Answering the Call: A Glimpse into the 2025 AAFCN Nurses Conference

Who could have imagined this?
The inaugural Adventist Nurse’s Conference was nothing short of extraordinary — a spiritually transformative gathering that left a lasting mark on every Adventist nurse and all present. We had attendees from far and near, across the North American Division plus Costa Rica and England. For those who could not attend, here’s a glimpse into one of the most celebrated events sponsored by the Adventist Association of Faith Community Nursing (AAFCN) that falls under the umbrella of the Health Ministries Department of the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists.

Orchestrated by Heaven

From the very beginning, it was evident: God orchestrated this conference. Every step, every moment, and every detail felt divinely appointed. Fervent prayers were lifted — prayers for knowledge, wisdom, guidance, and protection. And those prayers were undeniably answered. The presence of the Holy Spirit was tangible, guiding with precision, synergy, and intentionality.

A Grand Welcome

Attendees were greeted with warm smiles, heavenly hugs, and firm handshakes. The décor was breathtaking — elegant, thoughtful, and inspiring. Every corner of the venue radiated with grace and care. Nothing was left to chance.

Day 1: Thursday, April 3, 2025

The conference began with a warm, heartfelt reception, where volunteers and staff welcomed and registered participants and distributed bags and ID badges. Many of the attendees participated in a guided tour of the World Headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, just a few miles away from the conference venue. The tour included awe-inspiring glimpses into the church’s history through its magnificent hallways, priceless artifacts, and the Ellen G. White Museum.

That evening, North American Division Health Ministries Executive Director, Dr. Angeline Brauer, introduced the AAFCN Board of Directors and Leadership Team. We were honored to have Wendy Eberhardt, Vice President for the North American Division, bless us with words of welcome and affirmation followed by kindly greetings from Joan Payne, our current AAFCN president, that set the tone for a spirit-led conference.

An overview and purpose for “why we are here” was established by past president Kathleen Woodfork Coleman, whose initial inspiration planted the seed for our first Adventist Nursing Conference. Then an awe inspiring history of nursing in the Adventist church was presented by Dr. Michael Campbell and an overview of a hot-off-the-press Adventist Nursing text, “Whole Person Care, Adventist Nursing in Action” was summarized by Dr. Anne Beret Peterson and Dr. Pat Jones, ending with all the attendees receiving a free copy in our grand “Oprah moment”.

Day 2: Friday, April 4, 2025

Friday was a feast — both for the body and the soul. The day began with a plenary entitled “Ethics Hot Button Topics: LGBTQ+, Abortion, Vaccines, and more”. The panelists included Jennifer Gray Woods. Esq., Ingrid Slikkers, LMSW,CCTP,CFTP and Costin Jordache, MA, MBA, APR. It was a high spirited and very interactive experience. The day continued with engaging workshops, learning opportunities, and moments of spiritual reflection. A spectacular buffet-style lunch and later Agape Feast dinner featured delicious, and nutritious choices. The musical interlude, by Leighton Kennedy (nurse) and Felipe Paccagnella took us to heavenly places and the testimonies from nurses serving in the trenches, Dr. India Medley and Lewelyn Cariaga, and our own Pastoral Advisor, Dr. Anthony Medley, brought us into a realization of the theme “Rest for the Ministering Spirit”. They reminded us that while we are called and dedicated to this special work, we still need to care for our own selves physically and our own souls, spiritually. There were added amenities to enjoy during the conference including rooms dedicated to prayer, healing and relaxation.

Day 3: Sabbath, April 5, 2025

Sabbath was a glorious celebration of worship and fellowship. Assistant to the president, Elder Rick Remmers and wife, Shayne, a nurse, led out in Sabbath School demonstrating practical ways that we as nurses can participate in the NAD’s Pentecost 2025 Initiative. Attendees were blessed by the divine service; it’s music from the praise team comprised of talented attendees and guests. Then the angelic voice of Mrs. Desiree Bryant lifted our hearts as she took us to the cross in her soul-stirring musical selection, reminding us of the depth of Christ’s sacrifice and the hope we carry in His healing ministry. The heart of the service was the powerful preaching of God’s Word, delivered by Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division. Drawing from Matthew 28:18–20, he reminded us that our strength and calling come not from ourselves, but that we are truly ’empowered by Him’ to go, teach, and heal in His name.

The service was highlighted with a special moment to honor Bernice Deshay, an Adventist faith community nurse pioneer, who began the work of Faith Community Nursing in the Adventist Church, here on the east coast. She was awarded the “Adventist Health Ministries Lifetime Achievement Award”. A shared video montage of her untiring faithfulness to nursing and missionary work along with a surprise appearance of her family at the conference inspired all present. Her legacy continues to amaze and uplift. We were very excited to share these Sabbath hours with many of our Union Conference presidents. The service concluded with the sacred Blessing of the Hands ceremony, a moving moment of dedication led by Dr. Washington Johnson II, NAD Director of Chaplain Ministries.

The afternoon was marked by a spirit of selfless service as we came together to prepare thoughtful gifts for those in need. Giving back lies at the heart of our mission, and thanks to the dedication and enthusiasm of the incredible nurses who participated, we were able to make a meaningful impact. Together, we accomplished the following:

Assembled 98 care packs for the women at the House of Ruth
Prepared 100 Easter bags for local seniors
Created 150 handmade cards for seniors and children
Donated 25 cozy blankets for children at the Ronald McDonald House
Painted countless kindness rocks to brighten a Kindness Garden

Many were both blessed and inspired by the opportunity to experience and tour the ‘Brinklow Bus’— a vibrant ministry of the Emmanuel Brinklow SDA Church (EBC). This mobile classroom brings the message of healthy living directly to children, teaching them the importance of nutritious eating and lessons in hands-on food preparation. Traveling to schools, neighborhoods, and community events, the Brinklow Bus empowers youth to make wise food choices and discover the joy of creating healthy meals. We extend heartfelt thanks to Christine Macena of the Urban Life Center and Betsy Johnson, EBC’s dedicated Faith Community Nurse, for sharing their time, energy, and resources to make this powerful service experience a blessing to all.

Day 4: Sunday, April 6, 2025

As the conference ended, hearts were heavy with the reluctance to leave. The mountaintop experience was profound.

The event concluded with a powerful charge by dynamic speaker Seth Yelorda, CEO and Chief Clarity Officer of Vision Clarity. His message? A rallying cry to “move like buffaloes, not cows” — to press forward into life’s storms with courage and strength. “We are overcomers,” he declared, “a mighty force fueled by the power of the Holy Ghost.”

This is the all-important take-a-way: Sunday offered one final blessing to rest on all attendees: each participant departed not only uplifted but equipped with practical strategies to apply in their nursing practice—truly “Empowered for Impact.”

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Adventist Nurses Conference was more than an event and we wish we could share everything that transpired. It was a spiritual revival, a celebration of purpose, and a call to action. Nurses were left empowered, connected, and on fire to serve — spiritually, professionally, and personally. We look forward to our next conference and encourage you to join us.

By Rosalyn Saunders, DNP, FNP-C, RN, MSN, AFCN