THE MINISTRY OF SINGLES - BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST THROUGH MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION - OUTLOOK magazine
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MID-AMERICA SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST NEWS & INSPIRATION Q & A WITH
SINGLES
P. 14
BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST THROUGH
THE MINISTRY OF SINGLES
LESSONS FROM A WINTER CANOPY P. 5
PURSUING YOUR BEST LIFE P. 6
APRIL2018
outlookmag.org
CONTENTS | APRIL 2018
NEWS AND INSPIRATION
mag.org
SINGLE: THE NEW NORM
Being single is the “new normal” today for
many adults in North America. In fact, for
the first time since the Bureau of Labor
Statistics began tracking these numbers
Singleness: The Gift
in 1976, there are now more single
individuals than people who are married.*
outlookmag.org/singleness-the-gift
Despite the popularity of online dating,
it appears that American society is in the
midst of a major social and demographic
shift with many singles saying they are
not feeling any rush to stand at the altar.
BRENDA DICKERSON An increasing variety of educational and
editor career opportunities provide freedom to
explore the world, while for Gen Xers and
Millennials already loaded with debt, marriage is not an imminent The Advance Podcast: Season 2
priority. outlookmag.org/tag/advance
Regardless of the trends encouraging singleness, the church as
a body is being offered unprecedented opportunities to actively
embrace singles and celebrate their gifts. Whether singleness is a
short or long term experience for individuals, they can contribute
toward building up the body of Christ in unique and powerful ways.
* www.pri.org/stories/2014-09-14/singles-now-outnumber-married-people-
america-and-thats-good-thing Del Delker Passes at Age 93
bit.ly/deldelkerpasses
ON THE COVER
Donnette Roston uses her gifts to
joyfully serve those around her
at the New Community Adventist OUTLOOK (ISSN 0887-977X) April 2018, Volume 39, Number 4.
Church and beyond. OUTLOOK is published monthly (10 months per year) by the Mid-
America Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, 8307 Pine
Lake Road, Lincoln, NE 68516. Printed at Pacific Press Publishing
More on p. 6 Association, Periodical postage paid at Lincoln, NE and additional
offices. USPS number 006-245. Free for Mid-America church
members and $10 per year for subscribers. ©2017 Mid-America Union
Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Unless otherwise credited, all
Photo by Brittany Winkfield
images are iStock. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are registered
trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
CONTACT us by email: info@maucsda.org or phone: 402.484.3000.
2 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
MID-AMERICA UNION
CONFERENCE
17 13 President
Gary Thurber
VP for Administration
Gil F. Webb
VP for Finance
Troy Peoples
Communication
Brenda Dickerson
Education
LouAnn Howard
Human Resources
Raylene Jones
Ministerial
Mic Thurber
Youth/Church Ministries
Hubert Cisneros
midamericaadventist.org
PERSPECTIVES
24 SHOULD I TITHE ON
OUTLOOK STAFF
Editor: Brenda Dickerson
MY NET INCOME OR Digital Media Manager:
Pablo Colindres-Moreno
MY GROSS INCOME?
Designer/Ad Manager:
—Brennan Hallock Brennan Hallock
p. 4 outlookmag.org
CONFERENCE
NEWS EDITORS
Central States
Brittany Winkfield
FEATURES communications@
central-states.org
LESSONS FROM A 913.371.1071
WINTER CANOPY central-states.org
—Laurel McClelland Dakota
p. 5 Jacquie Biloff
jbiloff@icloud.com
701.751.6177
PURSUING YOUR
dakotaadventist.org
BEST LIFE
—Brittany Winkfield Iowa-Missouri
Randy Harmdierks
p. 6
"I am part of this body. I am not sure which part I rharmdierks@imsda.org
515.223.1197
compose, but I know I belong and have something to imsda.org
contribute." —p. 5 Kansas-Nebraska
Stephanie Gottfried
sgottfried@ks-ne.org
NEWS 785.478.4726
ks-ne.org
8 8 Mid-America Minnesota
Union Savannah Carlson
scarlson@mnsda.com
12 Central States 763.424.8923
14 Dakota mnsda.com
16 Iowa-Missouri Rocky Mountain
Rajmund Dabrowski
18 Kansas-Nebraska rayd@rmcsda.org
20 Minnesota 303.733.3771
22 Rocky Mountain rmcsda.org
24 Union College UNION COLLEGE
26 Adventist Health Ryan Teller
ryteller@ucollege.edu
28 Farewell 402.486.2538
29 InfoMarket ucollege.edu
PERSPECTIVES
Should I Tithe on My Net Income
or My Gross Income?
income may cause us to miss “Now this I say, he who
the point of tithing. We may sows sparingly will also reap
be more concerned about our sparingly, and he who sows
actions than their results. bountifully will also reap
David A. Croteau writes bountifully. Each one must
in Christianity Today, “If I’m do just as he has purposed
asking the question [whether in his heart, not grudgingly
to tithe on my net income or or under compulsion, for
my gross income] with the God loves a cheerful giver”
intent to decipher how little (NASB).
I can get away with giving, Paul does not say you
then a serious heart issue is should give more because you
exposed. When we are driven will have a better return; he
by the principles of giving says you should give what you
from the New Testament, the have purposed (or been con-
after-tax question becomes victed) in your heart to give.
irrelevant. God’s people
This article is the third in (pre-tax) income, you must should try to find ways to give Much more than a giver
a six-part series about the determine what the purpose more, not less.”*
ministry of generosity. Read of tithing is. During the time Helping others more is the God wants much more
more online at outlookmag. of the Old Testament Isrealite purpose of Christianity being than a giver, He wants a
org/author/brennanhallock nation, tithing was instituted in the world. If I am asking relationship with the giver.
as a law. The purpose of this questions with the intent to If we fret about whether we
I
n order to determine law was to help others. help myself more, then I am should be tithing on our net
whether you should Deut. 14:28-29 says, “At the not aligning my actions with income or our gross income,
tithe on your net (after- end of every third year you my religion. but we do not help others and
tax) income or your gross shall bring out all the tithe of do not cultivate a relationship
your produce in that year, and Give what you have with God, we have missed the
shall deposit it in your town. been convicted to give point of tithing. Reducing our
The Levite, because he has no religion to an argument about
BRENNAN HALLOCK
portion or inheritance among Based on the view that you whether or not we are rob-
is designer/ad manager for
the Mid-America Union.
you, and the alien, the orphan should help others as much bing God or receiving our full
and the widow who are in as possible, you may assume share of His blessing does not
your town, shall come and eat you should err on the side of address the underlying fact
and be satisfied” (NASB). tithing on your gross income. that others need us—and God
The Israelites used their This is not an illogical conclu- wants us—to give cheerfully,
tithes as a form of a welfare sion, but we must remember no matter if it is a percentage
system, which helped the Christianity is a religion of of our net income or our
orphans, the widows, the for- conviction. Doing what you gross income.
eigners and the Levites (who believe God has convicted
performed specific religious you is right—even if it is *Croteau, David, Frederica
and political duties). not in line with your peers’ Mathewes-Green, and Steve Stewart.
