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Early Spiritual Training Saved My Life 05/14/2013   As a young man, Mark Clark developed a love for the Lord, attended church regularly, studied the Bible, and was baptized. He enjoyed the peace and joy that only God can give.   Through the years, however, Clark made choices that led him away from the Lord. He got caught up in the street life, getting involved in the drug and alcohol scene. Those lifestyle choices took their toll on his health and several years ago, he was hospitalized with a life-threatening illness. “God saw fit to get me to a safe place,” Clark recalls.   During his hospital stay, Clark remembers talking to God and saying, “Lord, I will trust you.” That was when Mark’s life began to get better.   “I started going back to church as soon as I got out of the hospital, and have been going ever since,” said Clark. “I remembered the joy and peace that I had when I was younger and I wanted that again.”   In the last few years, much prayer, studying, support from the VA, and utilizing his education in Human Services has resulted in major changes in his life.   On April 6, 2013, Clark was re-baptized into the Southside Adventist Fellowship as a celebration of his new life in Christ. On April 8, 2013, Mark celebrated two years of sobriety. “I’ve learned how much God loves me,” said Clark. “I don’t want to be a part of the world any more, I just want to be close to God.”   Today, Clark volunteers at the VA, utilizing his degree in Human Services and certification in substance abuse counseling. “I’m able to help others through the same things that I went through, and speaking at the VA helps to keep me focused.” TOP     Peter Braun Baptized in Raymond Church 05/09/2013   "I felt an overwhelming release of happiness," said Peter Braun  as he remembers stepping forward in a decision to be baptized.       For a long time I felt like I didn’t need to be baptized. I was baptized as a Catholic baby and have always been a Christian who believes in Jesus Christ. My wife, Kristie, was baptized a few years ago into the Adventist church. We both studied the Bible with Jim and Carie Hilt and attended church together, but something always held me back.   Maybe it was fear of the unknown. Maybe it was that I am very independent by nature and don’t like to be told what to do. Maybe I could blame it on the fact that I am an analytical person and work as a scientist. Some of it was insecurity. I’ve always felt that my knowledge of the Bible and history was lacking even though I attended Catholic schools for 12 years. Whatever the reason, I needed time to study, think and pray.   Yet something kept me coming back to the Raymond Adventist church. The members encouraged me but they didn’t push me. I am blessed with a beautiful wife and many Adventist friends. I see now that the Holy Spirit worked through them to help me realize I don’t have to know everything in the Bible. What matters is that I accept Jesus in my heart and let Him be the guide.   I attended Cheri Ricchio’s and Dennis Hulett’s baptism into the Raymond Adventist church last year. As I stood there watching, I suddenly started to sweat a little, and it wasn’t from the heat. I wasn’t planning to make a decision that day, but as Pastor Ancheta asked if there was anyone else present who wanted to commit to Christ, the Lord put his hand on my shoulder and I stepped forward.   It was not a conscious decision, but as I stepped forward, I felt an overwhelming release of happiness. I am really excited to have committed myself to Jesus in baptism.   TOP     Melum Finds Disaster Response "Invigorating" 05/02/2013   When Hurricane Sandy hit the East coast, Janis Melum headed to New Jersey to help. She had completed Disaster Response training a month prior to the hurricane, then became a certified forklift driver while in New Jersey. "You always receive more than you give," said Melum.      When disaster response training came to the Hudson Adventist church in October, 2012, Janis Melum wondered, “Is this something I should take?” She decided to take the class just to learn what everyone did to help in a disaster. “I never dreamed that I would go and work,” said Melum. When Hurricane Sandy hit the east coast in November, Melum decided to join a team of volunteers headed to New Jersey for a 10-day disaster response. Melum started work sorting and packing goods side by side with other volunteers.   Soon, however, Melum was supervising the volunteers from the area churches who had never been trained. “The volunteers were such willing workers,” said Melum. “Some days we would have only 2-3 volunteers and lots to do, then other days we would have 20 volunteers. But God always sent us what we needed to get the work done.” Melum was fondly called “house mother” by the volunteers. Along with being work supervisor, she took care of transportation, cleaning bathrooms, helped fix food and even became a certified forklift driver. Melum was such a blessing, she was asked to stay on for another month, which she did. When asked if she would ever volunteer to work in a warehouse again, Janis replied, “In a minute! It was so invigorating and I felt so blessed to be able to help. You always receive more that you give. If I can do it, anybody can!”   “Janis was a great team member and such a blessing,” said Joe Watts, NAD ACS Disaster Response Director. “She’s a great lady.”Learn more about Disaster Response. Contact Alice Garrett at agarrett@wi.adventist.org.   Alice Garrett Adventist Community Service Coordinator   TOP   Nester Soriano New Portage District Pastor 04/18/2013   Nester Soriano, along with his fiancee Katherine Elia, are the new pastoral couple for the Portage District beginning mid-May, 2013. They are currently completing their education at Andrews University.   Nester Soriano is the new Portage District pastor beginning mid-May 2013. Soriano completed his undergraduate in Theology at Andrews University in 2007. He then served as youth pastor at Madison East for three years and is now completing his M.Div. from Andrews University. “I love preaching,” says Soriano. “It excites me to see Christ change lives. I enjoy working alongside people, empowering them and helping them to use their gifts.” Soriano enjoys playing guitar, piano and singing. On July 7, 2013, he and his fiancee, Katherine Elia, plan to be married.         TOP     Witnessing Advice From A Wisconsin Centenarian 04/08/2013   Marie Hayden reads her Bible every morning and askes God for the opportunity say little things to point people to Jesus. Hayden joined the Adventist church while attending tent meetings by Elder Dolman in Reno, Nevada, about 50 years ago.     Marie Hayden of the Menomonie Adventist church is 100 years old, but that doesn’t keep her from sharing Jesus. “I used to be ashamed of my religion and avoided talking about it.” Says Hayden. “But I’ve gotten bolder as the years go by. If someone doesn’t agree with me I just say, ‘That’s fine. Let’s see what the Lord says about it.’ I never want to get into an argument.” In 2012 she held Bible studies by telephone with a long-time friend who lives some distance away. Recently Hayden shared literature with her hairdresser and now they are making plans to start studying the Bible together in Marie’s home. “I’ve concluded that the best way to share Jesus is to be friends to start with,” advises Hayden. “Let people know your religion is not going to affect your friendship.   “The other thing to do is tell them what the Lord has done for you. Also, every time I talk to anybody I try to draw the Lord into the conversation, saying, ‘Doesn’t it seem like the Lord is really helping you?’ If someone comments on something I’ve done, or my  age, I always let them know it is only by the  power of God I’m able to do anything. We need to bring Jesus into everything we do and say. “For a while I started getting depressed because all my friends were dying off. I’m the oldest person in our church and our community too, I think. But then I had to give myself an attitude adjustment. God has me here for a reason. I try to keep saying little things to point people to Jesus. I have a lot to be thankful for.”   TOP     Conference Call Evangelism 03/21/2013   Pastor Ko Saelee shares the gospel via computer with 30-80 people in a bi-weekly conference call from his home. Saelee is pastor of a 30-member Adventist Hmong congregation in Madison.     Pastor Ko Saelee has discovered a way to share the Adventist message on an ongoing basis with people he has never met. Every week 30 – 80 Hmong people call in to what they call “radio”, a conference call, to hear Pastor Ko share the gospel in their language. These radio broadcasts, however, provide the option for questions and answers which sometimes continue beyond the two hours per night on the weekends, and one hour each Wednesday evening.  In fact, one session in early January lasted into the wee hours of the morning.   When Pastor Ko first began speaking, there were many questions and objections, but as he answered calmly and respectfully from the Bible, the regular listeners came with increasing open-mindedness and trust.  There are several individuals, including the host of one of the conference calls, that listen consistently and are very supportive of the Adventist message they hear from Pastor Ko Saelee. The weekend session is on a religious station, and the Wednesday session is a station usually focused on entertainment. This entertainment station gives him opportunity to reach a broader range of individuals, some of which are Christians from various denominations, and many who are traditional Hmong animists, involved in ancestor and spirit worship. Still others have questions relating to the Buddhist teachings they encountered in the Buddhist countries they have lived in, or come through as refugees. Please pray for these listeners, and for Pastor Ko, that God will especially guide him in preparing for these broadcasts. To share these radio conference calls with your Hmong friends, refer them to the following numbers: Wednesday evening 9:00 – 10:00 pm Number:          (206) 402-0770 Code:               52# Sabbath and Sunday nights 10:00 pm – 12:00 midnight Number           (712) 432-5225 Code:               568490# For more information about these programs, or to learn how to reach your Hmong friends,contact Pastor Ko Saelee (608) 772-1248 or pksaelee@gmail.com. Terri Saelee  Madison Community Church   TOP     Scott Baker New Manager at Camp Wakonda 02/26/2013   Scott and Tammi Baker. "I'm excited to serve the folks in Wisconsin," said Scott,   On February 15, Scott Baker accepted the position of manager/ranger of Camp Wakonda. Scott and his wife, Tammi, have been in camp ministry for 18 years, serving at Camp Au Sable in Michigan for 11 years, and then Sunset Lake Camp in Washington where they have been for the past 7 years. They have two adult children, Kayla and Nolan. “It’s a privilege to watch people grow closer to Jesus at camp in the beauty of nature,” says Baker. “I’m excited to serve the folks in Wisconsin and look forward to meeting everyone.” Baker's will begin work at Camp Wakonda April 1, 2013. TOP     Jim Johnson Retires and Moves to Michigan 02/15/2013   Jim and Linda Johnson at Camp Wakonda   Jim Johnson, is retiring April 1, 2013, after 19 years of service as Ranger/Manager of Camp Wakonda. They are moving to Great Lakes Adventist Academy in Michigan where Jim will work part time in maintenance and Linda has accepted to be girls dean. We are sad to see them leave, and wish them God's rich blessings in their new positions. Below is a message from the Johnson's.   Dear Wisconsin Family,   "What a joy it has been to serve in the Wisconsin Conference these past 19 years. We love Camp Wakonda, our precious friends, family, and all the groups that have come to camp to draw closer to God. We thank all the precious volunteers who have worked beside us to make this camp a better place...you all are greatly appreciated. You have left footprints on our hearts that will never be forgotten. Looking forward to the day when we will be reunited in heaven, where there will be no more goodbyes!"   With God's Love and Ours, Jim and Linda Johnson TOP     God Blesses Shirleta as She Honors the Sabbath 12/18/2012   "My testimony is, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!"   Every time Shirleta Breese receives a paycheck it is a testimony of God’s amazing care for her. Breese has been a long time employee of a national bank. Recently, the district manager announced a policy requiring employees to have “open availability.” For Breese, that meant having to work during Sabbath hours.   “Nothing changed for about a month,” said Breese. “Then my boss called me into his office. He said he respected my strong beliefs and good work ethic. He also said he was supposed to terminate me 30 days earlier, but he was having a hard time doing it as I was a model employee. Even so, I was told I must be available to work Friday evenings and Saturdays.”   Breese’s boss then offered her two options. She could either continue her full-time employment with “open availability,” or she could work part-time which meant three days a week, four hours a day. He knew Breese was a single mom, and could not survive on a 12 hour-a-week job. He was stunned when Breese quickly said, “OK, I’ll take the part-time job.”   Even though Breese has been employed part-time since then, each payday she has received a paycheck for full-time work. The first month, an employee left, giving her more hours. The second month another employee was fired, giving her more hours. The third month an employee took a better position, giving her more hours.   “Month, by month, God is taking care of us,” said Breese. “My boss is puzzled, but I am not. The God I serve says the battle is His, not mine. My testimony is, God is good, all the time. All the time, God is good!”   TOP     Miracles at Madison Community Church 12/05/2012   Front row left to right: Pastor Abraham Swamidass; Antone Salak, 100-year old father; John Martin, grandson baptized. Back row: Martin family members.   Dad, your grandson, John is getting baptized next Saturday morning at the Adventist church. Would you like to come?” I didn’t expect a yes. Dad was 100 years old, a life-long agnostic, and I had never seen him attend any church. I was surprised when he said, “Yes, I’ll come.” A little shocked, I wanted to be sure he understood me. I clarified that John’s baptism was going to be in the church. Did he want to come? His answer was clear. “Yes. I said I’d come.”   