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Brenda Dickerson – Kansas City, Missouri … Central States Conference delegates met on August 3 during a regularly scheduled session for the purpose of electing leadership, receiving reports and conducting other church business. A total of 327 delegates plus special guests and observers from the five regions of the conference gathered in the G. Alexander Bryant Youth Center on the campus of the Central States Conference headquarters in Kansas City, Kansas.

Following a time of prayer and singing, associate youth director for the North American Division Vandeon Griffin called for a “heart reset” based on the session’s theme of “One Spirit, One Mission.” His devotional message focused on the value of uncommon “noise” in worshiping and experiencing Jesus, being uncomfortable enough with the status quo to give God complete control, and embracing unconventional ways of honoring Jesus Christ.

“God wants to do something unconventional,” he said.

As the Sixth Quadrennial/27^th Session was officially beginning, outgoing CSC president Roger Bernard acknowledged a number of special guests present from the Office of Regional Ministries, who were in attendance to show their support.

Bernard and the other CSC officers, Cryston Josiah (vice president for administration) and Sister Kelley Paris (vice president for finance), shared their appreciation for department leaders who were retiring or taking other roles. In addition, much appreciation was expressed for Bernard and his wife Ivona for their decade of leadership in Central States. The Bernards are moving to Huntsville, Alabama, where Barnard is taking up a new role as president of the Office for Regional Conference Ministries.

Nominating Committee Recommendations 

The 19-member Nominating Committee chaired by Mid-America Union president Gary Thurber (with representation from each of the five regions based on membership numbers), met twice prior to the session, including the Saturday night preceding the session. The committee’s secretary, CSC pastor and ministerial director Joseph Ikner II, and the associate secretary, women’s ministries director Donna Brown, brought over 20 names throughout the morning for consideration as officers and department leaders.

As the names were presented delegates overwhelmingly voted to elect Cryston Josiah to serve as their new president. They similarly elected Kelley Paris to continue serving as vice president for finance, and Joseph Ikner to serve as vice president for administration.

Every name presented received strong support from the delegates. “The nominating committee has worked very hard, and I’m grateful to have served with them,” said Thurber.

Three positions were referred to the CSC Executive Committee to be filled at a later date. The Executive Committee is comprised of 22 people, including the three conference officers.

Conducting Other Business

Delegates voted six new congregations into the sisterhood of churches: three Spanish-speaking congregations, one Indonesian, one Indonesian-American, and one Haitian. One congregation was dissolved, with its members joining other nearby Adventist churches.

Reports on church membership, finances, and other statistics pertaining to the previous four years had been sent to the delegates prior to the session and were voted as a block. The financial report presented by the General Conference Auditing Service covering the years 2020-2024 showed an unmodified opinion, indicating reasonable assurance of the absence of financial irregularities.

In addition, session attendees reviewed proposed changes to the CSC Constitution and Bylaws. Delegates voted by a margin of over 90 percent to move from a four-year term of leadership service to a five-year team. Considerations for this included being in alignment with most other Adventist entities in North America; a cost savings of approximately $50,000 per term; and more time for elected leaders to strengthen ministries and initiatives.

The Conference Corporation Association Board members, who meet on an as-needed basis, were also elected. The Association Board is composed of the three CSC officers, three laypersons with legal and/or business expertise, and two pastors. The board is responsible for approving the acquisition and sale of all conference property.

Two parliamentarians were seated for overseeing legal compliance during the session: attorneys Loretta Collins and Darrell Huenergardt. At the conclusion of the session Huenergardt said he has been assisting at constituency sessions for 35 years and had never seen a session operate so peacefully from a parliamentary perspective. “We can feel the presence of God here,” he stated.

Gloria Bailey, a delegate from St. Louis, Missouri, said she has been present at five CSC sessions over the years and this was the best one yet. “It was informative and run very well,” she said. Another delegate stated this was his first time attending a session. He drove in from Missouri and brought three other delegates with him. The most important thing to him was that all believers “be together in one accord.”

Due to the rapid increase of CSC Spanish-speaking congregations, several delegates who do not speak fluent English were unsure of all that was happening. One delegate said she hoped translation services would be offered in the future so all delegates could participate fully.

Organizational Information

The Central States Conference covers the entire nine-state region of the Mid-America Union Conference and has 9,569 members (as of June 5, 2025). This represents a modest net gain of 398 members over the past four years.

As of July 30, 2025, the conference had 38 churches, 19 companies, and one active school.

The mission of the Central States Conference of Seventh-day Adventists is “to live and proclaim the Three Angels’ Messages in the heartland of America, growing healthy, Bible-based, multicultural communities of faith.”

