Contents
4 | Newsline 6 | Noticias 7 | Nouvelles 8 | Features
Head of the Class
Edwin Manuel Garcia
Knowing that training and retaining leaders in Seventh-day Adventist education leads to stronger schools, the Columbia Union Conference hopes its new mentoring initiative will buoy principals and students for long-term success.
Kleyton Feitosa: What Cancer Brought to My Life
Liz Anderson
Pastor Kleyton Feitosa has always been a planner, mapping out life seven to 10 years in advance. Until cancer hit. And hit again. And again.
15 | Newsletters 4 4 | Bulletin Board About the Cover: Miya Kim and Ruth Nino were photographed by Eli Turner while attending an Advancement of Christian Education Leadership training in Columbia, Md.
2 | VISITOR September 2019
ON THE WEB BIBLE PRINCIPLES FOR GROWING DISCIPLES “As a child, I grew up basically as a ‘cultural Adventist.’ I knew the rules to keep, what to wear and the food to eat, but I did not know the real reasons why God uniquely called and created me,” says Emil Dean Peeler, senior pastor of Allegheny East Conference’s Capitol Hill (D.C.) church. In his recently published Discipleship Guide: Bible Principles for Growing Disciples, Peeler describes how he went from being a member to disciple, and shares principles to help readers do the same. Read our interview with Peeler at columbiaunionvisitor.com/ growingdisciples. I LOVE TOMATOES Max ForbesGoulding, a teacher at New Jersey Conference’s Waldwick Seventhday Adventist School, drew on her research, her experience as an immigrant and stories of her students during her 30 years of teaching to write I Love Tomatoes. This fictional story about 12-year-old Anna and her family of undocumented workers highlights the challenges immigrants face and must make. For more information, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/ilovetomatoes. MY HOME My Home, a recent album of original music and hymns arranged in a Bossa Nova style, is the result of three years of work by Felipe Paccagnella, a member of Potomac Conference’s Washington Brazilian church in Takoma Park, Md. Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/ myhome to listen to the album, and find out what inspired him to make it. Facebook n facebook.com/columbiaunionvisitor Twitter n twitter.com/visitornews Instagram n instagram.com/columbiaunionvisitor
Editorial jacqueline messenger
Celeste Ryan Blyden n Editor and Publisher V. Michelle Bernard n News, Features and Online Editor Ricardo Bacchus n Newsletter Editor Kelly Butler Coe n Art Director and Designer Sandra Jones n Advertising and Circulation Manager The Visitor is a publication of the Columbia Union Conference reaching approximately 64,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in the mid-Atlantic area and 81,000 online. The Visitor provides news and information, inspiration for effective ministry and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission. CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunionvisitor.com visitor@columbiaunion.net n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, call your local conference, as listed below. Ask for the membership clerk. Free to members. All others, $20 annually. Email sjones@columbiaunion.net. PUBLISHING BOARD n Dave Weigley (chair), Celeste Ryan Blyden (secretary), Jorge Aguero, Emmanuel Asiedu, William T. Cox Sr., Henry J. Fordham III, Gary Gibbs, Ron Halvorsen Jr., Mike Hewitt, Bill Miller, Rick Remmers, Rob Vandeman
5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunion.org Dave Weigley n President Rob Vandeman n Executive Secretary Emmanuel Asiedu n Treasurer Celeste Ryan Blyden n Vice President, Communication and PR Frank Bondurant n Vice President, Ministries Development Walter Carson n Vice President/General Counsel and PARL Rubén Ramos n Vice President, Multilingual Ministries Donovan Ross n Vice President, Education H. Candace Nurse n Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund Curtis Boore n Director, Plant Services Harold Greene n Director, Information Technology Tabita Martinez n Undertreasurer CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Henry J. Fordham III, President; LaTasha Hewitt, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com ALLEGHENY WEST: William T. Cox Sr., President; Benia Jennings, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Rick Remmers, President; Andre Hastick, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org MOUNTAIN VIEW: Mike Hewitt, President; Valerie Morikone, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: Jorge Aguero, President; Mario Thorp, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org OHIO: Ron Halvorsen Jr., President; Heidi Shoemaker, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Gary Gibbs, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 374-8331 n paconference.org POTOMAC: Bill Miller, President; Debra Anderson, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS KETTERING COLLEGE: Nate Brandstater, President; Lauren Brooks, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (937) 395-8601 n kc.edu WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: Weymouth Spence, President; Richard Castillo, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (301) 891-4000 n wau.edu HEALTHCARE NETWORKS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Terry Forde, President & CEO; Thomas Grant, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (301) 315-3030 n adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Fred Manchur, CEO; Christina Keresoma, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (937) 395-8167 n ketteringhealth.org Printed at Pacific Press® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. Volume 124 n Issue 7
Have You Thanked Your Principal Today?
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e are blessed to have a dedicated team of principals across the Columbia Union Conference, and they deserve our gratitude for their commitment and sacrifice. Serving as a school principal is a tough job. It doesn’t matter what type of school it is, what classes are offered or how many students are enrolled. While attempting to provide a quality education, principals typically spend countless hours at school each day and even more hours on school committees at night; juggle the many needs, issues and requests that arise daily; and attempt to keep the students under their watch safe and happy. There are also rewards: the first day of school when students burst through the doors with excitement and eager anticipation of what’s to come; seeing them grow, learn and mature year after year; and watching them walk across the stage on graduation day, taking with them all that’s been instilled and invested in their lives. I know firsthand because I served as a principal at one of our union’s schools for seven years. It was a wonderful experience, and, during that time, I learned a lot, grew a lot and did my best to be a blessing to my school family. Though I’m now serving at the union level, I haven’t forgotten what it’s like to be on the front lines of education ministry at a Seventh-day Adventist school—a place where every day there’s opportunity to make an impact, an impression and introduce young people to Jesus.
PURSUING EXCELLENCE Our priority is to invest time and provide a variety of resources to help our principals gain valuable experience and grow in their capacity as school administrators. In doing so, we want to enhance their effectiveness, maximize their leadership potential and promote forward thinking. We are truly thankful for the support and partnership of the Bainum Family Foundation, whose leaders are products of Adventist education, and who are committed to pursuing excellence through education. They are partnering with us to spearhead a leadership coaching program whose first cohort involves 20 principals and vice principals from across our union (see feature, pp. 8–11). The Bible says, “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it” (Prov. 22:6, ESV). Our prayer is that this endeavor will buoy our principals as they help to train our precious children in these challenging times. It matters to each school. It matters to each student. And it matters to God. Thank you, Principals! Jacqueline Messenger (pictured with new Beltsville Adventist School Principal Jerson Malaguit) serves in the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education as associate director for Secondary Education. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 3
Newsline POTOMAC CONFERENCE NAMES NEW ADMINISTRATOR
Jose Vazquez, most recently the pastor of Potomac Conference’s Fredericksburg (Va.) church, is Potomac’s new vice president for administration. He began his new assignment August 19. Vazquez joined Potomac as a pastor in 2014. He previously served as a pastor in both the Central California and Indiana conferences. While in Indiana, he also served as the conference’s director for Adventist Community Services. “We felt God was leading us to consider him for this position,” says Bill Miller, president. “There are many key elements that make him well-suited for this role—his prayer journey; business background; the knowledge he brings from his various church and employment experiences; and the health and growth of his present congregation. He is a great addition to the Potomac administrative team.”
