Strengthening the Field:
Celebrating God’s Leading Across Nevada-Utah
There are seasons in the life of the church when you can tangibly feel that God is at work, calling, moving, and positioning His people for mission. This has been one of those seasons for the Nevada-Utah Conference, and our hearts are full.
Scripture reminds us, “I will give you shepherds according to My heart, who will feed you with knowledge and understanding” (Jeremiah 3:15, NKJV). We are witnessing that promise unfold before our eyes.
On March 7, Pastor Alfonso Acosta joined the Nevada-Utah family. Formerly serving as president of the El Salvador Central Conference, he now pastors the Nueva Esperanza church in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Later that month, on March 31, Pastor Kevin Solomon, who has faithfully served the Sparks church in Sparks, Nevada, was also appointed to serve the Truckee church in Truckee, California.
On April 4, Pastor Dan Hilasaca, who has faithfully served in the Nevada-Utah Conference for several years, was introduced to his new church families—the Ogden Spanish church in Ogden, Utah, and the Salt Lake City Spanish group in Salt Lake City, Utah. He transitioned from his previous district in Southern Utah, where he served the St. George and Red Cliffs churches.
April 11, Pastor Teodiso Alor was joyfully installed at the Camino a Cristo and Paraíso churches in Las Vegas, Nevada, transitioning from Nueva Esperanza. His placement marks a beautiful continuation of ministry within our Hispanic congregations.
We also warmly welcomed Pastor Michael McMillan to the Quincy church in Quincy, California, on April 18. Joining us from the Southeastern California Conference, he brings more than 30 years of pastoral ministry experience.
Most recently, on May 2, Pastor Emmanuel LaPorte, Family Ministries director, was introduced to the Paradise church in Las Vegas, Nevada, transitioning from his ministry in Carson City, Nevada.
Each of these pastors is not only a strong leader and gifted preacher but also a servant of deep faith with a genuine passion for evangelism. We are truly grateful that God has brought them to the Nevada-Utah Conference, and we are blessed to have them as part of our team.
Ellen G. White reminds us, “The greatest work, the noblest effort, in which men can engage, is to point sinners to the Lamb of God” (Gospel Workers, p. 18). That is exactly what these pastors are committed to doing.
As a conference, we remain focused on our mission, growing loving followers of Jesus. We invite you to join us in praying for each pastor, their families, and their congregations, trusting that God will continue to lead His church forward with power and purpose.
By God’s grace, as we move forward together—pastors and people, leaders and laity—may our collective witness shine even brighter across this region, and beyond, until every community has experienced the hope, healing, and saving love of Jesus Christ.
One Accord Concert:
Many Churches, One Voice in Southern Nevada
On March 28, Seventh-day Adventist churches across Southern Nevada united for a special area-wide worship experience. The inaugural One Accord concert, held at the Mountain View church, brought together musical talent from nearly every Adventist congregation in the Las Vegas Valley.
The program was hosted by Pastor Rodolfo Paredes of the Boulder City church. “It was amazing to see the church full of people,” he shared. “This was not a concert of individual churches but rather all of us lifting one voice and praising God in one accord.”
The concert was composed of musical talent representing a variety of churches and language groups. Students from Vegas Valley Adventist Academy also participated in this united effort.
“It was definitely something special to experience—seeing and hearing all the beautiful music,” explained Claudia Arevalo Yutuc. “My church family is much bigger than I realized.”
Pastor Mario Navarro of the Living Water Fil-Am church and the Las Vegas Filipino company district reflected on the effort behind the event. “This concert exceeded our expectations,” he said, “and the Lord truly blessed.” Navarro also serves as the Area Ministerial Associate for Southern Nevada.
Following the success of the One Accord concert, Southern Nevada pastors are exploring additional opportunities for collaboration. “We need more of these gatherings,” said Pastor Donald McLeod of the New Life church. “It is beautiful when people, regardless of their church, come together to praise and worship.”
Events like One Accord reflect a growing spirit of unity across the region. Many churches, one mission, and one voice in Christ—living out the Nevada-Utah Conference’s commitment to growing loving followers of Jesus Christ.
