Adventist News
-
Hands-on Training Empowers 250 Hispanic Lay Leaders at Denver South and Grand Junction
– October 1, 2026The Rocky Mountain Conference’s Hispanic ministries department focused on equipping local church leaders by hosting two Spanish‑language lay leadership training events that drew more than 250 attendees across consecutive Sabbaths. The seminars, held at Denver South Hispanic Church and Grand Junction Church, brought together deacons, elders, treasurers, clerks, ministry coordinators and pastors for a full day of practical instruction and hands-on learning. Designed to strengthen every level of local church leadership, the training covered a wide range of responsibilities from financial stewardship and church governance to pastoral care, worship coordination and community engagement. Pastors from across the conference partnered with departmental leaders to teach the sessions, ensuring that participants received both theological grounding and real‑world guidance tailored to the needs of Hispanic congregations. For many attendees, the investment in leadership development was deeply appreciated. Rafael Subervi, treasurer of the Denver South Hispanic Church, expressed gratitude for the department’s commitment to keeping leaders informed and empowered. He noted that the training offered “cutting‑edge information” that helps congregations operate more effectively and ultimately thrive in their mission. The impact of the seminars was immediate for some churches. Moises Juares, a leader from the Aurora Hispanic Church, shared that after conversations with Julio Diaz, lead pastor of Denver South Hispanic Church, their church board had already begun implementing several of the ideas introduced during the sessions. “We didn’t want to wait,” he said. “These tools are practical, and we knew they would help our ministries right away.” One of the most talked‑about segments of the training was the communion bread‑making class, led by Michael and Alicia Shannon. The workshop blended tradition, reverence and practice, giving members the opportunity to learn how to prepare unleavened bread for their local services. The class proved so popular that the Shannons found themselves running out of supplies. Laughing afterward, they remarked, “We’ll have to bring more next time,” a sign of both the enthusiasm in the room and the growing desire among members to participate more fully in the life of their churches. For Hispanic ministries, that enthusiasm is exactly the goal. By offering accessible, high‑quality training across the conference, leaders hope to ensure that every member—regardless of their role—feels equipped, confident and supported. With strong turnout, positive feedback, and immediate application in local congregations, these seminars are strengthening lay leadership throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference. Jose Briones is a stewardship promotion and content creator in the Rocky Mountain Conference.
-
Central States Conference Hosts First Hispanic Pathfinder Camporee
– October 1, 2026Last May, a total of 103 campers gathered at Woodland Acres, a campground in Nebraska, to participate in the First Hispanic Pathfinder Camporee of the Central States Conference. Under the theme “Nehemiah: Moving Forward by Faith,” Pathfinders, leaders, volunteers and families shared a weekend filled with spiritual growth, Christian fellowship, learning and adventure. The planning, organization, and overall coordination of the event was led by Irma Orellano (Viki), general camporee director and associate Pathfinder director of the Central States Conference. Together with the club directors, staff members, and numerous volunteers, she worked tirelessly to make this historic first Hispanic camporee a reality for the four clubs who attended. Programming included raising and lowering the United States flag, prayers, recitation of the Pathfinder Pledge and Law, singing the Pathfinder song, and spiritual message presented by Cristian Valdez Throughout the camporee, numerous spiritual, educational, and recreational activities also took place. Among them was the Bible competition “Guardians of the Wall,” based on the story of Nehemiah. Pathfinders also enjoyed treasure hunts, marching drills and exercises, campfire building, outdoor cooking, knot tying and lashing. Meals were prepared in each club’s campsite area by faithful parents and volunteers. One of the most notable competitions was the campsite gateway contest. All clubs constructed creative and well-designed entrances, demonstrating dedication and teamwork. In addition, inspections of uniforms, tents, kitchens, and campsite areas were conducted. The scores earned during these inspections were combined with attendance and punctuality at scheduled activities to determine the Best Camp award. Among the favorite activities was the Roman Chariot Challenge, directed by Aylin Rosales. Teams built a chariot using poles and ropes with proper lashing techniques. After completing the construction, one team member rode on the chariot while the others propelled it toward the finish line. Judges evaluated both the quality of the lashings and the condition of the chariot at the end of the course. Another exciting activity was the Gymkhana, coordinated by Klever Mendoza. The Pathfinders faced a series of physical and mental challenges that included balance, speed, climbing, problem-solving, and teamwork. One of the most memorable moments occurred on Saturday night. Following the social games, a weather alert warned of an approaching thunderstorm with the possibility of hail and strong winds. For safety reasons, Sister Viki made the decision to suspend the activities and instructed the clubs to secure their campsites and gather a few essential belongings. All participants were then moved to the pavilion designated as a shelter, where they remained while the storm passed. Thanks to the protection of our loving God, there were no injuries. The closing ceremony took place on Sunday afternoon. During the program, participants joined in praise and worship, reflected on the spiritual lessons learned throughout the weekend, and received awards and recognition for the various competitions and activities. In addition, the theme for the next Hispanic Pathfinder Camporee of the Central States Conference was announced: “Defeating Giants,” inspired by the biblical story of David. Pastor Tomás de Gives, CSC Hispanic ministries coordinator, expressed words of gratitude and appreciation to all who made the event possible, especially recognizing the leadership and dedication of Sister Viki. The program concluded with a prayer of thanksgiving to God for His protection and blessings throughout the weekend. The organizers extend special appreciation to the camporee staff: Master Guide Cendy Perez, Kevin Castro, Irving Castro, Kristin Castro, Master Guide Cristian Castro, and Lorena Castro, as well as the many parents, volunteers, church members and supporters who served selflessly. Their dedication was essential to the success of this historic gathering. Ian Francis is Pathfinder director for the Central States Conference.
