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July 14, 2026 A New Generation Steps Forward Beacon Light Trailblazers Welcome New Pathfinders Through Special Induction Ceremony
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July 14, 2026 More Than a Picture: Using Photography to Tell God’s Story Society of Adventist Communicators Convention October 15-17, 2026
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June 29, 2026 Minnesota Conference Session Bathed in Prayer and Open Conversations
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Adventist News
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Men of the Iowa-Missouri Conference Take Up the Shield
– August 3, 2026Around 50 men from across the Iowa-Missouri Conference gathered at Camp Heritage April 24–26 for Man Camp 2026: Shields of Faith, a weekend retreat built around brotherhood, spiritual growth, and the call to stand firm in faith. Conference president Lee Rochholz and Chapel Oaks Adventist Church senior pastor Mike Fenton served as guest speakers, leading sessions that challenged attendees to examine what it means to take up the full armor of God as described in Ephesians 6. This year’s event also introduced something new: a dedicated young men’s camp for ages 10–14, running alongside the main retreat and investing in the next generation of men of faith. More photos from the weekend are available on the Iowa-Missouri Conference Flickr page: www.flickr.com/imsda
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AdventHealth Expands Access to Care Across Johnson County Offers infusion services, sports medicine and full spectrum care for patients of all ages
– August 3, 2026AdventHealth is expanding access to high-quality, patient-centered care with the opening of the Infusion Clinic at AdventHealth South Overland Park and the new AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Bluhawk, providing patients in Johnson County, Kansas, with convenient options for advanced care close to home. The addition of infusion services at AdventHealth South Overland Park builds on AdventHealth’s existing infusion locations at AdventHealth Lenexa City Center and AdventHealth Shawnee Mission, giving patients and referring providers greater flexibility when choosing where care is delivered. AdventHealth South Overland Park’s location offers a comfortable, physician‑supported setting designed to meet the needs of patients receiving ongoing or specialty infusion treatments. “Expanding infusion services is about meeting patients where they are and making care more accessible,” said Dallas Purkeypile, president and CEO of AdventHealth South Overland Park. “By adding this location, we are giving patients more choices, reducing travel time and ensuring they receive the trusted, high-quality care they expect from AdventHealth, closer to home.” Infusion services may be used to treat a variety of conditions and are delivered by a dedicated clinical team focused on safety, coordination and patient comfort. AdventHealth South Overland Park’s Infusion Clinic, located through the Emergency Room entrance, is part of AdventHealth’s continued investment in expanding outpatient services across the region to support growing community needs. In addition to the clinic, a new AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care location is now open at Bluhawk. Patients of this clinic will be treated by family medicine and sports medicine physician Andrew Johnson, MD and a dedicated team of advanced practice professionals. AdventHealth South Overland Park and AdventHealth Medical Group hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, April 8, to celebrate its official opening. “Not only is AdventHealth adding more primary care medicine services to the rapidly growing South Overland Park community, we’re adding sports medicine services to help patients of all ages who are active in sports and physical well-being feel whole so they can play at their best,” said Purkeypile. Dr. Johnson provides the full spectrum of care for patients of all ages. He draws on his sports medicine education to keep patients functioning at the level they desire for as long as possible. “I believe in empowering and educating patients so that they meet their health goals, emphasizing the importance of preventative care for all patients,” said Dr. Johnson. Patients can learn more about the Infusion Clinic at AdventHealth South Overland Park or explore referral options by visiting AdventHealthSOP.com/Infusion and visit the new AdventHealth Medical Primary Care at Bluhawk located at 7840 W. 165th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223.
