Why was Jesus the greatest leader this world has ever seen? The simple answer: Jesus came to serve. The leaders in our world, and in our churches, are not servants like Jesus was. The only solution to this problem is to raise up tomorrow’s leaders to become servant leaders. This was the goal of the 2019 North Pacific Union Conference (NPUC) Student Leadership Conference. Student leaders from 10 of the Adventist academies in NPUC gathered at Camp MiVoden, in Hayden, Idaho, Oct. 10–13, 2019, to learn about the importance of service.
During the day, small group sessions that were divided by leadership position would be held to discuss specific leadership strategies. During these meetings, students shared their experiences and struggles while serving their schools. Students were comforted when they realized they weren’t the only ones experiencing difficulties.
After the small group sessions, the keynote speaker Mark Witas, Oregon's Sunnyside Church pastor, shared inspirational stories that captured the importance of service. These two activities occurred every day until Sabbath came.
On Sabbath, the young leaders broke out into an activity called “The Amazing Grace.” Students raced in teams to complete fun and challenging teamwork-building exercises. Everyone had a positive attitude showed great sportsmanship.
The Sabbath was closed off with an emotional communion service and the baptism of a student who wanted to dedicate his life to Jesus. Many memories were created at Camp MiVoden over the course of those few days, but the biggest takeaway from the whole conference was the importance of servant leadership. The hope is that these students apply what they have learned so in the next few decades our leaders will serve just like Jesus did.
Kaleb Jones, Mount Ellis Academy student
On Sabbath, the young leaders broke out into an activity called “The Amazing Grace.” Students raced in teams to complete fun and challenging teamwork-building exercises.
Mark Witas baptizes a student who decided to commit his life to serving Jesus at NPUC Student Leadership Conference.
As a student prepares for baptism, Mark Witas explains the importance of committing one’s life to serving Jesus.
Students, divided into teams by color, looked up Bible trivia as part of the NPUC Student Leadership Conference Sabbath afternoon activity.
Camp MiVoden provided students and staff with wonderful food during the weekend conference.
Teams wait for instructions for the next part of the Sabbath afternoon activity that involved some orienteering.
Student are divided into groups according to colors – each team had a different colored hat for the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Student gather all the gear that they might need for the afternoon activities – a Bible, a whistle, a compass and their hats.
Students get ready for the next activity as sponsors give directions.
Sponsors help students with the basic instructions for the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Teams busy at their tables working together on part of the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Students learn to work together as they put together their team puzzle as part of the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Students frantically looking up Bible texts as part of the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Students learning to work together and trust one another as they are blindfolded.
Students navigating the masses of blindfolded friends.
Which way should we go?
Sponsors making sure everyone is safe as the "leader" explains where to go.
"This is steep.”
Students putting their trust in their leader.
Sponsors served as judges for the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Getting into small groups by number.
There was time for recreation during the weekend conference.
Sharing musical talent was a big part of the weekend.
Mark Witas was the main speaker for the weekend conference.
Mark Witas, Oregon's Sunnyside Church pastor, shared personal stories that connected students to Jesus.
Students organize into teams at the beginning of the Sabbath afternoon activity.
Peter Fackenthall, Auburn Adventist Academy principal, led icebreakers and kept everyone on schedule with announcements.
Students were met by this welcome sign as they arrive at Camp MiVoden for the NPUC Student Leadership Confernece.