-
OUTLOOK 2026 Survey Results
– September 24, 2026A total of 102 participants from our six local conferences responded to the “Help Shape the Future of OUTLOOK” survey, providing feedback on the future direction of OUTLOOK magazine, OUTLOOKmag.org, and the Mid-America Union e-Newsletter. Thank you to those who mailed in their responses and took the survey online. Takeaways Readers showed strong interest in spiritual growth, evangelism, health and wellness, community outreach, leadership training, and youth-focused content. Participants consistently requested practical, mission-focused, and inspirational content that supports local church ministry. Many respondents asked for evangelism ideas, downloadable resources, youth engagement tools, and stories highlighting small churches and behind-the-scenes ministry leaders. Strong Interest in Health Content Survey participants expressed significant interest in a regular “Health” section in the OUTLOOK print magazine, supporting expanded health and wellness storytelling and partnerships with health-focused ministries. Website Priorities (OUTLOOKmag.org) The most requested website improvements included searchable article archives, topic organization, conference-based story organization, short videos, and downloadable resources. Newsletter Preference Most respondents preferred receiving the OUTLOOK e-Newsletter once a month. Written Responses Readers repeatedly asked for: More evangelism and outreach ideas Practical ministry resources Inspiration for local church mission More youth and family-focused content Recognition of small churches and lay members Strong biblical and spiritually grounded content One respondent summarized the overall sentiment well: “I am inspired by the outreach that is happening, and it gives me ideas for my own outreach.” We Welcome Your Feedback At OUTLOOK, we value hearing from our readers. If you have ideas, story suggestions, feedback, or ministry highlights to share, please contact us anytime at: info@outlookmag.org
-
2026 OUTLOOK Middle & High School Essay Contest Amazon Gift Card and scholarship will be awarded to winner
– September 20, 2026OUTLOOK magazine is excited to announce the 2026 LouAnn Howard Student Essay Contest, formerly known as the OUTLOOK Student Writers Contest. The contest has been renamed in honor of LouAnn Howard and her many years of service to Seventh-day Adventist education. Her commitment to students and Christian education reflects the purpose of this contest: encouraging young people to grow, develop their talents and share their voices. Now in its fifth year, the contest is open to middle and high school students attending Adventist schools throughout the Mid-America Union. Who Can Enter? Seventh-day Adventist students in middle or high school who are currently enrolled in a Mid-America Union Adventist school during the 2026–2027 school year. Pick a Topic(s) about Adventist Education: How has Adventist Education deepened your faith in Jesus? How has it helped your relationship with Christ grow? What role has your school played in connecting you to your church community? Share a story about a teacher, chaplain, or friend at your school who has strengthened your walk with Christ. How has your school helped you build spiritual habits (prayer, Bible study, service)? What is one lesson you’ve learned in Adventist Education that will stay with you for life? In what ways does Adventist Education prepare you to live your values in real life? How has Adventist Education shaped your goals for the future? What difference do you think your school experience has made compared to a non-Adventist school? How will you carry the values of Adventist Education into your career, relationships, and future church life? What Are the Judges Looking For? We want students to know what makes a strong entry. Essays will be judged on the following: Word Count: Essays should be 600–650 words. Clear Writing: Ideas should be easy to understand and sentences should communicate the writer’s thoughts clearly. Organization: The essay should have a clear beginning and flow naturally from one idea to the next. Creativity: We want to hear your voice. Look for an interesting and personal way to tell your story. Strong Theme: The essay should have a main idea that remains clear throughout the article. Sources: Each essay must include at least one academic source and one spiritual source, such as a Bible verse or a religious author. Sources should support the ideas in the essay rather than simply being added to meet the requirement. Photo: Include a photo of yourself or an image that helps illustrate your article. Deadline: Entries must be received by October 19, 2026. A Note About Artificial Intelligence One purpose of the LouAnn Howard Student Essay Contest is to help students develop the basic skills of good writing—forming ideas, organizing thoughts, choosing words, revising their work and developing their own voice. For this reason, we strongly discourage the use of artificial intelligence to write or rewrite contest entries. Teachers, parents and others may provide guidance and feedback, but the ideas, words and final essay should reflect the student’s own work and voice. Prizes 1st Place: $100 Amazon gift card plus $300 applied to the Adventist school of the student’s choice. 2nd Place: $75 Amazon gift card plus $200 applied to the Adventist school of the student’s choice. 3rd Place: $25 Amazon gift card plus a $100 Adventist school tuition scholarship. Winning articles will be featured in OUTLOOK magazine and on OUTLOOKmag.org. Submission Please email your article and photo to Hugh Davis, hugh.davis@maucsda.org OUTLOOK publisher. Past Winners The 2022 winner was Jesse Campbell from College View Academy within the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. The 2023 winners were Annika Swanson-Lane from Maplewood Academy and Camron Miranda, Midland Adventist Academy. The 2024 winners were Nolice Matumano from Sunnydale Adventist Academy and Damaris Lopez, Campion Academy. The 2025 winners were Evie Lange from Campion Academy, Isabella Becker from College View Academy, and Eden Henton from College View Academy. Subscribe to the Mid-America Union OUTLOOK e-newsletter to be one of the first to know who the winners will be!
