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.
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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 Rebecca Ingle, kc.edu
Washington Adventist University n Everett Wiles, wau.edu
Adventist HealthCare n Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com
Kettering Health n Doug Walker, 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.
Editorial andre hastick
The Pew-Filling Formula
As a father of three, I have had my fair share of visits to urgent care. The check-in process is always systematic and predictable. “What brings you in today?” they ask. The patient shares their symptoms, and the doctor eventually provides a diagnosis.
We, as the Seventh-day Adventist Church, have acknowledged we are suffering from the ailment of decreased attendance in many of our congregations across the North American Division and beyond. According to a 2023 report shared by the Archives, Statistics, and Research Department at the Seventh-day Adventist World Church Headquarters, “Since 1965, 43,652,857 people have been members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Of those, 18,555,581 have chosen to leave. Our net loss rate is 42.5%. In effect, 4 out of every 10 members are slipping away.”*
While these statistics may be startling, the data itself falls short of prescribing actions that lead to positive change. Focusing on the physical ailments that bring you to urgent care won’t make you well, just as focusing on the symptoms of ill church health will not improve our retention or growth.
We often look at the Great Commission through the lens of evangelism, but what if it also contains the key to retaining members and healing fractured relationships in the church? Here are three life-transforming instructions from the Master Physician found in Matthew’s gospel.
Firstly, Jesus says in Matthew 28:19, “Go therefore and make disciples” (ESV). For us to retain members, we must engage them. We cannot afford to sit idly by, waiting for our estranged church family members to return. The work of discipleship is seeking and engaging others as valued members of the body of Christ.
Secondly, Jesus implores that we teach disciples to obey everything He has commanded. The way to live a kingdom life is not through head-knowledge alone, but through practical life applications from Scripture. We may focus on filling our pews, but Jesus’ focus is on filling His people. Filled people fill pews. Therefore, we are called to be spiritual ambassadors, building bridges to meet missing members at their point of need, and encouraging them to continue to pursue an abundant life in Christ within the context of community. May our reclamation efforts be anchored in grace and become living testimonies where faith flourishes in mutually supportive communities of hope.
Lastly, Jesus assures us that we are not alone in this sacred work. “And behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the age” (verse 20). The work of reaching and retaining missing members, emerging generations and the greater community can leave us feeling inadequate. The good news is, He is more than enough! Therefore, let us earnestly pray and seek to co-labor with the Lord to reach and retain more souls for Christ until His soon return.
Andre Hastick serves as the executive secretary of the Chesapeake Conference.
This fall, 129 students attended the 2024 SALT (Spiritual Academy Leadership Training) event at Camp Blue Ridge in Montebello, Va. The event, organized by the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education, is designed to encourage and equip student leaders from the Columbia Union’s boarding and day academies.
THE POWER OF PIZZA
Looking for a unique ministry to try in 2025?
Andrew Christiansen, a pastor who serves in the Pennsylvania Conference, believes in the power of pizza.
Earlier this year, he invited members of his church district— Coudersport, Derrick City, Mount Jewett, and Warren—and anyone else who wanted to come to his annual pizza bake. With more than 90 people who attended— 40 from the community—they set a new record for the numbers of pizza made at this yearly event: 147. They created the pizzas assemblyline style and baked each one in Christiansen’s pizza oven.
“People were talking and making new friends from all over the district,” shares Christiansen. “Last year, someone came thinking we were a cult and left no longer thinking that way. They’ve been to church 10 plus times since. It is events like these that break down the barriers.”
—Tamyra Horst
ADVENTIST YOUNG PROFESSIONALS TAKE MISSION TRIP TO MARYLAND
Adventist Young Professionals (AYP) from across the North American Division and Columbia Union recently took a five-day mission trip to the Washington, D.C., area, where they helped revitalize the Chesapeake Conference Washington-Spencerville (Md.) Korean church’s community facility.
The group assisted in the improvement and beautification of the facility that serves individuals from diverse backgrounds, especially those of Asian descent.
“Thanks to the many individuals who participated through volunteering and support, our church can now make [an even more] positive impact on the local community,” says Byoungmoon Kim, associate pastor. “I am very proud of the achievements made through this project and extend our deepest gratitude to God and to everyone involved. I look forward to continuing to spread this positive influence in the future.”
In addition to their work on the facility, the mission team also spent time on the National Mall distributing literature, offering prayer and actively listening to the stories and needs of those whom they encountered.
“At AYP, our mission is to empower young professionals to live out their faith through service that creates a lasting impact. Our mission trips, like the one here in Maryland, are more than just projects; they’re opportunities to bring hope, renewal and a sense of community to those who need it most,” says Tim Kosaka, founder and president. Columbia Union Conference’s Office of Ministries Development was one of the event’s sponsors. —Gerald Bedney and Xiomara Perdomo
Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/upfront for the extended stories.
UpFront
A RELIGIOUS FREEDOM VOTING GUIDE
The first 16 words of the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution tell me that I don’t have to give up or compromise my own deeply held moral and religious convictions to live, work, worship and participate freely in American society. But the flip side of that coin is that others have the same privilege as well. And regardless of whether we lean politically right or left, and regardless of our own religious tradition, that kind of reciprocity often feels hard.
When legal rights collide and when religious worldviews collide, simple solutions and easily digestible sound bites become far more attractive than doing the difficult work of seeking a deeper understanding of an issue or trying to look at it through others’ eyes.
Clearly this editorial is not a religious freedom voting guide or even a voting suggestion. But it’s an appeal—for us all, whatever our political sympathies or religious commitments, to keep an eye out for “emotionally potent oversimplifications” that can lead us to dehumanize those we disagree with.
This alone won’t solve the complex religious liberty policy disputes we still need to work through together, but it’s surely a good place to start.
Read the entire editorial online at libertymagazine.org.
—Bettina Krause, editor of
Liberty magazine
568+
The number of Columbia Union Conference churches and centers that signed up to participate in “Pentecost 2025” (as of press time). These participating entities will share at least $1,677,600 in evangelism funds from the North American Division (NAD) to reach their communities with the gospel. The NAD-wide initiative’s goal is to hold at least 3,000 proclamation events aimed to invite people to accept Jesus as their Savior.
DECEMBER
6:
Save this date for Washington Adventist University’s annual Christmas concert at Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. If you can’t attend this annual tradition in person, watch it online to kick off the Christmas season.
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GENERATION Z
Barna research has recently released a new report examining who Gen Z is and how they “uniquely contribute to our collective society, their communities and their faith.”
Here are five things from that study you might find helpful when trying to reach this generation:
1. Gen Zers feels held back from fully being themselves.
2. They prioritize happiness, stability and good health.
3. They are online, but still value in-person connection.
4. Morality is often subjective.
5. Most Gen Zers say they’ve prayed in the past week.
5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON (ECONOMICALLY)
According to statistics from Lendingtree.com, the amount of holiday debt taken on by Americans who accumulated it in 2023 averaged $1,028.
Here are five economical holiday activities to make memories and spread the Christmas joy a little further this year:
• Invite friends to a Christmas concert at your local Adventist school or church.
• Gather a group of friends to go caroling together in your local church’s neighborhood.
• Invite your neighbors to donate and participate in your local church holiday giveaways this year.
• Encourage your children to volunteer an hour of their time at their favorite mission-minded organization.
• Bake cookies with your family, attach a Bible verse to the package and share the gift with your service providers like a hairstylist or mail carrier.
CONNECTING FAITH AND PLAY
Andrei Melniciuc, a game developer and Highland View Academy graduate, his brother and several friends recently worked together to create Load the Ark. The game is an answer to the call for more wholesome, Bible-based digital offerings. The tile-matching puzzle game is inspired by the story of Noah’s ark, and it serves as more than just a source of entertainment. It’s a digital gateway to faith, turning a biblical narrative into an engaging activity that reflects the teachings of the Bible.
Load the Ark also offers education on animal extinction and an opportunity to participate in saving God’s creation. Download the Load the Ark app at loadtheark.com/download and connect with other players across social media platforms .—Heidi Baumgartner
ARE THEY A PROPHET? • Thank you to the Ellen G. White® Estate for allowing the Visitor to publish the Adventist heritage cartoons this year and for providing this graphic which shares the biblical tests of a prophet. Call the Ellen G. White Estate at (301) 680-6540 to order a copy of the $5 dollar book (shipping included) that contains all of the Adventist heritage cartoons. A quantity discount is available to institutions.
Noticias
v. michelle bernard
568+
El número de iglesias y centros de la Columbia Union que se inscribieron para participar en el “Pentecostés 2025” (al momento de la publicación). Estas entidades participantes recibirán al menos $1,677,600 en fondos de evangelización de parte de la North American Division (NAD) para alcanzar a sus comunidades con el evangelio. El objetivo de la iniciativa a nivel de la NAD es realizar al menos 3,000 eventos de proclamación destinados a invitar a las personas a aceptar a Jesús como su Salvador.
JÓVENES PROFESIONALES ADVENTISTAS REALIZAN UN VIAJE MISIONERO A MARYLAND
Jóvenes Profesionales Adventistas (AYP) de toda la North American Division y la Columbia Union recientemente realizaron un viaje misionero de cinco días al área de Washington, D.C., donde ayudaron a revitalizar las instalaciones comunitarias de la iglesia Washington-Spencerville Korean de la Chesapeake Conference en Spencerville, Maryland.
El grupo ayudó en la mejora y embellecimiento de las instalaciones que atienden a personas de diversos orígenes, incluidos los de ascendencia coreana y asiática.
“Gracias a las muchas personas que participaron a través del voluntariado y el apoyo, nuestra iglesia ahora puede tener un impacto [aún más] positivo en la comunidad local”, dice Byoungmoon Kim, pastor asociado.
Además de su trabajo en las instalaciones, el equipo misionero también pasó tiempo en el National Mall, distribuyendo literatura, ofreciendo oraciones y escuchando activamente las historias y necesidades de las personas con las que se encontraron.
La Oficina de Desarrollo de Ministerios de la Columbia Union Conference fue uno de los patrocinadores del evento.—Gerald Bedney y Xiomara Perdomo
43
La clasificación de 750 escuelas de la costa este que Washington Adventist University recibió de la revista Washington Monthly, por su contribución al bien público en la movilidad social, investigación y promoción del servicio público.
LOS LÍDERES ESTUDIANTILES SE PREPARAN PARA EL AÑO
Este otoño, 129 estudiantes (incluidos los estudiantes de Takoma Academy de la Potomac Conference, en la foto) asistieron al evento SALT (Spiritual Academy Leadership Training) 2024 en Camp Blue Ridge en Montebello, Virginia. El evento, organizado por la Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union Conference, está diseñado para alentar y equipar a los líderes estudiantiles de las academias diurnas y de horario completo de la Columbia Union.
CONECTANDO LA FE Y EL JUEGO
Andrei Melniciuc, un desarrollador de juegos y graduado de Highland View Academy, su hermano y varios amigos trabajaron juntos recientemente para crear “Load the Ark”. El juego de unir piezas está inspirado en la historia del arca de Noé y sirve como algo más que una fuente de entretenimiento. Es una puerta de entrada digital a la fe, que convierte una narración bíblica en una actividad interesante que refleja las enseñanzas de la Biblia. Descargue “Load the Ark” en loadtheark.com/download. —Heidi Baumgartner
Para más historias en español, visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias.
By Becky St. Clair
The complexities of leaving the church, and how we should respond to those who do
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the subjects and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Columbia Union Conference or Visitor staff.
According to official Seventh-day Adventist statistics, since 1965, four out of every 10 members have left the church.
Choosing God … and Adventism
Brittnie Sigamoney grew up in Florida with a large backyard full of orange trees among which she spent many happy hours. She was part of a traditional Adventist family, and her mother taught her she could talk to Jesus anywhere, anytime. “I never had an imaginary friend because I always had Jesus,” she recalls.
As she got older, Sigamoney began to question if that connection with Jesus was real. A formative moment came when she was 12 and heard Jesus say, Yes, that was real! We played in the orange trees and caught bugs together, and I had fun with you. She concludes, “I have a long history of a personal relationship with Jesus.”
Sigamoney spent two years with her family as missionaries in India and attended Adventist schools, including Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. Over time, however, she became disillusioned with the church. She felt being a member of the church added little to her life and was, in fact, being used against her to benefit the church’s agenda.
And so, Sigamoney withdrew her name from membership out of protest.
“My ‘spiritual gift’ is to be questioning,” Sigamoney says. “To be outspoken. I felt I had more power in withdrawing my membership than in keeping it,” she says.
Removing her name, however, does not mean she has removed herself from God. She and her family now attend a Sunday-keeping church.
“Choosing Jesus is a different thing
from choosing Adventism,” says Sigamoney. Having been brought up to differentiate people from God, she adds, “God is not Adventism. Adventism is just people doing the best they can, and we all make mistakes.”
All About the Rules
Having a personal relationship with God, but not regularly attending church on Sabbath is not uncommon with many Adventists in Generation X—those born between 1965 and 1980—and, in some cases, the Xennials—those born in the transition years between Gen X and Millennials—1981 through 1996.