HealthCare system. The transition should be complete this fall, pending state review. AHC also announced several leadership transitions: John Sackett (pictured, below), president of the AHC Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, Md., for the past six years and the system’s executive vice president and chief operating officer for the past five years, has transitioned out of his role as president to focus on his role at AHC headquarters.
Dan Cochran (below), formerly Shady Grove’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer, is now serving as president. Cochran joined Shady Grove in April 2011 after serving as vice president of finance at the Reading Hospital Center (Pa.).
Read more in the October issue of Potomac People.—Potomac Conference Staff
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE ACQUIRES NEW HOSPITAL
Adventist HealthCare (AHC) and Nexus Health/Fort Washington Medical Center recently announced they have signed a definitive agreement to have Fort Washington Medical Center, an acute-care 37-bed hospital located just south of the National Harbor in a growing section of the region, to become part of the Adventist 4 | VISITOR September 2019
“We are blessed to have strong caring leaders like John and Dan to help us meet the challenges of an ever-changing healthcare landscape,” says Terry Forde, AHC president & CEO. Erik Wangsness (top), president of the AHC Washington Adventist Hospital in Takoma Park, Md., for the past five years, accepted a call
to lead the AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital near Tampa, Fla. “Erik and his WAH leadership team have not only continued to help the hospital thrive, they also worked together to ensure a smooth transition to the new AHC White Oak Medical Center,” says Forde. Read more in AHC’s October newsletter.—Adventist HealthCare Staff
FORMER NAD SECRETARY PASSES AWAY
Harold Wilson Baptiste, former executive secretary of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD), passed away May 25, 2019, in Baltimore, at the age of 81. Baptiste’s special burdens for urban outreach and training the next generation of leaders guided his ministry. Baptiste, a member of Allegheny East Conference’s Metropolitan church in Chillum, Md., was the longest-serving executive secretary of the NAD, active from 1990 to 2002, before taking the position of general vice president at the General Conference from 2002 to 2005.—NAD Communication Staff
Newsline Christian Record Celebrates 120 Years of Service
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his year Christian Record Services, Inc., (CRS) celebrates 120 years of ministry to the blind. “With the Lord’s guidance, it is the members, donors, volunteers and employees who have made Christian Record impactful all of these years,” says Diane Thurber, president. “To all of you, we say a hearty ‘thank you.’ And we invite those who are just now learning about who we are and what we do to join our community.” 10 camps give individuals who are blind an opportunity to be themselves and freely create and engage with the community. Members such as Jordy Barnhart, a member of Pennsylvania Conference’s Waynesboro church, are still benefitting. Barnhart began attending blind camp in his teens before attending a Seventh-day Adventist church, and says the friendships he established there, as well as the Braille resources, have helped strengthen his faith journey. Other provided resources include solar-powered talking Bibles and Adult Sabbath School lessons.
its members. In 2017 it launched an online library of nearly 2,000 titles. Members may request many of these titles in formats specifically for them, including refreshable Braille, large print, audio streaming, downloading and on National Library Service’s digital cartridges. Through the online library, they may request Bibles, the new Discover Bible Study Guides in Braille and large print through CRS’ Bible School, select other books they wish to read and/or listen to and much more. Catherine Thomas, a recently baptized member of Chesapeake Conference’s Baltimore-White Marsh church in Baltimore, is one of the many people to recently benefit from these services. Thomas
NEW WAYS TO SERVE
John Baerg, a Christian Record Services representative, visits Helen Keller, one of the recipients of the Christian Record in 1910.
At the very beginning, Christian Record was the name of CRS’ Braille magazine (pictured above, circa 1987). It was the only Christian-focused Braille magazine published in 1899. The name carried over to the nonprofit organization that now also provides many services for people who are blind, along with its magazines. Christian Record is still published today. Christian Record led the way for many other innovations and services that together inspire and transform lives. It was the first organization to offer a blind camp, beginning in the 1960s. The
Decades after its founding, the organization was the first to pioneer a new kind of book in Braille that includes images, print and an audio CD for the entire family to enjoy. Christian Record is still continually looking for the best way to serve
Jordy Barnhart, a member of the Waynesboro (Pa.) church, makes banana bread at a summer camp sponsored by CRS.
Pastor Diego Boquer baptizes Catherine Thomas at the BaltimoreWhite Marsh church in Baltimore. learned about the church through a member who invited her to an evangelistic series. Church members soon requested CRS’s large print Discover lessons to help Thomas study further. When she got baptized, she smiled and said, “76 years of sin washed away!” Since the 1980s, CRS (crsb.org) has also awarded college scholarships to students who are blind who demonstrate academic promise. The program was initially endowed by a former employee and continues to grow through gifts by people interested in the program. In 2018 staff awarded eight scholarships. —Patricia Maxwell columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 5
Noticias
Jose Vázquez, recientemente pastor de la iglesia de Fredericksburg (Va.) de la Conferencia de Potomac, es ahora el vicepresidente administrativo de Potomac, nombramiento efectivo a partir del 19 de agosto. Vázquez (en la foto con su esposa, Sonia) se unió como pastor a Potomac en el 2014. Anteriormente se desempeñó como pastor en las conferencias de California Central y de Indiana. Mientras estuvo en Indiana, también se desempeñó como director de los Servicios Comunitarios Adventistas.
Antes de su ministerio a tiempo completo, Vázquez trabajó en el sector empresarial y también como director de un programa de ESL para la Corporación Escolar Wawasee (Ind.). Lea más en la edición de octubre de Potomac People.—Personal de la Conferencia de Potomac
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE ADQUIERE UN HOSPITAL NUEVO
Adventist HealthCare (AHC) y Nexus Health / Fort Washington Medical Center (en la foto)
anunciaron recientemente que han firmado un acuerdo definitivo para que Fort Washington Medical Center, un hospital de atención para afecciones agudas en el condado de Prince George, se convierta en parte del sistema AHC. La transición debe completarse este otoño, quedando pendiente la revisión del estado. John Sackett (en la foto), presidente, durante los últimos seis
años, del AHC Shady Grove Medical Center en Rockville, Maryland, y el vicepresidente ejecutivo y director de operaciones del sistema durante los últimos cinco años, han dejado su cargo en la presidencia para centrarse a tiempo completo en su sistema de trabajo. Dan Cochran, exdirector financiero de Shady Grove y director de operaciones, es ahora el presidente. Cochran se unió a Shady Grove en abril de 2011 después de desempeñarse como vicepresidente de finanzas en el Reading Hospital Center (Pa.). Además, Erik Wangsness, presidente, durante los últimos cinco años, del AHC Washington Adventist Hospital en Takoma Park, Md., aceptó un llamado para dirigir el AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital cerca de Tampa, Florida.—Personal de Adventist HealthCare
CHRISTIAN RECORD CELEBRA 120 AÑOS DE SERVICIO
Este año, Christian Record Services, Inc., (CRS) celebra 120 años de ministerio para los ciegos. 6 | VISITOR September 2019
Al principio, Christian Record era el nombre de la revista en Braille de CRS. Fue la única revista en Braille centrada en el cristianismo publicada en 1899. El nombre se transfirió a la organización sin fines de lucro que ahora también brinda muchos servicios, junto con sus revistas, para las personas ciegas. Christian Record todavía se publica hoy. Christian Record abrió el camino para muchas otras innovaciones y servicios que juntos inspiran y transforman vidas. Fue la primera organización en ofrecer un campamento para ciegos, a partir de los años sesenta. Lea más en inglés en columbiaunionvisitor.com/120yearschristianrecord.—Patricia Maxwell
IGLESIAS CELEBRAN BAUTISMOS DE VERANO
Como parte de una ceremonia más grande, Joe Daniel Navarro, pastor de la iglesia La Esperanza Spanish en Newark, bautiza al miembro Jorge Avila Zelaya en la reunión del Campestre Hispano de la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey que se llevó a cabo en el Tranquility Camp and Retreat Center.
crédito de la foto jorge pilco
LA CONFERENCIA DE POTOMAC NOMBRA UN NUEVO ADMINISTRADOR
Nouvelles LA FÉDÉRATION DE POTOMAC NOMME UN NOUVEL ADMINISTRATEUR
Jose Vazquez, le pasteur de l’église Fredericksburg (Virginie) de la Fédération de Potomac, est désormais, depuis le 19 août dernier, vice-président de l’administration de Potomac. Vazquez a rejoint Potomac en tant que pasteur en 2014. Il était auparavant pasteur au niveau des fédérations de la Californie centrale et de l’Indiana. Pendant son ministère à Indiana, il a également été directeur des Services Communautaires Adventistes (Adventist Community Services) de la Fédération.