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More Than Shoes: Central States ACS Welcomes Community at Camp Meeting
– July 22, 2026When Central States Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) planned its annual camp meeting outreach, the goal wasn’t simply to give away 300 pairs of sneakers. The vision was to invite the surrounding community onto the camp meeting grounds, meet practical needs and create opportunities for people to experience the love of Christ. That vision resonated. More than 1,000 people registered for the giveaway, and more than 400 attended the event. Families were welcomed with much more than shoes. The outreach featured a family fun zone with a bounce house for children, diaper distribution, and snacks. While the sneaker giveaway attracted many families, every aspect of the event was designed to communicate that the church cares about its neighbors. Central States ACS Director Brian Irby said the outreach centered on two objectives: introducing the community to the camp meeting experience and engaging young people in meaningful ministry. Approximately 25 youth and young adults answered that call, serving throughout the day by setting up tents, registering guests, distributing sneakers and diapers, assisting families, cleaning the grounds and helping dismantle the event afterward. “One of the greatest blessings was watching our young people actively serve their community,” Irby said. The outreach also revealed the significant needs that exist in the surrounding community. As families arrived throughout the day, volunteers heard story after story of parents doing everything they could to prepare their children for the upcoming school year. One encounter especially stayed with Irby. A mother arrived at 5:45 a.m. for an event that would not begin until noon. She simply wanted to make sure her children would receive shoes. Later that afternoon, two children who had received sneakers found Irby to say thank you. “They and their mother were so excited and grateful,” he recalled. “Moments like that remind you why this work matters.” Volunteer Cheryl Davis witnessed those same moments of gratitude while serving families throughout the day. “It was very fulfilling to see so many people in need and know that we were able to help meet that need,” Davis said. “I just praise God for how everythingturned out. It’s very rewarding to be able to serve people in that way.” The outreach reflected what ACS strives to accomplish in every community it serves—meeting practical needs while building relationships that point people to Christ. Rather than simply handing out shoes, volunteers intentionally spent time talking with families, welcoming them and making them feel valued. Irby said the approach was modeled after the ministry of Jesus, who first showed compassion by meeting people’s needs before inviting them into a deeper relationship with Him. “Meeting practical needs is one of the most effective ways to demonstrate the love of Christ,” he said. The event itself was the result of collaboration across the conference. Adventist Community Services partnered with the Central States Conference Youth Ministries, Evangelism and Education departments, local churches and community partners, with additional financial support provided through a Mid-America Union grant. Central States Conference President Cryston Josiah reminded those gathered that the outreach was never intended to be a one-time event. “Wherever we are, we want to bless the people in our neighborhood,” Josiah said. “This is not the end. This is the beginning.” That commitment was evident throughout the afternoon as volunteers served hundreds of guests with smiles, conversations and practical assistance. While the shoes, diapers and food met immediate needs, organizers hoped every interaction communicated something even more lasting. For Irby, the success of the outreach won’t ultimately be measured by the number of sneakers distributed or the hundreds of people who attended. Instead, he hopes families left with something they cannot outgrow. “I hope they left knowing that God loves them and that they matter,” Irby said. “If they left with hope and encouragement, then we accomplished our mission.” For one afternoon during camp meeting, 300 pairs of sneakers became much more than back-to-school supplies. They became an expression of Christ’s love—one conversation, one family and one act of kindness at a time.
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A New Generation Steps Forward Beacon Light Trailblazers Welcome New Pathfinders Through Special Induction Ceremony
– July 14, 2026Braxton Percy has been with the Beacon Light Trailblazer Pathfinder Club since “Monarch” which is the name for the Adventurer’s Club. He recently just became a Trailblazer, but his family is in the process to transition to the state of Florida. Cynthia & Phillip Taylor directors of the Pathfinder and Adventures Club saw it fitting to send him off a full pledge Pathfinder. To make this special event a reality, he was inducted into the Pathfinder Club. Both of his parents were present during the small ceremony, and his father had the honor of scarfing him. This was done on Sabbath June 29, 2026. Two other Pathfinders were inducted, Stella Jamai’s and Zadam. Submitted by Ian Francis CSC Pathfinder Director
Blogs
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My Knees Were Never a Surprise Faith, Health, Prayer, and Medical Care -- Part 1
– August 6, 2026This summer, in my 50s, I underwent my first total knee replacement. My second knee replacement will follow in a few weeks. Yes, I am a little young for that. I finally came to the decision to move forward because kayaking and biking were causing me enough pain that I was choosing not to do them. Decisions about going to the store were made based on how much pain they would cause vs the need–pick up orders usually won due to time and pain. Those are decisions I do not want to be making daily! Knee replacements were always in my future. When I was just three years old, my parents took me to an orthopedic specialist because of problems with my knees. At age 15, I was starting to have pain and was diagnosed with arthritis. People sometimes assume that needing a joint replacement, must mean I wore my knees out by making poor choices. Others assume if I had just exercised differently, eaten differently, lost weight, or done something else differently, this could all have been avoided. The reality is much more complicated. Some bodies simply begin life differently than others, encounter different problems, are exposed to different events. This does not mean I ignored my health. Throughout my life I have stayed active, cared for my body, and made choices which support good health. Those choices matter. They