Looking to the Future

As the session came to a close, President Josiah spoke briefly, expressing appreciation to his family and his predecessor, along with the other officers and pastors of CSC. Josiah credited his father, an experienced church leader who was in attendance, with showing him the importance of the correct alignment of the Three M’s in spiritual organizational leadership: 1) Men and women —people are most important; 2) Mission—to heal, preach and set at liberty; 3) Money—funding the mission comes through the people, completing the circle.

“Through humility, honesty, transparency, and integrity is how we’re going to move forward,” Josiah concluded.

—Brenda Dickerson is the associate communication director for the Mid-America Union and editor of OUTLOOK magazine. Republished with permission from OUTLOOK magazine news August 7, 2025, article. Photos supplied.

Diane Harris – Denver, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Education Department began the 2025–2026 school year with three powerful days of professional development that teachers across the conference are calling “the best I’ve experienced.” Guided by nationally recognized educator and author, Dr. Tina Boogren, this gathering was more than training, it was a time of inspiration, collaboration, and renewal for those called to the sacred work of teaching.

For new and experienced teachers alike, the sessions offered practical strategies that benefit both student learning and teacher well-being. As one new teacher shared, “I am so inspired by the collaboration of schools across the conference.” Dr. Boogren’s expertise in The New Art and Science of Teaching and educator wellness brought together evidence-based instructional practices with the human side of teaching—relationships, joy, and purpose.

This exceptional opportunity was made possible through the generosity of a donor passionate about Adventist education. RMC superintendent of Education Diane Harris expressed her gratitude: “In our attempt to provide tools that are practical and provide benefits to student learning and teacher well-being, I am grateful that we were able to be blessed by the content of Dr. Tina Boogren. I look forward to God’s continued blessings this year in RMC.”

Throughout the training, teachers explored strategies for engagement, feedback, and relationship-building, learning how seemingly small shifts in teacher practice can profoundly impact student achievement. From increasing student response rates to integrating movement into learning, Dr. Boogren’s approach reinforced the truth that great teaching is both an art and a science and that healthy, thriving teachers create safe and thriving classrooms.

The impact was felt beyond the classroom. Doug Inglish, RMC vice president for Administration, reflected, “I have seldom attended professional seminars that were more relevant, insightful, and full of practical ideas. It was impossible not to be engaged, and so much of the presentation can be applied beyond education.”

Adding to the spirit of encouragement, new RMC president Dave VandeVere joined the meetings, taking time to connect with as many teachers as possible personally. His message was clear: our mission is to work together in bringing students to Jesus. His presence and words underscored the unified commitment of conference leadership to support and champion educators in their calling.

These three days served as a poignant reminder that the strength of RMC Education lies in its people—dedicated educators who pour their skills, compassion, and faith into their students every day. It also highlighted the power of collaboration, the necessity of teacher well-being, and the joy of shared mission.

As we move into this new school year, the RMC Education Department remains committed to equipping teachers with the tools they need to teach with excellence, lead with love, and inspire the next generation of disciples. With God’s blessing, the seeds planted during these days will bear fruit in classrooms, communities, and hearts across the Rocky Mountain Conference.

—Diane Harris is the RMC Education director and Superintendent. Photos supplied.

Eli Gonzalez – Ward, Colorado … The Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) Pathfinder Camporee was celebrated at the Pathfinder Village at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado, July 31-August 3. Pathfinder Village is at an altitude of 8,600 feet above sea level, so attendees experienced temperature drops to as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit as well as rain in the evenings. But the Pathfinders and their supporting family members were not discouraged.

The theme for this year was “Know Jesus,” and the theme song was “Before I Knew Jesus” by Leanna Crawford. The goal was to motivate the Pathfinder club members in their physical, spiritual, and mental life. They were able to accomplish this by completing the Prayer Honor where they were involved in classes full of prayer and activities interacting with members from other clubs.

The Pathfinder club members received incredible motivational messages from guest speakers Tyrone Douglas, Mid-America Union Youth director, and Voice of Prophecy associate speaker and pastor Alex Rodriguez.

“It was such a blessing to see how Pastor Tyrone captured the Pathfinder’s attention with his beautiful sermon on not losing faith and encouragement,” commented Eli Gonzales, RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. “His slogan was ‘Know Jesus, No Hiding.’ He gave the youth a challenge to never forget that we will always depend on prayer.”

Rodriguez, now a pastor working in Adventist media ministries, shared his testimony and many vivid anecdotes about his life as an ex-police officer and member of the fire department. He motivated those listening to his message and gave Pathfinder club members a challenge to find the faith that young David had when he faced the giant Goliath.

Gonzales continued, “We were witnesses to Pastor Rodriguez’s faith and determination to spread the word of God and give his message as we watched him preach so passionately that not even the wind and rain could stop him. Through the chilly conditions of the Rocky Mountains, Pathfinders, adults, and children alike received an encouraging and heartfelt message of Christ through sincere and constant prayer.”

