The Cutting Edge - August 23, 2019

Current news from across the KS-NE Conference

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The Cutting Edge

August 23, 2019

Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone!

"These five Pathfinders from Kansas City chose to be baptized at the International Camporee in Oshkosh," says Pastor Anthony Whitlow. "I was honored to be able to baptize them and share in that lasting memory. May they continue to choose Jesus every day of their life!" says Pastor Anthony.

"Two members of the Omaha Memorial Angels Pathfinder Club were baptized at Oshkosh last Friday," says Pastor Delmar Austin. David Richardson and Briannah Wagner, both Pathfinders had done Bible studies months ahead to prepare for baptism at the Camporee. We will show a video clip of the baptism this Sabbath and vote them into church membership," says Pastor Austin.

"The Ark City Hispanic Church is wrapping up another evangelistic series," says Roberto Correa (Hispanic Coordinator). "Pastor Joel González, guest speaker, has been lifting up Jesus every night. The members were blessed and decision for baptism were made," says Pastor Correa.

"Over 400 Pathfinders and club leaders from the Kansas-Nebraska Conference joined more than 55,000 people for the 2019 International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wisconson last week," says Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director). "In addition to honors and activities, our clubs enjoyed powerful sermons by pastor Damian Chandler and a dramatic portrayal of the early life of David. Young people were challenged to view

themselves as God sees them, chosen for a higher calling. As a result of this we had 24 young people get baptized on Friday at the Camporee! We are so excited for our young people who gave their lives to Christ and are praying for them as they find their

calling in Christ. A sincere thanks all of our Pathfinder club leaders and parents who helped to support our young people last week. Our involvement in the International Pathfinder Camporee would not have been possible without those leaders who sacrificed to help make it happen. Thank you!" says Pastor Tim.

"Before school started, we wanted to make sure that the Holy Spirit had filled Wichita Adventist Christian Academy’s halls and classrooms," says Aubrey Asher. "After church last Sabbath, we invited everyone to join us as we conducted a prayer walk through the school building. We had quite a turn out and could feel the love of Jesus come into each classroom. The power of prayer is something I truly believe in. I hope that the prayers for our school won’t end with this prayer walk. So, as we have just finished up our first week of this new school year, I ask all who read this to form a habit of praying for all of our KS-NE church schools. Pray for the schools, the students, the families, the teachers, and the principals. There are so many things we teachers want to teach our students, but above all else, we strive to show them the love of Jesus Christ," says Aubrey.

“Last Sabbath was Youth Sabbath at Piedmont Park, and young people were everywhere to be seen in the worship service,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “From music to prayer to offering call to children’s story our young people stepped up and, for some, stepped out of their comfort zone, and shared their talents and time with us. And we are thankful!”

The theme of the 2019 International Camporee was "Chosen" based on the story of King David. Click here to see the reveal of the theme for the 2024 International Camporee. If your church doesn't have a Pathfinder Club, consider starting one. If you have one, realize how fortunate your young people are. Plan for Oshkosh 2024!!

"Our Olathe New Life members and friends enjoyed an evening of pottery, including Pastor Joe & Ellen Beazley," says Charmain Botchway.

Maria Johnson, mother, counselor and camp nurse for the College View Trailblazers in Lincoln is completely sold on the benefits of Pathfindering. “I’ve been working with Pathfinders for 13 years now,” Maria says, “and before that I was a Girl Scout for 13 years and an Adventurer Club director.” Read more...

Master Guide Maria Johnson (left) invested her middle daughter, Alexis, at the 2019 Camporee. Her oldest daughter was invested at Oshkosh Camporee in 2014 and her youngest plans to be ready by 2024.

"Our Union College freshman class is on campus and we're excited to see who God brought to us and what the year holds in store for us as we give each day to Him," says Pastor Rich Carlson (chaplain). "Thank you for your prayer in support of this next generation. And yes, the balloons we released, symbolizing letting go and giving all to God, are biodegradable, and so is the string!!" says Pastor Rich.

"35 kids came through our VBS in Hays!" says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "It lasted Monday thru Saturday. We had parents stay through the whole week. Many kids dropped off. Our Chapel announced that every Saturday afternoon their will be kids hour, starting at 5:00 until 6:00. Three families agreed to bring their children. One

family we are holding a baby shower for mom. They are in desperate need. Bev led out while La Crosse and Bazine members staffed the whole week. Almost 300.00 came in for ADRA water needs in Africa," says Pastor Mitch.

Midland Adventist Academy

rolls out the red carpet on their first day of school. Click here to see...

"This week I have been at Broken Arrow Ranch participating in College View Academy's beginning of the year high school retreat," says Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director). "I joined Kathy Bollinger, Michael Halfhill and Mic Henton leading out in worship this week

and have really enjoyed hanging out with the parents, staff, and students! Please pray for CVA as their school year gets going, God is doing great things in and through them!" says Pastor Tim.