helped me stay mobile and active for many years. Sometimes choices and prayer delay problems. Sometimes they lessen them. Sometimes they simply help us live the fullest life possible until medical intervention becomes necessary. But healthy choices cannot rewrite our genetics. They cannot undo structural problems that began in early childhood. Preparing for surgery and beginning recovery, I have felt the kindness of family, friends, patients, and colleagues. Meals prepared by my children. Morning and afternoon walks with my daughters. Messages have filled my phone. People have prayed for me. Every act of kindness has reminded me that healing is rarely something we do alone. As I recover, I’ve found myself reflecting on conversations I’ve had throughout my life—and especially during my career as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. I’ve met many people living with chronic illness, disability, mental illness, autoimmune diseases, chronic pain, and conditions they never chose. Alongside the physical or emotional burden they carry, many also carry another burden: the quiet belief that perhaps their illness means they have somehow failed. Maybe they did not pray enough, have enough faith, should have lived differently. Maybe God is disappointed in them. Those thoughts break my heart. My own knees have reminded me that not every illness has a simple explanation. Sometimes we simply live in human bodies that wear out, break down, or begin life with challenges we never asked for. As Christians, we are called to care for the bodies God has entrusted to us. We should eat well, stay active, get adequate rest, and make wise choices whenever we can. But we should also remember that caring for our health is not the same thing as controlling it. There is a profound difference. Over the next few weeks, I’d like to share some reflections on faith, health, prayer, medicine, and the compassion I believe we are called to show one another. We’ll talk about the incredible gift of the Adventist Health Message, why medicine and faith are partners, and why we need to be careful not to place unnecessary shame on people whose bodies—or minds—are hurting. My knees have taught me many lessons. The greatest one may be this: God does not measure our worth by the condition of our bodies. We are loved by God on our strongest days and on our weakest ones. We are loved when we are running, when we are limping, and when we need someone else to push us in a wheelchair. That has been true since I was three years old. And it’s still true today.
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What Genealogies Tell Us III One Question Answered, Another Raised.
– August 5, 2026When we open Genesis 5 and read past the first few verses, we see a pattern. Here’s how it goes: “When Seth had lived 105 years, he fathered Enosh. Seth lived after he fathered Enosh 807 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Seth were 912 years, and he died.” Turn the page. “When Enosh had lived 90 years, he fathered Kenan. Enosh lived after he fathered Kenan 815 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Enosh were 905 years, and he died.” Turn again. “When Kenan had lived 70 years, he fathered Mahalalel. Kenan lived after he fathered Mahalalel 840 years and had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Kenan were 910 years, and he died.” Three sentences, every time. An age at fathering. A remaining span, with other unnamed sons and daughters thrown in almost as an afterthought. A total, and a death. Name after name, the pattern doesn’t waver — a steady drum-beat marching us forward from Seth to Lamech, through eight generations. This matters because we’re inclined, and the record of these eight generations reinforces our inclination, to expect a chain. Each entry hands you a number, and the number before it, and you add them link-by-link, and the chain holds. So when we read Adam’s own entry, we see it as just another link. But remember the first question we need to ask: What did the author actually say? “When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth. The days of Adam after he fathered Seth were 800 years, and he had other sons and daughters. Thus all the days of Adam were 930 years, and he died.” Same three beats. Same rhythm. Or is it? We’ve become so accustomed to the rhythm, we gloss over anything else. We read Adam’s entry as if it is the same as Seth’s, or Enosh’s, or Kenan’s. If the formula is a chain, we see Adam’s link just like all the others. That formal identity is precisely why the calculation feels so reasonable. Generations of readers have taken Adam’s 130 years, added Seth’s 105, added Enosh’s 90, and so on down the list, treating each entry as a fixed distance along a single measuring tape that starts at creation and runs, unbroken, to Abram. If the form reliably measures elapsed time from Seth onward — and it appears to, generation to generation, each entry dated from the birth just before it — why would the first entry be any different? Here is why. Look at what the chapter actually says before it hands you any number. Genesis 5 opens with a formal heading, not a date: “This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Male and female he created them, and he blessed them and named them Man when they were created.” That’s a recap of the sixth day — image, blessing, the naming of humanity as a whole. And then verse 3: He doesn’t just say how long Adam lived and then fathered Seth. He adds a detail none of the other entries has: “he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image,” which echoes both Genesis 1 and the first verse of this chapter. Is that the author’s way of anchoring this Genealogy to creation itself? The only way to know is to keep reading: “When Adam had lived 130 years, he fathered a son in his own likeness, after his image, and named him Seth.” That might seem to close the deal, for the language about “likeness,” and “image,” also seems to link back to day 6. But there are two glaring omissions. Asking “What did the author actually say?” also implies the question “What did he leave out?” In this case we can easily answer that question. The author left out the names of Adam’s two previous sons: Cain and Abel. That may explain why the text describes Seth as being in the image and likeness of his father, Adam, and why the genealogy begins with a reference to day 6 of creation. Eve tells us plainly what Seth is, the moment he’s born: “God has appointed for me another offspring instead of Abel, for Cain killed him.” Instead of Abel. Seth isn’t the start of Adam’s line. He’s a replacement, arriving to fill a place left empty by a death that happened who knows how long before. That may resolve one question, but it raises another. When did the 130 years begin?