The point of tithing during beliefs—is a fundamental “Is It Robbing God to Tithe on Your
this time was to help others teaching of the Christian After-Tax (Not Gross) Income?”
and trust God. Worrying church. Christianity Today. June 2015.
whether we should tithe Paul iterates this message
on our net income or gross in 2 Cor. 9:6-7 when he says,
4 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
Lessons from a Winter Canopy
T
he skeleton of the tree The group is made up of part together, giving secu-
looms above me. I men and women, sometimes rity, stability and strength
trace the branches with even children. With various to the whole. That also
my eyes, marveling at their instruments and voices, we doesn’t negate the need for
beauty. I dream of spring, praise our God who made this the branches that can sway,
when the leaves will be out “body” of ours. We all belong. adding to the rhythm of the
and the tree will be a canopy Looking around my Bible body, yet sustaining it in
of green over my head. study group, I also see parts the storms. And it doesn’t
But it is not spring. Not of the body. We are a body minimize the seeds that will
yet. It is winter, and green composed of those with form yet other bodies, other
is nowhere to be found. As greater wisdom by years of trees. Each part is unique.
I look closer, following the experience and those who are Each member is special. Each
tree’s frame, I notice not still on the way to becoming is necessary. So am I—where
only the obvious but also wiser. I am the only single I am in life, even now.
the delicate. The tree’s arms person there now. But each I look at the tree once
have branches, the branches, time I open the Word and more. Spring is coming,
Read the full article
twigs, each finger reaching lead out, I am a part of the yes, but for now I will pause
at outlookmag.
for the sky. body. Each time I am spiritu- under the twigs and the
org/lessons-from-
If it weren’t for the twigs, the ally fed by another, I am also branches, await the seed and
a-winter-canopy.
leaves wouldn’t have anything part of the body. I belong. the leaves, and rejoice.
to attach to. The thought isn’t And I have something to con-
particularly profound, but my tribute. Without me, the body Laurel McClelland teaches English
mind travels further down would be incomplete. as a Second Language at the Laurel McClelland
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
this path. “The human body (right) enjoys the
has many parts, but the many Each part an anchor beauty of God’s
parts make up one whole creation with
body. So it is with the body of I have to remind myself of friends.
Christ” (I Cor. 12:12 NLT). that truth sometimes, because Courtesy Laurel McClelland
society often urges me to
Belonging in the body draw the “big picture” and
leave out the “twigs.” Maybe
As a single woman in my I am a twig. It is easy to miss
church, I realize I am part of the twigs, to gloss over the
this body. I am not exactly little fingers that grasp the
sure which part I compose, leaves dancing softly in the
but I know I belong and have breeze. But the twigs anchor
something to contribute. the leaves, allowing them to
When I look around me in flutter without falling, dance
the church praise group I without blowing away.
play with, I see young adults Still, that doesn’t make
attending college, as well as the leaves any less beautiful.
married adults with kids and It doesn’t lessen the impact
those married without them. of the trunk, holding each
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 5
PURSUING YOUR
At every step of your journey of singleness, pursue the life
By Brittany Winkfield
F
With an or Donnette Roston, Roston is the second whole—the best version of
appreciation of an experienced K-12 of four children born to yourself. “Whether you are 30
her past and an teacher and nanny living Nathaniel and Terri Roston. or 80, you’ve probably been
eye for her future, in Denver, Colorado, life as She gave her life to Christ tempted to believe that time is
Donnette Roston a single Christian is good. on her seventh birthday and flying by and no one can stop
is traveling the In her spare time she enjoys today she is an active mem- it,” Roston says. “Pressure
path God opens reading, hiking, listening to ber of the New Community from society starts to weigh
for her each day. music and spending time Adventist Church. Roston has on you if you never get mar-
with family. Cooking is her a heart for young people and ried and never have children.
specialty and her delicious serves as the Rocky Mountain False. As long as you’re alive,
cakes and cupcakes have a Adventist Youth Federation you’re not too old.”
reputation of their own. president. Her selfless spirit
Photos: Brittany Winkfield and strong desire to help oth- Feeling invisible
ers makes her unique. She is
a giver, putting others before Yet as a single Christian—
herself as she steps in to bless no matter how hard she tries
those around her. to fight it—Roston often
wonders if anyone notices
Singleness is not Plan B her, especially in the church,
where singles tend to be
Despite what many people overlooked in ministry. “The
think, “singleness, dating and reality is, you start to believe
marriage are not the main you did something wrong.
storyline of life,” Roston People ask ‘Why are you
states. “God cares deeply still single?’ and you begin
about your love life—even to internalize that question,”
more than you do—but there’s explains Roston.
something big playing out. But Roston affirms that
The bigger storyline is that we there is a God who sees each
have fallen short of what God one of us. “He knows you by
intended us to be. The world name and knows where to
is a mess, but the good news find you and your broken-
is God is on the move.” ness,” she says. “Every battle
Roston believes that with against discouragement and
Christ there is purpose in the despair starts in our minds.
timing, and there’s purpose We become what we think
in the process, but each about.” Roston adds that we
person must choose whether can renew our minds and find
to view singleness as a filler joy by focusing on the truth
for the rest of life or focus on of God’s promises.
becoming healed, healthy and Whether your season of
6 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
The Waiting Room of Life
In this hurry-up world, waiting for anything can cause
BEST LIFE
us to lose our temper and our mind, if we’re being
honest. However, as human beings, we learn some of
life’s greatest lessons while we wait. God promises His
richest blessings to those who wait for Him.
WHEN WE WAIT ON GOD ...
God has given you today.
