Alive in Jesus Sabbath School Training

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Christian School’s robotics team recently earned top honors at a FIRST Lego League regional competition held at Takoma Academy in Maryland, securing a championship invitation after an outstanding all-around performance. In preparation for the event, the team dedicated extensive time to building and programming an autonomous LEGO robot designed to complete a series of challenges on the competition field. In addition, students researched a real-world problem, developed a creative solution, and presented their findings to judges. Competing under the name “Archaeolo-Cows,” the team demonstrated excellence beyond technical performance. They received the Core Values Award for their strong collaboration, positive attitude, and encouragement of fellow competitors. The team also earned second place overall, reflecting high achievement across all areas of judging. Their success has earned them an invitation to the FIRST Lego League Adventist Robotics Championship, which will take place at Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida. The team is composed of students in grades 4–8, bringing together a range of experience and enthusiasm. Zedd, a four-year veteran of the robotics team, said, “What I enjoyed about the tournament was meeting new people and seeing different styles of teams.” Felisa, one of the younger team members, added, “It was really fun working with our team.” Those interested in supporting the team’s journey to the championship may contribute through the Archaeolo-Cows’ GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-archaeolocows-reach-nationals

A pastor, educator, and community leader brings a passion for service and evangelism to a revitalized ministry. The Ohio Conference is pleased to welcome Pastor Delthony Gordon as the new Adventist Community Services (ACS) Director, marking an important step forward in revitalizing a ministry that connects compassion with evangelism across the state. Pastor Gordon brings a lifetime of ministry influence and a diverse professional background to this role. Raised in a family deeply committed to education and church service, both of his parents served as educators and ministry leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That legacy of service continues within his family today. He and his wife, Esther, have been married for 22 years and are blessed with two children: their eldest son, Jonathan, a young adult, and their youngest daughter, Hadassah. Their second child, Benjamin, was tragically lost due to a car accident during pregnancy at nine months. The Gordons hold firmly to the hope of the resurrection, when they will see him again. Although he once resisted the idea of pastoral ministry, Pastor Gordon recalls a turning point during his time as an academy teacher. Encouraged by his students and guided through prayer, he recognized God’s calling on his life. “It was unmistakable that God wanted me in pastoral ministry,” he shared. For the past nine years, Pastor Gordon has served as pastor of the Beavercreek Seventh-day Adventist Church, a role he will continue alongside his new responsibilities. His ministry experience includes pastoral service in Oklahoma, as well as work as an academy chaplain, assistant guidance counselor, and teacher of mathematics, physics, and computer science. He has also directed choir programs at two academies in different countries. Throughout his career, community engagement has been a consistent thread. At Beavercreek, he helped establish a Community Services department that built strong partnerships with local nonprofits, community leaders, and organizations throughout Greene County and Dayton. His involvement has extended to advisory boards, school districts, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations—experiences that have uniquely prepared him for this new leadership role. Reflecting on his appointment, Pastor Gordon emphasizes God’s leading at every step. When first approached about the role, he spent more than three weeks in prayer and careful consideration before responding. The opportunity arose again in a separate setting, prompting him to seek further confirmation from the Lord, which he received. He subsequently accepted the call, and the Ohio Conference Executive Committee officially voted on the appointment two months later. He notes that this pattern of prayerful discernment has marked each of his previous ministry assignments. “I am excited to serve in a role that aligns so closely with my passion—helping to meet people’s needs while introducing them to Christ,” he said. As he steps into leadership, Pastor Gordon recognizes both the challenge and opportunity ahead. With the ACS ministry having been largely dormant for nearly two decades, he sees significant potential for growth and impact across Ohio. Grounded in the principles of Christ’s method of ministry, his vision centers on building relationships that open doors for the gospel. “Through ACS, we can help prepare the way—by socializing, sympathizing, and serving,” he explained. “This creates opportunities to share hope in meaningful and lasting ways.” Key priorities for the department include developing a coordinated disaster response system, equipping churches to respond effectively in times of crisis, and fostering ongoing partnerships with community organizations. Initiatives will address a wide range of needs, including health, family support, education, and vocational development. Pastor Gordon often frames his ministry through the acronym HOPE: Helping Others Prepare for Eternity by Helping Others Pursue Excellence. This philosophy underscores his commitment to holistic ministry—meeting immediate needs while pointing individuals toward eternal hope. He draws clear direction for leadership from Scripture, particularly Proverbs 3:5–6 and 1 Corinthians 9:27, which emphasize trust in God and personal spiritual discipline. These principles shape both his personal life and his approach to ministry. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Pastor Gordon enjoys spending time with his family through music, games, travel, and shared activities. His interests also include science, languages, apologetics, and community engagement—reflecting a well-rounded approach to life and ministry. As he begins this new chapter, Pastor Gordon shares a message of encouragement to Ohio Conference members: “The best days of ministry are yet ahead, so let us FOCUS—Fix Our Concentration Upon the Savior—as He charts new paths for us to tread in serving others and winning souls for His kingdom.” With renewed vision and leadership, Adventist Community Services in Ohio is stepping forward to connect churches and communities—demonstrating Christ’s love in action and preparing hearts for the message of hope.