Arizona News – October, 2026

On Sabbath, August 15, Glendale Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed Melissa Maguire as its new associate pastor during a special installation service. For Maguire, the occasion marked not only the beginning of a new chapter in ministry but also a meaningful return to a church that has been part of her journey for several years.

Born in Los Angeles and raised in Arizona from the age of two, Maguire attended a combination of homeschool, public school, and Thunderbird Christian Elementary before graduating from Psalm 91 Christian School. She began college at La Sierra University as a mathematics major, but soon discovered that her greatest joy came from serving others through campus ministries.

At first, Maguire considered chaplaincy or becoming a Bible teacher rather than a pastor. She hesitated to change direction until a conversation with Pastor Eddie Turner clarified her calling. When he asked what she loved doing most, she answered, “Being with people, hearing their stories, praying with people, and talking about the Bible after vespers.”

His response was simple: “Girl, you just described being a pastor.”

After praying about the decision for several weeks, Maguire changed her major and never looked back. She later transferred to Southern Adventist University, where she graduated in May 2026 with a degree in Theology and minors in Biblical Languages and Practical Theology. During her junior year, she also served for a year as assistant girls’ dean at Fletcher Academy in North Carolina.

Maguire first began attending Glendale Church in 2020 because it was one of the churches open during the COVID-19 pandemic. She joined the choir and soon became part of the church family.

Maguire’s ministry passions include children and youth, listening to people’s stories, and walking alongside them as they follow Jesus. She has also served several summers at Camp Yavapines.

Outside of ministry, Maguire enjoys being outdoors, playing guitar, reading, and creative activities such as sewing, crocheting, knitting, drawing, painting, and scrapbooking.

As she begins this new chapter at Glendale, Maguire hopes to help people grow in their relationship with Jesus and discover what He is inviting them into.

Two new voices have risen across the high desert—steady, faithful, and carrying the hope of Jesus to thousands on the Navajo Nation. This month, Diné Adventist Radio brought two new stations on the air, creating a continuous gospel corridor from Shiprock to Farmington.

KJSS-LP 106.5 FM in Shiprock came online smoothly as AWR engineers completed the configuration, equipment installation, and final testing. Within minutes of activation, the message of Christ was flowing across the community.

KBFH-LP 105.7 FM in Farmington faced a very different challenge. AWR engineers spent 13 straight hours tracking down a hidden manufacturing defect in the feed line, an issue that prevented the signal from leaving the tower. After painstaking testing, replacement, and prayer, the station finally came alive, filling the airwaves with the gospel.

Together, these two stations form what is now being called the Twin Towers of Testimony in the northwest corner of New Mexico. Their coverage overlaps so completely that a listener can drive from one community to the other without losing the signal, the music, the message, or the ministry.

Already, God is moving. Calls for prayer and Bible studies began coming in within days. Hearts are opening, and the Spirit is working.

These towers may be made of steel, but they carry a living message—one that speaks hope, healing, and the love of Jesus into homes, vehicles, and lives across the Navajo Nation.

Through Diné Adventist Radio, these two new stations are more than transmitters. They are tools for ministry, carrying the gospel farther and connecting more people with the hope found in Jesus.

From August 1–9, more than 100 youth, pastors, and leaders from Arizona traveled to Valencia, Spain, to participate in the 2026 European Adventist Youth Congress. The gathering brought together more than 3,000 Adventist young people from across Europe for worship, Bible teaching, workshops, fellowship, and activities centered on the theme “Made for More.”

Held at Feria Valencia, the congress was designed to help young people strengthen their relationship with God, build meaningful connections, and discover His purpose for their lives. Throughout the week, participants attended worship services, Bible presentations, small groups, workshops, sports, social activities, and opportunities to connect with young Adventists from different countries and cultures.

The program focused on three key ideas: being made for belonging, made for believing, and made for becoming. These themes encouraged participants to recognize their identity in God, grow in faith, and consider how their lives can reflect His purpose.

For the Arizona delegation, the experience provided an opportunity to worship alongside young Adventists from another part of the world and experience the diversity and unity of the global Adventist Church. The week also created opportunities to form new friendships, share faith experiences, and learn from young people representing different cultures and communities.

The spiritual impact on the young travelers was especially meaningful for two youth traveling with the Arizona group, who were baptized during the event. Their decisions to publicly commit their lives to Christ became a highlight of the week and a reminder of the purpose behind the youth congress and the trip.

As the Arizona youth returned home, they carried with them new friendships, memories, and spiritual experiences from Valencia. More importantly, the week reminded them they were made for more—more than simply going through life, but to belong to God, grow in faith, and become the people He has called them to be.