The Visitor is printed bimonthly and is the official publication of the Columbia Union Conference for the constituents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mid-Atlantic area. Our mission is to provide news and information, inspiration for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission.
Editor and Publisher n Kelly Butler Coe
Managing Editor for Print n Ricardo Bacchus
Managing Editor for Digital Media n V. Michelle Bernard
Art Director n Kelly Butler Coe
Designer n Kylie Kajiura
Advertising Manager n Ricardo Bacchus
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PUBLISHING BOARD n Marcellus T. Robinson (chair), Kelly Butler Coe (secretary), Emmanuel Asiedu, Tim Bailey, Celeste Ryan Blyden, Marvin C. Brown, III, Bob Cundiff, Gary Gibbs, Trevor Kinlock, Stephen Lee, Jerry Lutz, Charles A. Tapp
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Allegheny East n LaTasha Hewitt, visitaec.com
Allegheny West n Keisha Bone, awconf.org
Chesapeake n Evan Knott, ccosda.org
Mountain View n Liz Bailey, mtviewconf.org
New Jersey n Stephen Lee, njcsda.org
Ohio n Francis Tuffour, ohioadventist.org
Pennsylvania n Tamyra Horst, paconference.org
Potomac n Debra Anderson, pcsda.org
Blue Mountain Academy n Silvia Lutick, bma.us
Highland View Academy n Rob Gettys, highlandviewacademy.com
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy n Ashley Boggess, lakenelsonacademy.org
Pine Forge Academy n Addriene Rhodes, pineforgeacademy.org
Shenandoah Valley Academy n Janel Haas Ware, shenandoahvalleyacademy.org
Spencerville Adventist Academy n Lauren Esveld, spencervilleacademy.org
Spring Valley Academy n Angela Peach, springvalleyacademy.org
Takoma Academy n Shaun Robinson, ta.edu
Kettering College n Courtney Dove, kc.edu
Washington Adventist University n Everett Wiles, wau.edu
Adventist HealthCare n Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com
Kettering Health n Katie Kimball, ketteringhealth.org WGTS n Lisa Krueger, wgts919.com
The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two health care networks; early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; community services centers; camp and retreat centers; book and health food stores and a radio media ministry. To learn more about the Columbia Union, visit columbiaunion.org.
President n Marcellus T. Robinson
Executive Secretary n Celeste Ryan Blyden
Treasurer n Emmanuel Asiedu
Undertreasurer n Tabita Martinez
Vice President, Communication n Kelly Butler Coe
Vice President, Education n Donovan Ross
Vice President/General Counsel n Lisa Saveikis Burrow
Vice President, Ministries Development n Frank Bondurant
Vice President, Multilingual Ministries n Rubén A. Ramos
Asst. to the President for Evangelism n José D. Espósito
Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund n H. Candace Nurse
Director, Information Technology Services n Greg Iverson
Director, Plant Services n Curtis Boore
Adventist ® and Seventh-day Adventist ® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ® n The Visitor is printed and mailed at Pacific Press ® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. n Unless otherwise noted, photos and illustrations are reproduced with permission from gettyimages.com.
celeste ryan blyden
Seeking the Right Frequency
On Sunday afternoons in the summertime, gardening and chores done, my father often relaxed in the kitchen listening to the New York Mets game on our silver-gray radio, the antenna leaning in whatever direction yielded the strongest signal.
Later in the evening, my mother would take her turn with the radio, summoning me to find her favorite preaching program.
One night, as I turned the dial away from sports, I was abruptly greeted with the sound of static. “Chhh. Chhh.”
I kept turning it and, upon hearing a voice, paused, only to be greeted by the croons of country music. “That’s not it,” I said, moving again into static territory. “Chhh. Chhh.”
A male voice stopped me, but it was the local weather forecaster. “Tomorrow morning will be mostly cloudy,” he said, “but you can expect clear skies ... ”
I interrupted, “That’s not it,” rolling the dial onward through the static malaise. “Chhh. Chhh.”
Though I searched where the voice should have been, I just couldn’t find the right frequency. There was music, news and other programs, but not the sought-after preacher.
Undaunted, my mother waited expectantly. And then, there it was. The familiar voice of the messenger—clear as day— transmitting the words of hope she longed to hear.
A CALL TO PRAY
My childhood experience is like the world in which we live today. There’s a lot of static hampering our quest to hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit who was sent to be our Comforter, Counselor and Guide. Though we seek to tune our ears to this heavenly frequency, we often wade through noise and static that besets and distracts. But if we keep listening expectantly and with open hearts, He will come.
The Bible says 120 men and women waited in the upper room for the promised gift from Jesus. And while they waited, they “were constantly united in prayer” (Acts 1:14, NLT). On the day of Pentecost, Acts 2:4 records that “everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit,” resulting in the baptism of 3,000 new believers (Acts 2:41).
What would happen if Columbia Union Conference members were united in prayer to receive the Holy Spirit as promised to God’s people in these last days?
This year, congregations and schools across the North American Division (NAD), including 781 in the Columbia Union, will participate in a NAD evangelism initiative called Pentecost 2025. In preparation, we are praying to be filled and empowered by the Holy Spirit, for opportunities to introduce people to Jesus, and for thousands to be added to His kingdom.
Will you join us?
Celeste Ryan Blyden serves as the executive secretary and prayer coordinator of the Columbia Union Conference.
The number of people in 2024 who joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Columbia Union Conference through baptism or profession of faith. “This means that, every day, 16 added their names to the Book of Life in our union,” says José D. Espósito, Columbia Union assistant to the president for Evangelism.
82%
of all congregations and schools combined in the Columbia Union participating in Pentecost 2025— an evangelism initiative across the North American Division. To find resources on sharing one’s faith, attend evangelism training events, attain Bible study guides and read inspiring stories from members who are reaching their communities, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/ pentecost2025.
LET’S PRAY TOGETHER!
Columbia Union Conference leaders are inviting members to unite in prayer in 2025. January 4 has been designated as a Day of Prayer in the Columbia Union. On that day, from 4–5 p.m., we will host an online kick-off event for Columbia Union’s Pentecost 2025 movement. Then, beginning in February, and throughout the year, at noon on the first Wednesday of each month, members are invited to an online prayer meeting.
The 2025 Columbia Union Calendar also emphasizes prayer, using inspiring quotes from Ellen White and supporting Bible verses. It features a monthly “Prayer Focus” that members are invited to include in their personal prayer time.
“We hope the pages of the calendar will provide prompts and inspiration that will aid and guide through this collective commission to pray,” says Kelly Butler Coe, calendar and Visitor editor.
Scan the QR code or visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/ pentecost2025 to access meeting links and resources throughout the year.
LONGTIME CURF SECRETARY/TREASURER PEGGY LEE PASSES AWAY
Peggy Louise Stevens Lee, who served as secretary/treasurer of the Columbia Union Revolving Fund (CURF) for 35 years, and retired in 2015, passed away last October. She was 96.
“I will always remember Peggy Lee as the dynamic, kindhearted woman who propelled the growth of CURF,” says H. Candace Nurse, current secretary/treasurer of CURF. “Her vision for CURF [was] to be the best. She encouraged her staff to daily build the kingdom of God through their work. Peggy Lee will be missed not only by the CURF team but by every noteholder and borrower that has been blessed to work with her.”
During her time at CURF, Lee helped grow the fund from $3 million to $168 million (as of her retirement). Lee also guided the fund through a complex registration process in 1993, and helped plan the first division-wide meeting of revolving fund personnel in 2006.
Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/upfront
WAR DIVIDES, CHRIST UNITES
In a church in Cleveland, worshippers from Russia and Ukraine kneel side by side and peace reigns, defying the war that divides their homelands. This unique congregation fellowships together, with no trace of the painful divisions or hatred that mark their nations’ conflict. Here, in this faith-filled community, they embody the words of Psalm 133:1: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (NIV).
The church’s story began after Gennadii Kasap—now an Ohio Conference pastor—arrived in Cleveland just weeks after the war began. Prior to his arrival, there was only a handful of Slavic members. Having come from Moscow, Kasap faced initial resistance to forming the Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Mission Church. However, he believed the congregation’s closeness to God would overcome negativity. And it did.—Francis Tuffour
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UpFront
The age of “Bertie” Roberta Karmel, who may just be Columbia Union Conference’s oldest member.
In October, members of Pennsylvania Conference’s Harrisburg First church celebrated Karmel’s birthday together. Karmel was the first member to be baptized into the newly formed Harrisburg First church on 19th Street in 1943. After working as an administrative assistant, she retired at age 75. She loved her job, but her passion in life was her ministry at the church, where she served as church secretary for 30 years. Her ministry extended beyond the church office, as she was known for being the first to welcome a new visitor and for keeping in touch with missing or sick members.
When asked what the secret to her longevity is, she replied she never smoked, drank and never met a piece of dark chocolate she didn’t like.—Mary Golden
“God made you a special gift to His church. You are unique, and together we are to complement each other. Even though you may have a diversity of ideas and skills, we all work toward a common goal.”
—Marcellus T. Robinson, Columbia Union Conference president speaking at the Columbia Union Conference Treasury Meeting
“We’re nurturing a lifelong encounter with Christ. Adventist education is the longestrunning evangelism that we have in the church.”
—Donovan Ross, union vice president for Education speaking at the Columbia Union Board of Education meeting
THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH IS LOCAL
At October 2024’s Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting, Frank Bondurant, Columbia Union vice president for Ministries Development, highlighted the $722,955 total expended funds designated for the union’s entities in 2024.
“Jesus said you receive not because you ask not,” said Bondurant. “Well, we did a lot of asking.” Some of those union funds will be used for 51 church plants; 32 homeland mission projects; five church revitalization projects; $20,000 toward young adult projects; $15,000 toward community service projects; and one urban center of influence.
Another role of his department is to ensure local conference directors are prepared and ready to do their jobs—such as training local Sabbath School leaders on the new Sabbath School curriculum, Alive in Jesus, that is to be rolled out this year.
Columbia Union Members Make an Impact in Ghana
Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union executive secretary, and a team of some 20 union volunteers presented “Our Future Foretold,” an evangelism and mission initiative in Cape Coast, Ghana, this past October.
The 11-day evangelism series, presented by Blyden, aired on Hope Channel Ghana and featured preaching and seminars on mental health, leadership, evangelism, communication, and marriage and family life.
Meanwhile, in the city of Kumasi, Emmanuel Asiedu, union treasurer, and his wife, Annette, a nurse, worked with Jacob Prabhakar Chiadrupu, a Seventh-day Adventist eye surgeon, whose team of eight members screened about 10,000 patients who had eye issues. In six days, they performed free eye surgeries for 1,059 patients, including children.
Church leaders report that more than 1,200 people gave their lives to Christ.— Nii Ayite Hammond and Michele Joseph
Kids, Corner
The percentage of schools (and churches) in Mountain View Conference that will be involved in the Pentecost 2025 events this year! Ask your teacher or pastor how you can get involved to spread the love of Jesus in your community. Be a witness by giving someone a handmade card, offering to shovel snow for a neighbor or singing at a church program.
‘HELPING OTHERS ISN’T A JOB’
When Miranda Christina Jobe, a 9-year-old from Potomac Conference’s Piney Forest church in Danville, Va., found the ADRA International booth at Potomac’s camp meeting, she immediately wanted to know what ADRA did to help people and if she could volunteer at the booth.
Kim-Roux James, who was working at the ADRA booth, welcomed her eagerness to assist. “When she came to our table and asked to help, how could I say no to her enthusiasm and jubilant attitude?”
Jobe did whatever she could to help, including arranging the books on the table. Through James’ guidance, Jobe eventually built up enough courage to talk to booth visitors about ADRA and the work they do to help others around the world.
Her time at the booth inspired Jobe to set up an ADRA booth at her local church so she could tell even more people about ADRA’s work.
Her parents, Wesley and Griselda, are proud of the care she has for others. They’ve worked to instill a sense of service in both their daughters. “True happiness and a strong relationship with God are experienced through service,” says Wesley. “The more we serve and help people, the happier we are and the stronger our relationship with God is.”
Jobe adds, “Helping others isn’t a job you apply for; it’s something that’s in your heart.” She has found joy in finding a way to help others worldwide and share a message of service with others.
Ask your parents to visit adra.org to discover how you can help too! —ADRA Staff
GROW CLOSER TO CHRIST IN 2025
The new year brings new ways to grow closer to God and your family. Check out these new books to help you grow spiritually in 2025:
• Praise and Worship Bible —a Bible complete with Scripture songs and scannable devotionals for kids, teens and youth.
• My Church Family—a great introduction to the Seventh-day Adventist Church history and culture from AdventSource. Learn who Ellen White is, what a haystack includes and why we pay tithe. Share this book with your friends who are interested in learning more.
• God’s Big Idea —a devotional that answers why cats purr, explores if fish sleep and reveals God’s plan for you and this world.
Hey, parents! Find a full list of new books and resources we recommend at columbiaunionvisitor.com/thisissue.
Noticias
v. michelle bernard
SOLICITE CALENDARIOS
2025 ADICIONALES
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$722,955
La cantidad de fondos gastados que regresaron a las entidades de la Columbia Union en el 2024. Algunos de esos fondos de la unión se usaron para 51 plantaciones de iglesias; 32 proyectos de misión en el país; cinco proyectos de revitalización de iglesias, $20,000 para proyectos de adultos jóvenes; $15,000 para proyectos de servicio comunitario; y un centro urbano de influencia, informa Frank Bondurant, vicepresidente de la unión para el Desarrollo de Ministerios. Agrega que el trabajo de su departamento es asegurar que los directores de las conferencias locales estén preparados y listos para hacer su trabajo, como capacitar a los líderes locales de la Escuela Sabática sobre el nuevo plan de estudios de la Escuela Sabática que se implementará en el 2025.
LA EVANGELIZACIÓN DE MAYOR DURACIÓN EN LA IGLESIA
“Estamos fomentando un encuentro con Cristo que dure toda la vida”, dice Donovan Ross, vicepresidente del Departamento de Educación de la unión en la reunión de la Junta de Educación de la Columbia Union. “La educación adventista es la evangelización de mayor duración que tenemos en la iglesia”.
