The Cutting Edge - October 11, 2019

Current news from across the KS-NE Conference

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The Cutting Edge

October 11, 2019

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

"Warren Traner was baptized this past Sabbath in Emporia," says Pastor Willy Vazquez. "When we met him the first time we offered him a set of Bible studies. He said he was Catholic but he took them anyway. Ronda was the one that studied with him most of the time. At the end of that set of studies he didn't want to be baptized. We offered him another set of studies and when he finished them he surprised us by requesting to be baptized without us even mentioning it. We praise the Lord for the Holy Spirit's work," says Pastor Willy.

“The Great Bend Church just wrapped up it’s three week World Events in Bible Prophecy series, and God truly showed up in a mighty way.” says Pastor Trey Sharp, speaker for the series. “Our attendance was consistently between 40-50 people each evening. Five people made decisions for baptism with

four of those being from the Great Bend community who attended the series only because of a mailing they received. A handful of guests were also presented with Genuine Leather Andrews University study Bibles for their outstanding attendance during the series. Please keep all of those who made decisions for baptism in your prayers and for God to continue to bless in the lives of all those who attended," asks Pastor Trey.

Pastor Mark Magnusson was ordained to the gospel ministry last Sabbath afternoon in Chadron, Nebraska. Mark just completed his Master in Pastoral Ministry degree and has served the Chadron, Crawford and Hemingford congregations for over four years. The sanctuary was full of members and friends to celebrate this speial event with Mark & Claudia.

"Recently Valley View School in Scottsbluff enjoyed a field trip to Cheyenne," says Jeannie Costopoulos. "We invited our home school buddies, Maddie and Conner, and had an incredible day! Our first stop was the National Weather Service. After giving us a tour, they had several activities and experiments for us to do! We loved it! After enjoying lunch in the park, we went to the Cheyenne Botanical Gardens. Most of our time was spent in the Children's Village. There were many things to do there. Finally it was time to go to News 5 TV Station. We met Aaron,

the evening meteorologist, and he showed us how things work when you are doing the weather on TV. Our favorite part was seeing ourselves on the TV! Our last stop was Baskin Robbins for a special treat. It was a wonderful day!" says Jeannie.

"A Day with Jesus event was held at the College View Church for 7th-12th young women in the Lincoln area this past weekend," says Pastor Katelyn Weyant (Piedmont Park associate). "We got to spend time with Jesus through inspirational testimonies, activities, an agape feast, games, and more! What a blessing to mentor these young women and to learn from them as well as we journey together," says Pastor Katelyn.

"Hays Chapel is planning a Christmas Mini VBS December 4-7," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "We'll finish with a concert by artist Vonda Beerman. Trees are being adopted by church members to decorate for the event. We also asked several businesses to donate a tree with their business name. Two businesses have agreed. The trees will then be up for silent auction to take to a needy family or keep. We are excited what is going on in Hays," says Pastor Mitch.

College View Church just hosted the 8th annual Man Camp weekend for ages 12 to 72 to fortify manhood and teach practical skills," says Pastor Mic Henton. "Young men learn how to use a chainsaw, move the earth with an excavator, rescue injured teammates, have meaningful conversations, critical thinking, do a push up, and how to grow into being a man of God. This year Pastor Mike Martinez from Louisiana spoke directly to the fathers about raising godly sons. We also had local college students, dads, and grandpas share with the group about what it means to be a man. Without the help of volunteers, this weekend wouldn’t exist, but because they are willing to give and share our young men will know how to be men of God. One young man laid in his tent with his father after the first night and said, 'Dad, these are forever memories.' Never has greater praise or a more accurate description of the weekend ever been uttered," says Pastor Mic.

“Last weekend Piedmont Park members showed up and gave their time in several community events,” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “An eleven member team from Piedmont volunteered for the Safe Quarters fundraising drive for Friendship Home. They were assigned areas of Lincoln to go door-to-door and ask for donations. The Piedmont team collected $629.68 that was added to the collections from all the other teams for a grand total of $102,000 for Friendship Home’s work to support, shelter and advocate for victims of domestic violence and their children.

Several Piedmont members and their children participated in Christian Record Services for the Blind’s annual EYE Run which raised money to aid CRSB in their work providing reading services, college scholarships and confidence-building camping experiences for people who are blind.

And a team of 25 Piedmont members and their friends joined over 400 others who participated in the Walk for Freedom which raised awareness and funds for I’ve Got A Name, a local organization that is committed to eradicating sex slavery in Lincoln and Nebraska through awareness, prayer and support of victims.”

"Last Sunday Union College hosted a city-wide drive to raise money to support the Friendship Home, the facility in Lincoln that cares for abused women," says Pastor Rich Carlson (chaplain). "Hundreds of volunteers came out from all over the city and raised more than $100,000. It was a great opportunity for Union to support this great service to Lincoln," says Pastor Rich.

"As part of my Physical Science class at Wichita Adventist Christian Academy, I started a weekly 'Science of Adulting' class that helps 10th graders learn everyday skills that aren't

always taught in school," says Principal Stan Michael. "I was inspired by the story of a high school football coach who did this sort of thing with his team. The story became viral because there is a real need for this kind of practical mentoring. What does this have to do with Physical Science? Everything! One of the most enjoyable things I do as a teacher is connecting textbook concepts to the real world. When we learn to jump-start a vehicle, we talk about stored energy, electrical polarity, and power. When we learn how to change a flat tire, we discuss simple machines, rolling friction, mass, and work. It always comes back to science. I have a number of ideas for this weekly 'adulting' class, but my biggest inspiration comes from my students. They really get it. There are things they want to learn and master before going off on their own. Plus I think they want to see if I can actually connect their request to science class. Challenge accepted," says Stan.

