Carolina Conference Camp Meeting

Friday Morning

Pastor Tony LaPorte currently serves as the pastor of the Charleston Adventist Church in South Carolina and as the Men's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference. He and his wife, Nereida, have been happily married for 38 years and are the proud parents of four sons. His greatest passion is sharing the love of Jesus with every soul he encounters.

Mike Ortel retired for the third time on January 1, 2025, after pastoringtwo churches in Arizona. He previously served as president of the Northern New England Conference and later as executive secretary and ministerial director for the Arizona Conference. Over his decades of service, he has been a pastor, department director, and administrator. He also chaired the board of Parkview Adventist Medical Center for ten years. Mike is deeply engaged in community outreach and currently serves as chaplain for the Paradise Valley Police Department. He recently authored Max the Cat: The Seven A's of Healthy Relationships.

Rudy and Janet Salazar are a passionate husband-and & wife team dedicated to inspiring others in both faith and finances. Rudy serves as associate director for Stewardship Ministries at the North American Division and holds a doctoral degree from Andrews University. He has served as a pastor and stewardship leader in several conferences. Janet holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from La Sierra University and shares practical tools for connecting with God through her speaking and writing ministry. Together, the Salazars encourage individuals and families to grow spiritually and live with purpose.

Brad Cauley, originally from South Carolina, is married to Nellie and father to Alexandra and Bradford, both students at Pine Tree Academy in Freeport, Maine. He holds a B.A. in Theology from Southern Adventist University, and an M.Div. and D.Min. from Andrews University. Brad is the author of Steps to a Vibrant Church and ReGenerate! A Strategy to Revitalize Seventh-day Adventist Churches. His upcoming book, In God I Trust? Examining Evidence for a Faith Relationship, will be published later this year. 

Richie Halversen is the Director of Church Growth and Revitalization for the Southern Union, where he equips church revitalizers and lay leaders to maximize their impact in evangelism and church renewal. He has been married to his wife, Britney, for 25 years. They have four children: Kaleb, Hayley, Tristen, and Taylor. The Halversens live in the Chattanooga area and enjoy spending time together hiking, disc golfing, and playing games.

Stone Chapel — Connect with the power of prayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morning prayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect with others and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend.

Roy E. Gane is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he has served since 1994. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in biblical Hebrew from the University of California, Berkeley, and served as president of the Adventist Theological Society (2009–10). Gane has published extensively in scholarly journals and authored several books, including Leviticus, Numbers (NIV Application Commentary), Old Testament Law for Christians, and The Sanctuary and Salvation. He was also the primary translator for Leviticus in the Common English Bible.

Stone Chapel — Connect with the power of prayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morning prayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect with others and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend.

César De León is an ordained minister and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He holds degrees from Andrews, Loma Linda, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor, Ministerial and Evangelism Director, and vice president for Hispanic Ministries. He and his wife, Carolann De León, now direct Family Ministries for the North American Division. Carolann previously served as associate director for Ministerial, Family Life, and Hispanic Ministries at the North Pacific Union. The De Leóns are passionate about equipping families for Christ-centered relationships. They have two adult sons, Zac and Jonathan

Richie Halversen is the Director of Church Growth and Revitalization for the Southern Union, where he equips church revitalizers and lay leaders to maximize their impact in evangelism and church renewal. He has been married to his wife, Britney, for 25 years. They have four children: Kaleb, Hayley, Tristen, and Taylor. The Halversens live in the Chattanooga area and enjoy spending time together hiking, disc golfing, and playing games.

Mike Ortel retired for the third time on January 1, 2025, after pastoringtwo churches in Arizona. He previously served as president of the Northern New England Conference and later as executive secretary and ministerial director for the Arizona Conference. Over his decades of service, he has been a pastor, department director, and administrator. He also chaired the board of Parkview Adventist Medical Center for ten years. Mike is deeply engaged in community outreach and currently serves as chaplain for the Paradise Valley Police Department. He recently authored Max the Cat: The Seven A's of Healthy Relationships.

