In early 2024, a staff meeting was conducted to assess the previous year’s performance and chart a course for the future of our churches, schools, and other institutions. Each department presented reports on their respective ministries, and their directors expressed their willingness to work together towards another successful year.
The organization’s core values were presented as faithfulness to God’s call, integrity, accountability, a sense of divine purpose, and joy for service. The entire office staff is committed to promoting excellence in conduct and ministry while maximizing resources.
The theme for our 2024 camp meeting is “Run the Race!” and the event will feature several main speakers including Shawn Boonstra, Elden Ramirez, Richie Halversen, Craig Carr, Jennifer Woods, Amanda Angyush, and Cesar & Carolann DeLeon in Pioneer Pavilion. Additionally, the leaders of the children’s, youth and young adult divisions have been preparing inspiring programs. Getting ready for camp meeting requires a lot of effort and preparation. Some changes have been planned for the evening schedule with the goal of concluding all meetings no later than 8:45 pm.
Camp Wakonda’s staff has already begun the campaign to finish the major projects that we voted on last year. We appreciate their dedication to our campground, as well as the support and commitment of all volunteers.
Wisconsin Academy has initiated a comprehensive campaign to renovate and improve its buildings and equipment. We are grateful to their team and supporters for their efforts in making some crucial improvements. Once the major projects at Camp Wakonda are completed, the focus will shift to Wisconsin Academy.
During the new building dedication of the Kenosh church, my wife and I along with Dr. Amir Gulzar and his wife worshiped God and celebrated His providence for our church family in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Pastor Adam Case, Dr. Amit Gulzar, and I recently held a significant meeting in Milwaukee. We extended an invitation to all churches to join an initiative aimed at establishing a Center of Influence to address the major spiritual, emotional, and physical needs of the urban area in Wisconsin. We are now calling on the Executive Committee to ratify a plan that we believe will create more ministry opportunities for all members in that region.
I have already begun my pastoral visits for this year on Sabbaths and recently had the privilege of worshiping with the Hylandale and Lena churches in addition to Kenosha. I am always impressed by the level of dedication shown by our brothers and sisters in Christ, who are actively involved in their communities.
In January, I attended several important meetings and events, including the Presidents’ Retreat, Elders’ Meeting, Board of Education, Men’s Retreat, Finance Committee, Lake Union Conference Presidents Council, and Wisconsin Academy Building Committee. Additionally, the Trust Department was audited, and the results were excellent, thanks to the dedicated service of Pastor Bill Ochs.
I am grateful for the entire team at the conference office, as well as those working in the field. This includes pastors, teachers, staff, local leaders, and volunteers. Together, we make up the Wisconsin Conference, and I feel blessed that God has called us to serve Him and His beloved church in Wisconsin. We aim to faithfully serve with joy and an excellent spirit.
Titus Naftanaila, President