In every generation, God works through leaders, pastors, educators, members and young people, each using their gifts to bring encouragement, growth and renewal to His church.
Our theme, “It’s Beginning to Rain,” reminds us that God has always chosen to work through His people — often in ordinary places, through faithful lives, and through the gifts He entrusts. In scripture, rain is a sign of His blessing, His timing and His renewing presence.
North Pacific Union's 30th constituency session will gather on Sunday, Aug. 23, on the Walla Walla University campus. Beyond coming together to conduct the work of the church, the most important invitation to members and delegates alike is to listen for the voice of God and discern how He is leading His people in this season.
Our union of conferences serves to strengthen mission and unity across a broader region, supporting collaboration among the six conferences that comprise NPUC — Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Upper Columbia and Washington — each faithfully shaping ministry to the communities they serve.
Each week, our union team gathers for worship, prayer and encouragement, sharing stories of how God is at work across the territory. These moments remind us that the same mission we speak of in this report is already being lived out in real time as we pray, listen and witness God’s ongoing faithfulness.
Education and Healthcare
Among the many ways mission is lived out in NPUC, education and healthcare are two of our most visible expressions of service and witness.
WWU remains a valued, God-given gift within NPUC, continuing its mission of Christ-centered, Adventist Christian education in a complex and changing landscape. Under the leadership of Alex Bryan, WWU president, and the investment of outstanding professors and staff, the university is navigating these challenges while remaining committed to academic excellence, spiritual development and service.
The NPUC education department plays a key role in strengthening the work of local conference education ministries. They collaborate closely with North American Division on curriculum development and provide ongoing in-service training and support for teachers throughout the territory. In partnership with WWU, the education department also helps facilitate access to affordable graduate education, supporting the continued professional development of educators.
NPUC is also blessed by the presence of three Adventist Health hospitals in our territory, each carrying forward a shared mission: “Living God’s love by providing health, wholeness and hope.” We are grateful for this ministry of healing and presence in our communities. Delegates will hear more from Kerry Heinrich, Adventist Health corporate CEO, and Kyle King, Adventist Health Portland president.
Evangelism and Church Growth
The Adventist Church carries a vital mission entrusted by God, demonstrated through Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our theme reflects a renewed focus on mission across NPUC over the past five years. We are seeing encouraging evidence of spiritual renewal and engagement within our territory.
Pentecost 2025 evangelism — initiated by NAD and supported by NPUC and local conferences — engaged hundreds of churches and schools in coordinated community outreach. The result: God honored our mission focus with new baptisms, church growth, church plants and church revitalizations. Truly, it’s beginning to rain, and the call to mission continues before us.
We have recently added church planting, church revitalization and lay leadership development. Additionally, NPUC Ministerial Convention, bringing pastoral leaders and families together just before constituency session, will strengthen shared vision and collaboration across ministries.
Next Generation Investments
NPUC continues to invest intentionally in youth and young adult ministries, supporting their growth, calling and engagement in the life of the church. Through initiatives such as Growing Young/Growing Together and DiscipleTrek, along with public campus ministries and targeted scholarships, we are equipping the next generation for leadership and service.
These efforts include support for WWU students and for young adults pursuing a calling to pastoral or teaching ministry. NPUC Pathfinder ministries continues to flourish and grow, and Adventist summer camp ministries is in its 100th year.
Ministry Integration
Ministry in the Pacific Northwest is strengthened as departments and leaders work together, aligning their efforts to support the growth of local conferences and churches, as evident in the work of Hispanic and regional ministries.
Hispanic ministries continues to see encouraging growth in baptisms and the planting of new congregations, reflecting a shared focus on evangelism and mission.
EuGene Lewis, NPUC vice president for regional ministries, has provided continuity in regional ministries following the retirement of Byron Dulan. Collaboration with regional leaders has also contributed to baptismal growth during initiatives such as Pentecost 2025.
This collaborative mission is also strengthened through religious liberty, Adventist Community Services, Native, women’s, urban and prison ministries across the territory.
Mission Support
The communication department provides creative support for ministry departments and conferences. The team produces the Gleaner magazine, which continues to serve our members through high-quality and award-winning storytelling, and is finding ways to work more efficiently and provide new ways to serve our staff.
The information technology team continues to provide effective and cost-efficient technology support. Four years ago, following an external evaluation conducted in collaboration with Oregon Conference, it was affirmed that maintaining internal IT services provided the best value and service for the organization.
Financial Stewardship
Jeff Fogelquist, NPUC chief financial officer, leads the treasury team, which supports the financial health of NPUC while also training and assisting local conference leaders in the use of NAD financial systems. Mark Remboldt, who retired in January 2025 after 20 years of service, contributed significantly to the strength and stability of this work.
The trust department, in partnership with Western Adventist Foundation, supports stewardship and planned giving. In addition, NPUC Association oversees the Revolving Fund, which provides loans for the construction and renovation of churches and schools. At present, more than $24 million is invested in mission infrastructure through this fund, which remains open to new deposits.
Across the past decade, NPUC has focused on responsible stewardship of resources, including adjustments in staffing and operations that have strengthened support for conferences and ministries while improving efficiency. At the same time, rising operational and facility costs continue to shape how resources are balanced between maintenance and direct mission support, with ongoing conversations focused on long-term sustainability.
A Season of Transition
On March 13, 2026, I announced my upcoming retirement after 45 years of service in the Adventist Church. My term at NPUC will end at the close of the 30th session. It has been a privilege to serve the last 10 years as your president.
Malinda and I began our pastoral ministry journey in New Jersey Conference during the summer of 1981. We then served in Rocky Mountain Conference and Northern California Conference. We began our administrative ministry journey in 1998 in Washington Conference and continued our calling in NPUC.
Bill McClendon, NPUC vice president for administration, also announced his transition from elected leadership. He has been my right hand for eight years and served NPUC with distinction. We have both offered to help in the leadership transitions as needed.
My Prayer for NPUC
The mission of the Adventist Church remains unchanged. While methods and approaches may continue to adapt in response to a changing environment, our calling is still to be Christ-centered, people-focused and mission-driven.
I deeply appreciate the desire I see — by our diverse members across NPUC — to make a difference and to be change agents through the power of the living Christ. I’m grateful for the ministry done every week in our Northwest communities.
As we move forward, my prayer is that we will continue to seek God’s wisdom for faithful and effective ministry in every context. With confidence in Christ, we move into the future together, trusting Him as the source of our strength and security.
In every season, the call remains the same: to be faithful, to be united, to look for the rains of blessing and to proclaim the hope of His soon return.
May we enter this season with prayerful preparation and expectancy, asking the Lord for His “latter rain” (Zech. 10:1), and opening our hearts to His shaping work.
John Freedman, North Pacific Union president
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