The highlights for April are:
Lesa Budd, Wisconsin Conference Prayer Coordinator, started a prayer line which takes place every Thursday at 6:00 pm. People are encouraged to call: 1 (716) 427-1574 and to use the pin: 330917#.
Rozina and I had the privilege to attend one session of the evangelistic series in the Milwaukee West and North Hispanic Churches. Both churches enthusiastically welcomed new people, and the presentations were very inspirational.
Pastor Abraham Swamidass, Family Ministry Coordinator for the conference, held the Family Ministry Advisory with several pastors and myself. Pastor Swamidass offered important information about the ministry’s plans concerning the local Family Ministry coordinator’s job description, conference-wide couple’s retreat, and marriage enrichment weekend seminar. He also introduced several resources for welcoming guests, parenting, marriage preparation, and grandparenting.
We had another meeting with the Board of Education this month. We welcomed four new board members. Sue Nelson, the Superintendent of Education, and Ken Smith, Wisconsin Academy principal, presented reports about the Education Department and Wisconsin Academy. Several decisions were made related to local schools and Wisconsin Academy and the voting for the renewal contracts for all teachers in our conference also took place.
We had another Leadership Cohort meeting with Pastor Adam Case presenting a seminar on Team Building. The next Cohort meeting is scheduled for May 25 at 2:00 pm. Elder Steven Poenitz, the retired Executive Secretary of the LUC, will be the guest speaker.
We had the first conference-wide Elders Meeting on Zoom. Over 90 elders across the conference attended. I presented the “Called by God” seminar and the Conference Mission Goals for 2022-2026; Pastor Case presented the “Twelve Things Your Pastor Wishes You Knew…” seminar and Brian Stephan shared an update related to the Camp Wakonda projects. The next meeting will be on September 5 at 7:00 pm.
Wisconsin Academy Alumni Weekend was an excellent opportunity for former students to meet and enjoy the wonderful fellowship and worship service.
Executive Committee/Lay Advisory met on Apr 16 to review and approve the conference reports, budget, and other administrative matters.
On May 17 the Maranatha group arrived at Camp Wakonda. Approximately 80 people are working hard to build permanent structures for the Youth Divisions, remodel the Cedar Lodge, upgrade all the bathrooms and showers in addition to several other projects.
Brian Stephan, Teresa Schaetzka, and I attended the HR Conference organized by the North American Division. We participated in several meetings and seminars in HR, immigration, leadership, treasury, and secretariat.
The Lake Union Conference ASI Convention took place in Tinley Park, IL with Dr. Neil Nedley as the guest speaker. At the meeting, Lisa Isansee, from Wisconsin, was elected the General Vice President of the LUC Chapter.
The Nominating Committee/Executive Committee met on Sunday, April 30, 2023, and selected Dr. Amir Gulzar as the new Executive Secretary/Treasurer for the Conference. His ministry will start on July 1, 2023.
I was privileged to preach and worship at the Delavan, Waukesha Hispanic, and Madison East churches.
As we get closer to the camp meeting, I invite all our members and guests to pray for the projects we must finish before opening night.
Thank you for your support, donations, and volunteering to complete these projects.
Titus Naftanaila, President