“I can’t imagine a day when I would remove my name from the ‘books.’ Being an Adventist is in my blood,” says Paul Bergmann, an Adventist who lives in New Jersey. “I cherish the lifelong relationships I’ve built through my Adventist education and will always be grateful for the Christian foundation I have. But I have not raised my girls the way I was brought up.”
Some Gen Xers recall growing up in the church as being a set of rules, and if they didn’t follow those rules, there was no place for them in heaven.
“I know our parents, Bible teachers and pastors were well-meaning,” Bergmann concedes, “but all we heard was, ‘You can’t swim on Sabbath, eat meat, wear jewelry or go to the movies.’ The focus was on what we could or could not do—like God was waiting for us to fail. Later in life, I learned God is, in fact, a forgiving and understanding God who just wants us to be close to Him.”
Nowadays, many Gen Xers find themselves back at church—a result of them taking their children to Sabbath School—and many want their children to have an Adventist education. However, they follow their own version of Adventism, which focuses less on cultural customs and more on prayer, trust and living in God’s grace.
Finding a Church That Loved Me
Belkis Rondon grew up in Venezuela and was introduced to Adventism by a friend at the age of 9. Later, at a spiritual retreat for Adventist young adults, Rondon met the man who would become her husband. The marriage fell apart not long after it started, and Rondon learned a painful secret her husband was harboring—one that others had already known.
“The whole church knew, even the pastor,” Rondon says. “My husband used me, and the entire church let him do it.”
Despite her pain from betrayal by her local church, Rondon still felt Adventism was the right religion for her. She prayed regularly to God, saying, If you want me to come back to church, You need to lead me to an authentic church.
God replied, and she followed His direction to a loving Brazilian church in Richmond, Va., that immediately made her feel at home.
Today, Rondon focuses on being for others what no one at her previous home church was for her: a friend.
“New people should have a guide who partners with them to ... make them feel welcome and like they belong,” she adds.
Rondon is among those who say they’ve been injured by the church’s perceived lack of compassion and justice. Alan Parker, a theology professor at Southern Adventist University (Tenn.), recently conducted a survey on why people leave Adventism, receiving more than 700 responses, nearly all of which were from Millennials. He says that 25 percent of those surveyed cited the above reasons for leaving.
‘I Would Return If …’
Adopted by a second-generation Adventist family in New York City, Joe McKenzie was baptized around 9 years old. As he grew older, McKenzie had deep questions, unable to come to grips with what he saw
The Unfortunate List of Grievances
In his 2011 book, You Lost Me, David Kinnaman, then Barna Group president, identifies six perceptual grievances Millennials tend to have with “the church” as an organization. They say the church is: intolerant of doubt; elitist in its relationships; anti-science in its beliefs; overprotective of its members; shallow in its teachings; and repressive of differences.
A 2014 Barna study, commissioned by the North American Division, revealed that when it comes to Adventist young adults, all six grievances rank even higher than the national norms. Alan Parker, a theology professor at Southern Adventist University, who surveyed Adventists who left the church, revealed similar findings. “Respondents did not feel there was any way within the Adventist church to resolve cognitive dissonance,” he shares.
The 2014 Barna study also indicated that “negative experiences with their childhood church (specifically with leadership and adult members) are strong predictors of … disengagement.”
as a history of racism within the church—something he says many Christian denominations in the United States have in common.
The final straw was when he was fired from a church organization for having a child out of wedlock. “They pulled out the church doctrine, manual and employee handbook,” he recalls. “They quoted the Bible at me and said I’d violated a commandment and had to go. A ‘real’ church would have said, ‘You sinned, you’re forgiven, let’s see how we can work with you.’”
At this point in his journey, McKenzie has determined God does not exist. Notwithstanding this, he says there is one single thing the church could do to make him interested in being part of what they’re
doing: turn their churches into community centers. If the buildings used for worship also or instead had free aid, treatment, counseling and health care centers, McKenzie would be there in a heartbeat.
“I would volunteer,” he says adamantly. “I would be a member, and I would be a major participating force with my money and my services if the church would transcend cultural norms to address the ills of society. That’s the kind of church I’d want to be a part of.”
Like McKenzie, many people who have left the church aren’t looking for entertainment. What they’re really looking for, Parker says, is community and purpose.
“They don’t just want to join the church that’s ‘feel-good;’ they want to believe that this is real and it actually changes people’s lives,” he says.
“A very significant factor in people leaving the church is how the church relates to social issues such as race and LGBTQ+,” Parker shares. The number one response to Parker’s survey question “What might bring you back to the church?” was “If the church cared about social issues.”
Religion Over Relationship
to the U.S., eventually earning a Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary on the campus of Andrews University (Mich.). Though he graduated with a 3.9 GPA, he received no calls. A conversation with his advisor left Reid feeling as though his status as a single, divorced father was somehow excluding him from consideration as a pastoral leader. “I felt very discriminated against,” Reid admits.
What finally pushed Reid away was finding, after extensive research, that he disagreed with many, if not most, of the church’s teachings. When he decided to share his misgivings about Adventism with a childhood friend, the result was a fractured friendship.
“There are millions of lapsed and former Seventh-day Adventists worldwide who already believe much of what we believe—they are waiting for us to reach out to them and to love them.”
—David Trim, Director of Archives, Statistics, and Research at the Seventh-day Adventist World Church Headquarters
Bryan Reid grew up in Jamaica, attending an Adventist church in Kingston from the time he was 7 years old. Baptized at the age of 8, Reid remained active in the church throughout his youth, serving in several capacities at his local church, and eventually attending Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Jamaica. This was where Reid’s spiritual journey began to include more questions than answers.
“I struggled financially, and it didn’t seem right that if God truly wanted me there, that He wouldn’t provide the means for me,” Reid says. He also adds that he felt uncomfortable with the heavy vetting to which theology student sermons were submitted.
Reid left NCU without graduating and immigrated
“He told me he could no longer call me a brother because I had denied the teachings of Adventism,” Reid recalls. “Religiosity went above relationships.”
The Impact of Walking Away
Many Christians—including Adventists—frequently wonder how to be friends with those who live and believe differently than they do. K’dee Crews, licensed clinical psychologist and an Adventist living in California, says an easy answer is “to learn from and be like Jesus,” who regularly spent time with “sinners.”
She points out, “That response of ‘we can’t have a relationship anymore’ comes from a place of fear. We’re afraid of being contaminated, and we think it’s a positive thing to not be friends with someone who turns their back on God or the church, but that’s not what God Himself does, so that doesn’t make sense at all.”
Following Christ’s example of how to engage with unbelievers or those with doubts, Andrea Jakobsons, lead pastor of Ohio Conference’s Kettering Church, chooses time and attention over judgment or condemnation.
“I still love them,” she says. “I still walk with them.
I don’t just care about them when they make choices I agree with; God pursues every single one of us and desires us to be part of His family, so in my own imperfect way, I strive to show the beautiful character of God whenever possible.”
Though we may worry about how we will be impacted by loved ones walking away from the church, something to keep in mind is the impact such a decision has on the individual making it. Crews says this depends heavily on who the person is and what their experience of Adventism is. Someone who is new to the faith will have a different experience than someone who grew up Adventist, and someone who is simply leaving a set of beliefs will experience things differently than someone who is walking away from a culture. How they’re leaving plays a role, as well, Crews adds; was there upheaval or abuse or a sense of injustice?
“Someone who is simply abandoning a set of beliefs may actually feel empowered, especially if they are leaving an environment they believe is wrong in order to go fight for justice,” Crews says. “They have the comfort of still being attached to God but divorcing a belief system they don’t agree with, gaining a sense of purpose in the process.”
On the other hand, someone who is embedded in the culture of Adventism may be losing an element of their identity when they walk away, particularly if they were raised believing the church is a movement.
“This individual may experience significant unpleasant emotions,” Crews states, “possibly even depression and a sense of confusion. They’re leaving the bubble they’ve grown up with, and are losing connection, community and identity.”
A Google search for “top five stressors in life” reveals the following: death of a loved one, divorce, moving, major illness or injury, and job loss. As Crews points out, grief is involved in all of these.
“Each of these top stressors indicates a loss of something of value, which leads to grief, and then an adjustment to a new life,” she expounds. “Religious deconversion, deconstruction and leaving church” can also carry an element of guilt, she adds.
Reflecting God’s Character
Deconstruction is a natural stage of development. During the fourth stage of James Fowler’s Stages of Faith, which usually begins during one’s young adult years, Fowler, who is regarded as a seminal figure in the field of developmental psychology, says, “People begin to critically examine and question their beliefs, often becoming disillusioned with their religious traditions.”
Parker has seen this countless times, both firsthand and revealed in his survey. “People want to understand what their religion really means and how they relate to the beliefs which have been handed down to them.”
Once an Adventist, Always an Adventist?
Since so many Adventists find it hard to broach difficult subjects at church, they often find community online. Look for opportunities to hold space for those deconstructing their faith.
POST:
I feel this “othering” happening from my SDA community. Their collective disappointment in me. Their rejection and maybe even a sprinkling of self-righteous pity: like I’m not a part of the club anymore. Ha! Oh yes I am.
I grew up SDA, in fact, for what it’s worth, I am fourth generation Adventist. It’s not just the church I grew up going to or the elementary, high school and college I graduated from. It’s not just the friends and community with whom I’ve shared my most meaningful and intimate moments of my life. It’s not just the food traditions, the lingo, or the debates over whether it’s okay to swim on Sabbath.
It’s all of these things and more. And while I may have withdrawn my name from a man made system called “membership,” and I may even choose to go to a different church, and I may not even believe all the things anymore, I am still Adventist, and I always will be ...
REPLY:
You don’t have to be an Adventist to be saved. All you have to do is believe in Jesus. There is nothing you can do that saves you. ... It is in Whom you believe that saves you.
Brittnie Sigamoney Former Member
David Newman
Retired Pastor
As they explore their questions, less of what they thought they knew seems to make sense as they interact with other worldviews and learn different perspectives. And it would seem, Parker says, “We haven’t been great at helping our young people find faith in the midst of their doubt.”
So, how do we do better at providing positive church experiences? The short answer is to build communities that reflect God’s character and reveal the fruits of the Spirit, says Crews. “Some of the key aspects of healthy, safe religious communities are independence, free will choice, understanding, open-mindedness, flexibility in thought and diversity.”
In a 2009 interview with Ministry magazine. Roger Dudley, Adventist theologian and professor, shares, “We have to make the religious experience a good, happy, joyful one, and … finding tasks where they can use their various gifts is really important. If someone feels a place really needs them, they will stay.”
Safe Spaces
Parker points out there is no formula or road map to how individuals experience the church, so it’s important to take time and understand what’s driving the disconnection. Frequently, a painful experience within the church will lead individuals to not only doubt the organization, but God. They want a safe space to process their hurt and anger, and to know there still are safe places and safe people within the church.
According to his survey, “the three primary reasons young people leave the church are doubt, disconnection and disillusionment,” Parker explains.
There is, of course, no way to know what someone who is considering leaving the church is experiencing, nor therefore how we can address the issue, except to ask them, and then listen.
Perhaps the most powerful component of being able to walk alongside someone, Jakobsons says, is prayer, asking God to help and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our response.
“Spending time on my knees for those people is the most important thing I can do,” she explains. “I can’t actually change someone’s mind or heart; only the Holy Spirit can do that. God has called me to keep pointing to Jesus, which means walking with those who are struggling, loving them, praying for them, letting them choose their own way and leaving the rest in God’s hands.”
‘This Isn’t Just Research’
The good news, Parker says, is that the current generation of youth, Generation Z, and their younger sibling, Generation Alpha, seem much more open to religion and church as an organization
than their predecessors. In fact, the Barna Group refers to this generation as the “Open Gen.”
However, Parker admits, this openness may be temporary. “As they move into their young adult years, if we haven’t fixed the challenges we’ve had with Millennials, it will just repeat itself.”
The churches that have been most successful in bringing people back and keeping them there are authentic congregations, Parker says, who have community, mission and purpose, and know how to share that with members.
“This isn’t just research,” Parker adds; “it’s real people going through an important journey of faith. We need to remember that and do something other than just study and read about it.”
All Things Take Time
Sigamoney is grateful for what she calls her “beautiful journey,” which she says is always evolving. “It has changed a lot over time,” she comments, “but it has only deepened my love for God and for others.”
Sigamoney does envision herself returning to the Adventist church. “I really hope and pray I will find myself sitting back in Adventist pews,” she says, “I am Adventist. The core of who I am is Adventist, and it’s deeply ingrained and important to me.” V
How to Reach Those Who Have Walked Away
By K’dee Crews
1. Show them respect. They didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to leave. They have reasons. Respect their opinion. You can disagree and still be respectful.
2. Listen to them. Maybe you’ve had a pleasant church experience, but they haven’t. It’s not your place to judge. When you take the time to listen to someone’s story, you can better understand them. You can’t know how to approach something and someone without knowing what the problem is.
3. Ask God for help. They might expect a knee-jerk reaction from you—to argue or tell them they’re wrong, but this only shuts them off. Instead, let the Holy Spirit guide your response.