• We learn His will: And we know that God causes
everything to work together for the good of those
who love God and are called according to His
purpose for them. (Rom. 8:28 NLT)
singleness is long or short, that matters. “Take care of
you can know that God has you, and use this time to • We receive new strength: He gives power to the
a purpose for your life. All work on yourself,” Roston weak and strength to the powerless. Even youths
that is left is for you to ponder advises. “Get the counseling will become weak and tired, and young men will fall
the question: What will that and support you need now in exhaustion. But those who trust in the Lord will
look like for me? “Regardless as a single person to work find new strength. They will soar high on wings like
of whether you are a married through any unresolved issues eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will
follower of Jesus or a single of forgiveness.” walk and not faint. (Isa. 40: 29-31 NLT)
follower of Jesus, we can Roston believes individ-
together link arms and make uals should do this not just • We win the fight: For since the world began, no ear
a difference for the kingdom,” for their own sake, but for has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who
Roston emphasizes. the sake of those who might works for those who wait for Him! (Isa. 64:4 NLT)
believe in Christ because of
Created to relate their example of faith and While we actively wait, God actively works. Although
forgiveness. “Remember, you waiting can be one of the more difficult things in the
God desires for us to have are never a victim of your Christian life, it’s not wasted time. When we choose to
relationships. Regardless of circumstances, because God wait on Him, God will use the long pauses in our lives
our relationship type—single, uses everything that happens to bless us in large and unexpected ways.
married, divorced, wid- to you for your blessing and
owed—we were created to His glory,” she concludes.
relate. Time as a single person
should be characterized by Brittany Winkfield is
deep friendships that will communication director for the
Central States Conference.
hold each other accountable
and keep loneliness and
isolation at bay. Roston points
out that a foundation of close
friendships will help individ- Roston’s favorite
uals stand strong in the midst scripture is
of the stresses and strains of I Cor. 15:58:
life. “You need people who “Therefore, my
love God, who love you and beloved brethren,
who aren’t afraid to tell you be steadfast,
when you’re being an idiot!”
immovable, always
This season is also a time
abounding in the
to invest in God’s Word and
prepare your heart and mind work of the Lord,
for service. With the support knowing that your
of God’s Word and godly labor is not in vain
friends, you will be able to in the Lord” (NKJV).
take a stand for something
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 7
MID-AMERICA UNION
NEWS
MAUC Partners with Adventist
Photos: Courtesy Gerard Ban
Gerard Ban, LouAnn Howard and Gary Thurber recently visited the Seventh-day Adventist
schools on the islands of Weno and Paata in Micronesia. These schools are now part of the
North American Division.
I n 2011, the Guam-
Micronesia Mission was
reassigned from the Southern
a trip for up to three individ-
uals from each union.
In January, Mid-America
Many blessings, many
needs
in grades K-5. The classes are
taught by 8-10 student mis-
sionaries over two sessions.
Asia-Pacific Division to the Union Conference president The schools in GMM Due to the lack of additional
North American Division. Gary Thurber, MAUC direc- are run primarily by stu- student missionaries, the
GMM has 12 schools located tor of education LouAnn dent missionaries from school is not able to offer
on the many islands that Howard and MAUC asso- our Adventist colleges and more grade levels.
comprise the territory. ciate director of education universities. There is no There certainly is not a
Recently, each of the nine Gerard Ban traveled to visit doubt that both the student shortage of available stu-
NAD unions “adopted” one MAUC’s two schools: Chuuk missionaries and the students dents, however. In fact, there
or two of the schools. In Seventh-day Adventist are being blessed in all kinds is a waiting list for stu-
order to facilitate a working School and Paata Seventh- of ways by this experience. dents who would love to be
relationship with the partner day Adventist School. On the main island of enrolled.
schools, the NAD Office of Weno the school has an The MAUC team made
Education offered to sponsor enrollment of 167 students a trip over open ocean in a
8 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
MID-AMERICA UNION
NEWS
Schools in Chuuk
WHERE ARE THE WENO
AND PAATA ISLANDS?
MICRONESIA
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
small boat to the island of with the awesome God we
Paata. This two-hour trip serve.
was quite the experience in The school personnel and
itself, thanks to the open boat students at these schools
and the pounding waves. A were so friendly and welcom-
small two-teacher school of ing to our team. In spite of NEW ZEALAND
18 students is operated there. the many needs they have,
AUSTRALIA
Unfortunately, the financial it is apparent God’s work is
limitations of the families being done.
prevent more students from We ask that you join us
attending. in prayer for our partner
It is impressive to see the schools’ young people and
work our student mission- educators in Weno and Paata
aries are doing. Not only do as we continue our work
they teach the students aca- with them.
demics, they also introduce
them to Jesus and help them Gerard Ban is associate director
of education for the Mid-
build personal relationships
America Union.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 9
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
All schools operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church admit students of any race to
all the privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to
students at its schools, and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic
background, gender or country of origin in the administration of education policies,
applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs, and extracurricular programs.
