Groundbreaking Report

On November 16th, we gathered on our 77 acres for the groundbreaking of the Multipurpose Building. Icy wind whipped at our faces, but the sun was shining brightly and our hearts were full of joy and hope as we listened to the founders of AMI. Ladies handed out hot apple cider, donuts, and cornbread muffins. Other volunteers handed out programs with a rendering of the building, an outline of the brief ceremony, and QR codes directing people to our website and newsletter sign-up page. From a tele-handler basket, one of AMI’s three co-founders, John Dronen, welcomed the more than 150 guests and eloquently recounted the events that brought us to this day (see his speech below). Co-founder Daniel Bacchiocchi followed with a projected timeline for the construction of the building. As he was describing the parameters of the structure, Pastor Kelly added a playful twist by firing up the tele-handler and raising the basket ten feet into the air so Daniel could better point out the painted orange lines all around us that traced the location of the building. We giggled at the look on Daniel’s face, and he explained that Pastor Kelly had only learned to use the tele-handler that morning, which caused another round of laughter. Then co-founder Pastor Ron Kelly shared his heart with us regarding his recent fasting and prayer for direction. He went for a morning walk asking God to confirm His leading. Before the end of that day he received two quotes via text messages from online viewers. He felt they were God’s direct answer to his prayers: “God has a heaven full of blessings that He wants to bestow on those who are earnestly seeking for that help which the Lord alone can give.” 13LtMs, Ms 111, 1898, par. 9 "The means in our possession may not seem to be sufficient for the work; but if we will move forward in faith, believing in the all sufficient power of God, abundant resources will open before us. If the work be of God, He himself will provide the means for its accomplishment. He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is widely and economically used in the service of the Lord of Heaven will increase in the very act of imparting." DA 371 After Pastor Kelly shared, the three co-founders, AMI staff, and the Advisory Committee members who were able to attend, lined up for the traditional groundbreaking photo. They simultaneously threw a shovelful of sand and Elder Keni Rimoni led us in singing the doxology. Pastor Kelly closed the ceremony with a prayer of thanks to God for His leading. There are many ways we each can be of support to AMI. Prayer is definitely one of them. Pray for the construction crew as they build throughout this Winter and into Spring. Pray for God’s continued protection and leading. And pray that the building will be ready for its inaugural convention, August of 2026, a Religious Liberty Event. Keep your eyes on Jesus as we unite to shine for Him. He is coming soon! Thank you for your continued support of AMI. – written by an enthusiastic AMI supporter who wanted to help in some way As a founding member of Advent Mission Institute, Inc. (AMI) and on behalf of Pastor Ron Kelly and Daniel Bacchiocchi, I am honored and delighted to welcome each one of you to this groundbreaking event. Today marks the beginning of the first-–and we pray there will be many more—structures dedicated to a mission and a dream that has been years in the making. It is a vision shared by many of you: to foster initiatives in education reform, lifestyle/medical missionary outreach, and the revival and revitalization of both individuals and institutions—all with the goal of preparing for and hastening the coming of our Lord. 1 Peter 2:4. As many of you know, Pastor Kelly has carried this burden and vision on his heart for years. Throughout the Village church’s search for property, many of us shared his hope. We explored a beautiful rolling acreage outside Berrien Center and became excited about the possibilities of a new school campus. Plans were drawn, civic meetings attended, and earnest requests made. In the end, the door closed. Challenges such as location, road access, and distance from Berrien Springs played a part. Another property—one that adjoins the acreage where we now stand—was also seriously considered, and an offer was even made. But it lacked one crucial element: ease of access to the M-139 corridor. By contrast, you arrived here today, via the stoplight, and experienced firsthand the exceptional access this property provides. The property’s proximity to Berrien Springs, M-139, and US-31, along with its beautiful natural contours rolling down toward the St. Joseph River, make this land an extraordinary blessing. Those factors—location, access, and distance—are all satisfied here, and are satisfied beyond what AMI could have imagined. AMI board members have attended no fewer than six local planning commissions, zoning boards, and Village and Township meetings. In every case, we have been met with overwhelming support, including approval for a zoning change to place-based code, and unanimous special-use approval for large occupancy. Thus far, the path toward building has been remarkably smooth, and local officials have been gracious, helpful, and supportive of AMI. As you know, the past year brought significant disappointment for many members and supporters of Village Church. Yet, we are not the first people of faith to face trials. Our Adventist pioneers knew deep disappointment—October 22, 1844 is known as The Great Disappointment. And what did they do? They turned again to Scripture, to prayer, and to earnest seeking for truth. Here in Berrien Springs, hearts have been troubled. Some were discouraged; all felt disappointment. Many meetings were held—locally and afar. Many of you were part of these gatherings, whether in a conference board room, a family room, or gathered around a dining room table. Many prayers were lifted, seeking answers, guidance, and direction. Alternatives were explored. Other conferences were contacted. Organizational models were studied. Names were discussed. Effort upon effort was invested. And out of these prayers and labors, AMI was born. We claim the promise of Romans 8:28: “All things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” We praise God for how He has led thus far. We continue to pray for His guidance, and we look forward with joyful expectation to the future of Advent Mission Institute. Once again, welcome. To our committed supporters: thank you for your dedication, your time, your service, and your ongoing support. And to our community guests and friends: we warmly encourage your discussion, your dialogue, and your questions. Thank you for sharing this occasion with AMI.