missouri. The idea began with a phone call. Conference president Lee Rochholz reached out to Pastor Jeremy Clark, who also serves as the conference’s Bible worker director, with a question that set everything in motion. “He basically asked me, ‘What if we could start a school of evangelism to help our laity go out in the field and win souls for God’s kingdom?'” Clark recalled. “The prayer is always for laborers. We thought, what can we do to encourage and grow that base?” Clark and co-instructor Rob Alfalla, the conference evangelist, designed the school around two pillars: theological depth and practical field experience. Classroom sessions ran on Mondays and Wednesdays, while Tuesdays and Thursdays sent students door to door across St. Louis neighborhoods in partnership with a local church. “Personal spirituality feeds everything else,” Alfalla said. “You could have every 28 fundamental belief memorized, but if you don’t have a relationship with Jesus, it doesn’t do anything.” Lives shaped—from both sides of the door Among the students whose stories stood out was Megan Cooper, whose path to Bible work was anything but conventional. After a decade of trafficking and exploitation, she was reached by a Christian agency called New Name, and later received a year of faithful weekly Bible studies from Elder Fred Schiller and his wife, Lynn, during Covid. “It’s just a beautiful thing to see how God can bring things full circle,” Cooper said. “It really prompted me to want to be a Bible worker myself.” By graduation, Cooper and her classmates had studied with people from different denominations, prayed for strangers at gas stations, and knocked on doors in neighborhoods that tested their courage. “Walking up to the door sometimes is hard,” one student said. “But I feel like I’ve gained more courage to do things.” Another recalled a return visit to a family who met them at the door with a smile, already waiting. “They were so happy to see us. That was just amazing.” A campaign in Wentzville—and a church taking root The school’s first year concluded with a Prophecies of Hope evangelistic campaign led by Alfalla in Wentzville, a growing community in the northwestern St. Louis metro area. The campaign reached people both through public meetings and through personal Bible studies conducted by the school’s students—resulting in 12 baptismal requests in total. By the final night, 24 guests had accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior, and five were baptized, joined by 19 who committed to a new small group that would become the seed of a worshiping congregation. As of May 2026, that group meets every Sabbath at a rented location in Wentzville, averaging 15 to 30 attendees. Each week includes a song, a prayer, and a small-group Bible study, while leadership searches for a more permanent home for the growing fellowship. “We want to plant churches. We want to take God’s Word out,” Clark said. “We want to start a fire that cannot be put out. If not now, when?” As IM Called approaches its one year anniversary, leadership is developing an “IM Called On The Road” model to bring training modules directly to congregations across the conference. “The harvest is great,” Alfalla said, “but the laborers are few.” Learn more, including information about future cohorts, at imsda.org/imcalled.
Read more...
Stewardship: It’s a Matter of Trust
– June 22, 2026
Some years ago, I was watching a father teach his daughter to swim. She was holding onto the ladder that descended into the water at the shallow end where she was clearly able to stand with her head above the water. He was in the pool behind her, his hands reassuringly on her shoulders. “Okay,” he said to her calmly, “let go of the ladder now. You can stand up.” “No!” she shouted. “I’ll go under the water!” “No, it’s very shallow, and you can stand. Besides, I am right here, and I have hold of you. Nothing can happen to you.” She was not convinced. “I won’t let go!” In his soft, soothing voice, Daddy patiently reasoned with her. “Remember when I taught you to ride a bike? I didn’t let you get hurt. Now you love to ride your bike. You will love to swim, too. But you can’t learn until you let go of the ladder.” She remained resolute, but silent. So, Daddy gave it one more try. “Don’t you trust me?” “I trust you, but I’m not letting go.” That ended the lesson. He told her they would try again another time and took her to the wading pool where she was much happier. That little girl was obviously scared of the deep water. However, I suspect her confidence grew as time went by, and by now she may have taught her own children to swim. It’s unlikely that she stayed stuck in her fears about the shallow end of the pool. If she really did trust her father, she learned to let go. Of course, you are way ahead of me now, but I hope you keep reading while I make the obvious point. If we truly do trust our Father, won’t we learn to let go when He says He will hold us up? Do you trust God enough to let go of tithes and offerings? You knew I was going to get to that, and you knew I was going to use this verse to support it. Mal. 3:10 tells us, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (NIV). I’m going to say something now that might sound really mean about that scared little girl holding the ladder in the pool. No matter what she said, she really didn’t trust her father. He may have proven himself with bicycles, his firm grip may have been familiar to her from when he ran beside her holding her onto the bike, and he may have told the truth about the depth of the water just like he told the truth about how to ride down the sidewalk, but she would not let go. Her fear was bigger than her trust, no matter what she claimed. I’m not trying to be unkind. In fact, listening to her fear, I could not help but feel a great deal of empathy for her. But there is a logical conclusion based on the evidence. In fact, it is an inevitable conclusion. In this case at least, almost up to her neck in water and her toes not quite touching the bottom of the pool, she did not truly trust her father. If we say that we trust God, but we don’t let go of what He claims as His, what is the logical conclusion based on this evidence? Has He not proven Himself trustworthy in our previous experiences with Him? Are His reassurances of blessings pouring out on us not believable? I hope you believe in the mission of your church; but if you do, that’s not the reason to return tithe. I hope you believe that all you own belongs to Him anyway and you are just a steward; but that’s not the reason to tithe. I hope you have peace knowing that God will not accuse you of robbery; but that’s not the reason to tithe. I hope that you are so grateful for all He has provided that you want to show how you feel through your gifts; but that is not the reason to tithe. Well, okay, those are some good reasons. Pretty good anyway. But let’s get down to the heart of it: God doesn’t need your money any more than that daddy needed his little girl to let go of the ladder. But he was there beside her, encouraging and reassuring her, because he wanted her life to expand into a whole new experience that would provide her with a lifetime of enjoyment. But that was impossible if she didn’t trust him enough to let go. The real reason to tithe is a matter of trust. Letting go is not about supporting the work, or understanding ownership, or peace, or even gratitude. Letting go is about trusting. Doug Inglish is RMC vice president for administration and stewardship director.
Read more...