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Kimberly Luste Maran – Columbia, Maryland … On Sabbath morning, July 23, 2022, Daniel R. Jackson, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, passed to his rest after several months of battling cancer. He was 73.

Jackson, who served the Adventist Church for 49 years, retired in July 2020 after serving as NAD president for a decade. As president, Jackson made many contributions to the church in North America during his 10 years of service at the division, including the building up of the NAD Ministerial Association; the creation of a missional strategic plan; and the addition of the Guam-Micronesia Mission, Oakwood University, Pacific Press Publishing Association, AdventSource, and Christian Record Services for the Blind.

In addition to the division moving to its own headquarters in Columbia, Maryland, in 2017, record tithe came in annually during Jackson’s tenure; almost 1,000 churches were planted; more than 300,000 people were baptized; and the legacy Adventist media ministries (Breath of Life, Faith For Today, It Is Written and Escrito Está, Jesus 101, La Voz de la Esperanza, Lifetalk Radio, and the Voice of Prophecy) found their own homes and identities. During this time the number of women working as pastors and chaplains doubled; the Adventist Learning Community, a robust digital ministry resource, was created; both the Young Adult Life initiative and Big Data + Social Media department came to fruition; and the division started the magazine Adventist Journey.

Jackson was elected on June 28, 2010, by delegates of the world church at the General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, and reelected to this position on July 6, 2015, at the 60th General Conference Session held in San Antonio, Texas. The General Conference Session is the highest governing body in the Adventist Church.

Jackson, a native Canadian and, with the exception of five years of service in the Southern Asia Division, lived and ministered in the North American Division. He was a graduate of Canadian Union College (now Burman University) and Andrews University, from which he holds an M.A. in Religion in Systematic Theology. Jackson is one of the authors of the book Becoming a Mission-Driven Church.

He was known for his love of music, keen sense of humor, and mission-mindedness — all hallmarks of his ministry throughout the years.

During his career, Jackson served the church as a pastor, teacher, and administrator. But Jackson, who frequently started a talk or sermon reminding his audience that he was “a broken man in need of the Savior,” often said that foremost, he was a fellow traveler on the same path as every Christian headed toward the kingdom.

“Elder Dan Jackson was not only a fellow colleague in ministry, he was also a true friend and brother who demonstrated his faith in real and practical ways. Having served with him for 10 years I can say with authority that he was the genuine article. It is no overstatement to say a giant among us has fallen,” said G. Alexander Bryant, current NAD president and successor to Jackson.

Bryant continued, “He stood firmly on his convictions with courage and humility. He would often lend his voice to speak up for the marginalized and the disenfranchised among us. He embodied the concept of servant leadership; and he empowered others around him and assisted them in striving for their God-given potential. This church has been tremendously blessed by his ministry and is the better off because Elder Jackson walked among us.”

“Elder Jackson was such a godly man and a wonderful leader,” said Kyoshn Ahn, NAD executive secretary. “His kindness and courage inspired many members. His love for the church was infinite and unlimited. He simply lived out the gospel he preached so passionately. God has immensely blessed the church and the NAD with his leadership and service.”

Current NAD treasurer/CFO Randy Robinson said, “Elder Jackson had a passion for Jesus, for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and for the members of the North American Division. You could not be around him for any length of time without recognizing each of those three passions. During his tenure, he led the church in North America forward as he depended on the grace of Jesus. He will be deeply missed!”

“When Dan was elected NAD president in 2010, I felt that he was the man of the hour and what we needed in leadership,” shared Thomas G. Evans, former treasurer/CFO who worked with Jackson for more than eight years at the division. “He lived his love for Christ and promoted it to those around him. He reminded all of us that we are broken and need the Lord. One of the highlights of his tenure was the move of the NAD office from the GC in Silver Spring to Columbia, which continues to prove to be a blessing to the division.

Evans added, “Dan was also a family man. He loved Donna and his kids and extended family. He will be missed by all who knew him.”