The General Conference executive committee meets twice annually to conduct church business. Their 2019 Annual Council takes place Oct. 11-16 in Silver Spring, Maryland, and you can watch live. Click here... I will be attending the meetings Monday - Wednesday.

"The 2nd grade class at College View Academy is learning Spanish from the high school juniors who are currently taking Spanish 1 from Elizabeth Gustafson," says Missy Sorter. "They have already learned the alphabet and numbers. Today they are making maps for their bedrooms and labeling the furniture in Spanish," says Missy.

"The Hays Chapel has had two re-baptisms and two more scheduled," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "We also have three new folk requesting baptism after further study. We now have a trough tank to do baptisms. We even have prongs to heat the water and a pump to drain it. The ladies will finish a skirting around it. October 19 is scheduled for a baptism. Great things are happening in Hays," says Pastor Mitch.

"Our guest on Thursday at our weekly chapel service at Union College was Senator Kate Bolz, who is our representative in the Nebraska State Legislature," says Pastor Rich Carlson (chaplain). "She is a gifted servant leader with a deep spiritual conviction and she shared with our school family her journey with discovering her calling, her commitment to God, and lessons she is learning to deal with faith and doubt. It was powerfully received by our school family," says Pastor Rich.

"Our unordained (intern) pastors will be meeting with their mentors Sunday - Tuesday at Broken Arrow Ranch to continue their minisry training," says Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director). Presentations, discussion, prayer and sharing will be part of this event."

"Grades 5-8 at George Stone school are wrapping up the first quarter doing research and presentations with their student teacher, Ms. Hammond," says Jenienne Kriegelstein. "Grades K-4 took a break from work to give a smile. Whether working or playing or worshiping, we are family. We help each other!" says Jenienne.

Pastor Kyle Smith let me know, "Sam Leonor, chaplain of La Sierra University, will be speaking at New Haven tonight at 'Seven' (7:00 pm) as well as both worship services tomorrow morning (8:30 & 11:00). "A personal friend and mentor, Sam was the main speaker for the 2014 Oshkosh International Camporee. His messages of grace and hope have blessed people of all ages. I hope you can join us," says Pastor Kyle.

Recently, the Scottsbluff area was blessed with the King's Heralds Quartet who preformed for the public at a local concert hall," says Isaac May. "It was well attended by the community and church members. We were also privileged to hear our own Pastor Bravatti sing one song with them!" says Isaac.

"Midland Adventist Academy's soccer team traveled to Walla Walla University's Fall Classic," says Tristan Karr. "Overall, Midland finished 5th in their bracket. The team was disappointed, but kept their chins high. Most importantly, the team represented the KS-NE and Central States Conferences well. Midland received the

Sportsmanship Award out of the 16 teams present at the tournament. It was incredibly positive, and the kids clearly enjoyed themselves making new friends and playing their hearts out. The team is ready for the Union College tournament. They are in good spirits and hope for a positive experience just like at Walla Walla!" says Tristan.

Pastor Doug Elsey adds, "I believe in trickle down leadership and want to recognize the part that Midland Adventist Academy's Principal Richard Young and Athletic Director Matt Liepke had in our soccer team winning the Sportsmanship Award. Both Mr. Young and Mr. Liepke have stressed Christian sportsmanship and that we are representing both Midland and Christ. I really appreciate this focus and believe it was instrumental in us winning the Sportsmanship Award," says Pastor Doug.

"Our Great Bend School has had such a busy and fun time," shares Sherry Larson. "We shot bottle rockets. We enjoyed a couple of field trips this week. One field trip was to the fire station for Fire Prevention Week. Another field trip was to the Sunny Side Pumpkin Patch, with parents, Pastor Sharp, and Hays Maranatha Christian School. Thank you parents, pastor, Rita Spears and Hays Maranatha students for joining us on our Field trip. It was fun time for all," says Sherry.

"These last beautiful days of fall require some outside chores at church," says Regina Harvey. "Loren Wehling and a few others were trimming trees, doing some painting and other maintenance to the Hastings Church before the cold weather!" says Regina.

"Last Sunday, church members, parents, and community supporters came out to Wichita Adventist Christian Academy's annual Duane Wehling Memorial Golf Tournament," says Aubrey Asher. "Weather was a little chilly but we were blessed the rain and wind held off. We are so thankful to David Chacko, Earl Schellner, Brant Westbrook, and Kelli Wehling for their dedication and hard work in making this tournament happen. WACA is proud to announce that over $8,000 were raised for the school!!" beams Aubrey.

The offering this Sabbath is for The Voice of Prophecy ministry. "The Voice of Prophecy exists to proclaim the everlasting gospel of Christ—leading people to accept Jesus as their personal Savior and nurturing them in preparation for His soon return." Read more...

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

John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) will be in Hutchinson tomorrow where John will preach and present “Managing God’s Gifts” after lunch.
Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) will be preaching in El Dorado, Kansas tomorrow, then meeting with the intern pastors and their mentors beginning Sunday evening at Broken Arrow Ranch.
Sue & I will be at the Holland, Nebraska Church this Sabbath where Sue will share some music and I'll be preaching. I'll be speaking to the intern pastors Sunday evening then heading to General Conference Annual Council early Monday morning in Silver Spring, Maryland.

**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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