Plus d’informations dans le numéro d’octobre de Potomac People.—Personnel de la Fédération de Potomac
photo par stephen lee
ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE A UN NOUVEL HÔPITAL
Adventist HealthCare (AHC) et le Centre Médical Nexus Health / Fort Washington ont récemment annoncé la signature d’un accord définitif visant à intégrer le Fort Washington Medical Center, hôpital de soins de courte durée du comté de Prince George, au système AHC. Le processus de transition devrait prendre fin durant cet automne, dans l’attente d’un examen par l’état de la région. John Sackett président du Centre Médical AHC Shady Grove de Rockville dans le Maryland, depuis six ans, et vice-président exécutif et directeur général des
opérations pendant les cinq années écoulées, a quitté son rôle de président afin de se concentrer à plein temps sur son système de travail. Dan Cochran (photo), ancien directeur des finances et directeur général des opérations de Shady Grove, assume les fonctions de président. Cochran a rejoint Shady Grove en avril 2011 après avoir occupé le poste de vice-président des finances au Reading Hospital Center (Pennsylvanie). De plus, Erik Wangsness, président de AHC Washington Adventist Hospital Washington de Takoma Park, dans le Maryland, depuis cinq ans, a accepté un appel à la direction de AdventHealth Wesley Chapel Hospital situé près de Tampa, en Floride.—Le personnel de Adventist HealthCare
Christian Record est constamment à la recherche du meilleur moyen de servir ses membres. En 2017, il a lancé une bibliothèque en ligne avec environ 2 000 titres, notamment des Bibles et des guides Discover Bible Study en braille et en gros caractères. Des décennies après sa fondation, l’organisation a été la première à lancer un nouveau type de livre en braille comprenant des images, des impressions et un CD audio pour le plaisir de toute la famille. Lisez plus en anglais sur columbiaunionvisitor.com/120yearschristianrecord.—Patricia Maxwell
LES EGLISES OFFRENT JOIE ET EVANGÉLISATION PENDANT L’ETÉ
Des bénévoles à travers l’Union de Columbia, telle que Mindy Foley (dans la photo de haut dans le sens des aiguilles d’une montre, en compagnie des participants à l’école chrétienne de Vacances d’été de l’Eglise Tranquility and Hackettstown de la Federation de New Jersey: Peter Roman, Ethan Lee, Malachi Miller, et Savannah Calicchio) ont aidé les enfants à créer des souvenirs et savoir plus sur Jésus.
CHRISTIAN RECORD CÉLÈBRE SES 120 ANS DE SERVICE
Cette année, Christian Record Services, Inc., (CRS) célèbre ses 120 ans de ministère auprès des aveugles. Au tout début, Christian Record était le nom du magazine CRS’ Braille. Il s’agissait du seul magazine braille destiné aux chrétiens publié en 1899. Ce nom a été repris par l’organisation à but non lucratif, qui offre également de nombreux services, ainsi que ses magazines destinés aux personnes aveugles. Christian Record tient encore aujourd’hui ses publications. Christian Record a ouvert la voie à de nombreuses autres innovations et services qui, ensemble, inspirent et transforment des vies. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 7
of Head the
Class P By Edwin Manuel Garcia
rincipal Jennifer Hackley is pulled in many directions each day to perform a demanding job while working with multiple stakeholders at Potomac Conference’s C. F. Richards Christian School in Staunton, Va. She makes on-the-spot decisions to keep the small school running smoothly, then spends half the day in the classroom teaching math and Bible, all while striving to maintain positive working relationships with teachers, staff members, administrators, pastors, the school board, constituent churches, parents and students. Being an education administrator in a Seventh-day Adventist school can be overwhelming; it’s no wonder the majority of principals last less than three years—a brief tenure that can prevent schools from accomplishing long-term goals or making meaningful academic improvements. To address this reality, the Columbia Union Conference Office of Education has spearheaded several initiatives to nurture current and future educational leaders. This includes subsidizing a certification program through Andrews University (Mich.) for principals and superintendents, with an emphasis in leadership. Union leaders also helped start the Advancement of Christian Education (ACE) Academy Leadership Coaching, a year-old initiative guided by seasoned outside experts connected to the union. Hackley is among 20 educational leaders with varying degrees of experience who are offered the tools and training to be successful, and, hopefully, will be motivated to stay at their jobs longer.
Coaches and Coachees: (back row) Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, Elisa Maragoto, Darren Wilkins, Chris Simmons, Jennifer Hackley, Ruth Nino, Judie Rosa, Jacqueline Wheatley Messenger, H. Clifford Reynolds, III, Keith Hallam, Jerson Malaguit; (front row) Wendy Pega, Ellenor Paul-O’Neil, Celeste Giles, Valerie Green, Miya Kim, Beckie Carbaugh, Elyna Barnhill Howard 8 | VISITOR September 2019
The program is receiving rave reviews from participants, says Jacqueline Wheatley Messenger, an educator for more than 30 years and the union’s associate director for Secondary Education. It is run by the NYC Leadership Academy (NYCLA), an organization that has trained more than 550 emerging leaders and helped stabilize the constant churn of New York public school principals. Tapping a training program known for fixing large and troubled educational systems may seem like a mismatch for small Adventist schools, but the organization has a successful record of extending principals’ tenures. “Our goal is to have sustainable leadership,” says Messenger, who joined the union’s educational team in 2016 after starting a similar leadership initiative for the Chesapeake Conference. “I want to see our schools not only survive, but grow,” she says. A three-way partnership between the union, its eight conferences and the Bainum Family Foundation, whose founders are Seventh-day Adventist, fund the project. The initiative brings educators together in person, online and over the phone, where experts teach a variety of skills, including how to better relate to the changing racial and ethnic makeup of their schools, how to navigate difficult situations and how to tackle a principal’s ever-demanding list of things to do.
Even Leaders Need Mentors
A highlight of the program is the mentoring: For two years, organizers match 10 experienced Adventist principals with 10 less-experienced ones in a formal coach-coachee relationship. Research shows that leaders who received leadership coaching from the academy for at least three years remained in their schools more than twice as long as the national average principal tenure. Research also shows that the most effective way to learn to be a principal is by being observed and getting immediate, applicable feedback from an expert coach, says Nancy Gutiérrez, president and chief executive of NYCLA. With better-trained principals, teachers feel more supported and student learning improves, she adds. “We view the student as the ultimate beneficiary of coaching and aim to shift leaders’ mindsets and behaviors so they can better serve their schools,” Gutiérrez says. Participants say the initiative is already making a difference. Hackley, the teacher-principal at the 53-student C. F. Richards school in Virginia, is grateful for the mentorship because, like most educators in an administrative role, she received no formal training when promoted to leadership several years ago. She says her coach, Elisa Maragato, principal of New Jersey Conference’s Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) in Piscataway, has “been there, done that,” having been a principal at a small school prior to LNAA.
