SERVING SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS IN THE LAKE UNION SINCE 1908
SEPTEMBER 2026
MISSION AT HOME NEW DISCIPLESHIP CENTER OPENS AT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
EDITOR’S NOTE
Official publication of the Seventh-day Adventist Church/Lake Union Headquarters lakeunionherald.org Vol. 118, No. 6
“… For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it.” We’re often trying to better our lives and there’s nothing wrong with that. Still, it’s always good to pause and take stock of our intentions. Why are we trying to improve? One thing is clear: the way forward is not found in insisting on doing things our own way or loving ourselves to the point where we’re centered on selfish ambitions. Life isn’t about us. It’s about pleasing the God who gave us life and patterning our life after His. I was reminded of this truth while reading the stories in this issue focused on Andrews University and hope it will give you pause in examining how you have committed your own life to Christ. You’ll read about students such as Olivia Horvath and Elena Hardinge who are combining hobbies such as crocheting with small group Bible studies (p. 18). You’ll also meet theology undergrads who surrender their summers and much of their time outside the classroom, collectively dedicating more than 1,000 hours each semester to putting their faith into action (p. 10). Johnny Schnepp (p. 14) and Ciin Kim (p. 43) are devoting their lives to encouraging others to trust God. In the same vein, there’s Harvey Burnett who is faithfully leading out as Buchanan (Michigan) chief of police while serving as professor and department chair in the School of Social & Behavioral Science at Andrews University (p. 22). These stories are life-giving — and life-saving.
THE LAKE UNION HERALD STAFF P.O. Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287 | 269-473-8244 Publisher................................Elden Ramirez, president@lakeunion.org Editor...........................................Debbie Michel, editor@lakeunion.org Managing Editor......................Kaara Baptiste, kaharris@andrews.edu Circulation/Back Pages Editor................... circulation@lakeunion.org Comm. Specialist..............Katie Fellows, katie.fellows@lakeunion.org Art Direction/Design...............Robert Mason, masondesign@me.com Proofreader................................Pat Spangler, spanglep@andrews.edu CONTRIBUTORS AdventHealth..................Julie Busch, Julie.Busch@AdventHealth.com Andrews University...............................Jeff Boyd, boyd@andrews.edu Illinois...............................................Matthew Lucio, mlucio@ilcsda.org Indiana...............................................Colleen Kelly, ckelly@indysda.org Lake Region.................................JeNean Lendor, JLendor@lrcsda.com Michigan........................................Dan McGrath, dmcgrath@misda.org Wisconsin...........................................Anna Foll, afoll@wi.adventist.org LAKE UNION CONFERENCE DEPARTMENTS P.O. Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287 | 269-473-8200 President............................................................................Elden Ramirez Secretary................................................................................Ted Huskins Treasurer.................................................................................Glynn Scott Vice President.............................................................. Carmelo Mercado Associate Treasurer...........................................................Richard Moore Associate Treasurer................................................................................... ACSDR......................................................................................................... ASI................................................................................. Carmelo Mercado Communication...................................................................Debbie Michel Assoc. Comm. Director .......................................................... Ruben Casabona Education..........................................................................Nicole Mattson Education Associate...............................................................Laura Frary Education Associate........................................................ Wadzanai Bepe Health......................................................................................................... Information Services............................................................ Sean Parker Ministerial...............................................................................Ted Huskins Multiethnic Ministries................................................................................ Public Affairs and Religious Liberty.......................Jennifer Gray Woods Trust Services............................................................................................ Women’s Ministries.................................................................Jane Harris Children’s, Youth, Young Adults Ministries.....................Ron Whitehead LOCAL CONFERENCES AND INSTITUTIONS AdventHealth Great Lakes Region: Monica Reed, president/ CEO, 999 Oakmont Plaza Drive, Suite 320, Westmont, IL 60559; 708-245-2211. Andrews University: John Wesley Taylor V, president, Berrien Springs, MI 49104-0670; 269-471-7771. Illinois: John Grys, president; Michael Campos, executive secretary; Doug Reeves, treasurer; 619 Plainfield Rd., Willowbrook, IL 60527-8438; 630-856-2850. Indiana: Vic Van Schaik, president; Mark Eaton, secretary/treasurer; street address: 15205 Westfield Blvd., Carmel, IN 46032; mailing address: P.O. Box 5000, Westfield, IN 46074; 317-844-6201. Lake Region: Abraham Henry, President; Harold Cleveland, executive secretary; Kent M. Nichols, treasurer; 19860 South LaGrange Rd., Mokena, IL 60448; 773-846-2661. Michigan: James Micheff Jr., president; Israel Ramos, executive secretary; Michael Bernard, treasurer; street address: 5801 W. Michigan Ave., Lansing, MI 48917; mailing address: P.O. Box 24187, Lansing, MI 48909; 517-316-1500. Wisconsin: Titus Naftanaila, president; Justin Perrone, secretary/ treasurer; street address: N2561 Old Highway 16, Fall River, WI 53932; mailing address: P.O. Box 100, Fall River, WI 53932; 920-484-6555. Contributors: Writer guidelines are available online at https://www.lakeunionherald.org/contributor-guidelines/ writer-guidelines. Indexed in the Seventh-day Adventist Periodical Index Member of Associated Church Press
FEATURES
14
CONTENTS
A Renewed Campus Movement
PERSPECTIVES
by Kaara Baptiste
Editorial Sharing Our Hope Telling God's Stories HIStory Conversations with God
18
E VA N G E L I S M
Living by Faith
LIFESTYLE
One Voice On The Edge
by Nicholas Gunn
Family Focus Alive and Well
4 10 14 24 25 42 43 22 23
C U R R E N T M AT T E R S PHOTO CREDIT: Dave Sherwin ABOUT THE COVER: Alanna Rodriguez steps into the new home and role as director of the Andrews University Discipleship Center.
AdventHealth Andrews University News Mileposts Classifieds Calendar of Events
26 27 28 38 38 41
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GUEST EDITORIAL
Made to Stand In the 1950s, a psychologist named Solomon Asch invited college students in for what they believed was a simple vision test: match a line on one card to the correct line, of three, on another. The answer was obvious. So obvious that, tested alone, people chose correctly more than 99 percent of the time. But Asch had planted accomplices in the room.
new name, sumptuous food, and a clear path to
One by one, they confidently gave the same
power. And intended to use all of it to dissolve his
wrong answer. And then the real participants’
very self.
turn arrived.
school, and, before that, I was shaped by one. I
ters conformed to the group’s wrong answer at
am a graduate of Andrews University, and the
least once, many repeatedly. Asked why, some
contrast with Babylon has never left me. Where
said the group’s agreement made them doubt
Babylon’s formation was designed to erase iden-
their own eyes. Others admitted they knew the
tity, the calling of a place like Andrews is to anchor
answer was wrong — but didn’t want to stand out.
it — to root a young person so deeply in Christ that
I have been thinking about that experiment.
he or she can walk into any circumstance and re-
Not because I worry about our ability to judge the
main unmistakably His.
length of lines, but because what it reveals is ev-
What impresses me about Daniel is the quiet-
erywhere: in professional settings, in social-media
ness of his resolve. He “purposed in his heart”
feeds, in the quiet compromises that accumulate
that he would not defile himself, then respectfully
across a life. The pressure to conform is relent-
asked for an alternative (Daniel 1:8). It was a de-
less. It works through our desire to belong, to
cision made not in the spotlight of crisis but in the
avoid the awkwardness of being the one who sees
ordinary rhythm of daily life.
things differently.
E JOHN WESLEY TAYLOR V
I have spent my life around a different kind of
The results were sobering. Nearly three-quar-
We imagine that conviction is forged in dramat-
And it asks each of us what it asked those stu-
ic moments — the public stand, the decisive con-
dents: Will you say what you know to be true, even
frontation. Daniel’s story suggests otherwise. The
when everyone around you says otherwise? Will
most important decisions of our lives are rarely
you stand out, not to be contrary, but for the sake
the ones that make headlines. They are the small,
of what is right?
daily, often invisible ones: honesty when dishonesty would be easier; faithfulness when the crowd
An older story
has moved on.
Long before Asch set up his lab, the same experiment played out on an ancient stage. The book
The fourth man in the fire
of Daniel opens with a young man carried far from
There is a remarkable scene a few chapters later.
home and placed in a setting engineered to re-
Three of Daniel’s companions — Shadrach, Meshach,
shape his very identity. Babylon was, among other
and Abednego — are ordered to bow before an enor-
things, a school. It offered the finest education of
mous golden image. They choose to stand.
its day. It provided Daniel with a new language, a
Three vertical lives in a horizontal world.
4 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
Eben Espinosa
E Across 150 years, Andrews University has sent graduates into
The consequence is not hypothetical. The fur-
of the Lake Union: The young people you have
nace heated seven times hotter. They can see the
raised and prayed over; we count it a sacred honor
flames. And their answer is one of the most cou-
to help form. What you began at home and in the
rageous statements in all of Scripture: “Our God
pew, we are committed to carry forward.
whom we serve is able to deliver us ... But if not,
Across 150 years, Andrews has sent graduates
let it be known to you, O king, that we do not serve
into every corner of the world. What defines them
your gods” (Daniel 3:17–18, NKJV).
is not primarily their credentials, though many
But if not. Three words that change everything.
have distinguished themselves. It is their charac-
This is not the bravado of people certain of rescue.
ter, the “purpose in the heart” they carried from
It is the resolve of those who have decided that
this campus into their own Babylon.
every corner of the world. What defines them is not primarily their credentials, though many have distinguished themselves. It is their character.
faithfulness is not contingent on outcomes. Then the king looks into the furnace and sees
The power of one
something astonishing. The young men are not
Return, for a moment, to Asch’s lab. The re-
consumed. And they are not alone. There is a
searchers discovered that when even one other
fourth presence, one whose appearance, the king
person in the room gave the correct answer, con-
says, is like the Son of God (Daniel 3:25).
formity collapsed. A single dissenting voice gave everyone else the courage to trust their own eyes.
What we are trying to build
Think about that. One person, willing to say
At Andrews University, we speak often of pre-
what is true, changed the equation for everyone.
paring World Changers. It is a bold aspiration, and
That is what we are called to send out. Not
I believe in it. But world-changing rarely looks the
crowds who go along, but graduates with clear
way we expect. Sometimes it looks like a student
voices, standing with grace, humility and un-
choosing honesty when no one would ever know.
shakable commitment to what is good and right
Sometimes it looks like a nurse advocating for a
and true.
patient when every pressure rewards efficiency
So, purpose in your own heart. Choose convic-
over compassion. Sometimes it is simply someone
tion over convenience, integrity over approval,
who won’t cut an ethical corner while others get
truth over comfort. Be the one voice in the room.
ahead by doing so.
And know that when you stand, you never stand
I have the privilege of watching this formation up close — in classrooms and residence halls, in mentoring between faculty and students, in the small choices that reveal a purpose already settled in the heart. And I want to say something plainly to the parents, grandparents and congregations
alone. There is a Fourth Man in every fire. In a world desperate to go viral, be the person heaven recognizes. P John Wesley Taylor V is the seventh president of Andrews University. He took office on July 1, 2023.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 5
SHARING OUR HOPE
Out for Service Each semester, theology and religion majors at Andrews University step out of the classroom and into the community, completing 25 hours of ministry involvement. Whether in local churches or volunteering with campus initiatives, these students collectively dedicate over 1,000 hours each semester to putting their faith into action. For many, these experiences aren’t just a graduation requirement; they’re a transformative bridge between academic study and real-world impact, shaping their calling and those they serve.
Palmer, chair of the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages. Seth McKelvey, a theology major, is very involved with campus ministry opportunities. He is an officer of the Andrews Ministerial Association and works
Ministry Close to Home
with Campus Ministries’ Anchor Groups. McKelvey,
Students choose where and how they’ll serve,
a former student missionary, also partnered with
including various local churches and ministries;
another student to start Project Launch, to promote
they can also get involved on campus, said Rodney
the student missions program and connect student
6 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
“MINISTRY IS LIKE A LIFESTYLE. YOU LIVE BY IT; YOU LIVE BY WHAT YOU PREACH.” missionaries with local churches for support. “The
ministry while working with pastoral mentors. In
department does a really good job making sure we
addition to mentorship, students earn scholarships
have opportunities,” he said.
toward their tuition. The department also partners
In one poignant moment, McKelvey was speak-
with the seminary’s Center for Community Change
ing with a student who was on the fence about
to provide mentoring and expenses for students
leading a small group. “You have a lot of people
when they travel to their assigned churches in the
that’re, like, I’m super busy. I don’t know if I can
Lake Union and beyond.
be a part of Anchor Groups,” he recalled. That stu-
Last summer, Pau served at the Spencer church
dent eventually took the step to start a group. “It’s
in Indiana, one of four churches in his mentor pas-
super exciting,” Seth said, “really seeing someone
tor’s district; two other students shared the other
work through this idea that there is time in their
churches. His responsibilities included visitation,
life for ministry.”
distributing literature at community events, fol-
The idea that ministry can be part of your life,
lowing up on Bible study requests, assisting with
even if you’re not a theology major, is important for
Vacation Bible School and occasional preaching.
