As 2020 begins, the Oregon Conference welcomes two new members to the team. Robert Zama will be our new field evangelist. He’ll arrive in Oregon in February. He comes to us from Ontario, Canada where he has served as pastor of the Bronte Adventist church. Tim Taylor joins the team as our Field Bible Worker coordinator, with the responsibility to work with local churches in advance of evangelistic efforts. He has already started in the role. Robert and Tim join Tom Evans and Andy Villanueva on our MaxHarvest Outreach Ministries team. We caught up with President Dan Linrud this week to learn more about the vision and strategy behind expanding the Outreach team.

Q: What is significant about the term “Field evangelism”?

Dan:  All evangelism happens in the local field. The communities in which our churches and schools are active are Jesus’ harvest field. So the greatest significance of anything we do as Oregon Conference headquarters is to support that local field.

Q: When we talk about evangelism, what should it look like in our conference?

Dan: Evangelism is a traditional word used to refer to Sharing Jesus and His message with others. Just as it did in Jesus’ own ministry, that may take many forms based on context. But it will always be a presentation of vital truth and an invitation to commit to following Jesus. As Seventh-day Adventists, this includes Jesus’ end-time prophetic message—the good news that he is coming back for us and that pain, suffering and sin will end forever.  

Q: What makes this the right time to create this new field evangelism team?

Dan: The thing I love most about serving God is that He usually determines the timing of who He wants to call and what He is calling them to. He orchestrated the timing of bringing this team together. None of these amazing leaders were on our radar until God caused it to happen. And the things they are doing that will equip and support our field in Sharing Jesus is amazing!

Q: What makes Robert a good fit as Field Evangelist in Oregon Conference?

Dan: Robert Zama is a young leader with an infectious passion for Jesus and people. He has strong experience with evangelism and worked to support the NADEI evangelism program with Ron Clouzet. We are excited to have Robert join the team and serve our churches helping them Share Jesus with their communities.

Q: When so many Adventist conferences are struggling financially, how can Oregon afford to do this right now?

Dan: We were blessed to have some restricted funds donated for evangelism.  We are believing that God will continue to provide the resources to fulfill this important mission he has given us. I’m eager to hear the multitude of stories of reached and transformed lives that God is preparing to bring into our churches across the Conference.

Q: How does this fit into the overall vision and strategy of the Oregon Conference?

Dan: Our Oregon Conference mission is: It’s All About Jesus—Knowing Jesus & others, Loving Jesus and others, Serving Jesus and others, and Sharing Jesus with others.  Sharing our amazing savior and friend, Jesus, and his extravagant love and glorious plan for every person is our highest calling.