The cross was at the center of a Spirit-filled weekend as Washington Conference regional affairs hosted its inaugural “7 Last Words of Christ” Multicultural Resurrection Celebration on April 3–4, 2026.
The gathering invited members, leaders and guests to reflect on Christ’s final words and the hope of the resurrection through worship, testimony and prayer. Held across two sacred evenings — Friday at Breath of Life Adventist Church in Seattle and Sabbath at Mount Tahoma Adventist Church in Tacoma — the celebration brought together regional churches from across Washington Conference and beyond. What unfolded was more than a program; it was a shared moment of worship, reflection and spiritual renewal.
Each message, delivered by a dynamic lineup of current and former regional pastors and leaders, carried weight, clarity and Christ-centered urgency. The seven last sayings of Jesus were not simply preached; they were experienced. From forgiveness to surrender, and from suffering to victory, the word met people where they were and redirected hearts back to Calvary and forward toward purpose.
Presenters included Randy Maxwell, Washington Conference vice president for administration; Byron Dulan, former NPUC vice president for regional ministries; Deneil Clarke, Renton Church pastor; Kerwin Jones, Mount Tahoma Church pastor; Derek Lane, Maranatha Church pastor; Kimberly Watkins, Breath of Life Church pastor; and Ulric Hetsberger, Emerald City Community Church pastor. Each voice contributed to a unified message centered on the cross and the hope found in Christ’s resurrection.
A defining moment came when Maxwell opened the floor for spontaneous testimonies and prayer. What followed was unscripted and deeply moving. Stories of gratitude, breakthrough and answered prayer filled the room, including one powerful testimony shared on Sabbath evening that reminded attendees God is not only worthy of remembrance, but also actively at work.
This gathering marked the first event of its kind for regional affairs and demonstrated a spirit of unity that extended beyond conversation into lived experience. Churches, leaders and members came together not just in attendance, but also in alignment, worshiping, reflecting and responding as one body.
Organizers expressed appreciation to Wendy Bucknor and Gesele Thomas, Washington Conference executive committee representatives; Northwest Adventist African American Local Elders' Federation members; and Regional Advisory Committee for their presence and support. Appreciation was also shared for those who helped with planning, communication and promotion, as well as host pastors Watkins and Jones, who helped create space for the Spirit to move.
As Washington Conference looks ahead through the lens of “Beyond Pentecost,” this gathering served as a reminder that revival is measured not only by events, but also by churches united in prayer, worship and renewed commitment to Christ’s mission. The embers of that powerful, Spirit-filled weekend are still burning. The cross still speaks, and the church is still responding.
Pastor Byron Dulan reflects on “Father, forgive them,” calling attendees to consider how Christ’s forgiveness speaks into modern life, relationships and community.
Deneil Clarke, pastor, reflects on Christ’s cry from the cross, inviting hearers to find language for faith, lament and trust in seasons of suffering.
Members pray together as churches gather for worship, testimony and spiritual renewal.
Attendees pause for prayer during a reflective moment of the weekend celebration.