Sure enough, Sabbath morning, September 29, 2012, Dad came to church. When it was time for John, our 20-year-old son, to be baptized, Dad and all our family stood to watch. My heart was full of praise to God in seeing John’s baptism. Joy and love seemed to be seen and heard everywhere that morning. We were just finishing an evangelistic series, and two other people were being baptized as well.   After the service, everyone went downstairs for a luncheon. Dad could not make the stairs so I stayed with him as others went for food.   While everyone was downstairs, Mark Fox, our guest evangelist, spoke with Dad about the Bible, Jesus, and what life with Jesus would be like. I praise the Lord I was privileged to witness the Holy Spirit lead my father, Ervin Anton Salak, to ask for forgiveness of his sins, and then ask Jesus into his heart. What a miracle! The three of us clasped hands in prayer and praise to God.   Our entire congregation is overflowing with love and joy. Many in our church have been visiting, praying and working for these souls.   As I drove Dad home after church he said, “I think your little church will grow quickly, don’t you?” I smiled, “Yes, there is so much love there.” Sue Martin Madison Community Church   TOP     Jose and Nilda Santana Find A Church Home 11/28/2012   Jose Santana and his wife Nilda   José describes his journey back to God as a gradual one. José grew up in the Adventist church. However, as a young person he chose to follow the ways of the world. Time passed and life wasn’t going his way. He decided he needed to go back to church.   He and his wife, Nilda, talked about it. Nilda had a Catholic upbringing and José wanted to be sure that she was comfortable attending an Adventist church so he told her, “You go first, and if you like it, then I’ll come with you.”   Nilda began attending an Adventist church. She liked the Bible focus and began to study the Bible for herself. Nilda continued to go to church, but José didn’t come with her. Nilda then moved to another Adventist church. Jose came for a while, but again, Nilda found herself going to church alone.   About a year ago, as José was driving down Loomis Road on a Sabbath morning, he saw a sign that read, Southside Adventist Fellowship. He pulled in, joined the study time and even stayed for church. When he got home he told Nilda, “You gotta go with me to this church. The pastor’s a cool guy.”   José and Nilda quickly became part of the church family at Southside and are actively involved in ministry opportunities. “We’re born into families and we don’t have a choice, but in the church we get to choose our family,” remarked José. “I truly love our church.”   They were participants in the CHIP program this year, and assisted with the Super Foods of the Bible program that recently ended. When they see a need, they do what they can to assist. God’s calling on their lives and ministry was recognized on October 6, 2012, as both José and Nilda were ordained as a deacon and deaconess.   TOP     Christian Ronalds New GLOW Coordinator in Wisconson 10/22/2012   Christian Ronalds with his wife, Angela, and sons Josh, Luke, Andrew and Daniel.   Christian Ronalds, pastor of the Portage district, agreed to be the GLOW coordinator for Wisconsin Conference.   GLOW, an acronym for Giving Light to Our World, is a literature distribution plan designed to enable every believer in Jesus to easily share the gospel.   Born and raised in Trinidad, West Indies, Ronalds graduated from Caribbean Union College with a B.A. in Theology. While there, Ronalds worked with the college Magabook literature program for five years, serving as their director for two years. In 2007, Ronalds graduated from Andrews University with his M.Div. with a pastoral emphasis.   “As we GLOW, we grow,” said Ronalds. There are many benefits for me when I share GLOW, as well as for the recipients of the tracts. I love GLOWing for the Lord.”   Ronalds and his wife, Angela, have four children, Joshua, Luke, Andrew and Daniel. They enjoy hiking, camping and being out in nature.   TOP     Leah Rodriguez New Milwaukee Teacher 09/13/2012   "Without a doubt, having worship with my students each morning is the highlight of my day."   Leah Rodriguez is the newest teacher at Milwaukee Adventist School. She teaches 5th and 6th grade Bible and 5th through 12th grade English. Rodriguez recently graduated from Andrews University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English literature and secondary education. With Milwaukee's increased enrollment, they realized the need for another teacher with certification for teaching English. "I had been looking for work in the public sector with no luck," said Rodriguez. "This job opened up last minute, and it was perfect for the school and for me. It was definitely a blessing from God for us both." Rodriguez grew up in an Adventist home in southern California. She loved her Adventist school and was very involved in Pathfinders from grade 5-12. During her sophomore year at Andrews, she decided to spend a year as a student missionary teaching English inThailand. "I already knew I wanted to be a teacher," said Rodriguez, "but after that year I definitely knew that teaching was the occupation for me. It is really rewarding." "Without a doubt, having worship and praying with my students each morning is the highlight of my day," continued Rodriguez. "Having that liberty to express my faith, and the students being able to share their love for Jesus with me as well is a real blessing." Rodriguez loves reading, traveling, nature and hiking on the weekends. She is engaged to marry Jordan Steffan of Milwaukee in July of 2013.   TOP     Bethany Erb Discovers the Joy of Service 08/21/2012   Click on image above for expanded slide show .   Bethany Erb, 15-year-old member of the Middleton Fellowship of Seventh-day Adventists company, spent her summer in Fort Worth, Texas, learning to meet people in the community, give Bible studies, and hold evangelistic meetings. She was part ofYouth for Jesus, an annual outreach program sponsored by Adventist-layman's Services and Industries (ASI). "My summer experience has made me a lot more open to sharing the gospel and seeing what I can do in my local church," said Bethany. "We (youth) are going to be the ones to carry the gospel to future generations, yet we need the help, support and wisdom of the older people. We need all parts of the church. If someone in the church doesn't step up to sharing the gospel with people, no one else will follow. I want to inspire other youth in my church to get out and share. I think some will be willing if I encourage and help them." After breakfast each morning the students learned how to give Bible studies, then went door to door praying with people and offering Bible studies. In the evenings they held ShareHim meetings in Adventist churches around Fort Worth. "Every time I got up front to share I truly felt the Holy Spirit," said Bethany, who shared a health nugget each evening. "Sometimes I wasn't quite sure how to say some things, so I prayed and asked God's Spirit to be with me. Then I would just watch the right words come out of my mouth and I would think, 'Oh yeah, that's what I meant to say. Thank you, God!'" "I remember a nice older couple we met visiting door to door. We gave them our survey and they gave all the right answers. Come to find out he was a pastor. The next evening they came to our meeting. I was so amazed! The night's topic was on the Sabbath and I was a little nervous. But later they told me they had been studying  about the Sabbath and were convicted about the seventh day. They were really excited to find out a church actually worshiped on the Sabbath." "It's really neat to see people get baptized that you have studied with and prayed for, because you don't really know where their heart is until they decided. Before this summer I thought the Holy Spirit was only sobering, and it can be. But I found out the Holy Spirit also makes you want to sing, laugh, and pray! It makes you smile and want to tell everyone about Jesus. "This summer really opened my eyes to what outreach really is. Usually we separate our work from outreach, but we can do outreach all the time. We even witnessed while doing laundry at the laundry mat.  Outreach was definitely the best part of doing laundry!" Ninety people were baptized through the efforts of ASI's Youth for Jesus this summer, and 33 young people were trained for service. Youth for Jesus (YFJ) is a youth-led evangelism campaign that happens each July. The 2013 ASI YFJ will take place  July 7 - August 11. Learn more on the YFJ Website.   TOP     Kiana Binford New Teacher/Principal at Green Bay Junior Academy 08/01/2012   Kiana Binford spent the past two years as a missionary in the Philippines.   Kiana Binford is principal and upper grades teacher at Green Bay Junior Academy. Binford graduated from Andrews University with a B.S. in Math and Secondary Education, with a minor in English. She has spent the past few years in the Philippines helping to open an Adventist high school for the indigenous people. This involved translating textbooks into the Palawan language, developing a curriculum to allow students to continue their education if they were able, but also prepare them to be missionaries to their own mountain villages, as the majority do not seek higher education. Besides teaching the regular math, science, history, etc., classes were also developed to provide skills in teaching, maintenance, sewing, running a clinic and giving Bible studies. Binford was also teaching and served as principal during this two-year development period. "I make no excuses," says Binford. "My heart is in missions, both here and abroad. Our schools are blessed with the unique opportunity to share the love of God with all people, whether overseas or here in America. Jesus is coming soon, and we need to prepare our people to be able to spread that word and to know Jesus as their personal Savior. I praise the Lord for the amazing blessing of Adventist Education available to us in this free country. I look forward to working with fellow brothers and sisters of the Green Bay Church, and together holding this beacon of light to the community around us." During free moments, Binford enjoys exploring, going to the beach, photography, playing piano and spending time with family.   TOP   Aris Rivera New Teacher at Milwaukee SDA School 08/01/2012   Aris Rivera is the new  third and fourth grade  teacher at Milwaukee Adventist school.   Arisleidy (Aris) Rivera has just completed her masters in special education at Andrews University, and is teaching third and fourth grade at Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist School. While working on her masters, she also taught Spanish part time for children grades K-8 at the Niles Adventist Elementary School. Rivera was born in the Dominican Republic. When she was one year old, her family moved to the United States, settling in Indiana and Wisconsin. She attended Milwaukee Junior Academy 6th-8th grade, then attended Wisconsin Academy, graduating as a four-year senior. "Teaching is something I've always wanted to do," said Aris. "I remember helping in the Kindergarten classroom as a child. I loved the feeling of writing on the chalkboard. At Andrews University I loved teaching the kids and seeing the excited look on their faces when they 'got it'. Every child can learn when given the appropriate tools. I believe what I learned in special education will help a lot in the normal classroom as well." Rivera likes riding bikes, hiking, exercising, reading, scrapbooking and singing. "I'm happy to be back in Wisconsin," she says. "It feels like home."   TOP     Wredberg New Teacher at Petersen Elementary 09/01/2012   Pennie Wredberg and her husband, Bert, have two children, Alex and Miranda.   Pennie Wredberg has accepted the position as principal and upper grades teacher for Petersen Elementary School in Columbus. She graduated from Walla Walla College with a B.A. in English and a B.S. in Elementary Education, and a minor in Special Education. "Teaching is my passion," says Wredberg."I feel like God called me to be a teacher. I love the kids and love to see their relationship with God grow." Wredberg met her husband, Bert, while attending Upper Columbia Academy. They have two children, Alex, a ninth grader at Wisconsin Acadaemy, and Miranda, a seventh grader at Petersen Elementary. "We're very excited about meeting new people in Wisconsin." said Wredberg. Wredberg loves gardening, hiking, reading, sewing and crocheting.   TOP     Eugene Kittredge New Milwaukee Kindergarten Teacher 08/01/2012     Eugene Kittredge and his wife, Raquel, have three boys; Joseph, Samuel and Darryl.   Eugene Kittredge is the new kindergarten teacher for Milwaukee Adventist School. He earned a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from the University of Milwaukee, and a M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from National Louis University. He has spent the majority of the past 15 years teaching K3, K4 and kindergarten in the Milwaukee public schools. Kittredge is very familiar with Milwaukee Adventist school, having served on the school board for many years. “I love the staff and believe in the mission of Milwaukee Adventist School,” said Kittredge. “They are steering kids to Jesus, and that is what matters most.” Kittredge was raised in Milwaukee in a Catholic, then Baptist, home but only attended church sporadically. He joined the military at age 18 and soon developed a longing to go back to church. “There was this pretty wild guy on our ship who was always drinking and getting in trouble, when suddenly he turned his life around,” recalls Kittredge. “He stopped drinking, read his Bible and kept the Sabbath. This was a great example to me. I asked what church he had joined and he said ‘Seventh-day Adventists.’ I had never heard of Adventists, but this man’s character was so wonderful, I decided to give the church a try. “That first Sabbath in the Adventist church, I remember being extremely impressed that the pastor was using the Bible to back up everything he said. It was great! I soon joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church and have never looked back.” Kittredge and his wife, Raquel have three boys, Joseph, Samuel, and Darryl. Kittredge enjoys fishing, classic cars, playing baseball with his boys and helping in his local church. TOP     Andrea Nelson New Kindergarten Teacher at Petersen 08/01/2012   Andrea Nelson with her husband, Keith.   