Blogs
-
I Thought I Would Have to Marry Him Glass Children — Part 6
– October 1, 2026Mom almost never had time to sit on the yard swing, but one afternoon when I was five she was sitting on it with me. I had been thinking about something for a while. Heavy thinking for a five-year-old. I had worked something out and had been carrying it around. That day I told her. I said I thought I was going to have to marry Rick, because nobody else would, and he was going to need help. She answered as though I had asked her something entirely ordinary. She said no, I would not have to marry Rick, but I would need to take care of him. What a five-year-old knows about love A five-year-old’s mind has no category for a person who stays with you and looks after you your whole life except a husband or a wife. That was the only shape I knew. Caregiving had already moved into the place where other children keep their ideas about love. My mother was not going to lie to me, and I would not want a mother who did. He was going to need help as long as he lived, and the people who would be there longest were going to be the two of us. She did not know of any other way. It was my job Nobody asked me for a promise and I did not offer one. What happened was smaller and much more permanent: I was told how it was going to be, and I accepted it, the way a child accepts most anything. It was simply my job, from the time I was five. The future was decided It was often discussed as a far in the future time. I would share my children with him. He would get to have a normal life through mine: my family, my holidays, my house. It was said kindly and it was said often. It seemed idyllic. No other options were ever considered. No way out We care for the weak, we look after our own, we put others ahead of ourselves. Those are not distortions of Christianity. They are Christianity, and I still believe them. Which is exactly why this is hard to write. As a good Christian girl, and as the sibling of someone with a disability, I had no way out of what had been decided. The duty and the virtue had been fused. Reconsidering was not a question about my life. It was a question about what kind of Christian woman I was. When it came due Three decades later, the time came for Rick to move into my home. I knew before he arrived that it would be very difficult. Some of the reasons were obvious. The only way into our house was up a flight of stairs — not wheelchair accessible at all. I was raising four children, my oldest twelve and my youngest five. And I was in nursing school. I saw no way out, so I said nothing. Not to my parents, not to my husband, not to friends or family. I needed everyone around me to stay positive, because I knew it was going to be far harder than any of them understood. At that same time our mother was ill, and my sister Sheryl and her family took both our parents into their home. Our other two siblings were not in a position to help. Which meant there was nobody to tell. I held it by myself for years, and the five-year-old on the swing would have recognized the reasoning exactly. Almost none of us were asked This is not rare. It is nearly universal among glass children. We carry the questions with us, often from a young age. What happens to him when our parents are gone? How much of my life is already spoken for? Am I allowed to want anything that does not have him in it? Almost none of us were asked whether we wanted to. Most of us do not talk about, for the same reason I did not. Surrounded by people I could not tell, there was One who knew. Before a word is on my tongue you know it completely.(Psalm 139:4) He did not need me to find the words. He had already heard them. If you are carrying something that was decided for you before you were old enough to weigh it, you are allowed to look at it now, as an adult, in daylight. Deciding to carry it differently is not the same as failing to love. Lord, You have heard everything we never managed to say. Where the load was handed to us before we could weigh it, give us the courage to look at it honestly now — and to know that You have never once mistaken our silence for consent. Amen. Next time: what our playing was actually for. (Click here to see the 1st in this series.)
-
What Genealogies Tell Us XI A matching chain on the other side
– September 30, 2026Just 9 verses into Genesis Chapter 11 and we have a new problem. The flood had washed away the sinful culture and resulted in a renewed creation. But this hopeful renewed creation is followed by a renewed fall when Noah becomes drunk and a renewed rebellion when Nimrod founds a city instead of dispersing to fill the earth with life. The reader asks the question, “What now?” God had used godly Noah to help deliver humanity—and all animal life—through the destruction of the flood. But now that deliverer and many of his offspring have fallen and, except for the intervention of capital punishment, are headed on to another sinful broken culture. Noah served his purpose, but it was rescue and not restoration. The earth begins falling back into its old ways of rebellion. And we are immediately confronted not with an obvious solution, but with another genealogy, and one that begins in a very odd way. “These are the records of the generations of Shem. Shem was a hundred years old when he fathered Arpachshad, two years after the flood.” The pattern for this genealogy looks very much like the pattern for the genealogy in chapter 5, that is to say, a man lives a certain number of years and has a son, and then he lives more years and dies. But in Genesis 5 we don’t know where the 130 years of Adam’s life begin. Genesis 11:10 leaves no doubt when Shem’s life began. Two years after the flood Shem fathers Arpachshad. And he was 100 years old at that point. That would have made Shem 98 years old when the flood began. Since Noah is said to have fathered all three when he was 500, Shem cannot have been the oldest, yet he was listed first. This new genealogy explains why: Shem is not the firstborn, but since this genealogy begins with him, he matters most — through him the godly line continues. We also see more mirroring taking place here. The last name in the first genealogy in Genesis 5, Noah, breaks the chain pattern by linking not to the next generation but to the flood. Shem does the same thing here. He is not linked to his father, Noah, but to the flood. This genealogy moves undisturbed from the first generation mentioned, Shem, to the 9th generation, Terah, and there the pattern in this genealogy breaks — but it mirrors the first one in an odd way. Terah lives 70 years and has three sons all at once apparently, mirroring what happened in Noah’s case, the 10th generation of the first genealogy. And once again, from other sources we know that the first one listed, Abram, is not the first one born—but it is through him the godly line continues. This genealogy has much more to tell us, but we already have arrived at the answer to our question that began this post. What is God going to do? The answer this gives us is simple: Abram. How do we know that this is true? That’s the topic for next time.