Seth. “We’re going to go and we get paid to work in
One significant thing he learned was: “Ministry is
ministry. But other people also have outside jobs.
like a lifestyle. You live by it; you live by what you
How do we equip them and walk them through a
preach,” he said. With schedules that can change
process to where ministry becomes a part of what
daily, he added, “I learned that ministers always
they do too? I think that God is calling all of his peo-
have to be ready for anything.”
ple to be involved in ministry.”
What stood out to him as a pastoral intern was
Theology major Pau Khual also serves on cam-
being one of the youngest, or the only youth, in the
pus. Influenced by a high school teacher’s passion
congregation. He grew up in churches with more
for God, Pau wants to reach other young people.
young people, so he was shocked to see that it was
At Andrews, he has served as freshman class pas-
not the norm.
tor and is the incoming president for the Myanmar
“The only time you’d see young people in the
Student Association, a group that’s active in bringing
church is during VBS,” he said. “So I asked one of
programming and encouragement to area churches.
the kids, ‘Hey, are you coming to church next week?
This year he was also the religious vice president for
I’ll be there.’” When the child responded that his
the Student Association; he helped start a prayer
grandparents don’t usually take him to church,
G Pau Khual served his Barnabas
group and reintroduce AY programming on campus
Pau realized the significance of that week of
internship at the Spencer Church in
al to do on Sabbath afternoons. Post-program feedback was positive: “A lot of [students] were like, wow, it feels like I’m at home again.” Barnabas Internship Students also serve in churches across the North American Division. One of these options is the Barnabas internship. Based on the example of Barnabas in the book of Acts, students serve 8–10 weeks during the summer in churches in full-time
Courtesy of the Department of Religion & Biblical Languages
to provide students with something fun and spiritu-
Indiana.
SHARING OUR HOPE
E Georgia Schulze, in orange dress, and a group of young people lead song service during her Barnabas internship at the Cadillac church in Michigan.
programming and relationship-building. “To spend
He added that working on campus taught him
one week with those kids felt meaningful, not only
quite a few things about communication and plan-
to them, but also for me. It helps them step away
ning. “I also learned that when it gets overwhelm-
from whatever they’re doing and see that church
ing, just to trust in God.”
isn’t always what you think of. It’s not boring … And relationships are a big part of that.”
Ministry is different from the classroom, Seth observed. “There’s a lot of soft skills that you have to [learn] in order to do ministry effectively,” he said.
Why It Matters The ministry hours and Barnabas internship do more than provide boxes for theology and reli-
The department recognizes that “there’s things that you have to learn outside of the classroom,” he added. “That’s why it’s a valuable opportunity.”
gion majors to check. The requirement promotes
This is the impetus behind these offerings,
intentionality and opportunities to apply class-
Palmer says. “The 25-hour ministry involvement,
room learning.
the Barnabas internship — the whole idea here is to
“Because we have a requirement every semes-
provide students with practical experiences so they
ter, it helps us to be consistent,” says Pau. “If
can take the theory they get in the classroom and
we’re just required to do [hours] our senior year,
make sense of it through real-world ministry.”
and we’re just learning from textbooks, it’s not re-
“The skills students develop align with what the
ally practical. I think the consistency helps us to
NAD Ministerial Association identifies as the core
keep developing.”
qualities of a pastor,” says Palmer, which include
8 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
character, evangelism, leadership, worship, management, scholarship and relationship. Specifically, Palmer said he has observed that Barnabas interns have a different maturity level.
Palmer envisions a future where students serve a full semester as interns in local churches, taking practical courses while in the field. “That’s my dream,” he said.
“When they come back, you can see the drastic
In the meantime, he and the department con-
change in their understanding of church and their
tinue to encourage students to take what they
approach to their ministry preparation.” Those stu-
learn into the field, whether on campus or in the
dents tend to get hired first for employment, he
community.
added, saying feedback from participating pastors
“We are here to serve our constituency,” he said.
has been positive, often highlighting students’ work
“If there’s a church who needs an intern for the
ethic, humility, biblical knowledge and attitude.
summer, someone to help with an evangelistic se-
“We had one conference who just came and said,
ries, community outreach, whatever it is … we are
we need two students because the one that they
here and our students are willing to serve.” P
had before was just excellent.” Even when there’s room for growth, the feedback provides data for Palmer to create a coaching plan for the student to develop in a particular area. Scholarship Support Seth and Pau are both recipients of the Lake Union Scholarship for Theology and Education, which is offered to Andrews’ students accepted into the theology or teacher education programs at the University. Seth was doing a student missionary year at GLAA when he heard about the scholarship. Being accepted led to his transfer to Andrews, and he’s thrown himself into service on campus. “I really do think it was divine leading,” he said. “My experience at Andrews has been very full.” Pau says receiving the scholarship relieved some of the financial burden so he could focus on his education. “I was really grateful that the church, the union, they are investing in young people.” By the time students in the department graduate, they’ve spent hundreds of hours putting their faith into action. But what they’ve gained goes beyond time logged; they’ve impacted other people, learned about themselves, and confirmed their commitment to serve. Seth says, “It’s affirmed my calling because I felt God leading,” in his steps to and at Andrews. Pau agreed. “When I get involved with these things, I realize that I actually really enjoy it. It’s not like a job; it’s like a passion thing … To see other
Kaara Baptiste is an assistant professor of communication at Andrews University.
BY THE TIME STUDENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT GRADUATE, THEY’VE SPENT HUNDREDS OF HOURS PUTTING THEIR FAITH INTO ACTION. BUT WHAT THEY’VE GAINED GOES BEYOND TIME LOGGED; THEY’VE IMPACTED OTHER PEOPLE, LEARNED ABOUT THEMSELVES, AND CONFIRMED THEIR COMMITMENT TO SERVE.
people give their life to Christ kind of motivates me to just keep doing what I’m doing.” Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 9
TELLING GOD'S STORIES
10 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
NEWS | CONFERENCE
Anchored in Faith Johnny Schnepp’s faith journey included a detour from aviation to theology. A senior religion major at Andrews University, he now helps lead an Anchor Group on campus; but it all started with a simple friendship. “I met this guy who was a theology student,” he recalled. “He was the first friend I had who really talked to me about God.” That friend, Adrian Jones, didn’t just share his faith; he walked Johnny through the Bible until he found himself eager to dig deeper.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 11
TELLING GOD'S STORIES
At first Johnny was hesitant to speak up in the Bible study. But he kept showing up, listening and
Chaplain Jacob Gibbs changed the name to Anchor Groups in 2025.
learning, until he eventually asked Rodney Palmer,
“There’s a theme in the book of Hebrews; it
the chair of the religion department, for materials
talks about how we need to be anchored,” he said.
to better understand the Bible and start a study
People “don’t leave Christianity or Adventism or
group with his friend.
Jesus in a moment. It’s a continual process of drift-
“I became so set on fire with studying the Bible
ing away, but you can’t drift away if the anchor is
from that point right there,” he said. Now, Johnny
solid in the bedrock. So, I like the idea of being an-
is part of the movement expanding small groups
chored in Jesus.”
across campus, turning curiosity into community.
Johnny started leading out a Bible study on his
Anchor Groups is a small-group ministry ini-
own in the spring semester of 2022 and eventual-
tiative through Campus Ministries, designed
ly collaborated with other students. As more small
to facilitate leadership and fellowship through
groups developed on campus, Johnny talked with
student-led gatherings. Through these groups,
Chaplain Gibbs about partnering with Campus
students build community through sharing ex-
Ministries, which came to fruition in 2025. “He was
periences and intentionality about growing their
like, why don’t we just come together and start
faith. The groups meet weekly at various loca-
working together?” Johnny said. They created a
tions on campus. Of the 38 registered groups
campaign to get people who would be interested
during the 2025–26 school year, more than 30
in leading small groups. At the beginning of fall se-
were spiritual groups, while the rest were ei-
mester 2025, a retreat was held on campus to help
ther activity- or service-based, according to data
prepare these leaders for their roles.
compiled by the office.
“The first semester was a bit shaky, as we were
Anchor Groups are the offspring of Grow Groups, a small-group initiative through Pioneer Memorial
kind of figuring things out, learning how to structure the ministry,” Johnny said.
Church. The program moved under the auspices of
This year, Johnny led the Anchor Group
Campus Ministries a few years ago, and Associate
“Revelation” on Mondays. As the name suggests, the focus was on the book of Revelation, one which people are somewhat hesitant to approach due to all the end-time prophecy it contains. He took the route of focusing on how to see Jesus in prophecy. “It’s called the Revelation of Jesus and that was the plain focus this past year. As Adventists, that is kind of our book,” he said. Additionally, he chose this book for personal Bible study and to help others understand it through a shared learning environment. His group typically has 15 to 20 people attending, consisting of both those who grew up in the church and those who have not. Group leaders aim to be intentional with how they engage with their members. Katherine Coronel
Courtesy of Johnny Schnepp
is a sophomore theology major who co-leads the anchor group “Wrestling Club” with senior Derek Wonenberg. The group “wrestles” with passages from the Old and New Testaments that get overlooked or easily misunderstood. For Katherine, creating a space where members feel comfortable
E Anchor Group leaders, including Johnny Schnepp, left, third from front, enjoy time together
falls onto the leaders. “Leaders must measure how
at the beach and dinner.
vulnerable they themselves want to be and know
12 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
TELLING GOD'S STORIES
where to draw the line before oversharing and
conversation and you can be honest about how
overburdening attendees,” she said. “People move
you feel,” she said.
at their own pace and get into that comfortable as-
Being a student leader on campus comes with
pect in their own time. It’s not something you can
its own challenges, especially when balancing
pressure them into.”
leadership roles and deadlines that come with
Although programs such as Thursday chapels,
homework assignments. However, for Anchor
deans’ worship, and vespers services are es-
Group leaders, the impact of making intention-
tablished to be able to foster spiritual growth at
al connections can outweigh other academic
Andrews University, they rarely offer the chance to
responsibilities. “You can’t take your grades to
create deep connection. Some students are more
heaven, but you can take your friends to heaven,”
focused on meeting credit requirements than en-
said Johnny. Chaplain Gibbs has observed that
gaging with classmates to build community and
Anchor Groups give students a chance “to be part
enhance their spiritual growth. Moraya Truman, a
of something bigger than just a degree.” He recalls
senior digital communications major, is a frequent
hearing from a colleague whose friend has a son
attendee of the “Wrestling Club.” She attends
in an Anchor Group. “He said, ‘What you’re doing
chapel for credit but does not believe it’s spiritually
is making his son very excited to be at Andrews.’”
fulfilling due to being mandatory and speaking to
Gibbs added, “It’s giving the students a purpose to
a broad audience, not particular needs. “There’s
change people’s lives.”
been a couple times over the semester where I
As Anchor Groups continue, with coaching sup-
have thought about some spiritual thing and I’m
port from Campus Ministries and the Discipleship
like, I need to talk about this with somebody, like,
Center, Gibbs hopes the groups continue to fortify
this is fascinating to me,” she said. The freedom of
students in fellowship and faith on campus and out-
choice within Anchor Groups makes it much more
side of Andrews. “If young people find community,
meaningful to come together as a community.
in a place where their spirituality is being founded,
What makes Anchor Groups stand out on a campus replete with spiritual offerings is making room for connection, Gibbs says. “Jesus taught in lines, but he transformed in circles,” he says. “I think the environment is riper for transformation in a small group, a circle than in a grid of lines,” he added, referring to sitting in pews or classroom setups. Through community, sharing experiences and creating meaningful conversations about the Bible or even just life, Anchor Groups become a space where faith can be strengthened, and not just another obligatory program students must attend Participation isn’t restricted to Bible studies. Simone Jones, a graduate student studying speech-language pathology, hosts the “Crafty Things” group. Each Tuesday evening, they come together to do various crafts and discuss the highs and lows of the week. Crafting projects include making greeting cards, bookmarks, customized coasters and bracelets. What most inspired Simone to lead an Anchor Group is the community that comes with it. “Actually talking about how I felt and what happened throughout the week, and just making it a place to cultivate
they’ll stay for a lot longer, hopefully forever.” P
R GROU O H C P ANCHOR GROUPS N A
Ysa Dennis is a digital communications major at Andrews University.