Published annually in compliance with NAD policy
MID-AMERICA UNION Red River Adventist Elementary Prescott Elementary School Great Bend Adventist School
Union College School 1405 Weisenborn Road, 7 SW 30th Avenue, Great Bend KS
3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln 3000 Elm Street N, Fargo ND St. Joseph MO 64507-2524 67530 I 620-793-9247
NE 68506 I 402-486-2600 58102-1705 I 701-235-0128 816-866-0472 I saintjosephmo. greatbend22.adventistschoolconect.org
www.ucollege.edu redriversdaschool@gmail.com adventistschoolconnect.org
redriveradventistelementary22. High Plains Christian School
adventistschoolconnect.org Rolla Adventist School 2710 N Flemming Street, Garden
CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE 814A Hwy 50, Rolla MO 65401- City KS 67846 I 620-275-9356
St. Louis Unified School of Sioux Falls Adventist Elementary 6700 I 573-364-3784 high23.adventistschoolconnect.org
Seventh-day Adventists School rolla22.adventistschoolconnect.org
9001 Lucas and Hunt Road, 7100 East 26th Street, Sioux Falls Maranatha Christian School
St. Louis MO 63136 SD 57110 I 605-333-0197 Sedalia Adventist Elementary 1410 Toulon Road, Hays KS 67601
314-869-7800 I stlunified.org siouxfallsadventistelementary22. School 785-625-3975
adventistschoolconnect.org 29531 Highway 50, Sedalia MO maranatha-christian-school.org
V. Lindsay Seventh-day Adventist 65301 I 660-826-8951
School sedaliasdachurchschool.org Omaha Memorial Adventist
3310 Garfield Avenue, Kansas City IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE School
KS 66104 I 913-342-4435 Sunnydale Adventist Academy Springfield Adventist Elementary 840 North 72nd Street
vlindsay22.adventistschoolconnect.org 6818 Audrain Road 9139, Centralia School Omaha NE 68114 I 402-397-4642
MO 65240 I 573-682-2164 704 South Belview, Springfield MO omahamemorialadventistschool.org
info@sunnydale.org 65802 I 417-862-0833
DAKOTA CONFERENCE springfieldsdaschool.org Platte Valley Adventist School
Dakota Adventist Academy College Park Christian Academy 636 South Shady Bend Road,
15905 Sheyenne Circle, Bismarck 1114 College Park Drive, Columbia Summit View Adventist Grand Island NE 68801
ND 58503-9256 I 701-258-9000 MO 65203 I 573-445-6315 Elementary School 308-384-1480
info@dakotaadventistacademy.org colsda@gmail.com 12503 South State Route 7 platte22.adventistschoolconnect.org
Lee’s Summit MO 64086
Brentwood Adventist Christian Des Moines Adventist Jr. Academy 816-697-3443 I SVAS7day@live.com Prairie View Adventist School
School 2317 Watrous Avenue, Des Moines 5802 Highway 20, Chadron NE
9111 Wentworth Drive, Bismarck IA 50321 I 515-285-7729 Sunnydale Adventist Elementary 69337 I 308-432-4228
ND 58503-6509 I 701-258-1579 dmadventistschool@gmail.com School prairieviewadventistschool.org
brentwoodsdaschool@gmail.com 6979 Audrain Road 9139, Centralia
Golden Valley SDA School MO 65240 I 573-682-2811 Three Angels Adventist School
Hillcrest Adventist Elementary 2000 Community, Clinton MO 4558 North Hydraulic,
School 64735-8802 I 660-492-5559 Wichita KS 67219 I 316-832-1010
116 15th Avenue NE, Jamestown KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE threeangelsschool.org
ND 58401-3931 I 701-252-5409 Hillcrest Seventh-day Adventist College View Academy
rfrishman@hillcrestnd.org School 5240 Calvert Street, Lincoln NE Topeka Adventist Christian School
9777 Grandview Drive, Olivette 68506 I 402-483-1181 I cvak12.org 2431 SW Wanamaker Road,
Invitation Hill Adventist School MO 63132-2006 I 314-993-1807 Topeka KS 66614 I 785-272-9474
10730 Hwy 10, Dickenson ND hillcrestsdaschool.org Midland Adventist Academy topeka22.adventistschoolconnect.org
58601-9573 I 701-783-2050 6915 Maurer Road, Shawnee
invitationhillschool@gmail.com J.N. Andrews Christian Academy KS 66217 I 913-268-7400 Valley View Adventist School
2773 Edgewood Road, Cedar midlandacademy.org 415 West 31st Street, Scottsbluff
Prairie Voyager Adventist School Rapids IA 52411 I 319-393-1664 NE 69361-4319 I 308-632-8804
3610 Cherry Street, Grand Forks andrewsca.org Enterprise Adventist School valleyview25.adventistschoolconnect.org
ND 58201-7602 I 701-746-9644 109 West 6th Street, Enterprise KS
prairievoyager.com Maranatha Adventist School 67441 I 785-200-6224 Wichita Adventist Christian
1400 East McKinsey, Moberly MO enterprise23.adventistschoolconnect.org Academy
Rapid City Adventist Elementary 65270 I 660-263-8600 2725 South Osage Street,
School maranathaadventist@att.net George Stone School Wichita KS 67217 I 316-267-9472
305 North 39th Street, Rapid City 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln angf96.adventistschoolconnect.org
SD 57702-0343 I 605-343-2785 Nevada Adventist Elementary School NE 68506 I 402-486-2896
rcsdaschool@gmail.com 224 South 6th Street, Nevada IA georgestone.org
rapid22adventistschoolconnect.org 50201 I 515-215-1092
10 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018MID-AMERICA UNION
EDUCATION DIRECTORY
MINNESOTA CONFERENCE ROCKY MOUNTAIN CONFERENCE H.M.S. Richards Seventh-day Mountain Road Christian Academy
Maplewood Academy Campion Academy Adventist School 2657 Casper Mountain Road,
700 Main Street North, 300 SW 42nd Street, Loveland CO 342 SW 42nd Street, Loveland CO Casper WY 82601 I 307-235-2859
Hutchinson MN 55350-1245 80537 I 970-667-5592 80537 I 970-667-2427
320-587-2830 info@campion.net hmsrichardselementary@gmail.com SonShine Academy
maplewoodacademy.org 1220 Culbertson Avenue, Worland
Mile High Adventist Academy Intermountain Adventist Academy WY 82401 I 307-347-2026
Anoka Adventist Christian School 1733 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands 1704 North 8th Street, sonshinebrightly@gmail.com
1035 Lincoln Street, Anoka MN Ranch, CO 80126 I 303-744-1069 Grand Junction CO 81501
55303-1805 I 763-421-6710 info@milehighacademy.org 970-242-5116 I iaagj.com Springs Adventist Academy
anokaacs@yahoo.com 5410 East Palmer Park Blvd.,
Adventist Christian School Lighthouse SDA Christian School Colorado Springs CO 80915
Blackberry SDA School 612 23rd Avenue, Greeley CO 700 Meeker Street, Fort Morgan 719-597-0155 I saak8.org
25321 Dove Lane, Grand Rapids 80634 I 970-353-2770 CO 80701 I 970-867-8840
MN 55744-6200 I 218-326-2263 Vista Ridge Academy
Beebe Christian School Mason Christian Academy 3100 Ridge View Drive,
Capital City Adventist Christian 502 E. Pitkin Street, Fort Collins 723 Storey Blvd., Cheyenne WY Erie CO 80516 I 303-828-4944
School CO 80524 I 970-482-4409 82009 I 307-638-2457 vraoffice@vrak12.org
1220 South McKnight Road, learning@cheyenneadventistschool.org
St. Paul MN 55119-5923 Brighton Adventist Academy
651-739-7484 820 South 5th Avenue, Brighton Mile High Elementary School
CO 80601 I 303-659-1223 1733 Dad Clark Drive, Highlands
Detroit Lakes Adventist Christian info@baaconnect.org Ranch CO 80126 I 303-744-1069
