The Camp Management Committee convened to review plans and strategies for the upcoming camp meeting and ongoing building and remodeling projects. The Communication Department updated and published essential policies.
The Music Department of the Wisconsin Academy, led by Davina Lawson Fingerson, the Music Director, organized a very successful Music Fest. This year, they doubled the number of participants from schools across the state.
The Finance, Lay Advisory, and Executive Committee played crucial roles in analyzing and approving the budget for 2024. We celebrated God’s provisions for 2023 and look forward to a blessed 2024. Thanks to your invaluable contributions, every department and ministry is determined to use the allocated resources effectively.
Rozina and I had the privilege of attending the 80th-anniversary celebration of the Milwaukee church, which was well organized by Pastor Bill Dudgeon and his team. It was a time to commemorate God’s special providence for His ministry in that significant area of Milwaukee. Karen and Dwight Nelson were the guests of honor. Pastor Nelson delivered the message, and Pastor Adam Case led a corporate prayer. I delivered a sermon in the afternoon for the Karen Group, who worships in the same building.
Dr. John Wesley Taylor, President of Andrews University, recently spoke as a guest at the Leadership Cohort. During his seminar, he shared insights on leadership principles, drawing inspiration from the story of Elisha and the miracle of floating the ax head. He also presented a workshop about transformational leadership that builds a mission-focused community that values people. He also gave a presentation about Andrews University, highlighting ways our conference can support this essential Adventist institution.
Rozina and I attended the dedication ceremony of Hudson Church’s newly acquired building. Dr. Amir Gulzar also participated in the ceremony. We thank God for blessing them with the perfect building in a lovely location for their ministry.
I recently attended the memorial service of retired pastor Windell Springer at the Oxford church. Pastor Bill Ochs officiated the service. Although he had retired before I moved to Wisconsin in 2007, I had the privilege of meeting him during the Peru Mission Trip and at several camp meetings at Camp Wakonda, where he continued volunteering.
I attended the AdveantHealth meeting on Zoom as a member of their Board Advisory Council. Adventhealth was organized in 1973 as a corporation of 52 hospitals, 22 home health and hospice facilities, and 52 urgent care facilities in nine states. The 93,000 employees provide health care to over 8 million patients annually, extending Jesus’ healing ministry in their communities. Our hospital in Durand is part of the great family of AdventHealth.
Dr. Franklin and Jeannie Fowler generously donated all the equipment for the video production studio. It was decided that Wisconsin Academy would use the equipment for their classes, and we would share it when needed. This gift is much appreciated and arrived at the right time.
The team at the office is working hard to get everything ready for the upcoming camp meeting. The staff at Camp Wakonda is also working on coordinating the construction of a new camp store and medical building. Unfortunately, we are currently $35,000 short of our goal, but we remain hopeful that we can raise the necessary funds in time. Thank you to everyone who has supported us so far. Over the past two years, Camp Wakonda has undergone significant renovations and improvements, which were much needed.
Titus Naftanaila, President