Andrea Nelson has joined the staff at Petersen Elementary School to begin a pre-school and kindergarten program. Nelson was born in Pennsylvania, attended Garden State Academy in New Jersey, then graduated from Southern Adventist University with a B.A. in Biology, Secondary Education, and a minor in Bible. She has endorsements in history, chemistry, elementary education and kindergarten. Nelson has taught the sciences on secondary level and elementary, but says her passion is with the younger children. "I've taught a lot of children who know nothing about God, and it is the coolest thing to hear them pray for the first time. Seeing children grow in their relationship with God is just amazing." Andrea Nelson is married to Keith, principal at Wisconsin Academy. They have two children, Ryan and Kari who both attend the academy. Nelson enjoys being out in nature. She particularly likes photography, bird watching, hiking, biking and canoeing.   TOP     Jayme Denis New Teacher at Three Angels Christian School 08/01/2012   Jayme Denis with her husband, Peterlau.   Jayme Denis is teaching grades one through four at Three Angels Christian School in Madison. Denis comes from Benton Harbor, Michigan, where she has been teaching second grade in a charter school for the past six years. She attended Wisconsin Academy, then graduated from Andrews University with a B.S in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts. Denis was born and raised in Green Bay, WI. "I'm from a family of many teachers," says Denis, "and I knew early on that I wanted to teach. Most of my teaching has been in high poverty areas, and I've loved it. The challenge of working with struggling kids seems to be my passion. I'm really excited about coming home to Wisconsin. I know God is leading." Denis says her favorite pastime is to be with her family. She is married to Peterlau, and they have four children, Alexis, Elijah, Eden, and Estelle.   TOP   Matthew Kent New Pastor in Superior District 07/19/2012   Pastor Matthew and Daphne Kent, with their sons, Mark and John are in Superior District.   Matthew Kent is the new pastor for the Superior district churches. Kent graduated from Walla Walla College with a B.A. in both Theology and Biblical Languages. He served as pastor in Montana and California, and taught graduate studies at both Spicer Memorial Collage and Andrews University. He is currently completing his doctoral dissertation on the New Testament. Kent was raised in California in a Catholic home. One day a man came to Kent’s door offering a free Bible. Kent was interested and began studies. He had many questions, but as each was answered from the Bible, he said, “If the Bible teaches it, I’ve got to follow it.” At the age of 15, he was baptized. Kent met his wife, Daphne, at Andrews University. Daphne has a M.A. in Music and teaches private music lessons. They have two sons, Mark and John. “I’m looking forward to working with the people in Superior, Ashland and Hayward,” says Kent. “My passion is teaching the Word of God and sharing it with others.”   TOP     Thirty-six Baptized Final Weekend of Camp Meeting 06/27/2012   Click on image above for expanded slide show.   On June 23, 2012, several hundred people gather along the sandy shore at camp meeting as thirty-six people sealed their commitment to Jesus in baptism. "I've never attended a camp meeting that focused on people being baptized," said Eugene Kitney, newly appointed pastor of the Milwaukee Central District. "People wanted to wait and share their special commitment day with the whole conference. It's an incredible spiritual highlight of the year." As each baptismal candidate entered the water for baptism, James Fox, Wisconsin Conference Ministerial director, read a short testimony each candidate had prepared. Below are a few of these testimonies. Wayde Minett, of Hylandale said, "I was born and raised in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. I have thought long and hard for several years about making this decision. I'm grateful to my family and church for their support in my faith and growing up." "One day on the television I stopped at a channel called 3ABN," said Gary Raabel, of the La Crosse Seventh-day Adventist Church. "That is when the journey of truth began and I haven't looked back." Spirit Martinez, of the Sparta Seventh-day Adventist Church said, "I always believed in God, but hearing Pastor Richie in the Teen tent at camp meeting helped me make a stand. I want to get baptize because God helped me and I want to help Him back. I want to do more things for Him. I love God." John and Sheri Maggioncalda who are joining the Portage church said, "When we came to Wisconsin, we moved next door to Greg and Lesa Budd and felt God brought us here to connect with them. They were praying that their new neighbors would be open to God's message. Our baptism today is the next step in our spiritual growth." "I am so thankful for my parents who raised me in a Christian home and taught me every day how important it is to love and follow Jesus," said Kaity Brock who is joining the Wisconsin Academy Church. "My whole family has loved and supported me as I grew to love Jesus." "I originally was baptized into the Delavan Seventh-day Adventist church in 1988 following a Revelation Seminar," said Robert Moyer, new member of the Tomah Seventh-day Adventist church. "After an unexpected divorce, discouragement got the best of me and I left the church. This past February I got tired of fighting the Holy Spirit. I'm so thankful that Jesus our Great Shepherd does not give up searching for the sheep that go astray! It is good to be back in His arms." Over 200 people were baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church during 2011. Learn more about baptism at the Fundamental Beliefs page.   TOP     Over 130 Volunteers Support Camp Wakonda Work Bee 05/25/2012   Click on image above for expanded slide show.   Over 130 volunteers roofed cabins, painted signs, cleaned walkways, buried cable and completed hundreds of other work projects in preparation for camp meeting during Camp Wakonda's work bee May 20-21, 2012. "We got an amazing amount of work done," said Pastor Steve Aust, camp meeting superintendent and coordinator of the work bee. "All the mattresses have covers and are up to code, every cabin has a new smoke alarm, and we got a lot of bed railings up to code." Jody Marsh, teacher and principal of the Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School in Wausau, brought his five students to help Monday morning. They washed all the Red Pine Lodge windows inside and out, cleaned light fixtures, air-sprayed dust from screens and picked up trash around the camp. "I think this is a great way to model service to our children," said Sarah Hillebert, member of the Madison East church. She and her five-year-old son, Nathan, came Monday morning to help move mattresses and pick up sticks. Keith Nelson, principal of Wisconsin Academy, brought over 80 students and many staff members to help at the work bee. "The academy needs to give back," he said. The students put in new docks at the waterfront, hauled camp meeting benches, cleared walkways, washed propane tanks, picked up sticks and completed a host of other tasks. The students' most significant contribution was digging over 500 feet of trench across the camp and burying cable for the installation of the new fiber optic wireless internet. "The academy students saved us over $3,000 by putting in this cable," said Aust. "What a delight to see the young people working so hard and well." "It's a privilege and a responsibility to keep up this wonderful resource the Lord has given us," says Larry Lanaville, retired general contractor and member of the Middleton Fellowship Company near Madison. "My wife and I volunteer here every chance we get." Camp Wakonda is a 220-acre rustic camp ground, owned and operated by the Wisconsin Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. It is the site of an annual 9-day camp meeting, a 7-week summer camp, and a place where church members and friends come to enjoy fellowship, recreation, and meaningful moments with God.   TOP     Zachary Payne New Green Bay Youth Pastor 04/22/2012   Zachary Payne is the new youth pastor in Green Bay   Zachary Payne accepted a call to be youth pastor of the Green Bay SDA Church on April 17, 2012. Payne graduated from Southern Adventist University in 2011 with a B.A. in Theology. Currently he is a part-time youth pastor in the Apison Adventist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. "Youth pastors have always been the ones to really get through to me when I was having doubts and needed to know how to reach out to God," said Payne. "So, when I felt the call to ministry, I had a passion to become a youth pastor. I want to be there for kids when they are making difficult decisions and finding out who they are." "I'm really excited to get to know all the youth in Green Bay," continued Payne. "I want to help kids realize the church is their family and they need to get involved. Hopefully, by the time they leave home they will have incorporated ministry into their lives." Payne enjoys playing guitar, reading, writing, soccer and basketball.  He plans to begin his ministry in Green Bay in August.   TOP   Over 100 Attend Wisconsin Academy Music Festival 04/20/2012   Music teacher Clinton Anderson conducts the festival choir during a concert on Sabbath afternoon     On April 12-14, over 100 students from Seventh-day Adventist elementary schools across Wisconsin attended the annual music festival at Wisconsin Academy. The visiting 5th-10th grade students rehearsed choral music with the academy’s select vocal ensemble, the Choralaires, culminating with a festival concert on Sabbath afternoon. “Visiting Wisconsin Academy for the music festival allows students from schools across Wisconsin and Illinois get know each other, and develop friendships that will last for life,” says Clinton Anderson, music teacher at Wisconsin Academy and coordinator for the weekend. “It also allows students in small schools to experience singing in a larger setting as part of a large choir.” Between music rehearsals and performances, visiting students spent time getting to know the academy students at meals, on the playing field, and in the dormitories. “I’m having so much fun here,” said one an eighth grade student from Milwaukee SDA School. “I don’t want to go home.” She hopes to attend Wisconsin Academy next year as a freshmen. To find out more about Wisconsin Academy check the new website at www.wisacad.org, or call the academy at 920-623-3300.   TOP     Alice Garrett New Community Services Coordinator 04/06/2012   Alice Garrett   Alice Garrett accepted the position of Community Services coordinator for the Wisconsin Conference on March 26, 2012. Garrett has served the Clear Lake SDA Church as Community Services leader for the past ten years. During the majority of this time, she also served as federation leader for the churches in northwest Wisconsin. "I enjoy helping people," says Garrett. "It has become a passion of mine. I feel community services is the right hand of evangelism.  If we're not helping people, how can we tell them about Jesus? Community services is a needed ministry and I feel a calling toward that." One of Garrett's short-term goals is to run a food-drive at camp meeting this year, collecting non-perishable and personal items for the food shelf in Westfield. "It costs a lot to ship stuff down to a warehouse," said Garrett. "Giving to a local center is cost effective and visible, letting the community know we want to serve. It is also something everybody at camp meeting can be involved in if they choose." "I want to get the federation and Community Service leaders together and find out where their areas of expertise are." said Garrett. "I also plan to put together a booklet for first-time leaders. It helps to know what resources are available and see guidelines of what can be done." Garrett graduated from Wisconsin Academy, then moved to Colorado where she completed her LPN training at Porter Hospital. She continued her studies at Walla Walla Collage where she met her husband, Harold Garrett.  In 1979, they moved to Clear Lake, Wisconsin where they reside today. Garrett works as an LPN for the Amery Regional Medical Center in Amery. She also has a greenhouse where she grows nursery plants to sell each spring. Alice and Harold enjoy camping with their family along Lake Superior. They have four children, Kadene, Jonathan, Eric and Monte.  They also have four grandchildren. To learn how you can get involved in community services, email Alice Garrett.   TOP     Christine Anderson New Wisconsin Academy Business Manager 03/30/2012   Christine Anderson will begin her duties the first of May, 2012.     Christine Anderson accepted the position of Business Manager at Wisconsin Academy on March 16, 2012. She begins her duties the first of May.   Born and raised in Saint Catherine Jamaica, Anderson migrated to the United States in 1996 and with her family settled in Cleveland, Ohio. "After my arrival in the United States, I felt the calling of the Lord in my life," says Anderson. "I started reading the Bible more and would occasionally visit a local Adventist church with my sister."   "The more I read the Bible, the more questions I would have about God and the Sabbath. I was given the opportunity to partake in a Bible study session at the local Adventist church and was baptized shortly after in 1997."   Anderson attended Oakwood University, then completed her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting at Cleveland State University. She then earned her MBA at Meyers University. Anderson has performed various accounting assignments such as internal auditing, field auditing, general accounting, and taxation. For the past six years, she has served as a Budget Analyst for the City of Cleveland.   In her leisure Anderson enjoys reading, sewing, cooking, shooting pool and playing checkers. "Above all these, I enjoy reading the Word of God and spending quiet times with my heavenly Father," she says. "Indeed, it is my aspiration to be a vessel for the Lord and to help win souls unto His kingdom."   "I am excited about my new calling at Wisconsin Academy," she says. "I look forward to working with both staff and students."   TOP     John Ramsey New Assistant Treasurer 03/23/2012   John Ramsey with his fiance Jonie Graves   John Ramsey has accepted a call to be an Assistant Treasurer for the Wisconsin Conference. He begins his auditing duties April 1, 2012. Born and raised in Illinois, Ramsey is no stranger to Wisconsin.  