A Visionary Leader, A Humble Spirit

During a tribute at Jackson’s 2020 retirement, Bryant shared how shortly after the 2010 election, Jackson discovered a note in his desk that was written by Bob Dale, a former executive secretary of the division, that outlined a 70-year-plan for the division. The plan included moving the division’s headquarters from the General Conference building into its own building.

“He started on a journey that seemed to be an improbable journey. In fact, many people even [in the NAD] did not believe it was possible,” said Bryant. “And here we’re now celebrating our third year-end meeting in this building. It speaks to Dan’s leadership, courage, and it was not without bruises and pain. … But he moved forward anyway.”

Jackson never imagined he’d become the president of the Adventist Church in North America. In a 2020 interview with Dan Weber, former NAD Communication director, Jackson said that he thought there would never be a chance he’d serve in any administrative role.

“I had no aspirations to be an administrator. And no clue that it would ever happen,” he said. He talked about how he and his wife Donna raised their children with the belief in Christ’s soon coming.  “Our burning desire was just to win souls for Jesus and see Him return.”

In regard to his work at the NAD, Jackson shared that supporting women in ministry was a significant part of his lifework. “I have always had the belief that women ought to be treated on an equal basis with men. God has gifted women just as He has gifted men. He’s called women just as He has called men. There’s ample evidence and direction of that in Scripture,” Jackson said. “When I came to the North American Division, we thought through some of the strategic initiatives that the NAD team would undertake together. Women in ministry was one of the highest priorities.”

As he retired, Jackson shared, “What I’ll cherish most is the idea that during our time we were able to help get the mission of the church in focus. That all of the adjustments we made administratively were shaping, shaping, shaping the idea that this work has only one target: under the direction of Jesus we are moving forward in mission. I pray that mission continues to remain our church’s focus.”

Following Jesus

Jackson had a burden to reach others with the gospel message — to share the hope and wholeness found in Jesus. “We are called by God to plant ourselves in the soil of human need — as different and as difficult and as hard as the soil may be today,” said Jackson in his 2017 NAD year-end meeting sermon.

“Where does love call us?” asked Jackson. “We will never discover the answer to that nor the true basis for effective Christ-centered ministry with more seminars, with better personal coaches, or mentors, or by looking to others.”

The answer, Jackson said, is found in the Apostle Paul’s words in Hebrews 12:1, 2. “The best way for me to understand my life and my service for God is to keep my eyes fixed upon Jesus as my Example and my Mentor.”

“Serving has always been a privilege,” Jackson shared near his retirement. “I’ve always held the idea that God would move us into this role in great reverence. … It is the people that make the job very rich and a huge blessing. I deeply respect and revere what God is willing to do in the life of a scamp from Edmonton, Alberta, and a wonderful woman from Sidney, British Columbia.”

Jackson is survived by his wife, Donna, who served as an associate director for the NAD Ministerial Association before she retired in 2020; three children; and four grandchildren.

Information on where to send condolences, and when a memorial service will be scheduled, will be shared when available. Click here to read this article on the NAD website.

–Kimberly Luste Maran. Photo: Daniel R. Jackson in the NAD headquarter’s C. D. Brooks Chapel; photo by Pieter Damsteegt/NAD

By Sandy Hodgson … It’s just been two weeks since I transitioned from teaching principal to assistant director of education. It’s not nearly enough time to get a firm grasp on my new responsibilities, but I’m already getting a sense of what I’m going to enjoy and what I cherish so much about education in our conference.

• I cherish educational leadership that is forward thinking and intentional about supporting schools so they can focus on learning, creating a collaborative culture, and using strategies to measure results.
• I cherish conference leadership that understands the important ministry of Adventist education and is dedicated to partnership with the education department while expecting accountability to uphold the mission and vision of that ministry.
• I cherish our churches and the responsibility they are accepting to support Adventist education. Do I dream that more of our churches become involved in supporting schools, teachers, and students? Yes! And with greater transparency and accountability, I believe we will have increased partners in the ministry of education.
• I cherish the dedication of our school teams, no matter the size. I see an amazing commitment to students, families, local communities, and constituents.