-
#TuesdayTalk: The Mission Trip that Costs Nothing How the largest mission field is in our pocket, and it's free.
– September 29, 2026So you want to be a student missionary, but fundraising didn’t go well. So you want to be a long-term missionary, but your family doesn’t want you to leave the country. So you’re tired of the fundraising letters from missionaries and missionary groups heading into a life you wish you were living. You can do something about it. Recent data puts smartphone use at 70% globally. That’s almost 6 billion people on the planet with smartphones in their pockets (what are we kidding… their hands) right now. Many say that more people have access to the gospel than ever before in Earth’s existence, and I’ve realized something. While that’s true, we too often equate “the gospel” with some program, Bible verse, Bible study, Christian community, or campaign. Yes, more people have access to Christian programs than ever before, through smartphones. But what we don’t often recognize is that more people than ever before in Earth’s history have access to Christians more than ever before, more so even than Christian programs, content, and campaigns. An estimated 2.5 billion smartphone users worldwide are Christians. That’s almost half of all smartphone users. What if we used that to our advantage? What if we used smartphones not as a way to ask people for money for our mission trip, but to BE our mission trip? At the Missouri Fall Camporee this weekend, I spoke briefly about our smartphones, recalling a TikTok I had seen where a teacher likened her school year to a 9-month mission trip, and it changed her outlook on her job entirely. I challenged the Pathfinders, asking, “What would it be like if you treated your school year as a 9-month mission trip? What if our staff and Pathfinders treated the Pathfinder year like that?” It would be life-changing, no? So, raising our phones in the air, we had a prayer for them. Pastor Jef, our conference youth director, prayed that our phones would be used for God’s glory, and many, though probably not all, raised their phones high into the air. Did we feel anything right away? Probably not. Did God hear our prayer? Absolutely. Did He see the phones raised? No doubt. Will He use them? I believe He will and is. It may seem insignificant, but these phones are the most important things in many of our lives (I cringe at using the word ‘our,’ but it’s true). For young people, it connects them with everything and everyone that’s important to them. There is an app for every aspect of their social life, likely their job, and certainly their schooling. Ask a young person if they have a spiritual app on their phone. If not, that speaks volumes because everything important to them lives on their phone. Start praying that they will see spiritual things on their phone that will make it important to them. Because it’s the world they live in! So, parents, in the same way you may pray for your child’s future, their significant others, their friends, and teachers, pray for their phones. Pray God will use the phones for His glory. Pray they will see God reflected in Christians all over the app, and that Christians on the internet will start reflecting God’s love and using their platforms for His glory. Here is a prayer to get started. Dear Heavenly Father, I know You are the King of all. You know what is happening in my heart and in the hearts of my children, and I pray that You will speak to them directly by all means. Use their smartphones, their apps, timelines, feeds, and DMs. Let them see Christian content and God’s love reflected there, so much so that growing closer to You feels like the natural next step. Then, God, let their phone use also be for Your glory, bringing others to Your feet as well. We thank You, Father, for technology, but ask that You guard our hearts and minds against overuse, apathy, and other dangers. Help us to always stay connected with Your Kingdom and with You, whether on our smartphones or in our churches and communities. We want to be near You, God. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
-
The Teacher’s Notes–The Creator Speaks, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 4Q, "The Gift of Prophecy"
– September 26, 2026Sabbath School Lesson for September 26-October 2, 2026 Introduction of Lesson 1, The Creator Speaks Memory Text: “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.” Hebrews 1:1, 2 NKJV In our modern world of technology, we are able to communicate digitally with those far away. God has also found alternative ways to reach us with His message of love and salvation, since we are now so far apart from Him. As mentioned in Hebrews 1:1-2, He has found faithful prophets who have agreed to speak His words to us. He even went so far as to send His Son in human form, so we could more easily see and understand how to please Him. God has an overwhelming desire to communicate with His fallen, created beings. He longs to have a relationship with us, despite our unfortunate disobedience that made face-to-face interaction impossible. Thankfully, He has promised that there will be gifted messengers, right up to the end of the world when Jesus returns to this earth (Joel 2:28). We long for the time of our full restoration, when we can converse in person with our loving Creator as Adam and Eve