Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The year 2025 has been a very intense year for the Wisconsin Conference. We experienced both significant challenges and special blessings simultaneously. Yet in God’s providence, we have been privileged to experience His grace and love for us.
Let me start with the challenges. There has been a change in key leadership positions at the office. Our Superintendent of Education, Ministerial Director, Secretary-Treasurer, and Associate Treasurer have accepted positions at different church institutions outside our conference.
While we are glad for their new career paths, these significant changes directly affected the workload and responsibilities of the remaining staff. With the arrival of our new Superintendent of Education, Katrina Baun, and the additional duties assigned to Pastor Bill Ochs, the remaining treasury staff, and me, God provided His guidance and care for His work in Wisconsin. As a result, a full-time office position was eliminated to better allocate resources toward fulfilling the conference’s mission in the field.
The most remarkable aspect of 2025 was the North American Division initiative, Pentecost 2025, which had a direct impact on our ministry across the state. Most of our churches were actively involved, reaching out to their communities and sharing the message of hope. As of now, nearly 180 people have accepted Jesus as their personal Savior through baptism or profession of faith as a result of this ministry.
Another notable blessing was a special donation given to Wisconsin Academy to establish an Endowment Fund for the Worthy Student Fund. The initial $600,000 was followed by $100,000, with an additional $200,000 matched. We need less than $80,000 to secure a $200,000 matching contribution, bringing the total invested in Wisconsin Academy to $1.2 million.
This is a very generous answer to our prayers, enabling us to support our Academy at a time when other similar schools are closing across the country. We must continue to demonstrate Joseph’s wisdom and vision as faithful stewards of God’s provision during times like these.
Our schools, churches, Camp Wakonda, and other departments and ministries were highly effective in promoting the values and mission of our Conference within their respective areas of work and influence. A more detailed report will be provided in the upcoming months as we prepare for the 40th Constituency Session of our Conference.
Looking ahead, I want to thank all church members and guests, as well as pastors, teachers, and staff from our various institutions. It requires all of us, working together in the Spirit, to fulfill God’s mission in our area faithfully. I invite you to rededicate your lives and your spiritual gifts, and to use every opportunity to share the love of Jesus within and beyond your communities.
I want to conclude with the Apostle Paul’s prayer in Romans 15:13: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
On behalf of our staff, I wish you a blessed 2026!
Maranatha!
Titus Naftanaila
President