Serving, Worshiping, Growing: Students Step Into Mission in Kayenta

By Heidi Jorgenson

Ten students from grades 7 and 8, along with their chaperones, spent several days serving at the Navajo Mission in Kayenta, Arizona, an experience that combined hands-on ministry, community impact, and spiritual growth.

Students from Vegas Valley Adventist Academy and Riverview Christian Academy worked side by side on service projects that supported the mission’s ongoing work. Their tasks included spreading mulch, preparing soil for blueberry planting, repainting signs, and participating in campus cleanup.

“It felt good to work hard and know it was helping someone else,” said Ruben, a student.

The group also led out in Friday night vespers and Sabbath morning worship, engaging the local church through music, prayer, and personal testimonies.

In between projects, the group explored the beauty of the surrounding area, connecting with God’s creation and each other.

From worship to work, this trip gave students a chance to live out their faith and experience the joy of service in a new setting, proving once again that mission is for anyone willing to go, grow, and give.

For His Name Sake: Faith, Film, and the Power of Creative Ministry

By Neat Randriamialison

On Saturday, June 7, 2025, Riverview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Reno, Nevada, hosted a special screening of For His Name Sake, a feature film by director Kevin Cameron. The event, sponsored by the Nevada-Utah Conference in collaboration with the Regional Ministries Department, brought together church members who were in town for this year’s Regional Convocation.

The film is an intense family drama that follows a young couple in a desperate struggle to save their newborn's life. The father must confront his own past and seek out his estranged father, the only person who might be able to help. Inspired by Psalm 23:3, For His Name Sake explores themes of faith, courage, and the power of reconciliation.

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” (Psalm 23:3)

The story goes beyond surface drama. It reflects the emotional reality of healing from family trauma, navigating broken relationships, and rediscovering faith in God. Drawing inspiration from films like John Q and The Shack, the director aimed to portray raw human vulnerability without sensationalism. Just real people, deep emotion, and redemptive hope.

“We want to tell stories that reflect the life of the average person,” Kevin said. “Stories that speak to faith, family, and the resilience of the human spirit.”

During the Q&A after the screening, Kevin described one of the production’s biggest challenges. During a key shoot in a motel, the team was suddenly asked to leave with just one hour to wrap up.

“We had to beg for that extra hour,” Kevin recalled. “I told Romaine, our lead actor, ‘You’ve got to shoot this scene by yourself.’ Then I ran to the car, called motels, and tried to book a new location. That scene was actually filmed across two different motels. But that’s the power of filmmaking.”

Despite obstacles, the film was completed with excellence. More importantly, it was created with purpose and mission in mind.

Kevin also shared a glimpse into his next project, centered on generational differences around mental health, specifically anxiety and depression. The goal is to bridge understanding between parents and their children in today’s emotionally complex world.

“God gave me this story,” he said. “Young people are dealing with real anxiety, and sometimes their parents don’t understand why. This film is about listening, healing, and creating space for empathy.”

Creative storytelling like For His Name’s Sake is not a side ministry. It’s a powerful, yet less talked about, way to connect, convict, and call people to Christ. This film, and others like it, point to the vital role creatives play in building the Kingdom. It reminds us that the gospel belongs not only in pulpits, but in every medium God has gifted us to use, especially the ones that meet people where they are.

NUC Celebrates June Ordinations

By Neat Randriamialison

Ordination is a sacred ceremony in which a person is officially recognized, affirmed, and set apart for ministry by the church. It is not simply a promotion or reward; it is a public acknowledgment that the individual has been called by God, confirmed by the church, and equipped by the Holy Spirit to serve in spiritual leadership.

Kevin Solomon Ordained in Reno — June 7

On June 7, the Sparks Seventh-day Adventist Church hosted Pastor Kevin Solomon’s ordination service.

Solomon’s ministry has been a journey marked by perseverance, humility, and deep spiritual conviction about his calling.