César De León is an ordained minister and licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in California. He holds degrees from Andrews, Loma Linda, and Fuller Theological Seminary. He has served as pastor, Ministerial and Evangelism Director, and vice president for Hispanic Ministries. He and his wife, Carolann De León, now direct Family Ministries for the North American Division. Carolann previously served as associate director for Ministerial, Family Life, and Hispanic Ministries at the North Pacific Union. The De Leóns are passionate about equipping families for Christ-centered relationships. They have two adult sons, Zac and Jonathan

Pastor Tony LaPorte currently serves as the pastor of the Charleston Adventist Church in South Carolina and as the Men's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference. He and his wife, Nereida, have been happily married for 38 years and are the proud parents of four sons. His greatest passion is sharing the love of Jesus with every soul he encounters.

Richie Halversen is the Director of Church Growth and Revitalization for the Southern Union, where he equips church revitalizers and lay leaders to maximize their impact in evangelism and church renewal. He has been married to his wife, Britney, for 25 years. They have four children: Kaleb, Hayley, Tristen, and Taylor. The Halversens live in the Chattanooga area and enjoy spending time together hiking, disc golfing, and playing games.

Pastor Tony LaPorte currently serves as the pastor of the Charleston Adventist Church in South Carolina and as the Men's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference. He and his wife, Nereida, have been happily married for 38 years and are the proud parents of four sons. His greatest passion is sharing the love of Jesus with every soul he encounters.

Pastor Tony LaPorte currently serves as the pastor of the Charleston Adventist Church in South Carolina and as the Men's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference. He and his wife, Nereida, have been happily married for 38 years and are the proud parents of four sons. His greatest passion is sharing the love of Jesus with every soul he encounters.

Rudy and Janet Salazar are a passionate husband-and & wife team dedicated to inspiring others in both faith and finances. Rudy serves as associate director for Stewardship Ministries at the North American Division and holds a doctoral degree from Andrews University. He has served as a pastor and stewardship leader in several conferences. Janet holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from La Sierra University and shares practical tools for connecting with God through her speaking and writing ministry. Together, the Salazars encourage individuals and families to grow spiritually and live with purpose.

Roman Pawlak is a professor of nutrition at East Carolina University in North Carolina. He holds a doctorate in nutrition from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.S. in human nutrition from Andrews University. A registered dietitian nutritionist, he is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. With expertise in vegan and vegetarian nutrition, he has published around 50 peer-reviewed articles, several books, and numerous popular articles, and has lectured on five continents. He lives with his wife, Jinsun, and their two dogs.

Mike Ortel retired for the third time on January 1, 2025, after pastoringtwo churches in Arizona. He previously served as president of the Northern New England Conference and later as executive secretary and ministerial director for the Arizona Conference. Over his decades of service, he has been a pastor, department director, and administrator. He also chaired the board of Parkview Adventist Medical Center for ten years. Mike is deeply engaged in community outreach and currently serves as chaplain for the Paradise Valley Police Department. He recently authored Max the Cat: The Seven A's of Healthy Relationships.

Brad Cauley, originally from South Carolina, is married to Nellie and father to Alexandra and Bradford, both students at Pine Tree Academy in Freeport, Maine. He holds a B.A. in Theology from Southern Adventist University, and an M.Div. and D.Min. from Andrews University. Brad is the author of Steps to a Vibrant Church and ReGenerate! A Strategy to Revitalize Seventh-day Adventist Churches. His upcoming book, In God I Trust? Examining Evidence for a Faith Relationship, will be published later this year. 

Monday Evening

Sunday Evening

Stone Chapel — Connect with the power of prayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morning prayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect with others and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend.

Rudy and Janet Salazar are a passionate husband-and & wife team dedicated to inspiring others in both faith and finances. Rudy serves as associate director for Stewardship Ministries at the North American Division and holds a doctoral degree from Andrews University. He has served as a pastor and stewardship leader in several conferences. Janet holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from La Sierra University and shares practical tools for connecting with God through her speaking and writing ministry. Together, the Salazars encourage individuals and families to grow spiritually and live with purpose.

Mike Ortel retired for the third time on January 1, 2025, after pastoringtwo churches in Arizona. He previously served as president of the Northern New England Conference and later as executive secretary and ministerial director for the Arizona Conference. Over his decades of service, he has been a pastor, department director, and administrator. He also chaired the board of Parkview Adventist Medical Center for ten years. Mike is deeply engaged in community outreach and currently serves as chaplain for the Paradise Valley Police Department. He recently authored Max the Cat: The Seven A's of Healthy Relationships.

