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We value (A)dventist education, (C)oaching leaders,
(T)otally involving members in ministry, & (S)piritually growing in Jesus. This is Washington ACTS!
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The Lesson is in the Leftovers
by Jerry Russell, Washington Conference vice president for finance
 The story of the boy with five loaves and two fishes is found in all four of the gospels, and all four accounts are very similar.
Jesus, motioning to the large crowd, tells his disciples in Matthew 14:16 to “get them something to eat.” The disciples immediately try to fulfill His request with human resources - money, time, etc. - an impossible task given the size of the crowd and where they were.
John 6:6 says Jesus was testing them, as He know what He was intending to do but wanted to see their faith. Andrew, showing at least a little faith in what Jesus could do, saw a young boy with a meager lunch of five barley loaves and two fishes and asked the boy if he would give it to Jesus.
But what appeared to the boy, and all the onlookers there that day, to be insufficient and insignificant was made sufficient and significant when placed in the hands of Jesus.
So then...
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:: THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON
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What if 5th & 6th Graders Ran the City?
How many fifth and sixth grade students do you think it takes to run a city? Four Adventist schools in western Washington found out this week when 126 students arrived at Junior Achievement's Biztown in Auburn, Wash!
For weeks leading into this experience, students from Northwest Christian School in Puyallup, Buena Vista Elementary in Auburn, Orcas Christian School in Eastsound, and Olympia Christian School in Olympia prepared for their roles in running a city for a day. Skills included learning currency, managing finances, discovering the value of goods and services, and applying for a variety of jobs including elected officials, CEOs, CFOs, attorneys, news anchors, marketers, business owners, and utility workers.
"It feels good and stressful to be the mayor," says Natalie from Northwest Christian School (pictured bottom right) who was elected Mayor of Auburn JA Biztown for the day.
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Remembering Sue Johnson
Our office team lost a valued member last Sabbath. Sue Johnson worked part-time with Byron Dulan and Colette Newer in the Outreach Ministries department and specifically assisted with disaster response. She also volunteered signficantly with Auburn City Church's clothing bank.
"Sue has been a good friend and valued member of the Outreach Ministries team and this comes as a shock for all of us," says Newer. "She will be deeply missed."
Sue had been hospitalized about three weeks ago and was on life support for 15 days. Medical professionals did not give hope of a recovery, so her husband, Tom, made the difficult decision to stop interventions. Tom is now taking comfort in hearing how much Sue was loved and appreciated.
Service plans are still being arranged.
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Be a Nurturer
You are likely familiar with Carolyn Brown and her Search & Rescue Ministry and Free Legal Clinic at Maranatha Adventist Church in Seattle.
At our first Urban Ministries Conference three years ago, she shared part of her story.
"I was one of the least of these," Carolyn began. "I learned from the age of 11 that it was safer to live on the street than at home."
Then God gave her a new opportunity that she still remembers. About a dozen years ago, Carolyn felt impressed by God to take 20 sandwiches to feed the homeless in Seattle. It wasn't enough. So the second time, she took 200 sandwiches....for 400 people! Those who did receive a sandwich split it so everyone had food. The third time and continuing times, Carolyn worked with community partners to bring 800-900 sandwiches.
"Five loaves and two fish are truly my life," she said. "God can use anything. All He needs you to do is bring it."
But God wasn't done teaching Carolyn and taught her another lesson. "We are quick to hand out sandwiches, hats and gloves," Carolyn observed. "What we don't do is talk with people and find out their stories."
After the first Urban Ministries Conference and listening to the needs of her homeless friends, Carolyn felt even more impressed to pursue opening a Free Legal Clinic. And she did so, with prayer, partnerships, and God's help, last year.
"Don't get so caught up in evangelism that you forget ministry," Carolyn advised. "You have to address the needs they have. Be a nurturer."
Put your words into actions. Put your prayers in motion. Learn more about Biblical justice in community this April 13-15 in Kenmore, Wash.
