During the 2024 International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, WY, I had the privilege of spending two and a half days with our dedicated pathfinders, leaders, and volunteers. Despite the challenging weather conditions, our Wisconsin team’s active participation in various engaging activities was truly inspiring. I am deeply grateful to Pastor Zack Payne, our Youth Director, and his team for their exceptional leadership, always prioritizing our youth’s safety and well-being.
Dr. Amir Gulzar and I participated in the Lake Union Conference (LUC) Training Retreat held in Indiana. This annual gathering convenes all the officers of LUC and its five constituent conferences for the purposes of motivation, training, and strategic planning. Our organization is primarily dedicated to advancing our mission in the respective territories, and we are committed to providing effective leadership in this fundamental aspect of our duties.
Forty-five congregations in Wisconsin have enlisted in the impactful ‘Pentecost 2025’ campaign, joining approximately 3,000 other churches across the North American Division (NAD) in conducting evangelistic series from September 6-20, 2025. This collective effort is set to significantly impact our mission. We still encourage all our churches and groups to benefit from the offer of receiving up to $3,000 from the NAD to participate in this initiative.
Pastor Cid Leopolidino has started his new ministry at the Milwaukee Northwest Church following his appointment to establish a new Center of Influence in the Milwaukee area. We extend our warm welcome to him and his family upon their return to Wisconsin after his graduation with a Master of Divinity from Andrews University.
Jackie Reagan, Alberto Tores, and Eugene Kittredge were publicly recognized for their outstanding service as church school teachers during a special program at the Milwaukee Central Church. Their commitment and dedication to their roles testify to the high standards of educational excellence upheld within the conference. We thank God for their contributions and give appreciation to all our teachers, throughout the conference, for their unwavering commitment to educational excellence.
During the three-day Pastors’ Meeting, Dr. John Strehle and Pastor Nikolai Greaves were the guest presenters. Their presentations focused on peacemaking, personal finance management, and church finance management. Additionally, the conference administration and directors delivered reports concerning their respective areas of ministry.
The Camp Management Committee convened a meeting to discuss critical aspects of the ministry conducted at Camp Wakonda. The proposals include installing a new campground entrance sign, establishing a new fellowship meeting place, and other significant maintenance projects, including finishing the Cedar Lodge remodeling and cabins that need attention. The financial target of raising $200,000 for the new medical facility has been achieved and exceeded. We sincerely thank you for your remarkable generosity and unwavering support for the camp premises.
I want to invite you to contemplate the parable of the talents as described in Matthew 25:14-30. In this parable, a Master entrusts his servants with talents based on their individual abilities. One servant receives five talents, another receives two, and the last servant receives only one talent. As the story unfolds, we learn that the first two servants double their talents while the last servant preserves his.
The household staff all willingly embraced their respective talents, without anyone choosing to abstain. In the same way I urge all of us to recognize and utilize our spiritual gifts and the resources entrusted to us for the glorification of God and the salvation of many in our communities.
Titus Naftanaila, president