North American Division church leaders, Adventist Connect staff, and Walla Walla University administrators and students gathered on April 16, 2025, on the campus of the university to dedicate a new office space for the West Coast hub of the NAD’s ministry-driven contact center. The event, preceded by Adventist Connect’s board meeting, was marked by words of gratitude, prayer, and spiritual reflection, celebrating both the physical space and the people who serve within it.

“This isn’t just a call center — it’s a place where ministry happens,” said Brent Hardinge, director of Adventist Connect (formerly Adventist Information Ministry). “We wanted to pause with the board members here and dedicate not just the space, but the people and the sacred work that happens in [this office].” Hardinge shared his story about moving to Michigan three years ago and how the former homeowner, with Hardinge’s approval, asked a pastor to pray over the house before the family moved in. “That moment reminded me how powerful it can be to intentionally dedicate a place for God’s work,” he said. “We want this space to be filled with that same spirit — an environment where God can move through every phone call and every message. This is an opportunity to dedicate the space and ministry that is happening with the students here.”

The new location, formerly a bank, was recognized symbolically as being reclaimed for a higher purpose. Speakers, including board member and Pacific Press Publishing Association president Dale Galusha, and NAD officers G. Alexander Bryant, Kyoshin Ahn, and Judy Glass, highlighted the deep impact of the ministry on both those who receive support and the students who provide it.

Anthony White, an associate director for Adventist Connect, who manages daily operations at the Walla Walla University office, shared firsthand the challenges and triumphs students have experienced. “There have been moments where students felt dark forces working against them while taking calls,” he said. “We know the Spirit is moving here. These students, who are ministering to those who call, are the driving force behind what we do.”

“Working at Adventist Connect has been such a blessing,” said Jasmine Edmundson, a sophomore majoring in film and minoring in aviation. “It’s more than a job — it’s a Christ-centered ministry that’s helped me grow spiritually and professionally. I’ve developed leadership, communication, and customer service skills, all while drawing closer to Jesus.”

Edmundson added, “The best part? I get to pray with people and be part of a mission that points others to Christ. I’m truly honored to be on this team.”

“We’re delighted to have this West Coast operation and also to support this ministry,” commented Bryant, NAD president, while sharing how he heard incredible stories about the call center from student workers during lunch. “It’s amazing how God can take one thing and do so many things and impact so many people from that one ministry.” 

In his remarks, Alex Bryan, Walla Walla University president, emphasized the importance of the partnership with the broader church. “This is not a side piece of our ministry — it’s the heart of why Walla Walla exists,” he said. “This campus is already prayed for deeply on a regular basis and so now it’s almost like we’re stepping into a double blessing as we double up on the prayers and the blessings for the sacred ground that we stand.” Bryan shared how this partnership provides a critical place for students to hone their ministry skills. “So goes Walla Walla University, so goes the Adventist Church in the West,” he added. 

The spiritual centerpiece of the event was a time of intentional prayer, with several leaders asking for divine guidance, protection, and presence in the space. Adam Fenner, director of the Adventist Learning Community and NAD vice president for digital ministries, reflected on Adventist Connect’s value in today’s digital society.

“In a world of efficiency and artificial intelligence, Adventist Connect is about putting people in front of people,” Fenner said. Remarking that the digital world creates barriers in relationships, he added, “It’s exactly what Christians need to be doing — connecting with people, sharing hope.”

Bryant closed with a reminder of the sacred nature of the work. “This is ministry — real ministry,” he said. “These students are like angels, God’s messengers answering calls, offering hope. We’re honored to dedicate this space to that holy purpose.”

Bryant prayed, “Each person … each chair, each phone, each computer — we want to dedicate it all to You. We’re asking for a double portion of Your Spirit to be in this place, be in the lives of everyone who enters the door as they minister on Your behalf to Your sons and daughters all across this land. I pray that You give them extraordinary wisdom and tact and skill to deal with each caller, each chat.”

As the final prayers were offered, themes of mission, mentorship, and multiplication echoed through the office, marking not just the opening of a new office, but the continuation of transformational ministry.