One highlight of the weekend was the baptism of Emi, member of the Littleton Lights Pathfinder Club. Gonzales remarked, “We were witnesses to Emi’s double birthday! That Sabbath, Emi celebrated her twelfth birthday. That same Sabbath, Emi decided to make public her decision to follow Christ as her Lord and Savior through the sacred act of baptism and rebirth.”

Emi was joined and supported by her parents, grandparents, and the other Pathfinder club members at the RMC Camporee. The baptism was administered in the very cool waters of Lake Minnie at GVR by Godfrey Miranda, lead pastor of the Littleton Seventh-day Adventist Church, in Littleton, Colorado.

“An event like this Camporee is only possible after much prayer, collaboration, and support from many faithful volunteers from our Rocky Mountain Conference. These were four days full of motivation for everyone present,” praised Gonzales.

“I pray now that this time together will make an impact in the lives of not only the Pathfinders who were present, but also in the lives of those they interact with daily. May the love of Christ be present in their actions and their words and may the things they learned at this Camporee be with them as they return to their daily activities with friends and family.”

To see more of what is going on in RMC Club Ministries, CLICK HERE to visit their YouTube channel.

—Eli Gonzalez is the RMC Club Ministries executive coordinator. Photos by Daniel Sem.

Liz Kirkland – Denver, Colorado … Art therapy offers a powerful outlet for people facing physical illness as a way to express emotions, reduce stress, and cope with the challenges of their diagnosis. Through creative activities like painting, drawing, or sculpting, they can process their experiences, gain a sense of control, and find moments of peace amidst pain or uncertainty.

This form of therapy not only supports emotional well-being but can also enhance quality of life and foster resilience during treatment and recovery. The Bible even offers several examples where art and healing intersect as a channel for divine restoration—whether through music, visual symbols, or the creative acts.

When King Saul was tormented by an evil spirit, young David played the harp for him. The music brought Saul peace and relief: And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was upon Saul, that David took a harp, and played with his hand: so Saul was refreshed, and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him (1 Samuel 16:23, KJV).

While not directly about healing, the elaborate esthetics of the tabernacle was designed to reflect God’s holiness and provide a space for spiritual restoration and reconciliation through worship and sacrifice. The book of Revelation leads readers through the ultimate healing and restoration of creation as described in vivid symbolic and artistic imagery.

The Eden Valley Institute of Wellness* in Loveland, Colorado, has begun to incorporate the concept of art therapy and spiritual restoration under the guidance of Eden Valley employee Stephen Herrera as a part of their Lifestyle program. He is a former commercial artist and graphic designer and has been an art teacher since 2004.

“The process of art as ‘therapy’ is not trying to analyze their art but to experience a creative time away from all other therapies. It gets their mind off their ‘sickness,’ and that will be healing therapy!” remarked Herrera.

Several sessions have already run, and one session included the creation of a gratitude journal. While Herrera hopes to expand the art therapy offering, it is currently available to individuals utilizing Eden Valley’s 14-day Lifestyle program.

Art and healing are deeply intertwined in the Bible—emotionally, spiritually, and even physically. Whether through music, symbol, craftsmanship, or story, God often uses creative expression as a pathway to restoration. These examples remind us that art can be blessed medicine, pointing us toward the ultimate Healer.

* Please note that Eden Valley Institute of Wellness is not affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Conference (RMC) but is a member of the Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industry (ASI) supporting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

—Liz Kirkland is the RMC Communication director. Photos supplied. Cover image by Amauri Mejía of Unsplash.

NCBC News – Lincoln, Nebraska … For Elizabeth, forgiveness is more than just a word.

When she was just 15 years old, Liz was shot in the face with a 12-gauge shotgun when she threatened to turn in her ex-boyfriend and brother for a crime they planned to commit. She spent the next year in the hospital, eight months on life support.

“The doctors told my mother she’d have to take care of me my whole life, and only if I lived,” says Elizabeth. “But I have a praying grandmother, and she told them not to unplug anything. I am here because of grandmother’s prayers and her faith.”

After getting back home, she still had to face the person who shot her and the brother who watched it happen. And neither of them expressed regret or remorse.

“But I forgave them anyway,” says Elizabeth. “It’s hard, but I choose to forgive. It’s about Jesus.” Watch her full story below.

On August 9, Seventh-day Adventist Churches across North America will come together for a special offering to support the ministry of Christian Record Services for the Blind who are praying to raise $500,000 this day. As a 100% donor-supported ministry, this single day is vital to sustaining their operations and ensuring that every one of their programs and resources remains completely free for all members who are blind or have low vision.

—Elizabeth’s story from the NCBC News, Vol. 32, No. 1. Photo capture from CRSB’s 2025 Offering Video.