Washington Conference hosted the 20-year anniversary of Adventist Christian Fellowship, marking two decades of ministry and discipleship on college campuses.
The spirit-filled week, held July 28–Aug. 2, 2025, began at Washington Conference headquarters in Federal Way with 30 public campus ministries leaders from across North American Division gathering to celebrate God’s leading, reflect on past victories and plan the next five years of campus ministries.
On Tuesday afternoon, leaders traveled to University of Washington to welcome students to the 10th biennial Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute. The institute opened with a social at Husky Union Building, where incoming students met new friends, bowled and reconnected with ACF chapters from around North America. That evening, more than 100 participants came together for a week filled with worship, networking and practical training designed to equip students for ministry on secular campuses.
The theme, "Life at the Center," invited students to keep Christ central in their academic, spiritual and personal lives. Keynote speaker Roy Ice, Faith for Today director and speaker, and Ron Pickell, ACF director, explored Ephesians through Life at the Center, the newest Bible study from The Journey series. They also introduced The Bible Lab, an innovative Sabbath School initiative focused on authentic, grace-filled community and deeper biblical exploration.
The week combined spiritual growth, community-building and mission focus. One highlight came when participants prayer-walked the University of Washington campus, asking God to bless students and faculty. On Sabbath afternoon, Brenda Obonyo, from University of Washington, and Xavier Miller, from University of Wisconsin–Madison, publicly committed their lives to Christ through baptism, surrounded by fellow students, campus ministries leaders and cheering friends who celebrated the moment with songs and prayer.
For many, ACFi was more than a training event; it was a catalyst for mission. During Shark Tank, an NAD youth department initiative, $10,000 in funding was awarded to support student-led evangelism projects. Students left inspired to return to their campuses as ambassadors for Christ, equipped with practical tools, spiritual encouragement and a supportive network of peers and mentors across the division.
As ACF celebrates 20 years of ministry, the movement continues to grow. From small groups on secular campuses to large regional gatherings like ACFi, the vision remains clear: to disciple students, reach campuses and change the world together for Christ.
Participants enjoy a dynamic and engaging Bible study during Sabbath morning worship.
Roy Ice (center) shares Bible study tools and outreach strategies to help students confidently live and share their faith within academic communities.
University of Washington welcomes an enthusiastic group of students and leaders from across North America.
Secular lecture halls turn into sacred places where faith and mission spark dialogue.
Students worship joyfully as they witness two peers confess their faith through baptism.
Planned and spontaneous moments of prayer set the tone for the entire week.
Brenda Obonyo, University of Washington student, is baptized during ACFi’s Sabbath afternoon service.