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Sometimes Lifestyle and Prayer Isn’t the Cure Maybe it is medical intervention?
– August 1, 2026This summer, I had my first total knee replacement. The second one will follow soon. Yes I am in my 50s which is a little young for that. In many ways, these surgeries have been over fifty years in the making. My journey with orthopedic specialists began when I was three years old. Problems and pain began when I was 15 and I already had arthritis. I was always active, enjoy exercise and going to the gym. Knee replacements were never a surprise diagnosis. They were simply the next chapter in a story that started before I was old enough to understand it. It came down to how much life do I really want to miss? Biking and kayaking were getting more difficult. Visits to stores were becoming a thing to avoid. As I’ve shared my surgery with others, I’ve received an outpouring of kindness, encouragement, prayers, and support. I am deeply grateful. Alongside that support, I’ve also reflected on something I’ve witnessed for years—not only in my own life, but in the lives of many people I’ve had the privilege of serving in the course of my work as a nurse and nurse practitioner. I’ve met people who quietly carry shame because they believe their illness (mental or physical) means they didn’t have enough faith. They have been told: If they just prayed harder… If they trusted God more… If they ate differently… If they exercised enough… If they lost weight… If they had enough positive thinking… …they wouldn’t be sick. Those words are often spoken with good intentions, but good intentions can still wound. As Christians, we absolutely believe God heals. Scripture is filled with stories of miraculous healing. I have seen prayers answered in remarkable ways. I believe God still works miracles today. But Scripture also tells a bigger story. Paul prayed repeatedly for his “thorn in the flesh” to be removed, yet God answered differently. Timothy was advised to take practical medicine for his stomach ailments. Luke was a physician. Blindness, paralysis, infertility, chronic illness, and suffering appear throughout the Bible, and not every faithful follower was miraculously healed. Sometimes God’s provision comes through medicine. Sometimes through surgery. Sometimes through physical therapy. Sometimes through scientists, researchers, nurses, therapists, physicians, and caregivers who have dedicated their lives to relieving suffering. I also believe improving your lifestyle is a tremendous help to almost any condition. In my practice I ask my patients regularly to try small changes as they do help and medical treatment alone is almost never the whole answer. Receiving medical treatment is not a lack of faith. It is often one of the very ways God answers prayer. One of the saddest things I encounter is when someone believes their diagnosis is evidence God is disappointed in them. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’ve listened to people whose depression, anxiety, chronic pain, ADHD, autoimmune diseases, or disabilities have been made even heavier because someone suggested they simply needed to pray more or improve their lifestyle. Sometimes this has led to people suffering longer than necessary, Prayer should bring comfort. It should never become another burden. Not every illness is preventable. Certainly, our choices matter. Nutrition matters. Exercise matters. Sleep matters. Avoiding harmful substances matters. Caring for our bodies is an important part of stewardship. Yet, 75-80% of deaths each year in the United States are from disease. Obviously many of those dear people had faith, prayed, ate well, and exercised up to shortly before the end. Not every disease comes from poor choices. Some people inherit genetic conditions. Some are born with structural abnormalities. Some develop autoimmune diseases despite living exceptionally healthy lives. Some experience injuries. Some develop cancer. Some, like me, have joints that have been problematic since early childhood. Suggesting that every illness could have been avoided if someone had simply “lived better” creates unnecessary guilt for people who are already carrying enough. Compassion asks a different question. Instead of asking, “What did you do wrong?” Compassion asks, “How can I walk alongside you?” As I recover from knee replacement surgery, I am praying. I am also taking my medications. I’m attending physical therapy faithfully. I’m doing my exercises even when they hurt. I’m accepting help from family and friends. I’m grateful for the surgeon who spent years learning how to replace worn-out joints. None of those things compete with my faith. They are part of it. If someone you love is struggling with illness, disability, or chronic pain, encourage them. Pray for them. Sit with them. Bring them a meal. Drive them to an appointment. Celebrate small victories. Listen more than you speak. If you are tempted to explain why they are suffering, pause first. They may already be asking themselves those same painful questions. Let’s be people who replace shame with grace, judgment with compassion, and simplistic answers with faithful presence. Sometimes the greatest gift we can offer isn’t an explanation. It’s simply reminding someone they are deeply loved by God—even when healing doesn’t look the way they hoped.