School info@milehighacademy.org
404 Richwood Road, Columbine Christian School
Detroit Lakes MN 56501-2123 1775 Florida Road, Durango CO
218-846-9764 81301 I 970-259-1189
COLOR KEY
angil5.adventistschoolconnect.org columbinechristianschool@gmail.com
Maranatha Adventist Christian Columbine Christian School
School 2314 Blake Avenue, Glenwood
414 3rd Avenue SW, Dodge Springs CO 81601 I 970-945-7630
Center MN 55927-9172
507-374-6353 Cornerstone Christian Academy
angi65.adventistschoolconnect.org 313 Craft Street, Alamosa CO
81101 I 719-589-2557
Minnetonka Christian Academy sunshinechristianschool@gmail.com
3520 Williston Road, Minnetonka
MN 55345-1516 I 952-935-4497 Cortez Seventh-day Adventist
info@minnetonkachristian.com School
540 West 4th Street, Cortez CO
Northwoods Elementary School 83121 I 970-565-8257
95 Academy Lane NW, Hutchinson cortezadventistschool@hotmail.com
MN 55350-1103 I 320-234-5994
Daystar Christian School
Oak Street Christian School 3912 ONeal Avenue, Pueblo CO
2910 Oak Street, Brainerd MN 81005 I 719-561-9120
56401-3803 I 218-828-9660 daystarchristian@gmail.com
oakstreetchristian@live.com
Delta Seventh-day Adventist School
Southview Christian School 762 Meeker Street, Delta CO
15304 County Road 5, Burnsville 81416 I 970-874-9482
MN 55306-5322 I 952-898-2727
southviewoffice@gmail.com Discover Christian School
5509 Sagebrush Drive, Farmington
Stone Ridge Christian School NM 87402 I 505-325-5875
115 East Orange Street, Duluth MN discoverchristianschool@gmail.com
55811-5507 I 218-722-7535 For preschool and kindergarten options
stoneridgesda@gmail.com Four-Mile Adventist School
3180 East Main Street, Cañon City please contact the school.
CO 81212 I 719-275-6111
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 11CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE 12 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
CENTRAL STATES
CONFERENCE
Park Hill Named 2017 Church of the Year
P ark Hill Adventist Church
was named the 2017
Church of the Year by the
contribution to Colorado.
The award was presented at
the 47th Annual Colorado
Music Academy & Hall
of Fame was founded to
recognize accomplishments
Islamic and Jewish faiths to
promote community unity,
economic empowerment
Colorado Gospel Music Gospel Music Academy and contributions of individ- and holistic health
Academy & Hall of Fame in & Hall of Fame Awards uals and organizations that • Weekly food and clothing
recognition of the church’s Celebration at New Hope have been true soldiers and distribution for low-
sustained distinguished com- Baptist Church on Feb. 11. faithful community servants income families
munity service and spiritual The Colorado Gospel in Colorado. • Activating two Safe Haven
The ministries and accom- initiatives that provided
plishments of the Denver spiritual and emotional
Courtesy Central States Conference
Park Hill Church in 2017, support for Park Hill after
which factored into the com- two tragic gun violence
mittee’s selection, include: episodes
• Back to School tutorial • Domestic violence aware-
preparation boot camp ness vigil at the City and
for middle schoolers, and County building
pre-SAT tutoring hosted • Joining as members and
by children’s ministry and providing leadership
Cherelyn Napue’s Club Z for the Youth Violence
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day Prevention Center-Denver
Interfaith Celebration Key Leader Advisory Board
• Barbershop health screen- • Supporting initiatives
ings for African American for reform in the Denver
men and families Police Department data
• Community discussions collection, jail overcrowd-
around biased policing ing, addressing effects of
and the Denver Police Denver’s gentrification and
Department use of force other activities to improve
policy Park Hill
• Organizing and hosting
the first ever Park Hill Brittany Winkfield is
communication director for the
Interfaith Community
Central States Conference.
Fest, uniting Christian,
Pastor Robert L. Davis and his wife Denise
accept the award for the Park Hill Church, which
was honored with the 2017 Church of the Year
at the 47th Annual Colorado Gospel Music
Academy & Hall of Fame Awards Celebration at
New Hope Baptist Church in February.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 13DAKOTA
CONFERENCE
Responses from Recent
Questionnaire Sent to 18 Singles
Is being overlooked the experience of most singles?
“W hen I was a child, I
remember scanning
the congregation during boring
in church? Is there a place for
singles in ministry? Jacquie
Biloff, communication director
out on a Saturday night.
No, because it can create
awkward, uncomfortable
I could not fully enjoy my
acts/gifts of service or roles
in the church due to feeling
moments of the sermon. I was for the Dakota Conference, moments. torn between a spouse
looking to see who had their prepared a questionnaire and 4. The church I go to has a lot who wanted all of my time
arm around whom. I observed sent it to 18 “singles” (singles, of “single” women—wid- and my desire to give and
that, sometimes, husbands put those dating, engaged, married ows, divorced or the spouse support where I could in the
their arms around their wives, living separately and those isn’t a church member. We church or school.
sometimes wives put their arms previously married). Following have a lot in common. 2. Not very many benefits.
around their husbands, and is a sampling of the questions 5. Yes, but that’s probably due There are very few church
sometimes the couple sat too far and responses: to the fact that I’ve always members who really reach
apart to show such affection. been actively involved in out to me for friendship. I
I didn’t even look at the single Do you feel comfortable church/academy/college feel isolated and alone.
people to see how they sat. And in your role as a single activities. So I have no prob- 3. Benefits: Gives me freedom
from what my single friends person in church? lem going and sitting alone to go to events and activ-
have told me, this experience 1. I have moments of content- in the pew on a Sabbath ities. It also gives me time
of being overlooked (even by ment and feel comfortable morning. Or maybe a better to do things for the church
a restless child) is indicative with being single and then description would be I don’t in the role I am called to.
of the single experience in the I have moments where I am allow my marital status Downsides: In my personal
church,” says Joy-Elizabeth not sure where I fit in. to define my relationship opinion, I feel judged more
Lawrence in Today’s Christian 2. Not really. Making friends with God or my role in the since I am single than a
Woman.* is very difficult and I very church. I mean, Jesus was married person is.
Is being overlooked the expe- often feel isolated. single too. 4. Benefits: I can go to sleep
rience of most singles? How 3. Yes and no. Yes, I feel whenever I want! I can eat
do they feel about being single comfortable because it gives What benefits/downsides popcorn for supper every
me a chance to meet new are there to being single? night of the week and not
people and a chance to hang 1. I am free to choose how I feel guilty about not cook-
spend my available time ing a real meal. Downsides:
and free to serve where I It is difficult to come home
feel called. Earlier in life, and not have someone to
debrief and share life with.