Elder Carlos Camacho, NUC President, issued the official charge:

“Pastor Solomon, this moment is not a destination; it’s a confirmation. You’ve been walking with God. Today, we lay hands not to begin something, but to bless what He has already started.”

Kevin, with visible gratitude, thanked those who walked with him through seminary, church leadership, and seasons of personal growth.

“Ministry isn’t something I chose.” He shared, “It’s something that wouldn’t let go of me. And now, I just want to pour myself out for the sake of the gospel.”

Loren Yutuc Ordained in Elko — June 14

One week later, on June 14, a similar spirit filled the sanctuary at the Elko Seventh-day Adventist Church as Pastor Loren Yutuc was ordained in front of his district churches, family, and conference leaders.

Pastor Ron Torkelsen delivered the ordination message, focusing on Peter’s restoration story in John 21. He urged Pastor Yutuc to remain rooted in personal devotion:

“Don’t quit. Don’t compare. Don’t worry. Stay faithful, and feed His sheep.”

In a deeply moving testimony, Pastor Yutuc reflected on God’s timing and the unconventional path that led him into ministry.

“I didn’t take the straight line,” he said. “But I took the one God kept lighting up.”

Elder Camacho closed with a reminder:

“We are not ordaining a personality, we are confirming a servant. God has called you, and He will sustain you.”

Though Kevin and Loren’s stories are different, their calling is the same: the service of Christ and His people. Their respective ministry reflect the diversity across the Nevada-Utah Conference and the unity of purpose that ties it all together.

Education Cable June 2025

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Journey to Glory: How a Group of Rwandese Young Adults Live Their Faith

By Neat Randriamialison

I haven’t seen this kind of fire for Jesus in a long time.

From May 30 to June 1 in Salt Lake City, I witnessed something remarkable. A group of Rwandese young adults who have created what many churches are still praying for: a spiritual community that’s alive, consistent, and mission-driven. They call it Journey to Glory.

This group, made up of young adults ages 18 to 30 from across the United States, started meeting online just a few years ago. Twice a week, they gather on Zoom to study the Bible. And at the end of each month, they serve the homeless in their local cities. And once a year, they meet in person to reconnect, meet newcomers, but most importantly, worship together.

What impressed me most was their intentionality. They’re not just participants, they’re leaders. They’ve formed a board. They assign roles. They plan and execute their retreats with purpose. No one is a spectator. Some prepared food. Others handled logistics. A few coordinated community outreach. Others booked speakers and managed the weekend flow.

It’s simple. They are a church. A movement focused on growing in Christ together while finding ways to make an impact in their community.

One of the young leaders, Robin, flew in from Tennessee. He’s 25, turning 26 in July, and his passion is impossible to ignore.

“We started this group to grow in Christ together,” he shared. “We don’t want to just talk about faith, we want to live it.”

Robin attended the first retreat just two months after arriving in the United States. That experience stayed with him. So when the second one came around, he made up his mind to attend, even if it meant risking his job.

“This year, I asked for Friday and Monday off,” he said. “They didn’t approve it. But if my job doesn’t value my spiritual life, that’s a problem. I’m not a money lover. If Jesus left heaven—Heaven!—just to be nailed to a cross for me, then I can give Him a weekend.”

Robin served as a worship leader throughout the retreat and believes his talents are gifts from God to be used for ministry.

“God wants the best of me. My energy. My voice. My time. My resources,” he said. “There are people who want to dance but don’t have legs. People who want to sing but are on oxygen. I still have all of that, so I use it for Him.”

He doesn’t see worship as performance. For him, it’s a form of prayer and intercession.

“When I sing, I’m preaching. When I dance, I’m praying. I’m thanking God for my salvation, and I’m praying for others to experience it too. This is the only way to God, and I want everyone to have it.”

Journey to Glory is more than a Bible study. It’s a spiritual movement led by young people who aren’t waiting to be given a platform; they’re building one. And they’re doing it with humility, vision, and an unshakable passion for Jesus.

