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Current news from across the KS-NE Conference
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The Cutting Edge

February 7, 2020

Here's what's happening across our Conference, at least what I've heard about. Feel free to share this with anyone!
"Just before his son's baptism, John Weaver related how Gavon had come to him following a study of the ten virgins with the request to speak with Pastor Mike Fenton when they arrived back home from traveling," shares Reba Lucky. "John assured him that he could, but asked if he’d like to share what it was about. Gavon’s reply was “Dad, I want more oil for my lamp.
I can feel His presence . . .”.  Gavon studied with Pastor Mike and last Sabbath Gavon Weaver publicly declared his love for Jesus and his desire to live for Him by following Him into the waters of baptism. Chapel Oaks elder, Matt Crouch welcomed Gavon into fellowship. We praise the Lord for the decision of this young man!" says Reba.
"Last Sabbath we had a child dedication at the Omaha Memorial Church," says Pastor Delmar Austin. "Jarred & Breanna Holweger, brought their two daughters, Gretchyn and Pyper, to dedicate to the Lord. We are happy for these Christian parents who desire to train their children for Jesus!" says Pastor Austin.
Last Sabbath was a very special day for the KC Maranatha Hispanic congregation as they celebrated that they have paid off their mortgage six years ahead of schedule. Conference VP for Finance, Darin Gottfried, burned the mortgage as church leaders and members looked on. Roberto Correa, Conference Hispanic Coordinator was present to pray for the congregation. I was honored to share a message with them with the help of Pastor Leo Figueroa's translation. The celebration concluded with a delicious fellowship lunch. The members are excited about what God can keep doing through them.
John Patterson let me know, "We had a lively discussion about humility from Daniel 4 at Sabbath school last week in Colby, Kansas. Our congregation loves to discuss the Bible and learn together," says John.
"This week for Science class at our Great Bend school we have been learning about electricity," says Sherry Larson. "We were able to learn in a fun and engaging way. Thank you Mr. Larson for making out learning experience so enjoyable," says Sherry.
The Kansas-Nebraska Revive Us Again Prayer Conference will feature a CHILDREN'S TRACK for kids 6-10 years old with greatly reduced pricing," says Virgil Covel (Prayer Ministries Director). "Space is limited and early bird registration ends on March 10 when prices return to normal. Click here for more information and to register," says Virgil,
"This evening Wichita South is sharing practical ways to make Christ the center of your family life," says Whitni Carlson (Family Life Coordinator). "A soup ‘n sandwich supper will be provided too; so worry not, busy parents! Our speaker, Kessia Reyne Bennett is the Pastor for Discipleship at the College View Church in Lincoln and is a sought-after speaker. She is a PhD candidate in systematic theology at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and the mother of two daughters. She and her husband, Joshua, are learning as they go," says Whitni.
"Last weekend we had a packed house and enjoyed worshiping with a 170+ voice choir from our Mid America Union Music Festival at Union College," says Pastor Rich Carlson (chaplain). "At the same time our students were serving lunch to the homeless of Lincoln. A double blessing of receiving and giving."
"We've got a fun-filled Saturday night planned for our youth this weekend," says Jeff Carlson (Wichita South associate pastor). "With the help of some amazing parents and friends, the kids will have plenty of good things to do to make memories and simply have a blast. Midnight is late enough, though," says Pastor Jeff. 

Crave fun, adventure, nachos?