He and his parent have been regular attendees of the Wisconsin camp meeting since his birth. In 2006, Ramsey started working as a summer camp staff member at Camp Wakonda, where he spent four summers while attending Andrews University. “Having spent so much time in Wisconsin, I’ve considered it to be my second home,” said Ramsey.    Ramsey graduated from Andrews University with an undergraduate in accounting in May of 2011, then did an internship with  the General Conference Auditing Service. He intends to complete his Masters in Business Administration from Andrews in May of 2012.  On June 10 of this year, he will marry Joni Graves in Pokagon, Michigan. Joni graduated with her undergraduate in Speech Language Pathology from Andrews University in December of 2011. She is currently serving as a student missionary in Egypt. This coming fall, she will continue her education in Speech Language Pathology at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.  “Both Joni and I are excited to come to Wisconsin,” said Ramsey. “We have felt blessed watching the doors open that have allowed us to come to this place in our lives."   TOP     Art Miller to Pastor Durand Church 03/19/2012   Pastor Art Miller and his wife Lois.   Pastor Art Miller accepted a call on March 8, 2012 to pastor the Durand SDA Church and serve as chaplain for the Chippewa Valley Hospital in Durand. He and his wife, Lois currently live in Pennsylvania, and will move to Wisconsin in early April.   Pastor Miller spent 27 years in the publishing ministry. He began his pastoral ministry here in Wisconsin in 1992.  In 2003 he retired, but continued pastoring one church on a part-time basis.   “Giving Bible studies, literature distribution and visiting people are my top passions,” said Miller. “I also have a passion for reclaiming  people who are discouraged and have lost their way with God.” The Millers are happy to be able to work in Wisconsin again.   Pastor Miller and his wife Lois have four children: Carolyn, Virginia, Arthur, and Melanie. One of their favorite pastimes is spending time with their nine grandchildren. TOP     Eugene Kitney to Pastor Milwaukee Central District 03/08/2012   Pastor Eugene and Michele Kitney with their daughter Lauren.   On February 28, 2012, Elder Eugene Kitney accepted a call to pastor the Milwaukee Central SDA Church and Southside Adventist Fellowship. Kitney comes from Roanoke, Virginia, where he has been senior pastor of two churches - Roanoke Adventist Ministries and Advent Hope Christian Fellowship.   Eugene was born and raised in a God-fearing Seventh-day Adventist home in South Africa. “My story is really a lot like the prodigal son story,” said Kitney. “At age 16, I left the church and explored all kinds of other belief systems. I got myself involved in rightwing politics in South Africa.  That just really sent me in a downward spiral.     “One day I asked myself, ’When was the last time I really felt whole?’ And I realized it was when I was a five-year-old kid sitting on my mother’s lap reading Bible stories.  I knew then that the only way I was going to fill that hole in my life was to get back to reading my Bible.  So I did. Although I am a fourth-generation Adventist, I didn’t inherit the Adventist church beliefs. I found them for myself.”   Sensing a call to pastoral ministry, Kitney studied theology at Helderberg College.  In 2006 he completed his B.A. in Theology with emphasis in Metropolitan Ministries at Columbia Union College.   Kitney served as boys dean and chaplain for Miracle Meadows, an Adventist reform school in West Virginia for at-risk, inner-city youth. He then pastored in Silver Springs, MD, Charlottesville, VA, and most recently, Roanoke, VA.   Eugene Kitney met his wife, Michele, while at Miracle Meadows. Michele has a B.S. in Medical Technology and works as a lab technician in Hematology. They have a 19-month-old daughter, Lauren.   “My passion in ministry is disciple-making,” said Kitney. “I believe in introducing people to Christ through deep, long-lasting, personal relationships. My objective is to be part of a team that will take the Advent message to the entire world in this generation.”   TOP     600 Attend Youth Rally in Milwaukee 02/28/2012   Click on the image above for an expanded slide show.   Milwaukee Seventh-day Adventist School hosted the Mission Made Possible: Wisconsin Conference and Lake Region Conference Youth Rally on February 24-25, 2012. As the building continued to fill Sabbath morning, extra chairs were brought in from other rooms to accommodate the 600 plus worshipers.  “I’ve never seen our gymnasium so full,” commented Tim Krawczyk, head elder for the Milwaukee Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. The Andrews University Standout Crew led the weekend’s worship in music. For Sabbath School they did a memorable skit demonstrated the wisdom of Christians following the Bible rather than people. “My favorite part of the rally was the preaching,” said Suny Gomez, Wisconsin Academy freshman. “Not many preachers can keep teenagers’ attention.” Pastor David Hall, youth director for the Nevada/Utah Conference preached three times during the weekend. Friday evening, he reminded everyone that, “In Jesus, the impossible becomes possible, and the possible becomes probable.” Sabbath morning he talked about the miracle of Jesus bringing his best friend, Lazarus, back to life. “God has saved His best miracles for his best friends - us,” said Pastor Hall. “So roll away the stone and let your Lazarus come forth.” Six group events were offered during the two afternoon sessions. During one session, groups went door-to-door in the community praying with people and offering free Bible studies. “I was really nervous. I’ve never done anything like this before,” said Beth Strangstalien, Wisconsin Academy freshmen.  “After praying with one man he said, ‘Oh, maybe you could pray for me to stop smoking, too.’ We asked if he would like to take Bible studies, and he signed up immediately. I was so happy because he’s another potential person in the kingdom of heaven. We prayed that we would have results and it worked!” Another session was called, “Questions You are Afraid to Ask Your Pastor.” Pastor Jean and Tammy Clouzet shared practical and Biblical answers to questions such as, “How do you witness to an unbelieving parent?”, Is it always wrong to be unequally yoked?”, “How do you talk to homosexuals about Christ?”, and, “How can you know if the Adventist church is the true church?” Other sessions covered varied topics including, how to witness in a public school setting, understanding your emotional EQ, and exploring how our human relationships affect our relationship with God. Both the Wisconsin Academy and Andrews University gymnastic teams concluded the weekend with an outstanding program Saturday night, demonstrating skills in strength, flexibility and teamwork. Daniel, a teen from Chicago, came because he saw a poster at his church. He said, “It’s really good to be worshiping with lots of other young people.”   TOP     Raymond Church Holds First Women of Faith Brunch 02/21/2012   Click on the image above for an expanded slide show.   On February 19, 2012, women of the Raymond Seventh-day Adventist Church district held their first Women of Faith brunch. “Sixty-five women came,” said Xiomara Ancheta, organizer of the event. “And 20 of them were neighbors from the community. Jenniffer Ogden, youth pastor of the Green Bay Seventh-day Adventist Church, was our guest speaker.” ”I asked some of my friends and neighbors to the brunch,” said Barbara Setnik, member of the Raymond church. “They were so inspired by what we heard. Pastor Ogden made us feel like the women God intended us to be. She made us feel like we have some control in our lives, and that we are of value to God and others. She brought inspiration to our lives.” Kathy Berger, also a member of the Raymond church said, “Both of the guests I invited had a wonderful time and said they would come back again. When I invited one guest, she said, ‘I am the most un-religious person you know, why would you invite me?’ She is a single mom and rarely does things for herself, so this was nice for her. She really enjoyed it!” Karen Frantz invited Catie, a co-worker, to the brunch. Catie said, “Everything was done so well, from the beautiful table settings to the delicious meal; I thought it was really nice that there were even print-outs for the song and prayer, as those were unfamiliar to me. I especially enjoyed the speaker and would definitely come next year if you hold another Women of Faith. I would love to bring my mom.”   TOP     Anna's Birthday Party Raises $800 02/09/2012   Anna Foll planned her tenth birthday celebration around a mission project.   “Can you come to my birthday party? We’re going to be jumping for chickens for Tanzania!”  Anna’s face beamed with eagerness.   Ten-year-old Anna Foll wanted her birthday to make a difference. Anna and her guests jumped rope and got sponsors to donate money for their jumping. Every $200 raised provided 10 chickens and a rooster for a family in Tanzania, enabling the family to sustain themselves. This was Anna’s way of participating in the ADRA mission project her primary Sabbath school was doing.   “This is so much fun!” said Emily Flood, one of 10 jumpers at Anna’s birthday party. Kids jumped rope forward and backwards, sideways and tandem. Several kids attempted complicated jumps such as long-rope jumping, criss-cross jumping, the egg-beater, Chinese wheel, scissors, double-dutch and the crougar.   All the jumps raised over $800—enough money to supply four Tanzanian families with chickens. “I had hoped this year’s mission project could raise money to support one family,” said Mr. Flood, primary leader for the Madison East Adventist church. “Anna’s birthday party was really a great idea.”   “I’m glad we made so much money for people in Tanzania,” said Anna. “I feel happy.”     TOP     Portage Student Sing at State Capitol 01/20/2012   Students from Portage Adventist Church School fill the rotunda of the Wisconsin state capitol with Christmas carols.       On December 18, 2011, Portage Adventist Church School students brought the message of Christmas to our state’s capital through music. Employees, protesters and tourists stopped to listen as the six students, accompanied by a guitar, sang Joy to the World, O Come All Ye Faithful, Silent Night and other carols.   As the carols echoed off the marble walls, one visitor commented, “Their voices sound like a heavenly choir!”  After singing, the students were able to visit with those listening and share about their school and their love for Jesus.   Mrs. Wenzel, teacher at the Portage Seventh-day Adventist Church School, said, “Singing at our state’s Capitol will always be a memorable moment for us all.”   TOP     Living Faith Company Organizes 12/17/2011   Members of the newly-organized Living Faith Company celebrate God's leading   Thirty-five people signed their names as charter members of the Living Faith Company on November 5, 2011, in Howard, Wisconsin, a suburb of Green Bay. The decision to start a new Mission Group in the Green Bay area began July 17, 2010, in the Green Bay Adventist Church.   “God has taken us on an amazing journey,” said Dan Mencheski, Living Faith’s company leader. “Every time we have a need, God has just opened doors and provided.”   Our first concern was to find a place to meet. After meeting in homes, garages, and even at the beach, the group began searching for a church home. They found a daycare building that would meet their needs perfectly, but there was no way the 5-family church could afford it. The search continued.   A few days later, the daycare owner called and asked if they were still interested. “We just laid out what we could afford, including rent, utilities, insurance and even snowplowing,” said Dan. “The Lord certainly touched his heart, because he offered the place to us for exactly what we could afford.” Today, a year and a half later, Living Faith Company continues to meet in the 12,000 square foot daycare building at 986 Lakeview Drive, Howard, Wisconsin.   Over the next several months donations came in as needs came up. Money for 100 chairs was provided, then money came in for a sound system. Hymnals, tables, and three pianos were donated. “We’re really learned to just place our needs before the Lord,” said Dan.    “We all want to live out the message of our church motto,” said Dan. “’To live in such a way that those who know you, but don’t know God, will come to know God, because they know you’. We’ve had three people baptized in our church so far.”   Pastor Marshall McKenzie and Pastor Rick Binford have played key roles in helping the Living Faith Company organize.   TOP     A Cushioned Donation 11/15/2011   Click on the images above for an expanded slide show.   Wisconsin Academy has a coach bus that is used on a consistent basis for school trips. Over time with heavy use our bus seats began showing signs of wear. We went on eBay and were watching an auction for seats that were priced at $1,200. When the auction ended the seats had not sold; and to our surprise, the owner contacted us regarding them. We told him we were unable to purchase the seats, but we would contact him if we could find a donor. A few days later he contacted us again and said, “I looked you folks up on the web, you look like a good organization. If you come get them you can have them.” Over the October home leave, we drove to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and picked up the seats and other equipment for our bus at no cost! Praise God for his continuous care! Once again, God has supplied our need. Our Heavenly Father truly is our provision, both at Wisconsin Academy and in our personal lives! Matthew Klug, Assistant Dean of Boys/Maintenance TOP     First Hispanic Women's Weekend Retreat 11/09/2011   Wisconsin Hispanic women enjoy weekend retreat at Camp Wakonda.   Sixty-two women attended the first Hispanic women’s retreat weekend in the Wisconsin Conference on September 9-11, 2011, at Camp Wakonda.  Dr. Ana Perez, guest speaker for the weekend, spoke on the theme Free in Jesus. She holds a PhD in Psychology, has a master’s degree in Family Relations, and is a certified nurse.   Sabbath afternoon the ladies enjoyed fellowshipping outdoors and later shared in an active question and answer time with Dr. Perez.   Saturday night activity options included making silk flowers, learning how to fix hair, receiving a massage and manicure, and shopping in a used clothing exchange bazaar.   “The women were very excited to have a full weekend retreat,” said Noemi Miranda, coordinator for Hispanic women’s ministries. “One women attending for the first time said her heart was touched by Jesus and she truly felt free in Jesus. Many others said we must have a weekend retreat like this again.”   The 2012 Hispanic women’s retreat will be at Camp Wakonda September 21-23.   TOP     Churches Hold VBS With a Mission 10/31/2011   Click on image above for an expanded slide show.   Hylandale SDA Church, together with churches in the Coulee Region district held a week-long vacation Bible school under the direction of Twyla Hallock. The theme, Go Fishin’ Mission Adventure Bible Camp, focused on growing a personal relationship with Jesus and putting faith into action. For two hours each evening, 32 local children sang songs, heard stories, and rotated through a series of mission stations. These stations included a mission lodge, campfire Bible adventure, games and crafts. Many of these events were lead by youth in the church. Youth leader Tristen Hallock said, “Hopefully the kids were hooked on a desire to become involved in missions and outreach.” The VBS children had their own mission of raising money to purchase Bibles for Native American children.  Each day they brought their coins and by the end of the week raised $181 for the project.   The week culminated with a Friday evening program by the children. Parents and community were invited.  A quilt, decorated by the children early in the week, was given away. A time of sharing literature and refreshments followed the program. May we all choose to live as true fishers of men.   TOP   Retreat Speaker Inspires Women 10/13/2011   Women's Retreat at Osthoff Resort. Click on image above for expanded slide show.   One-hundred and eighty-two women attended the 23rd annual A Time of Refreshing retreat at the Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, October 7-9, 2011. Dr. Deborah Harris of Atlanta, Georgia, was the keynote speaker. She was dynamic, inspiring, and practical, both in her message and in her person. “Satan has no power in our lives when we are consumed with His Word,” Harris said. “This speaker is awesome,” said Linda Johnson after hearing Dr. Harris’s first presentation. “When my feet hit the floor every morning I pray Jesus will be so powerful in my life Satan will tremble and say, ‘Oh no! She’s awake!’” “The Holy Spirit spoke through our speaker in such a way that you could feel God’s presence,” said Cindy Stephan, first time attendee to the Wisconsin retreat. “It’s hard to put into words. I truly realized for the first time just how small I am and how big God is.” The weekend including an afternoon hike, music concert, prayer gatherings, tantalizing vegetarian food and great opportunities to visit and make new friends. Local speakers presented seminars on topics such as Praying for Our Adult Children, The Joy of Missions, Stretching Your Dollars, and The Silent Killer – Blood Pressure. Sunday morning Susan Boone announced that this is her final year as Women’s Retreat and Empowerment Director. “It has been a joyous eight years of service in the women’s ministry program,” said Boone. “I am grateful and honored to have been able to serve. Now it is time for new leadership, and I am pleased to welcome Lesa Budd as the new Women’s Retreat and Empowerment Director.” Boon also announced the retirement of Aileen King as women’s ministry coordinator. King founded women’s ministries in the Wisconsin conference in 1988 along with Judy Ziegele and Sue Pehler. She has served and mentored the retreat and many women over the past 23 years. Gladys Ochs has accepted to serve as the new women’s ministry coordinator and will assume those responsibilities over the next few months. Ochs is a member of the Green Bay SDA Church where her husband is senior pastor. Amy Reich is scheduled to speak at the 2012 Empowerment weekend at Camp Wakonda April 13-15. The 2012 Time of Refreshing retreat will be at Osthoff Resort, October 5-7. The guest speaker is Marquita Klinedinst.   TOP     Pastor David Guerrero Authors Book on Fatherhood 09/13/2011   Pastor David Guerrero with his wife and children.   David Guerrero, pastor of the Stevens Point SDA Church, penned Fatherhood: Reclaiming Your God-given Role—a book selected for publication by WinePress Publishing. "The book shows how to father the heart of your children from the biblical perspective on fatherhood and to reclaim the type of fatherhood God has designed" says Guerreo. Guerrero makes two simple promises to readers: 1) This book won't bury you under an avalanche of guilt. It will inspire and encourage you to become the man God desires for you to be; and 2) This book will give you practical suggestions addressing problems every dad faces. For many fathers, including Guerrero, prioritizing family life is their number one concern. He says, "Men have a tendency to want to 'make a name for themselves,' and they then express this via their jobs or a pursuit of a certain type of employment. We have to realize that the greatest name we can give the world is the lives of our children, what they become and how they contribute to things of eternal value." For Guerrero, his family is number one. He says, "Nothing but God comes before family,” says Guerrero. "I have communicated that to them by word and by action, and they feel safe, secure and loved. They come first, and I will drop anything for them. I love my wife and children, and they know it! " Guerrero sees a disappearance of true fatherhood where dads have become a two-minute presence in the lives of their families. He says, "If we as men don't reclaim our God-given roles, God tells us what will happen in the book of Malachi. This Earth will be smitten with a curse. That is what is happening today. We see the curse of broken and dysfunctional families, children and people in general—and it is all because we have allowed secular, societal changes to erode out family life." Guerrero believes fathers need to turn the tide of societal decadence by fulfilling the role for them God outlines in His Word. In Guerrero's book, he outlines three main biblical roles of a father: priest, prophet, king. He says the role that most caught his eye was the father as king because "this role is one of a servant leader." He adds, "As our families see us with a genuine desire and intentionality to serve them, it will win their hearts over and great unity will be the result." Guerrero says he used to be a workaholic driven for success. "By God's grace, this has changed. The only success I seek now is to see my family become all that God desires." Readers may look for Guerrero's book at the Wisconsin Adventist Book Center, Lifeway Christian Book Stores, Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble stores. It is also available at www.rekindletheflameministries.org.                                                                                                   (Adapted from September, 2011, LUH)   TOP     Wisconsin Academy Enrollment Up 24 Percent 08/17/2011   Registration day at Wisconsin Academy. Click on the image above for an expanded slide show.   “Greetings from Wisconsin Academy! We are off and running with a fantastic start,” says Keith Nelson, principal. “The energy level on campus is high among staff and students alike, with a positive, friendly, Christian atmosphere. We have 91 students on campus with more families considering. God has truly blessed our school year with the right group of students and the right faculty team.”   By the third day of classes, 91 students had enrolled at the academy, compared to 74 last year, a 24 percent increase.   Here are a few stories of how God has led students to Wisconsin Academy this year: “I’ve wanted to attend Wisconsin Academy since I was in 8th grade,” says Vanessa Bohner, a first year senior.  “I’ve worked in the dish room at camp meeting, done lots of babysitting and odd jobs for two years so I could come. Now here I am! I earned my whole entrance fee plus $2,000.00.” “Our son has begged us to send him to the academy for three years,” says Debra Tufford, mother of Michael, a freshman. “I’ve been telling him there’s no way. This year he came home from Camp Wakonda saying, ‘I can go to Wisconsin Academy for free!’ ‘No you can’t,’ I laughed. But he was persistent. “Finally, I called the principal and said, ‘Our son is under the impression he can go to school for free. Tell me about this.’ He told me to fill out some forms and talk to my pastor. I did, and when I did, I just felt this amazing peace. It’s hard to describe. I just knew the Holy Ghost was saying, ‘You don’t have to worry.’ I  told my husband, ‘Let’s just move forward like it’s going to happen.’   “The same week we filled out the paper work for the academy, we received windfall money that enabled us to pay off all our debts except the house. Now the amount we needed to commit for education was freed up! So we brought Michael to Wisconsin Academy. All I can say is, our God is an awesome God!”   “I wish I had time here to share with you all of the ways God has led our new staff and students to become part of the family of Wisconsin Academy,” says Principal Nelson. “Please keep our young people in your prayers this year and share this good news with someone you know. Perhaps there are other families wishing to be part of the family and simply need encouragement to answer the call.   “Obviously, Adventist Education is not free. There is great investment and sacrifice in the process and each individual student is evaluated by their own set of circumstances. While it is true, the Milwaukee Choice program has been moving onto our campus, the students still have to pay for their room and board by working. The state funds simply reduce the amount of worthy student funds needed to augment the program. Praise the Lord we have been given these opportunities for ministering to these young people.”   For more information contact Keith Nelson at 920-623-3318 ext. 18, or on his cell phone at 920-350-2789.   TOP   54 Choose Baptism at Camp Wakonda 07/26/2011   Click on the image above for an expanded Camp Wakonda slide show.   On July 25, 2011, Teen Camp finished at Camp Wakonda, the third of five, week-long camps for children, teens, and families. Of the 168 campers who have attended camp so far this summer, 54 have made a decision to be baptized. This is in addition to those choosing to commit their lives to Jesus for the first time or to recommit their lives to Him.   During Junior Camp, designed for eight- to ten-year-olds, 19 of the 25 campers made a decision to be baptized. During the following week, at Tween Camp, designed for campers age ten to twelve, 25 of the 54 made the same decision. Last week, at Teen Camp, designed for thirteen- to sixteen-year-olds, 10 of the 89 campers decided for baptism. The campers who made decisions for baptism will be placed in contact with local Adventist pastors in their home area who can follow up on their decisions.     Decisions like these are the result of many people working and praying in cooperation with the drawing power of the Holy Spirit. Long before camp started, pastors, teachers, and parents nurtured these young people in their walk with Jesus. During the summer, camp director Greg Taylor and his summer camp staff have poured their full-time energy into the same work. Nothing has been left to chance. In addition to activities and games, purposeful times for spiritual growth, reflection, and decision are built into the day’s schedule. These include worships at Lakeside Chapel, evening programs building on the summer’s theme: The Amazing Race, and cabin worships led by counselors.   Camp director Greg Taylor sat in on a cabin worship with Scott Young one evening during Tween Camp. "When I went in Scott’s cabin, he was in the middle of worship with his kids,” Greg recalls. “The kids were hanging on every word he said. With every word, he was just changing their lives. This is raw ministry - that’s all it is. And I just remember leaving that cabin thinking, ‘This is why we do it.’ These are small moments that will make a lifetime of difference.”     Girl’s counselor Elkid Moldonado recalls one of her worship times. “We were talking about the walls of Jericho. The girls were talking about the walls that they have in their lives, like school, boys, and parents. It was really nice. I told them about how God has worked out things for me, including me coming to work at Camp Wakonda. We were able to give each other ideas of ways to help each other. It was really cool. They were listening.”   The high point of each week is the Friday evening program, a focused time of contemplation and commitment. Campers begin by participating in a multi-sensory activity where they hold a thorny crown, taste vinegar, tear a robe, hammer a nail into a cross, and thank Jesus for dying for them. Almost without exception, the campers have taken the reflection time seriously, and many have been brought tears. The reflection time is followed by a video testimony montage entitled “Jesus Is …” in which each camp staff share personal reflections on what Jesus’ sacrifice means to them. At the end of the evening, Greg Taylor makes the alter call. During Teen Camp, every camper came forward, most choosing to recommit their lives to Jesus after having wandered away.   Junior Camp, Tween Camp, and Teen Camp, are followed by two family camps designed for all ages. Family Camp I is currently in session, with over 100 attending. Roughly the same attendance is projected for Family Camp II.     For more information about summer camp, visit the Camp Wakonda Website.   To watch videos from summer camp, including the “Jesus Is …” video, visit Summer Camp Videos.   TOP     Floyd Brock Accepts Position in Michigan 07/12/2011   Floyd and Joanne Brock have served in Wisconsin for over 20 years.   Floyd Brock, Community Service director and property manager for the Wisconsin Conference, has accepted an appointment to serve as Building Coordinator for the new Lake Union Conference office in Michigan. This was announced Monday morning, July 11, 2011.    Floyd has served the Wisconsin Conference for 22 years. He was project coordinator for the new conference office and two student dorms at Wisconsin Academy.  He was also involved in the building of Pioneer Pavilion and Fireside Lodge at Camp Wakonda. During this time he helped in the maintenance department at Wisconsin Academy.      