I pray that every church community can be inspired by what I saw that weekend. When young people are given space, responsibility, and the freedom to lead, this is what it can look like.

Education Cable May 2025

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By Heidi Jorgenson

Non-SDA Leader Guides Pathfinder Team to 1st Place NAD Level of PBE

Interview conducted by Neat Randriamialison

Meet Patsy Jenkins. Patsy is not a Seventh-day Adventist, but you wouldn’t know it by the way she leads, teaches, and disciples the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team at Mountain View SDA Church in Las Vegas. For the past three years, she’s coached a group of young people called the Sin City Saints, and in 2025, they took first place at the North American Division PBE Finals, a national-level achievement.

But this story is about more than a trophy. It’s about what happens when a local church opens the door wide enough for someone outside the denomination to walk in, serve with purpose, and change lives, including their own.

Patsy’s passion isn’t complicated. She saw what kids were missing and she decided to do something about it.

“With everything that’s going on and the kids always out and about,” she said, “most kids are not growing up in the church, or they’re not studying. So I figured if we do PBE, it gives the kids the opportunity to dig into the Bible, dig into God’s Word. And that’s something they keep with them.”

She’s seen how the Word of God becomes part of their lives. “It comes to you whether you think you forgot it or not… something happens, and it’s there. It’s in your heart. The Word is there, and you’re able to cling to that.”

A Culture of the Bible, Not Just a Club

Her approach is spiritual and structured. Every day begins with the same priorities: “Bible first, pray first, praise first.”

Their team studies together at 8:00 a.m. daily. Each member is responsible for specific chapters, but they all come together to review, discuss, and truly understand the Word. “Before they study on their own, I break the chapters down. What is this chapter about? What is it talking about? We have to understand it first. Once you understand it, then you can study it.”

Patsy insists on physical Bibles, no screens. “You can have all the electronics you want, but you’re going to pick up a physical Bible. Hold God’s Word in your hands. It’s different than reading on the phone. You feel the weight of it.”

A group picture of the Mountain View SDA Pathfinders Club.

Building Disciples, Not Just Winners

What stands out most is how deeply Patsy is shaping the spiritual lives of her team within the structure of the Pathfinders Club.

“They’re able to carry [the Word] with them. When they’re going through something, they remember… In Kings, it said this. In James, it said this. That’s what it’s about.”

That’s discipleship. That’s leadership. And that’s why the Sin City Saints are already preparing for next year with chapters assigned and hearts set on going all the way again.

Pentecost 2025: Stories from Silver Springs and Salt Lake City

By Neat Randriamialison

Two very different towns—Silver Springs, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah— two different stories, but the same Spirit at work.

Meet Andy, a volunteer lay pastor in Silver Springs, NV a quiet desert town of just over 6,000 people. Just recently, Andy and his congregation began asking a big question: Can we really make a difference in a place like this?

Across state lines, in the heart of Salt Lake City, about 500 miles away, Byron has been asking his own questions as well. Raised in a very different religious culture, Byron’s mother chose to read him Uncle Arthur’s bedtime stories every night. This was his first introduction to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Later on, he began searching, reading, praying, and seeking a church that aligned with what his heart remembered from his childhood.

Back in Silver Springs, NV, after receiving a challenge from Pastor Carlos Camacho, President of the Nevada-Utah Conference, Andy and his church accepted the call to be part of Pentecost 2025. They may have been a small church in a rural town, but they chose to move forward in faith.

Meanwhile, Byron’s search led him to walk through the doors of Salt Lake Central SDA Church on the last Sabbath of March. There, he found a community that felt like home. “I know what you guys are talking about.” He said during sabbath school.

And on April 5, 2025, Byron was baptized in Salt Lake City.

“After a year of God stirring up my heart and convicting my spirit, I have joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church.” He shared

Three new believers were baptized that same Sabbath at Andy’s church in Silver Springs, NV.

“Dear friends,” shared Pastor Camacho, “God is calling His people from every corner of every city… That is evident. We are in the business of growing loving followers of Jesus.”