4. Walk with them. Align yourself with the person, and remember: They are your brother or sister! Acknowledge their experience and, after listening, validate the valid. And, if you can, keep the friendship alive.
Mount Sinai Church Hosts Health Fair
The Mount Sinai church in Trenton, N.J., recently held its annual community health fair, attracting a diverse crowd from the surrounding area and regular church members. The event offered something for everyone, from the youngest to the oldest attendees. Children enjoyed face painting, bounce houses and various games, while others indulged in treats like popcorn, cotton candy and barbeque classics.
Local vendors from Trenton provided free dental and eye screenings, blood pressure checks, and mammograms and prostate exams. They also distributed food and other free resources.
The event’s goal was to foster an environment focused on healthy living and fellowship. One couple from the community expressed gratitude, sharing how much they enjoyed the event and their intention to return to the church because of it.
Church members hoped to establish connections with the community, provide resources, perform needs assessments and showcase readiness to address gaps in health and wellness in their local community. Beatrice Saintard, one of the event
organizers, reflected on the fair’s success, stating, “We are thankful for the opportunity to share the health message with others and for the positive impact it had.”
Men’s Prayer Line Ministry Gather for Retreat
A men’s prayer line that began more than 20 years ago recently hosted a retreat on Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) grounds, bringing together 42 attendees. The weekend event, themed “Renewed, Refreshed, Restored,” was organized by prayer line volunteers, a vital part of the ministry founded by the late Larry Wilson, the former Men’s Ministries leader at the North Philadelphia church. The retreat sought to accomplish the original
More than 40 men gather at a retreat to pray, affirm and encourage one another.
vision and mission of the prayer line: to provide a safe and spiritually nurturing place for men of all denominations to come together to be encouraged, empowered and connected with other men who are also seeking a deeper relationship with the Lord.
Men from various Christian persuasions spoke at the retreat. Sessions included topics such as “He Who Has Begun a Good Work”; “Unity: Real Talk”; “Men’s Health: Running the Race to Win Spiritually and Physically”; “Fears, Hang-ups and Isolation”; “Why Men Cry in the Dark”; and much more.
The interactions were heartfelt, moving and fun. Some described the event as “life-changing.” One young attendee now wants to attend Pine Forge Academy as a result, and a pastor from another denomination wants AEC to partner with him to organize a men’s retreat next year!
“The Lord answered our prayers, and we are looking forward to doing even greater things for Him and for men in the near future,” says Mark Brown, one of the organizers and an elder at the New Life church in Gaithersburg, Md.
Mount Sinai church members Winifred Smith and Richard Nixon volunteer during the church’s annual community health fair.
Newtonville Offers Sanctuary Event for Community
The Newtonville (N.J.) church recently hosted a three-day evangelism experience called “The Sanctuary.” They erected a live replica of the mosaic sanctuary on the church grounds to educate members and the community about the purpose of the sanctuary.
Members of the Newtonville Personal Ministries team dressed as priests and high priests. They were positioned within the sanctuary, and as visitors toured the area, they explained the purpose of each item of sanctuary furniture and how it pointed to
church member
Christ. The furniture was built by Robert Jackson, Personal Ministries coordinator, and his wife, Avis.
“Many denominations believe the work of Christ was completed on the cross, but we informed visitors that the work of Christ continues beyond the cross in the heavenly sanctuary. And for our members, the sanctuary replica was a reminder to be mindful that Christ has been conducting the investigative judgment since 1844,” shares Jackson.
All visitors were given a free pamphlet from Amazing Facts about the sanctuary.
The Newtonville Personal Ministries team erected a live replica of the mosaic sanctuary on the church grounds to educate members and the community about the purpose of the sanctuary. A replica of the Ark of the Covenant that contains the golden jar of manna, the Ten Commandments and Aaron’s rod that budded showcases “The Sanctuary ” experience.
Newtonville
Melvin Gregory tells fellow members Vita Stovall and James Washington how the mosaic sanctuary points to Christ.
photos by richie blu photos
From Flames to Faith
I shall never forget that as a child in Las Vegas, Nev., at 14 years of age, I was sick with the flu, lying in bed and watching one of my younger siblings play with matches. Before long, I drifted off to sleep, only to be awakened by the sound of crackling fire surrounding my bed. Apparently, one of the matches that was supposed to have been thrown out of the second-floor window inadvertently landed beneath my bed. My father heard my panicked cry for help, rushed upstairs, grabbed me, and rushed out of the apartment. My mom and dad, along with five children, watched in horror as our apartment was consumed by fire.
My dad was a retired Air Force sergeant who drove buses with a Seventh-day Adventist elder by the name of Milton Howard. Upon hearing of our tragic loss of food and furniture, Elder Howard gave our name to the Dorcas Society of the Highland Square Seventh-day Adventist Church, which, ironically, was about a block away from where our apartment burned down. The old Dorcas Society (now known as Adventist Community Services) brought us a Thanksgiving basket with enough food for an entire week.
Subsequently, my dad said that the following Saturday our family was going to go to the church to thank them for their generosity.
Highland Square had no idea how many lives would be impacted by that one act of kindness for a struggling, displaced family in need. Fifty-five years later, the impact of that basket is still touching and making a difference in scores of other families who, just like mine, have been displaced, disabled or destitute.
As we continue to serve others, let us, this holiday season, remember that our actions—no matter how small—hold the potential to inspire and transform lives for years to come. It certainly transformed and made a difference in my life.
May we strive to be vessels of God’s love, knowing that our contributions can lead to a brighter future for those around us.
Happy Holidays!
Church Leaders Receive ‘Alive In Jesus’ Training
Churches across the Allegheny West Conference gathered for the inaugural Alive in Jesus Sabbath School training Sept. 6–7. Sponsored by the conference’s Children’s Ministries Department, this event introduced the new curriculum, which will replace the Gracelink curriculum. Participants explored the curriculum’s core pillars: grace, character development, and mission. The Alive in Jesus curriculum aims to cultivate a faith-filled life,
emphasizing the Bible as a trustworthy source.
The training included workshops on children’s faith development, multiple intelligences, and special needs, offered both in English and Spanish. Attendees learned to engage children with diverse learning styles through hands-on activities.
This initiative seeks to empower parents, caregivers and teachers to foster thriving relationships with Jesus in children’s lives. By incorporating Bible stories into their everyday experiences, the curriculum promotes inclusivity and supports all abilities. Future expansions include Baby Steps and Beginners in 2025, followed by Kindergarten and Primary in 2026, and Junior, Teen, and Youth levels in 2027 and 2028.
Courtney Brown, a member of the Bethany church in Charlottesville, Va., remarked on the motivation and inspiration gained from the event. Tanya Muganda, Children’s Ministries conference director, highlighted the importance of Sabbath School in instilling biblical values.
Marvin C. Brown, III President
Local church Children Ministries leaders receive training in new Alive in Jesus curriculum.
Allegheny West Youth: Talented and Gifted
The Allegheny West Conference (AWC) youth are talented and gifted, say leaders. During the 2024 International Camporee in Gillette, Wyo., the conference’s Pathfinders participated in drills, community service projects, flag raising, honors and the international parade. The food services team, led by Executive Secretary Joel Johnson and his wife, Alicia, provided meals for the conference campers and international campers from China, Korea and Africa. Led by Director Charmaine Martin, the drill team, comprised of Pathfinders (pictured, left to right) Marvin Dumay, Thokozani Kulemeka, Nayeli Fequiere, Samiyah Jennings, Nathan Raymond, Kursten Eugene, Wynton Nelson and Jasmyn Joiner, captured third place in the basic drill competition. The spirit of unity and resiliency among the Pathfinders was marvelous and motivating. They believed His promise and experienced His power!
Emerging from the camporee are Pathfinders who demonstrated a passion for salvation and service, which inspired the Youth Ministries Department to launch a new strategic plan under the theme, “Talented & Gifted!” The Apostle Paul, in 1 Corinthians 12:7, wrote that “a spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other” (NLT).
As we prepare for the Second Coming of Christ, our vision seeks to prepare youth as candidates for heaven with spiritual gifts and talents to advance God’s kingdom mission in their church, campus and community. Regardless of age, status or education, “to every person is committed some peculiar gift or talent which is to be used to advance the
Redeemer’s kingdom” (Ellen G. White, Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 618).
Across our conference, “youthful talent, well organized and well trained, is needed in our churches” (White, Gospel Workers, p. 211). Therefore, the mission is to enlist, equip, engage, evangelize and empower youth for salvation and service through mentorship for mission. James 1:17 encourages that “every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (NIV).
AWC’s talented and gifted youth are not the next generation; with their skills and talent, they are the generation of now! They are invited as “young men and young women … as soldiers of Christ enlist in the work, putting all your tact and skill and talents into the Master’s services, that you may save souls from ruin” (General Conference Bulletin, April 19, 1901, par. 1).
By providing youth preacher’s training, implementing mission-driven clubs and celebrating youth month for mentorship, AWC youth will discover and develop their talents and gifts for the Master that revive their local churches for mission.
AWC believes that “young men and young women, if you are true disciples of Christ, you will consecrate every talent, and be able to reach out for the unconverted, by ways and methods, that will be effective. You will be active working agencies for Christ” (The Youth’s Instructor, January 17, 1911, par. 2).
Jamal Franklyn, Allegheny West Conference youth director, and Kursten Eugene, a young adult member at the Central church in Columbus, Ohio, attempt to stay dry during the International Pathfinder Camporee in Gillette, Wyo.
‘Put on the Armor of Light:’ A Call
to Love Baltimore
We are living in perilous times when deep spiritual darkness covers the earth. The end is near.
How often have these words been uttered down through the centuries, generation after generation, especially during the most intense times of persecution for God’s people? Countless times for sure, but how true they are today. To those who see the fulfillment of the signs of His return as foretold by Jesus, the final spiritual conflict of this age is rapidly approaching, even at the door. So how can we be ready, and how can we help others to be saved? The Apostle Paul admonishes every believer to “put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12, NKJV). Elsewhere, he wrote, “Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:11–12, NASB).
God’s armor of light can stop all the enemy’s weapons and protect every true believer in times of danger. The armor of light contains the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God (Ephesians 6:14–17). In addition to equipping God’s people for spiritual warfare, the armor of God serves as another important function that is often overlooked—to serve as a witness to others who do not know Him and to show them how they, too, might find salvation and protection from God in these perilous times. In this sense, putting on the armor of God is not so much a call to arms as it is a call to love. That is clearly indicated in the broader context of Romans 13:8–14 in which Paul says, “Love does no harm to its neighbor … love is the fulfillment of the Law” (verse 10, NKJV). To put the finer point on it, Paul says it is “the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellowman has fulfilled the law” (verse 8, NIV).
Ultimately, putting on the armor of God is really about evangelism. It is about being personally equipped to overcome the darkness (sin) by being clothed in Christ (the light of His righteousness) and taking (via the gospel shoes) the truth (the belt) of the Word (sword of the Spirit) that is in us to those living in darkness. Thus, we in Chesapeake, along with our sister conference Allegheny East, are committed to reaching our unsaved “neighbors” in the great city of Baltimore and beyond in 2025. So, let us each one put on the armor of light and commit to prayer and personal involvement to advance the movement of God in our territories. Love, for the Day is near!
Jerry Lutz President
‘Reach Baltimore’ Gears Up for Citywide Evangelism
Plans for “Reach Baltimore 2025,” a major evangelism initiative of the Chesapeake Conference, in collaboration with the Allegheny East Conference and It Is Written, are quickly taking shape. This multiyear project aims to spread the three angels’ messages throughout Baltimore through a variety of events, culminating in a citywide reaping event beginning in October 2025.
“Reach Baltimore 2025” aligns with the North American Division’s (NAD) “Pentecost 2025” initiative, which aims to hold at least 3,000 proclamation events division-wide next year and provides registered churches with substantial financial assistance. The reaping event in Baltimore will feature messages from John Bradshaw (left), president of It Is Written, and G. Alexander Bryant (right), president of the NAD. Baltimore-area Spanish-speaking churches in the Chesapeake and Allegheny East conferences will hold local evangelistic series culminating in a reaping series. Robert Costa, speaker/director for Escrito Está (It Is Written’s Spanish TV program), will work with both conferences. In preparation for the October 2025 meetings, several community-focused activities are being planned, including a biblical archaeology seminar and a free health clinic. Bible workers are currently being recruited, and a SALT School of Evangelism, hosted by It Is Written, will begin in February 2025. Additionally, more than 150,000 Bible study interest cards will be mailed throughout the Baltimore area to generate interest.
Northeast Church Celebrates 21 Baptisms
The Northeast church in Parkville, Md., recently celebrated the baptisms of 21 new members following a two-week evangelistic series led by wellknown Caribbean evangelist Glen Samuels (right), president of the West Jamaica Conference in the Inter-American Division. Four additional baptisms will take place before the end of the year.
The series included powerful appeals by Samuels for people to surrender their lives to Christ. In addition to robust in-person attendance, the online broadcasts of the meetings received more than 18,000 views.