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The Teacher’s Notes–Spiritual Gifts, Lesson 6 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, "First and Second Corinthians"
– August 1, 2026Sabbath School Lesson for August 1-7, 2026 Introduction of Lesson 6, Spiritual Gifts Memory Text: “Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophecy.” 1 Corinthians 14:1 ESV Paul made a valid point in the first four chapters of his epistle that there were factions, wide schisms in fact, evident in their relatively young congregation. Discord was affecting their church gatherings, making them loud and disorderly. These unruly proceedings were damaging to their reputation and not conducive to their spiritual growth and welfare as a church. His concern was not unfounded, and it revealed dramatically their lack of unity and love for each other. Paul did not leave them floundering for a solution, however. Shifting to the topic of spiritual gifts allowed them to better understand and appreciate their diversity, and embrace it as a means of achieving the unity they so desperately needed to make the church body whole and thriving. Focusing on spiritual gifts, and using their talents wisely with love and humility, would do much to make them more united with each other and with God. It would also allow them to benefit from the gift of prophetic messages that are designed to revive hope for the future of God’s people. This week, we’ll explore: Sunday: Variety of Gifts Monday: Unity Through Diversity Tuesday: “A More Excellent Way” Wednesday: The Gift of Tongues Thursday: The Gift of Prophecy Sunday: Variety of Gifts Paul reminded the Corinthians that they had been led out of ignorant, immoral pagan practices by the Holy Spirit speaking to their hearts about the one true God and His Son Jesus. This unique trinity working together to save us is exactly the kind of harmonious unity the church should have. It would make the body of Christ a unified, powerful witness to their neighbors and community at large. An inclusive, profound statement of God’s unity is found in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6. Paul mentions… the varieties of gifts (given to them by the Holy Spirit), the different kinds of ministries (inspired by Jesus, God’s Son), and the many results of their activities (provided by God the Father). Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3 How were the Christians in Corinth different from the pagan worship systems so prevalent there? 1 Corinthians 12:4-6 What kind of unity might Paul be introducing to the Corinthian believers in this passage? Monday: Unity Through Diversity Using the human body as a metaphor for the church, Paul showed that as part of God’s body, they all had various functions that made the body do the work it was meant to do. Each had something significant to contribute to their company of believers. They were a diverse group of like-minded people, meant to work with and for each other in unity. Their tendency to consider some gifts more important than others prevented them from having the kind of inclusive love that illustrated God’s love for them. It had led to their perceived lack of cohesiveness and disorderly services. Such love was shown by Paul to be “a more excellent way” to conduct themselves (1 Corinthians 12:31). Recognizing fully the concepts of the diversity of gifts and the unity they needed to accurately portray God’s character, Paul implored them to use their diversity to promote unity in the church. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 What were some of the gifts Paul listed, and what part did the Holy Spirit play in giving them? 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 Why did Paul go to such trouble in giving them this metaphor of the body to represent the church body? 1 Corinthians 13:13, 1 John 4:8, Hebrews 11:6, and Romans 12:3 Why is faith considered such an important gift that it is listed first, before hope and love? Why is love also considered important in our Christian walk? Tuesday: “A More Excellent Way” Faith is certainly the driving force that leads us to have spiritual gifts. Without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). We must believe in God before He can empower us to do His will. But, the key to using our spiritual gifts, once we have them, is through love. Paul called love “a more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). It is also why he called it the greatest gift of all (1 Corinthians 13:13). 