There is excitement among Adventist membership in Wisconsin. The reason for this excitement is they sense the day nearing when they will meet their Lord, face to face, at His return. They are Heaven bound and want to encourage others to share in this great future. Jesus is their Friend and they want their forever friendship with Him experienced by many. The year 2006 began with many evangelistic thrusts in the cities and towns throughout Wisconsin. The past five years also gave many reasons to praise God with evidence His cause is advancing throughout the state.

Praise Him

From 2001 to 2005, 1,261 new members were added through baptism and profession of faith. This represents six percent growth over the previous five years. This was a result of people, all ages and walks of life, allowing the Spirit of God to work through them. Our young people demonstrated evangelism can be conducted effectively by youth, even those in church school. The Green Bay church school conducted a series in 2002 and fourteen people were baptized.

In 2002, when the Hope for the Homeland meetings were conducted, 335 people were added to the church. This was the most growth in one year since the 1970s. We praise God to see new members become a part of God’s family. New people groups are a part of this growth. In 2005, an outreach began to the 40,000 Hmong living in Wisconsin. We praise God that about twenty Hmong are now rejoicing in the Adventist message. A Hmong pastor has been employed to help foster this new work.

Church planting is once again strong in this state. New church plants have occurred in communities where previously there was no Adventist church presence. Plans are underway early in 2006 to start a new work in South Milwaukee. An annual church planting rally provides inspiration and training for this growing work.

About 2.5 percent of the 200,000 Hispanics in Wisconsin are Adventists. There is a strong evangelistic outreach to this people group. The Three Angels Broadcasting Network programs in Spanish have been a blessing, as has evangelism by satellite.

The media helps share the Adventist message. Low power radio stations now serve many communities in northern Wisconsin. Three Angels Broadcasting Network has a strong ministry in this state and many people come to the church as a result of watching its programs.

While public meetings and media ministry lay a strong foundation for growth, it takes personal work to help people make decisions for the Lord. During the Sow One Billion initiative, about 600,000 cards were sent out in the conference. The responses received from people requesting Bible studies totaled about 1,500. The studies and visits of members with these seekers resulted in contacts and decisions that honored our Lord.

Transformational Ministries

Youth and Pathfinders were excited once again to have the International Camporee hosted in their conference. About 30,000 youth gathered in Oshkosh to demonstrate “Faith on Fire.” Wisconsin has sixteen clubs and an average of 175 Pathfinders during the past five years.

Jahwi is the federation for the Spanish. This dynamic organization inspires the youth of the church as well as reaches out evangelistically. They have hundreds of youth responding to this ministry. Conventions, church events, and outreach activities give outlet to the enthusiasm of these inspired youth.

Wakonda means a place set apart. Each year, hundreds of youth campers come to the conference camp to hear more about Jesus and enjoy a camping experience. Many other experiences for children take place in the summer to uplift Jesus to our children and youth. Vacation Bible School ministered to more than 2,000 young people during the past five years.

Small groups are an excellent context to minister to people and invite friends to learn more about Him. An annual convention inspires small group leaders to continue this important ministry.

A strong emphasis on parenting and marriage takes place through seminars and weekend retreats. In addition, the women’s convention each year has 300–400 attendees and the men’s convention about 100.

Adventist Christian Education

Christian education is a key part of the ministry in the Wisconsin Conference. During the past five years K–10 enrollment averaged 266 students in 18 schools, and the academy enrollment average for five years was 110. Wisconsin Academy is a center of ministry to youth. It also inspires service. In 2005, students from the academy spent a week in Mississippi helping Hurricane Katrina victims. Seniors dedicate their class trip each year to a short-term mission project in places like Belize, Romania, and Africa.

Faithfulness in Stewardship

Wisconsin people continue to demonstrate loyalty and faithfulness to the work of God. In tithes, offering, and through estate planning, they demonstrate their priority to God. Even during difficult financial times, tithe increased each year; during the past five years $1,683,000 came through the conference trust department to local church entities, the conference, and other ministries. What a blessing this is to the work of God!

Yes, the people of Wisconsin are Heaven bound and they want their lives to give evidence of their commitment to Him. What a glorious day it will be when we hear our Savior say, “Welcome Home.” Then we can enjoy the future Jesus is excited about experiencing with us.

Don Corkum is the Wisconsin Conference president.