On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Lake Union executive committee convened in Berrien Springs, Michigan, for the second of its three annual governance meetings. Here Vice President Carmelo Mercado gives updates on various programs. [Photos by Katie Fellows]
Debbie Michel
May 8, 2025The 37-member committee includes representatives from five conferences tasked with overseeing church initiatives in the Great Lakes region. Committee members include local conference administrators, church employees, lay leaders and the presidents of Andrews University and UChicago Medicine AdventHealth.
Lake Union President Elden Ramirez chaired the meeting addressing both daily operations and long-term strategies for fulfilling the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission. This marked Ramirez’s first meeting as chair since his recent election.
Vice President Carmelo Mercardo recapped the Pentecost training weekend, Resurrecting Hope prayer initiative for immigrants and ASI Spring Fellowship.
Note these upcoming events:
Dental clinic coming up in Troy, Michigan Aug. 8 and 10, 2025. Volunteers are needed and are encouraged to register at amenfreeclinic.org.
The bi-annual youth congress, Conectate, will be held June 18-20 at Andrews University under the theme, “Without Fear.” Main speaker is speaker Union Adventist University President Yamileth Bazan.
Alejandro Bullon is the speaker for the Hispanic Pentecost proclamation meetings, Oct. 17-18, 2025, with events scheduled for multiple Lake Union cities.
Monica Reed, MD, president of UChicago Medicine AdventHealth, shared encouraging updates on the health system’s progress, noting that each hospital now has a full complement of newly engaged C-suite leaders, as well as additions to the regional leadership team—all of whom are focused on advancing the quality of care in the Chicago suburb.
Reed highlighted major service line advancements, including the launch of cancer research and clinical trials , and the future of expansion of specialized radiation services for cancer treatment. The cardiac program continues to grow with expanded offerings at the La Grange and Bolingbrook hospitals aimed at delivering comprehensive care and fulfilling their mission to be full-service community hospitals serving their respective regions.
Hinsdale Hospital, originally founded in 1904, is strengthening its role as a center for advanced tertiary care—expanding neurosurgical and stroke services, growing its cancer specialties, and reinforcing its open-heart program in a way that honors its legacy while meeting today’s complex needs.
Glen Oaks Hospital is playing a key role in addressing the rising demand for mental health services, with both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health care.
With the additional planned expansion of ambulatory and primary care accessibility, we’re laying a new foundation,” Reed said. “And we know it’s solid—because we serve a God who has placed us on solid rock.”
John Wesley Taylor,PhD, EDd, president of Andrews University, shared a comprehensive update on the university’s progress, highlighting key areas of growth in faith development, enrollment, academic innovation and global outreach.
Faith and Spiritual Growth
82% of students participate in service activities multiple times per semester.
Attendance at Sabbath School and church is increasing year over year, especially at local churches beyond campus.
73% of students reported spiritual growth during the past semester (up from 63% two years ago).
Enrollment and Retention
Spring enrollment increased 4% in headcount and 5% in credit hours.
Retention rates (first to second year) and six-year graduation rates are significantly higher than peer institutions.
Black/African-American graduation rate is 73% at Andrews (vs. 45% national average); strong rates seen across other minority groups as well.
Academic Excellence & Research
STEM programs are among the university’s strongest:
Largest cohort of Loma Linda University medical students comes from Andrews.
40% of students engage in faculty-led research—an exceptionally high percentage.
Global and Local Impact
International Center for Trauma Education and Care has trained:
Hispanic and Black churches, Pathfinder leaders and pastors.
Church leaders in Egypt, Beirut, Bolivia and Kenya.
Leadership training programs active in:
Southern Asia Division, West-Central Africa Division and Brazil (80 students enrolled in master's and doctoral programs).
Innovation and Professional Development
Opened a state-of-the-art Simulation Center for the School of Nursing, featuring high-fidelity responsive mannequins.
Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation across disciplines.
Dr. Taylor concluded, “Without God, we would be nothing. With Him, we are all things. And so we want to praise Him. Andrews University—founded in faith, forward in mission.”
Illinois Conference President John Grys shared a moment of encouragement during his report, highlighting recent developments in the Korean district. He expressed excitement over the district's first baptism in seven years. Grys praised the dedication of the lay leader and his wife, noting their passion for reaching the Korean community and their awareness of its unique needs. He emphasized that despite the logistical challenges of securing a church location, the enthusiasm and commitment have already begun bearing fruit.
Hinsdale Adventist Academy senior class went on mission trip to the Philippines and did a number of projects. They were able to witness 100 baptisms. You can read more about the trip here.