Señala que la matrícula inicial para el año escolar actual fue de 7,524, 453 menos que el año pasado, pero que la educación privada en Norteamérica también está experimentando una disminución en la matrícula. “La gente no está teniendo tantos hijos”, afirma. “La buena noticia es que nuestras escuelas están prosperando”.
¡OREMOS
JUNTOS!
Los líderes de la Columbia Union invitan a los miembros a unirse en oración en el 2025, comenzando con el Día de Oración de la Columbia Union en línea, el 4 de enero, de 4 a 5 p.m. Luego, a partir de febrero y durante todo el año, al mediodía del primer miércoles de cada mes, los miembros están invitados a una llamada de oración en línea.
El liderazgo de la Columbia Union ha enfatizado la oración en el calendario Columbia Union Conference 2025, utilizando versículos bíblicos inspiradores y citas de Ellen White.
“Esperamos que las páginas del calendario sirvan como un manual, brindando indicaciones e inspiración que ayuden y guíen a través de esta comisión colectiva de orar”, dice Kelly Butler Coe, editora del calendario y de la revista Visitor.
Cada mes, el calendario incluirá un “Enfoque de Oración” de la Columbia Union y El Pentecostés 2025, el cual se invita a los miembros a incluirlo en su tiempo de oración. Para obtener más información, escanee el código QR o visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/ pentecost2025.
No se pierda esta oportunidad.
Miembros de la Columbia Union crean impacto en Ghana
El pasado mes de octubre, Celeste Ryan Blyden, secretaria ejecutiva de la Columbia Union, y un equipo de unos 20 voluntarios de la unión presentaron “Nuestro futuro predicho”, una iniciativa de evangelización y misión en Cape Coast, Ghana.
La serie de evangelización de 11 días, presentada por Blyden, se transmitió en Hope Channel Ghana y contó con predicaciones y seminarios sobre salud mental, liderazgo, evangelización, comunicación y matrimonio y vida familiar. Mientras tanto, en la ciudad de Kumasi, Emmanuel Asiedu, tesorero de la unión, y su esposa, Annette, enfermera, trabajaron con Jacob Prabhakar Chiadrupu, un cirujano ocular Adventista del Séptimo Día, cuyo equipo de ocho miembros examinó a unos 10,000 pacientes que tenían problemas oculares. En seis días, realizaron cirugías oculares gratuitas a 1,059 pacientes, incluidos niños. Los líderes de la iglesia informan que más de 1,200 personas entregaron sus vidas a Cristo.—Nii Ayite Hammond y Michele Joseph
columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias.
Prayer? ThereIs an Art to
By Tompaul Wheeler and Ricardo Bacchus
A
WAY THAT GETS BETTER “RESULTS”? IS THERE A RIGHT WAY TO PRAY?
he beauty and mystery of prayer has captivated believers for thousands of years. People find meaning, solace and the miraculous in prayer, yet many still struggle with the Divine-human connection.
Is God more likely to respond to certain kinds of prayers? Is there a secret to connecting with God? Are some prayers simply more “powerful” than others?
‘People Struggle With Prayer’
“I notice that prayer is uncomfortable for many Seventh-day Adventists,” observes Diana Kellawan.
“Many struggle with what prayer is and how to come to God in prayer. There’s some kind of hindrance.
I don’t know if it’s because of legalism, but there is something that blocks our faith community, and it’s oppressive.”
Kellawan teaches a Sabbath School class, leads weekly Bible studies, directs Women’s Ministries and is involved in Prayer Ministries at Ohio Conference’s Kettering church in Dayton.
“I see people struggle with prayer—like they don’t feel good enough,” Kellawan says. “They feel
intimidated by it, awkward about it. Some people believe you shouldn’t pray about everything because God isn’t that interested in [those small details] anyway.”
Kellawan believes that our view of God shapes our view of prayer, and that many Adventists don’t have the confidence to come to God because they feel they aren’t worthy enough to commune with Him.
But, once people overcome this struggle, they find power in prayer.
This past year, Kellawan’s Sabbath School class has been studying spiritual warfare and claiming God’s promises. “Individuals in our class have experienced spiritual and emotional healing,” Kellawan says. “Relationships that have been broken [have been] brought together. Dysfunctional families have seen God intervene in very specific ways.”
Kellawan feels strongly that freedom is the key—the freedom to know that you can approach God, “to know that He forgives our sins and that He breaks us from those strongholds that hold us for years and years. ... He’ll pick us up when we fail, heal our souls and rescue us.”
A Prayer for Each Day of the Week
“I think God loves the fact that we are trying to talk with Him at whatever stage we are in.”
your heart.” Rykard believes prayer should be “speaking with someone you’d like to get to know and have a relationship with, versus chanting and repeating the same thing over and over like you’re not talking to a real person.”
Communicate With Him at Every Level
“I have a plan for prayer,” says Lawrence Rykard, a member of Potomac Conference’s Light Bearers Mission church in Suitland, Md., who has recently relocated to Delaware and runs Herbspice, a small health food products business. Rykard’s approach to prayer time is systematic, beginning each day with devotions. A daily prayer list helps him focus on the various needs he sees around him.
On Sundays, Rykard prays especially for his family, while on Mondays he gives particular attention to his friends. “Tuesdays I call it my ‘souls’— people whom I’m trying to share God’s love with or who may be in need of something spiritually,” he says. “Wednesdays are my prayer list for the church. I’ll pray for the conference, the union and the supporting church organizations. Thursdays I pray for Herbspice. Fridays I pray for leadership and … for religious liberty for all the world governments so the gospel can go forward. On Sabbath, I don’t really have a list; I just pray for what God puts on my heart.”
Rykard also prays regularly with other people in his life, and frequently leads online Bible studies.
“Yes, there’s a right and wrong way to pray,” Rykard opines. He points to Jesus’ counsel about avoiding “vain repetitions” in prayer (Matt. 6:7, NKJV). “I would take it He is meaning to pray from
“I think God wants us to communicate with Him at every level,” says Jon Kim, a physical therapist and member of Chesapeake Conference’s Ellicott City (Md.) church. “A brand-new believer may not know exactly how to pray, so they try to communicate [with] God in whatever way they know how. I think God accepts the prayers of those who may not have the deep biblical understanding of prayer who just want to talk to Him. … I think God loves the fact that we are trying to talk with Him at whatever stage we are in. At the same time, as Christians, it’s important to study the stories of prayers in Scripture and glean as much as we can from them.”
Kim looks to Daniel’s prayer for his people (Daniel 9:4–19) and David’s prayer of repentance after his assault, adultery and murder (Psalm 51) as examples of how to approach God. “You can almost sense how dirty David felt,” Kim considers. “He cries out to the only One who can wash him clean.”
Kim has worship each morning with his sons, ages 3 and 7. “My kids know that we are a house that worships the Lord,” he says. “Although they don’t fully understand everything, they understand that every morning we worship together. I’ll have them repeat after me, and I say short prayers with them.”
As a child, Kim learned a specific physical posture of prayer—kneeling on the ground, eyes closed, hands folded. Nowadays, this might not be a typical approach. “I don’t think there’s anything wrong with
that way,” Kim reflects, “but I think if I’m out for a walk, driving my car … I think those prayers are just as acceptable.”
Kim prays while commuting to work, giving God the burdens that are on his heart. “When I’m at work, before I start seeing patients, I’ll just say a quick prayer in the break room,” he says. “I’ll just whisper prayers as I’m going, just less formal and quick, short prayers.”
How Prayer Works
“There are numerous misconceptions about prayer, many of which stem from misunderstandings of God’s character and divine providence,” shares John Peckham, a professor at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University (Mich.) and an associate editor of the Adventist Review. “Some might think, for example, that we need to convince God to be willing to bless us when, in fact, God already wants to do what is best for everyone and loves us more than we can imagine.”
He adds, “There are many other misconceptions regarding how prayer works, including puzzling questions about how petitionary prayer could make a difference in the first place and, if it does, why many prayers for obviously good things seem to go unanswered.” For such questions, he believes “it is crucial to pay close attention to the many teachings of Scripture about how prayer works and the many factors involved (including many we do not see), which are closely linked to the pervasive cosmic conflict framework in the Bible (including in the Lord’s Prayer itself; see also Ephesians 6:11–12, 18).” Peckham discusses this in detail in his recent book, Why We Pray: Understanding Prayer in the
He writes, “If you are in Christ by faith, you cannot be a failure, whatever befalls you in this life. Christ has already defeated the devil’s slanderous allegations at the cross, so if you are in Christ by faith, you cannot lose. ... You cannot in your own power fix your troubles, improve your moral character, or be deserving of God’s favor. But, God graciously bestows favor on all willing to receive it and will make all things right in the end. Through the intercession of Christ and the Holy Spirit, God delights to show unmerited favor (grace) to all who call on his name” (p. 148). V
Divine Dialogue
Whether God says yes, no, or wait, He always answers our prayers. Three Columbia Union members share stories on how God responded to their requests:
When God Said ‘Yes’
On a Sunday afternoon in Hagerstown, Md., I drove my daughters to a local park to play basketball. When I returned to the car, I noticed the passenger side window had been broken into and my purse stolen. Out of everything I lost, my phone was the most important to me. My husband was on a trip in Wyoming, and since the thief had my driver’s license, which had my address on it, my daughters and I felt a sense of vulnerability and fear. So, we got on our knees multiple times.
Two nights later, while I was on my daughter’s phone praying with my sister, my husband texted: Mom’s phone has been found. Apparently, a jogger found my phone a mile away from the park. Seeing that the pop socket had the Seventh-day Adventist logo on it, she called the nearest Adventist church—Hagerstown— and inquired if someone had lost their phone. The church’s administrative assistant contacted a local Adventist school board member—a person who just so happened to be on the same board as my husband. Upon receiving the phone from the jogger, the board member turned on the phone and a reminder popped up notifying that it was my brother-in-law’s birthday—a Paris family member. Recognizing the last name, the board member put two and two together and called my husband. My phone, indeed, had been found!
I don’t believe I would’ve been reunited with my phone had it not been for the Adventist logo on the pop socket—a gift my mom had received a year prior from her employer, the North American Division. Upon sharing this story with her, we believe that God orchestrated this miracle so that my family could see God in a new light—an active and present God, who is ever involved in our daily lives.
—Michelle Paris, Willow Brook Church Member
When God Said ‘No’
On December 15, 2020, I took my father to the hospital with COVID-19 symptoms. At the time, I didn’t realize that would be the last time I would talk to him face to face.
During his monthlong stay in the hospital, I prayed multiple times every day that God would heal him. My family, my church, we all prayed for the same thing, but his healing didn’t happen as we had hoped. As my father’s condition worsened, I realized the way I prayed started to change. I now started asking God to heal my dad, but only if it was His will.
After he succumbed to the disease, I was upset and angry at God. The world had become a scarier, sadder place for me. I had lost my father, my protector, my best friend, and I felt lost. I wondered why God would put my mother and me through this. I knew my parents wouldn’t be around forever, but this felt too soon and too sudden.
As time wore on, I dealt with my grief and was eventually able to understand why my initial prayers hadn’t been answered, and why, during my father’s last days, I had asked for God’s will to be done.
Just a few years earlier, I was living the life. I felt that whenever I asked God to help me or to make something happen, He had. For a time, I became accustomed to having God deliver miracles. It was easy to stay faithful and grateful to God when He repeatedly said yes. I learned to trust Him because what He wanted for me was exactly what I wanted for me.
Prior to my father getting COVID-19, he had already been sick and suffering. Today, I understand that God wanted my father to have relief from that. God’s will was for me to learn to trust that He will always be with me. In turn, I am now able to help friends and family who have lost their parents.—Carlo Sanchez, Washington Spanish Bilingual Church Member
When God Said ‘Wait’
My husband and I started dating at Takoma Academy and got married nine years later. Three years into our marriage, in 2008, we wanted to start a family. We got pregnant quickly, but sadly experienced our first miscarriage. With high hopes, we tried again, but the second time ended in a miscarriage as well. After our fourth miscarriage, we began intrauterine insemination, but after three rounds, we experienced yet another loss. But we kept praying. Then, it happened, or so we thought. Our baby made it to his first trimester—formed with fingers
and toes. Grievously, we delivered our Angelo at home at 12 weeks—a stillbirth. This was the most painful loss of all.
Year after year of disappointment, in 2019 we tried in vitro fertilization (IVF). Prayerfully, we began our newest journey to parenthood again. Unfortunately, this time was no different. After three cycles of IVF, we miscarried on all three of them.
Determined and hopeful, we decided to try one last time through my sister-in-law’s generous offer. She would carry our baby to birth. We put our faith in God. If He didn’t want it to happen, it wouldn’t happen.
On March 25, 2022, our dream of becoming parents came true! By God’s grace, I am now the mother to my miracle baby girl, Matea Skye. We may never understand why we had to wait, but we trust that this was God’s plan. He was always with us, every step of the way. And our precious daugh ter was worth the wait.—Wenbe Solis-Lunsford, Filipino-American Capital Church Member
Let’s Pray!
Looking for more opportunities to pray?
1.Join the Columbia Union Online Prayer Meeting at noon the first Wednesday of each month, as leaders and members gather to pray for the Pentecost 2025 movement and share requests and praises.
2.Implement the “Prayer Focus” in the 2025 Columbia Union Calendar to help shape your prayers. Use the remaining space to create your own prayer list.
/pentecost2025
3.Download Mountain View Conference’s prayer app, Let’s Pray Together, found in the Apple App and Google Play stores, where members can submit prayer requests and join prayer chains.
4.Submit online praises or prayer requests to “When We Pray” at wgts919.com, where staff members and a large community of radio listeners can pray for you.
5.Call (877) 753-8777 during Hope Channel’s live program, Let’s Pray, Monday–Thursday at 8 p.m. with prayer requests and praises.