As Pentecost 2025 continues to gain momentum, the stories from Salt Lake City and Silver Springs are just examples of how the Holy Spirit is still moving, and the call to join the mission is still open.

NEXUS Tech Lab 2025: Equipping Church Communicators for Purpose and Impact

By Neat Randriamialison

Mario Alvarado:

“You are not just button-pushers, you are worshipers first.”

On April 5, church communicators, storytellers, and creatives from across the Nevada-Utah Conference gathered at Living Water Fil-Am SDA Church in Las Vegas for NEXUS Tech Lab 2025.

Now in its second year, NEXUS exists to strengthen local churches by equipping leaders with tools, vision, and confidence to share the gospel creatively with today’s technology.

The day opened with a devotional message from Pastor Mario Navarro, who reminded attendees that ministry doesn’t only happen behind a pulpit.

“We are all called to proclaim the gospel, some through words, others through visuals, media, and daily engagement.”

He challenged participants to see their creative gifts as vehicles for evangelism.

Tyler Kern shares how storytelling builds bridges in today’s digital landscape.

From there, the learning got more practical.

Tyler Kern (TK) led a session on the power of narrative, how great stories and visual clarity can build connection and trust. He walked through his Canva workflow, offering actionable tips for creating consistent, impactful content across church platforms.

Next came a hands-on photography lab led by Sean Daniels, a visual media educator. After covering key techniques, Daniels took the group outside to practice in real-time, giving personal feedback and helping attendees sharpen their visual storytelling on the spot.

The day closed with an anointing service led by Dr. Michael Jenkins Jr., covering attendees in prayer and commissioning them for ministry.

“You are not just button-pushers,” added Mario Alvarado, one of the keynote speakers.“You are worshipers first.”

One attendee from Boulder City SDA Church shared,

“This wasn’t just about tech or content. It was about purpose—and that changes everything.”

And that’s what NEXUS is all about.

“All we want to do is bring as much value as we can to the local churches so we can support their ministry.” — NEXUS Leadership Team

Next year, NEXUS returns to Las Vegas, April 18–19, 2026.

Education Cable April 2025

News From the Education Department

By Heidi Jorgenson

Church Revitalization: A Wake-Up Call in Northern Nevada

By Neat Randriamialison

Bill McClendon challenges leaders to lead boldly and proactively for church growth.

On Sabbath, March 8, members from across Northern Nevada gathered at the Nevada-Utah Conference Office in Reno for a much-needed and deeply impactful Church Revitalization Weekend. Led by Bill McClendon, NPUC Vice President for Administration and Evangelism Director, the afternoon event drew in pastors, elders, and local leaders with one central focus: “What does it take to bring our churches back to life?”

Drawing from Scripture, real-world experience, and practical case studies, McClendon outlined seven core traits that set growing churches apart:

1. They know why they exist — Their mission is clear: to carry the gospel to the world (Matthew 28:18–20).

2. They are externally focused — They prioritize reaching people outside their walls rather than only serving those inside.

3. They believe growth is possible — They lead with a mindset of faith, not fear.

4. They are intentionally led — Leaders are proactive, not reactive.

5. They act decisively — They don’t wait around for perfect conditions—they move forward with urgency.

6. They deal with challenges — Instead of avoiding problems, they confront them with courage and clarity.

7. They are praying churches — They rely on supernatural strength, not just human strategy.

“If your elders or leaders are not willing to lead the church, the devil will,” McClendon warned, reminding everyone that passivity is not a strategy.

“This is the wake-up call we needed,” one of the leaders from the Truckee SDA Church shared.

The session wasn’t just theory, it was practical and urgent. Using a case study from a church in Ellicott City, Maryland, McClendon walked attendees through a simple process:

• Get honest about where the church is

• Cast vision for what it could be

• Rally leaders around that vision

• And pray like the future depends on it because it does

He challenged every leader in the room to be an agent of change, reminding them that revival doesn't happen by accident. It’s sparked by vision, sustained by action, and fueled by prayer.