1 Corinthians 13, known as the “love chapter”, describes in detail what love looks like, so the Corinthians could better use love to promote unity and experience growth in their newfound faith. In the love chapter, we find that love is patient, kind, hopeful, and persevering. It is not jealous, boastful, arrogant, rude, or selfish. Love is an emotion that if practiced can be a unifying factor in any church congregation. Verses for reflection and discussion: 1 Corinthians 12:31, 13:13 Why did Paul call love “a more excellent way”? More excellent than what? How does love lead to more unity in the church? Wednesday: The Gift of Tongues It seems that one of the reasons the Corinthian church services were so disorderly was because there were so many foreign languages being spoken that it was impossible to get a clear understanding of the message being presented. Paul suggested having interpreters available for each language, in order for everyone to get the most out of the worship experience. There was evidently too much emphasis on the gift of speaking foreign languages (“new” or “other” tongues). Pride of this one spiritual gift had resulted in the unruly worship and praise time in their church. Unfortunately, there has been a further complication of this understanding of the gift of tongues over the years. Christians have gotten the idea that the “tongues” referred to in these chapters were not actual, human foreign languages, but were unknown, heavenly languages that virtually no one could interpret or benefit from. This supernatural experience is now called by some churches as “the baptism of the Holy Spirit”, and is required of every sincere Christian believer. These so-called <a class="cat-post-excerpt-more" href="https://www.outlookmag.org/the-teachers-notes-spiritual-gifts-lesson-6/" title="Continue reading The Teacher’s Notes–Spiritual Gifts, Lesson 6 Adult Bible Study Guide, 2026 3Q, “First and Second Corinthians”“>Read more…
Featured Stories
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HMS Students Bring Jesus from the Classroom to the Community
– August 3, 2026What if Jesus comes tomorrow? Are we ready? Are our neighbors ready? Do the people around us know that Jesus loves them deeply and wants to be part of their lives? And if sharing that hope is our responsibility … when does that begin? At five years old? 10? 20? 50? At HMS Richards Adventist School in Loveland, Colorado, we believe the answer is yes—to every age. During the 2025-2026 school year, Pentecost 2025 became more than a sermon series. It became a living reminder that every student, from the youngest to the oldest, can be used by God to share His love in meaningful ways. We believe our community should know that Jesus loves them, and that we can be His hands and feet right now. Over the course of many months, our students immersed themselves in Scripture, researching deeply, asking meaningful questions, writing thoughtfully, and preparing to share God’s truth with courage and conviction. Through our “GOD IS” evangelistic series, our seventh- and eighth-grade students preached full Bible-based sermons centered on who God is—our Salvation, our Hope, our Rest, our Victory, and our Coming King. At the same time, our fifth- and sixth-grade students developed and produced the accompanying “GOD IS” podcast series, learning how to communicate biblical truth through writing, recording, editing and production. Together, students discovered that God can use every gift—speaking, writing, music, technology, encouragement, organization and service—for His work. But perhaps the most beautiful part of this journey happened outside the classroom walls. Students spent intentional time connecting with the 110 homes surrounding our campus, not simply inviting neighbors to a program, but building real relationships through listening, kindness, prayer and service. Through post-storm restoration, hospital visits, yard clean-up projects, encouragement,and practical help, our students learned that evangelism is not only something spoken from a stage—it is something lived. And something remarkable happened in return. Our neighbors began to understand that HMS is not just a school nearby. They now know they can reach out to us when they need prayer, support, encouragement or help—and that we will be there. What made Pentecost 2025 truly special was watching students realize that they do not have to wait until adulthood to serve Jesus in meaningful ways. God is already working through them now. This initiative reflects the mission of HMS: to develop young people who love Jesus deeply, think critically, serve compassionately, and boldly share the gospel with the world. We invite you to experience the series for yourself and to share it widely with others so that the message of God’s love and the truth of Scripture may continue reaching hearts far beyond our own community. Watch the “GOD IS” Sermon Series (Grades 7–8): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWc13wBzJTR1DroKJU6h2UY_hCzUJNFys&si=4Tdfm_vxWvXPFIIH The sermon series is also easily accessible by searching: HMS “GOD IS” on YouTube Listen to the “GOD IS” Podcast Series (Grades 5–6): https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWc13wBzJTR2KvNAsjJioa_TzBkNa8CWP&si=HY6Z1O2Nod3NJTYx The podcasts are also available on major podcast platforms. Simply search: HMS Richards Adventist School Podcasts and look for the “GOD IS” series with the Bible image. We invite you to watch these messages, listen to the podcasts, and then share them with others. Our prayer and goal are that these student-led sermons and podcasts will spread far beyond our school and community—reaching hearts across the country and around the world with the love of Jesus and the truth of His Word. Every time you share a sermon, podcast or link, you become part of this mission. Together, we can help others know that God loves them deeply and is calling them to Him. Carey Jordan is the principal of HMS Richards Adventist School.