originally did in the Garden of Eden. This week, we’ll explore… Sunday: Communication in Eden Monday: Hiding From God Tuesday: God Seeks Humanity Wednesday: Expelled From the Garden Thursday: God’s Spokespeople Friday: Ellen G. White Sunday: Communication in Eden The first few chapters of Genesis reveal the close relationship God had with Adam and Eve before the Fall. Originally, they enjoyed direct contact with their Maker–walking with Him in the cool of the day, receiving instruction on how to care for the Garden, and enjoying the Sabbath together as a celebration of the Creation of their special world. The first social institution was the marriage of Adam and Eve. The families they would create would fill the world with those who would love God, and walk and talk face-to-face with Him just as the first couple had. However, Satan has attacked every gift God designed to bring happiness to the human family. This includes marriage, the Sabbath, and many other gifts, including His messengers, the prophets. Verses for reflection and discussion: Genesis 1:27, 28, 2:15-17, and 3:9 What kind of communication did God have with Adam and Eve in the beginning? What did God’s effort to find them tell us about God? What kind of God is He? Monday: Hiding From God In order to have beings who truly love Him, God has to give them freedom of choice. Love that is forced isn’t really love at all. Just a hollow substitute. Therefore, Adam and Eve were given a test, an opportunity to show how much they loved and trusted God. This was done by restricting them from the fruit of one tree in the Garden. God warned them specifically not to eat fruit from the forbidden tree. But unfortunately, the first couple failed the test, bringing them instant feelings of shame and guilt when they discovered that they were naked, without the garment of light that represented God’s presence (Psalm 104:1, 2). The sad pair attempted to sew fig leaves together to cover themselves, hiding from the presence of God as much as they could. We, too, attempt to make ourselves righteous by our own works and run away from God, instead of repenting and letting His righteousness cover us. Eventually, we discover that it’s impossible to hide from God. Verses for reflection and discussion: Genesis 3:1-8, Jeremiah 23:24, and Hebrews 4:13 What motivated Adam and Eve to cover themselves and hide from God? Why is it useless to hide from God? Tuesday: God Seeks Humanity Throughout the Bible, we find examples of God searching for us, calling out to us, and trying to convey His undying love. In the Garden of Eden, God searched for Adam and Eve and had a serious conversation with them. He described the appalling situation that sin had caused, but included a glimmer of hope for their future (Genesis 3:15). Several parables Jesus told were about finding something that was lost. There were the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and even the lost son. See Luke 15. Peter, the disciple who denied His Lord three times, was an example of someone who was lost and later found by God (Luke 21). God continues to search for broken, sinful human beings in our world today. We are encouraged to see the many changed lives that are evidence that His efforts and ours to find each other can be successful. Verses for reflection and discussion: Genesis 3:9-10 and Luke 15:11-32 Why does God search for us as shown in the case of Adam and Eve and the parable of the prodigal (wasteful) son? How can we make it easier for God to find us? Jeremiah 29:13 Why is our searching for Him also important? What motivated the prodigal son to go searching for his father? Why does our motivation matter in finding God? Or does it? Wednesday: Expelled From the Garden As Adam and Eve discovered, their death did not occur immediately after eating the forbidden fruit. The most immediate result was their loss of close communion with God. As Isaiah 59:2 points out, “your iniquities have separated you from your God”. Adam and Eve’s separation included their expulsion from the Garden of Eden. This had been a place where face-to-face interaction with God had occurred, but also where the tree of life was available. One of their cruelest punishments must have been leaving such a beautiful setting. Their existence in an unfamiliar world of sin showed them the true effects of disobedience. Adam must work harder, and Eve would suffer heavily in childbirth. Their happy, trusting relationship as husband and wife was never <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-the-creator-speaks-lesson-1/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–The Creator Speaks, Lesson 1 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 4Q, “The Gift of Prophecy”“>Read more…
Featured Stories
-
Faith Mode “ON” inspira a jóvenes hispanos de toda la Unión de Mid-America