A Community Transformed: Global Youth Day 2025

By Neat Randriamialison

Participants wrote heartfelt, creative notes to accompany every care package.

To celebrate this year’s Global Youth Day, young people stepped up to be the hands and feet of Jesus across the Nevada-Utah Conference, starting with a Week of Prayer from March 10–14, followed by a powerful day of community service, bible games, and fellowship on Sabbath, March 15.

The Week of Prayer invited youth and adults to reflect on how God transforms individual hearts to bring meaningful change in the communities. In each area, the keynote speakers—Michael Jenkins Jr. (Utah), Neat Randriamialison (Reno), and Mario Navarro Jr. (Vegas)—brought this year’s theme, “A Community Transformed,” to life in different creative ways.

From painting sidewalks to preparing care packages, from smiles to sweat, young people embraced the mission of “being the sermon.” With the support of each area’s Pastors, churches hosted outreach activities that connected with real needs in their local neighborhoods.

Taking a quick break from painting the fire hydrant to capture the moment.

“I wish we did this every Sabbath,” one young participant shared with a smile.

Global Youth Day is a reminder that when young people are given the opportunity to make a difference, they can light up the entire church community. And maybe, just maybe, this spirit of service doesn’t have to be once a year. It can be a way of life.

What’s your gift?

By Karen Schneider

Half covered, half exposed picture of the church roof mid-repair.

James and Nancy Crosby at the Pastors and Educators meeting in the fall of 2024

Kayenta Mission is a Community Impact Center in Kayenta, AZ. The church building was in desperate need of a roof. The old one was a decade past its useful life. Monsoon season in the desert is no joke! Last year buckets collected water coming through the ceiling. Do you have a picture of the need? If this was your church or your home, what would you do? Call 5 different roofers, get 3 quotes, and choose 1 to get the job done. That just isn’t possible when you live on a mission site. IF you can get an internet signal, Google says the nearest roofing business with laborers and materials is 300 miles away. The nearest roofing supply store is 150 miles away. The nearest Walmart is 100 miles away.

James Crosby carefully cuts this section to ensure it fits just right.

Not a single volunteer answered your call for help. What would you do? Ephesians 2:10 says we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. God prepared James Crosby, Pastor of Kayenta Mission, for this and many other projects. Pastor Crosby was a master builder in his former life. He measured twice, ordered the materials, and collected them from the supply store 150 miles away. Not only did God gave Pastor Crosby the knowledge to repair the roof, but God also gave Pastor Crosby a Proverbs 31 woman. God used Nancy Crosby’s skills to raise the money needed to purchase the materials. God gave her strength to hand 40+ 26-foot-long sheets of 25-gauge corrugated metal onto the roof of the church. “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10)

This wasn’t just a roofing project, it is a testimony. A picture of faith in action. Of calling, commitment, and a willingness to serve with what’s already in your hands.

So, what’s your gift?

Education Cable March 2025

News From the Education Department

By Heidi Jorgenson

Remembering Jim Brackett

By Neat Randriamialison

On March 22, 2025, Jim Brackett, former Ministerial Director for the Nevada-Utah Conference, fell asleep in Jesus at the age of 81. From May 1999 to July 2006, Jim faithfully served the pastors, churches, and members of our conference, during his time with us. He was known for his passion for healthy living, his gift of communication, his unshakable optimism, and his ability to work hard, play hard, and love even harder.

He passed peacefully, surrounded by his beloved wife of nearly 59 years, Neva Lovell Brackett, and their daughters, Kathy Page and Kimberley Aria. Kimberley wrote, “He was the best husband and father any of us could have ever hoped for. There are no words that can adequately express how much we loved him and will miss him, but his memories live on in our hearts.”