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Finding a Calling in the Storm At Union, a Bahamian marine learned new skills to serve his country.
– July 27, 2026In September 2019, a Category 5 hurricane slammed into the Bahamas. With winds exceeding 185 miles per hour and storm surges reaching up to 23 feet, Hurricane Dorian was one of the most powerful storms ever to make landfall in the Atlantic and the worst natural disaster in the history of the island nation. As a career marine in the Royal Bahamas Defence Force (RBDF), Jamie Rahming was part of his government’s humanitarian response in the wake of the storm. Working alongside teams from the U.S., U.K. and other nations, he felt a calling: a new way he could serve his country. “Hurricane Dorian devastated our two northernmost islands,” Rahming said. “We did pretty well with what we had, but we needed so much help from other countries. After that, I started looking at how I could enhance our ability to respond to disasters.” He had seen firsthand that the Bahamas needed professional search-and-rescue teams on the same level as those coming from other countries. He and his wife began searching for a program that would train him to lead such a team, and they found Union Adventist University’s International Rescue and Relief Program listed on the FEMA website. “It just so happens that at the time Union had the only hands-on program dealing with disaster management,” he said. “I thought, This is going to work for me because I prefer hands-on learning instead of just book work. So that’s how I ended up choosing Union out of all the schools on the list.” He wrote a proposal to develop a search-and-rescue team. It was sent up the chain of command, and in 2022, Rahming was granted study leave from the military. The full support of the RBDF gave him the financial freedom to bring his family to the U.S. while he earned his bachelor’s degree at Union. “My proposal is to start an urban search-and-rescue team with an emphasis on rope rescue, floodwater rescue, confined spaces, wildland firefighting, missing persons … all the things that we need back home,” Rahming said. “We would have that base of skills within that department, and from there we can build teams that not only assist in the Bahamas but also help other Caribbean countries when disasters strike.” Fortitude and support yields multiple certifications and opportunities When Rahming arrived in Nebraska, it was the farthest he had ever been from home—and the farthest north. “To come all the way to Nebraska, I thought, This is going to take some mental fortitude,” he said. “Even though I didn’t know anyone here, I knew I could do it. And then the winter came. The weather changes 20 degrees one day, and then the next day there’s another 20-degree difference. This is like nothing at home.” Despite the cold weather, he found a warm welcome at Union Adventist University. “I love this place,” he said. “It’s a close-knit community, so the professors are more involved in helping you succeed. It’s been very beneficial in helping me work toward my goals.” When asked what advice he would give a new student considering Union’s IRR Program, Rahming said, “Come prepared. Prepared for what? The weather. Long nights of studying. Time management. It’s not going to be easy, but because of the way Union is set up, you always have a community that will help you. Come prepared to ask for help.” In addition to earning his baccalaureate degree at Union, his four years in the IRR Program mean he is now certified in emergency medicine, search and rescue, swiftwater rescue and flood management, technical rope rescue, wilderness medicine … and more. In fact, he has not only earned the certifications but has also worked as a teaching assistant training others. As part of the university’s disaster response team, he deployed to Arkansas, Florida and North Carolina following natural disasters, putting his training into practice in situations very similar to the hurricane response that started him on this journey. Rahming reached out to Nebraska Task Force One for guidance on how to set up a similar response unit back in the Bahamas, and he has been grateful for the opportunity to learn from one of the top urban search-and-rescue teams in the United States right here in Lincoln. Having graduated from Union in May, Rahming is now heading home. He says his next step is either officer training or a master’s degree in disaster management. “If one doesn’t work out, I’ll do the other. Hopefully they both work out, and hopefully there’s no hurricane soon. Let me get the team together first.”
