Power Surge — Spirit-led Ministry formed the theme for pastors, church leaders and family members gathering at Walla Walla University, September 7–10, for the Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention. Sponsored by the North Pacific Union Conference and local conferences, the event is traditionally planned every five years in conjunction with the NPUC Constituency Session.
Pam McVay, on-campus event coordinator, and a host of the WWU staff, along with students and local volunteers, handled challenges flawlessly, as the university rolled out the welcome mat for nearly 1,000 guests.
From morning plenary sessions, to afternoon breakouts and evening keynote programs, issues such as creation and science, evangelism and prophecy, and finance and family, filled the schedule.
Pastors wives enjoyed a special Thursday morning brunch with presenter, Elizabeth Talbot, associate speaker for the Voice of Prophecy broadcast.
More than 150 children were integrated into an active program which involved outdoor activities and a special banquet designed just for them.
Alphonso McCarthy, NPUC vice president for regional affairs, coordinated the children's programs. He counted it a privilege to help. "Pastors and their families are always giving, giving, giving," he says. "We wanted to give back to them, to make them feel loved and cared for."
It was truly a camp meeting for pastors and their families. These photos are courtesy of Heidi Martella, Washington Conference communication director. More are available online at http://bit.ly/npucpowersurge or via your mobile device using the GLEANER on the Go code featured here.
John Freedman, Washington Conference president, leads the agenda during the session with his conference pastors and administrators. (Heidi Martella)
(Heidi Martella)
Ron Watts from the Andrews University Press presents special recognition during the Friday evening program to four Walla Walla University individuals who provided invaluable material for the Andrews Study Bible. Receiving the awards are from left: Bozana Stefanovic on behalf of Zdravko Stefanovic who was unable to be present; Jon Dybdahl; John McVay; and Pedrito Maynard-Reid.
(Heidi Martella)
Dave Livermore, Upper Columbia Conference personal ministries director, and Jim Anderson, East Wenatchee, Washington, area pastor, share a conversation with a colleague at the Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention. (Heidi Martella)
Pastors and leaders from around the Northwest find moments of prayer to be refreshing respites. Here David Prest, Idaho Conference president, joins the congregation in prayer during the Sabbath morning services at the Walla Walla University Church. (Heidi Martella)
Nearly 150 women gather for the pastors' wives brunch at Whitman College's Reid Campus Center, Sept. 8. The event was led and coordinated by Linnea Torkelsen, wife of Max Torkelsen II, North Pacific Union Conference president. The featured speaker was Elizabeth Talbot, Voice of Prophecy co-host.
Many pastors commented on the relationship-building time available during the Convention, even at meal times in the Walla Walla University gymnasium. Here, Bill Roberts (at left), Auburn Adventist Academy Church pastor, regales tablemates with a story. Campus food service, Sodexo, provided more than 7,000 meals during the North Pacific Union Conference events.
Elizabeth Talbot, Voice of Prophecy co-host, shares "Jesus 101" with Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention attendees. Each workshop attendee receives a booklet to study a Gospel of their choice in order to prepare a preaching series on the topic. (Heidi Martella)
(Heidi Martella)
Children head out across the Walla Walla University campus on their way to another exciting day of activities. WWU students and other volunteers help coordinate and lead each day's activities for more than 150 children.
A student volunteer, clad in a bright Walla Walla University Ambassador t-shirt, helps get an eager child ready for a canoe ride.
Linnea Torkelsen presents a floral bouquet to Pam McVay as North Pacific Union Conference officers John Loor Jr., Mark Remboldt and Max Torkelsen look on. McVay coordinated on-campus support for the Northwest Adventist Leadership Convention and the North Pacific Union Conference Constituency Session which followed. More than 175 volunteers from faculty, staff and students, plus another 50 from the community, showed their belief in Walla Walla University by helping to make each event a success.
The Oregon Adventist Men's Chorus, under the direction of Lou Wildman, provides a Sabbath afternoon blessing to a packed house in the Walla Walla University Church sanctuary.
Arthur Chadwick, Southwestern Adventist University professor of paleontology, presents "Life is Complex" during the Thursday morning plenary session on creation and science.