Come join the party! 
“George Stone Elementary School celebrated Christmas tonight!” shares Vanessa Schaecher. “Back in December the school’s Christmas program had to be cancelled due to illnesses. The students had worked hard and were disappointed...as were
the teachers, parents and friends! But tonight, we were surrounded by the joy of Jesus’ birth as the students played choir chimes and band songs and performed a play about the first Christmas. Everyone did so well! The play was
filled with truth and humor and reminded us how thankful we are for the gift of Jesus! We missed Mrs. Simpson who had to be at home tonight recovering from sickness herself. We are so thankful to Mrs. K and all the others who stepped in to make tonight a success. It may be February, but it is a blessing to celebrate Jesus birth any time of the year!”
"Seth Gaskin (New Haven associate pastor) is today’s chapel speaker at Midland Adventist Academy," says Pastor Doug Elsey. "He is doing a fine job talking about Jesus."
"Last Saturday night Wichita Adventist Christian Academy hosted their annual International Dinner fundraiser," shares Aubrey Asher. "WACA families, church members, and friends came to eat papusas, Brazilian food, Italian pastas, yummy desserts, Chinese food, and more. What fun everyone had!" says Aubrey.
"My Great Bend students enjoyed Week of Prayer this week with Pastor Jonathan Burt," says Sherry Larson. "We learned about the life of Moses, Solomon, and Daniel and, Friday we learned about John the disciple of Jesus. There were always three points to remember about each character. We learned  through Moses story that God has a plan for our life, and that he might ask us to do big things that seem
impossible, and our strength can come through talking to God about everything. We learned though Solomon that we are not as strong or smart as we think we are, so we need to ask God for wisdom, and once God has
given us this wisdom, don't steer away from God. We learned through Daniel that we need to choose to stand for God now and then decide to trust God and prayer will keep that trust in God alive and vibrant. John taught us that God can change anyone, and that he called us to be his witness, and we need to pray for the Holy Spirit," says Sherry.
"Hays Maranatha Christian School had the honor of alumna, Vashti, coming and doing a science experiment presentation to demonstrate how DNA can be extracted from fruit such as a banana," says Rita Spears. "My 5th and 7th grade students have been studying about DNA in Science, so they were totally involved and amazed with this experiment. Vashti is attending college and majoring in Animal Science. This experiment presentation is one of six that she has to do to meet requirements for her Botany class. Thank you, Vashti, for choosing to share your awesome presentation with the students," says Rita.
Virginia Watley sent me some photos of their first communion service at the Independence Church with their new pastor, Carl Goff. "It was such a blessing," says Virginia,
"We celebrated National Read Aloud Day at College View Academy on Wednesday," says Alana Paradise. "We had special guest readers. The students read to each other, made pins and bookmarks and celebrated how reading can feed your brain and take
you on new adventures. We were thankful for the local public librarians, parents, an author and a pastor who took time out of their day to bring the books to life for us," says Alana. 
"The Women's Ministries of our Lincoln Northside Church recently hosted the 'Mix n Mingle' social event," says Kathryn Conopio-Mapp. "Our aim was to bring the women and girls of the church and provide time for us to have fun, get to know each other, and pray for one another for the upcoming year. We had four stations set up for the ladies, which included arts and crafts, food and bingo, and small games," says Kathryn.
"We had 22 people at the Chapel for the Super Bowl," says Pastor Mitch Elrod. "Randy Leiker prepared the meal, kids played pool, bean bag toss and football in the parking lot. We had a great time with new people and our Chapel regulars. Thanks to all who came and helped with cleaning," says Pastor Mitch.
"The Mid-America Union Children’s Ministries Convention will be held Feb. 28-29 in Omaha, Nebraska," says Sue Carlson (Children's Ministries Director). "Don't miss this life-changing experience for leaders of children. Click here for more information or call me at the Conference office," says Sue. 
The offering this Sabbath is the annual offering for Adventist Television Ministries. This avenue is able to reach people with the gospel which may not be reached in any other way. Please be generous. "The pastor leaned over to the elder and asked: “Who is that new person sitting in the back pew?” Click here.
Here's what some of us from the office are up to...
  • John & Susan Sweigart (VP for Administration) will be at the Fort Scott and Hepler churches this Sabbath where John will be sharing a message.
  • Virgil Covel (Ministerial Director) will be sharing a message with the Liberal, Kansas congregation tomorrow.
  • Jeff & Marianne Bovee (Education Director) will be attending the Topeka Wanamaker Church this Sabbath.
  • Norm & Jan ZImmerman (Trust Services Director) will be with the Dodge City Hispanic congregation this weekend.
  • Sue has been with me in St. Augustine, Florida for North American Division Conference Presidents' Council this week. We're in Kettering, Ohio this weekend to celebrate our oldest grandchild, Ian's, 11th birthday and baptism. His dad, our son, will be performing the ceremony. Steve is the chaplain of Kettering College and on the pastoral staff of Kettering Adventist Church. What a special day!! 
**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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