IS A SMALL-GROUP MINISTRY INITIATIVE THROUGH CAMPUS MINISTRIES, DESIGNED TO FACILITATE LEADERSHIP AND FELLOWSHIP THROUGH STUDENT-LED GATHERINGS.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 13
FEATURE
A RENEWED CAMPUS MOVEMENT THE ANDREWS UNIVERSITY DISCIPLESHIP CENTER IS RAISING STUDENT LEADERS
BY WINTER BREAK OF HIS FRESHMAN YEAR, Alex Thang was already thinking about leaving Andrews University. Then he remembered his commitment to lead a small Bible study spring semester. Earlier that year, Alex and a friend went
celebration. “But then we started this group
from small group attendees to leaders,
and now I don’t want to leave. Because this
starting a Bible discussion through the book
has meant so much to me, seeing how God
of Romans. The group grew quickly, draw-
has worked.”
ing students from across campus and even
This all began when Alanna Rodriguez,
neighboring University of Notre Dame. Most
assistant to the director of the Andrews
weeks, about a dozen students gathered to
University Discipleship Center, invited Alex
share a meal, study Scripture and encour-
to join the discipleship group she was hosting
age one another. Some nights, attendance
on campus. That invitation became the first
reached 22.
step in a journey that changed his plans and
By April, Alex’s plans had changed. “At the beginning of the semester, I had
prepared him to help lead others. Stories like Alex’s are why Andrews
decided that I was going to leave Andrews,”
University
established
the
he told fellow students at an end-of-year
Center. In its first year, the center has
BY KAARA BAPTISTE 14 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
Discipleship
FEATURE
E IGNITE students and staff worship and
become a place where students deepen their
“Discipleship affects every aspect of life:
relationship with Christ, build lasting friend-
It impacts your academic choices, your mar-
ships and learn to disciple others.
riage choice, your time management, the
According to Alanna, Alex’s story rep-
friends that you choose,” Alanna said. That
resents “a small splash, so to speak, but I
part of the Christian life doesn’t come au-
believe it’s a token of what God wants to do
tomatically upon baptism. “To learn how to
and is going to do on this campus.”
frame our lives in context of God and His will
Located in the Campus Center, the
for us and who He is — that takes practice.
Discipleship Center isn’t just another depart-
And therefore, you need someone to walk
ment at Andrews; in just a year, it’s become
with you in that journey, especially as a young
a hub where faith, friendship and leadership
person.”
bond at a bonfire.
“DISCIPLESHIP reality; there would now be a space to help AFFECTS EVERY MORE THAN PROGRAMS students grow their relationship with Jesus, The center is an initiative borne from brain- form friendships and realize their purpose. storming and partnership between President “One of the biggest needs is for young ASPECT OF LIFE.” combine, bringing transformation and pur-
When a donor came forward to fund a
pose to students.
discipleship initiative, the dream became
John Wesley Taylor V, the Department of
people to be really grounded in their faith as
Discipleship in the Seminary, the Office of
a Seventh-day Adventist, but it being inextri-
Campus Ministries and the Department of
cably bound to their relationship with Christ,”
Religion & Biblical Languages. The desire
Alanna said. “Oftentimes we know doctrine,
was to provide a space to develop the spiritu-
but we don’t know the God of the doctrine.”
ality of young people on campus, specifically through discipleship, or mentoring.
Alanna, hired in May 2025, came to Andrews after working at the Michigan
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 15
FEATURE
“Adventist Connect trains them on how to engage in spiritual conversations on social media platforms,” Alanna explained. “How do you ask questions? How do you take someone who gives a one-word answer and grow that into an opportunity for Bible studies? So, they’re getting really practical training on how to actually disciple someone through maybe having just an initial spiritual interest to growing that interest deeper.” This year, the Center helped organize Standout, a spiritual retreat weekend on campus for homeschooled students or those
E The crochet small group met weekly in the Discipleship Center office in the
Conference as the director of public campus
attending public schools. They used a small
Campus Center.
ministry. For almost 20 years, she worked on
group model for the weekend sessions to
up to 13 different campuses, working closely
foster community. The Center was also
with Adventist students at universities and
co-sponsor of the D3 Conference, held in
local churches. Though the setting is differ-
October, which brought together leaders to
ent, she brings the same passion she used to
discuss discipleship in a global context.
develop student leaders on public campuses to the Discipleship Center.
“It’s
really
neat
because
Andrews
University is a microcosm of the world
“I enjoy working with people and talking
church. And I believe that it’s one of the rea-
with our young people, especially,” she said.
sons why the Discipleship Center has been
“I want to discover what their view is of God,
established here of all places,” says Alanna.
because that translates to everything else.” SIGNS OF REVIVAL LEARNING TO MAKE DISCIPLES
Alanna is encouraged by the work happen-
The Discipleship Centers functions as an
ing on campus. Students are drawn to what
auxiliary to any department wanting resourc-
the Center offers, even though the campus is
es to delve deeper into spiritual guidance.
a busy place with many activities and events.
Alanna said, “If the department wants to
“When I see the dedication of these stu-
consult or collaborate with the Discipleship
dents to share the Word, students that
Center on how to bring discipleship in a
show up every single week, even if someone
more prominent role, that’s how the Center
doesn’t come,” she says, “that tells me that
functions.” For example, leaders of Anchor
God is doing something and that students are
Groups, officially the small group-initiative
willing to make sacrifices for God. God hon-
through Campus Ministries, receive training
ors that.”
through the Center.
While you can count the amount of dis-
The Center helps host IGNITE, a three-
cipleship groups a year or attendance at
week summer discipleship program for
events, she says there are other ways to see
young people ages 16–21 to grow deeper in
the impact on students who connect with the
their relationship with God through mentor-
Discipleship Center, including talking about
ship and community. It features four com-
personal devotionals naturally, comfort pray-
ponents: a three-credit class on personal
ing aloud, attending Sabbath School at local
witnessing; daily devotion time; discipleship;
churches and sharing their faith.
and evangelistic training. The program also
“Those are just some practical things that
helps participants leverage their social me-
I see where there’s spiritual growth. These
dia use for outreach.
are observable things that happen naturally
16 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
because the Holy Spirit is working in someone’s life.”
THE NEXT CHAPTER In addition to deepening the relationships
Some students specifically point to the
formed this year, Alanna and her team are
Discipleship Center and its staff as pivotal to
looking forward to what lies ahead. Both
their Andrews experience.
staff and students are anticipating the open-
Olivia Horvath, a nutrition major, was an
ing of the Discipleship House, a recently
Anchor Group leader this year, running a cro-
renovated house on campus for students to
chet small group. “It’s been really impact-
fellowship and host small groups. “I want
ful to get to be working closely with people
the Discipleship House to be known as a
who are very mission-driven and really want
place where I can grow in my relationship
to foster community for other people on
with God,” Alanna said. “If I want to connect
campus.”
with people who love God and want to grow
She found the spiritual community she was
in that relationship, this is the place for me.”
looking for at the Center. “It’s about creating
There are also plans to launch discipleship
spaces for people to really feel connected
coaching for students, expand opportunities
and like they can use their gifts. I think that’s
for faculty and staff to be involved, and con-
what keeps people in the church and makes
tinue partnerships with Campus Ministries,
it meaningful to them … feeling like you are
the Seminary, and local churches for training
part of something that’s bigger than you is
and mission opportunities.
just so important.”
“I believe that God is working through indi-
Involvement in these groups has made
vidual lives. And we just have to work where
Horvath more excited about her faith and
He is working,” Alanna said, reflecting on the
deepened her sense of connection to
past year. “When we do, He pulls all these
Andrews. “Being involved in Anchor Groups
amazing different pieces together. That’s
has allowed me to feel like, yeah, this is my
what I see has happened this year in the
school and I’m involved in something that I
Discipleship Center. I believe there’s a revival
can be proud of.”
that’s taking place on this campus that’s go-
Anchor groups were also a point of introduction to the Discipleship Center for Elena Hardinge, a graphic design major. After hearing about it during a program for incoming freshmen, she joined Olivia’s crochet group.
“I BELIEVE THAT GOD IS WORKING THROUGH INDIVIDUAL LIVES. AND WE JUST HAVE TO WORK WHERE HE IS WORKING.”
ing to surprise everyone.” P Kaara Baptiste is an assistant professor of communication at Andrews University.
G IGNITE students take a three-week summer course on discipleship.
By the end of the semester, Hardinge felt inspired to launch her own Bible study group, her first, focused on Asaph — “Songs from the Sanctuary.” She said Alanna’s mentorship and guidance helped her feel confident to lead. “Anchor Groups was an answer to prayer, giving me a community to study the Bible with,” she said. With the Discipleship Center, “I feel like I have people that I can go to if I need help or just someone to be happy with. It’s helped me feel like this is where I need to be right now.” This is what the Center’s work is about, Alanna says, “identifying the leaders, [and] then empowering them to lead as well.” Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 17
FEATURE
E Harvey J. Burnett Jr. is chief of police for the Buchanan Police Department. Burnett also serves as a professor and department chair at Andrews University
18 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
and has spent decades on the Buchanan Community Schools Board of Education.
LIVING BY FAITH FOR HARVEY J. BURNETT JR., SOME DAYS begin in a classroom at Andrews University and end at the Buchanan Police Department. The setting may change, but his purpose does not. “I’m not walking by sight,” Burnett said. “I’m walking by faith.” For Burnett, faith is not something re-
entered law enforcement out of necessity,
served for a specific place or time. It is some-
looking for stable work to support his family.
thing he carries with him, shaping how he
What began as a practical decision gradually
leads in the classroom, how he responds in
took on deeper meaning as he encountered
moments of crisis, and how he serves in the
people facing trauma, loss and crisis. Those
community. Over time, that belief has guided
experiences led him to pursue a doctorate in
a career that stretches across education, law
counseling psychology at Andrews University,
enforcement and public service.
building on earlier studies in psycholo-
Burnett, a licensed psychologist in the
gy at the University of Michigan-Dearborn
state of Michigan, is a professor of psychology
and theological training at the Seventh-day
and chair of the School of Social & Behavioral
Adventist Theological Seminary.
Sciences at Andrews University. He is also
Over time, the lines between his roles be-
the chief of police for the city of Buchanan
gan to blur. His background in psychology
and has spent nearly three decades on the
informed how he approached law enforce-
city’s Board of Education, including years
ment. His experience in policing shaped how
serving as its president. Each role carries its
he engaged students. His work in both spac-
own responsibilities, but Burnett does not
es influenced how he approached leadership
see them as separate paths.
within the community.
“I look at my roles as one larger calling, to
“The roles overlap in leadership…working
be true to God and serve Him by serving oth-
with a diversity of individuals and meeting
ers,” he said.
the needs of the community,” he said.
His path into that calling was not carefully planned. After completing seminary, Burnett
BY NICHOL AS GUNN
“
I LOOK AT MY ROLES AS ONE LARGER CALLING, TO BE TRUE TO GOD AND SERVE HIM BY SERVING OTHERS.
”
PHOTOS BY DAVE SHERWIN Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 19
FEATURE
INSIDE THE CLASSROOM
“He has his hands in a million roles,” Huang
On the campus of Andrews University,
said. “It’s kind of cool to have a chief that just
where Burnett has worked for over 20 years,
knows the ins and outs of the community.”
that overlap becomes visible in the way he leads. Stacie Hatfield, an assistant professor
That perspective, Huang said, changes how officers approach situations.
at the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences,
“You can always ask him how to approach a
said Burnett’s leadership is defined by reli-
situation, and he’s opened my mind to look at
ability, especially during times of uncertainty.
things from different perspectives,” he said.
“His consistent leadership, his calm,
Huang said Burnett’s leadership is espe-
steady demeanor in the face of a great deal
cially evident when people need help, as he
of change, has been an inspiration to me,”
connects families with resources through re-
Hatfield said. As a mentor, she adds, “His
lationships built across the community.
breadth of understanding and administrative
“Anything that he can do with volunteering
experience have been beneficial to helping
or any community thing that he can do, he
guide our department.”
does it,” Huang said. “Sometimes all some-
That same presence extends into the
one needs is a little help.”
classroom. Ava Gruia, a sophomore psychology major, says Burnett’s ability to draw from real-world experience makes his classes feel different. “He’s been able to use those experiences and apply that to the classroom,” she said. Students often ask him about his work outside the classroom, she adds.
“I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO OUTRIGHT EVANGELIZE,” HE SAYS, “BUT I CAN BE CHRIST TO OTHERS IN HOW I TREAT THEM.”