Ghana Mission Trip Impacts Lives
In late October, several representatives from the Allegheny East Conference (AEC) participated in a Columbia Union Conference mission trip to Ghana, resulting in more than 1,200 decisions for Christ.
The 11-day Bible seminar series titled, “Our Future Foretold,” was held at the Cape Coast Central church in Ghana. Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union executive secretary and volunteer lay pastor at the Columbia (Md.) Community Center, shared nightly messages to the attendees, with Hope Channel Ghana livestreaming the services.
The union team was comprised of pastors, directors, leaders and professionals who collaborated with local Ghanaian leaders and Bible workers. AEC members provided morning presentations on mental health, communication and goal setting, as well as mini-courses on marriage, self-care, and mental and physical health.
In addition, the team conducted trainings on Women’s Ministries, education and leadership. They also hosted a youth retreat.
Representatives from AEC share how the mission trip impacted their lives:
“The Ghana mission trip was my first trip to Africa, and I fell in love with my fellow brothers and sisters who were most hospitable and loving.”
—Cheryl Chavers, a member of the Calvary church in Newport News, Va., who presented on trauma, domestic violence and marriage.
“Ghana added chapters to my life and history that I did not know was missing.”—Micah Chavers, a member of the Calvary church in Newport News, Va., who coordinated music and facilitated leadership training for young leaders.
“When all of God’s children get together, what a time, what a time, what a time!”—Dione Finney, a member of the Columbia (Md.) Community church who presented on self-care, depression and the elderly.
“For me, the Ghana trip meant faith personified; faith over fear, faith over lack, faith over resources, just faith over everything.”—Andre Hewitt, a member of the Germantown church in Philadelphia who presented on domestic violence and visited a local jail.
“What a blessing to be able to experience the beautiful culture of Ghana while witnessing lives being transformed by the Savior’s love. I’m forever changed and grateful.”—LaTasha Hewitt, AEC communication director who presented on communication strategy, social media and marriage.
“My experience in Ghana was amazing and yet humbling as I watched God work through others and me; especially as I was given the opportunity to serve the children and schools as ‘Aunt Renee.’”
—Renee Humphreys, AEC associate education superintendent who presented on education and training for local educators.
Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union executive secretary, is flanked by Allegheny East Conference representatives (left to right) Micah Chavers, Cheryl Chavers, Renee Humphreys, Dione Finney, LaTasha Hewitt and Andre Hewitt in Ghana.
Evangelistic Meetings Bring Hope to Harrisburg
The Hillside church in Harrisburg, Pa., recently hosted a tent revival titled, “Hope for Today,” which resulted in 74 new members through baptism and profession of faith.
When Donald McKinnie, Jr., Hillside pastor, learned there hadn’t been a large-scale evangelistic campaign in Harrisburg for more than 40 years, he knew it was long overdue. “I wanted to see souls come to the Lord,” he says. He also wanted there to be “a great impact on our city where lives would be transformed and the community would be enhanced.” McKinnie and members united months before the meeting to fast, pray, plan and engage their community.
In preparation, members distributed flyers and built and decorated the stage inside the tent. Neighbors were fascinated watching it all come together. “I’ve lived here for years, and this is the first time I’ve ever seen anything like this,” says Jonathan Arvelo, a resident who lives across the street from where the meetings took place. Five nights a week, community members could hear upbeat music and powerful preaching all along State Street, a major roadway leading to the state’s Capitol building. There were nightly giveaways, including grocery and gas gift cards.
Conklin Gentry, an Allegheny East Conference (AEC) evangelist, preached nightly sermons on topics ranging from worship to sanctification to prayer. As the days turned into weeks, it became evident that many of the guests who had been attending the meetings on a consistent basis were experiencing positive changes in their lives. During testimony time, Victoria Mickens stood up and declared that ever since she began coming to the meetings, she had not picked up a cigarette. “God took the taste away from me,” she professed.
Halfway through the meetings, after the topic of the Sabbath was introduced, church members and Bible workers invited the community to experience the gift of the Sabbath and worship with them. To this extent, the congregation worshipped under the
tent during the divine hour instead of in the church building. Afterward, everyone enjoyed a boxed fellowship meal.
Following Sabbath service on the last day of the revival, the congregation marched a few blocks from the tent to the church building. The Truth Tabernacle Pathfinder Drum Corps from Hillside’s sister church in Dallastown, Pa., led the way. The march from the tent to the church was symbolic of their journey with Christ, for they could physically see how far God had brought them. “My life totally changed,” says Mar McBride, a new member.
—Lahai McKinnie, First Lady, Hillside Church
Donald McKinnie, Jr., pastor of the Hillside church, baptizes his son, Nathan, during the church’s tent revival.
300 Empowered at Youth Leadership Conference
More than 300 talented and gifted youth leaders recently met at the annual Youth Leadership Conference. The atmosphere was filled with a deep sense of belonging and purpose as young people gathered to be encouraged, equipped and empowered for God’s work.
The conference was graced by the presence of Baraka Muganda, former General Conference youth director from 1995–2010, who delivered a powerful challenge to the youth leaders. He reminded them that their talents and gifts are divinely given and, with God, they are more than capable of leading their peers to salvation and service. “If you think youth are lacking in God’s army, this conference would have changed your perception,” says Muganda, as passionate testimonies from young people filled the breakout sessions.
The testimonies weren’t just stories; they were living proof of God’s movement among the younger generation. This group was comprised of aspiring evangelists seeking guidance, ministers of music sharing how God had transformed their lives and teachers eager to use their abilities to nurture others. Some were still on the path of discovering their talents, but all were united in their pursuit of God’s calling on their lives. As one attendee put it, “Our future is bright, and God’s work will go on for generations.”
The conference wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible efforts of Jamal Franklyn, Allegheny West Conference’s (AWC) youth director, and his team, who crafted an event that truly lived up to its name. The atmosphere was one of peace and joy, where burdens were lifted, fears were
dispelled and youth leaders found strength and encouragement from one another. The conference was a testament to what can happen when youth are trusted, empowered and given space to lead.
In his closing worship session, Franklyn shared his vision for the future of AWC’s youth ministry. He announced plans to involve more youth leaders from local churches in upcoming events, encouraging them to step up and use their talents to serve. This idea was met with great enthusiasm, and it became clear to those present that AWC is blessed to have a leader who values the contributions and growth of young people.
“The future is bright for God’s work,” Franklyn shares, “and with young leaders like those at the Allegheny West Youth Leadership Conference, we know that His mission will continue to thrive for generations to come.”
Youth Leadership Conference attendees gather in front of Allegheny West Conference’s building.
Jamal Franklyn (right), Allegheny West Conference’s youth director, shares his vision for the future of youth ministry.
Attendees Cultivate Strong Family Bonds at Retreat
The serene setting of Ohio Conference’s Camp Mohaven in Danville, provided the perfect backdrop for Victory church’s recent family retreat, orchestrated by David and Raquel May, Family Ministries directors at Victory. Themed “The Whole Family,” this retreat aimed to strengthen family bonds and create lasting memories among its members.
Lloydston Burton, Allegheny West Conference’s (AWC) Family Ministries director, and his wife, Shelia, led enriching sessions for married couples. Their topics on “The Power of Forgiveness in Marriage” and “Strengthening Marital Bonds Through Faith” left attendees with valuable insights. Youth participants were equally engaged in presentations tailored to their needs. Gordan McGhee, an evangelist from Go Stand and Preach Ministries, captivated the younger audience with “Finding a Spouse—Courting vs. Dating,” while Cherryl Brookshire, a Victory member, inspired single adults in her session on “Understanding Our Singular Value in Regard to the Whole Family.”
Beyond the educational sessions, attendees relished the opportunity to unwind and connect through various activities. Fireside vespers provided moments of reflection and camaraderie, while the hot dog roast, games and kayaking added a touch of fun and adventure to the retreat.
“This remarkable event not only provided spiritual and educational nourishment but also strengthened the sense of community among the members of Victory,” says Angela Kindrix, Victory’s Communication director. “The dedication and effort of David and Raquel May, along with their capable team, ensured that the retreat was a resounding success, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next gathering.
Attendees listen to a session during Victory church’s family retreat.
Lloydston Burton, AWC’s Family Ministries director, and his wife, Shelia, present at Victory church.
photos by angela kindrix
Fully Committed, Fully Engaged
By the time you read this, Chesapeake Conference will have held three Reach Baltimore 2025 evangelism rallies, the most recent of which was held at the Liberty church, a constituent church of Allegheny East Conference in the western suburbs of the city of Baltimore. The purpose of these rallies is to prayerfully unite the churches of our two conferences, in partnership with It Is Written, in preparation for the evangelistic series that will be held in October 2025 in Baltimore—the largest city in our territory.
The success of this unprecedented, combined effort of more than 30 area-wide Adventist churches, requires the full commitment and engagement of every member of every church that is part of this great initiative. If we hope to reach the 600,000-plus people of Baltimore, and beyond, with the good news of salvation, we must do so under the influence of the Holy Spirit, who alone can equip His people for ministry with gifts that will both enlarge and build up the church—the last day church—of Jesus Christ.
It is no coincidence that our Reach Baltimore 2025 initiative and North American Division’s Pentecost 2025 emphasis on prayer and evangelism have converged this year, at this time in earth’s history. As Divine providence would have it, there is a God-led movement that is sweeping through our territory, across our nation and around the world that is calling His people, His church, to herald the soon return of Jesus. We cannot, dare not, do this on our own. So please join me as together we pray for the latter rain, the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon us, so we can do what Jesus has commissioned us to do.
Jerry Lutz President
NAD President Urges Members to ‘Reach Baltimore’
Church members from the Baltimore area recently gathered at the Baltimore White Marsh church to learn more about Reach Baltimore 2025, a collaborative evangelism project between Chesapeake Conference, Allegheny East Conference (AEC) and It Is Written, with additional support from the Columbia Union Conference and the North American Division (NAD).
The rally featured an inspiring message by G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, who, along with John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, will present the evangelistic messages during the Baltimore proclamation meetings in October 2025.
A second series of meetings will be held in Spanish, featuring Robert Costa, speaker/director of It Is Written’s Hispanic ministry, Escrito Está.
“I’m delighted for evangelism. I’m doubly delighted that we’re doing it together,” Bryant said, expressing his excitement over the collaboration between the various church entities.
Bryant also highlighted Pentecost 2025, a NAD initiative that aims to hold at least 3,000 proclamation events across North America next year. “The core of Pentecost 2025 is praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit so we may receive extra power for completing our assignment,” Bryant said.
Participants included Marcellus T. Robinson, Columbia Union president; Eric Flickinger, It Is Written associate speaker; Jerry Lutz, Chesapeake Conference president; Gene Donaldson, AEC ministerial director; David Klinedinst, Chesapeake Conference Evangelism and Church Growth director; and Lee Kimani, AEC pastor of the Edmondson Heights church in Baltimore.
To learn more about Reach Baltimore 2025, scan the QR code or visit ccosda.org/reachbaltimore.
Conference Opens New Production Studio
Jessica Burns, the conference’s assistant treasurer, hosts an episode of Chesapeake Currents TV, a weekly news video series, in the new studio.
Chesapeake Conference has opened a new video production studio at its headquarters in Columbia, Md., providing conference departments, churches and schools with a dedicated space to create video content to further their ministries.
“We hope this new studio will empower churches and schools to reach people in fresh, impactful ways,” says Evan Knott, Communication director for the Chesapeake Conference. “Whether it’s filming short devotional clips to share on social media or video advertisements promoting evangelistic meetings, we hope this space will help our churches and schools share their messages with greater quality and creativity.”
Conference churches and schools can now schedule studio time through the Communication Department.
Washington-Spencerville Korean Church Hosts Expo
The Washington-Spencerville (Md.) Korean church recently held its 11th annual community expo, partnering with numerous local organizations to provide health and social welfare information and services to area residents. With more than 30 booths offering a variety of resources, the event aimed to meet the community’s physical and social needs, attracting guests from multiple language backgrounds, including Korean, English and others.
“We’re excited to be able to offer this to our community,” says David Kim, associate pastor. “This is a way for us to give back a little bit to the people who grace our halls and beyond.”
In addition to the services offered, the church raised funds through food sales for its ongoing mission project in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Eleven years ago, the annual expo began as a small outreach to the local Korean community but has since expanded to include a broader audience.
“It’s amazing that this has been going on for 11 years. It started as a way to gauge community interest, but the response has been overwhelming,” Kim says. “We’ve continued because of the deep interest in both health information and cultural activities. It allows us to show we care about both the physical and spiritual welfare of our neighbors.”
Washington-Spencerville Korean church members Seon Young Park, Gwi Young Jeong and Sarah Kim (left) serve food during the community expo, while My Life Foundation representatives (above) staff their health booth.
Conference Hosts First Spanish Women’s Retreat
For the past 33 years, Mountain View Conference (MVC) has hosted women’s retreats at Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va. Women from across the conference, and even neighboring conferences, have enjoyed this special fall weekend. Attendance has grown in the past few years, therefore, due to space limitations, some registrants have had to be turned away.
Noticing that the number of Hispanic attendees has increased, Yasmi Cardenas, MVC Children’s Ministries director, suggested the conference host a women’s retreat specifically for the Hispanic population. This group has always enjoyed the Englishspeaking women’s retreats, but the language barrier has been an issue. “I felt that we could welcome even more women if we added another weekend that would be in their own language,” says Cardenas.
MVC currently has one Hispanic church in Moorefield, a Hispanic company in Lewisburg, and three Hispanic church plants in Clarksburg, Morgantown and Parkersburg—all five congregations located in West Virginia.
The weekend prior to the English 2024 Women’s Retreat, the conference hosted the very first Spanish women’s retreat. Approximately 35 women attended, including speaker Norita Ramos, former Spanish teacher at Potomac Conference’s Takoma Academy, who spoke on the theme, “Transformed by Love.”
Moorefield Spanish church members Anchely Lopez, Gladis Cardona, Virgilia Lopez, Ady Lopez and Madeline Gonzalez attend Mountain View Conference’s first Spanish Women’s Retreat.
