While at the Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute, Xavier Miller (second left) from the University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter chose to give his life to Jesus in baptism that Sabbath, Aug. 2, 2025.
From July 29-Aug. 2, this principle came to life at the Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute (ACFi) conference. Eight students and young adults from Wisconsin joined over one hundred others in Seattle looking for and experiencing genuine community and raw authenticity. It was a culmination of the Holy Spirit’s powerful work in Wisconsin, and something we can only stand back and give God the glory for. What we are seeing is a revival and pipeline of leadership that is changing the tide among our public campus students in the Midwest.
The theme for ACFi was, “Life at the Center” and focused on rooting one’s life firmly in Jesus. Students, chaplains, conference and union youth leaders participated in workshops, worship, outreach on campus, as well as interactive activities for students to meet each other. In addition, each morning Lake Union college students gathered in small group settings for devotionals. While there, one of our students Xavier Miller, from the University of Wisconsin-Madison chapter, chose to give his life to Jesus in baptism that Sabbath, Aug. 2 [More on his story here]. It was a historic moment: the first baptism in the 13 years of ACFi.
How did this take place? The milestone reflects what God has been doing all year in Wisconsin. Public university students experienced a culture and environment of community, friendship and personal growth in their relationships with Jesus. The missionary staff were trained to come alongside and journey with students, naturally and organically, showing them how to walk alongside Jesus through small groups, personal Bible study and mentorship. As a result, strong community and connections were established.
This summer, several students went to DiscipleTrek, is a North American Division training that equips college students with practical hands-on skills to grow in their relationship with Jesus and share Him naturally with others. At ACFi, they received further training and practical skills in sharing Jesus in relevant ways, as well as earning $2,500 through a Shark Tank-style pitch competition for public college ministry in Wisconsin.
With this new experience, we’re excited to see many more students sent from our campus transformed and to choose a life with Jesus at this national training. It is raising up an army of youth that are well equipped to change this world for Christ and empowering them as missionaries in these last days. Students giving their lives to Christ through baptism is crucial. We can’t afford to ignore this ministry. As ACF’s motto says, “Reach the Campus, Change the World.”
Joshua Guerrero is Wisconsin Conference’s public campus ministry coordinator.
