Illinois—At the Apr. 30 Illinois Conference constituency meeting, a significant five-year initiative was presented—“Touch Every 1 for Jesus.” It was explained to those present that the initiative challenged every church and school, every program and ministry, and each member to touch the life of every person in Ill. for Jesus.
With a population of more than 12.7 million, this may seem a daunting task. But Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come" (Matt 24:14). Those present wholeheartedly agreed to pursue this goal.
Every zip code in Ill. was assigned to a church, and each church was challenged to grapple with how to touch the lives of those who live in their communities. A new evangelism committee was formed and includes advocates for major people groups; discussion will focus on how to share the Gospel in word and action with other people groups.
This initiative cannot be accomplished merely through human planning and organization. Illinois Conference leaders know success will come when all the people in Ill. react as they did in Nehemiah’s time, “…for they perceived that this work was done by our God" (Neh. 6:16 NKJV).
When Kenneth A. Denslow, Illinois Conference president, addressed the constituency, his presentation corresponded with the conference’s mission statement—“Preaching, Teaching, and Healing.” Additional reports presented by others magnified God’s leading in our territory.
Denslow described the diverse pastor group as dedicated servants and spoke of their involvement with laypersons in evangelistic preaching, such as meetings in Springfield; the NADEI Field School of Evangelism in Peoria; Hope for the Homeland and Hope for Our Day meetings; a series at the Oakhill Adventist Church; and programs by local churches broadcast on the radio. He shared that many congregations have a new place to worship.
Jim Martz, Illinois Conference superintendent of schools, reported on a new program to make Adventist education more affordable for individuals who have never attended an Adventist school. The “New to an Adventist School” program will provide tuition for children when parents place their children in an Adventist school for the first time. Martz also reported that more than 118 students were baptized during the past four years. In Spring 2006, 457 students were enrolled in grades K-8 and 138 were enrolled in secondary education.
Constituents voted to operate Broadview Academy on the La Fox campus for the 2006-2007 school year. They also approved in concept a future transition from a La Fox based academy campus to an electronic, technology-enhanced, multiple campus delivery system for secondary education, pending North American Division approval of the delivery system. Broadview Academy will collaborate with Adventist schools throughout Ill. to provide local secondary education. North Shore Junior Academy and Thompsonville may each become satellite campuses. Additional campuses will be added as appropriate, and faculty will be placed across the system, reported Randall J. Siebold, Broadview Academy principal.
In addition to the programs in our schools, teaching also takes place through local Discovery Bible Schools. The Pathfinder department is also part of the conference’s teaching ministry, providing wholesome activities and character-building programs by dedicated leaders.
John Rapp, vice president for mission and ministry for Adventist Midwest Health, also addressed constituents. He stated, “We’re not ashamed of our connection with the mission of the church.”
Ernie Sadau, Adventist Midwest Health president and CEO, reported that the organization’s hospital names were changed to lead with the word, “Adventist.” He also expressed enthusiasm when providing an update about the organization’s newest hospital. He said, “There has not been a Certificate of Need granted to build a new hospital in Illinois for more than 20 years. Adventist Midwest Health has been granted permission to build a hospital in Bolingbrook.”
Adventist Midwest Health has more than 1,000 beds with 5,000 employees. The system ministers to more than 500,000 people annually, touching people’s lives, extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ.
Kyoshin Ahn, Illinois Conference executive secretary, reported that 1,748 members were added either by baptism or profession of faith during the past four years. The year 2005 ended with 12,645 members, an increase of 683 members and 14 new congregations. Half of the conference’s members are now in the 20–50 age category.
Treasurer Duane Rollins provided a financial report and said it was most unusual, containing sufficient bad news and good news. The difficult financial times brought about unity and clear thinking among conference Executive Committee members and the administrative team, resulting in future plans for evangelism and education. Illustrations showed the impact a series of problems had on the conference financially, how those issues were brought into line, good progress in 2005, and a positive year-to-date budget for 2006.
Session actions also included the election of officers: Kenneth A. Denslow, president; Kyoshin Ahn, executive secretary; and Duane Rollins, treasurer. Departmental staff elected were Kenneth A. Denslow, communication; Rachel Terwillegar, development; James Martz, education; Justo Morales, Hispanic ministries; Ed Barnett, ministerial/church ministries; Paul Saint-Villiers, trust services/stewardship; Patricia Treft, women’s ministries; and Jeff Deming, youth/Camp Akita.
A full report on those selected to serve on the Executive Committee, Constitution and Bylaws Committee, and the Education Board is available online at www.illinoisadventist.org.
Delegates will convene again during the first quarter of 2007 to discuss how to step forward with the valuable Broadview Academy campus in La Fox, while developing a delivery system for secondary Adventist education in Ill.
Rachel Terwillegar, assistant to the president for communication, Illinois Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