“I feel incredibly blessed to have been a part of the first Spanish Women’s Retreat of the MVC!” states Ramos. “The beautiful decorations, uplifting Christian atmosphere, inspirational music, spiritual messages and engaging learning activities truly highlighted the loving care of our incredible Jesus. His everlasting love continues to transform our lives in ways we can’t fully comprehend when we trust Him and depend on Him. What a wonderful and refreshing experience!”
Besides the spiritual feasts from Ramos, the women enjoyed delicious food all weekend, prepared by Cardenas’ father-in-law, Juan. Other activities included card-making on Sabbath afternoon, a nature scavenger hunt and Bible Bingo. Saturday evening, Megan Garcia, an artist from the Logan (W.Va.) and Williamson (W.Va.) churches, led a painting class (pictured).
Adding this extra weekend not only meant that more women could come but that the conference has found a new way to minister to Hispanic women in their territory. The second annual Spanish Women’s Retreat will be held at Valley Vista Sept. 26–28, 2025.
Conference Welcomes New Faces
Three new families have recently joined the Mountain View Conference (MVC) team.
Jessica Lindao, a member of the Parkersburg (W.Va.) church, has recently accepted a call to serve as the administrative assistant in the MVC office.
An answer to prayer, she comes equipped with many talents and skills that will help the office run smoothly. She is married to Juan Rugel, and they have one son, Alex Rugel (pictured above).
Jeremy Garlock is the new pastor of the Charleston (W.Va.) Boulevard church and the
youth director for the MVC. Garlock comes to the MVC from the New York Conference with his wife, Joya, and two of their daughters, Kai and Maya (pictured below, left). Garlock has previously served God in various roles such as an elementary school teacher, pastor, education superintendent, youth director and Union Springs Academy principal.
For the past three years, Johnathan Ryan has served in various roles in the Pennsylvania Conference, including publishing director and associate youth director, where he also accepted a call into pastoral ministry and pastored a three-church district. He and his wife, Marrina, have accepted a call to serve as pastor of the Point Pleasant church (W.Va.) and associate pastor of the Ripley (W.Va.) church. The couple are the proud parents of Nathaniel and Elaina (pictured above).
Children Learn About the Future at VBS
Have you ever wondered how to teach children about the future? “Dare to Be” Vacation Bible School (VBS)—a fun, interactive approach to the dreams of Nebuchadnezzar and Daniel—was recently hosted by the three churches in the Buckhannon district: Buckhannon, Parsons and Braxton.
Held at the Buckhannon church, approximately 15 children enjoyed dinner each evening, followed by a deep dive into the book of Daniel. The youth led song service and activity stations. Attendees received a kids’ King James Version Study Bible, as well as a certificate and bookmark.
Seeing that the children from the community did not want VBS to end, God inspired the church leaders to begin Breakfast and Bible Adventures on Sabbath mornings where the community enjoys healthy breakfasts, crafts, Bible stories and more. —Sarah Abell, Parsons (W.Va.) Church Member
VBS leaders (in blue) teach about the character traits—truth and trusting—that Daniel and his friends relied on in Babylon.
Pentecost 2025 Is Here!
The book of Acts records the transformative power and evangelistic zeal that characterized the firstcentury Christian church, culminating in an explosive spread of the gospel. In this spirit, the North American Division (NAD) leadership team has launched the Pentecost 2025 initiative—a visionary call to relive the Pentecost experience. The New Jersey Conference (NJC) leadership team has wholeheartedly embraced this challenge, setting an unprecedented goal for 2025: to baptize 1,000 new members in a remarkable testament to God’s glory.
The first-century church grew because it was a community of believers deeply devoted to prayer, the Word of God and heartfelt witness to their neighbors, embodying a spirit of love that was both genuine and magnetic. Answering the conference leadership’s invitation, local church members and leaders alike have enthusiastically taken up the Pentecost 2025 challenge, igniting a profound desire to experience the New Testament Pentecost anew. This commitment has resonated across all levels of leadership and membership, with pastors, teachers and institutional leaders rallying to the cause.
Prayer stands as the foundation of this evangelistic endeavor, preparing hearts and minds to be receptive to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. With prayer as our compass, we aspire to see the message of salvation in New Jersey reverberate with the same power that shook the ancient world two millennia ago. The NJC has been blessed with dedicated pastors who have diligently trained and equipped members to fulfill the Great Commission. Local leaders who have participated in this training have witnessed inspiring successes in their evangelistic outreach, experiencing the joy that comes with seeing lives transformed.
The leadership of the NJC and its pastors eagerly anticipate the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in this generation, praying that many across New Jersey will embrace Jesus as their Savior. Our united cry is to experience Pentecost now, in our time.
A secondary goal of this initiative is to cultivate a mindset that evangelism is not only about events or programs but is woven into daily life through consistent, authentic witness to the work of the Holy Spirit within us. We are called to be living testimonies, reflecting that our old lives are behind us, and we now live for the glory of God.
Just as the early believers shared meals, supported one another and lived in harmony (Acts 2:42), we are called to reflect the relentless work of the Holy Spirit. As one of our guiding principles reminds us, “The strongest argument in favor of the gospel is a loving and lovable Christian” (Ellen White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 470). Through Pentecost 2025, we not only aim to grow in number but to cultivate members whose lives embody the love, grace and truth of God’s Word.
Children’s Ministries Holds Annual Festival
The Children’s Ministries Department recently conducted its annual Children’s Festival at Tranquility Camp in Andover for more than 200 children and parents. The day started with a special program titled “Creation by Dummies,” by Rich Aguilera (pictured in hat), founder of One Mustard Seed.
“Our children need to know that we were created by a loving God who made us according to His image,” says Cinthia Portanova, Children’s Ministries director.
The festival included go-karts, canoe rides, archery and more, not to mention delicious food prepared by Adventurers from the Luso-Brazilian and Tranquility churches.
Alejandro Pastor Ministerial Director
Tranquility School Celebrates 50 Years
The Tranquility Adventist School (TAS) in Andover recently celebrated 50 years of God’s grace and mercy on Seventh-day Adventist education. TAS began in a humble barn on the grounds of the former Garden State Academy. The school moved to its current location in 1974.
The festivities began with Friday evening vespers, featuring Nita Connell, former principal from 2013–2019. Her heartfelt reflections united the audience in gratitude, recalling the enduring legacy of the school and the strength of its mission over the years.
On Sabbath, the celebration continued with a special service held in the TAS gymnasium. Under the direction of Elaine Lopez, current principal, students participated through speeches and musical performances, adding a personal and youthful touch to the milestone occasion.
The event’s highlight was an inspiring sermon by Elisa Maragoto, the New Jersey Conference superintendent of schools. Her message underscored Seventh-day Adventist’s unique responsibility in nurturing faith and character in young people, aligning with TAS’ mission to guide students toward a lifelong commitment to Christ.
Past and present Tranquility Adventist School educators Adrienne Broomes, Nita Connell, Violet Bata Niederoest, Barbara Delaney, Margie Ramirez, Tammy Danitz and Linda Gang celebrate the school’s 50th anniversary with Elaine Lopez (far right), current principal.
The celebration concluded with a potluck meal, followed by an evening concert by renowned violinist Jaime Jorge, whose performance captivated the audience and brought a meaningful end to the anniversary festivities.
As TAS looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its mission to nurture students who will carry the light of Christ into the world.
Public Campus Students Attend Impactful Event
The Princeton Adventist Christian Fellowship, in collaboration with ANEW, a student-run movement organized to network Adventist ministries on secular campuses in the Mid-Atlantic region, and sponsored by the New Jersey Conference and Columbia Union Conference, recently hosted a powerful weekend seminar titled, “Bittersweet Message.” This event, held at Princeton University, united 200 young adults from Princeton, Yale, Penn State, Johns Hopkins, Temple, Iowa State and many other universities,
creating a supportive space for Seventh-day Adventist students who attend public campuses.
Frank Hasel, associate director for the Biblical Research Institute at the General Conference, delivered an inspiring message on Adventist identity, emphasizing the potential of young people from prestigious universities to influence culture and society.
The weekend included workshops, outreach opportunities and a screening of The Hopeful, a film by Hope Studios, and a Q&A with its executive producer Kevin Christensen. Through their impactful messages, pastors Jermaine Gayle and Israel Ramos from Michigan Conference’s Campus Ministries Department, enriched the event, calling young adults to be Daniels and Pauls on public university campuses.
Mpillo Norris, one of the event organizers, expressed the event’s purpose: “We’re here to let Adventist students know they’re not alone.”
A Sanctuary of Faith in Tough Times
On an early Sabbath morning, a young man with his baby strapped to his chest steps into the small Haitian church, where voices of praise fill the air in Springfield, Ohio. For members of this faith community, the gathering is more than worship—it’s a source of solace, a sanctuary from life’s hardships.
The Emmanuel Haitian church began with just four Haitian members who met in the basement of the Springfield Hispanic church in December 2021. Named “Emmanuel” to reflect their unflinching faith in God’s presence among them, the congregation quickly grew—first to 17, then to 35, and now to more than 70 members, with as many as 80 to 100 attending each Sabbath.
These immigrants left Haiti, but they did not leave their faith behind. They created a space to grow spiritually, seek God’s guidance and find hope amid their challenges.
According to the Migration Policy Institute, many Haitians have recently migrated to the United States due to political instability, natural disasters, violence and economic hardship. Amid these struggles, the members of Emmanuel face difficulties navigating a new environment while holding tightly to their roots.
While they left behind some challenges in Haiti, life in a new land has brought hardships. Cleoius Joseph, an Emmanuel church elder, explains that members face significant immigration-related difficulties but lack someone to guide them through the process. “We need help with immigration issues, filling applications and someone who can assess our needs and connect us to resources,” he shares.
The church regularly sees new members and visitors, some of whom are not Adventist, arriving in search of help. Many come lacking food, clothing, money or even a place to stay. The financial strain experienced by the members themselves prevents the congregation from hosting after-church potlucks, which they would otherwise use to build fellowship and support.
Joseph also notes that some members have faced ridicule and harmful stereotypes, with rumors circulating that Haitians are responsible for pet
disappearances. This misconception has caused distress within the community, leading some families to relocate to other cities in search of a more understanding environment.
Despite facing tough times, church members continually strengthen members’ faith in God through prayer, Bible study, sermons and songs. Worship includes ample time for singing, which they approach with joy and energy (pictured).
Though they may lack potlucks, faces beam with hope as they sing hymns like “What a Friend We Have in Jesus.”
During Sabbath School, they engage in communal study, encouraging participation through questions and personal contributions. Together with the sermons, these moments of worship and study continue to strengthen the faith of every member.
The church, comprised mainly of young people and conducted in French, is led by Roger MelendezCabrera, a Hispanic pastor who provides spiritual guidance with the support of his elders.
As the Emmanuel Haitian church grows, its members hold fast to their faith, drawing strength from one another and finding hope for better days ahead. Within this humble congregation, they have genuinely found a sanctuary.
During a joint English and Spanish camp meeting, the Ohio Conference dedicated its new multi-purpose pavilion at Camp Mohaven in Danville. The event was one of the key highlights of the 2024 camp meeting, celebrating the new facility and the baptism of 34 individuals. The conference constructed the building under the theme, “Building for Eternity.” It was designed to support youth’s physical and spiritual development and serve as an evangelistic training center.
The Ohio Conference had the groundbreaking ceremony during the 2023 camp meeting and dedicated it during the gathering in 2024. Bob Cundiff, conference president, reflected on the 2023 camp meeting, where he had promised that the pavilion would be ready by 2024. “And here we are today, praise God,” Cundiff remarked. “We thank each of you who pressed together around this vision to help make this dream a reality. Today is a truly historic day for our conference. It is not only historic because of our new home, but also because it is our first multiethnic camp meeting. We wanted the entire family to be together for this momentous occasion.”
Groups Vivo Worship and the Tucker Trio complemented the dedication ceremony with beautiful music and stirring performances throughout the event. The Tucker Trio continued their performance during the Sabbath afternoon concert, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of the day and uplifting the spirits of all who were present.
Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference, praised the Ohio Conference for its commitment to building for
Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, participates in the ribbon-cutting ceremony with children and other members to officially open the new multi-purpose pavilion at Camp Mohaven.
God’s kingdom. “You are serious about kingdombuilding for God here in Ohio Conference,” he stated. “You have a beautiful theme, ‘Building for Eternity,’ which reflects the visionary leadership of your president, Dr. Cundiff.”
In his sermon, Cundiff compared the pavilion’s dedication to Solomon’s dedication of the temple in 1 Kings 5 and 6. Following the sermon, he invited the 200 people to the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Cundiff and Wiston Zuniga, pastor of the Ebenezer Hispanic church in Cleveland, led the dedicatory prayer, praising and asking for God’s blessing on the building and its future use.
President, Bob Cundiff n Editor, Francis Tuffour
Camp meeting attendees stand in front of the new building in a celebratory photo.
‘I Love Jesus’
Shortly after becoming a Christian, I read Revelation 2:1–7 where Jesus describes believers who lose their first love for Him and are lost. A powerful conviction seized me, and I couldn’t imagine a more awful fate. I dropped to my knees, praying for God to increase my love for Him!
The apostle Paul’s prayer for us reveals that we can attain nothing greater as Christians than to be “rooted and grounded in love,” and to “comprehend” and “know the love of Christ.” God wants nothing more than for us to love Him as fully as He loves us. This is why He created humans in the first place—to have a loving relationship. It is why He died on the cross. And it is precisely why He is coming back to take us to heaven. It is all about Him showering us with love and longing for our love in return!
Love for Jesus is more than an intellectual belief in Him or His truth. This love must be focused on Him as a person and not merely as a concept. The disciples loved Jesus—the God Man. What He did and taught inspired this love, leading them to love Jesus Himself.
How can you love Jesus more? Start by making Paul’s prayer your own for the next 30 days or more. Get on your knees with the open Bible before you. Read this text to God aloud and ask Him to make it your experience. Say out loud, “I love Jesus,” and then speak these three words to someone today. (You can start right now after reading this.)
