Posted on August 28, 2008
Weimar Summit
In July, leaders of Weimar met for three Spirit-filled days to pray, worship, and discuss the future direction of the ministry. An earnest commitment to implement Christ’s ministry of restoration, education, adoration, and proclamation (REAP), as summarized in Matthew 9:35, characterized each presentation.
Presenters included Dr. Nedley, president of Weimar; Don Mackintosh, director of AFCOE; Pastor Doug Batchelor, president of Amazing Facts; Ted Wilson, Ed Reid, Dr. David DeRose, Dr. Samuel Pipim, Dr. Michael Orlich, and Dr. Philip Mills. Many of these presentations are available for download on the Weimar website.
Plans for the continued development of the new Weimar College, further strengthening of the NEWSTART program, as well as the upgrading of existing facilities were enthusiastically supported by the leaders because of their potential to help grow God’s kingdom through the REAP vision.
Young Adults Gather for Spiritual Growth During WYC
The Western Youth Conference (WYC) held its second annual meetings on the Weimar Center campus from June 26–29. The 200 registered guests attended meetings and breakout sessions, participated in outreach, learned about various ministries at the booths and much more. More than 300 people attended the Sabbath morning meetings.
WYC is one of six regional youth conferences associated with Generation Youth for Christ. Organized by dedicated young adults from the Sacramento area, the conference seeks to provide a forum for Seventh-day Adventist young adults (ages 16-35) to grow in their walk with God and in service for Him.
“Our goal is to inspire and equip young people to fulfill their role in hastening the Second Coming of Christ, especially through youth-to-youth evangelism,” says Eric Nelson, WYC founder and this year’s registration coordinator. “We also want to challenge the youth to demonstrate true Christian lives to the world.”
The weekend’s theme of “Something Better,” taken from the book of Hebrews, provided for powerful messages. Speakers included Pastor Doug Batchelor, president of Amazing Facts; Don Mackintosh, Director of AFCOE and Evangelism, Amazing Facts; Ron du Preez, director of Adventist Biblical Ethical Lifestyle Seminars; Eugene Prewitt, Bible instructor and board member, Ouachita Hills; and Peter Gregory, director of IONA Research Center for Bible and Health.
In addition to the main meetings, four breakout seminars were held on Friday. These allowed attendees to dig deeper into Adventist history, the book of Hebrews, the 1888 message, and Christian living in the 21st century.
The Sabbath afternoon outreach project was a highlight of the weekend. After a brief training with Weimar outreach coordinator Cosmin Ritavoiu, attendees fanned out across the towns of Weimar, Colfax, and four other area towns. The young people did door-to-door surveys and offered residents the Final Events of Bible Prophecy DVD. A total of 99 DVDs were passed out and will be followed up by the Colfax church. People came back excited about what they’d seen God do.
The weekend wrapped up Sunday morning with a time for prayer and testimonies. “I sensed that people are very encouraged,” says Mark Teh, WYC director. “Sometimes people feel kind of isolated in their spiritual walk, so it’s nice to come together and see there are others who believe the same and stand up for the truth.”
“I‘ve seen how the Lord has guided WYC,” he adds. “He provided a great venue at Weimar, a team of people dedicated to this ministry, the speakers, and the attendees. It’s been very encouraging to see how the Lord has helped us get to this point.”
What’s Happening at Weimar College: In January 2009, four courses of study will be offered to select students in the following areas: AS in health science (including massage and hydrotherapy, AA in personal evangelism (pastoral ministry and Bible work), AA General Studies, with concentration in media ministries, and AA in foreign missions. Enrollment will focus on students who have demonstrated an earnest commitment to evangelism, academic excellence, and useful labor.
Weimar Academy: Darrin Greenfield, former director of the Work Study program at Weimar, has accepted the call to be the new principal for Weimar Academy.
A NEWSTART Life
Mike, who first attended the NEWSTART® Lifestyle program in January 2007, recently updated us on his progress. “When I first registered for NEWSTART, my diabetes had worsened and the neuropathy in my legs and feet had become so severe that I could hardly walk without the use of a cane.
“But NEWSTART helped me lose more than 70 pounds, lower my blood pressure, control my blood sugars and need for insulin, lower my cholesterol, and more. Thanks to the supportive staff and trust in divine power, I even returned to church and was baptized. Today I am maintaining the NEWSTART lifestyle by eating the right foods, exercising daily, and growing spiritually. Thank you, NEWSTART!”