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The Lake Union Executive Committee convened on November 19, 2025. [Photos by Katie Fellows]

Debbie Michel Debbie Michel December 4, 2025

Lake Union Year-End Reports Celebrate Evangelism Momentum, Growth and Mission Impact

On Nov. 19, Lake Union leaders shared encouraging updates from the past year, highlighting strong evangelism efforts, increased baptisms, growing academy support and renewed momentum in local churches and ministries.

Indiana Celebrates 80+ Outreach Events and Strong Academy Support 

Indiana President Vic Van Schaik reported more than 80 outreach and evangelistic meetings, including pastor, elder and lay-led efforts statewide. A joint initiative with Lake Region and NADEI produced over 200 baptisms in Indianapolis. He also celebrated the $1.5 million endowment gift to Indiana Academy and announced three major Lilly Endowment grant proposals pending review in December. 

Indiana President Vic Van Schaik reported more than 80 outreach and evangelistic meetings across the state in 2025.
Indiana President Vic Van Schaik reported more than 80 outreach and evangelistic meetings across the state in 2025.

 

Lake Region Reports 210 Baptisms and Over 100 Churches Engaged 

Lake Region President Garth Gabriel announced significant participation in Pentecost 2025, with more than 100 churches engaged after a coordinated push for involvement. Evangelistic meetings across Chicago and Indiana resulted in 210 baptisms and 112 professions of faith. Gabriel emphasized the spiritual power of unity and thanked the body as he concluded his final meeting as president. 

Lake Region President Garth Gabriel announced significant participation in Pentecost 2025, with more than 100 churches engaged after a coordinated push for involvement.
Lake Region President Garth Gabriel announced significant participation in Pentecost 2025, with more than 100 churches engaged after a coordinated push for involvement.

 

Community Clinics and Small-Church Revivals Mark Michigan’s Year 

Michigan President Jim Micheff highlighted strong pre-evangelism efforts, including five AMEN medical, dental and vision clinics that served 684 patients and strengthened church-community ties. Small congregations such as Kalkaska and Edenville reported revitalized attendance, new Bible studies and baptisms. Micheff shared stories of newly baptized members leading building projects, calling it clear evidence that “God is moving.” 

Michigan President Jim Micheff highlighted strong pre-evangelism efforts, including five AMEN medical, dental and vision clinics that served 684 patients and strengthened church-community ties.
Michigan President Jim Micheff highlighted strong pre-evangelism efforts, including five AMEN medical, dental and vision clinics that served 684 patients and strengthened church-community ties.

 

Wisconsin Reports 131 Baptisms and Expanded Lay-Led Evangelism 

Wisconsin President Titus Naftanaila reported steady progress in the Reach Wisconsin initiative, with meetings led by pastors, lay leaders and student missionaries from Peru. The conference has recorded 131 baptisms so far, with additional Hispanic meetings underway. Wisconsin Academy received a $600,000 matching endowment, potentially growing to $1.2 million, alongside rising enrollment despite staffing transitions. 

Wisconsin President Titus Naftanaila reported steady progress in the Reach Wisconsin initiative, with meetings led by pastors, lay leaders and student missionaries from Peru.
Wisconsin President Titus Naftanaila reported steady progress in the Reach Wisconsin initiative, with meetings led by pastors, lay leaders and student missionaries from Peru.

 

Andrews University Posts Rising Enrollment and Strong Spiritual Growth 

Andrews President John Wesley Taylor reported growing student engagement in mission and service, including evangelistic campaigns in Malawi that resulted in over 3,000 baptisms. The university welcomed its largest incoming class since before the pandemic and climbed nearly 80 places in national rankings. Taylor highlighted residence hall renovations and invited churches to join volunteer teams for upcoming projects. 

Andrews President John Wesley Taylor reported growing student engagement in mission and service, including evangelistic campaigns in Malawi that resulted in over 3,000 baptisms.
Andrews President John Wesley Taylor reported growing student engagement in mission and service, including evangelistic campaigns in Malawi that resulted in over 3,000 baptisms.

 

AdventHealth Sees Record Volumes, Higher Retention and Strong Mission Identity 

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth President Dr. Monica Reed reported rising patient volumes—highest in a decade—along with major improvements in employee retention and engagement. Mission integration has been elevated to a vice president role, with David Oceguera joining in December. A national survey showed high favorability toward AdventHealth, though only 16% of Adventists volunteer in hospitals. This is an area Reed hopes to expand as the system strengthens services and partnerships. 

UChicago Medicine AdventHealth President Dr. Monica Reed reported rising patient volumes, along with major improvements in employee retention and engagement.
UChicago Medicine AdventHealth President Dr. Monica Reed reported rising patient volumes, along with major improvements in employee retention and engagement.

Debbie Michel serves as Lake Union Communication director.