As we prepare for a new school year, I look forward to encouraging, supporting, and serving throughout the Rocky Mountain Conference. We will challenge and be challenged, but I am confident that God will “equip us with everything good for doing his work.” (Hebrews 13:21)

*The acronym CHERISH, represents a foundation for education adopted by RMC –– Christ-centered, honor, exploration, responsibility, integrity, service, and heroism.

–Sandy Hodgson, RMC education assistant director

By Brianna DiPilato – Denver, Colorado … “If I had followed my timeline and not God’s … I wouldn’t be here,” said Savanah Watson, AdventHealth University Denver nursing student. “As cliché as it may sound, you need to let go and let God.”

Since 2009, Centura has partnered with AHU Denver, located on the Centura- Porter Adventist Hospital campus, to provide the next generation of caregivers with tools they need to compassionately care for the whole health of their future patients — mind, body and spirit. Centura Health holds faith as a sacred foundation and believes in spreading inspiration through behaviors and actions.

Savanah Watson and Albreny Chavez are nursing students at AHU Denver. As they work through the nursing program and their clinical rotations in Centura hospitals, not only have they acquired the skills needed to become future nurses, but they also have found reasons to re-ignite their faith and live out their true purpose.

As first-generation college students, the road to finding their way after obtaining their Associate of Science degrees was bumpy. With help and support from the AHU staff, coupled with a passion to give back to others and a calling to get closer to God, Watson and Chavez pursued the AHU Denver nursing program.

“Coming to AHU, one of the classes we had to take was the Philosophy of Health Care with Pastor Seth Day. The class touched on the healing ministry of God and how to incorporate that into our everyday care. At that time in my life, I was very lost and wanted to find guidance. The school brought my faith back to light and gave me hope,” said Chavez.

To further cement their faith, Chavez was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church in July 2021, which followed Watson’s baptism in November 2020 — marking the first two baptisms in the history of AHU Denver.

Throughout high school, Chavez learned how to help her mom work through many health issues, including struggling with diabetes. Later in life, her then-boyfriend had brain surgery, and Chavez was there to help with his post-operative care.

“That’s where I found my passion for wanting to become a nurse. I want to help other people and have a healing ministry within myself,” said Chavez.

For Watson, her call to nursing was solidified when her little brother, now 16 years old, was born with a double nuchal cord, which occurs when the umbilical cord wraps around the baby’s neck twice. After almost dying during birth, he recovered in the neonatal intensive care unit — a floor that Watson strives to work on someday.

“I have a passion for people, human science and wanting to help other families like the nurses who helped save my little brother,” said Watson.

As Watson works toward her goal of becoming a NICU nurse, she also wants to obtain her graduate degree and would love to come back to AHU Denver as a nurse educator. Chavez has set her sights on becoming a nurse practitioner with the hopes of guiding other nurses along the way. The collective goal to mentor comes from the same mentorship and support they’ve received in their classes and during their clinical rotations in Centura’s hospitals.

“The staff was so welcoming and supportive, always willing to pull us in and hold our hands through every experience,” said Watson.

As they fondly recall their time spent with Centura caregivers, they attribute their positive experience to the attentive, hands-on training they received while on-site.

“At Centura-Avista Adventist Hospital, the clinical instructor would start every clinical rotation with a prayer and ended with one as well. It was so grounding and really helped you get into the right mindset to care for your patients,” said Chavez.

Thanks to their decision to “let go and let God,” Chavez’s and Watson’s unique paths led them to one another and to AHU Denver, where they are able to re-ignite their faith, form connections and find purpose.

— Brianna DiPilato, Centura Health. Previously published in OUTLOOK magazine, reprinted by permission. Photo provided – pictured (l to r) are Albreny and Savanah.