Floyd and his wife, Joanne, will be moving to Michigan in the next few weeks to begin their new duties.   TOP     Wisconsin Camp Meeting Closes 06/27/2011   Click on the images above for an expanded  slide show.   On June 24 and 25, 2011, over 4,000 Seventh-day Adventists gathered for the culmination of Wisconsin Conference’s annual 9-day camp meeting at Camp Wakonda. Around 2,000 of those camped on the grounds throughout the week. Most attendees hailed from churches across Wisconsin, but a number came from out of state. A glance around the parking lot revealed license plates from states like Tennessee, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Colorado, Arkansas and Alaska. Friday afternoon, a water main broke between bathhouse three and bathhouse four. During repair work, all water lines to that end of the campground were shut off. Dozens gathered to watch Jim Johnson, camp ranger, and his backhoe dig up lines buried under the dirt road. Within two hours, he and his team had water running again. Don Livesay, Lake Union Conference president, referenced the broken water main in Friday night’s message. “Did everyone respond appropriately?” he asked. “Were there things revealed that should be prayed about and given to God? I believe that most circumstances that we engage in in life reveal who we are rather than make us who we are.”   After a wet week, many welcomed Sabbath’s sunny weather and warmer temperatures which reached into the low 80’s. The large overhead doors of Pioneer Pavilion were raised to allow a light breeze to pass through the building. Visitors brought lawn chairs, expanding the seating area out the doorways. During the church service, Lavenda Tuionetoa led a 60-member choir in “Overcome,” accompanied by strings, brass, woodwinds, piano, and guitar. Few seats were vacant. Don Livesay spoke again for the church service, tracing the leadership career of Moses. “The definition of a leader,” he said, “is a person who has influence over at least one other person. So I think I’m fairly safe in saying everyone in this room is a leader.” He concluded with a call to every believer. “God is calling us to do our part in leading people across the Jordan into the promised land,” he said. “Will you commit to that?” After lunch, many attended, “Education Moments”, held in Pioneer Pavilion, highlighting Seventh-day Adventist education across the state. The program featured music performed by several elementary school groups, and a panel discussion by Wisconsin pastors and educators. Arlen Meckelburg, science teacher at Wisconsin Academy, did science experiments on stage with the help of young audience volunteers. Smoke from the final experiment set off the building’s smoke alarms. The program closed with a drawing for a $500 dollar scholarship. At 4:00, several hundred gathered on the hill overlooking the lake to watch baptismal services. A small band played “Shall We Gather At the River,” and other hymns while the candidates prepared. James Fox, ministerial director, read brief testimonies written by the candidates as each one was led into the water by their local pastor and baptized.  Twenty-five were baptized in all.  Cindy Stephan, who experienced Wisconsin’s camp meeting for the first time this year, was one of the many watching from the hillside. “I’ve never seen anything like this,” she reflected afterward. “It was beautiful.” Camp meeting closed with a final evening message from Don Livesay based on the third chapter of Daniel. “Faith is not trying to get God to do what you want Him to do. Faith is trusting in God no matter what. Period.” The meeting ended with a call from Wisconsin Conference president Mike Edge to a deeper relationship with God and a fuller commitment to service. After the meeting finished, the take-down process began. Chairs were stacked for storage. Decorative plants were sold. Across the campground, awnings were rolled up, cabins swept, tents folded, and cars packed with luggage, ready to roll out in the morning. Mary Ross, from Texas, is already making plans to attend camp meeting next year. “This is home. I’ve come here for camp meeting almost all my life,” she said. LeEtta  Spears agreed. “I’ve been coming for 26 years,” she said. “I wouldn’t miss it.” Watch this website for information about camp meeting 2012.   TOP     Wisconsin Camp Meeting Begins 06/19/2011     Click on the images above for an expanded  slide show.   On June 17, 2011, Seventh-day Adventists from across the state gathered for the start of Wisconsin Conference’s annual 10-day camp meeting at Camp Wakonda. A steady line of RVs, campers, and other vehicles rolled in all afternoon. According to the locating office, a total of 763 sites were rented for camp meeting this year: 293 cabins, 244 electric sites, 185 full service sites, and 41 other sites. Wisconsin Conference president Elder Mike Edge spoke Friday evening about the importance of the Bible. “At the heart of all true revival is the Word of God,” he reminded the nearly 900 gathered. “Central to every spiritual renewal is a focus on studying God’s Holy Book.” At the close of the meeting, he distributed Bible reading cards and encouraged people to read through the Bible before next camp meeting.   Sabbath morning was warm and clear. Across the campground the smells of breakfast mixed with the sweet scent of the pines. A slight downturn in attendance this year made for shorter lines at the showers as campers prepared for church.   Pathfinders under the leadership of Carol and Carroll Wheeler were featured at the adult sabbath school in Pioneer Pavilion. They emphasized the role of Pathfindering in keeping young people in the church. Pastor Lisa Isense, wearing traditional Danish costume,  led the lesson study, discussing clothing as a symbol of belonging in the Bible.   Former North American Division president Don Schneider spoke in Pioneer Pavilion for the worship hour. “God wants a relationship with you today,” he told the approximately 1,700 gathered. “God came to Wisconsin camp meeting looking for you, and when he sees you walking through here, he says, ‘Wow, you look good to me!’” At the close of the meeting, Schneider called attendees to make a clear and firm decision for Jesus.   Sabbath services were also held for children and youth in six age-appropriate divisions. The sound of children singing could be heard echoing across the campground. Stories, games, crafts, and other activities enhanced the Sabbath experience for younger features.   Afternoon activities included a Pathfinder parade through the grounds and a concert by Wisconsin performing groups True North and the Anderson Trio. Many families spent time  connecting and reconnecting with friends and relatives.   Don Schneider spoke again at the evening meeting. “Who is your life coach?” he asked. “I invite you tonight to allow God to be your life coach. No matter what age you are, it’s not safe for you to run it alone. Allow Him to run your life, then you will be really living.” Listen to camp meeting online.   TOP     Wisconsin Academy Graduates 21 Seniors 05/29/2011   Family and friends joined Wisconsin Academy seniors on graduation weekend.   Twenty-one seniors graduated from Wisconsin Academy May 27-29, 2011. Greg Taylor, Youth Director for Wisconsin Conference spoke Friday evening for the Consecration service. Sabbath morning the seniors shared slides and a report of their recent mission trip to Holbrook Indian Mission School in Holbrook, Arizona. Then Debbie Gates, mother of a graduate, gave each senior a pill bottle filled with dirt from Wisconsin Academy, and challenged them to always remember the strong foundation they have received here at Wisconsin Academy saying, “Christ is your solid rock. Build your life on it.” Pastor Jean-Marcel Clouzet, youth pastor for the Madison East Church, spoke for Baccalaureate Sabbath and gave the Commencement address Sunday morning. “Be careful what you do with money, love and your time ,” Clouzet counseled. “If you mess up any one of these, you usually end up messing up the other two.” After receiving their diplomas, seniors gathered at center campus to share hugs, well wishes and farewells with friends and family. “I loved my year here at Wisconsin Academy,” said Lance Gates as he and his family were preparing to leave. “I only wish I had come here for my junior year, also.” Graduating seniors were:  Pablo Andrade, Neptali Flores, Clemara Funches, Hugo Lance Gates, Erica Gillen, Austin Harrison, Kendra Hayes, Violet Lewis, Adele Marsh, Jessica McDowell, Aphelandra Messer, Jacob Miller, Samuel Murray, Angela Nazario, Fred Park, Mia Salas, Sarah Schoultz, Angelina Serna, Samisoni Tulikihakau, William Wright, Derek Zevalkink. Congratulations graduating class of 2011!   TOP     Volunteers Participate in Camp Wakonda Work Bee 05/25/2011   Volunteers help prepare Camp Wakonda for summer events.   Twenty volunteers helped Camp Wakonda get ready for camp meeting and summer camp on May 22 and 23, 2011. Several cabins received new metal roofs and bathroom four got a new shingle roof. Other projects included falling trees, painting, cleaning, washing windows, mowing grass and installing some new air conditioners. “I just love this camp,” commented Larry Lanaville, a retired builder and member of Middleton Fellowship Company. “This work bee is one appointment I make sure and keep each year. I enjoy helping make Wakonda a better place.”   TOP     160 Pathfinders Attend Fair at Camp Wakonda 05/24/2011   Pathfinders enjoy sharpening their skills, sharing their achievements, and renewing friendships.    Over 160 Pathfinders and leaders met at Camp Wakonda for the annual Pathfinder Fair May 20-22, 2011. Elder Greg Taylor, Wisconsin Conference Pathfinder director was the featured speaker. He and his wife, Kim, introduced many new songs, which the Pathfinders picked up quickly. “The worship music was my favorite part of the weekend,” said Tara Lorenz, of the Wisconsin Valley Falcons Pathfinder Club. Sabbath afternoon, each Pathfinder club took pictures of themselves acting out key scenes from a Bible character’s life. These pictures were compiled into a slide show for everyone to enjoy before supper. Saturday night activities included table games, roasting s’mores around a bonfire, and playing capture the flag in the dark with glow-in-the-dark wristbands identifying teams. Maria Vann of the M.A.S.H. club said, “I really enjoyed Saturday night and making s’mores over the fire. No, I take that back. My favorite part of the weekend was Pastor Greg’s worships.” Sunday morning after the parade, marching, and booth presentations, Pathfinders enjoyed a variety of activities including the Norwegian waddle, semaphore, foot sleds and pinewood derby car races.  The "200 Club" award winners this year were the Green Bay Pioneers, Lena Wildcats, M.A.S.H., Madison Mustangs, Sheboygan Shepherds, and the Wisconsin Valley Falcons. This award recognizes clubs who maintain high point scores in areas of attendance, participation, club events and marching. The next Pathfinder Fair is planned for May 18-22, 2012 at Camp Wakonda.   TOP     Wisconsin Academy Seniors Take Mission Trip to Holbrook Indian Mission School 05/19/2011   Wisconsin Academy seniors serve at Holbrook Indian Mission School.   April 24 through May 2, 2011, nineteen Wisconsin Academy seniors took a mission trip to Holbrook Indian Mission School near Holbrook, Arizona to work on a new Education Building and paint the cafeteria.   During their time there, half of the seniors put in flooring and hung drywall, while the other half painted the cafeteria with a Native American lightning design. The seniors stayed in the dorms with the Holbrook students, ate in their cafeteria, and enjoyed recreation with students in the evenings. “I’ll never forget the kids at Holbrook,” says Samisoni Tukikihakau, W.A. senior. “They’re very poor, but really friendly. The first day I met a boy named Orion as I headed to the restroom. He blocked the door, grinning, ‘What’s the password?’ I must have guessed for 10 minutes before he moved and said, “Just kidding” From then on he followed me everywhere I went, wearing my hat. When we left, I gave him the hat. I ended up giving all four of my hats away to different guys. Orion and the other guys really got to me. “A lot of the students at Holbrook are not Adventists. They come from really rough backgrounds and most don’t believe in God. Some kids are just dropped off at the school when they are only 6 or 8 years old. One student told me he was glad he came to Holbrook, otherwise he’d have never understood about God. I’m so glad I went to Holbrook. It was amazing.” Holbrook Indian School is a Christian boarding academy for grades 1-12 operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for Native American youth. “All of the 65-150 students are heavily sponsored, with about 75% of tuition costs coming from donations and sponsors,” says Dr. Janet Claymore-Ross, principal of Holbrook, “But no Native American child is ever turned away for lack of funding. Thank you for your support, prayers and deeds. We will always remember your unselfish acts of kindness towards our mission.”    To find out more about Wisconsin Academy check the website at www.wisacad.org, or call the academy at 920-623-3300.   TOP     Wisconsin Academy Holds Annual Academy Visitation Day 05/16/2011   Potential students visiting Wisconsin Academy get a feel for the school.   On Sunday, May 15, Wisconsin Academy held their annual visitation day for potential students and families to visit the campus, meet the faculty, and ask questions.  Approximately twenty new students expressed their intent to attend W.A. this fall.   The day began with brunch, registration and worship.  Student leaders then gave guided tours, visiting each teacher in their classroom. Teachers gave an overview of the classroom learning opportunities and answered student and parent question. In the history room, Mr. Martling met students in a union civil war uniform, a $250 scholarship was offered for the correct answer to Mr. Carter's Bible class question, Mr. Burton had students believing that just maybe math could have a fun side, and within ten minutes of being in Mrs. Miller's Spanish classroom, students were singing in Spanish. After the ten tour stops, everyone gathered in the gymnasium and enjoyed a gymnastic performance.  “Don’t be frightened by what you can’t do,” said coach Burton. “We’re all here to learn.” Vanessa Bohner, a junior in high school expressed her intention to attend W.A. this fall. “I’ve always wanted to attend W.A., but it hasn’t worked out. This time I’m going to do it. I’m looking forward to being in a Christian environment.” Melissa Peterson said that while being in public school has helped her learn to stand firm for what she believes, it has been at a sacrifice. She has had to pull back from many events and friendships in order to be true to her beliefs. She also attends a small church where there aren't other young people. She wants to attend W.A. for Christian friend opportunities and to make God the center of all her experience. Mr. Thompson, a father of four from Waukegan, Illinois, plans to send his daughter, Kamille, to W.A. this next fall. When asked why he’s choosing Wisconsin Academy he said, “We’ve had friends send their kids here and we’re happy with the results we’re seeing.” To find out more about Wisconsin Academy check the website at www.wisacad.org, or call the academy at 920-623-3300.    TOP     94 Year-Old Clarice Makes A Difference 05/13/2011   Clarice Nelson makes over 100 quilts each year to support various community projects.   Ninety-four year-old Clarice Nelson of Clear Lake SDA Church is making a difference in her world – one quilt at a time. This winter she made and donated five Packer and Badger quilts to raise money for a three-day breast cancer walk held this spring in Clear Lake. Each quilt sold for $500, making a total contribution of $2,500. ”If we have time and talent, I feel we should use it for the glory of God,” says Clarice. Over the last few years, Clarice has made quilts for the cancer center in Richmond, Bags of Love (a county program for children of prisoners), local fire victims, several nursing homes and the summer camp at Camp Wakonda.  “For many years a friend and I have made quilts to sell for Junior and Senior benefits at Wisconsin Academy,” says Clarice, “and this year we plan to do it again.” Clarice has been making quilts ever since she can remember. When asked how many she has made in her lifetime, she smiled and said, “I have no idea, but it’s been a lot. I think I’ve made over one hundred quilts just this past year. One of my blessings is that I can still sew. If I get tired, I stop a while, then get back at it. As long as I can do it, I want to be of help.”    TOP     Wisconsin Rapids Members Support Adventist Work in Cuba 04/22/2011   Fred and Sandy Miller with a few of the Cuban pastors who recieved funds.   Fred and Sandy Miller of Wisconsin Rapids SDA Church recently completed their 5th mission trip to Cuba, distributing much-needed funds to support Seventh-day Adventist workers in four conferences.   Over the past 15 years the Millers have helped find sponsors for students at Cuba Adventist Seminary, delivered bicycles for church workers in conjunction with ASI, and helped support the Cuban Your Story Hour. “We had been there enough to know the needs,” said Sandy. “This time I had a dream to return and help the Cuban pastors.” Cuban pastors earn the equivalent of $15 a month.   “I asked a pastor how far the $15 lasted,” said Fred. “He told me they run out of food and money about the middle of the month. ‘Then what do you do,’ I asked? He smiled and said, ‘We invite friends to our home on Sabbath and pray. We pray, and God provides.’”   Fred and Sandy felt impressed to be part of that “providing.” Wisconsin Rapids church members, hearing of the need, gave over $3,000. Others gave an additional $3,000, allowing Millers to take $6,000  to Cuba.     “We were able to give 60 Adventist pastors $100 each”, said Sandy. “They were so grateful. They have so little compared to us. One delighted couple planned to buy a blender to puree food for their baby.”   “One hundred dollars is a lot of money for these people,” said Fred. “It’s over six months in wages.”   The Millers also left money with each local conference, and sponsored 23 ministerial students to attend Cuba Adventist Seminary   TOP     Sabbath at Cedar Creek Mall 04/14/2011   Dr. Dick Patchett visits with many shoppers as he offers free DVD's and books.   The Shepherd’s House SDA Church spent Sabbath, April 19, at the Cedar Creek Mall in Rothschild, WI, worshiping, singing, and visiting with shoppers. Starting at 9:30am, they set up three booths in the mall. One shared the educational opportunities Hillside Christian School has to offer. Another gave information regarding the upcoming CHIP program. The third gave out free books and DVD’s on various religious topics. Around noon, Pastor Rowell Puedivan led a worship service and preached an interactive sermon on forgiveness. Over 100 people stayed for the whole 50-minute service. Around half were mall shoppers. “It was great,” said Charlyn March who helped lead music. “People were really engaged. Even those walking by started singing along with us.” Jody and Charlyn Marsh worked the Hillside Christian School booth and commented, “Several people stopped by to ask questions and took a copy of our school brochure. One family was very interested and wants to attend our upcoming visitor’s day.” At the CHIP booth, a businesswoman invited Joy Sajack, local church CHIP director, to come speak on health at one of her business meetings. Another lady asked if she could advertise the CHIP program at her Fellowship Bible Church. Several people asked questions and took information about the upcoming CHIP program to be held at The Shepherd’s House. Roxanne Wirtz met a lady she knew from work. “I invited her to come visit our church the following Sabbath and hear the Wisconsin Academy choir and bell choir. She promised to come, and was there the next Sabbath! She even stayed and had lunch with us.” Dr. Dick Patchett gave out many books and DVD’s at his booth. “Some who took books said they were going to put them in their church and school libraries,” reported Dick. “Several people remembered us from last year.”  This is the second year The Shepherd’s House has been involved in this event.   TOP       Madison Mustangs Place First at LUC Bible Achievement 04/06/2011   The Madison Mustangs Pathfinder Club with Greg Taylor, youth director.   Madison Mustangs Pathfinder Club took a first place in the Lake Union Bible Achievement event held at Andrews University Sabbath April 2, 2011. This was the Madison Mustangs’ first time to compete at the Union level competition. “We thought we would probably just see how it goes this year, and hoped to place second,” stated Amber King, one of the six-member team. “We were really surprised and excited at doing so well.” Sixteen clubs from five conferences competed in the event, answering questions from the books of  I and II Corinthians, and the related Bible commentary. When asked what they learned from Corinthians one Pathfinder said, “I learned people had a lot of the same problems 2,000 years ago that we do today, like lying and trying to make the Bible say what you want .” Before returning home, the club enjoyed a tour through the Battle Creek Heritage Village. On April 16 the Madison Mustangs will participate in the North American Division Bible Achievement event also held at Andrews University. Find out more about Pathfinder Ministries.     TOP       Monroe SDA Church Celebrates 10 Years 03/31/2011     Some of the attendees gather for a group picture after potluck.   On March 26, 2011, members and friends of the Monroe SDA Church celebrated ten years of worshiping together. The celebration was a chance to review God’s leading in the past and look with expectation to His leading in the future. In 2000, Lisa Isensee sensed a restlessness about the lack of an Adventist presence in the Monroe area and began praying. Soon, she and her husband started a Bible study group in their home. The Harris family joined them, as did a local Adventist physician, Carlos Neumann. Carlos, who had been praying for the Monroe area for years, became a “driving force” in organizing the Bible study into a fellowship group. On January 27, 2001, eleven people held the first official meeting of the Monroe Fellowship Group in a small motel room at the local AmericInn. They had a passion to share their faith in the community, and within a few months held their first Daniel Seminar. Pearo Ackles, pastor of the Janesville district at the time, and Pastor Jagitsch, a pastor from Illinois, were key people in the early evangelistic work.  In 2002, the group organized as Monroe SDA Company with eight members.  In 2005, with thirty-four charter members, they took the final step to become an organized Seventh-day Adventist church.  Today, with Lisa Isensee as pastor, the Monroe SDA Church has over fifty members. They have met many places over the years - a motel room, a bank, a storefront, and several area churches.  Plans to find a permanent church home have begun, and during the reunion weekend, over $6,000 was donated toward the project. At the 10-year celebration, Elder Mark Jagitsch returned from Philadelphia to be the weekend speaker. “We must make knowing Jesus the most important thing in our lives," he said.  "Keep your sights on Him.” Find out more about Church Planting.    TOP   Thirty Attend Children's Ministries Convention 03/22/2011     Attendees enjoy making Vacation Bible School craft project. Over thirty people gathered for a Children’s Ministries Convention on Sunday, March 20, 2011, at the Wisconsin Conference office. The presenters included Phyllis Washington, North American Division Children’s Ministries Director, Charlyn Marsh, assistant teacher in Hillside Christian School, and Greg Taylor, Wisconsin Conference youth director. Phyllis Washington shared useful information on meeting the needs of 21st century kids and understanding current church policies on protecting children from abuse. She also demonstrated ways to adjust the Sabbath school program, GraceLink, for smaller churches. Charlyn Marsh introduced the new Vacation Bible School (VBS) program Go Fishin’ Mission Adventure. “This is the first time the VBS has gone all electronic,” stated Charlyn. “The whole program, music, director’s manual, posters, etc. are all on six DVDs or CDs. It’s a little different to get used to, but very versatile. It is designed for a 5- or 8-day VBS, day camp, children’s church, or children’s evangelistic series. It can also be used for health fairs or adventure clubs.” For more information regarding the new VBS program, contact Charlyn Marsh. Greg Taylor challenged leaders to help youth step out in faith. “When Jesus encouraged Peter to walk on water, Peter ‘failed’. He sank and had to be rescued,” Greg said.  “Yet, as a result, the Bible says of the disciples, ‘they all worshiped God’. We need to give youth the tools to succeed, and enough room to fail. If we set the bar low and maintain too much “control”, faith and service potential never grow.”  Linda Rosen, Children’s Ministries Director coordinated the event. “I want to help those who work with kids in our churches,” Linda said. “If you have ideas or special needs you want addressed, feel free to contact me". To be included on an email list to receive updated VBS information, contact Linda Rosen.   Find out more about Children's Ministries.    TOP   10th Annual SNOW Day 03/14/2011     Dr. JoAnn Davidson, proudly wears Green Bay Packers apparel during her presentation.   Dr. JoAnn Davidson, Professor of Theology at Andrews University, was the featured speaker at the 10th annual SNOW (Spiritual Renewal Of Women) day retreat at the Green Bay Adventist Church March 13, 2011. Through scripture and word, JoAnn revealed God’s intense love for beauty and the amazing creation He surrounds us with. Two mini-sessions were offered. Chuck Castleberg, a physical therapist instructor from Northwest Technical College, offered practical suggestions for minimizing or coping with physical pain. Jenniffer Ogden, Associate Youth Pastor of the Green Bay Adventist Church, gave simple, Biblical steps for coping with and healing emotional wounds. Over one hundred attendees fellowshipped over a breakfast buffet and catered lunch.    TOP   Three Pathfinder Clubs Win Conference Level Bible Achievement 03/11/2011     Monroe Pathfinders, one of the three winning teams at Conference Level Bible Achievement. Teams from three Wisconsin Pathfinder clubs won first place at the annual conference-wide Bible Achievement event held at Wisconsin Academy SDA Church on March 5, 2011. Each team demonstrated their knowledge of first and second Corinthians by answering from memory 90 questions based on their reading of the Bible and the SDA Bible commentary. These three clubs, Sheboygan Shepherds, Madison Mustangs, and the Monroe Pathfinders will compete on the Union Level at Andrews University on April 2, 2011. Ten Pathfinder clubs competed in three area events on February 28, with six clubs continuing to the March 5 conference-level event.  Lisa Isensee, leader for the Monroe club remembers her feelings during the event. “I was thrilled to see our kids spontaniously praying before the event, at half time, and again when they learned they had won. It made me want to cry. I thought, ‘They get it.’ They’re developing a trust relationship with Jesus.” Pam King, director of the Madison Mustangs is also pleased to see her Pathfinders grow. “If a parent wants their child to take an interest in Bible study,” she said, “they should have them join a Bible Achievement team. These Pathfinders read, studied, memorized the Bible, and enjoyed doing it.” Greg Taylor, Wisconsin Conference Pathfinder Director, commented, “It is awesome and humbling to see how much these Pathfinders retain. I was on the first Bible Achievement team back in 1990, and still know much more about the book of Acts than I ever would have learned on my own.” Next year’s Bible Achievement will focus on the Book of Isaiah.   Participating Clubs: Coulee Coyotes Lena Wildcats Monroe Pathfinders Wisconsin Rapids Sheboygan Shepherds Racine Jaguars Bethel Believers Madison Mustangs Green Bay Pioneers Wisconsin Valley Falcons             Find out more about Pathfinder Ministries.    TOP     Ashland Members Ski Across Chequamegon Bay 02/21/2011     Left to right: Annette Carlson, Marie Ott, Dorothy Hedican, Loraine Benson, Jean Jaeger, Rae Ann & Kevin Ramsey.   On February 19, seven members of Ashland SDA Church participated in the 15th annual “Book Across the Bay” event as a part of Wisconsin Conference’s Walk for Life fitness plan. Five members traveled on skis, two in hiking boots, completing the six mile course along with 4,000 other participants by the light of a thousand luminaries.   