SCHOOL BOARD Burnett’s connection to the community also runs through his long-standing work with Buchanan Community Schools. Serving 27 years on the Board of Education has placed him at the center of critical decisions that shape the district.
“We always ask him about being a cop and
Superintendent Patricia Robinson said his
how that applies to what’s going on,” she
presence has been steady over time. She de-
says. “He’s very open about those things.”
scribed his leadership as calm and thought-
That openness, she says, helps connect what students are learning to what they see happening in the world around them.
ful, particularly in situations that require clarity and perspective. “He shows up with a very calm demeanor
Gruia said Burnett’s faith also shapes how
and a lot of insight into helping students and
he interacts with students. “I think it defi-
staff, especially with mental health,” she said.
nitely plays a big part in how he approaches everything,” she said. “He just makes the classroom feel real.”
Robinson said his approach reflects something deeper than professional experience. “You can definitely tell that it is spiritually led and comes from a faith-based back-
LAW ENFORCEMENT Outside the University, Burnett’s work continues in a setting where decisions often
ground,” she said. “His suggestions are always helpful and give people strategies to move forward.”
carry immediate consequences. As chief of police in Buchanan, he leads a department while also serving in roles that connect law enforcement to the broader community. Patrol Officer Philip Huang, a school resource officer, says Burnett’s experience gives him a perspective that goes beyond standard procedure.
20 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
FAITH: THE DRIVING FORCE Across each of these spaces, Burnett does not separate faith from responsibility. Instead, it becomes the foundation for how he approaches his work. “I look at my roles as one larger calling,” he says, “[to] be true to God and serve Him
by serving others just as He has done for us, especially dying on the Cross in my place for my sins.” “Being on the frontlines” for God’s kingdom can look like many things for Burnett: helping students integrate their faith with what they’re learning; reflecting God’s love in interactions, even amid opposition; and caring for personnel and community members. Burnett’s understanding of faith has been shaped through personal loss. More than a decade ago, the death of his youngest daughter forced him into a season where belief was tested in deeply personal ways. “I was angry at God and felt that He let me down,” he shares. The experience did not resolve quickly, and the answers he sought did not come easily. “Although I was angry and hurt, I kept holding on to Him,” he says. “I had to be honest with God and doing that helped me find resolution and peace. Now it is my testimony how a loving God understands and helps one through a tragic time in life.” Over time, that experience reshaped how he understands faith, not as something that removes hardship, but as something that remains present through it. Burnett’s days remain full, filled with teaching, meetings, mentoring and community responsibilities that often extend beyond a typical schedule. Across classrooms, patrol work and school board meetings, what sustains him, he said, is not simply routine, but a steady reliance on faith. Prayer, his community, Bible verses and Christian music keep him grounded. Burnett understands that not every space allows for direct conversations about faith. Still, he believes it can be seen in the way a person lives. The roles may change from one moment to the next, but the direction does not. “I may not be able to outright evangelize,” he says, “but I can be Christ to others in how I treat them.” P Nicholas Gunn is a digital communication major at Andrews University.
FAMILY FOCUS
A Fortress for the Family “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10) E JASMINE FRASER
“A DAILY RHYTHM OF READING AND PRAYING SCRIPTURES RETUNES THE MIND FROM FEAR’S WHISPER TO GOD’S DECLARATIONS. ”
Fear is an ancient human phenomenon that has
does not always fence out the dangers of life, He is
often adversely affected individuals’ and fami-
a sure fortress, a strong tower (Proverbs 18:10) in
lies’ well-being. It is little wonder the Bible is re-
every danger. This assurance of God’s presence in
plete with exhortations such as “fear not” or “do
all of life’s circumstances is comforting.
not fear.” In contemporary times, fear and anxiety
As families traverse daily life, the world will not
seem to be the ambient temperature as individuals
stop producing reasons for fear. But the Creator of
worry constantly. Fear has enlisted powerful allies
families has not changed. He still strengthens. He
(e.g., relationship fractures, social unraveling, po-
still upholds with His righteous right hand. To every
litical upheaval, economic instability, environmen-
struggling family, His invitation stands: run to the
tal crises, etc.) that converge simultaneously, erod-
fortress. He is not merely a comfort in fear — He is
ing individuals’ capacity to thrive.
the stronghold fear cannot breach. Begin today to
Scripture shows that fear and doubt are the dev-
find a fortress in God by anchoring yourself daily
il’s primary strategies, wielded directly against the
in His word. A daily rhythm of reading and praying
family. Research shows that fear wears down the
Scriptures retunes the mind from fear’s whisper to
nervous system,1 exhausts the spirit, and potential-
God’s declarations. Additionally, seek out nurturing,
ly renders an individual paralyzed. Families gripped
supportive communities. Individuals and families
by fear stop trusting, stop serving one another and
embedded in honest, caring and praying communi-
their community, stop moving forward in faith, and
ties are less likely to be overcome by fear. Finally,
are often tossed about by winds of doubt. This is
cultivate an attitude of gratitude and worship. Hearts
precisely the enemy’s aim: not merely to generate
that engage in active thanksgiving cannot simultane-
fear, but to render the family dysfunctional.
ously be dominated by fear, and worship repositions
It is heartening to know that, amidst fear, doubt and anxiety, every family can find a fortress in the One who created the family. Scripture tells us that God does not give fear (2 Timothy 1:7), yet being the all-knowing, compassionate God, He intervenes in moments of fear. The declaration in Isaiah 41:10 did not promise a fear-free life. It promises something better: a God who meets individuals and families in their fears — a God who is ever-present, active and committed to meeting the needs of every family in His care. Jesus echoed the essence of this promise throughout His ministry, saying, “Do not be afraid,” not because life holds no danger, but because He is greater than every danger. While He
22 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
the heart before God’s majesty, making every threatening circumstance smaller by comparison. P 1 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10433239/ Jasmine Fraser is associate professor of discipleship and religious education in the Department of Discipleship and director of its PhD program in the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.
ALIVE AND WELL
Balanced Living My familiarity with Andrews University started when our oldest son went to college there. There was an awesome (and a little scary) bike trail that my son loved to ride on. He even convinced me, one time, to ride with him. It was both beautiful and challenging. But my son, who worked at camp for several years in the bike department, really loved the trails around the University. He also participated in Gymnics for several years and really enjoyed that, too. Then our second son joined his older brother,
Maybe that’s why John, in 3 John 1:2, wrote
and he, too, found plenty of opportunities to run
the following: “Dear friend, I hope all is well with
and play in-between studies. I often found him with
you and that you are as healthy in body as you are
a football in hand, ready to play catch with anyone
strong in spirit.”
who would join him.
Maybe I need to ask myself: “Am I as healthy in
There was plenty of studying going on too, but it
body as I am in spirit? Both are important, for one,
was nice to see there was a balance in their lives
without the other, means that we are not healthy at
between study and exercise.
all. Maybe we should be like my sons at Andrews,
This reminds me of a statement Ellen White
who found time to focus on the physical, as well as
made, in the book “Education,” where White ad-
their studies. If we do, we would fulfill John’s wish
dressed the importance of exercise, even at school.
for a balanced life. P
She said: “The whole body is designed for action; and unless the physical powers are kept in health by ac-
E LEE WHITMAN
Lee Whitman was the health ministries director for the Indiana Conference.
tive exercise, the mental powers cannot long be used to their highest capacity. The physical inaction which seems almost inevitable in the schoolroom. … “Children should not be long confined within doors, nor should they be required to apply themselves closely to study until a good foundation has been laid for physical development. For the first eight or 10 years of a child’s life the field or garden is the best schoolroom, the mother the best teacher, nature the best lesson book. Even when the child is old enough to attend school, his health should be regarded as of greater importance than a knowledge of books. He should be surrounded with the conditions most favorable to both physical and mental growth.” We often focus on book learning and the spiritual side of life but often fall short of making sure our body receives attention, too. Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | 23
HIStory / FOLLOWING THE LAMB WHEREVER HE GOES
Cute Critters and Adventist Health “James White could not have eaten squirrels,” my friend insisted. There must have been a squirrel infestation, he reasoned, and James was simply trying to reduce their numbers. E DENIS KAISER
In September 1866, Ellen White had written to
clean and unclean meats. Adventists did not come
their son Edson that “we have killed one wild black
to a clearer understanding of the continuing rel-
squirrel per day,” adding that, “he [James] enjoys
evance of Levitical food laws until the 1880s and
it much.”1
1890s.5 From 1863 to 1893, Ellen White was a ha-
I wondered what evidence supported my friend’s
bitual vegetarian; she refrained from eating meat,
claim, and how killing one squirrel per day would
but she also adapted to exceptional circumstances,
have significantly reduced the squirrel population
including travel, illness or lack of suitable food. The
near the hamlet of Olcott, New York. His reasoning
squirrel remark belongs to this transitional period.
was theological and chronological: Ellen White had
When she became a strict vegetarian in the 1890s,
made this remark more than three years after her
it was primarily for ethical reasons.6
“Comprehensive Health Reform Vision” of June 5,
This closer investigation shows that we need not
1863, in which she had been shown the benefits of
imagine James and Ellen White shooting one cute
vegetarianism. Moreover, he could not imagine that
critter per day for amusement. The evidence points
the Whites would have eaten an unclean animal. My
instead to food, circumstance and a developing un-
question, however, was different: What evidence is
derstanding of health reform. P
there for the alleged squirrel infestation and James’ supposed effort to help eliminate that “evil?” In the next sentence, Ellen White stated, “We have all the fruit we could desire.” Her comment about squirrels therefore appears in a context concerned with food. Seven years later, the Whites vacationed in the mountains of Colorado with their other son W.C. White and Charles S. Glover. They met two travelers who “had nothing to eat but squirrels and pork,” and so they shared bread with them. A few days later, “Willie shot two grey squirrels to make broth for Brother Glover.” 2 Both statements identify squirrels as food. Further, the Review and Herald and contemporary cookbooks corroborate the practice of hunting and eating squirrels.3 Finally, the remark must be placed within the development of Adventist understanding and Ellen White’s own experience. Although her 1863 vision emphasized the health benefits of vegetarianism and warned against eating pork,4 it did not address 24 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
1 Ellen G. White to James Edson White, Sept. 21, 1866, Lt 3, 1866, EGWE. 2 Ellen G. White, Diary entries for Sept. 18 and 26, 1873, Ms 11, 1873, EGWE. 3 See, f.e., “Knowing the Time,” Review and Herald, Dec. 1, 1874, 179; “The Champlain Valley Book of Recipes” (Plattsburgh, NY: Munro and Warren, 1875), 30; “The Home Cook Book: Tried and True Recipes” (Toledo, OH: T. J. Brown, 1876), iv, 25, 47, 52. 4 Ellen G. White, “Spiritual Gifts,” vol. 4a, “Important Facts of Faith: Laws of Health, and Testimonies” Nos. 1–10 (Battle Creek, MI: Steam Press of the Seventh-day Adventist Pub. Assn., 1864), 124, 126, 129–131, 146–148, 153–154. 5 Jiří Moskala, “Clean and Unclean (Leviticus 11),” “Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists,” Nov. 27, 2021, accessed March 10, 2026, https://encyclopedia.adventist. org/article?id=GFRG. 6 Theodore N. Levterov, “Ellen White and Vegetarianism,” in “Understanding Ellen White: The Life and Work of the Most Influential Voice in Adventist History,” ed. Merlin D. Burt (Nampa, ID: Pacific Press, 2015), 201–05. Denis Kaiser is an associate professor of church history at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University.
CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD / PRAYER FOCUS
Forgive Yourself? “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:31–32 ) E PAULETTE TAYLOR Do we live our lives as if our sins have been for-
praying for her through all of this. The lady was now
given? Or are we holding on to those things that so
working to put her life back together. Looking back,
easily hold us back?
she had regrets but discovered a God who was
A story that was shared with me some years ago,
watching out for her all along. Praise God!
while conducting outreach at an abuse shelter, in-
When we surrender to the will of God, He takes
volved a dear lady who was living in regret of not
on the pain and difficulties of this life. He knows our
listening to her mother and not forgiving herself.
human nature and forgives us anyway. Oh, what an
Specifically, she was warned to be cautious of the
amazing, merciful and loving God we serve!
kind of people she kept company with. But she did
Ellen G. White writes, in “Christ’s Object
not listen. The short version of the story — the wom-
Lessons,” Chapter 19, last paragraph, “We are not
an became involved with the wrong people, drugs
forgiven because we forgive, but as we forgive. The
and a man she was romantically interested in. He
ground of all forgiveness is found in the unmerited
had physically abused her and pushed her down a
love of God, but by our attitude toward others we
flight of stairs, which broke her ankle and her spirit.
show whether we have made that love our own.”