"About 125 guests from the community came to a recent open house for the new Chadron, Nebraska church," says LeRoy Wyatt. "Guided tours were given by members and refreshments were served allowing opportunity for interaction between guests and visitors. In addition to the sanctuary, the facility features a fellowship hall with a full kitchen, a conference room, five classrooms, a nursery, and pastors office.The

sanctuary and the fellowship hall each seat 150 with the capability to live stream sanctuary programming into the fellowship hall for overflow capacity. Dedication ceremonies are scheduled for August 30 and 31," says LeRoy.

"Last Sunday, as well as Thursday evening, our El Dorado congregation gathered together for a work bee," says Pastor Francois Erasmus. "This was done in anticipation of our upcoming district meeting this Sabbath. We painted, removed old siding and 'spruced up' our facility. This work bee was part of an ongoing effort to update and refurbish our facility. It is true what they say 'many hands make light work.'" says Pastor Francois.

"This is going to be the 'missionary (sharing) book' for 2020," says Peggy Glass (ABC Manager).

God's Truth sets forth the idea that there is truth not only in the material world but also in the social and spiritual realms; truth that is foundational to personal and social health; truth that transforms lives. Bestselling author George R. Knight explains the Bible’s major themes in a manner that is both clear and brief. As such, it not only provides a concise introduction to the teachings of history’s most influential and best-selling book, but it is also an invitation to further study. Click here...

"Here's some news from Scottsbluff," says Ivy Lunbery. "Pastor Bravatti led out in a very spiritual communion service. Connie helped her father maneuver the communion "bread and wine." It's so important to keep our elderly in the loop.

Another group that needs to be encouraged are our young people. Pastor Bravatti presented a young man who graduated from high school a few months ago with a beautiful Bible. Pastor Eddy has been working with this young man and helping him make wise choices for his future. And, Sunday we had a lake day at Lake Minatare and all of the 'kids' had a great time!" says Ivy.

"What a great time at the Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "Bev went up and met our grandkids. Stayed the whole time. She sent me these pictures. She says it was amazing!" says Pastor Mitch.

"Steve Gillum and his group of Pathfinders from La Vida Mission, New Mexico stopped to spend the night on their way home from the Camporee in Oshkosh," says Angie Williams. "Our Liberal, Kansas Church was happy to accommodate the group of 25 Pathfinders. All were happy to get off the bus and find a comfortable place to rest," says Angie.

"This past Friday evening, we had our annual back-to-school sandwich and ice cream social at our Enterprise Church!" Says LIsa Jahn, "Everyone looks forward to this because there are always several kinds of home made ice cream! It was a nice evening of food and fellowship!" says Lisa.

In this week's Sabbath School lesson, we examine the teachings of Jesus and what they tell us specifically about how and who we are to help. Click here...

"Here are a few pictures of our first week of school in Great Bend," says Sherry Larson. "We had an enjoyable week with our five wonderful students this year, and Pastor Trey Sharp had chapel with us this Friday. We even wore him out playing mushroom

tag with us. Thank you Pastor Sharp for joining us today and supporting Christian Education," says Sherry.

"A delightful day of worshiping God, fellowshipping with family and friends and enjoying God's creation made camp meeting at Camp Arrowhead wonderful!" says Regina Harvey. "Pastor Lawrence Francis

delivered inspiring messages. There were quite a few new faces as well as regular ones. A great day of praising God!" says Regina.

"Susan & I spent our 40^th on an Eastern Smoky Mountain adventure," says John Sweigart (VP for Administration). "We ended the week long trip in Charleston, SC where we celebrated four August family wedding anniversaries – my sister's - 45 years; my oldest brother’s - 44 years; my next older brother – 42 years, and ours - 40 years; 171 years in all! Here's a picture of the four couples having anniversary pizza!" says John.

The offering this Sabbath is for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference Advance. This regular offering supports Adventist education, youth/young adult ministries and evangelism across our territory. "Losing our children to Satan’s wiles may seem like a modern problem and getting worse, but it is as old as Cain, Esau, and the rebellious Israelites. Read more...

Here's what some of from the office are up to....

Tim Floyd (Youth/Young Adult Director) will be back out at the camp for Midland Adventist Academy's high school retreat.
Jeff & Marianne Bovee (Education Director) will be at the Chapel Oaks Church where Jeff will be preaching. "They are also having a Midland Adventist Academy teacher dedication that day," says Jeff.
John Sweigart (VP for Administration) will be preaching and presenting an afternoon stewardship seminar at the Community Adventist Church in Fairfield, NE.
Sue & I will be worshiping with the Emmanuel Hispanic congregation in Kansas City tomorrow where I'll be preaching.

**If you know something that you think would be of interest to other Kansas-Nebraska Adventists, please let me know. I am trying to keep everyone on the "cutting edge" by sending this out each Friday.

Have a wonderful Sabbath!

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Ron Carlson, President
Kansas-Nebraska Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®
3440 Urish Rd.
Topeka, KS 66614
785-478-4726
www.ks-ne.org
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