Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Paul Dybdahl
Early Morning Worship Speaker
Paul Dybdahl was born in Thailand and spent the first eight years of his life in Asia before moving to the Walla Walla valley. He graduated from Walla Walla College in 1992 as a Theology major and accepted a call as a pastor in the Oregon Conference, where he served for over four years. His time as a pastor included a sojourn to Andrews University, where he earned his M.Div in 1995. Paul later returned to Andrews for his doctorate and received his Ph.D. in Missiology in 2004. His academic interest centers on the issues related to the effective communication of the gospel, especially across cultural barriers. His book, Before We Call Them Strangers, explores Adventism’s relationship with world religions. Paul has been teaching at Walla Walla University since 2001. Paul and his wife, Kristyn (also a graduate of Walla Walla College), have three children: Noah, Alyssa, and Sarah.
Andreas Beccai
Mid-Morning Worship Speaker
Andreas Beccai serves as the Lead Pastor of the Walla Walla University Church, where he has the privilege of leading a vibrant congregation. Born in Ghana and raised in the United Kingdom, his multicultural background brings a unique global perspective to his ministry.
A gifted communicator and thoughtful theologian, Andreas delivers messages that bridge generational gaps while maintaining biblical integrity. His preaching style combines theological depth with practical application, making complex spiritual concepts accessible to diverse audiences.
Andreas holds a Bachelor's degree in Law with Business from Keele University (UK), a Master of Divinity from the Adventist Theological Seminary, and is currently completing his Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership at Northwest University.
Beyond the pulpit, Andreas is known for innovative community outreach initiatives and strategic leadership that creates environments of belonging. His passion for developing meaningful connections across social and ethnic boundaries has resulted in transformative ministry both within his congregation and the broader community.
He and his wife, Cassandre, and their daughter, Eden, make life together in Walla Walla. They enjoy traveling to new places, savoring good gelato wherever they find it, collecting both memories and meaningful souvenirs—while learning to follow Jesus together with grace, wonder, and joy.
Craig Newborn
Evening Worship Speaker
Craig Newborn, born in Seven Springs, North Carolina, completed his college education at Pacific Union College, earning a BA in history and religion and an MA in history with a secondary education emphasis. He spent four and a half years as a Bible teacher at San Diego Academy before accepting a call to overseas missionary work. He served over 14 years in Kenya, Iran, and Lebanon in varying capacities, including church pastor, Bible teacher, evangelist, field president, departmental director, and university chaplain.
After returning to the US, he accepted a teaching position at Loma Linda Academy and earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. in Theology and Personality from Claremont School of Theology. In 1997, Dr. Newborn moved to Huntsville, Alabama, where he became the vice president for student services at Oakwood University. From January 1999 through August 2006, he was the founding director of the Oakwood Branch Office of the Ellen G. White Estate and was a professor in Oakwood University’s Department of Religion and Theology. From August 2006 through July 2011, he served as the senior pastor of Oakwood University Church. From August of 2011 through the end of July 2014, he served as director of the Gift of Prophecy and Sabbath School Departments for South Central Conference. In August 2014, he retired. He is married to Janis Stephens Newborn, a retired educator. They have two adult children, a daughter-in-law, a son-in-law, six grandchildren, and a grandson-in-law.