Then, like all relational love, schedule a daily time with Jesus. Read His Word for what it tells you about Jesus. Keep a journal of what you discover. Incorporate what you write in your journal into your conversations with God, telling Him how you feel about what He is showing you. And tell others about what you are learning. As you do this, your love for Jesus will grow, and the apostle Paul’s prayer will be answered.
*This editorial is published in the Pennsylvania Conference devotional, Back to the Altar.
Get ‘Back to the Altar’ With New Devotional
The newly released Back to the Altar devotional book was written by children, teens and adults, ages 10 to 95, from across the Pennsylvania Conference. Each page invites you to pause, reflect and draw nearer to God through daily worship and prayer.
Whether you are seeking comfort, inspiration or a deeper connection with Christ, this book offers a unique and inspiring experience to guide you back to the altar of worship as individuals and as families. Use it in your home daily to encounter
Gary Gibbs President
God’s presence anew—either in your personal or family devotions.
“Spending daily time with God refreshes the soul and strengthens our relationship with Him,” shares Gary Gibbs, conference president, who envisioned the project to encourage and equip people to worship daily. “Our faith grows deeper and stronger through intentional moments with our Creator. The Back to the Altar devotional invites you to cultivate this time with God, offering comfort, inspiration and insight from voices of all ages. Let each page draw you closer to His presence, making each day an opportunity to nurture a life rooted in His love.”
The book is available through your local Pennsylvania Conference church. Additional copies can be ordered at paconference.org/ devotional-book. Supplies are limited.
Adventist World Radio Partners in Evangelism
God moved powerfully in a Cinemark theater in Erie as Adventist World Radio (AWR) and the Pennsylvania Conference recently partnered to share the gospel and train pastors in evangelism. Five Pennsylvania pastors joined Jason Morgan (pictured), an AWR evangelist, as he presented the “Amazing Prophecies Revelation Seminar.”
Approximately 45 visitors attended the opening night. When the meetings transitioned to the Erie church a week later, 30 to 35 visitors continued to attend each night for three more weeks.
Mary Schloss is one of those visitors who came nightly to dig into God’s Word and learn more. Morgan shares, “Mary approached me after an appeal was made and said, ‘I would like to be rebaptized. I started as a Catholic and went to seven different churches before finding this seminar. God has led me to this church. I’m ready to make my decision.’”
One Erie church member had been praying for her son who hadn’t attended church in more than
five years. She had invited him multiple times, but he showed no interest. She left a flyer of the event on his kitchen table and prayed that God would move on his heart. He and his girlfriend attended every night of the series. “Praise God!” she said. “God has answered my prayer for my son!”
The event also doubled as an “evangelism field school,” designed to train and connect with conference pastors, equipping them with Christ’s methods of evangelism and implementing a total member involvement cycle that prepares, sows, cultivates and reaps a harvest, with a focus on “preservation” follow-up.
“The field school was incredibly rewarding,” says Morgan, who enjoyed teaching the small group of pastors representing 13 churches. “On Sunday mornings and afternoons, we met with the pastors to discuss the cycle of evangelism, gaining decisions for Christ, recognizing convictions, making appeals, and biblical preaching. It was inspiring to watch them grow.”
Yves Monnier, conference Ministerial and Evangelism director, remarks, “God is moving in Erie, and we are witnessing the power of the gospel as lives are transformed. This partnership with Adventist World Radio and our Pennsylvania pastors has been a remarkable experience, showing that God can use any setting—even a Cinemark theater— to reach hearts and build His kingdom.”
Arise and Rebuild Initiative Strengthens Churches
“Our church had weathered over the years,” says Jonathan D’ugo, pastor of the Berwick church. “Paint had chipped and peeled. Wood frames around windows and doors were rotting. Cement eroded, making the church look bad and creating an unsafe structure.”
That changed this past summer when the Berwick church building was repaired (pictured). The improvements were made possible through the conference’s new Arise and Rebuild initiative, intentionally created to help congregations develop church-specific plans to clean, declutter, paint, repair, remodel and update facilities. Churches can apply for funding grants for one-third of the cost, up to $15,000, for projects that meet specific criteria.
“The purpose of Arise and Rebuild is to engage churches in ‘face-lift’ projects that will make our facilities more inviting,” says Kevin Costello, conference treasurer. “Our church and school facilities reflect God to those around us, and we are committed to providing properties that best facilitate worship and reveal His glory to our communities.”
Vienna Church Serves Hundreds With Free Health Care
The Vienna (Va.) church recently hosted its second annual health fair, providing free medical services to uninsured and underinsured community members.
With more than 37 agencies and vendors involved, the fair offered a wide range of vital services, including free primary care, Narcan training, eye exams with referrals for glasses, minor dental care, vaccinations, and screenings for blood pressure, glucose, HIV, Hepatitis C, cholesterol and more. The event served more than 227 registered guests and numerous unregistered attendees.
Dignitaries included Vienna Mayor Linda J. Colbert; Fairfax County’s Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter L. Alcorn; Congressman Don Beyer’s Community Relations Coordinator Richard Cerros; and Congressman Gerry Connolly’s Community Engagement Representative Ronell Chatmon.
Reflecting on the day’s success, Vinnie MacIsaac, Vienna’s senior pastor, remarked, “When we finished worship, over an hour before registration opened,
people were already lined up down the hallways. And the crowd didn’t stop all afternoon.”
Special thanks were extended to Marvin Qinterio, a Vienna member and the event’s organizer, who helped unite the church, agencies, vendors and community members for this impactful event.
Many expressed that the health fair was the church’s most significant community outreach since the COVID-19 pandemic, with an overwhelmingly positive response from community leaders and vendors.
ACSGW Celebrates 40 Years of Community Impact
Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) recently held a gala and silent auction to celebrate past and present impact. ACSGW was founded by the Sligo, Takoma Park, and Silver Spring churches and opened in May 1983.
For more than 40 years of service, ACSGW and John Gavin (pictured, center), current ACSGW executive director, were honored with a Montgomery County Council Proclamation and a Certificate of Recognition by the City of Takoma Park. Gavin, who also served in the same role from 1986–1994, said, “The goal of this event was to celebrate the extraordinary impact
ACSGW has made over the years and recognize current programs of vital importance to the community.” Carl Sobremisana, ACSGW founder,
also received special recognition at the event. Among others, attendees included Potomac Conference President Charles A. Tapp and Vice President of Administration Jose Vasquez, as well as W. Derrick Lea, representing the North American Division Adventist Community Services, and Imad Madanat, vice president for ADRA.
The program featured remarks by Board Chair Nancy Lamoreaux and a short video presentation titled, “ACSGW Impact Through the Years!” The anniversary celebration was supported by Adventist HealthCare, Sport Chevrolet, and Office Care. The event also included representatives from colleague organizations Emmanuel-Brinklow ACS, Beltsville ACS, Jewish Council on Aging, Homes Not Borders, and Meals on Wheels.
Looking to the future, the event kicked off a campaign to provide personal care items to all recipients in the food and diaper distribution programs and to revamp the ACSGW Learning Center. For more information about the campaign or learning center, email info@ACSGW.org.
David Barrozo: A Legacy That Continues
David Barrozo has been a beloved and dedicated pastor at the Washington Brazilian church since 1994. Before answering God’s call to lead the congregation, Barrozo had already made a profound impact in the Atlantic Union Conference, pastoring many churches in Rhode Island and Massachusetts and planting the Fall River church in Massachusetts.
In 2003, Barrozo realized a long-held dream for the Washington Brazilian church: the purchase of their own church building in College Park, Md., where the congregation still worships today. This achievement was not just a milestone in the life of the church but a reflection of Barrozo’s visionary leadership and deep sense of purpose in ensuring that the church would have a lasting home.
His contributions went beyond just one congregation. Barrozo was instrumental in planting new churches within the Potomac Conference, including the Richmond (Va.) Brazilian church and the Gaithersburg (Md.) Brazilian church.
One of Barrozo’s most cherished legacies is the Washington Brazilian church’s youth choir, which grew to 150 members. Under his guidance, the church constructed a sound studio to record two music albums and a DVD recorded by the Hope Channel. Music has always been a central focus of his ministry, and he has worked hand in hand with his wife, Elisete Barrozo, a talented pianist and music educator, helping to shape the church’s worship culture. His family all contribute to the church’s music and community outreach, including organizing weekly Sabbath lunches that foster unity and provision for those in need.
Barrozo is not just a spiritual leader but also a close friend and mentor to many. His personal involvement in the lives of church members is evident, from baptizing a young lady to officiating her wedding and performing the dedication and baptisms for her children. He embodies a commitment to journeying with families through all stages of life.
His leadership extends beyond the church. Barrozo is a member of the Brazilian Citizens Council of Washington, D.C., and in 2010, was invited by the Brazilian government to participate in the 3rd Conference of Brazilian Communities Abroad in Rio de Janeiro, further extending his influence in the broader community.
Barrozo’s leadership is defined by wisdom, compassion and a deep love for God and His people. He has created a welcoming environment for newcomers, offering support to families in need and promoting Christian education. His motto, “You are not alone, we are your family,” reflects his heart for people.
Pastor Barrozo’s favorite verse, Deuteronomy 31:8, encapsulates his approach: “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged” (NIV).
Through his innovative ministry, dedication to worship and love for the people he serves, Barrozo has led the Washington Brazilian church to become a beacon of hope and faith in the community. He has shown to all what it means to lead with grace, compassion, and a heart fully devoted to Christ.
David Barrozo, who has pastored the Washington Brazilian church since 1994, and his wife, Elisete, enjoy an event celebrating their 30 years of ministry.
David Barrozo receives a recognition plaque for his 30 years of service.
Student Shares Testimony at Reading Junior Academy
Adam Bially, the Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) pastor, has been working closely with students who have expressed interest in sharing the Word of Jesus to their fellow peers and community. Student speakers Nathalia Phu, David Desouza, Loriann Korley and Jordan Slifka were recently invited to act on this interest by speaking at Reading Junior Academy’s (RJA) Week of Prayer.
“I had the opportunity to speak during BMA’s Week of Prayer; it was such a blessing, causing me to only dive deeper into my studies,” Slifka shares his testimony. “In October, Pastor Bially asked me to speak at RJA [in Pennsylvania], and because God has given me a peace that surpasses all understanding, I joyfully accepted. Ecstatic, I gathered my thoughts, prayed and got ready for the trip to Reading. Pastor Bially encouraged me to make an appeal if the Holy Spirit moved me—and that’s just what happened. God laid on my heart to share pieces of my personal testimony, and at the end, I felt compelled to make an appeal [for them] to give their hearts to Jesus. There were two boys in particular who were greatly impacted by the message, and I give glory and praise to God for that. My heart was so happy to hear they wanted Bible studies. The thing is, God sees the big picture, and He’s weaving a massive tapestry of His Son’s sacrifice and love for us. We are the thread, and the Holy Spirit is the needle.”
Slifka, a junior, is the pastor of the Student Association this year. “Blue Mountain Academy has had a significant impact on every aspect of my life. I wasn’t conscious of what I was doing with my body. I had been lounging and playing video games, wasting time. Now, by God’s grace, He gave me a determined mindset to focus on His will for my life. I know God brought me to BMA for a reason,” he adds.
Bially sees God working in and through Slifka. “I first met Jordan two years ago when he was working in the cafeteria. He was cleaning tables with a big smile on his face. It made an impact on me to see a young man joyfully going about his duties,” he says. “Since then, I have seen the Lord work with this young man as he has grown in wisdom, stature and
Junior Jordan Slifka, Student Association pastor, says he knows God brought him to Blue Mountain Academy for a reason—most recently to speak at Reading Junior Academy’s Week of Prayer, resulting in 14 decisions for Christ.
favor with students and staff. Jordan was used by God to preach the closing message at the Week of Prayer at Reading Junior Academy where 14 students responded to his baptismal call. We know God has even greater plans for Jordan and for anyone who wants to put their trust in God.”
Slifka continues to grow in his walk God has set before him. He has his own YouTube channel, “FaithFilled Fitness,” and started a running club for BMA students. He strives to do his best and be the example Jesus would have him be.
Students Tour Adventist Landmarks, Learn History
Ellen White once wrote, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Life Sketches, p. 196). It was for this reason that it was important for the students at Highland View Academy (HVA) to experience and witness the incredible history of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. Providing students an opportunity to learn of the work the pioneers accomplished and the lives they lived gives them a greater understanding of the Adventist faith and makes church more tangible to young people.
Students recently boarded the HVA coach bus at 3 a.m. to embark on a long journey through Southern New England and upstate New York. Their journey would take them to key Adventist landmarks, such as the William Miller Farm, William Miller Chapel—where students participated in a communion ceremony, foot washing and worship— Ascension Rock, the Hiram Edson Farm, and the Washington New Hampshire church—the birthplace of the first Sabbath-keeping Adventist congregation.
One of the most memorable moments was at Ascension Rock, the place where believers stood looking up at the sky in the hope that Jesus would return Oct. 22, 1844.
Joy Young, a senior who attended the trip, says, “I really enjoyed Ascension Rock because it was amazing to imagine waiting for Jesus while looking at the sky, just like William Miller did in 1844.”
While they reflected on that moment from 180 years ago, students and staff sang “Side by Side” as the Sabbath ended. This song, often sung at HVA on Friday evenings to welcome in the Sabbath, reminded students that the goal today is similar to the goal two centuries ago: We will see Jesus coming in the clouds someday soon.
Via Nichols, another senior who attended the trip, says, “I enjoyed seeing where something that plays such a big part in my life originated.”
A trip that was laden with educational experiences was also a trip that was deeply spiritual and
uplifting. In addition to visiting Adventist landmarks, students also visited important United States historical landmarks, including Niagara Falls, Old Sturbridge Village and sites on the Freedom Trail in Boston. Students and staff agree that HVA’s first Adventist history tour was a huge success and deeply impactful.
Highland View Academy students stand on Ascension Rock 180 years after William Miller and many others awaited Jesus’ return in 1844.
Students visit the Washington New Hampshire church—the birthplace of the first Sabbath-keeping Adventist congregation.