She was in a wheelchair healing from the injury and
Forgiving others is one thing, but we also need
trying to get clean from drugs. Her mother had been
to forgive ourselves. Regrets and discouragement held because we did not do or say one thing or another can keep us from clearly seeing God’s plan. It’s like a blindfold keeping the light of God’s love and His direction and guidance for our lives out of sight. Why would we inhibit ourselves that way? From time to time, we may all have done this. But Jesus tells us, “He is the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6). Remember, no one’s life is perfect. Replace regret with gratitude. Continue preparing for Glory, by God’s grace. Strive to give God your best in all things. If we keep that mindset, after asking forgiveness and forgiving others, we’ve set ourselves free. We know the very best is yet to come — Heaven! P Paulette Taylor serves as the prayer ministry coordinator for the Indiana Conference.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 25
ADVE NTHEALTH / EXTENDING THE HEALING MINISTRY OF CHRIST
hospital. With a positive reception by patients and staff, the program expanded in 2025 to include other Behavioral Health Units in Hinsdale, Bolingbrook and the outpatient clinic in Westmont, Illinois. “What I’m trying to do is create a space for spiritual experience and healing,” says Sietman. He does that using a variety of themes, including recovery, redemption, self-reflection, worship, catharsis, encouragement, introspection and even humor, using an eclectic mix of musical genres. “I’ve had people rolling on the floor, laughing so hard that they could hardly get up.”
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth
One of the clearest signs of the CPMG’s
E Chaplain Dan Seitman serves at UChicago Medicine Advent Health GlenOaks.
When Music Becomes Ministry CHAPLAIN BRINGS WHOLE-PERSON CARE TO PATIENTS
impact came months after a patient had left
UChicago
Medicine
AdventHealth
GlenOaks. In the spring of 2025, Sietman stopped at the grocery store to pick up an order when the person loading the bags asked, “Are you the chaplain who sings?” After Sietman said yes, the man shared that he had been a patient at the GlenOaks hospital two months earlier. “He told me, ‘You came in and sang and that was probably the turning point of my experience there. What you did really, really helped me. When I need to process, I grab some music. I now have an apartment, a girlfriend and a job.’”
What began with a donated guitar and a simple question has grown into a meaningful way to bring whole-person care to behavioral health patients.
Moments like that remind Sietman why the work matters — and why whole-person care reaches far beyond a hospital stay. P
When Daniel Sietman joined UChicago
That was the humble beginning of what
Medicine AdventHealth GlenOaks as a
turned into the Clinical Pastoral Music
chaplain resident in June of 2023, there
Group (CPMG) in which Sietman plays the
was nothing in the job description about
guitar and sings to foster spiritual engage-
singing and playing music. But after meet-
ment and encourage wellness through
ing with Chaplain Renante Gomez, chapel
weekly 30-minute group encounters.
manager at the time, that quickly changed.
“I had plenty of theological training and
While being shown the office he was go-
a whole lot of life experience, but I’d nev-
ing to use, Sietman noticed a guitar in the
er done anything remotely close to this,
room. Gomez told him it had been donated
so we just sort of made it up as we went
and asked Sietman if he played the guitar.
along,” says Sietman, a self-taught guitar-
“I said yes, I do,” recalls Sietman. “He told
ist. Sietman began CPMG sessions in July
me, ‘Well, we’d love to have you play it.’”
2023 in the Geriatric Treatment Unit at the
26 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
Keith Hartenberger is senior manager for external communications at UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY / WORLD CHANGERS MADE HERE.
Horticulture Renewal Initiative Takes Root The Andrews University Department of Sustainable Agriculture is developing a multi-phase horticulture renewal initiative designed to expand hands-on student learning, strengthen sustainability education, and create new wellness-centered green spaces on campus.
pest management methods with minimal chemical inputs. Koudele says the project aims to continue
The initiative includes the renovation of an
environments, along with a visitor and sensory
strengthening Andrews University’s mission of
existing greenhouse into a structure designed
garden space. Each growing zone will allow stu-
stewardship and sustainability. “Our depart-
to support crops during colder seasons, con-
dents to learn how crops respond to different
ment motto is ‘Educating Earth’s Caretakers,’”
tinued use of the department’s smaller winter
climates and environmental conditions.
she explains. “Students today are deeply in-
greenhouse and the planned construction of
“Our students have gone all over the world
terested in sustainability, creation care and
a new energy-efficient teaching greenhouse.
working with agriculture and plant production,”
learning how to work more harmoniously with
Together, the facilities will provide students
shares Koudele. “This greenhouse would allow
nature. We want to provide them with opportu-
with year-round applied plant science educa-
them to gain experience working in different
nities to do that here on campus.”
tion and expanded opportunities for experien-
kinds of climates before they leave campus.”
tial learning.
The department has already begun prelimi-
The facility is also intended to support inter-
nary work on portions of the project, including
According to Katherine Koudele, chair of the
disciplinary collaboration and student wellness
plans to convert the existing greenhouse and
department, the project builds on the depart-
initiatives. One section of the greenhouse is
prepare the site for future construction. Faculty
ment’s existing experiential learning model al-
planned as a conservatory-style green space.
members are currently seeking additional do-
ready used in its Animal Science Program.
“We’re hoping this can become a place where
nor support and partnerships to help complete
“When the dairy closed in 2018, we were
students can come and enjoy a green environ-
the initiative. “We have the land, the facilities
able to convert a number of those buildings
ment during the darker winter season,” Koudele
and the vision,” Koudele says. “Now we’re look-
into an Agriculture Education Center where
says. “There’s growing interest in the idea of
ing for partners to help make it possible.”
students rotate through caring for different
nature as medicine and the positive effects
For further insight into the horticulture re-
species of animals,” says Koudele. “Students
green spaces can have on mental well-being.”
newal initiative or to ask questions, please con-
gain hands-on experience, but they also learn
The greenhouse design also incorporates
tact Katherine Koudele at koudelej@andrews.
teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving.
sustainability-focused
We want to extend that same model to the plant
ing
side of the department.”
full-spectrum LED lighting powered by solar
Koudele explains that the renewal initiative seeks to revitalize the Sustainable Horticulture
triple-wall
technology,
polycarbonate
includ-
edu. To support the initiative and its future de-
insulation,
velopment, please visit the Andrews website. P
energy, drip irrigation systems and integrated
Oscar Güity is a student writer for the Office of University Communication.
Program while creating facilities that allow students to work year-round. The department’s existing greenhouse will be converted into a cold-frame structure for overwinter crops such as root vegetables, brassicas and leafy greens. A smaller greenhouse currently used for plant propagation and introductory horticulture courses will continue serving students while the department pursues plans for a larger teaching greenhouse. The proposed teaching greenhouse will feature four climate-controlled sections, including temperate, tropical and desert-growing Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 27
NEWS | LOCAL CHURCH
Steve Bramwell, Detroit Center pastor, led the training, which brought together lay members from churches across Detroit. Over several months, participants attended evening classes focused on Bible instruction and community outreach. Lake
Region
Conference
President
Abraham F. Henry delivered the sermon during the ceremony and thanked Bramwell for organizing the program. “What Pastor Bramwell has done here is a wonderful endeavor, and we thank God for his leadership,” Henry said. He also called the graduates to use their training in service. E Lay members from across the Motor City committed themselves to nightly courses designed to equip them for
“We’ve got work to do together,” Henry
Bible instruction and outreach ministry. This answered a growing need not only in Detroit, but throughout our
said. “This is our season to rise to the occa-
conference territory.
sion and serve God.”
Detroit Center Graduates 29 Bible Instructors
Following the presentation of certificates, Bramwell recognized Katelyn Nieman, principal of Flint-Fairhaven School, for developing a Bible study guide the instructors can use in their ministry. The graduates also recognized Bramwell and his wife, Shyenn, for their work in leading
The Detroit Center church held a graduation ceremony on May 23 for 29 Bible instructors trained to lead Bible studies and support outreach efforts.
the training program. P Lake Region Communication
Digital Evangelism and Discipleship Deepens Across Southern Illinois God is opening new doors for outreach and the Thompsonville church is stepping forward in faith to walk through them. More than a year ago, the Thompsonville church began using the OneAccord platform,
to connect with individuals requesting Bible studies through BibleStudyOffer.com.
a tool that helps churches manage websites,
But the members wanted to do more.
public events and Bible study interests.
Burdened by a desire to reach their com-
While OneAccord offers many features, the
munities, especially in Carbondale and
church has especially embraced its ability
the surrounding region, church members
E From left, Terri and Madison Stanley, members of the Thompsonville church
28 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
NEWS | LOCAL CHURCH
but the number of members becoming involved in ministry. What began as a digital outreach effort has become a church-wide witnessing movement. Children as young as 10 now work alongside their parents preparing and mailing Bible study lessons. Young adults personally deliver materials to homes. One 91-year-old church member and her spouse have enthusiastically joined the effort as well, faithfully helping deliver studies to new contacts throughout the area. Their involvement has inspired the entire E Paul and Barbara Lubinski, members of the Thompsonville church
congregation. To encourage continued participation, the church has introduced a “Bible Study Offer Spotlight” during select Sabbath services, where members share testimonies and experiences from connecting with people in their communities. Those stories have sparked even greater interest, leading more members to volunteer for the growing ministry. The church is also prayerfully preparing for the future. As Bible study interests continue progressing toward decisions for Christ and baptism, Thompsonville plans to guide new believers through a structured discipleship process using the “Discipleship Handbook” from the General Conference’s GROW Your Church initiative. Members hope the process will not
E Ricky Carter, elder at the Thompsonville church
E Jonathan Babb, head deacon at Thompson-
only strengthen new believers but also help
ville church, and his wife Elizabeth, principal of
current members grow as they mentor oth-
the Thompsonville Christian Junior Academy
ers in their walk with Christ.
began asking a simple question: What if
the Carbondale area and 55 from the
we offered free Bible studies to anyone
Thompsonville region.
searching for truth?
The outreach quickly became larger than
On March 1, that vision became reality.
one church alone. The West Frankfort church joined the effort
tising campaign promoting free Bible stud-
by creating its own free OneAccord account
ies throughout Carbondale, Thompsonville
and receiving 30 of the Thompsonville-area
and surrounding communities within a
interests for follow-up ministry. The partner-
40-to-50-mile radius. The campaign ran
ship has allowed both congregations to ac-
through the end of April, and the response
tively participate in outreach while strength-
exceeded expectations.
ening unity in mission across the district.
far,
84
individuals
have
Southern Illinois. Their prayer is that more churches across Illinois will embrace tools
The church launched a Facebook adver-
So
The Thompsonville church family believes this model could extend far beyond
signed
Yet perhaps the most exciting develop-
up for Bible studies, including 29 from
ment has not been the number of interests,
like OneAccord to expand their outreach and disciple-making efforts. P Ricky Carter is an elder at the Thompsonville Seventhday Adventist Church.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 29
NEWS | CONFERENCE
individuals for the meetings and the decisions that followed. The Milwaukee program also recognized the people who helped establish and strengthen Hispanic ministry across Wisconsin during the past five decades. Carmelo Mercado, general vice president of the Lake Union Conference, was honored for 50 years of pastoral ministry and for his longstanding support of Hispanic congregations in Wisconsin. He attended the celebration with his wife, Rosanne. Wisconsin Conference President Titus E Wisconsin President Titus Naftanaila, Lake Union Vice President Carmelo Mercado and Wisconsin Conference Hispanic Coordinator Evelio Miranda are pictured with some of the original members who started the first Hispanic mission group at the Central American Seventh-day Adventist church back in October 1975: Ramiro Álvarez, holding his granddaughter, Salvador García, Hector Santiago, Emma Santiago-Spears and Perla Santiago
Naftanaila and his wife, Rozina, also attended the anniversary program. Evelio Miranda, Hispanic ministries coordinator for the Wisconsin Conference, described the celebration as evidence of God’s
Wisconsin Commemorates 50 Years of Hispanic Ministry
continued guidance and blessing. Drawing from 1 Samuel 7:12, he summarized the anniversary with the words, “Thus far, the Lord has helped us.” P Evelio Miranda with Herald staff
Nearly 1,350 members and guests gathered May 30 at Alverno College in Milwaukee to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist ministry in Wisconsin. The
anniversary
brought
together
Hispanic congregations from the Wisconsin
concerts focused on hope and spiritual renewal.
Conference and Lake Region Conference for a
The caravan began May 22 and 23 at
day of worship, fellowship and gratitude. The
Madison East church before continuing May
event, held in Pitman Auditorium, also served
24 and 25 at the Sheboygan Hispanic church.
as the annual Hispanic Brotherhood Day and
Meetings were held May 26 and 27 in Eau
marked the conclusion of a statewide evan-
Claire before the final gathering in Milwaukee.
gelistic caravan. Additional seating was brought in to accommodate the crowd, which exceeded or-
E At the Chippewa Valley church, Pastor Asael Sánchez (right) baptizes Henry Velázquez in the baptistry, as Alejandro Bullón looks on.