We Love Our Principal! Parents, students and conference staff weigh in on what makes their local leaders special.
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We love and appreciate our principal because of her big heart and nurturing spirit,” say Brian and Corrine Sirls, parents of seventh- and fifth-grade students at Chesapeake Conference’s Atholton Adventist Academy in Columbia, Md. “The school and our family have benefited tremendously from collaborative and Christcentered leadership. Deborah Curbelo has been a blessing to both Atholton and the entire community ever since she arrived. Deborah is truly an answer to our prayers.”
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She’s nice,” said Calvin DeClerk, 7, a secondgrader, about Carla Thrower, principal of Potomac Conference’s Takoma Academy Preparatory School in Takoma Park, Md. When asked what was nice about her, he mentioned a time when Thrower went out of her way to help him one morning. His sister, Josie, 10, a fifth-grader, added, “She plans fun activities for the kids,” throughout the school year.
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Donna Nicholas, the principal at Mountain View Conference’s Summersville Adventist School in West Virginia, is a special kind of leader, says Cheryl Jacko, superintendent. “She has the biggest heart! She sees the possibilities for good in each of her students, even if their halo is somewhat tarnished at that moment. She doesn’t give up on students, and her kids know that. They love ‘Ms. Donna,’ and so do we.”
columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 9
Coachees work in different conferences than their coaches. This allows them to have a deeper, trustworthy relationship than if they reported to the same hierarchy. “I call her a couple times a month or whenever there’s something I don’t know how to handle,” Hackley says of Maragato. “I can be more open with her because she’s not my boss and gives me objective guidance,” she adds. Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, vice principal at Potomac Conference’s kindergarten-through eighth grade Beltsville Adventist School (Md.), is a coach with valuable mentoring experience. She started her administrative career 13 years ago in the New York City Department of Education, where “being a principal became less stressful” after being assigned a NYC Leadership Academy coach. “To just have a person in your court that listens to you and has the experience to guide you and really empowers you to make decisions is so valuable,” Fraino-Garcia says. Today she gladly shares her wealth of career experience. A life-long Adventist, Fraino-Garcia also provides tips to her coachee, Valerie Green, principal of Ohio Conference’s Worthington Adventist Academy, on managing what can be an awkward dynamic of navigating through a close-knit, church-school community. It’s entirely possible that a principal may have a difficult conversation with a teacher, parent or student on a Friday, only to worship in the same pew with them on Sabbath, say several teachers. “To have your confidential coach that you can call really makes a big difference,” Fraino-Garcia adds. Alison Jobson also appreciates the mentoring. Jobson participated in the ACE program last year while serving as elementary vice principal at Ohio
10 | VISITOR September 2019
Conference’s Spring Valley Academy in Centerville. “Our system has needed something like this. It has given me perspective, someone’s experience [who is] ready and willing to share,” she says. Jobson now serves in the union’s Office of Education as associate director for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Pre-K, and will be able to continue mentoring teachers around the union. “I think it is the way toward sustainability in our system. If we benefit, it will benefit so many people,” she adds. Coach H. Clifford Reynolds, III, who also changed positions recently, is now the headmaster at Allegheny East Conference’s Pine Forge Academy (Pa.), this year and appreciates the initiative because developing more educators into leaders is sorely needed in the Adventist education system, he says. “It’s an awesome program,” says Reynolds, who previously was a teacher-principal at Ohio Conference’s Mayfair Christian School in Uniontown. “Once we begin to push our teachers to become teacher-leaders, then I think we will begin to see a rise in leadership.”
Examining Implicit Bias
Ruth Nino, principal of New Jersey Conference’s Waldwick Seventh-day Adventist School, where she attended as a child, wishes the coaching initiative had been around when she first became a teaching principal. She would have loved to reach out and call someone for help when dealing with so many competing interests. “You want to be effective in your role, but at the same time, you also have to be willing to balance and intermix, so it’s challenging because you always want to strive to be at peace with all your stakeholders,” Nino says. Now she’s in the best of both worlds: She’s a coach, so she can impart her knowledge to someone with less experience, and like the other nine coaches, she’s also a coachee who is linked to an expert at NYC Leadership Academy. “I’m given tools, I’m given advice, I’m given guidance,” she says, adding that she passes the knowledge she learns to her own coachee, Miya Kim, vice principal at Chesapeake’s Atholton Adventist Academy in Columbia, Md. “Essentially, what you’re trying to do is give the leader an opportunity to take a step back and think through a situation, analyze it, reflect on it and grow,” says Nino. She’s thrilled to be part of the initiative. “I think the Columbia Union’s efforts to take on this approach is excellent because they are being intentional to serve our leaders so they can be more effective and grounded in current strategies.” For Jaymie Pottinger, a coachee who spent a year in the program, being effective means receiving training to focus on equity in education, the notion that every student can have an equal chance at success if they’re given the right support. As part of the initiative’s equity training, Pottinger,
who last year served as vice principal at Pine Forge Academy and is now the vice principal at Forest Lake Academy (Fla.), learned how to identify his unconscious bias. Also known as “implicit” bias, they are the deeply ingrained stereotypes or attitudes held about certain groups of people. For example, although Pine Forge is a historically African-American high school, educators shouldn’t assume that every student comes from the same cultural background or experience, says Pottinger, a native of Jamaica. When teachers and principals identify their unconscious biases, they can learn to modify their expectations and adjust their leadership style to better meet the needs of their students. The anti-bias training also helps leaders relate to the growing population of immigrants and non-white students in Adventist schools. “It’s really been eye-opening to me to recognize that, as individuals, we have biases. ... And recognize how [they affect] my relationships with other people,” says Hackley, who describes herself as a “white, middle-class woman” working in a school with a sizeable population of Hispanic students. “The bias training has increased the empathy that I have for our students and families,” Hackley says. “By pausing and trying to see things from the perspective of a parent or a student, I am better able to navigate difficult situations.” The training has also helped her create a classroom environment “where students feel heard and are willing to take risks,” she adds.
photos by eli turner
Strong Leaders Make Strong Schools
The coaching initiative’s achievement is due in large part to the generous support of the Bainum Family Foundation, which works with partners across the U.S. to strengthen learning and educational leadership. “Success for any organization boils down to effective leadership and staff, and the same sentiment rings true in education,” says Amy Soper, who oversees the foundation’s Adventist initiative. She is eager for church schools to develop a strong leadership pipeline and improve their record of retaining principals. “Strong leaders make strong schools, and research continually identifies principals and teachers as the most significant school factors influencing student achievement,” Soper says. “We selected this approach for its promising sustainability.” Bainum and the Columbia Union’s Office of Education are collaborating to further develop the leadershipcoaching model so it can eventually be sustained without the foundation’s support. Two current participants and Messenger, referred to as “faculty members,” will train future participants in the program, which Messenger hopes to provide for every principal over time. In addition, Soper says that, as of late, there has been talk of introducing the initiative to other unions in an effort to improve education across the North American Division.