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Supersaturated with the Spirit
– July 27, 2026Materials: Borax powder Boiling water Glass jar Pipe cleaner String Pencil Food coloring (optional) Instructions: Form your pipe cleaner into the shape of your choice. You can also use a natural object such as a pinecone or bird feather. Tie one end of the string to your shape and the other end to the middle of the pencil. The pencil will rest across the top of the jar, suspending your shape in the solution. Place the pencil across the top of the jar so your shape hangs freely inside the empty jar. Make sure it does not touch the sides or bottom. Adjust the string length if needed. With adult assistance, measure how much water is needed to fill your jar, then bring that water to a boil. Carefully pour the hot water into the jar. Add borax powder, one tablespoon at a time, stirring until it dissolves. You will add about 3 tablespoons of borax per 1 cup of water. Continue adding borax until a small amount remains undissolved at the bottom. This means you have created a saturated solution. Add a few drops of food coloring and stir well. Slowly lower your pipe cleaner shape into the solution and rest the pencil across the top of the jar. Make sure the shape remains fully suspended and does not touch the jar. Set the jar in a safe location, clean up your space, and then read Acts 9:1-22. As the solution cools, crystals will begin to form. For best results, wait at least 24 hours before removing your creation. What’s Happening? In this experiment, we are exploring solubility – how much of a substance (the solute, borax) can dissolve in a liquid (the solvent, water). When the water molecules are heated, they begin to dance with energy, moving faster and spreading farther apart. This allows more borax to dissolve than would be possible in cooler water. As you stir in borax, it breaks apart into tiny particles that mix evenly throughout the hot water. Eventually, you reach a point where no more borax will dissolve. This is called a saturated solution. As the water cools, the molecules slow down and move closer together. Cooler water cannot hold as much dissolved borax, so the extra borax begins to come out of the solution. These particles attach to rough surfaces, like our pipe cleaner, and arrange themselves into beautiful patterns. This process is called crystallization. Because the solution held more borax at a higher temperature than it can at a lower temperature, it becomes supersaturated as it cools down. This is what allows the crystals to grow. What does Acts 9:1-22 have to do with this experiment? In this passage, Saul has a powerful encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. His life is completely transformed! The Bible is full of stories of ordinary people who meet God and are changed forever. When we spend time with Jesus, we are filled with the Holy Spirit and the Spirit works to supersaturate us with the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Just like the crystals formed and became visible on the pipe cleaner, the work of the Spirit becomes visible in our lives and others begin to notice something different about us. One might even say that we shine like beautiful crystals full of God’s love! Kelly Wasemiller is a former Adventist educator who now stays at home with her twins Thomas and Hazel. She and her husband, Stephen, live in Rapid City, South Dakota.
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Spring Break Mission Trip to El Salvador Highlights One Farmer’s Generosity
– July 20, 2026Over spring break in March, a group of students and adults from Kansas churches traveled with the Kansas-Nebraska Youth Department on a mission trip to El Salvador, partnering with a team from the Washington Conference to serve alongside local leaders and churches in the Eastern El Salvador Conference. The trip started in the dark. The group left in the early morning hours, driving through snow and freezing temperatures, and landed a few hours later in the warmth and humidity of Central America. The contrast was hard to miss, and it only grew from there. One of the stories that stayed with me came from a simple tin shed where a congregation meets faithfully. That church exists because of a man named Alfredo. When he heard that a group of Adventists had lost their meeting space, he offered them a shed on his small farm. Week after week they gathered there, and Alfredo started showing up too. He became part of the church family. By the time our group arrived, he was not just worshiping in that shed. He was at the worksite with us, helping build a permanent church for that same community. His story alone was worth the trip. The week was physical work. The team dug trenches through rocky ground in the heat, carried cinder blocks, and learned from local leaders how to build well. But the other work happened in between—playing with kids at Vacation Bible School, singing together, sharing meals that neighbors brought to the worksite. We saw Jesus in a hundred small moments: a child checking on someone who felt sick, a community giving generously from what little they had. Those moments carry weight. We may have more resources at home, but we were reminded that spiritually, there is still much to learn from people who depend on God every day. James 2:5 says God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith. We saw that. The clearest lesson was also the simplest. Mission is not a destination. The same willingness to go is needed right here, in our churches and schools and neighborhoods, where people feel unseen every week. This was never just a project. It was partnership…God bringing His people together to carry His mission forward. That mission continues today, through all of us. We invite you to pray for the young people who went, for the communities in El Salvador, and that God would help all of us live as missionaries where He has placed us. If you feel called to support this work, your generosity makes opportunities like this possible. Nick Snell is youth & young adult director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.