Dick Duerksen has been reflecting on last week's announced Conference 2020 Budget changes. Here’s what’s keeping him up at night...

Here’s something I’ve learned in life: A woman’s purse is larger on the inside than it is on the outside. Some, like this one, are even filled with miracles!

‍

As they were preparing to leave Rwanda, a local pastor asked if they might have some extra space in their suitcases. “For Bibles and Ellen White books and hymnals,” he said. “We have a group of Rwandan refugees living in Michigan and they would like to have these books in their home language. Could you take some with you?”

‍

Just two years ago Pastor Gene was a beloved pastor in the Oregon Conference, enjoying his mission and place in God’s ministry. When asked to consider becoming an academy principal he said, “That is something I have never considered, but I will pray about it”.

“Yesterday the four large HVAC units were delivered and set into place at our new church building. The electricians plan to start next week. The miracle continues to unfold on the hill.”

The first sign Brandon hung up after walking into Portland Adventist Elementary School was “All Means All.” He has stuck with that mantra for the past three years as he advocates for serving all students and putting them first in all of the decisions made at the school.

Plunging into her role as teaching-principal, no matter how many hours she works, or how many projects she is tackling, every person who walks into the school is greeted by her wide smile and gracious heart.

Partway through the sermon, Eddie walked in the church door, storming in like a point guard on a fast break. Eddie arrived screaming.

By Dick Duerksen …as I remember Cliff Carpenter telling me the story during a church potluck in Stayton, Oregon.

‍

The Seaside church was ready to become a vibrant Christian community, ready to be a beacon of hope in the community, and ready to build a new church. But, they didn’t realize any of that until January of 2016 when Elder Bill Smith arrived as their “interim” pastor.