By Brandon Westgate – Ward, Colorado … Every year at Glacier View Ranch during our summer camp program, some of our campers decide they want to begin or better solidify their spiritual journey with God through baptism. These campers may be divided into a few different categories.

Some of these campers come to camp already prepared to be baptized. They have studied and have talked to their parents who are excited for their decision. There are others who have been involved in their local church and have grown up in a healthy faith community who have an experience at camp that compels them to decide to be baptized. Then there are some who come to camp with very little exposure to organized religion. They have not grown up in a faith community, yet because of what they learn about Jesus at camp, they decide to begin a faith journey with Jesus through baptism.

Some campers don’t fit neatly into any of these categories, yet because of what they have experienced at camp, they desire something greater for their life. Some of them desire to be baptized as well.

Some may say that these young people are not ready for baptism because they have not been led through a series of doctrinal studies. To this, I would simply say that baptism is the beginning of a faith journey, not a graduation ceremony for having completed a theology degree. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus said we should make disciples. We do that by modeling Jesus to the people we encounter. We endeavor to do that at camp for our campers. Matthew quotes Jesus as saying that we should then baptize them and teach them (in that order) which is why we recommend to our campers and their parents to connect with a spiritual leader who can guide them in their new faith journey.

Some may argue that these young people are having an emotional response to God. I would affirm this to be true. I would further submit that anytime we encounter a God who is for us, who loves us with WILD* love, who has done everything He can do to save us and who desires to be with us eternally, it should evoke an emotional response! Baptism is emotional in the same way a wedding is emotional. The person being baptized is entering into a covenant relationship with Jesus and that is reason enough to rejoice and to be overcome by His WILD love!

*WILD is a theme for the GVR 2022 camp season

Brandon Westgate, RMC youth director. Photo by Rajmund Dabrowski

By Doug Inglish … “So, God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them; male and female He created them.” (Genesis 1:27, NIV)

I am sure we have all contemplated what it means to be made in the image of God. Mostly, I think we consider it in terms of having been formed to physically resemble the Creator, in that we walk upright, have opposable thumbs, etc. So far, so good, because there are indications in Scripture of our physical resemblance.

But it goes well beyond that. Compared to the rest of earthly creation, we have higher cognitive abilities, more complex speech, and so many other advantages that can only come from being made in the image of God. Even in our fallen condition, that image is unmistakable.

Have you ever considered that part of His image He passed on to us are those certain qualities that go beyond physical or mental characteristics? Things like mercy, forgiveness, or compassion. Yes, there are scattered examples of what at least appear to be some of these qualities within the animal kingdom, and I too enjoy stories of an elephant showing gratitude, an act of kindness, or a dog facing danger to protect its family.

But even if we admit that human-like (or even God-like) qualities can occasionally be displayed in animals, there is no doubt that God gave us the ability to possess and expand these qualities on a scale that is incomparable to any other created beings on earth. Truly, the psalmist was right when he declared,

“You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.” (Psalm 8:5, NIV)

I am certain that one of the ways in which we carry the image of God is in our capacity to be generous. Bees may indicate to the rest of the hive where flowers are located, and wolves bring food back to the den for their pups, but these are actions of instinct. We creationists understand this in terms of God granting to His creation a means of perpetuating their kind, but even evolutionists have an explanation that amounts to survival of the species. True generosity only exists within the human species, and there is no adequate explanation for this apart from God having made us in His image.

We bring glory to God when we develop the qualities of His character, He placed within us at our creation. Along with improving our exercise of mercy, forgiveness, kindness, grace, compassion, and so many other of these wonderful qualities, He has given us the privilege of experiencing generosity. It can be practiced in the home, on the playground, and at work. It comes in charitable acts of giving to our church and to causes that are worthy of our generosity. It can be of our time, of our abilities, or of our wealth. But whatever form we use to express our generosity, it is always a declaration that we are created in His image.

–Doug Inglish is RMC vice president for administration and stewardship director; photo by Nathan Dumlao/Unsplash.