By the end of the evangelistic initiative, 65 people had publicly committed their lives to Christ through baptism.
ganizers’ expectations.
The statewide effort was supported by
The celebration centered on the theme
months of preparation in local church-
“Don’t Give Up, There Is Still Hope” and
es. Evangelists from Wisconsin Hispanic
featured international evangelist Alejandro
Adventist Youth, known as JAHWI, partic-
Bullón and Christian recording artist Felipe
ipated alongside guest speakers and 14
Garibo. Bullón presented biblical messages
theology students from Peruvian Union
E On Sabbath, May 23 at the Madison East church, a His-
throughout the caravan while Garibo shared
University. Local campaigns helped prepare
panic worship team led out in the evangelistic caravan.
30 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
NEWS | CONFERENCE
E Pastor and filmmaker Christian Smith produced a documentary on the sanctuary with Andrews University Professor Richard Davidson, as well as Clayton Leinneweber, director of the Messiah Mansion.
Sanctuary Comes to Life in Documentary
earthly sanctuary, what it means in our personal lives, and how it relates to what God is doing in the heavenly sanctuary. The footage was later edited into a documentary, running approximately 54 minutes. The completed film premiered during the
INDIANA PASTOR AND FILMMAKER CHRISTIAN SMITH
2026 Indiana Camp Meeting and confer-
CREATES DOCUMENTARY FEATURING ANDREWS
ence leaders hope the documentary will be-
UNIVERSITY SCHOLAR RICHARD DAVIDSON
come a teaching and evangelistic resource for churches, small groups and individuals around the world. Indiana Conference President Vic Van
Visitors to Indiana Academy’s 2025 camp meeting walked through Messiah’s Mansion, a
Schaik said the film offers a practical intro-
life-size replica of the biblical sanctuary, while learning how its furnishings and services
duction to the sanctuary.
pointed to God’s plan of salvation.
“The sanctuary truth is one of those vital truths that we need to understand,” Van
Indiana pastor and filmmaker Christian
Davidson is a senior research profes-
Schaik said. “This film will help you to have a
Smith recognized an opportunity to preserve
sor of Old Testament interpretation at the
deeper knowledge and practical understand-
that experience and make it available to a
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary
ing of the sanctuary.”
wider audience.
at Andrews University and has written and
The video is slated for a wider release
With support from the Indiana Conference,
taught extensively about the sanctuary.
on Aug. 7. More information is available at
Smith produced a documentary featuring
Messiah’s Mansion is a life-size replica of the
indysda.org or https://www.youtube.com/
Richard Davidson, an Andrews University
Mosaic Sanctuary that God gave instructions
shorts/isKgzxGV_Iw P
scholar known for his study of the biblical
to Moses to build in the wilderness. Through
sanctuary. The nearly hourlong film follows
guided tours, people are able to see the plan
Davidson through the replica as he explains
of salvation and bring it to life with the visual
the sanctuary’s meaning in biblical times, its
aid of the sanctuary furniture.
application to personal faith and its connection to Christ’s ministry in heaven. “Having
Messiah’s
Mansion
and
Dr.
Davidson here at the same time [for camp meeting] was a great opportunity to do a walk-through film,” Smith said. “A recording like this had never been done before.”
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
“THIS FILM WILL Smith and his production team spent HELP YOU TO HAVE A about six hours filming Davidson as he DEEPER KNOWLEDGE moved through the sanctuary explaining its furnishings, ceremonies and compart- AND PRACTICAL ments, and connecting them to God’s merUNDERSTANDING OF cy and grace. He elaborated on what each part and furnishing meant at the time in the THE SANCTUARY.” Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 31
NEWS | LOCAL CHURCH
Adventist Educators and Medical Professionals Bring Wellness Support to Michigan Public School
E Maia Hall, a senior at Great Lakes Adventist Academy played the harp for the massage ministry happening in this room.
Health professionals at the Lansing church were praying for opportunities to connect with their neighboring Lansing community.
The Employee Wellness Day at Waverly
volunteers from local Seventh-day Adventist
High School became an opportunity, break-
churches, to participate in the wellness event
ing down barriers and opening doors for
and provide what many in ministry describe
meaningful engagement through acts of care
as an “entering wedge” through practical
and service.
service.
In 2025, the school hosted its first annual
The response from school staff was over-
Employee Wellness Day, a required in-service
whelmingly positive. As a result, Waverly
designed to support staff well-being. What
High School invited the clinic and its volun-
E Dr. Kim Azelton, physician at Lifestyle Family Medi-
made the event unique was how it came to-
teers to return in 2026.
cine in Holt, Michigan, and Jeremy Hall, vice president
gether. Hilda, a member of the Lansing church
This year’s event expanded both in scope
who works as a nurse at Waverly High School,
and impact. Jeremy Hall, education super-
felt impressed to connect school adminis-
intendent for the Michigan Conference, de-
trators with Dr. Kimberly Azelton, a Lansing
livered a keynote address titled “Reframing
church member who runs a nonprofit minis-
Challenges in Education: From Burnout to
try, Family and Lifestyle Medical Clinic. This
Purpose-Driven Resilience.” His message ad-
opened the door for the clinic, supported by
dressed the increasing pressures educators
of education, Michigan Conference
face and offered a hopeful perspective on finding renewed purpose in their work. Additional breakout sessions focused on practical tools for sustaining personal well-being. Girlie Aguilar, associate superintendent of schools for the Michigan Conference, and Ella Cousins, a retired principal from the Lansing School District and Lansing church member, led sessions on maintaining healthy worklife balance and building resilience in the demanding field of education. After the presentations, staff members were invited to participate in individualized wellness services. These one-on-one sessions included nutrition coaching, stress E Tom Owiti, undertreasurer of the Michigan Conference and head elder at the Lansing church
32 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
E From left, Mona Hickman, assistant director of Planned Giving & Trust Services and Association Properties at the Michigan Conference, Melissa Sharley, member at Lansing church and part of the Lifestyle medicine clinic, and Cheryl Bernard, Lansing member. They helped teachers who had scheduled coaching sessions for stress management and other things that were being offered.
management counseling, chair massages, physician consultations, blood pressure screenings, and financial coaching. Nearly 70 volunteers joined the clinic team to make the day possible. Participants came from several area churches, including Lansing, Lansing Spanish, Bethel and Holt, Courtesy of Victor Khaula
with additional volunteers traveling from as far away as Indiana and Cadillac to assist. In total, the team completed 252 individual wellness appointments, offering encouragement and practical support to more than 200 school employees. For many par-
E Micaiah Shimpano, National Junior Honor Society member, receives a monetary gift from Pastor Martin
ticipants, personal attention was both unex-
Hanna for his achievement.
pected and deeply appreciated.
All Nations Church Highlights Educational Excellence and Eternal Purpose
Several educators shared their reflections following the event: “These are my angels.” “This was a real wake-up call. It felt more like a conversation and less like someone pointing fingers about what needed to change.” “I’ve never experienced anything like this. It was so personal.” The impact of the wellness day continues beyond the event itself. Sixty-four individuals requested follow-up appointments, and clinic staff have already begun connecting with them. One Bible study that began after last year’s wellness event is still going strong, and volunteers have noticed that many returning participants seem even more open to continued connection this year.
At 19, when most teenagers are graduating from high school, Viviene Dyer was just beginning her studies. Financial hardship and periods of homelessness delayed her education, but they never defeated her determination. Fueled by faith and hard work, she not only completed high school in two years but did so with honors.
Through simple acts of compassion and service, doors are opening in a community
Life would later cause her to pause again,
of her life: a Doctor of Philosophy in high-
that had previously been difficult to reach. By
but Dyer never lost sight of the dream God
er education administration from Andrews
meeting practical needs in a respectful and
had planted in her heart. Four years after high
University. Across five grueling years as an
supportive environment, the clinic and sup-
school, she enrolled in college.
international student, the Jamaican native
porting churches are building trust and rela-
A single mother, hit hard by divorce and
tionships that extend far beyond a single day.
illness, Dyer earned her bachelor’s degree
If you would like to learn more about the
the same day as her daughter. Balancing
“The journey didn’t begin with an accep-
Family and Lifestyle Medicine Clinic, visit
coursework with a full-time job once again,
tance letter,” said Dyer, “but with a barefoot
familyandlifestylemedicine.org. P
she went on to earn an MBA and a post-grad-
girl who walked to elementary school hungry.
uate diploma.
A girl who took 12 years to earn a bachelor’s
Brianna Kittleson serves as the administrative assistant for the Michigan Conference Communication department.
But on Sabbath, May 9, that dream came full circle.
maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA, supported by sponsors, mentors, friends and family.
degree, not because I lacked ability, but because life demanded perseverance … But
Standing before the congregation at All
God had already gone ahead of me.”
Nations church in Berrien Springs, Dyer tes-
Dyer was one of more than 20 students cel-
tified to God’s faithfulness — a journey that
ebrated during the church’s first-of-its-kind
culminated in one of the greatest milestones
graduation ceremony. Rather than honoring
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 33
Courtesy of Viviene Dyer
NEWS | CONFERENCE
E Viviene Dyer received her doctorate from Andrews University.
only the graduating Class of 2026, leaders
and a shared fellowship meal all accentuated
also presented certificates of academic en-
the day’s warmth and elegance.
gagement to continuing students at every
Lead pastor Martin Hanna pointed the
stage, from cradle roll (the youngest, less
congregation toward what he called the
than 18 months) to doctoral studies. They
greatest graduation of all. Preaching from
chose this structure to recognize the proven
1 Corinthians 15:51–54, he described the
benefits of staying educationally engaged.
moment believers will be transformed “in
Recognition was not restricted to church
the twinkling of an eye” and urged worship-
membership but included students from the
pers to live with eternity in view, anticipating
wider community, reinforcing All Nations’
Christ’s return, when suffering and death will
mission of inclusion and community building,
be no more.
and its belief that education is a transfor-
Later that afternoon, Andrews University
mative force that nurtures spiritual growth,
Seminary professor Hyveth Williams remind-
strengthens families, and contributes to eco-
ed graduates that education isn’t meant for
nomically thriving communities.
personal gain alone, but as a vehicle to serve
Four students were recognized for mem-
God and humanity.
bership in the National Honor Society and
From Viviene Dyer’s journey out of home-
National Junior Honor Society, organizations
lessness to a doctorate, to Gabrielle Gittens’
that honor scholarship, leadership, character
historic path to Yale, the day’s celebration
and service.
underscored one message: Education means
Leading the recognition ceremony, Joseth
living a life of excellence and service today,
Howell, joined by her husband, Orville
while looking ahead to the greatest com-
Howell, reminded the congregation that ex-
mencement of all, the graduation from earth
cellence is rooted in the very character of
to eternity in heaven. P
God. She pointed to the biblical account of
Joseth Howell is public relations officer for the All Nations Church.
Daniel and the three Hebrew boys, who were found to be “ten times better” than their Babylonian counterparts because of their faithfulness to God. “Because God is a God of excellence,” she said, “He desires His children to pursue excellence in every area of life.” Among those recognized was Gabrielle Gittens,
whose
achievements
garnered
widespread attention. The Berrien Springs High School graduate became the first in her school’s history to be accepted into four Ivy League universities — Yale, Princeton, Brown and Columbia. A former vice president of the National Honor Society, she was one
E Lead Pastor Martin Hanna delivers the keynote
from more than 107,000 applicants, to receive the highly competitive $20,000 CocaCola Scholars Scholarship. She is now a Yale freshman studying mechanical engineering on a full scholarship. Caps and gowns, decorative seating, a per-
sermon “You Can Get There From Here.”
formance by the Andrews Academy Choir, 34 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
Courtesy of Dionne Gittens
Courtesy of Victor Khaula
of only 150 students nationwide, selected
E Gabrielle Gittens is pictured after her graduation from Berrien High School.
Katie Fellows
Dave Sherwin
NEWS | UNION
E The administration team was re-elected by an overwhelming margin. Left to right: Elden Ramirez, president,
E Elden Ramirez and his wife Jenny are
with his wife Jenny; Ted Huskins, secretary, along with his wife Cynthia; and Glynn Scott, treasurer, with his wife
congratulated by North American Division
Donna-Mae.
President Alexander Bryant.
