In every conversation, report, letter, meeting or sermon, David and Gaylene Wolkwitz show a deep love for Jesus and for people.
"Dave and Gaylene made a spiritual difference in this conference," says John Freedman, Washington Conference president. "They have a prayerful interest in each department, ministry and life they interact with in their ministry."
The Wolkwitzes are retiring after serving the Washington Conference as trust services director and associate director for the last nine years.
In his 44-year career, David W. Wolkwitz served as a literature evangelist, singing evangelist, high school teacher, division secretary-treasurer, pastor, evangelist, hospital chaplain, church ministries director, conference secretary, conference president and trust services director.
David spent significant time studying the Holy Spirit. He authored a book titled A Mighty Rushing Wind about the Holy Spirit's transforming power. During Holy Spirit Seminars, the Wolkwitzes challenged attendees to pray daily at 6:15 a.m. for the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
In her 25-year career, Gaylene Wolkwitz served as a college instructor, elementary teacher, medical secretary, administrative assistant and trust officer in addition to raising their two children, Jonathan and Jacinda.
David summed up his ministry with three worship talks before his retirement. He challenged his colleagues to follow the example of the vine and the branches in John 15: Remain in the vine, study scripture and ask questions, and bear fruit for Jesus.
David W. Wolkwitz served in nearly every ministry capacity in the Seventh-day Adventist Church during his 44 years in ministry. (Heidi Martella)
Right: Jerry Russell, Washington Conference vice president for finance, expresses appreciation for David and Gaylene Wolkwitz's dedication, compassion and professionalism in their years of ministry. (Heidi Martella)
David and Gaylene Wolkwitz, center, spent the last nine years of their careers working for Washington Conference in trust services along with their colleagues from the North Pacific Union Conference. (Heidi Martella)
David and Gaylene Wolkwitz react to a standing ovation during Washington Conference's constituency session on the day of their retirement. (Jonathan Baumgartner)
