The Geoscience Research Institute (GRI) welcomed university science professors and graduate students from the North American Division, Faith & Science Council members, and GRI Committee representatives to Washington state, United States, for a conference designed to strengthen both professional collaboration and spiritual mission. Titled "Your Wondrous Works", the conference was centered on connection, networking, learning, inspiration, and missional focus. It provided an opportunity for participants to build meaningful relationships, exchange ideas, and encourage one another in their shared calling.
The conference began with a two-day field study in Pasco, Washington, where attendees explored the remarkable geology of the Columbia River Plateau and Channeled Scablands, chosen for the well-preserved evidence of large-scale catastrophic geological activity.
Throughout the conference, GRI director Dr. Ronny Nalin challenged participants to embrace a vision that extends beyond scientific discovery. He emphasized that the purpose of the gathering is to build community so that scientists and educators do not feel isolated in their work and instead find renewed encouragement and a shared sense of purpose. More importantly, he reminded attendees that they are "not just scientists for the sake of science," but individuals called to help others draw closer to God. He encouraged participants to share knowledge in the context of a meaningful relationship with the Creator, positively impacting the lives of students and broader society through their work.
Presentations and plenary sessions explored various disciplines including philosophy and history, biology, paleontology, and igneous, planetary, and sedimentary geology. Through presentations like Teaching Biology to the Glory of God, 30 Years of Playing in the Dirt and Calling it Work, and A Rare Planet for Life - And for Mining, attendees gained insight into current research, scientific discoveries, and resources they could take back to their own classrooms.
Participants were able to explore nature in Washington state.
Photo: Faith and Science Council
Participants were able to explore nature in Washington state.
Photo: Faith and Science Council
“I decided to come to this conference because I don’t know a lot about geology and I wanted to learn a little bit more, and I was also hoping to develop deeper relationships with other science faculty from our other institutions because we rarely have a chance to get together,” said Joyce Azevedo, one of the conference and field trip attendees who currently serves as Biology professor at Southern Adventist University.
The presentations and learning extended beyond the conference room thanks to Dr. Kyungsang Sohn, director of the Asia-Pacific GRI Branch Office in Korea, and his wife, who brought several telescopes, giving participants an opportunity to explore the skies together. At night, attendees viewed objects including the Hercules Cluster, the Whirlpool Galaxy, and the moon. During the day, a specialized solar telescope provided a safe, detailed view of the sun. The experience offered participants another opportunity to observe and appreciate God’s creation firsthand, complementing the scientific discussions taking place throughout the conference.
The program also included a visit to the Walla Walla University campus, where faculty members led a tour of the School of Engineering and Department of Biological Sciences facilities, showcasing laboratory and classroom spaces.
As the conference came to a close, participants left Washington with more than new research, resources, and ideas to take back to their classrooms. Through the time spent in the field, presentations, questions posed, and opportunities to fellowship with others, participants said the conference reinforced the idea of building community among this body of Christian scientists for the greater mission of sharing the gospel of Christ’s love for humanity.
This article was provided by the Faith and Science Council.