Lake Union Delegates Re-Elect Leadership at Constituency Session
Other Items The Lake Union administration took time to honor Carmelo Mercado, general vice president and director of multicultural ministries. President Ramirez thanked Mercado for 50 years of faithful service as a pastor and administrator and acknowledged his wife Roseanne for her partnership and prayers. Mercado expressed gratitude for the oppor-
On May 31, 2026, delegates to the 24th Lake Union Constituency Session re-elected the
tunity to serve God in the Lake Union and his
current slate of administrators to serve another five-year term.
eagerness to spend more time with family. “God is doing great things in this union,” he
More than 300 representatives from the Illinois, Indiana, Lake Region, Michigan and
Treasurer Glynn C.W. Scott will continue in
said in a final exhortation. “Jesus is coming
the role he’s held for more than 20 years.
again. That’s the blessed hope that we have.
Wisconsin conferences, Andrews University
Delegates also voted overwhelmingly to
May we share that with all the world. Let them
and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth met at
reappoint departmental and administrative
know that God is love and that he wants his
Pioneer Memorial Church in Berrien Springs,
leaders in Communication, Education, IT,
people to be ready for his kingdom.”
Michigan, to receive reports and determine
Human Resources and Treasury.
the Lake Union leadership. Election Results
Leaders shared departmental reports to
Several departmental leadership positions
convey the state of the union. The president’s
were referred to the Executive Committee for
report was a video presentation highlighting
further review as part of an ongoing evalua-
a series of testimonies from members and
President Elden Ramirez initially assumed
tion of organizational structure and ministry
ministries throughout the region.
the role in May 2025, after serving four
leadership models. In some cases, the po-
years as executive secretary in Lake Union.
sitions affected are coordinator roles that
shared that membership in the Lake Union
“Thank you for the vote of confidence. It’s a
are ordinarily filled by Executive Committee
Conference is nearly 92,000, up from around
team effort,” he said in brief remarks after
action rather than constituency session
88,000 in 2020. Baptisms have increased
the vote was announced. “The leader of the
election. The action reflects broader orga-
year over year since 2020, while the num-
church is Christ and Christ alone. Keep us in
nizational and strategic considerations and
bers of members leaving due to death, ab-
your prayers as we seek to do His will on a
should not be interpreted as a reflection on
sence or transfer are decreasing.
daily basis.”
the faithful and valued service of the individ-
Ted Huskins, who joined the Lake Union
uals currently serving in those areas.
In
the
secretariat’s
report,
Huskins
Lake Union received a clean financial audit from auditors at the General Conference.
in July 2025, was voted to continue as ex-
NAD President G. Alexander Bryant was on
Delegates reviewed and voted on a se-
ecutive secretary. Huskins previously held
hand to facilitate the vote on the nominating
ries of proposed changes to the Lake Union
the same position in the Atlantic Union.
committee’s report.
Conference
Constitution
and
Bylaws,
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 35
NEWS | UNION
Dave Sherwin
BE THE FIRST TO KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON!
E From left to right: Associate Communication Director Ruben Casabona, IT Director Sean Parker, Associate Education Director Laura Frary, Education Director Nicole Mattson, HR Director Vicki Thompson, Associate Treasurer Richard Moore and Communication Director Debbie Michel.
with
most
amendments
passing
by
Gayle, Nereida Martinez, James Micheff
vote. Delegates engaged in thoughtful dis-
Jr., Lori Randall, Israel Ramos
cussion regarding proposed language ad-
• Wisconsin: Bill Dudgeon, Gerardo
dressing the relationship between the Lake Union, the North American Division, and
Medina, Titus Naftanaila, Justin Perrone • UChicago Medicine
the General Conference. Following discus-
AdventHealth: Monica Reed
sion, the section was referred back to the
The Lake Union holds a constituency ses-
Constitution and Bylaws Committee for fur-
sion every five years to conduct the official
ther study and recommendation.
business of the church. Delegates elect
A new group of executive committee
leadership, receive reports from union and
members was also elected to serve for the
department leaders, and vote on church
next five years:
business items. The state of the union is
• Lake Union: Ted Huskins, Glynn
shared through various reports on finances,
Scott, Elden Ramirez
church membership, audits and other sta-
• Andrews University: John Wesley Taylor V
tistics. Session programming also highlights
• Indiana: Jimmy Arnett, Mark
stories of mission, evangelism and the ac-
Eaton, Onias Muza, Vic Van Schaik • Illinois: Marcia Bedney, Michael Campos,
complishments of union departments and lay members.
Eva Cruz, Jon Grys, Doug Reeves
You can follow more highlights from the
• Lake Region: Eddie Allen, Jin Choi,
constituency session on the Lake Union
Christopher Clark Sr., Harold Cleveland, Deidre Garnett, Abraham Henry, Gary Loster, Floyd Mathis, Rijenna Murray, Kent Nichols, Pamela Wright-Daly • Michigan: Sarah Canada, Michael Bernard,
Adventists social media pages. P Kaara Baptiste is assistant professor of communication at Andrews University; Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
Sim Clemens, David Fernandez, Jermaine 36 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
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NEWS | UNION
Lake Union Launches Immigration Resource Website to Support Members and Churches
NAD 2026 RESEARCH
The Lake Union Conference has launched a new immigration resource website to support
CO N FE R E N C E
members, pastors and churches seeking guidance during a time of uncertainty for many immigrant communities.
The website, immigration.lakeunion.org, was developed as a centralized hub for im-
Relief Immigration Legal Services, USCIS and Welcome.US.
migration-related resources. The site offers
The site also includes resources for fam-
practical tools for individuals and families, as
ilies experiencing separation due to deten-
well as resources for churches and members
tion, along with emotional and spiritual sup-
who want to provide support.
port, including Scripture, short prayers, and
“We are really concerned about how we can support those going through crisis because of the immigration situation that exists here right now in our country,” said Carmelo Mercado, Lake Union vice president for Multicultural Ministries.
pastoral encouragement for those facing fear or disruption. A confidential prayer wall allows individuals to submit anonymous prayer requests. “Our immigrants really need our support, even among our own members, who are going
Among the resources available are “Know
through uncertainty about whether they will
Your Rights” cards, which summarize ba-
be here or be deported,” Mercado said. “We’re
sic legal rights when dealing with police or
hoping through this resource that we can
immigration officials; emergency planning
provide the kind of support and engagement
materials, including family checklists, child-
[needed] for pastors and members both.”
care and document guidance, and downloadable emergency plans; and legal help links to organizations such as the American Immigration Lawyers Association, World
The Remnant
The
resource
hub
is
now
live
immigration.lakeunion.org. P
at
October 14-17 Union Adventist University
Debbie Michel is editor of the Lake Union Herald.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 37
MILEPOSTS/CLASSIFIEDS
MILEPOSTS
CLASSIFIEDS
OBITUARIES
(Bryan) Castle; brother, Jonathan
ANNOUNCEMENTS
two salaried positions at the
BABIENCO, Kathleen L., age
Groleau; sister, Susan (Ed)
Notice of the 40th Regular
Historic Adventist Village in
66; born Dec. 20, 1958, in
Jenkins; and four grandchildren. A
Quadrennial Session
Battle Creek, Michigan — Village
Ukiah, California.; died Sept.
memorial service was conducted
Notice is hereby given that
site director and maintenance
5, 2025, in Mombasa, Kenya.
by Pastor James Hakes on May
the 40th Regular Quadrennial
manager. Both positions have
She is survived by her husband,
31, 2026, and interment at the
Session of the Wisconsin
denominational benefits and
Frederick Odinda; son, Michael
Wilson Seventh-day Adventist
Conference of Seventh-day
service records. Go to the web-
Dowling; daughters, Elizabeth
Church Cemetery in Wilson,
Adventists and the Wisconsin
site www.adventistheritage.org
Asher, Jennifer Pierce; father,
Michigan.
Corporation of Seventh-day
for details, job descriptions and
Adventists will convene at
applications forms or contact
Bruce Babienco; brother, Steve Babienco; sister, Cyndi Caballero;
LANE, Lorraine, age 91; born Jan.
Wisconsin Academy, Columbus,
Donella Andersen at dander-
and five grandchildren. A funeral
12, 1935, in Manhattan, New York.;
Wisconsin, on Sunday, October
sen@adventistheritage.org or
inurnment was conducted on
died June 10, 2026, in Plymouth,
18, 2026.
616-291-2632.
Sept. 22, 2025, in Kenya.
Michigan. She was a member of the Metropolitan Seventh-day
The Organizing Committee will
Andrews University Seeks
GROLEAU, Michael “Mike” J.,
Adventist Church in Plymouth,
meet at 8:30 a.m., followed by
Qualified Applicants: Andrews
age 70; born July 25, 1955, in
Michigan. She is survived by her
the first business session at 10
University is seeking qualified
Escanaba, Michigan.; died May
husband, Richard “Dick” Lane;
a.m. Duly accredited dele-
Seventh-day Adventists who
21, 2026, in Wilson, Michigan.
daughter, Cherie Loomis; and
gates and delegates-at-large
may fill open roles in fulfilling
He was a member of the Wilson
sons Glenn and Kevin Bell; six
will elect conference officers,
our mission to Seek Knowledge,
Church in Wilson, Michigan. He
grandchildren. A memorial was
department directors, members
Affirm Faith, and Change the
is survived by his wife, Debra
conducted by Pastor Bob Stewart
of the Executive Committee,
World. If this is of interest to
(Lanaville) Groleau; sons, Curt
on Aug. 9, 2026, and interment at
Constitution and Bylaws
you, please check out our cur-
(Angie) Groleau, Tim (Brandee)
the Great Lakes National Cemetery
Committee, and Nominating
rent openings at: andrews.edu/
Groleau; daughter, Shannon
in Holly, Michigan.
Committee, as well as the
jobs (https://www.andrews.edu/
corporation trustees for the
admres/jobs)
Within the Lake Union, the officiating pastor or church communication leader is responsible for submission of information to this column. Forms are available in print format, or they can be filled out and submitted directly online. Milepost forms are available at www.lakeunionherald.org. Conference addresses and phone numbers are listed in the masthead on the inside front cover.
CALENDAR OF OFFERINGS
SEPTEMBER 5 12 19 26
Local Church Budget World Budget: Radio Ministries (GC) Local Church Budget Local Conference Advance
ensuing quadrennial term. The delegates will also transact
Union Adventist University is
such other business as may
seeking qualified applicants
properly come before the
for controller. The controller is
session. Each organized church
to direct and coordinate Union
is entitled to one delegate for
Adventist University accounting
the church organization and one
operations to include dis-
additional delegate for every
bursements, accounting data,
25 members or major fraction
accounting records, payroll,
thereof, based on the official
general accounting services,
membership records.
and accounting operations sys-
Titus Naftanaila, President
tem. They are to develop and
Justin Perrone, Executive
administer accounting business
Secretary
policies and regulations. Please
EMPLOYMENT Adventist Heritage Ministries is seeking to immediately fill
38 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
see the full job description and apply at http://uau.edu/ employment.
100
Centennial Celebration
Y E A R S
O F
F A I T H
&
L E G A C Y
The Battle Creek Tabernacle October 2-10, 2026 A week of reflection, revival, and readiness
Guest Speakers
Erton Köhler
Pavel Goia
Dr. Norman McNulty
President, General Conference
Evangelist, Adventist World Radio
Neurologist & Author
The King’s Heralds Special Music Guests
For 100 years, the Battle Creek Tabernacle has stood as a beacon of faith, community, and spiritual growth in the heart of Battle Creek, Michigan. Since it was built in 1926 to replace the Dime Tabernacle, this building has been a gathering place where generations have come to worship, grow, and serve. For more information, visit:
tabernacle100years.com Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | SEPTEMBER 2026 | 39
MILEPOSTS/CLASSIFIEDS
Union Adventist University
desktop computers and other
the powerful story of faith,
with an exciting program for
seeks qualified candidates for
end user devices including secu-
reformation, and God’s leading
kids too! Come and let’s grow
a Business Program professor.
rity. See the job description and
through history. Destinations:
better together! Find out more at
This is a full-time opportunity
apply at uau.edu.
Italy | Switzerland | Germany
adventistag.org
with excellent benefits. A pro-
| France. This is more than a
fessor in the Business Program
EVENTS
trip — it’s a spiritual experience.
Were you or your children
participates as a member of the
Andrews Academy invites
Contact: gctours@naver.com or
influenced by Bedtime or Bible
team preparing professionals for
alumni (those who attended/
call 202-714-8751
Stories? I am looking for stories
Christian service in the business
graduated, and/or worked at
world by providing a quality,
EMCA/AUA/AA) to a reunion
SERVICES
student-oriented education that
from Oct. 16–17, 2026 (third
Smarter Kids — Research shows
complimentary and to the Glory
emphasizes ethics and balances
weekend in October). Honor
excessive TV causes kids to
of God for the children of the
practice and theory. See the full
classes this year end in 1 &
have trouble paying attention
world. Stories that develop
job description and apply at uau.