– October 1, 2026Faith Mode “ON” inspira a jóvenes hispanos de toda la Unión de Mid-America Para Christian González, hubo un momento durante el Congreso de Jóvenes Hispanos de Mid-America 2026 que confirmó que el fin de semana había logrado exactamente aquello por lo que los organizadores habían estado orando. “Teníamos cuatro días para impactar la vida de los jóvenes”, dijo González, presidente de la Federación Hispana de Iowa-Missouri. “Para algunos de ellos, era la primera vez que escuchaban hablar de Jesús, leían la Biblia o incluso oraban”. Mientras el pastor Gustavo Squarzon invitaba a los jóvenes a entregar sus vidas a Cristo, González observó cómo muchos respondían al llamado del Espíritu Santo, entre ellos un amigo que asistía al congreso por primera vez. “Fue entonces cuando supe que habíamos alcanzado nuestro objetivo”, dijo González. Esa misma experiencia se repitió a lo largo del fin de semana, cuando más de 400 jóvenes hispanos de toda la Unión de Mid-America se reunieron para el Congreso de Jóvenes Hispanos 2026 bajo el lema “Faith Mode ON”. A través de la adoración, mensajes inspiradores de fe, música, recreación y compañerismo, los asistentes fueron animados a fortalecer su relación con Jesús y a mantener activa su fe mucho después de regresar a casa. Roberto Correa, director de Ministerios Multilingües de la Unión de Mid-America, desafió a los jóvenes a mantener su fe “encendida” todos los días, no solo durante un evento de fin de semana. “Cuando nuestra fe es fuerte, cuando está conectada, nos prepara para cualquier desafío que enfrentemos en nuestras vidas”, dijo Correa. Al concluir el congreso, animó a los asistentes a regresar a sus hogares con la seguridad de que son especiales, que Dios tiene un plan para sus vidas y que los necesita para cumplir su misión. Durante todo el fin de semana, el pastor Squarzon desafió a los jóvenes a reconocer las presiones que compiten por su atención y su fe. Uno de los desafíos que más le preocupan, señaló, es que “el mundo los distrae y les ofrece demasiadas alternativas. Esas cosas son atractivas porque les hablan de dinero, éxito y fama”. También desafió a las iglesias a responder mejor a las necesidades de la generación actual para que puedan apoyar a los jóvenes mientras crecen en su relación con Cristo. Conexiones Un mensaje en particular tuvo un profundo impacto en González. Durante uno de los sermones, Squarzon preguntó: “¿Puedes imaginar lo que podría suceder con una generación conectada?”. “Mi mente comenzó a pensar en todas las cosas que somos capaces de hacer como jóvenes”, dijo González. “Fue entonces cuando supe que tenía que esforzarme más y entregar más mi corazón a Jesús para que Él pudiera usarme”. Los mensajes no terminaron cuando concluyeron los sermones. Durante todo el fin de semana, los jóvenes continuaron respondiendo a través de la música y la adoración. Un equipo juvenil de alabanza dirigió a la congregación en adoración, mientras que Conexión Cielo compartió música cada noche. Fue durante una de esas noches cuando ocurrió algo inesperado. Inspirada por la promesa de Dios a Pablo, “Bástate mi gracia”, una joven llamada Roisbel reunió el valor para preguntar si podía cantar con Conexión Cielo. Aunque nunca había conocido al grupo, sus integrantes la recibieron, ensayaron con ella y la invitaron a acompañarlos en la adoración. Para Roisbel, la experiencia nunca se trató de una presentación. “Me encanta cantar, pero siempre me recuerdo a mí misma de que no canto para que la gente me vea”, dijo. “Oro para que cualquier cosa que cante pueda conectar a alguien con Dios. No me importa si la gente recuerda mi nombre. Si recuerdan cómo la canción tocó sus vidas, eso es todo lo que necesito”. Su testimonio reflejó uno de los mensajes centrales del fin de semana: Dios puede usar a personas comunes que están dispuestas a dar un paso adelante con fe. Algo más grande El fin de semana también brindó a los jóvenes oportunidades para establecer relaciones fuera del salón de reuniones. Los torneos de voleibol y fútbol reunieron a participantes de diferentes asociaciones, colocándolos intencionalmente en equipos mixtos en lugar de agruparlos únicamente con personas que ya conocían. Los juegos concluyeron el sábado por la noche con los partidos de campeonato, pero el objetivo principal era ayudar a los jóvenes a conocerse, trabajar juntos y experimentar la unidad de la Unión de Mid-America más allá de sus iglesias locales. “Este fin de semana fue importante porque les recordó a nuestros jóvenes que forman parte de algo mucho más grande que su iglesia local”, dijo Citlany Garrido, presidenta de la Federación Hispana de Minnesota. “Ver a cientos de jóvenes hispanos de toda la Unión de Mid-America adorar, servir, aprender y formar amistades juntos fue un poderoso recordatorio de que somos una sola familia en Cristo”. Garrido dijo que vio a jóvenes salir de su zona de confort, crecer espiritualmente y regresar a casa con un compromiso renovado de servir a Dios y compartir su amor con los demás. “Si alguien me preguntara por qué este fin de semana fue importante, simplemente diría: porque hubo vidas impactadas”, dijo. “Se plantaron semillas de fe, se formaron amistades y los jóvenes se fueron sabiendo que Dios los ama y que tienen un lugar importante en su misión”. Israel Lara, representante de la Federación de Central States, describió el fin de semana como un tiempo de paz y renovación de la fe. “A medida que avanzaba cada parte del programa, podía sentir una paz especial que poco a poco llenaba mi corazón y me acercaba más a Dios”, dijo. “Me recordó que todo lo que tenemos en este mundo es pasajero, pero nuestra relación con Dios es lo que verdaderamente permanece”. Añadió que eventos como el congreso juvenil motivan a los jóvenes a formar amistades, fortalecer su fe y animarse unos a otros mientras continúan siguiendo a Cristo.