“Even though we’re a small church, we want to reach thousands,” says Anibal Hansell, pastor of Northeast. “This is the kind of ministry the church wants to be involved in.”
The two-week reaping series came after months of strategic evangelism programming. In February, the church hosted a series called “Together in Faith” that integrated relationship themes with biblical
lessons. Professional therapists and family counselors provided lectures on relationships, followed by Bible studies that connected spiritual concepts with practical applications. Additional evangelistic efforts at Northeast this year included an online community Bible school and hiring Bible workers to develop Bible study interests.
Frederick Draws Thousands for Micah Tyler Concert
The Frederick (Md.) church recently held its second annual community concert, drawing nearly 2,000 attendees to its church lawn for an evening of music, faith and fellowship. The event, supported by Christian radio station WGTS 91.9, featured popular Christian artist Micah Tyler and aimed to bless and engage the local community.
“We wanted to bless our community, engage the community, bring hope and share the gospel and the love of Jesus Christ in a unique and dynamic way,” says Morgan Kochenower, lead pastor.
The concert, which was supported by more than 90 church volunteers, received praise for its warm and inviting atmosphere. Tyler, who was deeply impressed by the church’s hospitality, encouraged concertgoers to visit the church on Saturdays if they were looking for a new church family.
In addition to the concert, the event featured a variety of activities for attendees, including ice cream provided by WGTS 91.9, free water and popcorn from the church, and information about Frederick Adventist Academy. There was also a kids’ section with games and an information tent where visitors could learn more about the church and receive Steps to Christ booklets and Discover Bible School lesson kits.
The concert also served as a platform to support the Frederick Rescue Mission. In lieu of ticket sales, concertgoers were encouraged in promotional materials to bring donation items. The church’s Pathfinder club collected the donations, filling a van with items that will support the mission’s work.
“This concert was never just about the music,” says Alareece Collie, associate pastor. “It was an opportunity to reach out to people we might never have connected with otherwise.
Micah Tyler (center) joins the Frederick church staff members and volunteers.
Parkersburg District Grows Together
Three years ago, when Miguel Bernedo, pastor of the Ripley and Spencer churches and the Parkersburg Spanish church plant, was invited to have dinner with some community folks in Parkersburg, W.Va., he never imagined where it would lead. While there, he met a woman who invited him to a small Bible study group in her home. He began to attend several times a month, and the group grew from three to five members to about a dozen.
One evening, the hostess asked him if he would be willing to preach in their Methodist church, as the pastor was sick and unable. Bernedo happily agreed. After the sermon that Sunday, Bernedo met Steve Kimes and his wife. Kimes thanked him for the sermon and stated that it really encouraged him. Finding out that Bernedo liked to sing, Kimes began texting and asking him to sing at church while Kimes played the piano. At their practice sessions, Kimes would ask Bible questions, and they would have informal Bible studies afterward.
Many Sabbaths, Kimes would call and ask Bernedo, “Where are you going today?” Having three churches, it would always be a different location. Kimes started attending the Spencer and Ripley churches.
When Stewart Pepper, pastor of the Parkersburg (English) church and conference evangelist, held
evangelistic meetings at his church, Kimes attended nearly every meeting. Still having more questions, Kimes continued impromptu studies after the series, searching the scriptures with church members at Ripley and Spencer after fellowship meals. He was especially blessed by studying with member Ed Lawaty every Thursday morning.
“One day,” states Bernedo, “I got a call from Steve, and he said he had good news. He wanted to be baptized and become a Seventh-day Adventist.” In late spring, Kimes was baptized into the Parkersburg church. Members from all three churches and the Spanish church plant came to celebrate with one they had all come to love.
Kimes is so excited about his newfound truths that he constantly shares his story with others. He has also been sharing his beautiful piano music, playing for camp meeting, church services and local nursing home residents. He is now teaching music classes every Wednesday in the four classrooms at Parkersburg Academy for grades pre-K through eighth grade.
Bernedo states that his three churches are all fine examples of Mountain View Conference’s “Let’s Grow Together” initiative, often traveling the one-to-two-hour distance to help another church with landscaping, work bees and fellowship meals.
Steve Kimes prays before teaching music class at Parkersburg Academy.
Steve Kimes (center, in blue jacket) and his new church family celebrate his baptism.
‘Are You Still There?’
“I trust God.” Is it a statement or a question? This year at Parkersburg Academy (PA) in West Virginia, staff are working to make it a statement. Their goal is for their students to personally realize that they can, indeed, trust God. In this world of hurt, brokenness, pain and craziness, staff wants their students to rest in the hope, belonging and assurance Jesus gives.
The second week of school they went on a field trip to Valley Vista Adventist Center in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. While there, an experience transpired, showing just how tough one's faith journey can be:
Chance Ruble, a second grader, was eager to try out the ropes course. He eagerly put on the harness and hard hat and started up the ladder—ready for anything that was to come. He quickly scaled the first tall pole using each handhold, and once he reached the top station, the facilitator, Victor Zill, conference treasurer/secretary, switched his clip in to walk across the wire strung at least 30 feet above the ground.
Ruble’s confidence had faded some by this point, realizing just how high off the ground he truly was. He stepped very slowly onto the wire, then took another step. Hard stop! He could not take another step. His legs shook, and he yelled, “I can’t do it! I have to go back.” Everyone reassured him, “You can do it, Chance, you won’t fall. You are connected to the line.” Despite the encouragement, he crept back to the platform.
Ruble stood there awhile and, unbeknownst to the spectators, whispered in Zill’s ear. “Will you walk with me?” he asked.
Stepping out in faith, Chance Ruble, a second grader at Parkersburg Academy, walks onto a ropes course.
“I will walk with you, Chance; I will be with you all the way,” Zill responsed.
So, the pair started across the wire. Ruble in front, Zill behind—sometimes touching the boy’s shoulder, sometimes helping with the line above so it was easier for him to walk across. We could hear Ruble yelling, “Are you there, Mr. Victor? Are you there?” Each time, he was reassured. “Dad,” he yelled below, “Is he still there?” always receiving assurance that he was not on the wire alone.
Ruble and Zill made it to the other side, and he happily ziplined down the next part.
Do you realize Jesus is just a whisper away? You may not feel Him or see Him. But He is there! All you must do is ask. What do you need help with today? Fear, anxiety, sadness or depression? Jesus will walk with you; He just wants you to whisper to Him. Take that leap (even a small step) of trust.
“I will never leave you nor forsake you!” That is His promise. The bulletin board in the school’s main hallway, painted by Alaina Zill, PA alumna, is a daily reminder of this promise to the students. What can they trust God with today? God has a way! He will never leave you nor forsake you.
—Monica Zill, Principal
In Parkersburg Academy’s main hallway, a bulletin board hangs on a wall painted by alumna Alaina Zill, reminding students of Jesus’ promise that He’ll never leave nor forsake them.
Called to Win
The Apostle Paul was perhaps the most well-informed Christian to the world around him. He was well-informed about the events of his time, using them to effectively teach, guide, inspire and motivate the church, both in his era and ours, to stand firm for the gospel of Jesus Christ. In 1 Corinthians 9:24–27, Paul references the Greek games held in Olympia, Greece. This suggests that when Paul penned these words to the Corinthian church, the games were likely happening and were a significant topic of the day. Among the various events, running was one of the most prominent. Paul uses this timely analogy to drive home a spiritual truth: “Run in such a way as to get the prize.”
In competitive sports, only one athlete wins the prize, and to do so, they must possess two essential elements: rigorous training and a solid strategy. Paul applies this to the spiritual journey, emphasizing that we are called to win in the race of faith. There is no room to be mere spectators. We are in this race to claim victory.
The wonderful news is that in this spiritual race, we are not competing against each other—each one of us can be a winner. However, this victory requires strict training. Our minds and bodies must be disciplined through prayer, studying God’s Word with a teachable spirit and having a passion to share the love of Jesus with others. These are the only ways we can become fit for the race. Additionally, God’s Word provides us with the strategy we need to run effectively. It directs us toward the finish line—eternal life—and shows us how we can attain it through the saving blood of Jesus.
So, let’s run together, and let’s run as winners. The race is almost over. We are nearing the finish line. This is not the time to give up or get distracted by the crowd. Jesus is right there, offering us the courage and strength to press on. The prize is far greater than any earthly reward. Therefore, let’s run to win!
Conference Offers Two Summer Camp Options
After a long hiatus from summer camp ministries, the New Jersey Conference (NJC) initiated a launch for both LEGIT (Love, Encourage, Give, Inspire, Teach) and FLAG (Fun Learning About God) camps as day camp options in 2023. In 2024, there were 149 campers, and the projected goal is 200-plus campers in 2025.
LEGIT and FLAG camps offer the opportunity to share the gospel with campers and their parents,
Eduardo Monteiro Executive Secretary
as parents must drop off and pick up their children daily.
Carl Rodriguez, NJC Youth director, explains why there are two types of camps. “LEGIT Camp is a one-week program that a local church runs with volunteers trained by LEGIT Ministries. The church takes full ownership of the summer ministry, similar to Vacation Bible School. FLAG Camp, held at various churches simultaneously, is run by paid high school and college students who want a full summer experience ministering to young people.
If your elementary or middle school kids want to attend a camp or your high school or college student want a job or the opportunity to volunteer, plan to join either or both types of summer camps in 2025. Visit njcyouth.com for more information. The Lord has a special spot waiting for you!
FLAG Camp children and staff have fun during a hands-on activity.
Celebrating 200 Consecutive Sabbaths of Baptisms
The pastoral team of the New Jersey Conference is known for its relentless commitment to evangelism, but what began during the pandemic has grown into something extraordinary. Without any direct mandate from leadership, a spiritual momentum took hold that has continued to impact lives across the region. It all started with an incredible series of baptisms. Every Sabbath, for four consecutive months, at least one church within the conference celebrated a baptism. Inspired by this movement, a group of pastors set an ambitious goal: to create a “Sabbath of Victories” for God, aiming for 50 Sabbaths where at least one person would be baptized each week. They met the goal with determination and faith. But the story didn’t end there. Buoyed by the success, the pastors set a new milestone—100 Sabbaths of Victories. What began as a focused effort evolved into a weekly rhythm. Each Friday, pastors would message each other to find out where baptisms were scheduled for the next day. Like a heartbeat, this flow of communication never stopped, and the churches never missed a week.
To keep the momentum going, they started a monthly calendar to track the progress toward their 100 Sabbath goal. Every Saturday afternoon, the pastoral team eagerly awaited pictures sent via WhatsApp, sharing images of each baptism with joy and anticipation for the next week. This collective
Giving: An Act of Worship
New Jersey Conference administrators, pastors and newly baptized members celebrate 200 “Sabbaths of Victories.”
mission brought renewed hope and energy to the conference. While on a study trip in Turkey, a group of pastors recommitted themselves to the next chapter of their mission: reaching 200 Sabbaths of Victories. With God’s grace, they celebrated this milestone over the summer, witnessing 20 individuals baptized on the 200th consecutive Sabbath. The New Jersey Conference has since passed its 200th Sabbath of Victories and continues its incredible baptismal streak. The momentum has not slowed, and the pastoral team remains dedicated to their divine calling, with no end in sight. Each baptism strengthens their resolve, and the movement shows no signs of stopping.—Alejandro Pastor, Ministerial Director
The New Jersey Conference Regional Stewardship Summit, held earlier this year at the Robbinsville church, brought together many church leaders to learn collaborative approaches of understanding stewardship and giving as an act of worship.
The event began with a powerful keynote address by Jackson Doggette Jr. (pictured), a pastor and attorney, who emphasized the urgent need for collective action to become and remain faithful stewards.
Attendees learned that relationships are another vital area where stewardship principles apply. The Bible teaches that believers should nurture and value their relationships with others, reflecting God’s love and grace.
The workshop provided participants with hands-on opportunities to explore topics like wills and trust services, 401K and retirement. Attendees had the opportunity to collaborate, share best practices and develop actionable strategies to implement in their churches and communities.—Jean Michel Etienne, Stewardship Director
Student Wins Civil Rights Art Contest
At Mayfair Christian School in Uniontown, Ohio, staff always encourages their students to participate in various activities, especially those supporting the development of thoughtful, caring and kind Christian citizens. Martin Luther King Jr. stated, “The time is always right to do what is right,” which was the theme for the Ohio Civil Rights Commission Art, Essay and Multimedia contest this year.
The school’s seventh- and eighth-grade students participated in the contest, which required them to share a time when they chose to do “the right thing.” This was a statewide contest with only one winner per grade in all public and private Ohio schools. So, when Virginia Johnson, seventh- and eighth-grade teacher, received notice that one of her students had won a significant prize, she was thrilled.
Seventh-grader Grace Way received the first place award for art. Way wrote, “In my art piece, it shows a drawing of me comforting my friend. My friend felt uncomfortable with someone to the point it made her cry. I saw her crying and walked over to comfort her. I told her everything is going to be all right and that I am there for her. After that, she hugged me and told me, ‘Thank you.’”
