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The Joy of the Harvest
The Joy of the Harvest I don’t know of anyone who grows a garden so they can have the joy of pulling weeds. Weeding, tilling, hoeing, watering—they are all a part of gardening, but the real joy in gardening comes in harvesting. Whether it is picking that first juicy tomato, carefully watching over the blueberries…
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The Last “Amen”
The Last “Amen” Over the years, ministry in Michigan has given me countless moments to reflect on God’s leading in my life. Yet some of the most powerful lessons have come, not through the pulpit, but through deeply personal experiences that tested my faith and shaped my walk with Him. This is one of those…
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Feeding Paw Paw
Feeding Paw Paw If you were to drive into the parking lot of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Paw Paw, Michigan, on the second Wednesday of any month between April and November, you would notice several cars and pick-ups lined up in front of the church. You would also take note of the message on…
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Is There Not a Cause?
Is There Not a Cause? The following excerpt was authored by A.T. Jones and originally published in the American Sentinel on January 2, 1890. The full publication is available for reference here. In the Fiftieth Congress, May 21, 1888, [the National Reform Association and similar entities] secured the introduction in the United States Senate of the…
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St Charles CSC Becomes New Home for Produce Distribution
St. Charles Community Service Center Becomes New Home for Produce Distribution When Steve Schefka became pastor of the St. Charles church about two years ago, he joined a Facebook group tailored to events happening in the city. While in that group, he found out about a small food market held at a local Lutheran church,…
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The Resting Place
The Resting Place This past winter, Kelsey Webber, a member of Village Church, felt impressed to become more actively engaged in gospel outreach. By spring, the opportunity she had been praying for arrived—she stepped forward to spearhead a ministry tent exhibit at this year’s Berrien County Youth Fair (August 11–16), the Midwest’s largest youth fair.…
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Michigan Churches Minister at Calhoun County Fair
Celebrating Unity and Proclamation at the Calhoun County Fair The 176th Calhoun County Fair became more than just a summer tradition this year—it turned into a meaningful opportunity for outreach and service. Four local Seventh-day Adventist churches—Marshall, Urbandale, Tabernacle, and Hispana (Battle Creek Spanish)—came together to share Christ’s love with the community in a united…
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Faith Communities: The Front Line Against Abuse
Faith Communities: The Front Line Against Abuse Enditnow Emphasis Day – August 23, 2025 It was during a Sabbath potluck that Mrs. Thompson, beloved matriarch of our congregation, lingered at her table a little longer than usual. A gentle sister noticed the bruises on her arms, and instead of turning away or making assumptions,…
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To Bee Ready
To Bee Ready Doctor, lawyer, merchant, chief… All can witness for Christ. But how about beekeeper? You know, guardian of those fascinating little insects that bless us in so many ways? Can that little hobby present opportunities for sharing one’s faith? Plenty! And do we serve a God of second chances? You bet. Let…
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Better Together
Better Together I grew up a middle child, the perfect spot to be, with two older brothers, a younger sister and baby brother. There was always something happening and someone to do something with. I was richly blessed to grow up in a family that worked together, played together, and prayed together. We shared…
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Following Jesus’ Example
Following Jesus’ Example Last year, Hosanna Francis told her parents, Pastor Cody and Mandy Francis, that she wanted to prepare for baptism. They studied with her nearly a year to be certain that she clearly understood the commitment she was going to be taking. The date was set for May 31, 2025. Hosanna wanted to…
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It’s Not a Money Problem
It’s Not a Money Problem As financial pressures mount, the future of Adventist Education depends on our collective commitment and faithfulness. The cost of Adventist Education continues to rise each year—and that trend will not stop until Jesus comes. Why? Because roughly 75% of the cost to operate our schools lies in personnel. As…
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Transforming Lives Through Strong Tower Radio
Transforming Lives Through Strong Tower Radio An in-depth look at Strong Tower Radio’s ministry growth from 2009 to 2025. What has the Lord done? I could begin with a 1,000-word answer; instead, here are two pictures: to the left, one station in 2009; to the right, 23 Michigan stations and permits in 2025. …
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It’s Personal
It’s Personal Most of us have heard of the Personal Ministries Department in our local church, but few have probably given thought to the fact that personal ministry is something that, by its very definition, takes place outside the church. After all, it’s not corporate, but personal–the ministry each individual member has in his or…
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Humble Design
Humble Design I recently had the privilege of participating in a project with Humble Design, an organization dedicated to transforming lives by furnishing homes for families in need. We loaded up the trucks with determination and hope, knowing that our efforts were going to make a real difference. We arrived at a two-bedroom apartment, a space that held…
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Teaching Faith in Public School
Teaching Faith in Public School Should public schools teach religion, or does it undermine both genuine faith and equal rights? Excerpted from an article by Ellet J. Waggoner, originally published in The American Sentinel, July 1888. Reformatted for the purpose of this piece; some content omitted, but the original wording remains unchanged. The [American] Sentinel has…
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Footsteps of Faith
Footsteps of Faith Michigan TLT reflects on Faith Identity Trip, an opportunity offered by the Youth department. After a long day of travel, I finally landed in the Eternal City—Rome, Italy. After navigating the busy airport, I somehow flagged down a taxi and paid an exorbitant amount to get to my hotel, where I…
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Rest, Worship, and Government
Rest, Worship, and Government A faith-driven vision for work and rest raises church-state questions in the future of U.S. labor policy. “I think this is more a question of state and local law. . . reinvigorating, where possible, Sabbath rest laws. . . this was basically the norm. . . dating back to Constantine.…
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Equipping Youth to Share the Gospel
Equipping Youth to Share the Gospel Every successful military force in the world must not only recruit eligible, able-bodied soldiers, but must also teach, train, and equip each soldier in preparation to fight whatever battle they may encounter. The training is not easy. It is philosophically and physically intense and thorough, because each soldier…
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A Week of Discipleship and Outreach at GLAA
A week of Discipleship and Outreach at GLAA: Reflections from a GLAA Student After a long, restful Christmas break, 180 students walked into the chapel to find it transformed into a huge classroom. Rows and rows of tables filled the room, with books laid neatly at each seat. In the back, teachers and staff…
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