The “Book Across the Bay” event is just one way members of Ashland SDA Church have been participating in Walk For Life. On January 29, twenty-five members of all ages spent the Sabbath afternoon on show shoes. Together, Ashland members have reported a total of 775 miles walked since the Walk For Life program began January first. Walk For Life is a fitness plan developed by Wisconsin Conference Health Ministries. Members are logging their fitness miles and reporting them to the conference in an attempt to walk a total distance equal the circumference of the earth between January 1st and Camp Meeting in June.   Find out more about Walk For Life.      TOP   First Church Ministries Institute Held at Green Bay SDA Church 02/21/2011   Over two-hundred people attended the first Church Ministries Institute (CMI) held at the Green Bay SDA Church February 19, 2011.  Nine ministry classes were offered over two periods. Some churches sent people to attend all the classes and bring back information to share with the rest of the church. A contagious enthusiasm spread as people found ministry ideas they could latch on to. A truck driver who attended the GLOW literature sharing class said, “This is just what I’ve been looking for!” Rachel, from Shawano SDA Church said, "I'm so glad I came for this training.  I'm excited, and I can't wait to promote Family Ministries in Shawno. I'm also interested in a Family Ministries Coordinator position." Another young man was really excited about getting involved in the Lay Pastor Training, “I have always felt called to pastoral ministry but was never quite sure that I should go to school and become a full time pastor. This is the answer for me.”   Elder Mike Edge opened and closed the event reminding us that while training is extremely important, it cannot replace a heart that is committed wholly to God. “The difference between being effective or ineffective in witnessing depends largely upon your heart.”   Ministry classes included Church Planting, Family Ministries, Lay Pastor Training, Small Groups, Natural Church Development, New Video Bible Studies, Youth Ministries, Share Him Evangelism, and G.L.O.W., a literature evangelism program.   Three more CMI events are scheduled for this year:   June 17-25   Camp Meeting   Sept 30-Oct 2   Milwaukee   Nov 4-6   Conference Office   Find out more about Church Ministries Institutes.   TOP   Green Bay Pathfinders Serve at Community Center 01/23/2011   Green Bay Pathfinders served food and visited with over 120 people at the new community shelter in Green Bay on January 23, 2010. This was the first time the Pathfinders have been able to be part of this outreach and several said, “We definitely want to do this again.” What a wonderful way to share Jesus and make friends in the community   Find out more about Pathfinder Ministries.     TOP   Greg Taylor New Youth Director 10/31/2010     Greg and Kim Taylor with their sons, Matthew and Joshua. Greg Taylor is the new youth director for the Wisconsin Conference. He comes from Indiana where he has been youth pastor for the Glendale SDA church in Indianapolis. Prior to that he served as Bible teacher/chaplain at Spencerville Adventist Academy in Maryland, and Grand Rapids Adventist Academy in Michigan for seven years.  Greg graduated from Andrews University with degrees in Theology and Secondary Education. “I have a passion to see youth knowing Jesus as their personal Savior, and to see them involved in the church,” says Greg. ”We need their influence, their creativity and their enthusiasm to do what we need to be doing in these last days of earth’s history. I met Christ my junior year in academy at a prayer conference in England, and the thing that made it stick for me was that I was able to do something about what I believed. People need to be able to act on what they believe, to know they are needed.” Greg met his wife, Kim, at camp. “I guess you could say we are an extended camp fling,” said Greg. “We were impressed with each other’s love for Christ and passion for reaching young people.”   Kim, of Berrien Springs, Michigan, also graduated from Andrews University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She currently works part time as an on-line tutor for Griggs University, formerly known as Home Study Institute.  She loves Pathfindering, and led a 27-member Adventure Club while living in Indiana. Greg and Kim have two boys, Matthew and Joshua, ages 7 and 3 respectively. In his free time Greg loves to run marathons. He’s run four full marathons and three half marathons in the past three years. He also loves sports, playing guitar, and hanging out with his boys.   "Kim and I are excited about moving to Wisconsin,” says Greg. “We sense God calling us here and look forward to serving.”     TOP   Jean-Marcel Clouzet New Youth Pastor at Madison East SDA Church 10/20/2010     Jean-Marcel and Tammy Clouzet Jean-Marcel Clouzet is returning from seminary at Andrews University as youth pastor of the Madison East SDA Church. Prior to attending seminary, Jean served the Milwaukee Central and Southside churches as youth pastor, and was a Bible teacher and chaplain at Milwaukee Junior Academy.  “Tammy and I missed Wisconsin very much,” says Jean “and are so excited to be back.”  Jean-Marcel and Tammy met at Andrews Academy, and both graduated from Andrews University; Jean-Marcel with a B.A. in Theology and Youth Ministry, Tammy with a B.A. in Psychology and a minor in Spanish.  “I promised myself I would never be a pastor,” said Jean, “and Tammy promised herself she would never be a pastor’s wife. God had other plans. I am a fourth generation Adventist and she is third generation. We both have had slow steady growth in our walks with Jesus.  A pivotal point in my life came when I was colporteuring.  God really challenged me with that.  Even though I had read the Bible through several times, that summer was the first time God’s Word was actually real for me. I have a passion to see growth for the kingdom.  I want to see youth shed their fear of being who they are as Christians.  Sometimes it’s really scary to be a Christian; even around another Christian!”  Jean-Marcel and Tammy enjoy doing things together like walking, playing games, traveling, cooking and eating. They share a passionate love for Jesus and an infectious desire to build up the kingdom of God in Madison.    TOP     Wisconsin Academy Students Share Their Faith in Hudson 10/15/2010   On the morning of October 9, 2010, nine students from Wisconsin Academy traveled to Hudson, Wisconsin as a part of the WAY (Wisconsin Academy Youth) Team outreach ministry. History teacher Mike Martling acted as sponsor for the event. The team had been invited by Hudson SDA Company to conduct the Sabbath service and distribute a community needs questionnaire in the afternoon.   Upon arrival, students Vanessa Aguilar, Naomi Ferral, Melody Romero, Lance Gates, Erica Gillen, Adele Marsh, Jessica McDowell, Kimberly Rodriguez, and Samsoni Tulikihakau were ushered into the private home used for the small company’s services. Martling recalls that morning, “I knew the quality and talent of the students I had brought with me, and was very proud of the church service they provided. Their songs, prayers, and personal testimonies seemed to touch the local congregation very deeply.”   After a delicious potluck, the team divided into groups and headed into Hudson’s neighborhoods to distribute a community survey designed to target specific local spiritual and physical needs. One group included Lance Gates, “Soni” Tulikihakau, and Mike Martling. At the second home, they visited with an elderly lady and her son. After venting frustrations with what the son called the “moral corruption of American society,” he surprised the group by stating, “I am a former Roman Catholic. Do you know that they changed the Sabbath?” Mike Martling told him that the group was Seventh-day Adventists and struck up a friendly conversation. The son was happy to complete the survey and the group had prayer with him before moving to the next home.   A young college-age woman named Shannon greeted them at the door. When they introduced themselves her face lit up and she immediately began to testify about her love of the Lord. For the next 45 minutes they talked, laughed, and sang with her. She even let them “autograph” her guitar. “We could all sense that we were in the presence of the Holy Spirit, and that he had dramatically brought us together,” says Martling.   Soni remembers the trip fondly, “My trip to Hudson was an experience I will never forget! Shannon was going through a hard time in life and was praying for God to give her help. She believed we were an answer to prayer. What connected me to her was that we were reading the same book, I Kissed Dating Goodbye. She asked me if she could contact me to discuss the book and ask questions about the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She and I are still in contact today.”   When the team headed back to Wisconsin Academy later that evening, they knew that something special had happened. “We had been in the presence of the Lord – literally – and were changed by experience,” says Martling. “It was very gratifying to see the glow of the Holy Spirit on the faces of my students, and none of us will ever forget our miracle in Hudson.”        WAY teams give students an opportunity to share their testimonies, musical talents, and love for Jesus in churches throughout the state of Wisconsin. Accompanied by a staff member, students present the church service - sometimes even preaching the sermon - and help in afternoon outreach activities.   Other WAY Teams have visited the Green Bay SDA Church, the Fox Valley Church, and the Madison Community Church. “Going on WAY Teams is always a pleasant experience,” reports Melody Romero. “I like WAY Teams because it is something that lets us see what we can do for God in other churches. It is a rewarding experience, and I look forward to it each time I go.”    TOP   Milwaukee Central SDA Church Reaches Out to the Blind 08/10/2010   On August 1, Milwaukee Central Adventist church bussed 70-80 blind people to a city park to enjoy free plane rides, paddle boating, tandem bicycling, food and fellowship.  The new member Sabbath School class, plus other church volunteers, helped by driving busses, serving food, and assisting the blind guests with activities. Two Adventist pilots provided 20-minute plane rides over the Pewaukee area. Pastor McKenzie commented, “As a church we are learning to be more flexible and meet the needs of more people in our area. We’re adding a braille Bible to our resource library, making plans to offer the church bulletin in braille, and have adjusted our communion service to accommodate special needs. We now have 3-4 blind people attending on a given Sabbath, and one studying for baptism as a result of our day at the park.”  Melvin Sheire, director of the local church blind ministry says, “Our goal is to create an environment for blind people to meet Seventh-day Adventist Christians and grow in Jesus.”  A Christmas party and another event in the park are being planned.   TOP

TOP STORIES   05-14-13   Early Spiritual Training Saved My Life   05-09-13   Peter Braun Baptized in Raymond Church   05-02-13 Melum Finds Disaster Response "Invigorating"   04-18-13 Nester Soriano New Portage District Pastor   04-08-13   Witnessing Advice From A Wisconsin Centenarian   03-21-13 Conference Call Evangelism   02-25-13   Scott Baker New Manager at Camp Wakonda   02-15-13   Jim Johnson Retires and Moves to Michigan   12-18-12 God Blesses Shirleta as She Honors the Sabbath   12-05-12 Miracles at Madison Community Church   11-28-12 Jose and Nilda Santana Find A Church Home   10-22-12 Christian Ronalds New GLOW Coordinator in Wisconsin   09-13-12 Leah Rodriguez New Milwaukee Teacher   08-21-12 Bethany Erb Discovers the Joy of Service   08/01/12 Kiana Binford New Teacher/Principal at Green Bay Junior Academy   08/01/12 Aris Rivera New Teacher at Milwaukee SDA School   08/01/12 Wredberg New Teacher at Petersen Elementary   08/01/12 Eugene Kittredge New Milwaukee Kindergarten Teacher   08/01/12 Andrea Nelson New Kindergarten Teacher at Petersen   08/01/12 Jayme Denis New Teacher at Three Angels Christian School   07/19/12 Matthew Kent New Pastor in Superior District   06/27/12 Thirty-six Baptized Final Weekend of Camp Meeting   05/25/12 Over 130 Volunteers Support Camp Wakonda Work Bee   04/22/12 Zachary Payne New Green Bay Youth Pastor   04/20/12 Over 100 Attend Wisconsin Academy Music Festival   04/06/12 Alice Garrett New Community Services Coordinator   03/30/12 Christine Anderson New Wisconsin Academy Business Manager   03/23/12 John Ramsey New Assistant Treasurer   03/19/12 Art Miller to Pastor Durand Church   03/08/12   Eugene Kitney to Pastor Milwaukee Central District   02/28/12 600 Attend Youth Rally in Milwaukee   02/21/12 Raymond Church Holds First Women of Faith Brunch   02/09/12 Anna's Birthday Party Raises  $800   01/20/12 Portage Students Sing at State Capitol   12/17/11 Living Faith Company Organizes   11/15/11   A Cushioned Donation 11/09/11 First Hispanic Women's Weekend Retreat   10/31/11 Churches Hold VBS With a Mission   10/13/11 Retreat Speaker Inspires Women   9/13/11 Pastor David Guerrero Authors Book on Fatherhood   8/17/11 Wisconsin Academy Enrollment Up 24 Percent   7/26/11 54 Choose Baptism at Camp Wakonda   7/12/11 Floyd Brock Accepts Position in Michigan   6/27/11 Wisconsin Camp Meeting Closes   6/19/11 Wisconsin Camp Meeting Begins   05/29/11 Wisconsin Academy Graduates 21 Seniors   05/25/11 Volunteers Participate in Camp Wakonda Work Bee   05/24/11 160 Pathfinders Attend Fair at Camp Wakonda   05/19/11 Wisconsin Academy Seniors Take Mission Trip to Holbrook Indian Mission School   05/16/11 Wisconsin Academy Holds Annual Academy Visitation Day   05/13/11 94 Year-Old Clarice Makes A Difference   04/22/11 Wisconsin Rapids Members Support SDA Work in Cuba    04/14/11 Sabbath at Cedar Creek Mall   04/06/11 Madison Mustangs Place First at LUC Bible Achievement   03/31/11 Monroe SDA Church Celebrates Ten Years   03/22/11 Thirty Attend Children's Ministries Convention   03/14/11 10th Annual SNOW Day   03/11/11 Three Pathfinder Clubs Win Conference Level Bible Achievement   02/21/11   Ashland Members Ski Across Chequamegon Bay   02/21/11 First Church Ministries Instititute Held at Green Bay SDA Church   01/23/11  Green Bay Pathfinders Serve at Community Center   10/31/10 Greg Taylor New Youth Director   10/20/10 Jean-Marcel New Youth Pastor at Madison East   10/15/10 Wisconsin Academy Students Share their Faith in Hudson   08/10/10 Milwaukee Central SDA Church Reaches Out the Blind   Feature Story Archive