Western Adventist Foundation

05/27/2026

Last week, Planned Giving officers and treasurers from the North American Division gathered in Henderson, Nevada for a meaningful convention centered around learning, collaboration, and mission. It was a blessing for our team to spend time alongside respected leaders and speakers in the field of philanthropy and planned giving.

From insightful presentations by professionals like Shari Fox and Joe Bull, to heartfelt worship led by Pastor Chris Morris, the week offered both professional growth and spiritual encouragement. Pastor Chris shared powerful messages about God’s grace, wisdom, and the beauty of the Gospel — reminders that behind every gift and every plan, there are people, stories, and lives being impacted.

We were also encouraged by Phil Bond, the new NAD Planned Giving & Trust Services Director, as he shared his vision for the future of Planned Giving ministry and the importance of continuing to serve families and ministries with excellence, compassion, and purpose.

Around 9 members of our Western Adventist Foundation team attended to learn, network, exchange ideas, and continue growing in the work we do to help others build a legacy of generosity and faith.

Grateful for opportunities like this that inspire us to keep serving with purpose🙏

04/30/2026

This week, part of our team had the opportunity to step away from our daily work and spend a little time serving in our community 🙏

As a nonprofit that works with finances and planning, most of what we do happens behind the scenes. But moments like these remind us that it’s all ultimately about people.

We were grateful to serve alongside Society of St. Vincent de Paul, learning from the way they quietly care for individuals and families in need.

It wasn’t anything big—just a small opportunity to show up, help where we could, and be present.

Thankful for the reminder that even in simple ways, we can all be part of caring for others 💟

04/29/2026

We love seeing our team investing in growth and connection! 🙌

Our HR Director, Nancy Orona, along with our Administrative Team, represented our Foundation at tHRive 2026—a meaningful gathering hosted by the North American Division, focused on leadership, human resources, and building stronger ministries.

At WAF, we believe that developing our people is just as important as the work we do. Moments like these allow us to grow, learn, and continue serving with excellence and purpose.

Thank you, Nancy, for being part of this experience and for the heart you bring to our team every day!

04/26/2026

This is a short recap of our weekend at Spanish Camp Meeting. What a blessing it was to support the Planned Giving Department of the .adventists We had the joy of meeting so many wonderful people and sharing about the importance of leaving a lasting legacy.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth—it truly meant so much to connect with each of you. It was so special seeing you wear the t-shirts and use the bags as you walked around.

Remember, planned giving is more than finances—it’s a reflection of your values, your faith, and the impact you choose to leave behind for generations to come.

Grateful for this beautiful community on this side of the country 🙏

04/25/2026

Day 1 recap - Florida Conference

Vanesa and Valeria are here at Spanish Camp Meeting, joyfully supporting the Planned Giving Department of the .adventists If you’re around, stop by the ACB and come say hi!

We’d love to connect with you, share a few goodies, and have a meaningful conversation about how you can continue your legacy of faith and impact for generations to come.

04/08/2026

We’re glad to begin partnering with the Oregon Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Our team looks forward to supporting their efforts and strengthening the work they’re doing in service to others.

The early months of 2026 have brought about several changes to the Oregon Conference Treasury, Association, and Planned Giving departments.

After many years of faithful service as both a pastor and assistant/associate treasurer, Jon Holland will be stepping into a new role beyond Oregon Conference employment. We are so grateful for our time together here, and will miss his wisdom, his energy, and the care he brought into his work every day. Our current assistant treasurer, Larisa Koziarovski, will be stepping into this role as our new associate treasurer. Larisa has a strong heart for ministry and a commitment to performing His work with excellence. Her main job responsibilities will include remittance. To fill Larisa's role as assistant treasurer, Ludmila Degeraty will be moving into that role from her current position as accounts payable clerk. Ludmila’s strong attention to detail and continual pursuit of excellence will serve her well as she takes on her new responsibilities, a large part of which is conference payroll. Marisela Ventura will also be taking on additional duties in the payroll and accounts payable area and we are thankful for her careful work and commitment to the conference mission. To fill the vacant accounts payable position, we will be looking to hire an individual from outside the conference office.

Our Planned Giving & Trust Services Department is embarking on a partnership with Western Adventist Foundation (WAF) in the processing of new documents, archiving of existing agreements, investment management, and accounting services. While we are excited to work with WAF, it necessitates the transition of two incredibly gifted individuals. Glen Gessele, who has served the conference for 33 years, will conclude his employment with the Oregon Conference, as will Nancy Rader, who has contributed her talents in many areas of the department. Both have dedicated their lives to doing the Lord’s work with care and excellence, and we wish them the best in this new chapter.

Other changes in the department include Ted Perry, who has been part of the team for a dozen years. He will be transitioning to full-time pastoral ministry. Our new Association Treasurer Anthony Six, will also have an adjusted focus. Formerly, Trust accounting was a sizable part of his job description. The time spent on those responsibilities will now be shifted to becoming a conference legal/property management point person. Assisting Tony in the management of legal/property issues will be Carlos Mieses, joining us as part-time legal clerk, a position vacated by Laura Taylor. The skills he has used as treasurer of the Hillsboro Spanish Church and his attention to detail make him well suited to take on the role. To fill the vacant associate director of Trust Services, we will be looking to hire an individual from outside the conference office.

Please keep our Oregon Conference team in your prayers as we prayerfully steward the financial contributions of our Oregon Conference church family.

By Eric Davis
VP for Finance, Oregon Conference

Full article: www.oregonadventist.org/news/transitions-in-treasury-and-planned-giving-trust-services

04/02/2026

This week we had the privilege of hosting four incredible interns at WAF as they completed part of their internship at the Foundation: Frank Lugo (Texas Conference), Samuel Rodriguez (General Conference), Andrew Schneermeijer (Georgia-Cumberland Conference), and Victoria Sauceda (Arizona State University).

Thank you all for spending time with us, for your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and for allowing us to share a glimpse of the work we do here. It was truly a joy to have you with us.

We hope your time at WAF was as meaningful and enriching for you as it was a blessing for us to host each one of you. Wishing you all continued growth and success in your journey!

03/03/2026

If you missed our recent ZOOM meeting on the topic of Spendthrift Trusts with Planned Giving Florida Conference, you can now find it available on YouTube:

Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.

02/18/2026

Our ZOOM webinar event with Planned Giving Florida Conference is less than a week away! There's still time to register online at

This webinar is for families who are concerned about leaving an inheritance to the next generation and want to learn how a trust can continue to care for your family & your priorities when you no longer can.

02/03/2026

A trust can protect an inheritance from poor financial decisions.

Western Adventist Foundation is teaming up with our friends at the Florida Conference PGTS Department for a ZOOM event on February 24th to share more information on this important topic.

Learn more: www.pgtsevents.org