This year’s list was shaped largely by coverage connected to the General Conference Session, including stories highlighting Pathfinder ministry, delegate representation and music ministry on the GC stage in St. Louis. As we look back on the year, we invite you to revisit these popular stories of 2025 and reflect on the moments that encouraged and inspired readers throughout the year.
Aki Pawa’s journey begins with severe hardship in Papua New Guinea, marked by family loss, poverty, and abandonment. Through faith and perseverance, his life took a new direction, eventually leading him to pursue education at Andrews University. His story reflects how God’s grace can bring restoration, purpose, and hope, even in the most difficult circumstances.
When Abigail Koo responded to the General Conference’s call for music, her Emmanuel Missionary Choir of 47 children from 16 nationalities said “yes” to singing at the 2025 GC Session in St. Louis. Just weeks after giving birth, Koo led the group through intense rehearsals, fundraising, and preparation for performances before tens of thousands. Their appearances weren’t just musical presentations but expressions of faith and mission, inspiring both the singers and the audience as they lifted their voices for God.
Nearly a decade after a landmark apology was issued at the Lake Region Conference Camp Meeting, former and current Lake Union leaders gathered at the Lake Union Conference headquarters in Berrien Springs on Feb. 26 to reflect on its significance, impact, and the ongoing journey toward racial reconciliation within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
The panel discussion, moderated by Lake Union Communication Director Debbie Michel and Lake Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director Attorney Jennifer Woods, brought together key leaders involved in the 2015 apology: former Lake Union President Don Livesay, then-Executive Secretary Gary Thurber, Lake Union Vice President for Multicultural Ministry Carmelo Mercado and current Lake Union President Ken Denslow.
The article introduces the Lake Union delegates selected to represent the region, including conference presidents, lay leaders, and union administrators, highlighting their diverse experiences and service. It underscores the importance of connecting the Lake Union territory with events happening at GC2025 and encourages prayerful support for those attending. Through on-site reporting and multimedia content, the Herald aimed to bring the session’s work and worship closer to its readers.
Last fall, shortly after the North American Division launched Pentecost 2025—a territory-wide effort to inspire bold, Holy Spirit-led evangelism—Pastor Chaka Samuel was scrolling Facebook when a post stopped him cold: his friend and fellow pastor Kojo Twumasi had baptized 80 people in Toledo through something called the Compassion Project.
Hundreds gathered for the in-person MORE+ revival at Pioneer Memorial Church, engaging in prayer walks, testimonies and worship. The week-long experience culminated in deep spiritual commitments, including a powerful student baptism.
The revival, led by Pastor Don MacLafferty, founder/president of In Discipleship, brought together students, faculty, church members, and visitors in an intergenerational experience of prayer, testimony and worship.
On March 5, 2025, members of the Lake Union Conference Executive Committee voted Elden Ramirez as president of the Lake Union Conference, effective May 1. Ramirez becomes the first Hispanic and Gen Xer to hold this position in the union’s history. Ramirez, the 19th president of the Lake Union, succeeds Ken Denslow, who has served as president since 2021.
A powerful personal reflection by Emily Gibbs on facing overwhelming illness and suffering while holding onto faith in God’s presence and compassion. After being diagnosed with Primary CNS Lymphoma during pregnancy and enduring intense treatment far from her young family, she wrestles honestly with pain, doubt, and hope. Through Scripture and the support of loved ones, she discovers that even in the midst of hardship, God’s mercies remain and sustain her. The article is a testament to resilience, surrender, and the quiet work of faith in the hardest seasons of life.
“On the Edge of Quitting, Pathfinder Leader Finds Renewed Calling After St. Louis Performance” follows a Pathfinder leader who was considering stepping away from ministry before a performance opportunity in St. Louis shifted his outlook. Leading a smaller club and facing discouragement, the experience of preparing youth for the event and performing on a broader stage prompted reflection. The moment led him to reconsider his decision and continue serving. The article documents how the experience influenced his commitment to Pathfinder ministry.
After 29 years serving as a volunteer youth director for the Lake Union Conference, Ron Whitehead will officially transition to a full-time role, effective May 1. Whitehead, who previously balanced his responsibilities as executive director of the Center for Youth Evangelism (CYE) at Andrews University with his volunteer service, will now fully dedicate his energies to youth, young adult and children's ministries within the union.
Whitehead emphasized that the change allows him to shift from global responsibilities associated with his role at CYE-–which included planning for events such as the International Camporee, WeCare Disaster Response, Cruise with a Mission-–to more locally focused ministry. “My focus now isn’t the world, nor missions or seminary or fundraising or running a world camporee. I can focus on strengthening all the Lake Union conferences.”