My dog is a great listener,
but not the best conversa-
tionalist. And when you’ve
had a super rough day, it’s
hard to be your own cheer-
leader and boost your own
morale. Sometimes you just
want a hug on a hard day.
Does being single make
it more or less difficult to
be involved in church?
1. I feel there is a rich reward
to couples that can share
in ministry. It knits them
14 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018DAKOTA
CONFERENCE
together, woven with God. outside of church. Usually, I off and didn’t find a job for relational beings and you
Not all couples are able to sit alone. over a year). One single lady have these scary visions
join passions and minister 3. Couples are good for giving in her late 80s asked this of becoming that crazy
together or complement advice and helping single every week. That was one cat lady! But that’s where
each other’s ministries. young adults. The advice of the reasons my husband your relationship with God
While there is a need for just needs to come without stopped going to church for deepens and you allow the
both couples and singles judgment. a while. She was too nosy! Holy Spirit to fill those
ministries, I think being 4. It’s typical to see couples Quite often I didn’t talk to a longings. I read somewhere
single makes it less difficult that have kids all hang- lot of people at church just that God is closer to singles
to be involved in church or ing out together, then to avoid these questions. because we are going at this
a ministry. the couples that don’t 4. “You know it’s not your thing (life) alone. He fills
2. I don’t know if it’s me, or have kids have a different fault, right?” Of course the void in our lives that a
what. I have never been friend group. It’s natural to it’s not my fault. I know spouse would fill in addi-
asked to be involved in my associate with those with how awesome I am! Also tion to being our Savior. I
local church. whom we have things in that statement tends to refuse to let a marital status
3. Depends on the church and common. If you are single imply that marriage is the define me; only God gets to
the people in it. and your friends all start ideal and that being single do that.
4. It’s as difficult as you make getting married, it’s hard to should only be a stage of
it. I don’t want to change become that third wheel. life that leads to marriage. *Lawrence, Joy-Elizabeth. “Stop
the topic and digress into But I would hope that just One of the hardest prayers Overlooking Singles in Church.” www.
the young people leaving because your friends get to pray is surrendering to todayschristianwoman.com/arti-
the church issues, but I married, the commonalities God and telling Him I’m cles/2015/february-week-2/stop-over-
really believe that it comes outweigh the relational okay with being single looking-singles-in-church.html
down to personal respon- differences. if that’s His plan for my
sibility. I can complain or life. That’s such a terrify-
blame a church board, or What is the most annoy- ing prayer because we’re
an elder, or a church mem- ing question people
ber for not making a young have asked you about
person or a single person being single?
“feel” welcome, or involve 1. “Do you want to date?” I
them in ministry. Or, if I’m know I don’t want to force
passionate about a ministry the circumstance. I don’t
I feel is God’s will, I can want to be set up on a date. I
throw myself into it and don’t know if I want to date
give it to God and let Him again. I am content at the
pave the way. moment and will wait on
God to change my heart and
How could couples circumstances if He sees fit.
help singles feel more 2. “Why are you still single?” It
accepted or part of the is annoying because I don’t
group? really know the answer to
1. Simply by inviting them to that question; especially
whatever they are doing. now, because I am 32 years
I feel left out when I hear old and still single.
of get-togethers that are 3. When I was living at home
couples only. I struggle with my husband, who is a
with situations which are church member, there were
Bread of Life
exclusive. years when he didn’t attend
2. Invite singles to Sabbath church or would attend off-
dinner, game nights, make and-on. Some of the annoy- Dakota Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists
an effort to sit with singles ing questions were: “Where Campmeeting
at church. Make an effort to is he?” “Why isn’t he in
June 13 - 16, 2018
become friends and include church?” “Has he found a Dakota Adventist Academy
them both inside and job yet?” (after he was laid
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 15IOWA-MISSOURI CONFERENCE 16 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
IOWA-MISSOURI
CONFERENCE
Independence Samoan Company
Officially Becomes a Church
T he Independence
Samoan Company held
a dedication service on
already have or a new charge
to go do ministry; we’re
simply acknowledging what
attendance came forward and baptized members, with more
signed the church charter
(article of incorporation).
than 30 others attending
weekly.
Sabbath, Feb. 17, as part of a they’ve already been doing. “This process started five
three-day celebration of their The Holy Spirit has already years ago this very day,” Randy Harmdierks is
communication director for the
transition from a company to been working through you said church pastor Mark
Iowa-Missouri Conference.
an official church. and we’re simply here to Tagaloa. He recounted how,
Members and approx- acknowledge that.” on Sabbath, Feb. 17, 2013,
imately 100 guests came Wagley, who gave the he and his wife Sandee were Learn more about the
together for the weekend, sermon, echoed Rochholz’ visiting family in the area Independence Samoan
including Samoan Adventist sentiments. “Today is a day and discovered there were a church plant or any of
leaders from across the of recognition, celebration large number of Samoans in Iowa-Missouri’s over
U.S., some coming from as and dedication,” he said. Independence, Missouri. 100 churches at imsda.
far as California, Oregon, “Not only to the faithfulness The Tagaloas came away org/churches.
Washington and Utah. of God, but to your com- from that trip convicted that
Samoans representing other mitment to living out His God was calling them to plant
Christian faith groups in the calling.” a church there. Both the core Photos: Randy Harmdierks
surrounding community also Wagley shared the story group of Samoans and the
came to show their support. of the temple consecration conference were interested,
Representing the conference from 2 Chron. 7:12-16 and but there was a problem: no
were executive secretary challenged the members to funding was available to hire
Robert Wagley and ministe- continue their commitment Tagaloa. However, because
rial director Lee Rochholz. to reach their community for he believed so strongly that
“We’re not here this Christ. “We are not merely a God was leading, Tagaloa
morning to welcome you into group of believers who gather agreed to start as a volunteer.
the sisterhood of Seventh- in holy huddles on the right He served for several months
day Adventist churches in day of the week,” he said. “We with no pay and for a little
Iowa-Missouri,” Rochholz are people of light and hope more than a year on a small
said, adding, “because you’re to a community in need of stipend, at one point turning
already a part of that sister- nourishment from the Word down a full-time position
hood.” Likening the church’s of God, the testimony of His with another conference to
journey to pastoral ordi- people and the faithful wit- continue laboring where God
nation he said, “When we ness of the gospel being lived had called him.
ordain pastors to the gospel out in His church.” Over the last five years,
ministry, we’re not giving As the dedication service what started as a group of
them power they didn’t concluded, each member in 20 people has grown to 70
Pastor Mark Tagaloa shares the history of the
Independence Samoan church plant (top).
