A Communiqué from the Office of the President June 2025
TOGETHER -- WE'RE SHAPING THE FUTURE OF THE ARIZONA CONFERENCE
It is a pleasure to share with Arizona constituents and friends the many wonderful things happening within our Conference. May you catch our vision for winning men and women, boys and girls to Jesus!
"Joy in God's House"
“I was glad when they said unto me, ‘Let us go into the house of the Lord.’” —
Psalm 122:1 (KJV)
Gathering in God's house is deeply beautiful and comforting. Whether it’s a grand cathedral, a small country chapel, or a quiet living room where believers meet, His presence makes it holy ground. David’s words in Psalm 122 overflow with joy, not because of the building itself but because of the presence of God and His people found within it.
Too often, we see attending church or joining a gathering as a duty. But when we remember what truly happens there: worship, teaching, prayer, and fellowship, our hearts begin to stir with gladness. We are not just checking a box; we are stepping into the presence of the King, joining a family, and being reminded of our eternal hope.
In God’s house, burdens are lifted, hearts are healed, and souls are refreshed. Joy isn’t surface-level happiness; it’s a deep-rooted gladness born of communion with God and His people.
As you’re on your way to church next time, ask yourself,
• Do I enter God’s house with joyful anticipation or out of obligation?
• How can I prepare my heart before gathering with other believers to make space for joy?
• How might I contribute to the joy of others in God’s house?
This week, try to arrive early, greet someone new, or pause and reflect on the privilege of being in His presence. Let joy be the tone of your church experience.
On May 1 and 2, I visited with friends working on the Maranatha Camp YavaPines project. It was great to see all the improvements being made to the camp. I’m so thankful for all the ministry that takes place there. On May 3rd, I spoke at one of our Hispanic churches in Phoenix. I had a great time with a very enthusiastic group.
May 4-9, I was in the Arizona Conference office in several meetings. I also participated in several interviews with future pastors and teachers for positions in this wonderful territory that God has given us to work in. On May 10, I had the privilege of speaking at the Wickenburg Seventh-day Adventist Church. I was truly blessed with a beautiful worship service and a great Sabbath school lesson, and I’m thankful for the leaders of this church, as they have been holding down the fort for four months now without a pastor. May God bless them until the Lord provides the right shepherd for this precious church.
From May 11th through 13th, I was in the office as we had our academy board meeting for Thunderbird Adventist Academy, Arizona Conference Board of Education meeting, and some more interviews.
May 14-16, I was at Pacific Union College for their biannual constituency meeting, which was a real blessing as PUC has increased its enrollment for three consecutive years. May God continue to bless them and their leadership as they move forward. We also had the president’s council for the Pacific Union Conference presidents and the Pacific Union executive committee. It was a full three days.
On May 16, I celebrated my birthday by working on some items for the Arizona Conference. However, I took May 17 off and did not preach that day. This is the first Sabbath I haven’t preached this year.
May 18 and 19th, I visited with the Arizona Conference staff before I headed to La Sierra University in Riverside, California, to inaugurate their new college president, Dr. Christon Arthur. That was a beautiful event in the traditional style of an academic institution with typical regalia and robes for all the staff, board members, and former university leaders.
On May 21 and 22nd, I was at La Sierra University for various committee meetings and a board of trustees meeting. God has blessed La Sierra with some wonderful staff and a godly Christian president. Let us continue to pray for LSU and all of our schools.
On May 23, I was at the consecration service for Thunderbird Adventist Academy. I was truly blessed to see the wonderful spirit of each of these graduates as they move forward in their academic careers. Many students will attend Seventh-day Adventist colleges and other colleges to further their training for future jobs. I was also blessed by Chaplain Jonathan Picon’s wonderful message. I am so thankful that our young people are being trained to love Jesus and serve this world for Him. |
May 24 and 25th, I was at our Native American camp meeting held at Holbrook Indian school. I was truly blessed to be asked to preach for the special event. I enjoyed trying to sing in the Navajo language with Pastor Dale Wolcott and his team leading out. 
May 24 and 25th, I was at our Native American camp meeting held at Holbrook Indian school. I was truly blessed to be asked to preach for the special event. I enjoyed trying to sing in the Navajo language with Pastor Dale Wolcott and his team leading out. 
I was also blessed to meet the new pastor of the Window Rock church and the Dinè Adventist Radio Church, Erik Bahnmiller, and his family for the first time. May God bless them in this very special ministry.
In God’s Service, Ed Keyes
The rest of May was spent in committee meetings. I had to do some of this by Zoom because two major issues happened simultaneously. Water damage to my house and a separate incident with my car from a road hazard as I was driving back from our Native camp meeting. I started to feel bad for myself because of all the money I would have to spend fixing my house and car. I started realizing I can’t complain too much, because God still looks after me. Our dear Executive Secretary, Ray Navaro, prayed for me over the phone after hearing all of this, and in his prayer, he asked God to help me realize how blessed I am and how much I have to be thankful for. I want to thank you, Ray, for that great reminder.
As you can see, there is no grass growing under our feet in Arizona; we are busy doing the work God has called us to do.
May God continue to bless our Arizona Conference Family.
In His service, Ed Keyes
www.azconference.org/campmeeting
Arizona Camp Meeting Live Stream:
For those unable to attend, you can tune into all AZ Camp Meeting programs throughout the week including the Sabbath worship services on Good News Website. https://www.MyGoodNewsTV.com/camp. Many Arizona churches will also be streaming the worship service from Camp Meeting. (If your church needs instructions, please call Good News TV at 480-264-1116.)
Arizona Camp Meeting Auditorium Sale, June 8: Pacific Press and Howell Mountain Foods Distributors will be at the main pavilion on Sunday, June 8, at 1:15 p.m., for the annual auditorium sale.
AZ Sonshine Announcement:
Volunteers are needed for Arizona Sonshine on June 5th and 6th. Arizona Sonshine is an Arizona Conference Ministry where we offer free dental, vision, medical, hearing, etc. to guests. We need dentists, dental assistants, dental hygienists, doctors, vision doctors and personnel, nurses, massage therapists, barbers/beauticians to cut hair, and many people just to help move the guests around the event. Please go to www.arizonasonshine.com and sign up under 'Upcoming Events' if you can help.
The Planned Giving & Trust Services Department Camp Meeting Announcement 2025
The Planned Giving & Trust Services department of the Arizona Conference is offering free estate planning appointments at camp meeting. If you are interested in taking advantage of this service, please call 480-991-6777 or email kstevenson@azconference.org
Hispanic Ministries Camp Meeting 2025, June 16-22: “Hasta lo Ultimo de la Tierra” is the theme for Campestre Familiar at Camp Yavapines 16-22 de Junio. www.azministeriohispano.org for registration. For information call (480) 991-6777 ext. 107.
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