-
Helping Deaf People Know and Love Jesus
– October 1, 2026For millions of Deaf people around the world, the greatest barrier to the gospel isn’t unwillingness—it’s access. Many hearing Christians think first about the accommodations Deaf people may need. But Amanda Colgan, director of Three Angels Deaf Ministries (3ADM), believes that view can miss something essential. “The Deaf community isn’t defined by what’s missing,” Colgan explained during a recent conversationwith OUTLOOK. “It is a cultural and linguistic identity.” That distinction matters. Many Deaf people see themselves as part of a vibrant community with its own language, traditions and history. American Sign Language (ASL) is not simply English translated through hand motions. It is a complete language with its own grammar, sentence structure and unique ways of expressing ideas. Understanding that reality is at the heart of Three Angels Deaf Ministries. Named after the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, the ministry exists to ensure that Deaf people can experience the gospel in a language that speaks to both their minds and hearts. Enormous need Colgan estimates that roughly 98 percent of Deaf people worldwide have had little opportunity to know Jesus, often because they have not had access to the gospel in a language they fully understand. ASL is a visual language that uses movement, facial expression and space to communicate meaning. When the Bible is shared directly in ASL, Deaf people can engage with its stories and teachings in the language they know best. For Colgan, that conviction is deeply personal. She grew up in a Christian home, but faith was not part of daily life. Her family went to church mainly on Christmas and Easter. There, she often felt like she was in a fishbowl—present but unable to follow what was being preached. She had never read the Bible for herself. At 21, a friend shared about Jesus praying in Gethsemane. Wanting to know more, Colgan bought her first Bible and began to read. “It was indescribable,” she recalled. “As I read, I felt an incredible thirst to learn more about God.” Soon afterward she met Deaf pastor Paul Kelly, who gave her Bible studies. Those studies eventually led to her baptism—and to a lifetime of ministry sharing the same hope with others. Today, 3ADM shares the gospel with Deaf people through Bible studies, resources, outreach and discipleship training. Through its Deaf Bible School, people can take Bible lessons created for Deaf learners by mail or online. They can also study the Bible by videophone with Deaf Bible teachers. The ministry publishes books in Clear, Easy English, creates Bible-based videos in ASL and produces The Deaf Messenger, an outreach quarterly magazine. It also trains lay members to give Bible studies and meets Deaf people through outreach booths at Deaf expos. A place to belong But Colgan believes churches themselves also have an important role to play. Too often, she says, churches assume that providing an interpreter is enough. “Access is essential,” she explained, “but access alone isn’t belonging.” True inclusion means inviting Deaf members into the life of the congregation—not simply providing information, but encouraging them to teach, lead, serve and build relationships alongside everyone else. One story continues to motivate Colgan. Years ago, a young Deaf girl at camp hesitated to pray because she believed God could not understand sign language. Deeply moved, Colgan said, “God understands every language—American Sign Language too.” That simple truth continues to drive the mission of Three Angels Deaf Ministries: To watch the complete conversation with Amanda Colgan of Three Angels Deaf Ministries and Dexter Thomas of Christian Record Services, visit the OUTLOOK YouTube channel and watch From Disabilities to Possibilities | Stories of Faith, Access & Belonging. The discussion explores how churches can remove barriers, create belonging and help ensure that no one is left out of the gospel. To learn more about Three Angels Deaf Ministries or support its mission, visit 3adm.org.
-
Faith Mode “ON” Inspires Hispanic Youth Across Mid-America
– October 1, 2026For Christian Gonzalez, one moment during the 2026 Mid-America Hispanic Youth Congress confirmed that the weekend had accomplished exactly what organizers had prayed for. “We had four days to impact the lives of young people,” said Gonzalez, president of the Iowa-Missouri Hispanic Federation. “For some of them, it was the first time they had heard of Jesus, read their Bibles or even prayed.” As Pastor Gustavo Squarzon invited young people to surrender their lives to Christ, Gonzalez watched many respond to the Holy Spirit’s call—including a friend attending the congress for the very first time. “That’s when I knew we had accomplished our goal,” Gonzalez said. That same experience was shared throughout the weekend as more than 400 Hispanic young people from across the Mid-America Union gathered for the 2026 Hispanic Youth Congress under the theme Faith Mode “ON.” Through worship, faith-inspiring messages, music, recreation and fellowship, attendees were encouraged to strengthen their relationship with Jesus and keep their faith active long after returning home. Mid-America Union multilingual ministries director Roberto Correa challenged young people to keep their faith “switched on” every day—not just during a weekend event. “When our faith is strong, when it’s connected, it prepares us for any challenges we face in our lives,” Correa said. As the congress concluded, he encouraged attendees to return home with the assurance that they are special, that God has a plan for their lives and that He needs them in His mission. Throughout the weekend, Pastor Squarzon challenged young people to recognize the pressures competing for their attention and their faith. One concerning challenge, he stated, is that “the world distracts them and offers them too many alternatives. Those things are attractive because they speak of money, success and fame.” He also challenged churches to become more relevant to the needs of today’s generation so they can better support young people as they grow in their relationship with Christ. Connections One message especially resonated with Gonzalez. During one sermon, Squarzon asked, “Can you imagine what could happen with a connected generation?” “My mind started thinking about many things we are capable of as young people,” Gonzalez said. “That’s when I knew I had to strive harder and give my heart more to Jesus so He could use me.” The messages didn’t end when the sermons were over. Throughout the weekend, young people continued responding through music and worship. A youth praise team led the congregation in worship, while Conexión Cielo shared music each evening. It was during one of those evenings that an unexpected story unfolded. Inspired by God’s promise