Early last spring, Johnson took Way to Columbus, Ohio, to receive her award. While there, Way shared
the description of her artwork and received a beautiful commemorative award folder and a gift card. It was an experience she’ll never forget! The Bible says in Ephesians 4:32 that people should be kind and and help one another. It is a blessing that Mayfair Christian School has students who live by this verse.
School leaders say that God has blessed this school with many talented students, and they look forward to the new school year and the many ways students can be like Jesus in their community.
—Kim Purvis
Grace Way, a seventh grader from Mayfair Christian School, accepts her first place award for art.
Grace Way (first row, second from left) was one of 12 students statewide who won an award at the Ohio Civil Rights Commission Art, Essay and Multimedia contest.
Do You Love Me?
Do You Love Me? is Marius E. Marton’s latest book, published this year. Marton was an evangelist before settling down as a pastor. After holding more than 100 prophecy seminars in three languages in the United States, Hungary and his home country of Romania, Marton felt the call to write a book that would answer many questions about the seventh-day Sabbath. During his many years of ministry, he met many wonderful people who loved the Lord but did not know about the true Sabbath.
Readers share that this is an excellent book for people who want to strengthen their faith in the seventh-day Sabbath and an evangelistic tool for new believers and potential Bible students. It is written in very clear and simple language and surrounded by many personal stories of a pastor escaping the Romanian communist regime in the 1980s. This book also teaches the reader about a genuine relationship with Jesus and what that looks like in our worship.
Tony Anobile, vice president for Church Ministries at the Southwestern Union Conference, says, “My assessment is that this is a great resource for new believers or those that are searching for truth. It’s simple and easy to understand—which is always great.”
For more information about Marton’s book, email marius.marton@ohioadventist.org.
Roy Simpson Transitions to Mid-America Union
Roy Simpson, who served as the dedicated treasurer of the Ohio Conference for five years, transitioned to his new role as undertreasurer of the Mid-America Union Conference in October 2024. During his tenure at the Ohio Conference,
Roy Simpson joins the Mid-America Union Conference after serving the Ohio Conference for nine years.
Simpson marked significant achievements in financial leadership, strengthening the foundation for continued success through his commitment and expertise.
Simpson joined the Ohio Conference as an assistant treasurer Aug. 10, 2015. In April 2019, the conference named him interim treasurer and officially appointed him treasurer Dec. 19, 2019.
Reflecting on his time with the Ohio Conference, Simpson says, “I feel amazingly blessed by the opportunity to serve here. I feel like God gave me a great opportunity, and even though I’m serving here, I feel like I have received so much more than what I have given.”
Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, shared his thoughts on Simpson’s transition: “We celebrate the nine years that Roy has served in our territory. He has been a joy to work with and has provided financial leadership through a significant time in the history of our conference. His guidance through COVID-19 and unprecedented tithe growth has helped keep the organization focused on mission and outreach.”
Seeds of Hope
As I emerged from the water, I praised God for washing away my sins. I felt a sense of innocence that I hadn’t experienced since childhood. I felt reborn—this time through the waters of baptism.
After being baptized, I wanted to share my faith. When a friend who was moving into the area asked me for advice on where to live, I gave him some practical tips and then told him about my newfound faith. He was very interested to learn more, and I was excited to share, but didn’t know where to start. So, I asked him if he’d like to watch the Revelation Speaks Peace video series with me on Fridays after work. He agreed.
As we watched with our Bibles open, flipping through the pages, we had thoughtful and revealing conversations. He gobbled it up. Sharing the gospel and seeing someone’s faith come alive was so much fun. After several months of Bible study and attending church with me, my friend decided to be baptized. He immediately became a witness for Jesus within his family and friend circle. Equally amazing is that God used me—a new member with no experience in giving Bible studies— to lead someone else to Christ! The video series made it simple for even a novice like me.
If you are interested in giving a Bible study but don’t know how, there’s no need to worry. The Prophecies of Hope video Bible studies series was purposefully created to make it easy for anyone to give a personal Bible study. You can sit with your friend or family member and watch and study together. It’s enjoyable and simple to do. Don’t miss out on the blessing of sharing your faith! Visit youtube.com/ @propheciesofhopegarygibbs.
‘In One Accord’ Prayer Event Unites Thousands
On a special day, dubbed “D-Day” by the Pennsylvania Conference, more than 2,650 people gathered across the state to unite in prayer. This year’s “In One Accord” event brought participants together at nine “upper room” locations: Philadelphia, West Chester, Reading, Allentown, Harrisburg, York, Wyoming Valley, Williamsport and Erie. Each site began the day with worship and prayer, setting a powerful tone for the activities that followed.
After a morning of worship and prayer, approximately 1,800 people took to the streets in these communities, equipped with door hangers and prayer. They prayed with those whom they encountered, offering support and compassion in various situations. A mother, overwhelmed with concern for her son
Matt Stroup Media Ministries Director
battling cancer, found courage as a group of strangers surrounded her in prayer. A man reeling from a recent breakup received hugs and prayers from the participants. Others shared stories of once attending church but since drifting away. They were invited back with pastors visiting them afterward. One woman was crying as she answered the door—her tears quickly turned to joy when she learned people were there to pray with her. She shared that every time she’s hurting, God sends someone to comfort her—like the team on her doorstep.
Church members hung door hangers on thousands of doors across Pennsylvania, featuring a QR code that invited people to share prayer requests. Local churches continue the outreach, going door-to-door in their own neighborhoods to pray and leave these hangers. As the requests come in, a dedicated team prays for each one, connecting with those who seek prayer and building relationships with them. More than 20 individuals have already requested Bible studies or visits from a local pastor.
Reflecting on the event’s impact, Gary Gibbs, conference president, said, “Today, we saw the church in action! We prayed with people and made a difference in their lives. Pennsylvania members are united together in mission!”
Conference Shares Annual Report
God is on the move in hearts across Pennsylvania:
• As of September, more than 350 people had committed their lives to Christ and joined a Pennsylvania Conference church. People like Nancy Raia, who attended an evangelistic meeting at the Altoona church. After the seminar, she continued to study and attend church and prayer meetings, assisted with music and went door-to-door on “D-day” with her friends from Altoona. Members were excited to officially welcome her after her baptism in September.
• The camp meeting evangelism offering brought in just over $400,000, supporting more than 130 evangelistic meetings planned for 2024. On “In One Accord D-Day,” 2,652 participants gathered at nine locations across the conference, known as “Upper Rooms.” As part of ongoing outreach, 200,000 door hangers are being distributed, inviting neighbors to share their prayer requests and connect with the church community.
• The 2023–24 school year ended with 55 young people graduating in Blue Mountain Academy’s Class of 2024. In August, conference day schools started the 2024–25 academic year with an enrollment of 300 students, with Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) welcoming 140 students.
• The Church Regeneration initiative in the Pennsylvania Conference continues to make significant progress, with 39 churches currently participating and 12 more expressing interest in joining. There are encouraging signs of growth in church vitality, including increased attendance, baptisms and tithe. Greater emphasis is being placed on improving church ministry, leading to more effective and healthier churches. Nonmember visitors have provided valuable insights to seven churches this year, helping them understand the visitor experience.
• The “Hispanic Ministry Visits You” program, designed to foster fellowship, provide training and strengthen connections between the conference and Hispanic churches, has also been successful. Additionally, the “Caravan of Hope” was a remarkable blessing, with 4,356 attendees, 63 baptisms and more than 600 individuals responding positively to Evangelist Alejandro Bullón’s altar calls to learn more about Jesus.
• The Youth and Young Adult Ministries saw the sale of 526 tickets to the International Pathfinder Camporee, with participation from more than 20 clubs across the state. The 2023–24 Pathfinder year
Arjun Rai, baptized by Pastor Bizu Silwal, is the newest member of the Three Angels Nepali Fellowship, a church plant serving Nepalese refugees in the Harrisburg area.
concluded with 30 clubs and approximately 450 participants, and the Adventurer year ended with 23 clubs and around 300 members. Additionally, three laypeople have been trained to support and provide training for children’s ministry within local churches, further enhancing the conference’s commitment to nurture young believers. Summer camp hosted 197 campers, while 68 individuals attended Family Camp.
• Thirteen students participated in the Impact Ministries summer literature evangelism program, raising $37,796 in scholarships. During the program, they distributed 5,756 books and generated 65 Bible study interests while reaching the cities of Wilkes Barre, Scranton, Hazleton and Reading. The team knocked on 50,000 doors and engaged in conversations with more than 25,000 people, significantly impacting their communities with the message of hope and faith.
• As of June 30, 2024, tithe was up for this sixmonth period, but only by 1.7 percent over 2023’s tithe—one of the smallest gains the conference has experienced during the past eight years. Of the 59 conferences in the North American Division, only 25 had a tithe increase in the first six months of this year, while 34 conferences (58 percent) are currently experiencing a tithe loss, suggesting that this challenge is bigger than Pennsylvania and likely indicates challenges in the general economy across the nation. Leaders encourage members to trust God and to continue to faithfully return His tithe through their church. God will fulfill His promises in Malachi 3:8–10.
Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 2359 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst
Conference Celebrates 100 Years at Convocation
After a century of ministry, the Potomac Conference gathered at the Music Center at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md., Sept. 21, to celebrate with its diverse community of believers from across Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. The Centennial Convocation was the culmination of more than a year of planning and coordination to put a cherry on top of a momentous year of celebration.
Charles A. Tapp, conference president, reminded conference members of the amazing journey they have been on the past century and directed them to go beyond the walls as they look to the future. As part of the celebration, staff planned events during the summer, including Hispanic Camp Meeting and Camp Meeting in the Valley, both held on the campus of Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va.
The celebration included a Parade of Nations, gathering more than 62 flags and culturally dressed participants in diverse colors across the wide Strathmore stage. A massive praise team, including Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) New England Youth Ensemble and choirs from Takoma Academy (TA), SVA, and the Sligo and Takoma Park churches, led the attendees in worship.
Former Potomac Conference pastor and worldrenowned singer Wintley Phipps sang prior to his Sabbath morning message. His sermon challenged the crowd to consider how we can be unified in ministry if we are willing to come together as friends and partners from all walks of life.
A packed house celebrates Potomac Conference’s 100th anniversary at the Music Center at Strathmore.
Tapp surprised Phipps by awarding him the Salt and Light Award for excellence in reaching beyond the walls. Soon after, John Nixon, conference associate director for Pastoral Ministries, and April Nixon, conference HR generalist—supported by the administrative committee—moved Tapp to tears as they presented him with the Salt and Light Award.
The evening program began with an in-depth look at the history of the Potomac Conference in a half-hour documentary produced by Richard Castillo, conference director of Media, and Debra Anderson, conference director of Communication. A grand concert, led by Anwar Ottley, pastor and WAU associate professor of Music, filled the center with amazing music, bringing glory to God. SVA, TA and a group called Clay presented songs, followed by a more than 15-song performance by Phipps.
The theme for the event, “Moving Beyond the Walls Together,” was a reminder of the strength found in the conference’s diversity, exemplified by the crowd filling the Strathmore. “This celebration is meant to spur engagement by our members that will fuel the next 100 years of ministry,” said Tapp. “But hopefully we won’t see those years, as Christ returns and takes us home.”
Former Potomac Conference pastor and worldrenowned singer Wintley Phipps sings at the momentous occasion.
Takoma Park Church Celebrates Milestone
The Takoma Park church recently celebrated its 120th birthday. At the anniversary event, attendees were reminded of how God had powerfully led the congregation through the years, as seen through the presence of former pastors and members; the honoring of city officials for their tireless efforts; the afternoon concert that featured music from across the church’s lifetime; and so much more. A few members encapsulated the feel of the day with these words: family, praise-filled and unforgettable.
At the event, members were also reminded that God still has a work to do through them in Takoma Park. Reflecting on the day, Marlon Reid, current
lead pastor, says, “I think the celebration has helped reignite our passion for ministry and has given us the courage and greater willingness to prayerfully discern God’s will for our congregation and community as we seek to reimagine ministry and touch the lives of those who don’t know Him.” Reid recognizes that reimagining ministry is an essential next step as their city continues to change.
When the church first took shape in 1904, Takoma Park lacked the levels of diversity and social activity—from activism to the arts—that it has today. Just as the city has changed, so have the members. The congregation now represents more than 40 nationalities and has taken an ever-growing interest in lightening the load of members of the Takoma Park community. Reimagining ministry is a courageous step in the right direction, drawing members into a deeper commitment to the will and way of the Lord, say leaders.
And their journey continues.
Current and former pastors of the Takoma Park church and administrators from the Potomac Conference celebrate the church’s 120th anniversary.
Elders Honored for Being Crucial Part of Ministry
The Potomac Conference recently celebrated more than 100 elders during an annual retreat at Laurel Ridge Community College Fauquier Campus. There, they worshipped, fellowshipped and learned about the specific calling and ministry of an elder. The goals of the retreat, organized by Pastor Renee Hallman and the Pastoral Ministries Department, were to: encourage elders and support them to gain confidence in their role; engage elders and help them feel that they are a crucial and appreciated part of the ministry of Potomac; and equip elders to become healthy, disciple-making disciples.