This year marks Camp Akita’s 25th anniversary. Over the years, the camp has led over 500 children to make a decision for baptism.
Conference President Vic Van Schaik shared an update on the challenges and faithfulness of immigrant church members in the Indiana Conference, particularly among Haitian and Hispanic communities.
Many are facing fear and anxiety due to immigration uncertainties, yet their commitment to the mission remains strong. Despite fears about the future, immigrant members continue to serve faithfully. A congregation in downtown Indianapolis recently dedicated a newly renovated church building near Lucas Oil Stadium. Members volunteered countless hours—across all ages—to renovate the interior, making it one of the most beautiful churches in the area. The church currently has 50 to 60 regular attendees and is already preparing to plant a new congregation at another location. In that district, the pastor has led 44 baptisms, a testament to continued growth and outreach.
Van Schaik concluded by affirming, “It’s a reminder to us—and to me—that God is still working.”
Conference President Jim Micheff reported that 163 sites across Michigan—including 155 churches and 8 schools—have committed to participating in the Pentecost 2025 evangelism initiative.
Notable School Efforts:
Battle Creek Academy created its own evangelistic series, rather than using a pre-made script.
A small school in Grayling (about 10 students) featured a 7th grader, a high schooler and a college freshman—all former or current students—as presenters. Elementary students handled logistics like registration and hospitality, taking full ownership of the meetings.
Inspiring Personal Stories from Wilson School Pentecost meetings:
One painfully shy, academically challenged student overcame his fears and successfully preached with family support.
Another student, after presenting on baptism, made a personal decision to be baptized—her hand the first to go up in response.
Micheff closed by praising God and expressing gratitude to the NAD for opening the evangelistic vision to include schools: “Praise the Lord for Pentecost 25 and for the opportunity the NAD has given us.”
Executive Secretary Abraham Henry delivered the report in place of President Garth Gabriel, who was unable to attend.
A Pentecost 2025 Pastor and Elder Training in Detroit was Pastor Kenneth Elliot’s final event, focused on certification and equipping for daily mission. Elliott died unexpectedly on May 1.
Global Youth Day focused on homelessness, with one site hosting 40 youth who spent a night outdoors to build empathy. Over $10,000 was raised for the Covenant Fund, with events held in five locations and involving 15 sites.
In place of traditional camp meeting, Lake Region will host a major 80th Anniversary celebration at Chicago’s Shiloh Church in early September (details to be announced).
Remembering Pastor Kenneth Elliot
Elliot, known as a “road warrior for Christ,” served as interim pastor at the Springfield Church, which recently secured a building after 30 years.
His funeral will be held in Texas, with memorials in the Southwest Region Conference and locally at Shiloh Church on June 8.
President Titus Naftanaila shared that Pentecost 2025 remains the central theme for the year, with an emphasis not only on public proclamation but also on personal and institutional revival across churches, schools and the conference office.
Many churches have already completed their campaigns, while most are preparing for fall evangelistic efforts.
The conference recently celebrated a major milestone, reaching 8,000 members—an opportunity viewed not just in numbers but as a sign of spiritual potential.
Pastors are being trained in the Natural Church Development program through partnership with Andrews University, with younger pastors especially engaged and excited.
Wisconsin Academy celebrated 75 years of service, and the state marked 125 years of Adventist secondary education.
The Wisconsin campgrounds have undergone major upgrades over the past three years:
Plans are in place for a new Urban Center of Influence in Milwaukee, pending approval and funding from the NAD or General Conference.
Elden Ramirez, president of the Lake Union Conference and currently also serving as acting Executive Secretary, presented an encouraging report to the Executive Committee, blending administrative updates with spiritual momentum across the region.
Pentecost 2025 Evangelism Weekend
Membership Trends and Baptisms
Demographic and Reporting Updates
Ramirez closed with a spiritual appeal: “We must remain on our knees, asking not only for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit but also for His divine protection.”
Lake Union Treasurer Glynn Scott shared financial highlights for the first quarter of 2025, noting both challenges and signs of stability:
Tithe income totaled $20.7 million, down 3.03% compared to March 2024. Scott cited ongoing economic uncertainty as a key factor and emphasized continued monitoring throughout the year.
Total income was $3.6 million, coming in $424,000 under budget due to the timing of a weighted annual budget.
Total expenses also stood at $3.6 million, but were $1 million below budget, largely due to reduced program costs, salaries and travel.
Operating gain for March was $8,000, which exceeded budget projections by $655,000.
Scott concluded with gratitude, saying that despite economic challenges, God continues to bless Lake Union members, allowing for the ongoing support of mission and ministry across the territory.
Debbie Michel is Lake Union Herald editor.
