ACS Retreat Equips Leaders for Ministry

Last weekend, March 28-30, around 100 attendees gathered at Camp Au Sable for the annual Adventist Community Services - Disaster Response retreat. The event, hosted by Chelli Ringstaff, ACS director, provided a time of learning, networking, and encouragement for ACS leaders seeking to enhance their ministries.

Kameron DeVasher, Personal Ministries director, opened the retreat on Friday evening by emphasizing how ACS can engage in every part of the GROW cycle—planting, watering, cultivating, and harvesting—rather than being limited to the initial outreach stage.

Throughout the weekend, guest speakers Royce and Laurie Snyman equipped attendees with practical tools for navigating ACS ministry, offering insights into effective community engagement and service center operations. Participants also had the opportunity to share ideas and strategies to strengthen their local ACS efforts.

Despite an unexpected ice storm on Sabbath evening that left half of the camp without power, the retreat remained a blessing to all who attended. The weekend reinforced the importance the ACS ministry, reminding leaders of their vital role in bringing help and hope to those in need.