to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you,” a young woman named Roisbel gathered the courage to ask if she could sing with Conexión Cielo. Although she had never met the group, they welcomed her, rehearsed with her and invited her to join them in worship. For Roisbel, the experience was never about performing. “I love singing, but I always remind myself I’m not singing so people will see me,” she said. “I pray that whatever I sing will connect someone with God. I don’t care if people remember my name. If they remember how the song touched their lives, that’s all I need.” Her testimony reflected one of the central messages of the weekend: that God can use ordinary people who are willing to step forward in faith. Something bigger The weekend also gave young people opportunities to build relationships outside the meeting hall. Volleyball and soccer tournaments brought together participants from different conferences, intentionally placing them on mixed teams rather than with people they already knew. The games concluded Saturday evening with championship matches, but the greater goal was helping young people meet one another, work together and experience the unity of the Mid-America Union beyond their local churches. “This weekend mattered because it reminded our young people that they are part of something much bigger than their local church,” said Citlany Garrido, president of the Minnesota Hispanic Federation. “Seeing hundreds of Hispanic young people from across the Mid-America Union worship, serve, learn and build friendships together was a powerful reminder that we are one family in Christ.” Garrido said she watched young people step outside their comfort zones, grow spiritually and return home with a renewed commitment to serve God and share His love with others. “If someone asked me why this weekend was important, I would simply say: because lives were impacted,” she said. “Seeds of faith were planted, friendships were formed, and young people left knowing they are loved by God and that they have an important place in His mission.” Israel Lara, representing the Central States Federation, described the weekend as a time of peace and renewed faith. “As each part of the program progressed, I could feel a special peace that little by little was filling my heart and bringing me closer to God,” he said. “It reminded me that everything we have in this world is fleeting, but our relationship with God is what truly remains.” He said events like the youth congress motivate young people to build friendships, strengthen their faith and encourage one another as they continue following Christ.
-
State of the Dakota Conference Remaining hopeful through faithfulness
– September 21, 2026Ecclesiastes 3 reminds us that there is a time for everything, whether we are walking through seasons of joy or seasons of difficulty. As we look back over the past few years, we can truly say that God has been faithful. The Dakota Conference has walked through significant change. We experienced a difficult decision by the special constituency to close our academy. For many, that season brought uncertainty, sadness and concern. Yet even when the future seemed unclear, God was still present in the details. He has continued to lead His people with purpose, and today we can see evidence of His guidance as it has opened up other fields of service. Stewarding God’s resources The administrative team has sought to lead by example, especially in the stewardship of God’s finances. Our members give faithfully, and we want to honor their faithfulness through responsible management and thoughtful distribution of funds. Under the watchful care of our treasurer, conference reserves have increased to between five and six months, in line with the NAD policy. By the grace of God, we maintain that financial strength, though tithe can fluctuate in an agricultural setting. We are grateful for the way God continues to impress His people to support the mission. Following the closure of the academy, the conference began meaningful conversations about how to use the facility in a way that would continue to serve the mission. Today, our ministries are using the campus for retreats, conferences and ministry events. The administrative team has been intentional in maintaining and upgrading the property, with the hope of developing it as a conference center for evangelism and outreach. Caring for our facilities is part of stewardship, hospitality, safety and readiness for ministry. Growing the kingdom together We are here to grow the kingdom of God as we prepare for the return of Jesus. With that in mind, the conference has identified areas where growth is possible and has invested in Bible workers and a church-planting pastor. Through this initiative, an active group is growing in Brookings, South Dakota. Work is also developing in Sioux Falls through the combined efforts of the Hurley and Sioux Falls churches. More churches have expressed interest in joining the Bible worker initiative, and we look forward to seeing how God will continue to bless this work. Connecting growth to local mission Membership growth is most meaningful when it is connected to local mission. Our desire is for our churches to be known not only as places where truth is preached, but as places where love is practiced. Community service, Bible studies, prayer ministries, health outreach, visitation, food distribution, and family support can open doors for people to experience Christ in personal and practical ways. Caring for those who serve Conference leadership has also been intentional about caring for employees. Switching medical insurance to Blue Cross has provided employees with zero monthly contributions, putting more money into employees’ pockets. In a territory that can sometimes be overlooked, we desire to create a work environment that attracts and retains workers by showing that they are valued, supported and cared for. Looking ahead with hope As we look ahead, several hopes guide our hearts: To reach more youth through summer camps, children’s ministries, and mentoring. To continue supporting Adventist education in all its forms. To grow through local mission initiatives that connect our churches with their communities. To continue caring for and improving our facilities so they remain useful for ministry. To expand evangelism by training pastors, equipping churches, and providing practical resources for the field. The Dakota Conference is hopeful as we reflect on how God has brought us through change, sustained us through uncertainty, and positioned us for mission. Now we move forward together with faith, gratitude, stewardship and a renewed commitment to proclaim the gospel. Vernon Herholdt has served as president of the Dakota Conference of Seventh-day Adventists since 2024. He and his wife, Melanie, cherish time spent with their growing family.