Students Experience ‘Ruin to Redemption’
“I’ve been redeemed/by the blood of the Lamb/ I’ve been redeemed/by the blood of the Lamb/I’ve been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb/Filled with the Holy Ghost I am/All my sins are washed away/I’ve been redeemed.”
Students voices echoed the theme song during the fall Week of Prayer. Themed “From Ruin to Redemption,” the week followed the story of Ruth and Naomi. This story began amid ruin: Naomi and her family fled Israel in the middle of a famine. The senior class depicted the struggles that Naomi, Ruth and their family experienced. First a famine, then death, then age. Naomi finally decided to return home, and Ruth accompanied her.
The senior class acted out a skit each morning, followed by Webster Sterling’s devotional that focused on the redemptive power of faith in God. Sterling, the school chaplain, led the students on a journey of revival. He emphasized the fact that when we listen to God and follow His plan, we find peace and provision. Just like Ruth and Naomi, who needed to put their faith in God and His leading, so do we. Ruth and Naomi needed a Redeemer. Their earthly redeemer came in the form of Boaz, but our Redeemer is Jesus Christ.
“I really like that the skit helped me to be able to see the story and understand it deeper,” says third-grader Schneider Boamah.
At the conclusion of Week of Prayer, the students and faculty met in the parking lot. The praise team led the school family in worship songs. Through the singing and praying, participants who had previously written down prayer requests, burned their sheets of paper in a prayer box.
This annual tradition helps students visualize their prayers returning to God and to know that He hears their requests, say staff.
The Sabbath service was a high day for the school. Not only was it the final sermon of the week but firstgrader Lionel Ramos got baptized. School leaders share that it is always a blessing when students hear the call of the Holy Spirit upon their hearts and commit their lives to Jesus. They praise God for His many blessings and the ways in which they saw His guiding hand through the Week of Prayer.
Webster Sterling, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy’s chaplain, challenges ninth-grader Elias Monterroso to sing the Week of Prayer’s theme song, “I’ve Been Redeemed.”
Seniors Jurgen Aparicio and Shikha Krishna re-enact the story of Boaz and Ruth during Week of Prayer.
Students Partner With Church for Community Outreach
Pine Forge Academy (PFA), an historically Black Seventh-day Adventist boarding high school, prioritizes the mission of preparing students for service to God and others, promoting Christian excellence.
For the past few months, students from PFA have come together on Sabbaths to support a children’s program at the Walnut Street Community church in Pottstown, Pa.
The church hosts a monthly program called “Childrens’ Story Hour” for children ages 2 to 11. The program was created by a group of church members in an effort to support the surrounding neighborhoods. Each month, community children are picked up and brought to the church where they enjoy a Bible story, songs, games, prizes and a meal. PFA students have teamed up with church members to provide assistance and ensure the program runs smoothly.
So far this school year, a small group of students from the academy have volunteered at the church on two occasions.
One student, Nathan Henry, a junior, attended both times. Based on his report, he found the events to be a great experience, and he looks forward to doing it again. He shared that during the first visit, PFA students sang songs with the children and read a Bible story, applying the message to their lives. Afterward, they participated in activities inspired by the story of the day.
Henry had a unique experience on the second visit. PFA students rode on a bus that picked up the children and their families, providing an opportunity to interact with them and share their experiences at PFA. The theme for the day was fire safety, and the children had the chance to meet firefighters and explore a fire truck.
The event proved to be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Beyond earning community service hours, Henry shared that the experience taught him valuable life lessons about how God hears our prayers before we even ask. He appreciated the opportunity to step away from the temptations of everyday life and truly enjoy the Sabbath while introducing the Bible to the children in the community. The experience also helped him reconnect with the innocent joy of childhood that teenagers often overlook. Seeing the children happy and learning about Jesus put a smile on his face.
Additionally, the students’ participation helped church leaders conduct the program more efficiently. The presence of the students also provided the community children with a relatable example of young Christian teenagers and strengthened the visibility of a Seventh-day Adventist institution in their community. Through this outreach, PFA is spreading the gospel while demonstrating the values that define the school’s excellence.—Kamryn Brown (’27), Yearbook Copy Editor
Nathan Henry (right) and other PFA students prepare to explore the inside of fire trucks during the “Childrens’ Story Hour,” hosted by the Walnut Street Community church.
SA President’s Testimony: Student Leadership
Andres Munoz (’25), Student Association (SA) president, shared this testimony with prospective students and parents during Academy Days’ evening worship, inspiring guests and students with examples of student leadership opportunities at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA):
This year, I’m the SA president, which means that I, with other student leaders, work together to organize all the events and big activities for students here at SVA. Here is how I began to step into student leadership.
My freshman year, SA elections were coming up, when students vote for the officers they want to represent them the following year. There was one position no one was stepping up to fill: audio visual secretary. This officer compiles video throughout the year into a giant culminating presentation that premieres on the final Saturday night of the year.
“Is this something you’d be interested in? Would you like to run for this position?” asked Vice Principal Kaleb Leeper. I was unsure and questioning. Then I remembered something that had completely slipped my mind. One week prior, I knelt in my room and prayed for an opportunity to lead at SVA. That year, the juniors and seniors really inspired me in the way they spoke and carried themselves, inspiring others through their actions and leadership. This was the answer to prayer I was seeking. And this sparked my step into leadership, where I worked with a great group of seniors. Now I have my own team of wonderful peer leaders who work very hard putting together the activities and events that all of us really enjoy.
As an underclassman, I had the opportunity to learn from people I could look up to who were inspirational models of character and behavior, who I really wanted to know and frame myself after. That applied to music and school, leadership and all other aspects of my life. Because of their example, I’ve grown in my skills as a leader, my speaking, communication skills and not procrastinating.
There are many opportunities for student leadership at SVA. For some, it’s getting up front giving a testimony, speaking and leading. For others, it’s more behind the scenes. There are those who work with praise teams or who lead in the boys’ or girls’ dorms. There is always a place to come and serve your peers as a student leader.
As I look at all of you, I see leaders. Each of you is someone—even if you aren’t comfortable standing up in front—who leads in your actions and words. When you see someone sitting alone, you smile at them and give them an encouraging word. That’s leadership: leading by example. Whether you decide SVA is the right fit for you—which I do encourage— I ask that all of you continue to lead by example each day to set forth the image that you want to see in the rest of the world.
Student Association President Andres Munoz (green shirt, center) leads the fun at the fall picnic.
Academy Celebrates Hispanic Heritage
Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) held its first-ever Hispanic Heritage celebration late last year.
Salma Moretta, SAA’s Spanish teacher, organized and prepared the students for this special assembly. She had her students learn the Pledge of Allegiance in Spanish, taught them unique songs in Spanish, worked on colorful and artistic crafts with them and so much more! The students’ excitement grew as they discovered all the creative ways they would participate in this memorable assembly.
The program began with a lively flag parade carried by students as young as second grade, and participants through eighth grade joined in a beautiful assembly, rich with excitement, music and bold, colorful displays that filled the entire auditorium.
Two middle school student-emcees kept transitions smooth as they took turns introducing program segments in both Spanish and English. In Spanish, students proudly introduced famous Hispanic individuals who have contributed to the United States in diverse and impactful ways. Pre-K through second-grade students sang “Dios Es Amor” (God Is So Good), while third- through fifth-grade students sang the famous “Cielito Lindo” (Lovely Sweet One). The entire assembly finished with the fourth graders dancing “The Raspa,” a traditional Mexican dance in vibrant cultural attire.
Spanish teacher Salma Moretta, organizer of the special assembly, stands in front of a banner that eighth-grader Colton Bowers and his friends made.
Students were interviewed on stage about their favorite Hispanic foods, traditions and even the challenges they face when they switch between speaking English and Spanish. “I love my culture because we are so welcoming, and we bring people in no matter what,” said Josias Serrano, a seventh grader. When asked about her favorite holiday tradition, third-grader Lucy Rodriguez said, “We make alfajores and share what we are thankful for. It makes me feel special.” Students also presented different ways the Seventh-day Adventist message was brought to various Hispanic countries.
Highlights fr om Spencer ville Ad ventist Academ y ALL FOR CHRIST
The school’s Dining Service director, Chef George Suggs, provided a delicious, authentic Hispanic meal, while Moretta served traditional drinks to each student. The celebration overflowed with joy, pride and excitement as the student body soaked in the rich gift of diversity that fills SAA’s hallways and classrooms.
LOVE TO LEARN LIVE TO SERVE
This celebration program was a beautiful reminder of the diverse Hispanic heritage embedded within the lives of the school’s students, families and staff, say organizers.
When asked about the program, second-grade student Alexander Hernandez, says, “I loved it! It made me so proud of my culture!”
School administration thanks Moretta, elementary STEM coordinator Kim Terry, and all staff members who played an integral part in making this event an unforgettable moment at SAA.—Nayeli Gonzalez, Second-Grade Teacher
Staff Meetings Transform Into Testimony Time
After 44 years in Seventh-day Adventist education, Principal Spencer Hannah decided it was time to try something different in the Spring Valley Academy (SVA) weekly staff meetings. In the past, meetings would begin with a brief devotional thought by Hannah, along with a prayer, before getting into the business at hand. This year, however, Hannah has invited a staff member to share a testimony before each meeting.
“It’s important that we not only work together,” says Hannah, “but that we also worship together. The best way I could think to emphasize that was to encourage everyone to share the story of how God brought them to teaching or working in education.”
Each week, a different staff member—teacher, support staff or administrator—is assigned to open staff meeting with their own response to how God has worked in their life to bring them to SVA.
Leading by example, Hannah began the year by sharing the way God has led in his life and how different events have shaped his faith. Junior High and High School Vice Principal Ken Knudsen immediately followed, providing the staff a window into his walk with God through his family’s involvement in the church, and Elementary Vice Principal Judy Cambigue ended the worship time by sharing how her faith has brought her peace.
“It’s definitely more difficult to present to peers than to a room full of students,” says Lisa Moller, SVA’s high school English teacher who shared her story. “But it gave me the opportunity to reflect on the lessons my Adventist educator parents taught me and how I use their wisdom in my classroom and in my spiritual journey today.”
While there aren’t enough staff meetings in a school year to offer every member the opportunity to share, Hannah is determined to get as many people up front as possible. “I know it makes people nervous,” he says. “Public speaking doesn’t come naturally to me, either. But we all have such
different stories, and it’s interesting to hear how God has brought us all to this same place. I hope even those who feel anxious get to experience a blessing in reflecting on God’s calling in their lives.”
Staff say it’s a blessing not only for those sharing but also for the rest who are listening. “It’s the best part of the meeting,” says Hollie Macomber, high school graphic design and photography teacher.
“I’ve really appreciated the variety of interpretations to the prompt. We heard from pastors who entered into a different form of ministry—now as teachers— people who have trusted God through adversity and personal trial, and others who never thought they’d end up in education. It’s a good reminder that God uses many kinds of people from many different backgrounds. It puts everything into perspective.”
Hannah adds, “As we share our story with one another, we are not only informing but also inspiring and supporting each other. This is what it really means to be a part of a team.”
Lisa Moller, Spring Valley Academy’s high school English teacher, shares her testimony during a staff meeting devotional.
Alumnus Joins Academy as New Development Chief
Cultivating lasting relationships with alumni can be the lifeblood for an academic institution. After gaining valuable experience in the public sector, Ashish David (’93) joins the Takoma Academy (TA) staff as the director of Development, Recruitment and Alumni Relations.
David has settled into his new role and is frequently seen walking the hallways or popping into a classroom to experience some of the nostalgia that working at his alma mater brings. He recalls some of the memories he made with friends and the day that he graduated from high school.
“Having grown up in the safe and secure Adventist ‘bubble’ in Maryland, I set my sights abroad, enrolling at Richmond College (now Richmond American University London),” he says. “My dream was to become a journalist, and what better place to pursue that dream than the home of the British Broadcasting Corporation? Despite my new, secular surroundings, I maintained my faith by attending the nearest Adventist church every Sabbath.”
After graduating from college in 1999, David returned to Maryland in pursuit of that perfect job. He accepted a position with a NASA contractor.
“My job focused on educational outreach to minority students—specifically Black, Hispanic
and Native American,” he explains. “This work was incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to utilize my writing skills and engaging with students [who were] passionate about science and technology.”
As development director, David is eager to find resources and connections for all of the academic departments, including STEM and the humanities.
In addition, he wants to help increase TA’s enrollment by highlighting its academic program, welcoming school culture and promoting it as a great place for young Adventist students to receive a high school education in a safe, Christian environment.
David, like so many others, developed lifelong friendships in high school. “I remained connected with my TA classmates throughout this time and became a core member of our Class of 1993 reunion committee,” he says. “Part of my goal here is to re-establish connections with alumni and the school in a way it hasn’t been done in the past. I’d like to offer more opportunities outside of Alumni Weekend for former students to meet and participate in other activities.”
David continues, “From my time as a high school student to an international scholar to a variety of career experiences, I’ve gathered a wealth of skills and insights, all while remaining grounded in my faith. I believe the challenges I faced have built my character and that Divine guidance has led me back to where I belong. I have always held TA close to my heart, and I’m excited to contribute and build upon our strong foundation to achieve even greater success together!”
Academy Remembers Milton Davis
Takoma Academy (TA) would like to recognize Milton Davis III, one of its greatest supporters and contributors to its STEM program, who passed away Oct. 11, 2024. He was one of the primary instructors in TA’s engineering course and led the National Society of Black Engineers Jr. chapter for many years. Staff and students remember him for being an inspirational scientist, pastor and mentor.
Trust Is a Must
People often check Yelp before going to a restaurant, read reviews before making a purchase and talk to family or friends before selecting a movie. We are accustomed to having many perspectives in addition to our own impressions – even when making relatively minor choices.
When faced with a medical crisis, people seek reassurance more than ever to make sure they will get the best diagnosis, the latest equipment, the highest-quality care and the most compassionate service. That’s why we pledge to provide a world-class patient experience to every person, every time. When people are feeling their most vulnerable, we want them to feel overwhelmingly reassured by every review they read, every person they talk to and every experience they have that Adventist HealthCare is a place they can trust for their care.