After signing the church charter, members of
the new church gather as conference secretary
Robert Wagley offers a prayer of dedication
(middle).
Members sign the church charter (bottom).
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 17KANSAS-NEBRASKA CONFERENCE 18 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018
KANSAS-NEBRASKA
CONFERENCE
Evangelistic Efforts Continue in KC
C
Stephanie Gottfried
John Bradshaw hurches in the Kansas Iowa-Missouri conferences in advertise the series, along
City area came together partnership with It is Written. with radio and billboard
Jan. 26–27 to worship, pray Work for Revelation Today advertising. They also gave
and continue preparations began 18 months ago and over $10,000 in support of
for the city-wide evangelis- has included outreach events, the effort.
tic effort Revelation Today, evangelism meetings and the Revelation Today will
which is scheduled to begin work of nearly 100 lay Bible continue through April
March 30. This effort is put workers, led and coordinated 28. Meetings take place
on by the Central States, by five full-time Bible work- on Tuesdays, Wednesdays,
Kansas-Nebraska and ers. Almost 400 Bible studies Fridays and Saturdays at
are underway. the Jack Reardon Center in
Darin Gottfried
Nearly 1,200 people Kansas City, Kansas.
were in attendance at the
January event as speaker Virgil Covel serves as ministerial
director for the Kansas-
and director of It Is Written
Nebraska Conference.
John Bradshaw spoke, and
lay Bible workers shared per-
sonal testimonies of the Bible
studies and outreach that has
been taking place through-
out the city. Attendees
prayed for the 340,000
brochures being mailed to
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 19MINNESOTA
CONFERENCE
Adventists Volunteer During Super
Bowl LII in Minneapolis
T he National Football
League’s Super Bowl LII
took place in Minneapolis,
of the city where I sent you
into exile. Pray to the Lord for
it, for its welfare will deter-
but what about the work
part? Do our communities
and cities look to us—the
the Minnesota Conference just
marked 10,000 members in
the entire state of Minnesota,
Minnesota, on Feb. 4, 2018. mine your welfare” (NLT). Adventist Church—when so to some degree it makes
Because of the large number The word peace or welfare they need peace, welfare and sense they don’t know who we
of people who attended this comes from the Hebrew completeness? are. I am representing a small
and related events in the city, word Shalom, which directly When I signed up to be portion of the population.
security was tightened and translates as “peace, welfare a volunteer police chaplain
officers were brought in from and completeness.” Jeremiah for the Minneapolis Police Taking on the challenge
Homeland Security, FBI, CIA, writes that we should not only Department, I did not know
the military and more. Below pray for peace and welfare, what it might bring to me and A few months before Super
Pastor Sean Lee relates his but also work for the com- my church. It was—and still Bowl LII, MPD chaplain
experience as a volunteer police pleteness of the community is—a difficult time for citizens coordinator Officer Jason
chaplain during this event. where we live. throughout the nation due to Andersen told us the city
We pray for the peace unfortunate incidents related would provide only one box
Jer. 29:7 says “...and work and completeness of our to the use of lethal force by meal for each officer on duty
for the peace and prosperity communities and cities, law enforcement officers. per day during the event.
During the time I signed He was upset, but suggested
up, protests were taking the MPD chaplains partner
place, and my heart was with Breakthrough Ministry,
Photos: Courtesy Sean Lee
heavy for my community. which feeds homeless individ-
I signed up for volunteer uals in Minneapolis, to serve
chaplaincy at MPD, hoping hot meals to the first respond-
I could do something for my ers group for the 10 days of
community. the event.
To my surprise, many fel- We prayed about it and
low chaplains had never met agreed to do it. As we began
any Adventists or Adventist planning, though, we realized
ministers. I thought to myself, we would need a lot of food
There are more than 400,000 donations, financial donations
people in Minneapolis, and and, of course, volunteers.
Pastor Sean Lee (far left) with first responders
and volunteers (top)
Thank you card from the first responders to the
MPD chaplains (bottom)
Certificate of appreciation from the National
Guard to the MPD chaplain program (opposite
page)
Volunteers serve food to first responders
(opposite page)
20 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018MINNESOTA
CONFERENCE
MPD officers listed the the FBI, Homeland Security, Connection, visibility Southview volunteers were at
religious organizations they U.S. Border Control, ICE and identity the relief stations, they stood
wanted to partner with. I did and undercover agents who out because they were not
not find a single Adventist did not say what agency As we work to reach our shy about sharing what they
church on the list, which sad- they belonged to. We had a communities, we should think believe. People asked about
dened me. I told the chaplains military presence from the about three words: connection, Adventist worship, and we
and the coordinator I would Minnesota National Guard visibility and identity. Do told them about the seventh
get my church, Southview and U.S. Coast Guard as well. you have connection to your day Sabbath.
Adventist Church, involved. We served hot meals to pri- community? I am not sug- I pray people in your
I told them about Southview vate K-9 units, EMS and the gesting that supporting first community know about your
Church without the church Minneapolis Fire Department. responders is the only way. congregation. I hope you are
board approval, which wor- The officers were thankful, What connection does your visible in your community. I
ried me, but I said we would and many told me they had church have with your local also pray that people see Jesus
do it anyway. expected to be miserable community? through your presence and
Southview Church did in the cold weather, but the Is your church visible to confidence in your identity as
decide to support the effort, relief efforts were a bless- the community? I am not just Seventh-day Adventists.
and donated eight 110-quart ing. It is estimated approx- talking about the physical
coolers. MPD designated four imately 16,000 meals were building. Do you participate Sean Lee is associate pastor
of the Southview Church in
relief stations in the down- served. Everything was paid in community events? Do
Minneapolis, Minnesota.
town area from Jan. 25 to Feb. for by donations, and the they know your location? I
4 for the first responders, and MPD chaplains called it the hope you do not wait for peo-
these coolers were used to “Minneapolis Miracle.” ple to come into your church,
provide water and other cool When people saw vol- but rather actively seek people
beverages. I was proud to see unteers from Southview outside your church. People in
that Southview members also Church, volunteers from your community should know
signed up for volunteer work. other churches asked about there is an Adventist church
the Adventist faith. At least where they can go when they
The Minneapolis Miracle 10 people asked me about my are seeking God’s presence.