Paired for Success The following leaders from Columbia Union Conference schools are part of the inaugural cohort for the Advancement of Christian Education Academy Leadership Coaching initiative. *Keith Hallam, associate director of Education, Southern Union Conference, and Jerson Malaguit, Beltsville Adventist School Wendy Pega, retired educator, and Beckie Carbaugh, Frederick Adventist Academy, and Ellenor Paul O’Neil, Spencerville Adventist Academy *Ruth Nino, Waldwick Seventh-day Adventist School, and Miya Kim, Atholton Adventist Academy Darren Wilkins, Spring Valley Academy, and Chris Simmons, Olney Adventist Preparatory School Elisa Maragoto, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, and Jennifer Hackley, C. F. Richards Christian School Judie Rosa, Spencerville Adventist Academy, and Elyna Barnhill Howard, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy Jeanne Marie Fraino-Garcia, Beltsville Adventist Academy, and Valerie Green, Worthington Adventist Academy H. Clifford Reynolds, III, Pine Forge Academy, and Celeste Giles, Ramah Junior Academy *ACE faculty. Jacqueline Messenger, who oversees the program, is also a faculty member. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 11
K L E Y TON FEI TOSA :
What Cancer Brought to My Life By Liz Anderson
K
Pastor grapples with detours along life’s journey
leyton Feitosa had always been a planner. When considering decisions for himself and his family, he would envision life seven to 10 years in advance. But for Feitosa, who pastors Chesapeake Conference’s Living Word church in Glen Burnie, Md., his years-long journey with cancer seismically shifted that perspective. The Brazilian native’s desire for mission service was sparked in high school after reading a book about a missionary who served in Papua New Guinea. Feitosa married Delma, his high school sweetheart, and continued making plans for a career in cross-cultural ministry. They moved to the U.S. in 2001, where he earned a master’s degree in religion with an emphasis in mission and ministry studies at Andrews University (Mich.). From 2005–2009, he pastored Chesapeake Conference’s Waldorf (Md.) church, and in 2009 became the Ministries and Evangelism coordinator for the Chesapeake Conference. But things went awry in 2011, when Kleyton and Delma noticed a lump in his left leg. A couple of months later, Delma noticed the lump had grown.
Kleyton was eventually diagnosed with myxoid liposarcoma, which was not part of his future plans. The Chesapeake Conference had just elected him executive secretary, and he was deep into planning a constituency meeting.
A Different Journey
He had questions. “I think it’s OK to ask, ‘Why me?’ … [but] the challenge is, for how long are you going to be asking that question,” he says, before coming to terms with the spiritual lessons that can be part of such a difficult process. “At that point, a different journey with God started [in my life].” Kleyton was 36 with two young children, and his wife a full-time mom who homeschooled the kids. “I didn’t like the unknown. I like to plan. I like to strategize, and now it’s like—oops!—what’s next? There’s no plan now. The plan is to be alive tomorrow. And so dealing with that was very hard,” he says. After their initial shock, the couple was optimistic about the outcome. “The prognosis was on my side at the time,” Kleyton says. “We [will] treat that, and it’ll be over,” Delma thought at the time. Kleyton had surgery to remove the tumor and returned to work as soon as possible. He performed his duties willingly, while dealing with side effects from more than 30 sessions of radiation therapy for his leg. In 2013 an opportunity arose to work as president in the Egypt-Sudan Field of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission. Kleyton saw this as the realization of his God-given dream to minister overseas. The family moved to Cairo in March 2014. “I thought I was healthy enough to do it,” he says. The move began an exciting chapter in his life, however, devastation lurked around the corner. An MRI in October 2015 showed the cancer had returned at the same site as before.
Malton, Delma, Kleyton and Derek believe that, even after numerous surgeries, God is still in control. 12 | VISITOR September 2019
“That turned my world upside down. … I thought I had beaten this cancer for good,” Kleyton says. He flew back to the U.S. for consultations and exams. His family later flew in for the surgery.
Again
After their return to Cairo, Kleyton continued his periodic leg scans. He was fine for another year-and-a-half, until a scan in spring of 2017 showed the cancer had returned yet again. But things were different. “For the first time in the process, the scans revealed more than one tumor,” and the growths were ”intertwined with the vascular bundle in my leg,” says Kleyton. He flew back to Maryland for another surgery, and after the procedure in June 2017, he received yet another blow: The lead surgeon informed them she removed all the visible cancer, but saw more than the scans had captured two months prior. If the next follow-up scan revealed more cancer, she said amputation would be necessary. At this point, Kleyton and Delma started to wonder whether he would live or die. “My whole optimism started to break,” Delma says. “I couldn’t believe it, how fast the tumors came back.” Kleyton and Delma made the tough decision to return to the U.S. permanently. As the doctor forewarned, a scan in January 2018 showed the cancer had returned once more. Kleyton decided to amputate his leg to ensure the malignancy wouldn’t spread and extinguish all hopes of osseointegration, an implant procedure to attach a metal rod to his bone. This would allow Kleyton to wear a more naturally-moving prosthetic leg without a socket. Even on this uncertain and difficult road, the Feitosas remained steadfast in their belief that God was in control. Kleyton says that one of the positives through this journey was, “I never had symptoms. And up to now, never felt sick because of the cancer, which is amazing.”
From time to time, Kleyton has shared in his “My Journey’s Detour” blog, “It is when you share your difficult moments and how the Lord has sustained you that you realize how much pain and discouragement challenge people’s lives. I never thought my cancer journey would be one of my main platforms of influence.” That influence has been felt in his local church too. “Sometimes it’s more difficult to watch someone else go through … medical issues,” says Joan Franklin, a member of the Living Word church. “But Pastor Kleyton is such a positive person that it hasn’t affected his ministry at all. … His faith is amazing. He keeps us buoyed up too.” But the journey has indeed changed him and his ministry, he says. Kleyton no longer projects so many years into the future, and Delma now lives life in three-month increments, marked by quarterly scans that return cancer-free. “So that visionary guy who’s always thinking about the future and planning ... is [now] a “today guy.” It’s now. I have now,” he says. “I’m a different pastor, I’m a different person, I’m a different husband, I’m a different father. I wasn’t neglecting any care before, but [cancer] changes you. It brings perspective to everything you do,” he says. “Our eyes should be on Jesus and on the promise of eternal life. And that has changed my life. … Cancer brought me that.”
I think it’s OK to ask, “Why me?” … [but] the challenge is, for how long are you going to be asking that question before coming to terms with the spiritual lessons that can be part of such a difficult process.
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COLUMBIA UNION COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Conference Hosts Mental Health First Aid Training
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or the first time, the Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Relationship Ministries Department hosted an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid training at this year’s camp meeting. Attendees learned initial skills to provide support to individuals with developing mental health or substance use problems and how to connect them to appropriate care. “We provided this training because mental health concerns in our church often go unaddressed,” explains David Defoe, AEC’s Relationship Ministries director, who taught the class. “We wanted to create an environment where our members feel equipped to recognize mental illness and be in a position to offer help.” The training addressed the church’s tendency to “overspiritualize” mental health issues. “We don’t talk about mental illness or emotional health in church the same way we talk about physical health,” says Defoe. Programs such as this are believed to help destigmatize mental illness, raise awareness and empower people in sacred spaces to be on the front lines of meeting mental health needs.
AEC hosted its first two-day Mental Health First Aid training, where 18 participants earned certificates for completing the eight-hour training session.
Each of the attendees left the training with a certificate, signifying their new skills in assessing for risk of suicide or harm, listening non-judgmentally, giving reassurance and information, and encouraging appropriate professional help, self-help and other support strategies.