But trust is hard to earn. First impressions are crucial – from the asphalt in the parking lot to the smile at the reception desk to the regard for privacy during triage. A gentle touch when taking a blood draw or the calm explanation of what will happen next can go a long way to ease fears. And practices like our “Commit to Sit” initiative can help patients and their loved ones feel respected while they hear key information. Countless small factors add up to either bolster confidence or erode it.
And as caregivers, we know how much trust can lead to enhanced results. Patients who believe their providers are committed to supporting their complete health will disclose more details that can lead to better diagnoses, care plans or outcomes. They will also be more likely to follow instructions to return for recommended screenings. But perhaps most of all, patients who have trust in their care team feel less anxious. And that is at the heart of our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
When individuals are feeling scared from a symptom or diagnosis, we want their first instinct to be to turn to us and feel hopeful that we will help them make informed decisions and provide the very best in award-winning care. We want them to feel confident that we will be with them as a reliable partner during their health journey. And we want them to trust that we will help them achieve total well-being.
Thank you to every member of our Adventist HealthCare family for helping those we serve feel individually valued so we are the trusted choice for healing in our community.
John Sackett President and CEO Adventist HealthCare
President & CEO John Sackett, SVP & System Chief Medical Officer Patsy McNeil, MD, and Fort Washington Medical Center President Eunmee Shim share a laugh with Maryland Governor Wes Moore during a tour of the hospital to discuss expanding access.
Governor and State Officials Learn about Community Needs
Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center was honored to host a visit from Maryland Governor Wes Moore and other state officials last fall. The tour and discussion helped establish greater understanding surrounding the need for state support of Adventist HealthCare’s new hospital project to better serve the Prince George’s community through high-quality and compassionate care in a convenient location.
President & CEO John Sackett, along with other key system and medical leaders, gave the governor a tour of the hospital. The governor was highly impressed with the facility, the level of care provided and the commitment of the team members but agreed that a larger and more modern facility was needed to best serve the area’s growing population.
Fort Washington Medical Center recently celebrated its five-year anniversary with Adventist HealthCare and highlighted some major milestones, including serving as Maryland’s first medical-surgical field hospital to provide care for COVID-19 patients during the pandemic, earning a Leapfrog “A” Grade for outstanding patient safety and quality in the spring of 2024, and securing an initial $10 million in state funding for the construction of a new hospital.
We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
Living Our Mission to Extend Cod’s Care
Triumph Trek Fun Run & Health Fair
Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation and Adventist HealthCare Home Care Services hosted the inaugural Triumph Trek Fun Run & Health Fair last September in recognition of National Rehabilitation Week.
The event welcomed all community members who needed rehabilitative services due to physical trauma, heart attack, stroke or brain injury, as well as amputation, as an expansion of Adventist HealthCare’s popular Walk, Wheel & Run Amputee Awareness 5K.
Nearly 300 patients and their families and friends gathered to navigate the track, learn about products and services from many community partner representatives, enjoy kid activities and sample tasty food options.
As a special highlight, two outstanding individuals were recognized for their commitment supporting healing and hope. Cecilia Snyder, CRNP, a longtime nurse practitioner who serves patients with exceptional clinical skill and compassion, was honored as Adventist HealthCare
Rehabilitation’s Clinician of the Year. Additionally, Hope Levy Kott was given the Patient Award for Outstanding Community Service for her dedication to ensuring the rights of people with disabilities. More than $35,000 was raised for the AHC Patient Assistance Fund to help support transportation, supplies not covered by insurance, medication and assistive devices for people in need.
Treatment Advancements Discussed at AHC Breast Cancer Physician Symposium
More than 70 community providers and leaders attended Adventist HealthCare’s second Breast Cancer Physician Symposium last fall to discover advanced screening, treatments and resources available in the fight against breast cancer. The educational event featured speakers from across the health system, including experts from imaging, pathology, the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center and White Oak Cancer Center.
Adventist HealthCare was also honored to welcome Rachel Brem, MD, co-founder and chief medical officer of the Brem Foundation, as the keynote speaker. Ms. Brem spoke about the importance of community education in saving lives from breast cancer and best practices in addressing healthcare disparities. Adventist HealthCare and the Brem Foundation have a long-standing partnership providing access to mammograms, promoting early detection and advancing better outcomes for women in need.
A New Era of Maternal Care
Last summer, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center marked a significant milestone in providing inclusive, accessible and comprehensive prenatal and postnatal care. The renamed Maternal Care Center, formerly known as the Women’s Center, moved next door to the hospital from its previous location about 10 miles away. The relocation ensures expectant mothers who do not qualify for medical assistance or traditional insurance have immediate access to robust testing, procedures and specialized care. Serving approximately 350 patients annually, the center has grown into an indispensable resource for women and families, particularly those navigating financial or transportation challenges.
A World of Support
Nancy’s Breast Cancer Journey
By Alexis Wisler
In May 2023, Nancy Herting received news that made time stop: She had breast cancer.
Thoughts swarmed. Why me? Why now? What am I going to do? Looking at her MyChart message, Nancy felt alone.
But she learned she had an entire support system ready for her at the Kettering Health Cancer Center.
The path forward
Community members Nancy and her husband, Greg, met with her oncologist, Dr. Emily Franks. Nancy was scared. But as Dr. Franks detailed the treatment plan, Nancy knew she’d be there for her every step of the way.
“We felt a connection with Dr. Franks,” Nancy says, “and you could tell she cared. That was the big thing. She genuinely took interest in us.”
Before her treatment—a mastectomy followed by four rounds of chemotherapy— Dr. Franks informed Nancy of several programs available to help patients.
Nancy then attended the Navigating Breast Cancer class, which “answered a lot of my questions,” she says. “It put me at ease.”
She met others in the class who would be there for her throughout her cancer treatment, making the Cancer Center an extension of home.
“I feel 100% comfortable at the Cancer Center,” Nancy says. “Any time I go there, I see people that have been supportive.”
And the support didn’t end there.
Mental and physical support
To build her strength for surgery, Nancy attended physical therapy at Maple Tree Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit that partnered with Kettering Health for cancer patients. She felt so supported that she continued to go throughout her treatment.
“I chose to stay because the people there really care,” Nancy says. “They want to see you get better.”
She also joined Courageous Beauty, a free class funded by the Kettering Health Foundation designed to help women embrace their changing appearance during cancer treatment.
“Unfortunately, chemotherapy takes a toll on your body,” she says. “Your skin, your nails—everything.”
Though chemotherapy often left her sick and exhausted, the class helped her regain a sense of control, teaching her how to draw on her eyebrows and explaining what skincare products to use.
Nancy was also fitted with a wig from the Renew Boutique and Spa, giving her confidence while her hair grew back.
Encouragements
Nancy recently finished her chemotherapy and now has follow-up appointments every six months. Reflecting on her
Expanding and Investing in Wilmington A World of Support (cont’d)
journey, Nancy feels it was a blessing to have all the support that she did.
“To offer these things to somebody who was already scared, not knowing where their journey was going or where their life was going, with no strings attached, was just a great feeling.”
She encourages every woman to get their annual mammograms—knowing it’s scary to think about hearing the word “cancer” but also knowing there’s a team and support system at Kettering Health ready to help you through whatever comes your way.
Kettering Health announced that its current health center in Wilmington is expanding to become a medical center, offering inpatient and outpatient services.
Projected to fully open by late 2026, Kettering Health Wilmington will double the current facility’s footprint to around 71,000 square feet. The expanded facility is a more than $90 million investment in the health and well-being of Wilmington and the surrounding region. Kettering Health Wilmington will augment the current facility’s primary care services with hospital beds, surgical services, emergency care, specialty care, full-service imaging and infusion for cancer treatment.
“This investment comes at a pivotal time for Wilmington, Clinton County, and the surrounding areas. Kettering Health
Wilmington builds on our commitment to the people within these communities, allowing us to advance our innovative, compassionate, whole-person care,” said Kettering Health CEO Michael Gentry. “I’m grateful for our partnership with Wilmington’s leadership. Their advocacy and support will allow Kettering Health to provide high-quality and compassionate health care to meet their residents’ current and future needs.”
Kettering Health Wilmington Health Center opened in 2023 and is the first investment Kettering Health has made in Wilmington.
Engaging Minds, Transforming Lives
One of the best ways to transform the lives of individuals is to teach and model the love of Jesus to all God’s children. Throughout my life as a student, teacher and administrator, it has allowed me to comfortably make this bold statement: There is no better way or place to engage minds and transform the lives of individuals than to be on a faith-based Christian campus—more specifically, a Seventh-day Adventist Christian learning community.
What does engaging minds and transforming lives really mean? I’m glad you asked. It is the model of how Jesus grew in wisdom, physical development and in favor with God and humanity (Luke 2:52). And this is how AI defines it: 1. A powerful phrase that suggests a commitment to lifelong learning—a passion for learning, growth and exploration; 2. Personal growth focusing on empowering individuals to reach their full potential; and 3. Positive impact—a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
My friends, no other institution or organization does this better than Christian education. It is a successful process of deepening one’s connection with themselves, others and the Divine power of the universe. This Christian educational journey involves:
1. Self-awareness: Understanding one’s values, beliefs and motivations.
2. Mindfulness: Cultivating presence and awareness in daily life.
3. Compassion: Developing empathy and kindness toward oneself and others.
4. Forgiveness: Letting go of negative emotions and experiences.
5. Gratitude: Practicing appreciation for life’s blessings.
6. Connection: Building meaningful relationships with others and communities throughout the world.
7. Purpose: Discovering one’s passions and life’s meaning.
8. Spiritual practices: Engaging in activities like Bible reading, meditation and prayer to cultivate spiritual growth.
At Washington Adventist University (WAU), we get the opportunity to experience this transformation of our students every day. They are learning and experiencing the love of Jesus. Some are requesting a closer journey with Jesus through baptism. Others are not attending the Seventhday Adventist Church or any church, but they are attending WAU to prepare for a career of service to humanity.
We have a great opportunity to make Adventist education accessible to not only Adventist students but to all students, irrespective of their religious affiliation. Adventist education, through the power of the Holy Spirit, provides the opportunity to transform the lives of all students. Our messages and appeals to support Christian education are vital tools in helping the university to promote Christian education. Therefore, we invite our churches and institutions to watch and share our videos and read our messages on how Christian education is impacting the lives of our students.
Nationally, these are challenging times for institutions like WAU. We need your prayers and positive support to prepare our students for the workplace and eternity. There is a need for an Adventist institution in the capital of the United States.
Every Sabbath service should include a promotion for Christian education, a call for enrollment and a request for financial giving to help our students attend and complete a Christian education at all levels—kindergarten through college.
Students inform me they are having a positive and exciting learning experience here at WAU, but without the necessary financial resources, they may not be able to continue attending. Thus, we invite and encourage all our churches to continue to partner with us to engage minds and transform lives in amazing ways by sharing the value of a Christian education.
This is Washington Adventist University!
Weymouth Spence President
TAKOMA PARK, Md. — Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) new Gideon 300 Student Missionary Movement is off to a strong start, highlighted by the baptisms of two students during the final convocation of the year.
Chenelle Gordon and Titus Aina, both part of the Gideon 300 movement, shared their inspiring stories of faith and transformation before being baptized by University Chaplain Jiwan Moon (pictured, above left).
Gordon’s journey to WAU began years earlier when she met Weymouth Spence, president of WAU, while doing missionary work at Northern Caribbean University in Jamaica. He invited her
to attend WAU, a decision that would eventually lead to her baptism. Gordon, who described herself as a “prodigal daughter,” recounted how she overcame significant struggles, including homelessness.
“Jesus restored my dignity and showed me my true worth,” she said.
Aina, who also shared his testimony, spoke of overcoming toxic habits and deepening his relationship with God. “Everything changed when I started depending on Him,” he said. His parents—longtime supporters of his spiritual growth—celebrated his decision and commitment to the Gideon 300 initiative.
The Gideon 300 movement, which launched in October,
calls students to live as missionaries, serving on campuses and in their communities. Moon praised the baptisms as a sign of the movement’s success. “These moments show the impact of Gideon 300 and the spiritual revival happening here at WAU,” Moon said.
Spence emphasized the university’s mission to prepare students not just for careers but for a lifetime of service to God. “Chenelle’s journey reflects the transformative power of education and faith working together,” he said.
WAU invites prayers and support as Gideon 300 continues to inspire students to lead and serve for Christ.
Listeners give generously to Hands and Heart project ‘Loads of Hope’
Her response was one of pure joy. When the WGTS team dropped off dozens of bottles of laundry detergent at the women’s center, she couldn’t hold back the tears of appreciation.
WGTS listeners extended hope to hundreds in 2024 in the form of muchneeded laundry detergent. It was a unique way of helping many families with a basic and important need. Over the year at Sticker Stops and more, listeners donated 1,347 bottles of laundry detergent to this Hands and Heart campaign, billed “Loads of Hope.” This translates to more than 76,000 loads of laundry! Places that benefited included the Rockville Women’s Center, the Dulles South Food Bank, The Community Hope Center (located at Seneca Creek Community Church), Cornerstone Chapel, and The Lamb Center.
“Being the hands and heart of Jesus through giving opportunities like this is core to our belief in serving others. Giving hope with needed items like laundry soap is just one way to serve those in our communities,” says Kevin Krueger, president and CEO.
WGTS shares Jesus on-location throughout the region
That smile on the little boy’s face when he received the sticker, that tear in the woman’s eye as our team prayed with her – these stories happening thousands of times, over and over. That’s what community engagement is all about –making connections.
Of course, you can find the WGTS team on the radio at 91.9 and 88.3 every day of the year. And on-air ministry is where you can hear the music and conversation provided by our hosts, live and in the studios with you from 5 a.m. to midnight.
But our staff and our volunteers can also be found on-location throughout the region. You’ll find us at churches, at schools, at hospitals, at concerts, at convention centers, on the golf course, and many more spots throughout the region.