Sabbath morning began with a mixer where elders were encouraged to meet people from other churches around the conference. Pastor Geri Christo and a team of young adults from the Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md., created a beautiful atmosphere of worship. Charles A. Tapp, conference president, shared an inspiring message about the ministry of Hur to Moses in the worship service.
Sabbath afternoon, elders chose workshops on fostering a healthy church environment or developing continued discipleship for their members.
A special highlight of the weekend was the communion and dedication service that closed the retreat. Potomac pastors joined the elders to wash their feet and pray with them before sending them out with prayers of blessing. Elders Paulo and Zereth Luizi from the Washington Brazilian church share, “Next year, we hope to have all of the elders from our church here.” Potomac leaders thank the elders of its conference for their powerful ministry!
Steve Leddy, Potomac Conference associate Ministerial director for Church Planting, participates in a foot-washing ceremony at the elders’ annual retreat.
Student Reflects Christ to Others
Lavinia Postiglione, a student at Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), is an example of the Holy Spirit at work, say school staff. As a junior, she has made a difference in the lives of her peers and family.
“Coming to BMA was one of the best decisions I have made. The environment you find here is not one you can easily find at other academies. The campus is surrounded by mountains and trees. You are constantly being able to observe the beautiful creations made by God. When I’m going and coming from classes, it’s quiet, but it’s in that silence that God’s voice is the loudest,” she shares. “Blue Mountain Academy is an important key for my spiritual life flourishing. When I first arrived, I felt alone because I didn’t know anyone. However, I knew that there was someone that was always there for me, and that was Christ—my best friend. Today, I can say thanks to BMA that my relationship with Jesus has progressively become more solid.”
As president of her class, Postiglione strives to be a positive role model to her peers. Her main goal is to lead the class closer to each other and Jesus. She also participates in Bel Canto, one of the school’s choirs.
Brazil is home for Postiglione, but like several other students, BMA is a second home. It is there where students have opportunities to grow mentally, physically and spiritually, strengthening their characters in Christ Jesus. Postiglione speaks Portuguese and English, using her gifts to minister to the school community.
Praying for God to use her, Postiglione has formed ripples of impact, impressing those around her. Though her father is Catholic, he has supported his daughter’s conviction and attends her school and church events. This means a lot to her, for it’s through these events that seeds have been planted. Striving to do her best, Postiglione takes her studies seriously, being an inspiration to her classmates.
peers.
BMA is a vital source of spiritual growth and emotional support for the students, say school leaders. As each individual touches another, lives are changed, connections are made and the world becomes a smaller, more compassionate place. Let us never be ashamed of the gospel, planting seeds wherever we go.
“Life is about taking opportunities and building relationships,” says Burney Culpepper, principal. “Here at Blue Mountain Academy, we make it our mission to guide each student in their walk with Jesus and equip them to plant seeds of faith in others.”
Learn more about the Blue Mountain Academy experience at bma.us.
Lavinia Postiglione, a junior at Blue Mountain Academy, strives to be a positive role model to her
Putting First Things First
Anyone who works with young people today understands they are facing difficulties that older generations cannot comprehend. The bombardment of social media, technology addictions and continuous decline of this earth has left many young people floundering. Parents, pastors, educators and administrators alike are struggling with how to provide the support and guidance students so desperately need.
In an intentional push to put the most important things before anything else, Highland View Academy (HVA) hosted their annual Week of Prayer, themed “Legacy Builder: Shaping Tomorrow by Being Leaders of Today,” during the second week of school. Week of Prayer accomplishes many goals, but the most important is leading students to a personal relationship with Jesus.
Erwin Nanasi, Minister of Music at the Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., and Matthew Loredo, an ICU nurse in Maryland, led morning and evening meetings, focusing on relevant themes such as foundations of one’s faith, intentional living, leaving a spiritual inheritance and much more.
Students were also given the opportunity to practice the spiritual tools they learned throughout the week by participating in a day of community service where all staff and students went into the community to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Students collaborated with many community services such as Reach of Washington County, Faith Step, Brookdale Senior Living Center and helping local farmers by participating in garden work for the older population.
Through the combination of Week of Prayer and
Service Day, students learned that being legacy builders is the calling that God has for us; a calling that does not only impact their faith journey but can also tangibly impact those they are around.
At the end of Week of Prayer, the students were challenged to make a few commitments: to commit to six months in a foreign mission field; to commit their lives to Jesus through baptism; and to commit to fulltime ministry as a future career. In this appeal, made by Nanasi, dozens of students accepted at least one of these challenges.
And it does not end there. Not only has HVA staff provided their students with an early and intentional period of prayer and connection with Christ as they contemplate their role as legacy builders; it has also transformed its campus to ensure that their minds and souls stay open to the gentle whisper of Jesus.
This year, HVA has gone completely free of personal technology. All students now spend most of the day without their phones. And while they are still getting used to this drastic change, anyone walking around campus can feel how vibrant student life has become. Students are playing games, practicing hobbies and filling their free time with both silly and profound conversations. Staff report what an incredible thing it has been to see students disengage from their phones and reconnect to the social interactions that are so vital at this age.
The future is bright at HVA, say leaders, not because of the glow of screens but because the light of young people coming alive, filling every corner of the campus.—April Lutz and Elijah Ramjattan
The Power of 40
After 40 days of rain, Earth was being remodeled. After 40 years as a shepherd, Moses was ready to be a leader. He spent 40 days on the mountain of God and returned with a holy glow that unsettled the people of Israel, requiring him to wear a veil. After 40 years in the wilderness, Israel was ready to enter the Promised Land and cross the Jordan River.
Transitions, change, remodeling and renewal are all connected to spans of 40. Jesus, Himself, spent 40 days in the wilderness to prepare for His ministry.
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) began an initiative this year in connection with their year’s spiritual theme, “Crossing the Jordan.” This initiative, “Forty Days of Prayer,” is a commitment to pray every day at 10 a.m. Each day, they pause and pray collectively in their classrooms. Parents are joining them from their places of work—praying to prepare themselves, their children and LNAA to “Cross the Jordan.”
One parent of third-grader Keren Lebron explains, “The Forty Days of Prayer” has been a
Second-graders Penn Pasteur and Mateo Venegas pray heartfelt prayers to God.
wonderful tool to stretch our muscles of faith. Every day at 10, no matter where I am, I take the time to send a short prayer. We trust that, through this exercise, the students can see the mighty power of prayer and how it can transform their lives. It has helped me in my faith walk to live with less anxiety and cast all my cares on Him.”
LNAA staff is thankful they have the freedom in their school to pray whenever and wherever they want. They are also thankful for the opportunities God has provided during these 40 days. The campus is visited by support staff, such as a nurse and an English Language Learner teacher, that have been able to witness the school’s commitment to these days of prayer. As the “Forty Days of Prayer” slowly comes to an end, staff, students and family members have been able to witness the power of 40. Forty is transformative, and they have seen transformation. LNAA leadership praises God for His protection, blessings and unconditional love. One day soon, by God’s grace, may they “Cross the Jordan” together.
Natalia Lebron and Samara Samuel, both in second grade, pray together in class.
I’m Blessed Beside the River Manatawny
Pine Forge Academy (PFA) is a gem hidden from the world behind the lush trees and River Manatawny of Pottstown, Pa. It is a place where young people of color are expected to strive for excellence and emerge as refined individuals— spiritually, mentally and academically. Boys are taught integrity and the essence of being men of God and leaders, while girls are shown the power and beauty of being proper ladies and women of God. This is a place blessed by God, evident in the staff, the school community and the very atmosphere of the campus.
As I, Kaitlyn (left), enter my senior year at PFA, I can confidently say that these past three years have been the most transformative of my teenage life. This school has not only given me just lifelong friends but sisters—my future bridesmaids and the aunts and godmothers of my future children.
PFA has taught me that living in a dorm means being open to experiences I might have never encountered. It was here that I transformed from the main troublemaker to a resident assistant this year, and from being too shy to sing in public to becoming the music coordinator, regularly performing in front of others. If you allow PFA to shape you, it will elevate you to heights you never thought possible. This realization makes my senior year both exciting and bittersweet. While I look forward to what this year holds, I must also accept that it will be my last experience as a student here.
One of my greatest fears about graduating is losing touch with the changes at the academy. This year has been filled with upgrades that I know I’ll
envy as the new students enjoy them. We received new dorms and bathrooms, a lovely new ramp for the promenade and an individual control over our air conditioning units. Anyone can tell this is just the beginning of PFA’s commitment to providing us with the best. The environment here fosters a sense of security, and I will miss knowing that the intentions behind every decision are for our benefit.
PFA isn’t just focused on facilities; the staff is equally dedicated. This year, we welcomed two remarkable additions: David Martin (right), our new headmaster, who immediately caught my attention because he shares my roots in Jamaica and New York. His vibrant energy fills Wagner Hall with laughter, jokes and PFA chants—even at 7 a.m. on a Monday.
Then there’s Coach Daniel Pierre-Louis (left), affectionately known as Coach D or “D-Money.” He has quickly built strong connections with the students, becoming a pillar of support within the school.
Teachers and staff who genuinely care about our well-being; a dorm equipped with all the essentials; friends and dormmates who form a close-knit community; deans who treat you like their own child; and a spiritual atmosphere felt the moment you step onto campus—no wonder PFA has thrived for so long. It leaves a lasting impact on everyone who passes through its doors, inspiring them to contribute to the community that nurtured them. There is no place quite like this one—a campus truly grounded and blessed by God, and one I will dearly miss with all of my heart.—Kaitlyn Lyseight-Shields
Love One Another: Building Campus Family Bonds
The Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) school year kicks off with worships, fun activities and outings that unite students through shared challenges and experiences. Numerous interactive events facilitate students developing strong, Christ-centered relationships with friends, faculty and staff mentors who guide behavior and inspire service to others. As bonds develop with Jesus Christ and within the school family, student conduct is determined, not merely by rules, rather by relationships based in love. Jesus said, “So that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete … love each other as I have loved you” (John 15:11–12, NIV).
Led by Student Association (SA) President Andres Munoz (’25) and his hard-working band of officers, the 2024–25 SA capably lead many of these activities with enthusiasm and heart. Already they have organized a successful get-to-know-you Handshake, Almost Anything Goes Saturday night class competition, and an SA Fall Picnic, consistent with the finest SVA traditions. The result is a united campus family, with school and class spirit running high, including an energetic freshman class that is already making positive contributions to campus culture.
What students have to say about an epic SA Fall Picnic:
“My favorite thing about Student Association Picnic is how all the classes came together as one whole big family.”
—Nancy Majano (’25)
“It was fun seeing the classes working together and bonding, the friendly competition and the happy faces.”
—Kendri Gordon (’27)
“It was a fun day, especially with Christian-like connection. Even though it was a class-on-class event, we all supported each other and cheered everyone on.”—Kryza Carrasco (’27)
“I really liked the canoeing and class competitions. It helped me connect with my class, and we got to know each other better. I also really enjoyed swimming.”
—Deja Burnell (’28)
“The activities were really fun to watch. Each class competed, especially the juniors vs. seniors with their rivalry.”
—Seth Job (’25)
“The SA Picnic was super fun! I enjoyed the class-on-class events, which were very creative and exciting.”—Matthew Hernandez (’26)
“The fact that it’s so early on in the year really helped you meet a lot of people.”—Sam Onoffrey (’28)
“One of my favorite memories was when the senior and juniors tied, even though I think the juniors really won.”
—Ashley Hernandez (’26)
“SA Picnic was a blast! The weather was great and the competition strong. We all had a great time getting to know each other as we fought for victory.”—Logan Cantrell (’26)
Kicking Off the Year With Purpose
At Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA), starting the school year with a spiritual retreat at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md., is a cherished tradition for high school students. This annual event is more than just an opportunity to connect; it’s a profound way to begin the year with a strengthened connection to God—both as a community and as individuals. This year’s retreat, themed “Who Are You?”, was especially memorable, featuring keynote speaker Pastor Dunbar Henri, a former educator.
Henri underscored the significance of the theme: “Students wrestle with questions about their identities and roles within the church. Our aim was to help them define their identity in Christ—not based on external influences from the church or their parents but through their own personal journey in Him.” His message resonated deeply, encouraging students to explore their beliefs and see themselves as integral to God’s larger plan.
The group activities were designed to build faith and trust, not only in God but also in themselves, as they face various challenges. One key moment was a 45-minute solo time with God in nature, allowing students time for reflection and spiritual connection. Additionally, students participated in the Great Controversy game, in which they were challenged to make decisions that would guide them toward heaven. The evening was filled with social activities, including a lively game of capture the flag, basketball matches against teachers and simply relaxing together.
Many left the retreat feeling inspired and motivated, ready to approach the school year with a renewed sense of purpose. Senior Jerusha Samuel shared her experience: “As this was my last spiritual retreat, it held a special significance for me. The chance to worship and learn about God at the beginning of the year was incredibly valuable. I connected spiritually with others and felt God’s presence among us, especially during the Saturday
night worship. The collective singing and unity were profoundly touching. This is an experience I will always remember and cherish.”