100-Plus Attend Church Ministries Fair
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he AEC Church Ministries team launched its first fair at camp meeting this year. All of the departmental ministries were represented, including Adventist Community Services, Communication, Health, Education, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, Stewardship, Women’s Ministries and Youth
More than 100 attendees receive helpful resources and giveaways at AEC’s first Church Ministries Fair.
and Children’s Ministries. The Prayer Ministries team greeted the 100-plus attendees. “Our team was excited about the fair because it gave us a chance to interact with our constituents face-to-face and share tools they could use in their local churches to be more effective in ministry,” says LaTasha Hewitt, Church Ministries coordinator. As attendees entered the fair, they received a yellow bag that included a passport for them to get stamped as they explored each station. They then received a giveaway, which ranged from stress balls and keychain lighters to mirrors and cell phone stands. Attendees wrote their names on boarding passes that were entered into a raffle to win prizes, including one free week at Camp Danny Davis (Pa.), a free subscription to the Message magazine, a prepaid registration fee to the Conscience and Justice Convention or a free ticket to the conference’s upcoming marriage retreat. Church Ministries, themed “ENHANCE. EQUIP. ENERGIZE,” exists to provide resources that will enhance the ministries within local churches, working in collaboration with local leadership.
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Conference Welcomes New HR Director
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EC welcomes Teresa Best as its new Human Resources (HR) director. Best, a native of Southeastern Virginia, has 20 years of senior level HR experience. “I am excited that the Lord has paved the way for this next step in my professional and spiritual journey. I count it a privilege and look forward to applying the biblical foundation and principles of human resource management in my role as HR director with the AEC,” says Best. Best is married to Robert, also a new employee of the conference, who pastors the New Life church in Philadelphia. Their family includes three adult children and seven grandchildren. As AEC welcomes a new HR director, they bid farewell to Kollette Bryant, who retired after 13 years of employment. Bryant was instrumental in the establishment of the HR Department for the conference. “The ride with all of the people I have met and love is priceless. All I can say is thank you for accepting me and allowing me to learn, grow and be a part of it,” says Bryant.
She and her husband, Edward, will be relocating to Scottsboro, Ala.
Kollette Bryant (seated), who retired from AEC after 13 years, trains Teresa Best, the new Human Resources director.
Drum Corps Marches in Local Parade
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his summer AEC’s Drum Corps (AECDC) participated in the Pottstown, Pa., July 4th parade for the third time. They are the first Seventh-day Adventist group to ever march in the Pottstown parade, a
AEC’s Drum Corps participates in the Pottstown, Pa., annual parade for the third time, the first Seventh-day Adventist group to do so.
tradition they hope to keep. “This parade is special to us because the community is so kind to us and they embrace us with open arms. We take pride in participating alongside organizations such as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. They look for us each year, and we look forward to participating,” says Andrea Elliott, AEC Drum Corps coordinator. The AECDC has also participated in several other events within the AEC territory: the East Orange Memorial Day parade in N.J.; the citywide street festival, sponsored by the Church of the Oranges (N.J.); and the Puerto Rican Parade in Camden, N.J. These drum corps activities served as precursors to the International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wis. The goal of AECDC is to spread God’s Word by way of “percussion sound.” They aspire to instill confidence in young people, bringing together youth from several churches, cities and states. “We love what we do, especially witnessing in the community. If we can touch one soul, we have accomplished much,” says Elliott.
Allegheny East Exposé is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny East Conference n P. O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com n President, Henry J. Fordham III n Communication Director, LaTasha Hewitt
16 | VISITOR September 2019
Columbus All Nations Celebrates 10 Years
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rom its humble beginnings leasing a small space to a church boasting members representing all regions of the African continent, the Columbus All Nations church (CANSDA) stands as a testament to God’s ability to multiply their efforts. Dedicated on September 19, 2009, CANSDA will host a monthlong thanksgiving celebration this year to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the church. Allegheny West Conference staff recently sat down with Kwesi Gyimah (pictured), the church’s senior pastor, to learn more about the challenges of leading a church with such diverse cultures, the church’s community presence and their future plans.
What is the mission of CANSDA? The church started out as a way to get members to become more active. There were lots of Adventist members from different African countries living here in Columbus who had been very active back home in their churches. After relocating to America, they became “benchwarmers,” more or less. Each person has something to give to the church. Our goal was to create that atmosphere where people would feel comfortable serving in any capacity and not worry about being ridiculed or looked down upon. Many of these people had “walked off” the faith. The church became the place for them to regrow and get reconnected to Christ and their faith among people who would support them. What are some of the challenges that the church has faced these past 10 years? The biggest challenge originally was that the church was a recipe for disaster. There were so many different nationalities, and, within those, you also had different tribes with their own way of doing things. One of the biggest challenges I faced was in the preparation of my sermons. I would use illustrations familiar to me. I’m a Ghanaian, raised in Nigeria, so I would use illustrations that the West Africans were familiar with. They would get it, while the South and East Africans would just look at me. So it took me awhile as a pastor. I began to spend time on social media to see how they reported their news. I listened
Columbus All Nations church member Irene Nyaachi participates in a sack race with two community members at a church-sponsored community health event, as fellow member Frank Hale III referees.
to some of their comedians because comedians bring out and make fun of culture. I would listen to East and South African and radio talk shows just to get a sense of how they live, and I would incorporate that into my sermons and my interactions with the members. I also had to be mindful of nonverbal communication. As a Ghanaian there are certain gestures that others found offensive. Talking to an elder or person of authority with arms folded in front is seen as disrespectful and arrogant, while placing your hands behind you is respectful. I found out that in other African countries, such as Togo, those gestures have an opposite meaning. I had to begin to look at everyone through the lens of their own culture. Was your research about being a more effective pastor, or were you able to educate your members as well? The great thing about it is that as I learned the members were also learning about each other. Another way we got to know each other’s cultures was through our weekly potlucks. We’ve had potlucks since day one. Members would bring food from their home countries, and I believe one of the best places to get to know somebody is around the table. (continued) columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 17
(continued from page 17) What are the future goals for CANSDA? There is a large population of Rwandese Adventists here in Columbus. We would like to plant a Rwandan church. We’ve already rented a two-bedroom apartment in one of the apartment complexes where many of them live where we have Friday night Bible study for the young people, as well as Saturday afternoon studies. We’ve also partnered with two Baptist churches for after-school programs on Mondays and Thursdays. It’s
not just our members attending; we also have Muslims and Hindus coming to these programs. We’re hoping to grow leaders out of the Rwandese community and then plant a church. God has been good to CANSDA. It has been a humbling experience, but we have been blessed with so much by the grace of God. That’s what we want to celebrate during this anniversary, thanking God for all that he has done.
Conference Embraces New Staff Members
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llegheny West Conference (AWC) family have quickly embraced Kyle John-Baptiste and Max Gomez, both recent Class of 2019 graduates from Oakwood University (Ala.) and the newest AWC staff members. A native of the U.S. Virgin Islands, John-Baptiste says he is looking forward to his time in Columbus. He comes onboard as an auditor within the Treasury Department and an information technician for the conference office. “My first month has been pretty amazing,” comments John-Baptiste. “I’ve met so many great people and have been able to accomplish a lot in a short time. I’m grateful to my colleagues for making me feel so at home. I think it’s great that the conference is welcoming to recent graduates and willing to
Kyle John-Baptiste is the new auditor and IT staff member at the conference office.