In 2024, the WGTS team has been on-location to personally connect with listeners at more than 100 places. What a joy to visit with, pray with, laugh with thousands and thousands of people at these special events.
“Each on-location moment is a valued and unique opportunity to connect in a deep way with listeners; it is a vital part of our ministry, as it is where we can personally share Jesus with people,” says Kevin Krueger, president and CEO.
Whether it is a handshake or a hug, each moment contains meaning and is special. It’s about a team member listening and praying with a visitor. It is receiving ice cream, a bumper sticker, or a shopping tote. And it is giving to others through Hands and Heart campaigns, like “Loads of Hope,” which collected laundry detergent in 2024 to help those in need.
However it happens, the WGTS team believes in connecting with listeners (and potential listeners) face to face throughout the Washington, D.C., metro region and the Eastern Shore.
The Rockville Women’s Center was one of the recipients. Thomas Ozio, promotions assistant, says, “During that visit, we handed out laundry detergent directly to a few young mothers. They were so excited for the relief, and were happy to the point of tears, because they got to select their favorite brand from the huge pile of detergent.”
Help Send Global Mission Pioneers!
Millions of people around the world still don’t know Jesus. Global Mission sends pioneers to unentered areas to start new groups of believers. Pioneers are local people who already speak the language and understand the culture. Using Christ’s method of ministry, they strive to meet people’s needs and bid them to follow Jesus.
ETHIOPIA MONGOLIA
The Family I Found
When Solomon (back row, far left) left his village to go to another town to work on a government farm, he felt very homesick and lonely. One day, he saw a man on the street who wore a big smile. The man was a Global Mission pioneer and introduced himself as Berhanu (back row, far right). Solomon was happy to discover that they were from the same village!
When Berhanu invited him to join a small group meeting, Solomon eagerly accepted. At the meeting, Berhanu shared about his experience with God’s love. The family atmosphere and Berhanu’s messages filled a hole in Solomon’s heart, and he’s since become a member of the congregation.
Through Berhanu’s efforts, the work of hundreds of Global Mission pioneers around the world, and your faithful support, many people in the 10/40 Window are joining God’s family.
Global Mission pioneers need your help in order to share the Advent message with people who haven’t heard it.
And A Child Will Lead Them
“This is our church’s last meeting,” a member of a Christian church sadly told the other 20 or so adults gathered in the room after the service one Sunday. Discouraged that attendance had drastically decreased, they were about to close their church permanently.
But Bumchin, an Adventist eighth-grader visiting the church, led a Bible study to encourage them. With renewed vigor, the small congregation continued meeting together as Bumchin and an Adventist pastor he invited gave them regular Bible presentations.
Soon the church’s membership grew to 27, and by the end of the year, they unanimously voted to become an Adventist church!
Years later, Bumchin (pictured) is now a Global Mission pioneer planting churches around Mongolia. Please pray for him and the people in Mongolia who come to know Jesus through pioneers like him.
THREE WAYS TO GIVE
Mail: Global Mission, General Conference 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6601
Online: Global-Mission.org/giving
Phone: 800-648-5824
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VISITOR ADVERTISING AND SERVICES n The Visitor does not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised and does not accept responsibility for typographical or categorical errors. For advertising guidelines and rates, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/advertising.
EMPLOYMENT
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY:
The Department of Biology is looking for a Ph.D.-trained biologist to fill a tenure-track position, beginning fall 2025. The successful candidate will demonstrate capacity for effective college biology teaching, productive scholarship, good interpersonal skills and commitment to the integration of faith and learning.
Seeks qualified Seventh-day Adventists to fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World.
Visit andrews.edu/jobs for our current openings.
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY continuously seeks qualified candidates to fill various positions around campus, including faculty, salaried staff and hourly staff positions. If you are interested in working at Southern, we encourage you to view the positions that are currently open at sau.catsone.com/careers and apply as God leads. To view current open educational positions Pre-K through college across the North American Division, please visit jobs. adventisteducation.org.
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY:
Seeks qualified candidates for the position of Vice President for Financial Administration (VPFA). The VPFA aligns institutional resources to achieve the university’s mission, vision and strategic initiatives. The ideal candidate will have 7+ years of managerial accounting and financial management experience and a degree in Accounting, Finance or Business. CPA or CMA preferred but not required. Excellent benefits package and tuition assistance for dependents included.
Seeks candidates for two nursing faculty positions. These are full time exempt positions with a start date of 6/1/2025. Responsible for preparing undergraduate students to successfully complete the Union BSN curriculum
Seeks financial aid advisor. Assists students with financial aid processes, eligibility determination and counseling on payment options.
and pass the National Council State Boards of Nursing Examination. Excellent benefit package that includes tuition assistance for dependents.
Seeks qualified candidates for Student Success project manager. This is a full, non-exempt position with excellent benefits including tuition assistance for dependents. The project manager will oversee and support student outreach and strategic initiatives that promote academic success, retention and graduation. Involves data-driven insights and management, resource coordination and continuous improvement of systems to optimize academic support resources.
See full job descriptions and instructions for application at uau.edu/employment.
WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY:
Seeks admissions recruiter. Manages the recruitment process for prospective students, guiding them from initial interest to enrollment.
Seeks radiography clinical coordinator. Coordinates clinical education and evaluates its effectiveness, correlating clinical education with didactic education.
Director of student financial aid. Manages financial aid compliance, and performs fund management functions for Title IV, state programs and select institutional funds.
Nursing Clinical Coordinator. Coordinates and arranges clinical experiences that meet the educational requirements for students in all programs within the Nursing Department.
Enrollment Specialist: Manages the recruitment process for prospective students for the school of graduate and professional studies.
Seeks landscaper: Maintains campus lawns and gardens, including mowing, trimming, pruning, raking and weeding.
Seeks director of library. Oversees library operations, staff management, budgeting and policy formulation to support academic needs.
Seeks international and transfer advisor/primary designated school official. Guides international and transfer students through enrollment processes and immigration regulations compliance.
Seeks instructional faculty for Computer Science program (full-time). Provides instruction and work for the growth of its program.
Seeks instructional faculty for Nursing Department. Plans, delivers and evaluates classroom instruction and performs other duties.
Seeks undergraduate Nursing academic coach, remediation specialist, and Nursing professor. Supports students in academic performance improvement and progression within the Nursing program.
Seeks faculty for Chemistry (full-time). Teaches chemistry courses, advises students and fulfills other academic duties.
Seeks executive assistant to the president. Coordinates administrative functions for the president’s office, including meeting scheduling and document preparation.
Interested candidates can apply at wau.edu.
VOICE OF PROPHECY seeks associate director of Gift Planning and Trust Services. Do you believe in evangelism? Are you a people person? Are you a self-starter with strong communication and organizational abilities? Are you eager to learn new skills and willing to travel? If so, the Voice of Prophecy would love to visit with you about our opening. To apply, visit vop.com/careers.
MISCELLANEOUS
NEW BOOK AVAILABLE!
The First Nativity Pageant in Heaven: A Martyr’s Happy Ending. Discover the inspiring true story of Lizzie Atwater, who died a martyr back in 1900 while nearly nine months
pregnant. The book’s second half is the author’s imagined happy ending for her and her baby. Order your copy today at 1ref.us/a9456974 or call the publisher at (706) 504-9192.
WINGS OF LIFE MISSIONS
Follow the journey of frontline missions in Central America as we plant churches, conduct health clinics, relieve poverty and give Bibles studies. Read the exciting stories, pray for the work and consider volunteering on a short-term trip. Follow, engage and partner with us in our mission of Moving People, Saving Lives. Visit wingsoflife. net for more info. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
BOOK YOUR TRIP ON FLIGHT 3:16, an exciting VBS program from It Is Written. During Flight 3:16, children will visit five countries as they prepare for the ultimate destination— heaven! Flight 3:16 is a complete VBS kit that includes supplies for 14 children. Learn more at flight316.fun, or call (888) 664-5573.
FOLLOW MY BLOG, paulsbookwords.com, where I review Christian books and share others of interest. After working for the Adventist Book Center for 45 years, I’ve learned a thing or two of what makes a great book. Follow me to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.
CONSIDERING RURAL LIVING?
Explore Greeneville, Tenn. Located near the Smoky Mountains, Greeneville Adventist Academy has an accredited K–12 Adventist day school program, supported by two constituent churches, prioritizing the Bible, evangelism, mission trips, academics and a high-quality music program (voice, band, bells and strings). Visit MyGAA.org, or call (423) 639-2011.
KIDS NEED NEVER BE BORED! Just point them to LifeTalkKids. net, and let them listen to great adventures, faith-building Bible stories, captivating science, awesome nature programs and more 24/7. Kids grow better with radio. Download our free app at: LifeTalk.net.
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REAL ESTATE
SCENIC HOME ON 26 ACRES: 3-bedroom, 2 full bath, 4 open door garage/pole building. Goat/sheep shelter. Solar water heater back up. Back deck and front porch. Secluded and beautiful area, one mile off route 50 in Wood County, West Virginia. $420,000.00. Call (304) 588-6902.
CENTRAL FLORIDA LUXURY
ON A BUDGET. Beautiful 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath newly updated, fully furnished end unit on townhouse in quiet, historic Haines City, Fla. Sandy beach waterfront. Hospitals, major highways and attractions readily accessible. $2,200/month includes TV, Wi-Fi and utilities. Perfect for families/couples. Call Neal at (703) 850-6194 or email info@fairfaxvending.com
PRIVATE ROOM AND BATH and living/cooking area available in home of elderly woman in Thurmont, Md. Looking for retiree(s) or single person who would be available to sit with her sometimes too. Call for more details: (301) 304-1336.
DON’T JUST RETIRE! Live with purpose at Fletcher Park Inn. An Independent Living Retirement Community, located on the campus of Fletcher Academy near Hendersonville, N.C. Join our family, take part in the many opportunities for staying active, volunteering, making new friends and living with a purpose. Call (828) 209-6930 or visit fletcherparkinn.com to find out more about our apartment and villa homes.
FLORIDA LIVING RETIREMENT
COMMUNITY: Independent living on 13.5 acres near Orlando, sunny beaches, golf courses, shopping areas and medical care. All renovated ground-level units. Florida Conference-owned facility. Call (407) 862-2646 or visit floridalivingretirement.com.
SERVICES
MARYLAND ADVENTIST
DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as many other certifications. Call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and
receive 10% discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients!
MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving and Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Dante at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate on your relocation needs. Visit apexmoving.com/Adventist.
ELTERNHAUS ASSISTED
LIVING, Adventist family-owned and -operated, provides specialized care for seniors in a family homestyle setting. Delicious vegetarian food, activities, Friday night vespers and a shuttle to church Sabbath morning. Visit elternhausalf.com.
TEACH SERVICES HELPING
AUTHORS: Publish your book, including editing, design, marketing and worldwide distribution. Visit TEACHServices. com to submit your manuscript for a free evaluation, or call (800) 367-1844. Also, shop for new/used Adventist books at TEACHServices.com or at your local ABC.
FRUIT FARM HELP NEEDED in Finger Lakes, N.Y. Are you looking to live and work on a fruit and vegetable farm? Experienced tractor driver needed who can mow and drive a truck. Pruners and other farm help also needed. Want to buy land in quiet, scenic countryside? Call (315) 946-6444 or (315) 879-0949.
PATH OF LIFE HEALING CENTER DETOX RETREATS offer a well-established retreat program focusing on detox and wellness. The 10-day healing retreat is a valuable opportunity for those looking to address health challenges and improve their lifestyle. With 28 years of experience in helping people avoid or reverse disease, there is a solid track record. Call (301) 377-4523 or visit pathoflifehealing.com/ lifestyle-retreats.
OBITUARIES
GRENCI, Beverly S., and Frank M., both passed away in 2022. Beverly was born Dec. 30, 1941, in Hagerstown, Md., and died Jan. 9, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. Frank was born Dec. 10, 1931, in Hagerstown, Md., and died Jan. 10, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. They were members of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. The couple is survived by their six daughters: Ann, Theresa, Charlene, Michelle, Heather and
Cheyenne; and many nieces, nephews and grandchildren. HAYDEN, Denise, born Sept. 17, 1953; died Mar. 8, 2022. Denise received a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University (Mich.). She coordinated and organized home and hospital visits, wrote supportive Bible study tracts, and comforted and empowered those who needed a Christian advocate and friend. She was an evangelist and ordained elder who taught, preached and conducted Bible studies in the United States, Africa, Australia and Europe. She was an author, developer and founder of JN Publishing. She produced Books That Heal, including the Miracles Devotional and Kid’s Tracts to Jesus. She also developed and implemented healing seminars, including “The Genesis Woman,” “Victorious Christian Living,” “Elect Lady Ministries,” “About Naomi’s Daughters” and “The Family Altar.” Denise was selected to serve as president of the Columbia Union ASI chapter for 14 years and held other significant leadership roles. She is survived by her husband, Pastor Melvyn Hayden, II; sisters: Cecelia L. Thomas and Alicia Thomas;
brother: Lawrence Thomas; stepchildren: Melonique Hayden Williams, Melvyn Hayden, III (Donna), Tina and Nina; and grandchildren: Tyler Williams, Adrianna Hayden, Melvyn Hayden, IV, and Brianna and Cianna Hayden.
RADA, Julianita I., born Nov. 22, 1936, in Ligao Albay, Philippines; died Jan. 17, 2022, in Annapolis, Md. She was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. “Nita” worked for three publishing houses for 39 years: Philippines Publishing House; Southern Publishing Association; and Review and Herald Publishing Association. She is survived by her four sons: Norman, Ephraim, Jr., Rinaldi, and Bobby; one daughter: Dinah Rhesa; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
YATES, Richard, born July 19, 1936; died Feb. 12, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. He was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. “Dick” was employed by the military and traveled overseas a lot. After his service, he became a Pentecostal preacher. He loved listening to evangelist Doug Bachelor and was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church by Pastor Jim Hoffer June 25, 2005. He is survived by his wife, Ruth.
Sunset Calendar
Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters reside.