Jim had been facing serious health challenges in the months leading to his passing. He succumbed after experiencing complications related to Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation (DIC)

Jim’s impact reached far beyond the positions he held in the church organization. He was a man known for his gift of communication, his unshakable optimism, and his ability to work hard, play hard, and love even harder. As Kathy shared, “His gift of communication skills, lack of fear, and confidence that a solution, as well as sunshin, is just around the corner, has not died with him. It lives on because it was nurtured in his wife, daughters, and every grandchild.”

His life was a reminder that ministry is not only about sermons or titles, but about presence, kindness, and faith lived out loud.

As we remember Jim Brackett, we do so with gratitude for a life well-lived and a faith unwavering. We look forward to that day when, as Scripture promises, “the dead in Christ shall rise first.” Until then, we hold onto hope, and we honor his memory.

A New Chapter: Pastor Melody Darrow Installed at Wasatch Hills SDA Church

By Neat Randriamialison

Pastor Melody Darrow preaches with passion, sharing her journey in ministry and God’s faithfulness in leading her to Wasatch Hills.

A moment of joy as a church member listens, reflecting the excitement and anticipation for this new chapter at Wasatch Hills.

The Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church in Salt Lake City welcomed a new season of leadership with the installation of Pastor Melody Darrow. Having served in the Nevada-Utah Conference for over a decade, primarily in Southern Nevada, Melody is well known for her jovial spirit, deep love for young people, and passion for community service.

As she addressed the congregation, she shared about her family, her experiences in ministry, and how God’s goodness has guided her every step of the way.

For the Wasatch Hills Church, this transition marks a fresh opportunity to grow together under new leadership. “We've been looking for a pastor for a while, and I think we’ve got a good one,” shared Bill Hansen, reflecting the congregation’s enthusiasm.

Children give their sermon notes to their new Pastor.

While change always comes with adjustment, members expressed excitement about what Pastor Melody will bring to the church. “It’s something new, but it’s exciting, and we can’t wait for what God will do in our communities under her leadership,” said Edie Jakovac.

Bob Patton summed it up best when asked about what he thinks their new Pastor will bring to the congregation, after the service: “The closeness she will bring as a family.”

With a Pastor passionate about people, service, and discipleship, the church embraces this new beginning with excitement, looking forward to working together to bring the gospel to their community

These training sessions were made possible through the leadership of Pastor Pedro Pozo, NUC Growth Ministry Director, who is dedicated to equipping churches with the tools and opportunities they need to step into mission and make a real impact in their communities.

A Sign in the Paper: Bob’s Journey to Truth

By Neat Randriamialison

Meet Bob Patton!

Bob couldn’t believe what he was seeing. His wife sat at the table, reading a small local newspaper that talked about baptisms happening at the Santa Clarita Seventh-day Adventist Church on Saturday.

Minutes earlier, he had been upstairs, flipping through channels when something caught his eye—a program talking about the Seventh-day Adventist Church. After weeks of searching and studying the Bible alone, he finally found a church that still believes in the Bible Sabbath. He had been wrestling with Scripture, trying to understand the Sabbath.

Bob posing for the picture after the church service at the Wasatch Hills SDA Church on February 8, 2025

“I just couldn’t find anything about the Sabbath changing to Sunday in the Bible,” Bob reflected.

He had asked God for clarity—a sign.

And now, here was his wife, his Presbyterian Sunday school teacher wife, reading about an Adventist church.

That was the sign he needed.

Without hesitation, Bob spoke with his wife. Together, they walked into their new faith, leaving behind their old traditions to join the Santa Clarita Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Years later, their journey led them to Salt Lake City, where they became part of the Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Bob’s story is proof that when we seek truth, God will do anything to reach us, even through a TV screen and a folded newspaper.

Every Member a Messenger: NUC Leadership Trainings Empower Members for Ministry

By Neat Randriamialison

Elder Kent Sharpe, alongside pastors and elders from the conference and the Utah area, leads a prayer to empower the members for ministry.

Pastor Kevin Solomon, from the Sparks SDA Church, challenges attendees to see the church as a movement, not a club.

The Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) hosted two Ministry and Leadership Training events in February—February 1 in Reno, Nevada, and February 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah—bringing members together to refocus on the Great Commission and engage in practical ministry training.

In Reno, Pastor Kevin Solomon of the Sparks Seventh-day Adventist Church, delivered the devotional, reminding attendees of their shared mission.

"The reason the church exists is to bring the Gospel to the world," Solomon emphasized. "The church is not a club—it’s a movement."

His message challenged members to set aside distractions and take ownership of evangelism, recognizing that every believer plays a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.

In Salt Lake City, Pastor Oneil Madden of Salt Lake City Central Seventh-day Adventist Church led the devotional, focusing on the true source of power, unity, and transformation in the church.

"Not the president, not the pastor, not the elder—but the Holy Spirit. Only He can bring unity and equip us with the tools we need to make a big impact in our communities," he reminded attendees.

His message reinforced that results, success, and lasting change happen when the church relies fully on the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

Both locations featured practical workshops designed to mobilize all generations for ministry. In Children’s Ministry, leaders explored how churches can benefit from well-planned Vacation Bible School (VBS) and other outreach programs. Interactive Bible storytelling and hands-on service projects were highlighted as effective ways to engage children in meaningful spiritual growth.

In Youth Ministry, presenters shared ways churches can "grow younger" by making young people feel valued, heard, and empowered. They stressed the importance of giving youth real leadership roles, not just tasks, so they can actively shape church life. Leaders were encouraged to listen with empathy, truly hearing young people's perspectives and building a culture of trust and involvement. Finally, the message was clear—leading by example matters. Young people aren’t just looking for sermons; they’re looking for authenticity. When church leaders and members live out their faith, it inspires the next generation to do the same.

These training sessions were made possible through the leadership of Pastor Pedro Pozo, NUC Growth Ministry Director, who is dedicated to equipping churches with the tools and opportunities they need to step into mission and make a real impact in their communities.

Education Cable February 2025

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By Heidi Jorgenson

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Ministries/Leadership Training: Las Vegas

Carlos Camacho, President of the Nevada-Utah Conference, encourages the attendees to continue to be united in the cause of growing loving followers of Jesus together

It’s 2025, the year to share Jesus and proclaim the good news of His salvation. In a joint effort between the Nevada-Utah Conference Growth Ministry and Ministerial departments, pastors, local church department leaders, and church members were invited to gather at the NUC Ministries/Leadership Trainings—events designed with tools and insights to strengthen communities and ministries across the Conference.

The first training session was held on January 18, 2025, at the Mountain View Church in Las Vegas. Leon Brown, the Executive Vice President, set the tone for the day with a heartfelt reminder: "Jesus is madly in love with you."

Keynote speakers from the North American Division shared inspiring talks on the importance and structure of small group ministries, emphasizing their potential for fostering spiritual growth and meaningful community connections.

Following the keynotes, attendees participated in breakout sessions tailored to various aspects of ministry. These sessions offered practical insights and actionable strategies:

• Children’s Ministry: Leaders explored tools and creative approaches to design engaging programs that draw children closer to Jesus, helping them build a strong spiritual foundation with creativity.

• Youth Ministry: Attendees learned, through the Growing Young materials, how to inspire young people to embrace their faith, cultivate meaningful relationships with God, and remain actively engaged in church life.

• Hispanic Ministry: This workshop focused on supporting and expanding evangelistic efforts within Hispanic communities, emphasizing individual-focused ministry and outreach in 2025.

Looking Ahead

The Las Vegas training marked a remarkable beginning to this year-long series, leaving attendees inspired and equipped with new strategies for ministry. Leaders expressed their excitement to implement what they learned and collaborate with others in their local churches and communities.

Carlos Camacho, President of the Nevada-Utah Conference, encouraged attendees by sharing, “We are committed to continuing this journey of leadership growth and community transformation as we grow loving followers of Jesus in this vast territory.”

This first session set the stage for continued learning, networking, and spiritual growth for a fruitful year 2025.