The conference welcomes Youth Pastor Max Gomez, who joins the Ministerial Department team.
allow us to use our talents in ministry.” Gomez joins the conference to directly work with youth evangelism and church planting. With a passion for young people, Gomez believes firmly in meeting people where they are, and that God is no respecter of persons. He has served in numerous Young Adult ministry leadership roles while at Oakwood and is known for his creative and innovative approach to sharing the gospel message. “God is crazy about all of us,” says Gomez, “and the best thing that we can offer folks is Jesus; He really is the answer. With a health reform message, along with Adventist education, we really do have an important message to share with the world.”
Spirit is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference n 1080 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org n President, William T. Cox Sr. n Communication Director, Benia Jennings
18 | VISITOR September 2019
Remembering Miracles
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ave you ever seen a miracle?” When asked, we often stand with a blank look on our faces as we rummage in our memories to find one. God admonished the children of Israel, “Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them” (Deut. 4:9, NIV). We have seen a number of miracles at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center (MARC). During worship one morning, a group called to cancel their 40-person event for the coming weekend. They had a really good reason and wondered if they could get their non-refundable deposit back. While we prayed about it, the phone rang again. It was another weekend group asking to increase their attendance by 40. We refunded the first group. During a storm, a large tree fell that seemed to defy the laws of physics and missed the building it was leaning over. God is good, and we need to remember the specifics so we can be His witnesses. In Isaiah, God declares, “You are my witnesses!” It’s difficult to witness His goodness if we cannot recall it. Joel Springer, our Outdoor School coordinator at MARC, told me some years ago that it is hard to remember something if we don’t “member” it first. While this may not be proper English, it illustrates the problem well. We should make a point of “membering” Glen Milam what God has done for us by writing it down, sharing it on social media and telling the Director, Mt. Aetna stories often so we don’t forget what He has done for us. Retreat Center
Hispanic Camp Meeting Leads to Spiritual Renewal
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embers from 26 Chesapeake Spanish-speaking churches joined with others from around the region this summer at Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., for a full weekend of inspiration. With more than 1,100 people in attendance, the theme “Levántate y Resplandece” (Rise and Shine), based on Isaiah 60:1, served as a call to spiritual renewal and to share hope with the world. Rubén Ramos, Multilingual Ministries vice president for the Columbia Union Conference, presented on church planting, preparing children for eternity and the importance of small groups. Last spring during the specific Vida GPS campaign held across the North American Division (NAD), Hispanic Chesapeake churches held 150 evangelistic small groups to reach their communities. Representatives from these small groups participated in a presentation during camp meeting that showed the positive impact of these groups. José Rojas (pictured), the main speaker for the weekend and president of MOVEmentum,
challenged his listeners to fulfill the Great Commission with God’s help. Abner De Los Santos, general vice president of the General Conference, also shared on the identity and mission of the church. Nereida Rodriguez, a member of the Una Esperanza church in Wilmington, Del., attended camp meeting for the first time this year and was baptized during the Sabbath worship service. Reflecting on her baptism, Rodriguez says, “I left renewed, with a new perspective. And to know God forgives you was very emotional.” Next year’s speaker will be Pastor Hermes Tavera Bueno of the Greater New York Conference.
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Camp Meeting Members to Stay Connected to Jesus
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n at-capacity crowd of more than 1,200 attendees assembled from all regions of the Chesapeake Conference at Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., earlier this year to experience The Gathering 2019 Camp Meeting, themed “Connected to Jesus.” The week kicked off with Pavel Goia (pictured right, on left), editor of Ministry magazine, sharing miraculous life stories and a reminder that prayer brings us closer to God. “The more you seek Him, the closer He gets,” says Goia. Throughout the course of the week, adults engaged in a diversity of seminar topics discussing family, witnessing, the Bible and health. In addition to Bible lessons, children and youth enjoyed outdoor games (pictured), ziplining, horseback riding, bowling and other activities. The Women’s Supper and other events also provided an opportunity for fellowship and the building up of faith. Each morning Shawn Paris, pastor of the Willow Brook church in Boonsboro, Md., and John Rengifo, associate pastor of the Atholton church in Columbia, Md., led in family worship. Through group activities and Bible lessons, they illustrated how Jesus lovingly treated the people He served on earth and encouraged the audience to follow His example. Paris shared, “The only way we can actually have power with our enemies is if we have been with Jesus.” At the conclusion of each gathering, attendees gathered into small groups to pray for each other.
During the Faith Alive Sabbath School program, pastors and conference members shared testimonies about their churches reaching new people for Christ. Recently baptized members Donna and Sean Woodhead of the Sussex Central church in Georgetown, Del., felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to visit a Seventh-day Adventist church for the first time after watching 3ABN for a few months and being exposed to Adventist doctrines. Donna shared, “We needed to undo or unlearn a lot of the things that we had learned before, and pastor Jim Zeismer and his wife, Sharon, shared their guidance, love and patience with us. And when we were ready, the Lord led us to be baptized.” Christina Lane, a member of Atholton, was baptized on Sabbath morning during camp meeting and shared her journey. “I was having problems with going to church on Sunday because I always ended up having to go to work. So I thought maybe I should go on Saturday. But then the day I decided to go on Saturday is when I decided to go to the Revelation seminar and found out I should be going to church on Saturday anyhow,” says Lane. The Music and Mission program featured mission highlights from recent Chesapeake trips to Peru, India, Philadelphia, the Philippines, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Honduras. Several choirs from around the conference also blessed listeners with song and inspiration. To close out the week, featured speaker Dwight Nelson, pastor of the Pioneer Memorial church in Berrien Springs, Mich., presented a series of messages on how to be baptized daily by the Holy Spirit. Nelson shared that when facing hard times, “the God of the universe has calibrated what has come to you and has determined that His grace is sufficient for you. And out of your weakness, His power will be glorified.”
The Challenge is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference n 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org n President, Rick Remmers n Communication Director, Andre Hastick
20 | VISITOR September 2019
Members Witness Holy Spirit at Camp Meeting
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eld at the Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va., attendees gathered for eight days at Mountain View Conference’s 2019 Camp Meeting, themed “Mission Focused Till Jesus Comes.” From the opening weekend with international speaker Jim Ayer to the closing weekend with the director of the Jesus101 Biblical Institute Elizabeth Talbot, the week days were sprinkled with presentations such as mission stories from Adventist World Radio (AWR), living a life of purity, healthy cooking classes and more. “From the Minikus’ music and the AWR meetings to being blessed by the baptisms on Sabbath afternoon, there was a thread that ran through it all. God is moving. He is working. He wins. He wants to do for me what I can’t do for myself,” shares Kristen Hoover, who attends the Parkersburg church. “Hallelujah, because my brokenness abounds, but grace abounds much more! He is still using broken, fallible mankind to do what angels could do better ... because we need to share.” During the final weekend, campers witnessed the power of the Holy Spirit as 10 attendees made a decision for Jesus and got baptized in the camp’s swimming pool. “To me, camp meeting is like a wonderful family reunion. I love it,” says Randy Murphy, retired
conference president. “I don’t think I’ve missed one since I was baptized in 1958. Not every feature suits my fancy, but many different people come, and it’s their camp meeting too. The beautiful setting at Valley Vista also makes camp meeting very inspiring.”
Touring singer-songwriters Josie and Matt Minikus bless their listeners with song and testimonies.
Grafton church member Randy Murphy baptizes his friend Justin Nelson.
Chef Mark Anthony delights his audience with recipes and practical solutions to various health issues using wit, humor and personal applications.