Adventist faith, our dietary Are you ready to share
Working at the relief guidelines and the Adventist your identity? When the
stations as an MPD chaplain, church location. I even had a
I saw officers flood into the conversation with a National
four relief stations. These Guard soldier who questioned
were officers from not just me about the purpose of life.
all over Minnesota, but from It was amazing to see people
all over the nation. There open up and talk about their
were federal agents from faith journey.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 21ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CONFERENCE
Evangelism Continues as Revelation Speaks
Peace Ends
RMC coordinator. Boonstra again spoke of God’s
Photos: Palmer Halvorsen
DeeAnn Bragaw, prayer love for His children.
ministries coordinator, met Commenting on the
with nearly 35 prayer war- Denver-metro outreach,
riors, some of whom arrived Boonstra said, “Seldom
each evening 45 minutes have I seen such high levels
before the meetings began of conviction. The strong
to pray over every aspect of response to the appeal on the
the event, walking the venue final Saturday night took me
to pray for the people who by surprise, and it’s hard to
would be attending that surprise me.”
T he final message of the
Revelation Speaks Peace
night, the sound, the speaker,
the children’s area, the vol-
meetings was given by Shawn unteers, the baptistery, those
Boonstra continued, “Some
of the stories developing have
moved me deeply. We have
Boonstra at various churches making decisions and prayer seen a lot of church mem-
in the Denver area. This series requests turned in through bers rediscover that public
was held throughout January the prayer box. evangelism is as effective and
and into February at the Ellie “We all prayed over each as powerful as ever.”
Caulkins Opera House in request,” said Bragaw, “and as Baptisms for 2017 were
Denver, and some joked they person after person prayed, up considerably from 2016
would go through withdraw- the name on the request as a result of Denver-metro
Revelation Speaks als after investing so many became precious to us, as if area churches focusing on
nights at the meetings. they were members of our evangelism in preparation for
Peace came to
Decisions for baptism own family. Sometimes, we the Revelation Speaks Peace
a close with 150 reached 150, with more cried over these dear people meetings. While baptisms
decisions for expected over the next year as we prayed over them. It was were at 356 in 2016, 423 new
baptism and many as people continue to study. a sweet and sacred privilege.” members joined through
more interested. “There are as many as 600 Follow-up meetings around baptism in 2017.
interests per church to follow Denver drew 75 individuals
up on,” commented Eric to the Denver South Hispanic Carol Bolden is a communication
assistant for the Rocky Mountain
Nelson, RMC vice presi- Church, 125 to the Chapel
Conference.
dent for administration and Haven Church and 243 to the
Revelation Speaks Peace Denver South Church, where
The One Project Is Over, but the Message Continues
The One Project ended its seven-year run of 32 gatherings celebrating the supremacy of Jesus Christ
with more than 900 participants meeting in San Diego Feb. 11-12. Tim Gillespie was among the 16
presenters reflecting on the theme “Oh, how I love Jesus.” The presentations affirmed the Adventist
ethos and its beliefs and
Photos: Rajmund Dabrowski
encouraged an ongoing
conversation on how
to help the church re-
engage “with the story of
Jesus.”
Read the full story by
Rajmund Dabrowski at
bit.ly/
themessagecontinues
22 OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018ROCKY MOUNTAIN
CONFERENCE
Vincent Begins Pastoring Casper District
S hayne Mason Vincent and Shayne Mason Vincent
Courtesy Shayne Mason Vincent
his wife Gabriela began (pictured with wife
pastoring Wyoming’s Casper, Gabriela) says God
Douglas and Wheatland called him to the
churches in March. Adventist Church when
Vincent said, “I have
he was 23 and has since
wanted to be in the ministry
since I was nine years old in
taken him on a journey
the Lutheran Church.” Since of growth and healing.
his conversion to Adventism
about 12 years ago, he has as a therapist with hospice,
worked within the church in addictions, mental health marriage and family. The couple enjoys nature,
various capacities. and marriage and family,” he “My wife Gabriela and I photography, music and
Pastor Vincent’s experi- explained. have joyfully accepted the outdoor activities, and they
ence gives him important Vincent graduated from call to serve with the RMC,” look forward to incorporat-
insights into the underlying Weimar College with a BS said Vincent. “God is our life. ing their passions into their
beliefs and needs of Adventist in pastoral ministry and a Ministry is a major part of the ministry and the church
church members and com- BS in biblical counseling. reason my wife and I married family they now serve.
munities. “I have worked as He also obtained a master’s so this is a life goal and pas-
an associate pastor, chaplain, degree in social work from sion for both of us. Sharing RMCNews
literature evangelist, Bible Andrews University with an Him is our joy, and knowing
teacher and musician, as well emphasis on religion and Him is our life’s study.”
Pierre Ordained to Gospel Ministry
E steb Pierre, pastor of the
Agape Haitian Church in
Colorado, was ordained the
2015, and contributed to
doubling the attendance at the
Agape Haitian Church.
you and invite you to [be a]
pastor [to] the world.” He
added. “We’re ‘lashing you fast’
dedicate and consecrate you to
lifelong ministry,” said Nelson
during the prayer.
afternoon of Feb. 24 in a full Pierre comes to the RMC or tying you down securely The Aurora and Agape
sanctuary. Held in the Aurora well qualified as a pastor. as an ordained pastor,” which Haitian churches celebrated
Church, the ordination was He has a number of degrees, Thurber portrayed as a “way his ordination with a Haitian
attended by members of including commercial of life; not a temporary job meal served in Aurora’s beau-
both the Aurora and Agape administration, business assignment.” tifully decorated gymnasium.
Haitian churches. administration and a master With his wife Junia at his
Eric Nelson, RMC vice of divinity. He is also a native side, Pierre was surrounded Carol Bolden is a communication
assistant for the Rocky Mountain
president for administration, Creole speaker, and speaks by ordained pastors who gave
Conference.
told Pierre, “I see in you ded- English, French and Spanish. him “God’s touch” through
ication, consecration, hard His professional experience the laying on of hands during
Lisanette Vargas
work, passion and evangelis- includes working as a substi- the ordination prayer. “We
tic outreach.” tute teacher, chauffeur, main-
A native of Petit-Goave in tenance supervisor, Spanish
southern Haiti, Pierre immi- teacher, accountant and Esteb Pierre, who
grated to the United States ADRA project coordinator. pastors the Agape
with his family in 2006. He Mid-America Union min- Haitian Church, was
has worked with the Rocky isterial director Mic Thurber ordained to ministry in
Mountain Conference since told Pierre, “We see Jesus in February.
OUTLOOKMAG.ORG APRIL 2018 23You can also read