LOVE TO LEARN LIVE TO SERVE
ALL FOR CHRIST
Amber Mayer, a high school English teacher at SAA, shared her perspective on the retreat’s impact: “It was an equally enriching weekend for teachers. I really enjoyed the time spent with the senior girls. On Friday evening, we ended the day by writing down things we appreciated about each other. On Saturday evening, we relaxed with facials and sleepy tea. It’s so lovely to unwind in nature and create lasting memories with our students.”
As the SAA community reflect on this transformative retreat, they look forward to a great year ahead, inspired by the experiences and connections made at Mount Aetna.—Emilie Flores, Music Teacher
Highlights fr om Spencer ville Ad ventist Academ y
Students Sara Silva and Madelin Almaraz bond during the spiritual retreat at Mt. Aetna Retreat Center.
Music Department Sings to a New Tune
The 2024–25 school year is in full swing at Spring Valley Academy (SVA), and so is the busy Music Department concert and tour schedule. With another record enrollment year of 564 students, grades K–12, the music groups and classes are bigger than ever.
Band Director Donald Huff is entering his 25th year teaching band at SVA. He arrived in the fall of 1995, but left in 2006 to teach at Loma Linda Academy, only to return to SVA in 2011. This year is the first time he has had to divide his high school band into Junior Varsity and Varsity bands. With 84 students within the two groups, respectively, the split was necessary. The groups will play together during their upcoming Florida music tour that will include Disney World performances, as well as separate performances throughout the rest of the year.
“I’m excited to have the two high school bands this year,” says Huff. “I love that, after all these years, there are still new experiences to be had.”
Another new experience these last couple of years is teaching the kids of former band members. “My goal is to develop a love of music in my students that makes them want to get their own kids involved in music someday,” Huff says. “So, the fact that
those alumni trust me to teach their own kids is a powerful, full circle moment in teaching.”
Huff is also working with a new colleague this year. Cyril Punay (right) is the new choir director, having just completed his Master of Music in Choral Conducting from Andrews University (Mich.). Originally from the Philippines, Punay also comes to SVA with a recent significant accomplishment under his belt: winning the Grand Prix of the Singapore International Choral Festival 2024 with his choir Sola Gratia Chorale this past summer. More than 70 choral groups representing Taiwan, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong and China participated in the competition.
Now that he is at SVA, Punay is looking forward to connecting with his students and co-workers, “not just in the classroom and workplace but also in the churches and our community,” he says. He will take on music education for elementary students as well as the junior high and high school choirs.
Regardless of the grade level or group, music remains an important and special part of SVA.
“We’re so blessed with eager and talented students who have really embraced music while at SVA,” says Principal Spencer Hannah. “Our Music Department has done a fantastic job of nurturing those talents and inspiring our students to use them to praise God. I am excited to see what the rest of this school year holds for these students and teachers.”
Donald Huff, band director, enters his 25th year of teaching band at Spring Valley Academy.
Academy Welcomes Three New Hires
This 2024–25 academic year, Takoma Academy (TA) welcomes three new hires to the campus family.
The Foreign Language Department welcomes Maritza Perez, TA’s new Spanish teacher. Although born in the United States, she was raised in Colombia and returned to the U.S. at the age of 19. She has taught Spanish at both Wisconsin Academy and Maplewood Academy (Minn.).
Perez values Christian education and has fully embraced her role this year. Anyone visiting her classroom would be pleased with the level of engagement and excitement among the students. Her cheerful disposition and energy lights up the classroom and models the kind of environment that makes learning fun, say colleagues.
“I see teaching high school students as young people full of potential, each uniquely gifted by God,” she says. “They bring a wonderful diversity of talents and perspectives, and it is a blessing to be part of their journey as they grow into who God has called them to be. I admire their energy, curiosity and their willingness to engage with both their faith and their academics.”
TA alumna Liliana Escobar (’20) is the bright, smiling face that is first seen by anyone entering the building. Escobar serves as the school’s front office manager and receptionist. After graduating from Washington
Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., she wanted to work in the Adventist community and not have to worry about having to choose between a job and keeping the Sabbath. Escobar enjoys helping the students and staff, as well as translating for Spanish speakers.
“I do feel that I am doing God’s work here because I try to be a good role model,” she states. “I try to be a good Adventist by reflecting God’s character and always having a good attitude. By being positive and always having a smile on my face, students will know that, despite any difficulties, God will always be there for us.”
Marianne Hope joins TA in a dual role as the 10th through 12th grade Bible teacher and school guidance counselor. Hope spent 11 years as a teacher in the local Montgomery County Public School System and also felt the call to education at TA.
“God had been dropping hints for me to come and work at TA during graduate school,” she explains. “As I was completing my master’s degree in School Counseling from WAU, I knew that I wanted to experience something different than the public school system. I wanted to stretch myself and secured an internship at Takoma Academy during the Spring 2024 semester. During that time, I was amazed at how different it felt to be in a school that embraced God at its core. As a guidance counselor, I hope to create a safe space where students can come and openly discuss their struggles or fears about school or their future.”
Excelling at Excellence
In healthcare, everything we do has profound significance. Often, there is just one chance to get something right with no opportunity for a redo. And it is no exaggeration to say that performing our work to the very highest safety and quality standards can mean the difference between life and death. So how do we ensure we excel in our work?
First, we recognize that it takes a personal commitment to achieve excellence – so we make sure to hire team members who align with our RISES Values. Knowing each team member is dedicated to actively demonstrating Respect, Integrity, Service, Excellence and Stewardship can feel especially significant if, like me, you feel that God has given each one of us a specific purpose to fulfill. Embracing our calling to work in healthcare helps give us the drive to maintain the highest quality standards and the perspective to offer compassionate care to every person, every time.
Second, we commit to working together – for united teams are far more successful than individual people, departments or even service lines working separately. To ensure we can deliver on our promise to provide integrated and comprehensive care, interdisciplinary team members discuss how they can continuously improve, streamline or boost efficiency. By seeing our diverse perspectives and insights as strengths, we create a culture of respect within our team that enhances our ability to provide healing to our community.
And finally, we manage our work through a standard approach so that we document, measure and show our progress on specific goals. Excellence is not a vague theory. Excellence can be seen in the sets of clearly defined, operational objectives displayed transparently on our Communication Board graphs. Every team member can clearly see how achieving our targets affects our service and improves patient outcomes. We want to make it easy to know how to provide world-class service and patient care.
Putting all of this together, we know that “we are the we” – a cohesive team working to fulfill our Mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. By devoting ourselves to excellence, we can then offer it consistently to our patients and help Adventist HealthCare be a trusted source of healthcare. Thank you for being part of our team and providing hope to all those who are yearning for excellence in their most vulnerable moments of need.
John Sackett President and CEO Adventist HealthCare
Emergency Teams Address Biases in Pregnancy Care
The Maryland Patient Safety Center has honored Shady Grove Medical Center for completing its B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland: Breaking Inequality Reimagining Transformative Healthcare program. This statewide improvement program educates non-obstetric providers about pregnancy-related complications and disparities that drive negative maternal outcomes. The Maryland Patient Safety Center designed the program in partnership with the Maryland Hospital Association and local experts in maternal health, emergency medicine, family practice, community health and health equity. Shady Grove Medical Center is the first hospital in Montgomery County to complete the program.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), non-Hispanic Black women are three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications compared with non-Hispanic White women, even when adjusting for sociodemographic and reproductive factors. Systemic racism, bias and discrimination are key drivers of these disparities in outcomes. CDC data from 2022 shows that 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.
“We applaud Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center for completing the B.I.R.T.H. Equity Maryland training and taking the necessary steps to understand and address postpartum complications and begin to reduce the significant health equity issues that exist,” said Stephanie Peditto, President and CEO of the Maryland Patient Safety Center.
Shady Grove Medical Center’s Emergency Department teams took the lead in earning the designation, strengthening the hospital’s comprehensive maternity care that includes a highlevel neonatal intensive care unit for premature newborns or those with more complex medical needs. Earlier this year, the hospital earned the Maryland Patient Safety Center’s highest honor for innovation by addressing disparity in infant feeding options through a program ensuring all families have access to donor breastmilk.
We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
Living Our Mission to Extend Cod’s Care
Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors
Adventist HealthCare kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month early at its ninth-annual survivor event on Sept. 22. More than 150 survivors, family members and caregivers came together in fellowship to celebrate their strength, resilience and courage.
The event featured joyful reunions between survivors and their caregivers, along with a variety of creative activities such as rock painting, friendship bracelet making and luminary decorating. Participants also had the chance to express gratitude to their caregivers or share their inspiring stories of strength at the storytelling booth.
The ceremony began with remarks from Adventist HealthCare providers and leaders, followed by an honor walk where survivors were accompanied by their families. The evening was truly unforgettable and featured inspiring talks and a luminary ceremony filled with joy and hope.
Promoting Health in the Community
On Aug. 28, Adventist HealthCare proudly participated in the Crossroads Farmer’s Market as part of its commitment to community health, particularly in Takoma Park, Maryland.
The team showcased essential health resources, featuring valuable information about heart, primary care and imaging services. Attendees enjoyed engaging giveaways and had the opportunity to receive free blood pressure screenings. Nurse Practitioner Udo Igwe from Adventist Medical Group Primary Care in Takoma Park also connected with the community to address health questions.
A Best-in-State Employer
Adventist HealthCare was honored on Forbes’ annual list of America’s Best-inState Employers as the highest-ranked healthcare system in Maryland! The system was also ranked as No. 10 across all organizations in the state! The fact that Adventist HealthCare has been honored four years in a row by Forbes is a testament to the dedication of the team to extend God’s care to each other as well as to the community. The award also reflects Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to provide development opportunities, offer competitive compensation, stay innovative and create an inclusive environment of respect, among other key factors.
National Recognition for Dedication to High-Quality Stroke and Heart Attack Care
Adventist HealthCare’s Shady Grove Medical Center and White Oak Medical Center have each earned quality achievement awards from the American Heart Association for their commitment to best practices in rapid, life-saving stroke and heart attack care. Both hospitals received the Get With The Guidelines® - Stroke Gold Plus Award with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. Additionally, both hospitals were recognized for their commitment to research-based care for people experiencing a specific type of heart attack caused by a partial blockage of blood flow to the heart.
According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., and stroke is the fifth-leading cause. Timely detection of symptoms and rapid treatment are crucial to enhance survival rates, accelerate recovery times and improve long-term outcomes. These recognitions carry on Adventist HealthCare’s long tradition of excellence in cardiovascular care, upholding rigorous standards in performing advanced stroke treatment, and providing patients with post-procedure care.
Kettering Health Newsletter
Is Gratitude Good for Your Health?
By Ben Riggs
“What are you grateful for this year?”
The unofficial question of Thanksgiving is asked in thousands of homes. Some answers feel genuine. Others fake and forced—just hours before much of America’s mad dash toward holiday shopping and stress.
The contrast leaves many asking a different question: Is gratitude worth the trouble?
Julie Manuel thinks so. “I believe, wholeheartedly, in the power of gratitude,” says the clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center.
She’s not alone. Throughout history, nearly every faith tradition and philosophy has considered gratitude as the “parent virtue.” And, as it turns out, gratitude isn’t just good for your soul. It’s good for your health.
A grateful thought a day…
From better sleep and less stress to healthier eating habits, a growing body of research shows that gratitude can improve our health and well-being.
And while studies map the connection between gratitude and our physical health, there’s little questioning its benefits for our mental health.
“Gratitude can improve our mental health,” Julie says, “by helping us focus less on negative thoughts and more on positive thinking.”
Even just a moment of gratitude can be powerful. Taking a moment to positively reflect on a person or event can disrupt the negative thinking our minds tend to get stuck in. And over
time, moments of gratitude accumulate, turning a moment into a mindset.
“When our thoughts remain in a constant state of negativity, it impacts everything around us—our relationships, our jobs, our hobbies,” Julie says. “Once we shift our mindset to more positive thinking, we stop the negative cycle.” So much so that it can effectively reduce the severity of symptoms of mental-health disorders, like depression.
Few thoughts are more powerful for our mental health than saying “Thank you.”
Practice, practice, practice
The benefits of gratitude lie in viewing it less as a momentary feeling of contentment and more as a habit. Something to practice or strengthen, like a muscle. “We have to exercise it daily to make practicing gratitude easier,” Julie says. “We’re building a muscle to flex in times of adversity.”
The key is to keep it simple. “There’s no requirement to have deep, thoughtful insight.” Start with being grateful for the small things that make life easier or more enjoyable. Like your favorite shirt or a friend who texted you today.
Gratitude is powerful. But it’s no solution for unhealthy habits. Nor is it an alternative to professional care if your negative thoughts or feelings keep you from everyday life.
But for life’s comings and goings, gratitude can improve our health, disrupt the negativity, and provide stamina for life’s difficulties. All from finding something small worth celebrating every day.
New Residency Program Aims to Improve Health Care for Rural Populations
Depictions of life in rural communities often focus on small towns, safe streets, and happy, healthy families. However, compared to urban settings, people living in rural communities are at greater risk of dying prematurely from the leading causes of death in the United States, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and lung disease.