6. The honor classes in 2027
and thinking clearly. But when
moral characters and draw them
edu/employment.
will end in 2 & 7, and in 2028,
they listen their imagination is
closer to Jesus Christ. Please
from your childhood or about your children I can publish
they will end in 3 & 8. Honor
actively engaged. So fuel their
send to: mailto:dbneuhauser@
Union Adventist University
classes: 1946, 1951, 1956,
imagination! Kids grow better
gmail.com, and we will edit
seeks qualified candidates for
1961, 1966, 1971, 1976, 1981,
with radio. Encourage them to
them together for possible
the Art and Design Program
1986, 1991, 1996, 2001, 2006,
listen at: LifeTalkKids.net
publication.
director. This is a full-time
2011, 2016, 2021. The class
opportunity with excellent
of 1976 will celebrate their
Don’t just retire… Live with
benefits. The program director
golden (50th) reunion. The class
purpose at Fletcher Park Inn. A
provides effective leadership for
of 2001 will celebrate their silver
Christian independent living re-
and oversees all aspects of the
(25th) reunion.
tirement community, located on the campus of Fletcher Academy
program, including responsibility for communication, program
Sharon Seventh-day Adventist
near Hendersonville, North
assessment and planning, fiscal
Church, Inkster, Michigan —
Carolina. Join our family, take
management, and faculty evalu-
95th church anniversary on
part in the many opportunities
ation/professional development
Oct. 17, 2026. Speaker is Dr.
for staying active, volunteering,
while carrying a regular teaching
Marcellus Robinson. For lunch,
making new friends and living
load. See the full job descrip-
please RSVP to Daphne Springer
with a purpose. Call our mar-
tion and apply at uau.edu/
at kimmey4@gmail.com or text
keting department at 828-209-
employment.
248-766.1644 by Sept. 15,
6930 to find out more about our
2026. For more information
apartment and villa homes or
Union Adventist University
call Daphne 248-766-1644
visit fletcherparkinn.org
seeks qualified candidates
or church 734-722-2313. All
for a computer technician in
welcome.
National Agricultural and Homestead Conference is
Information Systems. This is a full-time opportunity with
14-Day Great Controversy
coming to Camp Kulaqua,
excellent benefits. The comput-
Tour: A transformative journey
Florida, Jan. 19–24, 2027. If
er technician is responsible for
through four European countries
you are planning or would like
all hardware and software on
and 60 historic cities — exploring
to transition to country living, a homeschooler, a church or
The Lake Union Herald cannot be responsible for advertisements appearing in its columns, and reserves the right to edit ads in accordance with editorial policies. The Lake Union Herald does not accept responsibility for typographical errors. Submission eligibility guidelines are listed at http://www.lakeunionherald.org.
40 | SEPTEMBER 2026 | Visit LakeUnionHerald.org
school with an agricultural program, farmer or homesteader– this is the conference for you! Four days of practical classes, demos and hands-on learning
Correction:
In the July/August issue of the Lake Union Herald (p. 31), Pastor Ashley Daniels was inadvertently included among the candidates approved for ordination. The official action of the Lake Union Executive Committee was to approve Daniels for commissioning. We are pleased to provide this correction so that our published record accurately reflects the official action. This action was taken in harmony with the North American Division Working Policy and the General Conference Working Policy.
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
GENERAL EVENTS Sept. 10–14: Thrive Mental Health & Lifestyle Medicine Symposium, Buller Hall Sept. 16–19: Cardinals High School Invitational Volleyball & Soccer Tournament Sept. 17–21: SciFEST Sept. 24–27: Alumni Homecoming Weekend Sept. 25, 12:30 p.m.: Industry Lab Summit HOWARD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER EVENTS For more information on the following events and to purchase tickets, call 888-467-6442 or 269-471-3560, or visit howard.andrews.edu. Sept. 13, 4 p.m.: Sunday Music Series: Carla Trynchuk and Elena Braslavsky Sept. 19, 8 p.m.: Howard Center Presents: Zariah Sept. 26, 8 p.m.: Alumni Gala
ILLINOIS
Sept. 13: Adventurer Fun Day, Location TBD Sept. 19: World Pathfinder Day, Camp Akita
INDIANA
Sept. 4–7: Hispanic Camp Meeting, Timber Ridge Camp
Sept. 11–13: Adventurer Fall Family Weekend, Timber Ridge Camp Sept. 18–20: Brown County Blowout Mountain Bike Weekend, Timber Ridge Camp Sept. 18–20: Public Campus Fellowship Retreat, Timber Ridge Camp
LAKE REGION
Sept. 3–7: Hispanic Camp Meeting, Camp Wagner
MICHIGAN
Sept. 1–13: Adventurer Family Camp, Camp Au Sable North Woods Sept. 11–13: Public Campus Ministry Fall Retreat, Camp Au Sable Sept. 11–13: Upper Peninsula Camp Meeting, Camp Sagola Sept. 13–17: Golden Years Retreat, Camp Au Sable Sept. 18–12: Men of Faith, Camp Au Sable North Woods Sept. 18–20: Mother-Daughter Retreat, Camp Au Sable Sept. 20–26: Emmanuel Training, Conference Office
Sept. 25–27: Family First Retreat, Camp Au Sable Sept. 25–27: Upper Peninsula Women’s Retreat, Camp Sagola
WISCONSIN
Sept. 4–6: Adventurer Family Camp, Camp Wakonda Sept. 4–6: Hispanic JAHWI Youth Retreat, Green Lake Conference Center Sept. 7; Conference Office Closed Sept. 7–12: NAD Hispanic Advisory Sept. 9–11: Outdoor Education, Camp Wakonda Sept. 12: El Ceninela Day, Local Church Sept. 18–20: Hispanic Marriage Retreat, Green Lake Conference Center
LAKE UNION
Sept. 24–27: Pathfinder Camporee, Berrien Springs, Michigan
Events listed were scheduled to proceed at press time. Please call ahead or check event websites before making plans to attend.
Sabbath Sunset Calendar
Sept. 4 Sept. 11 Sept. 18 Sept. 25 Berrien Springs, Michigan 8:13 8:01 7:49 7:37 Chicago 7:18 7:06 6:54 6:42 Detroit 8:00 7:48 7:36 7:23 Indianapolis 8:10 7:59 7:48 7:36 La Crosse, Wisconsin 7:35 7:22 7:09 6:56 Lansing, Michigan 8:07 7:54 7:42 7:29 Madison, Wisconsin 7:26 7:14 7:01 6:49 Springfield, Illinois 7:24 7:13 7:02 6:50 Data procured from timeanddate.com. Error not exceeding two minutes and generally less than one minute.
Visit LakeUnionHerald.org | JULY/AUGUST 2026 | 41
ONE VOICE
My Deal with the God of “Yes” When I was 10, the condition I had been dealing with since birth became critical. Eczema, which primarily had been affecting my skin, now was causing serious mobility challenges as well, particularly in my arms and legs. New medications, more medical appointments, and therapy sessions were required. I could no longer participate in all the activities that my friends did. My school attendance was suffering. In addition to enduring physical pain and limita-
we talked. Later, he told me that witnessing my suf-
tions, my spiritual life was spiraling downward. I
fering and my acceptance of my condition helped
found myself questioning God. I wondered, “Why is
him to find purpose and reasons to carry on.
He allowing this to happen to me? If He is all-powerful
My friend is doing so much better now. He loves
and sees me as His child, why isn’t He healing me?”
God in a way that I never could have imagined for
My pastor, who is also a close family friend, asked
him before. Together, we made a pact to share our
me if I wanted to be anointed. He explained to me,
testimonies at our different schools. We ended up
“Sebastian, our God is a God of ‘Yes.’ He hears your
doing our talks very close to the same time. In our
prayer, and He will heal you. The ‘Yes’ may not
testimonies, we told our schoolmates that while we
come immediately, however. It may come later. But
may look okay from the outside, things may be very
if God’s ‘Yes’ doesn’t come immediately, or even as
different on the inside. This is the case for so many
soon as we would wish, it most certainly will come
people. It is okay not to feel okay in this world.
when Jesus returns and makes all things new — in-
Everyone is dealing with something. But we don’t
cluding your body. Our God is a God of ‘Yes.’”
have to go through it alone. There is help available
Healing didn’t come immediately. The answers
— from God, from friends, from those around us.
to my questions didn’t come right away either. Still,
Now, as an Andrews Academy junior, it still surpris-
I decided to make a deal with God. I said, “God,
es me to realize that I’ve been able to share my testi-
if You are who You say You are, I have two
mony publicly when I served as pastor of the student
options — to be all in or all out. I choose
association. God has answered my prayer to use me.
all in. Please use me fully. Show me
My illness and my deal with God have taught me
how You can use me.”
that I don’t have to wait until I am fully healed —
A few years later, one of my clos-
physically or spiritually — to serve. I regularly re-
est friends who was living in an-
mind myself that “Pain is access to testimony. It
other state confided in me that he
is not an excuse.” My ongoing challenges have led
was experiencing severe strug-
to renewed commitment and stronger faith. They
gles. He confessed to thinking,
have given me a story to share, a way of relating to
“Is life even worth continu-
others who are suffering, and a clearer picture of
ing?” We stayed in touch, and
who my God is. My God is a God of “Yes.” P
Katie Fellows
I encouraged him each time
Sebastian Silie, as told to Beverly Matiko
ON THE EDGE
God Has Shown Me Favor Ciin Kiim is pursuing a Master of Arts in Religion with a concentration in Old Testament at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University. She first studied theology but later changed her major to religion after realizing her call was to teach others about God and the Bible. That calling, and the inroads she’s made within her Zomi community, were developed through both struggle and growth. Born in Yangon, Myanmar, Ciin did not have
Her journey has inspired other Zomi families to
access to formal education as a child. “We were
see the value of Adventist education and encour-
just too poor to go to school,” she said. When she
aged other women to pursue ministry as well. One
moved to the United States at age 10, she had to
woman, now enrolled at La Sierra University, told
start from the beginning. In college, her biggest
Ciin: “Seeing a Zomi woman doing theology … it
challenge was writing. She failed English multiple
gives us the courage to start.”
times, but didn’t give up, telling herself: “I don’t
Though Ciin has encountered some who resist
care if I have to take it 10 times, I’m going to take
women sharing the gospel or leading, she per-
it until I do better.” Finances were also a barrier.
severes, delighted by each
Without scholarships, she relied on others’ sup-
preaching opportunity and ser-
port. “God put people in my life to sponsor me,”
mon invite. “God is working!”
she said. As she prayed and reached out to oth-
She remains focused on her
ers, she was able to study at Southern Adventist
calling and encourages others
University before transferring to Andrews to com-
to trust God. “Don’t focus too
plete her bachelor’s degree.
much on what you can or can’t
While at Southern, Ciin started making videos about what she was learning in her classes. On
do,” she said. “God will provide a way.”
Facebook Live, she began explaining biblical con-
Today Ciin is preparing for the
cepts clearly and accessibly. “I just love sharing what
future with a clear vision. After
I’ve learned,” she explained. Her mother shared her
earning her master’s degree,
content on social media, allowing her videos to reach
she plans to get a doctorate.
around 90,000 people. Many viewers reached out to
She wants to reach as many
tell her they had begun to enjoy reading the Bible be-
people as possible, especially
cause they could finally understand it thanks to her
college students who are still
videos. Her calling to teach was clear.
forming their identity and be-
Beyond online teaching, she has been involved
liefs. “I am confident in my call-
in other ministry, speaking at churches, leading
ing because God has opened
youth programs, and even participating in inter-
doors, given me opportunities,
national evangelistic series. “What inspired me
and shown me favor.” P
is knowing all these opportunities came because God wanted me to do it. And my involvement does make a difference — I see it.”
Laura Perez Hernandez is an English major at Andrews University.
PO Box 287, Berrien Springs, MI 49103-0287
A PLACE TO CHANGE THE WORLD
At Andrews University, students are part of a Christ-centered community where faith, learning and purpose come together. Offering a global perspective, meaningful relationships and opportunities to serve, Andrews prepares students to lead with confidence and to make an impact wherever they go.
Christ-Centered Community: Grow in faith while preparing for your future.
Global Perspective: Join a diverse community connected to students, alumni and opportunities around the world.
Purpose-Driven Education: Discover an education that prepares you to serve, lead and make a difference.
A Place for You: Find friendships, mentorship, experiences and a campus community where you can belong.
Seek Knowledge. Affirm Faith. Change the World. Learn more about Andrews University:
discover.andrews.edu