Service can be found at the heart of evangelism. This year LIFT (Lifestyle Improvement For Teens) looked a little different than it did in the past. In the past, Bible classes made up 1/3 of the classes taught during the 3 day event held annually at Camp Wakonda. Bible has always been a big part of our LIFT programing, but this year we wanted to do more and make Bible an even bigger focus.
Our overarching theme this year, in the Education Department is, “We are fearfully and wonderfully made by Him.” This theme went hand in hand with our idea of a Bible Camp feel. If we are all fearfully and wonderfully made by Him, then all humans are of utmost value to God. We should all be helping one another, sharing our faith, making people feel welcome when they come to our churches, and reaching out to our neighbors. The Bible says, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37,38. We wanted this LIFT to train our 7th -10th grade youth of Wisconsin how they can participate in evangelism right now, at their age.
Another thing that made this LIFT unique and set apart was the volunteers who agreed to help teach our classes. The pastors of Wisconsin really came together in support of the Wisconsin Youth during LIFT. Our pastors were integral in teaching the majority our classes. We appreciate the dedication of each pastor in the Wisconsin Conference for all that they do. Jonathan Fetrick, from the Wisconsin Academy District, taught students introductory ideas about mission work though games. Pastor Zack Payne, conference Youth Director, taught students how to share their story with others. Often the hardest thing about sharing with others is knowing how to start. Pastor Zack shared interesting conversation ideas with students so that the next time they have an opportunity to share, they have a plan. “Hide and Repeat” was a class presented by Pastor Loren Nelson of the Madison District. Students learned about the Waldenses. They learned how Waldenses hid God’s word so that they could share with others. The concepts were made into a game where students used invisible ink to write Bible verses and tried to carry their messages across a playing field without getting caught. Pastor Pedro Luis from the LaCross District cautioned students about distractions that can creep into our lives. Using object lessons and online examples he demonstrated how social media can be used for good or bad.
Our Lake Union lawyer, Jennifer Woods, along with two pastors, Barry St. Clair and Obed Salazar, helped with a class created to help students stand up for their faith. The three teamed up to create a mock trial experience where students had to prove from the Bible that God was fair, just, and trustworthy. They had to prove their points in class and convince a student Jury that God was all these things.
We were honored that Adventist World Radio was willing to send an ambassador, Mr. Goliath, to make a presentation about Cell Phone Evangelism. He shared that Cell Phone Evangelism can reach people more easily and more cheaply than big Revelation Seminars when volunteers are willing to reach the people that they already know. Cell Phone Evangelism is just one click away. Mr. Goliath helped the students see that they could give Bible studies right now, and that there were even supports built in to help them. They can make a request for a prewritten script to take the guess work out of what they should say. Students were given the choice to become a telephone evangelist or not. Many decided they wanted to help God in this way. Please keep them in your prayers as they reach the world for Jesus.
Our Wisconsin Academy principal, Derek Timms, added his talents to the group. He had a conversation with the students about evangelism. It can happen as simply as how we live each day. He asked the students to write about talents that they have on a white board and encouraged them to think about how the talents that they already have can be used for evangelism.
We also had several talented and faithful lay people who were willing to help in their areas of expertise. Jamie Fisher, creator of a baking website, and member of the Shepherd’s House Seventh-day Adventist Church, along with her family members, taught students different recipes that they could make and take to share others. Each class rotation made beautiful, colorful, and delicious recipes that were used to fill 9 gift baskets for the community. Each school was given a gift basket that they were entrusted to deliver as they began the trip home at the conclusion of LIFT. Most schools dropped off treats in Westfield, WI on their way home visiting the library, clinic, hair salon, and other local services. Wisconsin Academy gave their basket to the police department in Fall River, just a couple miles away from their school. They met the police chief, an alumnus of Wisconsin Academy, on his way out the door. At first, the chief was confused. He wondered, “Why are there so many teens around the police station.” When he saw the box of goodies and all the Wisconsin Academy hoodies, his heart was put at ease. He was very pleased to see the thoughtfulness of the students.
Other schools had similar experiences, and community members were extremely happy and appreciative of the thought, time, and delicious taste that went into these gifts. It was very well received and made great PR for our schools. Students in Jamie Fishers class also made beautiful cards and 33 bags of goodies to hand out to Wisconsin Pastors.
Veronica Anyango from Milwaukee Central Church helped students look at different verses about Salt in the Bible. Then she helped them make a salt scrub. This was yet another example of a gift students could share with others.
Lula Allen, a teacher from Milwaukee, planned a nice banquet for us, with games. The kitchen staff, led by Heidi Minett, also worked hard to make this meal and all the others successful. Our banquet was an exquisite Italian themed dinner served at each table. Entertainment during the meal was provided by students participating in a talent show. We have some very accomplished, talented kids in our conference.
Most of our teachers got a break from teaching at this year’s LIFT because our pastors and other volunteers stepped up to the plate, but that doesn’t mean that the teachers just had free time. Our teachers, and other school volunteers, made this event possible by going around with their students from class to class. They stayed with their students at night, sleeping on unfamiliar beds and away from loved ones, to make sure that their students were safe.
Teachers in the Wisconsin Conference are the backbone of all the Conference programing and deserve a lot of praise. They help with three large educational events that the Conference holds during each school year. These events are LIFT for 7th-10th, Outdoor School for 5th and 6th, and Science Experience for grades 1st -4th. We want to recognize the teachers for all three of these events. We really appreciate our teachers and their helpful, willing attitudes to jump in and help with whatever we need. While our students were learning how to serve others in their communities this year at LIFT, our teachers, pastors, and other volunteers were continuing to do what they do best and that was serving them. Events like these take a lot of manpower and planning, and we are feeling very grateful for the people we have the pleasure of working with in our great Wisconsin Conference.
Debbie Darnall, Associate Superintendent for Education
Pictures below are from Sue Nelson, Superintnedent for Education and from our WI Schools as shared on their Facebook pages