Providers at Kettering Health are taking a unique approach to improve health care for rural populations: training the next generation of doctors in specialized residency programs.
In 2021, Kettering Health’s Soin Medical Center received a five-year, $1.9 million grant from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to address rural health care needs.
“The grant centers on healthy families—starting with healthy maternity care and continuing to healthy family units,” says Laura Chambers-Kersh, MD, FAAFP, DipABLM, lifestyle medicine lead for the Soin Family Medicine Residency.
The next phase of grant funding is dedicated to improving the health of families by educating community members on lifestyle management of chronic conditions through culinary medicine.
“Nutrition plays such a vital part in our health, and poor nutrition contributes to leading causes of death in our country like heart disease and cancer,” says Dr. ChambersKersh. “Physicians traditionally receive less than 30 hours of nutrition-specific training. I think because we aren’t trained in it, we aren’t super confident bringing it up with patients.”
The Soin Family Medicine Residency team has developed a culinary medicine program where residents teach a series of whole-food, plant-based classes to people living in rural areas. Classes focus on instruction of budget-friendly recipes, tasting foods, and providing attendees with strategies to adopt this cooking style. Local firefighters have opened their firehouse kitchen for classes to help bring this health education directly to rural community members.
New Direct-Admit Status for Eligible Pre-PA Students
By Rebecca Ingle
Kettering College has created a direct-admit status (DAS) for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) program. They are extending this to exceptional high school students who wish to streamline, and even accelerate, their academic and career paths to become a physician assistant (PA).
Dr. Scott Bennie, Kettering College’s dean of Academic Affairs, says this DAS option “gives students a unique advantage of securing their spot in Kettering College’s top-tier PA program while cultivating relationships with faculty, enhancing their clinical exposure, and ensuring they are well-prepared for the demands of a rapidly growing health care profession.”
An exceptional high school student is one who has
y Earned a college preparatory diploma,
y Obtained a 3.8 or higher cumulative GPA in high school (or through dual-credit coursework), and
y Scored at the 90th percentile or higher on the SAT (nationally representative percentiles; total score) or ACT (composite score).
The DAS is ideal for high school seniors who made an informed decision about seeking a career as a PA and are committed to ultimately enrolling in a required master’s degree program as part of this pursuit.
Accepted students will complete a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences with a major in health care studies and a pre-PA concentration. If students remain compliant with the program’s standards, their status will allow them to step into the next cohort of MPAS students, which starts each summer.
Direct admission into the MPAS program is available only to students who enter Kettering College as first-year students. But they may transfer dual-credit awarded in high school from a regionally accredited college or university.
The Director of Kettering College’s PA program, Tim Scanlon, is eager to see the high-performing high school seniors this new offering will attract. He says, “As the PA profession continues to be in high demand, I believe students will be excited about the opportunity.”
He adds that PA students from the Dayton, Ohio, area often appreciate Kettering College’s proximity to their home. Although this new DAS might chiefly appeal to local students, Kettering College welcomes any student from anywhere to consider it as they answer the sacred call to become a PA.
For more information on Kettering College’s new direct-admit status for the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program, please see their website at kc.edu or email their Admissions department at admissions@kc.edu.
news
Building Resilience
The concept of perseverance has been on my mind lately. A similar, but different word to consider is resilience.
How do we each build resilience so that we can persevere through difficult moments in life?
A key to resilience is our relationships: people who can help us process issues, help us solve them, help us laugh and cry, join us in the struggle, build confidence, and help us find meaning. These relationships are your community.
As a believer, I also look to God’s Word—His promises and His instructions. In the first chapter of James, you’ll read, “When troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
Making it through your hard days intact requires resilience. Have you considered how your resilience to make it through today’s problems comes from yesterday’s hardships?
Your WGTS family is here for you as your community in those moments. You might find encouragement to persevere in the right song playing at the right time, an encouraging word shared on-air, a phone call, a prayer, or a conversation at an event. This is your community!
Remembering that difficulties grow us and understanding that we do not have to walk through them alone brings a deeper meaning to them—it brings purpose to the difficulties.
We are a community—listeners, donors, volunteers, ambassadors, and the WGTS team. Together, we will see each other through the challenges, and through the challenges, God will strengthen us for the future. In this way, we can remain joyfilled at all times.
Making Connections
Come to a WGTS event in the summer, and you’ll receive a small cup of ice cream. While the ice cream is gone in just a few bites, what lasts is the time spent talking, praying, and connecting with WGTS team members and Hands and Heart prayer volunteers.
“These Ice Cream Tour Stops create meaningful and memorable connections with listeners,” says Ken Scribner, director of promotions and community engagement.
Listener Melanie drove over an hour to attend, drawn to come after hearing an invitation on WGTS. She had rediscovered WGTS after more than 20 years away from the station, and found herself longing to renew her relationship with God. “God knew why I came that day. I wasn’t going just for the ice cream; I came for something much more.”
Once she arrived, her reason for coming became even clearer. She had come, longing for a connection. Soon, she was surrounded by several team members who prayed for her as she cried with joy. She decided that she wanted to do the same for others and is now part of the WGTS team of prayer volunteers. “I’m able to serve God while helping others feel encouraged,” she says.
2099 Gaither Road, Suite 105
Rockville, MD 20850
202.902.6000
wgts919.com
—Kevin Krueger, President and CEO
Visionaries Gala 2024
This year’s Visionaries Gala, held Sept. 22, at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md., was an overwhelming success, based on feedback from the honorees and attendees. The primary focus of the annual gala is to raise funds to support the many scholarships Washington Adventist University (WAU) offers to our students annually. We aim to reduce or eliminate student debt at WAU to help our students become competent moral leaders who can effectively serve their communities.
Additionally, a Memorandum of Understanding between WAU and Aspire Zone, Doha, Qatar was signed. Aspire Zone visited WAU twice to discuss projects in the DC area, including a rehabilitation center to be built on WAU’s campus that will be launched ahead of the 2026 World Cup. This rehab center will amplify WAU’s presence in the community, region, nationally and internationally and position it as a mecca for health and wellness. Other items that were discussed and agreed upon included a bilateral student and professor exchange program between Qatar and WAU, as well as WAU becoming accredited and licensed to operate in Doha.
Congratulations to our 2024 honorees and a deep appreciation to attendees, partners, sponsors and donors. We welcome your continued support as all funds raised support excellence in student success.
This is Washington Adventist University!
Weymouth Spence President
Photo Captions:
1. Congressional Country Club was the venue for the 11th Annual Visionaries Gala. 2. Chandohok ‘Jesse’ Jasdip Singh, founder of the Center for Social Change (left), receives the Excellence in Leadership for Social Change award from Weymouth Spence (right). 3. Sajid ‘CJ’ Tarar, CEO of the Center for Social Change (left), receives the Excellence in Leadership for Social Change award from Weymouth Spence (right). 4. Ahmed Youssef AlShebani, Counselor (left), receives the Excellence in International Humanitarian Partnerships award on behalf of the Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the United States, H.E. Sheik Meshal bin Hamad Al-Thani, from Weymouth Spence (right). 5. Abdulla Al Naemi, Director General of Aspire Logistics (left), and Weymouth Spence (right) after signing the MOU between WAU and Aspire Zone, Doha, Qatar. 6. The team from Aspire Zone, Doha, Qatar (L to R): Nasser Al Suwaidi, Protocol Specialist; Nasser Al Hajri, Chief of Marketing; Abdulla Al Naemi, Director General Aspire Logistics (representing Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, CEO of Aspire Zone); Weymouth Spence, President, WAU; and Kamel Badewy, Business Management and Intelligence Director, Aspire Zone.
7. Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists and chairman of the WAU Board of Trustees, gives a toast to the future of WAU.
WAU Students Participate in Senior Survival Trip at Shenandoah Valley Academy
Washington Adventist University (WAU) sophomore theology major Yordin Hernandez, along with fellow theology student Erick Soledispa, represented WAU during the annual Senior Survival trip at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va. The event, held Saturday, Aug. 31, provided seniors from the academy with a day of outdoor adventure and spiritual enrichment.
The trip began with a briefing at an outlook camp, where the coordinator outlined the day’s activities, which included a hike, team-building games and rock climbing. Hernandez and Soledispa introduced themselves as WAU representatives, aiming to leave a positive impression and encourage the seniors to consider WAU as they approach their final year in high school.
The group embarked on a half-hour hike that ended with a challenging rock scramble. At the summit, the first activity—a scavenger hunt—was revealed. Laces containing parts of Bible verses were hidden along the trail, and students, divided into teams, searched for them. Once all the verses were found, the group recited and discussed them together.
Afterward, the group descended the rock wall and returned to the trail for lunch. Following the meal, the seniors participated in team-building exercises, including a trust fall, which evolved into a more complex version involving stairs and a dock. Students formed a human ladder below, as others climbed the stairs and fell into their arms. A popular activity called “Devil’s Web” challenged students to navigate a web of string tied between trees without touching the strands, prompting teamwork and creative problem-solving.
At the conclusion of the activities, Hernandez and Soledispa spoke with several students who expressed interest in WAU. They shared stories of former SVA students now attending WAU and provided information about the admissions process.
Hernandez noted that the trip was a rewarding experience, helping to strengthen connections among the students and with God. He expressed pride in representing WAU and looks forward to welcoming SVA students to the university in the future.
By Yordin Hernandez, WAU Theology Student
WAU Students: Top: (third left) Yordin Hernandez, (first right) Erick Soledispa, along with SVA group
Bulletin Board
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
LOOKING FOR GIFTED VISIONEERS: Seeking real estate developer, contractor/ builder, solar engineer, health and wellness promoters, medical missionaries, organic vegetable growers and vegan cooks. Let us pool our ideas and resources together. Land is available. Call (315) 946-6444 or (315) 879-0949.
DR. MARSHA PLATER is in search of a general dentist in Huntingtown, Md. Four operatories, including one hygiene chair. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. PPO insurances, no HMOs. Great staff and wonderful patients. Located approximately one hour south of Washington, D.C. Buy-in available. Call or text (301) 367-5873. Email resume to mrshmp@gmail.com.
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY 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 applicants for a full-time nursing faculty. This individual will function as a lead course instructor for a medical-surgical or critical care course, including performing didactic and clinical instruction, as well as recruiting and supervising clinical instructors. Doctoral degree preferred, master’s degree with desire to continue at the doctoral level required. Full benefits package including health care, tuition assistance, retirement plan and many other
specialist and Nursing professor. Support students in academic performance improvement and progression within the Nursing program.
benefits. See job description ad instructions for application at uau.edu/employment.
WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY:
Seeks admissions recruiter. Manage the recruitment process for prospective students, guiding them from initial interest to enrollment.
Seeks radiography clinical coordinator. Coordinate clinical education and evaluate its effectiveness, correlating clinical education with didactic education.
Seeks security officer. Patrol campus, enforce regulations and ensure safety and order.
Seeks executive assistant to the president. Coordinate administrative functions for the president’s office, including meeting scheduling and document preparation.
Seeks landscaper. Maintain campus lawns and gardens, including mowing, trimming, pruning, raking and weeding.
Seeks director of library. Oversee library operations, staff management, budgeting and policy formulation to support academic needs.
Seeks financial aid advisor. Assist students with financial aid processes, eligibility determination and counseling on payment options.
Seeks international and transfer advisor/primary designated school official. Guide international and transfer students through enrollment processes and immigration regulations compliance.
Seeks first-year experience coordinator. Guide international and transfer students through enrollment processes and immigration regulations compliance.
Seeks instructional faculty for Computer Science program (full-time). Provide instruction and work for the growth of its program.
Seeks instructional faculty for Nursing Department. Plan, deliver and evaluate classroom instruction and perform other duties.
Seeks faculty for Chemistry (full-time). Teach chemistry courses, advise students and fulfil other academic duties. Interested candidates can apply at wau.edu.
MISCELLANEOUS
HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Fill your life and home with a Christian Christmas spirit. LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music all through December with special concerts nightly at 8 p.m. ET, from Dec. 21–25. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at LifeTalk.net.
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.
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
REAL ESTATE
UNIQUE HOUSING/MINISTRY
OPPORTUNITY for those on a limited income in Thurmont, Md., or the surrounding area. 800-square-foot private bedroom, living/dining/cooking area for rent. Maybe best fit for retiree/retired couple. Call or text Robin at (301) 304-1336 for more details.
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.
LEASE AVAILABLE IN MARYLAND for medical offices/building. One story building, 2,900-square-feet, lease in Grasonville. Formerly used as a doctor’s office. Four patient rooms, three restrooms, X-ray room, waiting and check-in rooms, break/ storage room, two offices and lots of parking. $2,000/ month. Move your practice or start a new one on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Contact Brenda at (410) 490-2972 or bfornos1@gmail.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 dis tribution. 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.
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
PARKS, OTIS W., born July 17, 1933, in Diamond, Wash.; died Jan. 28, 2024, in Deary, Idaho. He was a member of the Deary church. A retired pastor, he served the Chesapeake Conference
Sunset Calendar
Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters reside.
