Every Member a Messenger: NUC Leadership Trainings Empower Members for Ministry
By Neat Randriamialison
The Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) hosted two Ministry and Leadership Training events in February—Feb. 1 in Reno, Nevada, and Feb. 8 in Salt Lake City, Utah—bringing members together to refocus on the Great Commission and engage in practical ministry training.
In Reno, Pastor Kevin Solomon of the Sparks church delivered the devotional, reminding attendees of their shared mission.
“The reason the church exists is to bring the gospel to the world,” Solomon emphasized. “The church is not a club—it’s a movement.”
His message challenged members to set aside distractions and take ownership of evangelism, recognizing that every believer plays a role in fulfilling the Great Commission.
In Salt Lake City, Pastor Oneil Madden of Salt Lake City Central church led the devotional, focusing on the true source of power, unity, and transformation in the church.
“Not the president, not the pastor, not the elder—but the Holy Spirit. Only He can bring unity and equip us with the tools we need to make a big impact in our communities,” he reminded attendees.
His message reinforced that results, success, and lasting change happen when the church relies fully on the Holy Spirit’s leadership.
Both locations featured practical workshops designed to mobilize all generations for ministry. In Children’s Ministry, leaders explored how churches can benefit from well-planned Vacation Bible Schools (VBS) and other outreach programs. Interactive Bible storytelling and hands-on service projects were highlighted as effective ways to engage children in meaningful spiritual growth.
In Youth Ministry, presenters shared ways churches can “grow younger” by making young people feel valued, heard, and empowered. They stressed the importance of giving youth real leadership roles, not just tasks, so they can actively shape church life. Leaders were encouraged to listen with empathy, truly hearing young people’s perspectives and building a culture of trust and involvement. The message was clear—leading by example matters. Young people aren’t just looking for sermons; they’re looking for authenticity. When church leaders and members live out their faith, it inspires the next generation to do the same.
These training sessions were made possible through the leadership of Pastor Pedro Pozo, NUC Growth Ministry Director, who is dedicated to equipping churches with the tools and opportunities they need to step into mission and make a real impact in their communities.
The Friendship Factor: Strengthening Marriages at the 2025 NUC Couples Retreat
By Carlos A. Camacho
A strong marriage isn’t just about love—it’s about friendship. Research consistently shows that friendship between partners is one of the most critical factors in a successful marriage. This theme took center stage at the 2025 Nevada-Utah Conference (NUC) Couples Retreat on Feb. 22 in West Jordan, Utah. The event, organized by NUC Family Ministries Director Manny LaPorte, was a sold-out success, bringing together approximately 50 couples for a transformative experience in strengthening their marriages.
God’s design for relationships
Pastor LaPorte reminded attendees that God’s plan for relationships was set in place at Creation. Marriage was designed to be built on love, trust, and deep friendship—first with God and then with one another. Unlike everything else in creation, which was spoken into existence, Adam and Eve were formed by God’s hands.
Pastor LaPorte painted a vivid picture of Genesis 2:7: “God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life” (ESV).
But something was missing. Adam was alone.
In Genesis 2:18, God declared, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a helper fit for him” (ESV). In a powerful act of divine love, God formed Eve—establishing the first marriage rooted in a relationship with Him.
Pastor LaPorte emphasized that the foundation of a thriving marriage is each partner’s individual connection with God. The closer each spouse grows to Him, the closer they grow to each other.
Practical tools for stronger marriages
The retreat was more than just theory—it was a hands-on experience designed to give couples practical tools for building a healthier marriage.
One of the key sessions explored the five love languages, a concept by Gary Chapman. Couples learned how to identify their spouse’s primary love language—words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, or physical touch—and how to express love in a way that truly resonates.
Couples also participated in engaging discussions, meaningful exercises, and real-life applications to deepen their friendship and strengthen their commitment to one another.
A lasting impact
The retreat left a lasting impression on the couples who attended. One participant shared a heartfelt message with Pastor LaPorte the very next day (translated from Spanish):
“I want to thank you for your valuable contribution to improving our marriage. We want God’s plan to be fulfilled in us! We are less than seven years into our marriage, and we know there are areas that need improvement. But thanks to the material you shared and the engaging, practical teachings we received, with God’s grace, we feel we’re on the path to a stronger, healthier marriage.”
From newlyweds to couples who had been together for decades, the retreat was an opportunity to step away from daily routines and focus on what truly matters—God, love, and friendship.
A blessed Sabbath experience
Personally, this retreat was one of the most meaningful Sabbaths I have ever experienced, especially because I had the privilege of sitting next to my wife the entire time—a rare luxury for me. We were truly blessed by the experience.
The next couples retreat will be in Reno in 2026. If you ever have the opportunity to attend, don’t miss it. God loves you, and your marriage means everything to Him. Trust Him with your relationship, and He will strengthen it in ways you never imagined.
May every marriage in the Nevada-Utah Conference continue to grow stronger through faith, love, and friendship.