Stone Chapel — Connect with the power of prayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morning prayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect with others and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend. 

Rudy and Janet Salazar are a passionate husband-and & wife team dedicated to inspiring others in both faith and finances. Rudy serves as associate director for Stewardship Ministries at the North American Division and holds a doctoral degree from Andrews University. He has served as a pastor and stewardship leader in several conferences. Janet holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from La Sierra University and shares practical tools for connecting with God through her speaking and writing ministry. Together, the Salazars encourage individuals and families to grow spiritually and live with purpose.

Roman Pawlak is a professor of nutrition at East Carolina University in North Carolina. He holds a doctorate in nutrition from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.S. in human nutrition from Andrews University. A registered dietitian nutritionist, he is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. With expertise in vegan and vegetarian nutrition, he has published around 50 peer-reviewed articles, several books, and numerous popular articles, and has lectured on five continents. He lives with his wife, Jinsun, and their two dogs.

Roman Pawlak is a professor of nutrition at East Carolina University in North Carolina. He holds a doctorate in nutrition from the University of Southern Mississippi and an M.S. in human nutrition from Andrews University. A registered dietitian nutritionist, he is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its Vegetarian Nutrition Dietetic Practice Group. With expertise in vegan and vegetarian nutrition, he has published around 50 peer-reviewed articles, several books, and numerous popular articles, and has lectured on five continents. He lives with his wife, Jinsun, and their two dogs.

Roy E. Gane is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he has served since 1994. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in biblical Hebrew from the University of California, Berkeley, and served as president of the Adventist Theological Society (2009–10). Gane has published extensively in scholarly journals and authored several books, including Leviticus, Numbers (NIV Application Commentary), Old Testament Law for Christians, and The Sanctuary and Salvation. He was also the primary translator for Leviticus in the Common English Bible.

Jerry Page is the recently retired ministerial secretary for the General Conference. He is passionate about Jesus and sharing what our Lord can do when we live in an authentic, dynamic experience with Him. He and his wife, Janet, have been traveling the world teaching and speaking to leaders and many groups in very diverse settings. He has been a pastor and departmental director in Illinois and Colorado, and then president of the Pennsylvania and Central California conferences in North America. They have two grown sons, two amazing daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. 

Jerry Page is the recently retired ministerial secretary for the General Conference. He is passionate about Jesus and sharing what our Lord can do when we live in an authentic, dynamic experience with Him. He and his wife, Janet, have been traveling the world teaching and speaking to leaders and many groups in very diverse settings. He has been a pastor and departmental director in Illinois and Colorado, and then president of the Pennsylvania and Central California conferences in North America. They have two grown sons, two amazing daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. 

Roy E. Gane is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he has served since 1994. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in biblical Hebrew from the University of California, Berkeley, and served as president of the Adventist Theological Society (2009–10). Gane has published extensively in scholarly journals and authored several books, including Leviticus, Numbers (NIV Application Commentary), Old Testament Law for Christians, and The Sanctuary and Salvation. He was also the primary translator for Leviticus in the Common English Bible.

Jerry Page is the recently retired ministerial secretary for the General Conference. He is passionate about Jesus and sharing what our Lord can do when we live in an authentic, dynamic experience with Him. He and his wife, Janet, have been traveling the world teaching and speaking to leaders and many groups in very diverse settings. He has been a pastor and departmental director in Illinois and Colorado, and then president of the Pennsylvania and Central California conferences in North America. They have two grown sons, two amazing daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. 

Roy E. Gane is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he has served since 1994. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in biblical Hebrew from the University of California, Berkeley, and served as president of the Adventist Theological Society (2009–10). Gane has published extensively in scholarly journals and authored several books, including Leviticus, Numbers (NIV Application Commentary), Old Testament Law for Christians, and The Sanctuary and Salvation. He was also the primary translator for Leviticus in the Common English Bible.

Jerry Page is the recently retired ministerial secretary for the General Conference. He is passionate about Jesus and sharing what our Lord can do when we live in an authentic, dynamic experience with Him. He and his wife, Janet, have been traveling the world teaching and speaking to leaders and many groups in very diverse settings. He has been a pastor and departmental director in Illinois and Colorado, and then president of the Pennsylvania and Central California conferences in North America. They have two grown sons, two amazing daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. 

