Wisconsin—On October 1, 366 delegates from Wisconsin Adventist churches gathered at Wisconsin Academy to do the work of the Church. These delegates heard reports, elected leaders, and voted direction for the work of God in Wisconsin. The following individuals were re-elected: Don Corkum, Conference president, personal ministries director, and A.S.I. coordinator; Roger Driver, Conference secretary-treasurer; Mike Edge, youth ministries, Sabbath school, health and temperance, and children's ministries director; James Fox, communication director, ministerial director, and evangelism coordinator; Richard Habenicht, stewardship and trust services director and Corporation secretary; and Ken Kirkham, education superintendent and men’s ministries coordinator.
Jaci Martinez, Wisconsin Academy Student Association president, reported about the September 12 Walk for Breast Cancer Research fund-raising drive she helped organize. The fund-raiser was well attended by the community. Martinez showed a video clip from Madison's WMTV 15 News that reported the church and academy in a very favorable manner.
The president’s video report profiled the Conference's growth and vision for the work in Wisconsin through four brief stories reported. The work for the Hmong people, an initiative voted at the last constituency session, was profiled and new Hmong members were present at the video's close.
A DVD of the WMTV news clip and the president’s video report will be mailed to each Wisconsin Conference church.
Plans for the new Camp Wakonda Camp Meeting Pavilion's construction are well underway. We are awaiting State approval of certain aspects to begin construction. The metal structure will be 100’ x 180’ with 20’ high walls. Some walls can be raised, much like a garage door, to experience the outdoors while sheltered within. The floor will be cement. There will be no heating and no air conditioning for the structure. Cost estimates suggest $350,000.
The Conference office property sale has been delayed until the end of November. This delay was requested by the City of Sun Prairie, which hopes that a lawsuit against the State of Wisconsin by adjacent property holders will be resolved to permit their development plans. The site for the future Conference office is on Conference-owned property about three-fourths mile from the academy on Highway 16. The constituency voted to construct the new office for $2.5 million or less. This should provide approximately $2.5 million to renovate Wisconsin Academy dormitories when the sale becomes final. Additional donations and fund raising will follow. It was voted to call a special constituency meeting within 12 months of the sale of the Conference office property to decide on plans for academy dormitories.
In the midst of elections and exciting discussions, delegates voted without debate the goals for the next four years.
Church Life—Transform churches into vibrant and healthy ministry centers, focused on seeking, reaping, and keeping people for God’s Kingdom.
Church Planting—Plant ten new churches by 2010.
Community Involvement—Encourage each church in Wisconsin to be known for involvement in its community.
Education—Increase enrollment in Wisconsin Adventist schools from 330 to 400.
Growth—Increase membership from 6,800 to 7,500 by 2010.
People Groups—Develop work among Native American, Hmong, and Hispanic groups.
Youth—Encourage churches to provide weekly programs for their youth and involve them in church life.
These voted goals define our direction and focus for the next four years. May God bless the Wisconsin Conference so we might be faithful and achieve these goals for Jesus’ sake!
James Fox, Wisconsin Conference communication director
