n four months, and seven days from when I am writing this, we will be sitting in Chicago for a celebration of your ministry. The North American Division, each union and conference, have sacrificed so that we can celebrate what you do in the classroom everyday! You are the hands, feet, voice and arms of Jesus to the children in your classroom and school. Thank you for what you do.

I've highlighted two of our main speakers below:

Sam Leonor – Worship speaker - Leonor loves his work as Pastor to the students and faculty of La Sierra University. He is passionate about spiritual awakening among young adults, especially college students. He loves to see them bloom into faith that is missional, growing and full of love. He devotes much of his ministry to exploring contemporary Biblical spirituality in the context of community. His ministry is marked by a call to radical faith that engages culture deeply and emphasizes justice. His other interests include making music, traveling, history and good food.

Sam was raised in Central America where his parents were part of developing church and health care missions. He has degrees from Southern Adventist University, Andrews University, and is a doctoral candidate at George Fox University.

He is married to Shelley Campbell. They have two children, Alexandra (born in 2000), and a son, Micah (born in 2003).

Dr. Elizabeth Talbot – Keynote - At the feet of Jesus! That's where Elizabeth wants to be, and she has devoted her life to the study of the Scriptures! Elizabeth Talbot is the Speaker/Director for the Jesus101 Biblical Institute, a media ministry of the North American Division. She is a PhD in Biblical studies, and travels throughout the US and internationally as a lecturer and revival/motivational speaker. Elizabeth Viera Talbot was born in Argentina to the home of Adventist missionaries.

Since her early childhood her parents instilled in her the love of Jesus and she always envisioned preaching and teaching as she gathered her dolls as an audience.  After completing her Bachelors in music education, Elizabeth went on to work in the business world for many years in the accounting and managing departments. She earned a Master’s degree in Organizational Behavior at that time. During this period of approx. 15 years, she volunteered as a part-time youth pastor.

She was then invited by the Seventh-day Adventist church to become a full-time pastor which she gladly accepted as a call from God. She became a young adults/young families pastor and evangelist while earning her Master’s degree in Biblical studies. She has enjoyed evangelism in many forms. Eventually she became a senior pastor for several years and an adjunct Biblical Studies Professor. Elizabeth is married to Patrick Talbot, a Marriage and Family Therapist. Elizabeth’s main identity is her passion about the good news of Jesus Christ:  “It’s like fire in my bones” she says, and she means it!

Larry Blackmer

Vice President, Education

Larry has served at Grand Ledge Academy in Grand Ledge, Michigan, as both teacher and principal; at Adelphian Academy in Holly, Michigan, as vice principal and boys’ dean; and as principal at Mount Pisgah Academy in North Carolina and Takoma Academy in Takoma Park, Maryland. Larry also served for seven years as associate superintendent in the Michigan Conference. He also served as superintendent of schools in the Idaho Conference. Prior to serving as the vice president of education for the NAD, Larry served as associate director of education for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America. His duties include secondary education, marketing and technology.