Roman Pawlak is a professor of nutrition at East CarolinaUniversity in North Carolina. He holds a doctorate innutrition from the University of Southern Mississippi andan M.S. in human nutrition from Andrews University. Aregistered dietitian nutritionist, he is a member of theAcademy of Nutrition and Dietetics and its VegetarianNutrition Dietetic Practice Group. With expertise in veganand vegetarian nutrition, he has published around 50 peer-reviewedarticles, several books, and numerous popular articles, and has lectured onfive continents. He lives with his wife, Jinsun, and their two dogs.

Mike Ortel retired for the third time on January 1, 2025, after pastoringtwo churches in Arizona. He previously served as presidentof the Northern New England Conference and later asexecutive secretary and ministerial director for the ArizonaConference. Over his decades of service, he has been apastor, department director, and administrator. He alsochaired the board of Parkview Adventist Medical Center forten years. Mike is deeply engaged in community outreachand currently serves as chaplain for the Paradise Valley Police Department.He recently authored Max the Cat: The Seven A's of Healthy Relationships.

Jim & Becky Ingersoll Jim and Becky Ingersoll haveserved together in Adventist education for 43 years andnow lead the 2Serve Disaster Training & Response Team.They provide training for both disaster response and CERT(Community Emergency Response Team) programs. Intheir seminar this week, they will teach practical strategiesfor disaster preparedness and community survival in theaftermath of a crisis. Attendees will learn how to safely provide the greatesthelp to the greatest number of people until professional first responders areable to arrive.

Roy E. Gane is professor of Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near Eastern Languages at the Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he has served since 1994. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. in biblical Hebrew from the University of California, Berkeley, and served as president of the Adventist Theological Society (2009–10). Gane has published extensively in scholarly journals and authored several books, including Leviticus, Numbers (NIV Application Commentary), Old Testament Law for Christians, and The Sanctuary and Salvation. He was also the primary translator for Leviticus in the Common English Bible.

Rudy and Janet Salazar are a passionate husband-and-wife team dedicated to inspiring others in both faith andfinances. Rudy serves as associate director for StewardshipMinistries at the North American Division and holds adoctoral degree from Andrews University. He has servedas a pastor and stewardship leader in several conferences.Janet holds a Master of Arts in Teaching from La SierraUniversity and shares practical tools for connecting with God through herspeaking and writing ministry. Together, the Salazars encourage individualsand families to grow spiritually and live with purpose.

Pastor Tony LaPorte currently serves as the pastor ofthe Charleston Adventist Church in South Carolina and asthe Men's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference.He and his wife, Nereida, have been happily married for 38years and are the proud parents of four sons. His greatestpassion is sharing the love of Jesus with every soul heencounters.

Stone Chapel — Connect with the power ofprayer at the Stone Chapel during camp meeting. The daily morningprayer group provides a peaceful and uplifting space to connect withothers and lift your concerns to the Lord. All are welcome to attend.

Jerry Page is the recently retired ministerial secretary for the General Conference. He is passionate about Jesus and sharing what our Lord can do when we live in an authentic, dynamic experience with Him. He and his wife, Janet, have been traveling the world teaching and speaking to leaders and many groupsin very diverse settings. He has been a pastor and departmental director in Illinois and Colorado, and then president of the Pennsylvania and Central California conferences in North America. They have two grown sons, two amazing daughters-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren. 

Elder Leslie D. Louis was born to missionary parents from India on the island of Ceylon (today known as Sri Lanka) where he spent most of his boyhood days. He holds a B.A. degree in religion from Southern Missionary College (1973), along with an M.A. in education from Andrews University (1982). He has served in five conferences in North America including Florida, Ohio, Kentucky-Tennessee, Gulf States, and Carolina. The past fifty years of his service for the Seventh-day Adventist church include that of being a classroom teacher, elementary school and academy principal, superintendent of education, pastor, vice president of a conference and currently as the president of the Carolina Conference. Elder Louis was elected to serve as the 37th president of the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in 2011, was re-elected in 2016 for a second term and again in 2022 for his third term ending in August 2027. Leslie is married to Carole who is truly the love of his life. They met while they were both students at Southern Missionary College and will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in December 2023. They have two adult children: Christopher and Catherine and three treasured granddaughters: Isla, Rosalind, and Eloise. Leslie enjoys traveling, photography, camping, biking, and reading as his leisure activities. He has had the opportunity to travel and visit countries in six of the world's seven continents. Preaching and sharing Christ through the truths of God's Word by evangelism, prayer and witnessing are the greatest passions of his heart. 

