Ecclesiastes 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.

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Brothers and sisters, we have been on a spiritual high as a conference after our inspiring and amazing recent camp meeting experience, June 10-13, 2026. Our theme for the year is “One Spirit, One Mission: United By The Fire” and each of the camp meeting speakers shared powerful messages on various aspects of our theme. The foundational element of our theme is the biblical reality that it is only when we are of one mind, purpose and spirit that the Holy Spirit will be poured out on us. It is then that we will have the ability to fulfill the mission that Christ intends for us to complete.  Dr. Lola Moore Johnston, the speaker for the main adult English speaking Sabbath morning worship service, challenged us to not be satisfied with giving our communities “just a little bit of change” as the lame man who sat in the Temple had become accustomed to receiving from the worshippers. But once we have been filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, we can then live out what Peter and John demonstrated, and transform people all around our conference with His power.  Blessing the community The heart of the Central States Conference’s mission statement is that we “live and proclaim the Three Angels Messages.” The emphasis on living this message and impacting people from every nation, kindred, tongue and people came alive in many ways during our encampment. One example that came to fruition regarding our willingness to make a difference took place during our camp meeting. Over 400 families from our Kansas City community came out on the camp meeting Friday to receive free shoes, pampers, food, etc. And while they were signing up and waiting, Pastor Trevor Barnes preached a powerful message on the love and intentionality that Jesus has for saving sinners.  Camp meeting became not just a typical worship experience by us, for us, and to us, but it was a tremendous blessing to our community.  Another experience that showcased our conference’s reach and impact among diverse communities was the Parade of Nations held on Sabbath afternoon. We celebrated and praised God for the faithful members of our conference who come from Indonesian, Haitian, Hispanic, Caribbean, Kenyan, Ghanaian, Ethiopian and other backgrounds. More importantly, they are living and proclaiming the everlasting gospel within their communities.   Membership growth and retention Our conference total membership now stands at 9,886 with 40 churches and 16 companies. By God’s grace, we believe we can surpass 10,000 members soon. So far in 2026, we have recorded 93 baptisms and 196 professions of faith—to God be the glory. Excluding letters of transfer, these 289 new members represent true kingdom growth.  Our vice president for administration, Joseph Ikner, who also serves as the conference evangelism coordinator, has encouraged our pastors and churches to focus on both evangelistic growth and the retention of new members. Earlier in the year, our conference was blessed with some additional, unanticipated outside funding for evangelism, and our pastors have been allowed to make requests for funding that give attention to church growth and evangelism. Our prayer of thanksgiving is that another portion of our mission statement is being realized as we seek to “grow healthy, Bible-based, multicultural communities of faith.” Money follows mission When it comes to the financial position and growth of our conference, we want to thank our faithful and dedicated members for their commitment in funding the mission. Our current tithe at the end of May 2026 was $2,502,048 compared with $2,332,605 at the same time last year. That represents a tithe increase with the same number of Sabbaths of $169,443 which is a percentage increase of 7.26%. Amen! Our vice president for finance, Delbert Pearman, has emphasized that the money should always follow the mission, and God is indeed proving that statement to be true.  In addition, our leadership team and governing committee has been making some tough decisions to help reset and recalibrate our conference to establish and create thriving churches and high-functioning pastors.   Cryston Josiah is president of the Central States Conference.

