ACS & Disaster Response Retreat Inspires Service Across Michigan
From March 27–29, 2026, approximately 70 individuals gathered for a powerful weekend of encouragement, training, and spiritual renewal centered on the theme “Arise, Shine” (Isaiah 60:1–3). Hosted by the Michigan Conference Adventist Community Services (ACS) and Disaster Response ministries, the retreat brought together ACS directors, disaster response coordinators, volunteers, community guests, and ministry leaders—all united by a shared desire to serve their communities more effectively.
Among those attending were both Adventist and non-Adventist volunteers, individuals exploring ways to get involved, and even a Personal Ministries leader seeking ideas to engage their local church in community outreach.
The featured speaker, Pastor Ignacio Goya of the Center for Community Change at Andrews Theological Seminary, brought a wealth of experience from his work as a pastor, ADRA director, and conference ACS and Disaster Response Director. Now mentoring pastors and lay leaders around the world, Pastor Goya challenged attendees to rethink how they view ministry. He encouraged everyone to see their communities not as separate from the church, but as an extension of it.
A Pathfinder Club also joined the weekend, faithfully assisting with dishes and cleanup, while staying to participate in Sabbath School and the worship service. The children were especially engaged with the speaker, laughing and sitting on the edge of their seats throughout the presentation.
Throughout the weekend, Pastor Goya emphasized the importance of spiritual balance, urging leaders and volunteers to intentionally step away from ministry responsibilities to spend meaningful time with God and family. From that place of renewal, he explained, we are better equipped to engage with our communities and reflect Christ’s love in practical ways. Simply put, he called the attendees to Arise and Shine.”
Each meeting also included a time where the attendees could share testimonies of what God is doing in their local churches and communities. This became a special time of praise to the Lord for what he is doing and an opportunity to inspire new ideas to be implemented around our conference.
As the weekend unfolded, it became clear that the messages were deeply personal and Spirit-led. After spending time connecting with attendees, Pastor Goya adjusted his presentations, prayerfully revising his material to meet the needs he was hearing. Many participants shared that the messages spoke directly to their lives, some with tears expressing how timely and personal the experience had been. The presence of the Holy Spirit was evident throughout the weekend.
A special highlight came through a hands-on mission project. Attendees were invited to bring a pair of work gloves and a box of crayons as part of a collective offering. The response was overwhelming. During a Sabbath evening “Packing Party,” participants assembled 100 Clean-Up Buckets, 100 Kids’ Emergency Backpacks, and 140 handwritten encouragement cards to be distributed in times of need.
The weekend concluded with a renewed call to action. Attendees left encouraged not only to serve, but to lead others into service, strengthening the connection between church and community across Michigan.
“I encourage you to get involved with your local ACS Center or Disaster Response team,” said Cheryl Bernard, Director of Adventist Community Services for the Michigan Conference. “If you would like to learn more about how your church can get started in this ministry, please contact us at miacsdr@misda.org.”