As a child, Kathy wanted to be a nurse. She completed her first year of nursing classes at Columbia Union College, while also taking voice lessons. By the end of that year, she felt called to be a music teacher.Kathy sang her first solo when she was five years old for Adult Sabbath School. Thanks to her parents, music education was an important part of her life as she began piano lessons in 2nd grade, sang solos and with choirs, played flute during her elementary and academy years, took harp lessons, and continued voice lessons with her teacher at  Southern Missionary College. Kathy completed a Bachelor of Music Education in voice (1983), followed by teaching school music (1983-1984), and elementary certification at CUC (1984-1985). She gained teaching experience by providing music classes, giving private lessons, and directing children's and adult choirs.Before completing an M.Ed. in music at the University of Maryland (1985-1990), Kathy taught 4th /3rd elementary classes at John Nevins Andrews School (1989-1994) her childhood elementary school. Favorite activities include worship, Bible classes, and teaching students to praise God by presenting Bible musical dramas. Kathy married her husband, Rick, in 1987.Kathy then taught K-11 music at Spencerville Adventist Academy (1994-1999) until Rick was called to work as the VP of Finance for the Carolina Conference. After moving to Charlotte, Kathy taught music lessons and classes at several SDA schools, planned music for conference events, and camp meetings, and directed the camp meeting choir. Rick and Kathy were blessed by God with the adoption of their son, Bradley Russell from Ukraine (2002), and their daughter, Grace Russell from China (2008). Kathy has loved being a mom and homeschooling her kids!Before Grace arrived, Kathy was invited to lead as Children's Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference (2007). Her work is to equip Children's Ministry leaders to help children know and love Jesus. Leading Primary and Kindergarten, supporting Adventurers and leading Pathfinders, preaching evangelistic campaigns, and recording Kathy's Kids StoryTime, have all contributed to Kathy's personal growth in ministry.During her extensive work with children in the Carolinas, those who served with her recognized the spiritual depth and extensive pastoral ministry that Kathy is providing to these young people—that she is truly the Children's Pastor for the Conference—and rightfully recommended that she be Commissioned.She is grateful to God for allowing her to do ministry with Rick. She is grateful for the love and support of family and friends, and for the way God has used her life experiences to prepare her for the next steps in His service. Kathy is willing to follow God where He leads.

 Glenward Alexander (Alex) Bryant, inspired to ministry soon after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church, solidified his calling through evangelism and teaching in Japan as a student missionary. With a BA in Theology and Business from Oakwood College, an M.Div from Andrews University, and a D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has served in various leadership roles within the Adventist Church. Currently, he is the North American Division president and enjoys nature, construction, and bike riding. Married to Desiree Wimbish, they have three children and three granddaughters.

Adult Sabbath SchoolWelcome and Opening Prayer  — David WrightMount Pisgah and Fletcher Academies' Mission — Academy RepresentativesSpecial Music — Choirs from Mount Pisgah & Fletcher AcademiesMission Report — Jimmy ShweMission Offering/Special Music — Jacqueline & Janae WalshLesson — Eric WalshClosing Prayer — David Wright

 Glenward Alexander (Alex) Bryant, inspired to ministry soon after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church, solidified his calling through evangelism and teaching in Japan as a student missionary. With a BA in Theology and Business from Oakwood College, an M.Div from Andrews University, and a D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has served in various leadership roles within the Adventist Church. Currently, he is the North American Division president and enjoys nature, construction, and bike riding. Married to Desiree Wimbish, they have three children and three granddaughters.

 Glenward Alexander (Alex) Bryant, inspired to ministry soon after joining the Seventh-day Adventist Church, solidified his calling through evangelism and teaching in Japan as a student missionary. With a BA in Theology and Business from Oakwood College, an M.Div from Andrews University, and a D.Min from Fuller Theological Seminary, he has served in various leadership roles within the Adventist Church. Currently, he is the North American Division president and enjoys nature, construction, and bike riding. Married to Desiree Wimbish, they have three children and three granddaughters.