KDHP is On The Air!
BY STEVE PESTER
At 12:01 AM on Thursday, January 1, 2026, a long‑awaited prayer was finally answered. KDHP 91.9 FM, serving Piñon, Chinle, and the Central Agency of the Navajo Nation, officially came to life and began broadcasting the message of hope across the high desert.
KDHP is the second of three full‑power stations being built for the Diné Adventist Radio Network, another milestone in a growing ministry dedicated to sharing the love of Jesus in both English and Navajo.
Construction on the KDHP tower began in the Winter of 2024, but for many months, the site stood quietly on the ridge, waiting for commercial power. Along the way, it was affectionately dubbed “The Tower That Waits.” What felt like delay became a reminder that God’s timing is always purposeful.
On Wednesday evening, December 31, 2025, the DAR Construction Committee, led by Luke Skelton of the Good News Broadcasting Network, gathered via Zoom for a brief devotional. Together, the team reflected on the many Bible stories in which God’s people waited, sometimes longer than they expected, and how every moment of waiting prepared them for a greater blessing.
The group then entered a season of prayer, thanking God for His perfect timing, His protection over the project, and the patience He gave everyone involved. At midnight, hearts were full of gratitude and anticipation.
Just as the new year began, the switch was flipped, and KDHP 91.9 FM officially began broadcasting.
Louise Brown, wrote to DAR when she heard KDHP 91.9 FM during testing. "I am listening to my radio and it's sounding great! I started praying for my people, when I became a Seventh-day Adventist. I learned so much from the Bible, and my prayer and faith grew stronger. I want my people to experience that too. I got emotional when I heard the actual radio, it brought tears to my eyes. I'm 86 years old and to see this come to life... I'm so grateful. I've been to Yale Point before anything was built there. I've been to the tower site a few times to pray that the radio station will reach many Diné and our neighboring tribes. Thank you to everyone who made this happen.”
Today, "the Tower That Waits" is now "the Tower That Speaks," carrying encouragement, stories, Scripture, music, and the good news of Jesus to Navajo families across the Central Agency.
Dr. Carl Butler Jr. Installed at Wickenburg Church
BY JONATHAN SMITH
On November 22, 2025, Dr. Carl Butler Jr. was installed as the new pastor of the Wickenburg Seventh-day Adventist Church. The installation was attended by President Ed Keyes, Ministerial Director Van Bledsoe, and Assistant to the President for Black Ministries Jonathan Smith.
Pastor Carl Butler Jr. was born in Belize, a beautiful country in Central America. With a heart for ministry and a passion for people, he has dedicated his life to serving God and strengthening families and communities. Before entering full-time ministry, Butler proudly served 10 years in the United States military, an experience that shaped his discipline, leadership, and commitment to service.
For more than nine years, he faithfully pastored in the great state of Alaska, serving the Kodiak, Wasilla, and Eagle River Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Known for his warm spirit, engaging preaching, and deep commitment to both family and faith, Pastor Carl brings a global perspective, a shepherd’s heart, and a spirit of compassion to every congregation he leads.
Butler holds a PhD in Business with a Cognate in Healthcare Management from Liberty University, a Master of Divinity (MDiv) from the Seventh-Day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University, and a Master’s in Business with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from the University of Arizona. His blended background in ministry, leadership, and organizational development equips him to support thriving church communities while empowering people to grow spiritually, emotionally, and relationally.
Prior to joining the Wickenburg Church, he faithfully assisted Pastor Smith at the Tucson Sharon Church, where he taught Sabbath School, preached regularly, and co-led the Pathfinders with his wife, Liz.
He has been joyfully married to his loving wife, Liz, for nearly 20 years. Together, they are the proud parents of three incredible children: Carly (13), the oldest and a natural leader; Carlos (11), their only son with a heart full of curiosity and kindness; and Camila (5), the youngest and the joyful light of their home.
Whether in the pulpit, in the community, or walking alongside families in their everyday challenges, Butler remains dedicated to sharing the gospel, building strong homes, and leading with grace, humility, and purpose.
Pastor Chan Installed at Deer Valley District
BY ALEXIS CAMACHO
In early December, the Deer Valley District warmly welcomed Pastor José Pablo Chan Bonnabel and his devoted help meet, Yndra Santana. Chan, a native of the city “where no one is a stranger”—Chitré, Panama—is no stranger to the Arizona Conference, having previously served as pastor of the Tucson Esperanza District in Tucson, Arizona (2021–2025), and as pastor of the Nogales District (2018–2021).
Chan began his academic studies in Music Education at the Universidad de Montemorelos, which later propelled his ministry in literature evangelism for 17 years across various states in Mexico. He later accepted God’s call to serve as president of FESJA in Baja California, Mexico. It was there that God once again called him into service—this time into pastoral ministry.
After months of prayer, Chan accepted God’s call and arrived in Arizona, first serving as a Bible worker, then as a district pastor, and now faithfully responding once again to God’s call as he comes to Phoenix. Chan lives trusting in God’s promises: “Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8). Though they do not know what the future holds, Chan and his wife are confident that God’s plans are “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11).
The charisma and passion for service of this ministerial couple will be key to advancing the work in their new churches: Deer Valley Spanish, El Mirage Spanish, and North Valley Spanish. Through their ministry and service, many will be able to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8).
New Communication Director: Alexis Camacho
BY JEFF ROGERS
The Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists appointed Alexis Camacho as its new Communication Director, bringing with him a strong blend of hands-on experience, professional media training, and a deep commitment to ministry. He began his new role in December 2025.
Camacho earned his Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Media in 2025 from Universidad de Montemorelos (UM) in Mexico. During his time at UM, he worked extensively in the UMTV recording studio, which produces content for Hope Channel Inter-America, an international television network. Camacho also served as Communications Director for the School of Physical Therapy and also applied his skills as a content creator by producing and editing video content for the university’s social media platforms.
Camacho brings a clear and mission-driven vision to his new role. “The Communication Department exists to communicate and inform with clarity, purpose, and integrity,” he shares. “I envision a department that is intentional and strategic in its work—strengthening connections from our members to our organization, and ultimately to Christ.
Camacho is returning home to Arizona, where he grew up and worked in the family business, Camacho Construction Services. After spending several years away, Camacho sees his return as a meaningful homecoming. “I didn’t know if I would ever come back to Arizona or what God had in store for me,” he reflects. “But it’s good to be back home.”
The Arizona Conference looks forward to the leadership, creativity, and Christ-centered vision Camacho brings to the Communication Department as it continues to share God’s story across the state and beyond.