Registration ends Sunday, April 8, at midnight.
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WWU President Addresses Racism on Campus
On April 3, John McVay, Walla Walla University (WWU) president, addressed a campus-wide assembly regarding the core values of the university. In his comments, which included a response to a recent racist social media post on campus, McVay called for respect and care for one another. Citing the apostle Paul, McVay urged the campus family to unite by reconciling everything and everyone in Christ.
"Healing takes extended time and a dedicated effort," he said. "If we wish to heal, if we wish to activate and actualize Christ-created reconciliation, if we wish to impact Walla Walla University's deep culture, it will take sustained effort. It will sometimes take challenging and difficulte education and conversation. It will take a dedication to being in it for the long haul."
Click on the image above to watch McVay's 27-minute address.
Read more on WWU's response and ongoing commitment to promote diversity and inclusion: https://www.wallawalla.edu/statement
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Gift Card & Water Bottle Donations Needed for AMEN Everett
AMEN Everett community health clinic is seeking Costco and Cash & Carry gift card donations to help feed 350 volunteers on April 20 and 22. With your gift cards in hand, the Food Service Coordinator will purchase the food items needed for the menu. Additionally, cases of water bottles are needed.
You may donate in-kind gift cards and water bottle cases to North Seattle area Adventist Churches (please call ahead to verify your drop off point; no donation receipts available) OR you may donate financially through AdventistGiving.org (donation receipt available).
When giving online (via website or app), select an Adventist Church in western Washington and select the line-item for “WA Conference AMEN.” For any questions, please email ameneverett@gmail.com.
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Coming Soon to Snohomish County!
Know someone who is uninsured or underinsured in Snohomish County (or area counties, too)? Invite your friends to the AMEN Everett dental, medical and vision clinic this April 20 & 22!
Download the postcard images (above) to share on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or email. Plus find more details at facebook.com/ameneverett or www.ameneverett.org.
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Hear Dick Duerksen....in Two Places!
Master storyteller Dick Duerksen has two speaking engagements in western Washington on the same weekend! That means multiple opportunities to hear great Bible, mission and ministry stories!
ASI Northwest: April 19-22
Adventist Laymen's Services & Industries (ASI) is having its northwest convention in Everett for any Adventist business owner. ASI encourages Adventist business owners to "share Jesus in the marketplace."
Dick Duerksen will open the ASI Northwest Convention with presentations on Friday night at the Angel of the Winds Convention Center/Arena (formerly Xfinity). The Friday evening program will be filled with singing and stories. Duerksen will continue his storytelling on Saturday evening. Additional presenters include Dr. John McVay (Sabbath School time) and Doug Bing (Church time). Fountainview Academy will also provide music features.
The full ASI member’s program runs April 19-22. Visit asinorthwest.org or contact Marella Rudebaugh at (360) 857-7037 to attend and participate. You don't have to be an ASI member to participate in the Friday night and Sabbath programs!
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SAGE Seniors Reunion Sabbath: April 21
SAGE Seniors are coming together to celebrate how God has enabled them to be "seniors in action for God with excellence" in this last year. The Reunion Sabbath will be held April 21 at the Washington Conference Office Auditorium in Federal Way.
- Stories from Dick Duerksen
- Costa Rica Mission Presentation
- Ken Lauren Tribute
- Potluck Luncheon
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Get Ready to Pitch Your Tent...
....or drive your RV.... or move into a dorm room at camp meeting time! There are plenty of conference tent sites and RV sites (for partial hook-up or dry sites) available. Witzel Hall dorm has a wait list and the full hook-up RV sites also have a wait list.
Plan to join us in Auburn from Friday, June 15, through Sabbath, June 23, for a family-friendly week of spiritual growth and Christian community! Our team is finalizing a fantastic list of workshops and a brand new FamilyFest for Sunday afternoon!
Have a specific reservation questions or inquiries? You may now email guests@waconference.org or call/text 253-259-4219!
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