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What a joy to watch God work in Minnesota during the past few years! We’ve seen Adventists take a week off work to feed their neighbors during a crisis. We’ve watched teenagers pound nails and preach sermons on their first mission trip. We’ve seen the Holy Spirit turn financial impossibilities into possibilities. And we’ve seen eyes light up when visitors to evangelistic meetings find out that Bible prophecy is actually good news. We’ve watched and received so many incredible answers to prayer. Several years ago Minnesota Adventists set specific disciple-making goals to keep us focused on the mission of Jesus. We rejoice in God’s blessings: 1. We exceeded the goal of sending at least 10 college students from Minnesota as theology or education majors. 2. We sent about 200 Minnesota Adventists on mission trips over the past three years. After all, Jesus didn’t say “Go ye into all the conference.” He said “Go ye into all the world.” 3. And we are working to send two families as overseas missionaries. The Kitching family is already preparing to serve in Japan, and we are still praying for one more family to say yes to full-time mission work. Navigating economic challenges Along with most conferences in North America, Minnesota continues to grapple with the uncertain economy and high inflation. But God is blessing, and we are beginning to see increased stability in conference finances. Celebrating Adventist education A constant bright light in Minnesota is our schools, where our children are taught by teachers who are supremely interested in their eternal salvation. Minnesota churches operate 11 elementary schools, a senior day academy and two junior academies, with Minnetonka Christian Academy now being approved as a secondary school serving the twin cities. Next to the dedicated Adventist home, Adventist schools are our most powerful resource for discipling young people and preparing them to serve Jesus. Running a school takes resources—ask any church operating one. But also ask whether it’s worth it, and you will hear a resounding Yes! Renewing Maplewood Academy Thanks to miraculous generosity, Maplewood is currently out of debt, and working creatively to fix the monthly income shortfall. We have received nearly $7 million in gifts for the school and have established three new endowments to help fund student tuition and academy operations. And with input from dedicated constituents and our new principal, Jeff “PJ” Deming, we are exploring renewed, mission-minded directions for the school. Re-imagining North Star Camp North Star Camp is hosting more visitors than ever before. Camporees, summer camps, spiritual retreats, outdoor school, Master Guide training, and church campouts allow both young and old members to encounter God out in nature. We’re also dreaming about the future. What if the camp could become a learning resource for families, churches, and schools? One option is creating a nature center with educational displays, classes, and live animals to hold. Or imagine an evangelistic trail system where people could hike a Sabbath trail with signs about Creation and the seventh day, or other trails teaching about salvation, finding peace, or making disciples. We have so much potential for helping visitors study God’s second book at North Star Camp. Prioritizing disciple-making Even as our world staggers toward its end, God’s mission presses forward in Minnesota. We’ve chosen to focus single-mindedly on making disciples for Jesus. That includes making disciples who go on to make more disciples. Jesus invited us, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matt. 4:19, NKJV). Great job description! And what a privilege! Minnesota has become a world mission field, allowing us to disciple people groups in our own towns who are unreachable in their home countries. We must seize these precious opportunities. The coming of Jesus is closer every day, and what a thrill it is to share present truth with seekers from every nation and language. One day soon we will kneel together around the throne of God and praise Him in one voice for the extravagant gift of salvation. Jeff Scoggins is president of the Minnesota Conference.

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The Kansas-Nebraska Conference exists for one purpose: to share the love of Jesus and prepare people for His soon return. While reports often include statistics and financial information, they ultimately tell the story of lives transformed by God’s grace. Behind every number is a person, a family, or a congregation experiencing His saving power. During the past five years, nearly 1,400 individuals have joined our churches through baptism or profession of faith. These new believers are finding forgiveness, hope, and a church family committed to helping them grow as disciples of Christ. Our 58 pastors faithfully serve 93 congregations across Kansas and Nebraska. They are called not only to preach and provide pastoral care but also to equip members for ministry. We continue to invest in the next generation of pastoral leaders by mentoring new pastors and providing opportunities for growth, while also affirming the gifts of experienced pastors and qualified women in ministry. Prioritizing mission Adventist education remains one of our highest priorities. Forty-five dedicated teachers serve nearly 500 students, helping young people grow academically and spiritually. Through conference scholarships funded by farm income, endowments, and generous donors, approximately $400,000 is invested each year to assist families with the cost of Adventist education, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to know Jesus through our schools. God continues to open new doors for mission throughout our territory. Growing immigrant populations have created opportunities for outreach, including ministry among the Karen people from Myanmar. Hispanic ministries continue to expand through new congregations and church plants, while new church properties and ministry facilities are providing additional opportunities to serve communities and share the gospel. Broken Arrow Ranch has also experienced significant growth. More than $1 million in donor-funded improvements, including new cabins, upgraded facilities, and expanded infrastructure, have strengthened our ability to provide life-changing experiences for children, youth and families without using conference operating funds. Financial stability The conference has also been blessed with continued financial stability. Faithful stewardship by our members, combined with careful financial management, has resulted in tithe growth during each of the past five years. These resources allow us to strengthen local churches, support Adventist education, expand evangelism, and respond to new ministry opportunities across Kansas and Nebraska. Throughout every area of ministry, we strive to be faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. We continually evaluate our programs, pastoral assignments, budgets and ministries to ensure that our greatest investment remains where it matters most—in frontline ministry through our churches and schools. Common goals The Kansas-Nebraska Conference is made up of ordinary people from many different backgrounds, united by an extraordinary Savior. Though we are diverse, we share a common mission: to make disciples, strengthen churches, and proclaim the everlasting gospel. As we reflect on God’s blessings over the past five years, we do so with gratitude and confidence. We believe that the God who has faithfully led His work in the past will continue to guide His church in the future. As Philippians 1:6 reminds us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Ron Carlson is president of the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.

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