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Educators Share on Teachers Who Touched Their Lives I had so many great teachers as a student in Adventist schools that it’s hard to pick just one favorite: from my father, a greatly loved college professor and major influence in my life, to a host of other godly, caring teachers through the years. One teacher I loved at the Ella E. Hughes Elementary School (now Keene Adventist Elementary School in Texas) was Mr. John Hiser. I remember learning a lot and laughing a lot. He got his classroom management requirements across with kindness and good humor. Mr. Hiser cared for us outside of school too. His second job was working the counter at a little store nearby. He would dip me a gigantic 25 cent-sized cone for five cents. That kindness, more than any other, sticks in my memory about Mr. Hiser. He made me feel special in a way that gave me a sense of belonging and importance. I just hope I can do the same for the students who come to my classroom looking for acceptance and belonging.—Cheryl Jacko, principal at Highland Adventist School in Elkins, W.Va., and MVC’s Education director Elementary and middle school years can be rough for kids. But when you have a great teacher who genuinely cares for you, and also provides a lot of fun in the classroom, it changes your life. From endless papers all over her desk and science equipment all over the room to tripping over that one open desk drawer in class to get to a student in need, Cheryl Jacko knew how to make even the most seemingly boring classes come to life. It might be her, as well as my mother who also taught some of my elementary years, who inspired me to pursue a teaching career. And today I’m blessed to work alongside both of these hard-working, hilarious and amazing women, teaching kids!—Stacy Blanzy, grades 5–8 and high school history teacher at Highland Adventist School When teaching, I think about past teachers, what they did, the learning adventures I had, and I want to duplicate it for my students. The most influential teacher of my life, and my current favorite, didn’t come around until I was attending Adventist University
of Health Sciences (Fla.) a few years ago. Dr. Jason Hines was my Human Anatomy and Physiology lab professor and began each lab session with 15 to 30 minutes of unrushed worship time. Some grumbled, but for me it made all the difference. He showed us in Scripture, in science and in mathematics that God is an orderly Designer. In the lab, he told us how the human body has a fine-tuned balance that was designed with such purpose and intrigue that we can never fully comprehend. That semester became one of exploration. It was a privilege to see how awesome and wonderful our Loving Creator is. I gained a new perspective on how to learn and experience life. More than just experiences or adventures, it has been my goal to help students find this perspective and use it in their lives.—Ashley Briggman, former teacher at Boulevard Adventist Academy in Charleston, W.Va.; currently homeschooling her two sons The teacher I admired the most was my academy English teacher, Brent Yingling. He also taught French. In fact, I took it for two years just to be in his class. This man was not only a compassionate and inspiring teacher; he was thoroughly dedicated to his profession in or out of the classroom. You knew he cared by the way he took personal time and energy to develop a relationship with his students. We spent much time working on our school’s first newspaper. I was the editor; he was the sponsor. He always encouraged me to keep writing. He often told me I should consider becoming a teacher. I would disagree with him. But years later, when the time came to enroll my son in my alma mater, it was he who answered the phone. I told him, “Guess what? I’m an English teacher. You weren’t wasting all your time, after all.” I could just feel his delight and pride after we exchanged the usual “who would have believed it” comments. But most of the pride was on my side because I knew if I ever wanted to emulate anyone, it was him. —Bobbi Blanzy, grades 1–4 and high school English teacher at Highland Adventist School
Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference n 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 Phone: (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org n President, Mike Hewitt n Communication Director, Valerie Morikone
22 | VISITOR September 2019
Thank you, Adventist Schools and Educators!
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t is always a privilege to attend the graduation exercises of all of our five schools in the New Jersey Conference. After a year filled with challenges and opportunities, I have the blessing of witnessing students, parents and educators share their positive experiences. It is both heartwarming and inspiring. I always look forward to listening to the commencement addresses. Jean-Michel Etienne, a pastor who voluntarily teaches Bible to ninth- and tenth-grade students at Meadow View Junior Academy in Chesterfield, shared his humble beginnings in the U.S. and how he later attained a doctorate degree. He comments, “You must keep on moving to achieve your final goal in life. ... Education is the only key to your success, especially as minorities in this country.” Similarly, Christian Moscoso, a millennial who has a master’s degree in business, urges the graduates at Waldwick Adventist School to “not to let obstacles stop them from going forward.” He continues, “Growing up I had to see a speech pathologist. I did not let my disability stop me from getting out of my comfort zone and allowing God to use me. God has our back. … Don’t lose hope, and don’t lose faith. Keep going because you have the almighty God on your side.” Additionally, Elisa Maragoto, principal of Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, was chosen by the graduating 12th grade class (pictured, below) to be the commencement speaker. In an inspiring address, she states, “The daily and continual dependence on the Source of Life is and Sadrail Saint-Ulysse will be the determining factor whether we live or merely exist.” Pastor and The New Jersey Conference congratulates the Class of 2019 and praises God for Superintendent of the commitment of Adventist educators and parents who co-labor with Him to prepare Schools students to share the hope of the soon return of Jesus.
Gracias!, Educadores y Escuelas Adventistas
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iempre es un privilegio asistir a los ejercicios de graduación de nuestras cinco escuelas en la Asociación de Nueva Jersey. Después de un año lleno de desafíos y oportunidades, tengo la bendición de presenciar a estudiantes, padres y educadores que comparten sus experiencias positivas. Es a la vez conmovedor e inspirador. Siempre espero escuchar el discurso de graduación. Jean-Michel Etienne, un pastor que voluntariamente enseña Biblia a estudiantes de noveno y décimo grado en Meadow View Junior Academy en Chesterfield, compartió su humilde comienzo en los Estados Unidos, y que ahora tiene un doctorado. Él comenta: “Debes seguir moviéndote para lograr tu objetivo final en la vida. … La educación es la única clave para tu éxito, especialmente como minorías en este país”. Del mismo modo, Christian Moscoso, un milenio que tiene una maestría en negocios, insta a los graduados de la Escuela Adventista de Waldwick a “no dejar que los obstáculos les impidan avanzar”. Continúa: “Al crecer tuve que ver a un patólogo del habla. No permití que mi discapacidad me impidiera salir de mi zona de confort y permitir que Dios me usara. Dios nos respalda. ... No pierdas la esperanza, y no pierdas la fe. Continúa porque tienes al Dios todopoderoso de tu lado”. Adicionalmente, Elisa Maragoto, directora de la Academia Adventista de Lake Nelson, fue elegida por la clase graduada de 12º grado (en la foto) para ser la oradora de graduación. En un discurso inspirador, afirma: “La dependencia diaria y continua de la Fuente de la vida es y será el factor determinante si vivimos o simplemente existimos”. La Asociación de Nueva Jersey felicita a la Clase de 2019 y alaba a Dios por el compromiso de los educadores adventistas y los padres que colaboran con Él para preparar a los estudiantes para compartir la esperanza del pronto regreso de Jesús.—Sadrail Saint-Ulysse
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Hundreds Attend Conference Pathfinder Fair
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he New Jersey Conference held a statewide Pathfinder Fair earlier this year at the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Tranquility. Pathfinders from various church clubs competed in challenging events that tested their mental, physical and spiritual developmental skills. After practicing and training for these events for many months, they were finally able to complete them in the competitions. The Pathfinder club “Messengers of Love” from the West New York (N.J.) Spanish church, won first place for the mental, physical and spiritual developmental skills events. The fair also offered archery (pictured) and other activities that many Pathfinders wouldn’t have had the opportunity to participate in if it weren’t for this event. Not only did the kids get to work with one another to complete the assignments, but this outing offered a great way to connect with other club members and socialize.
Pathfinder club members from various churches socialize through a game of volleyball.
At the New Jersey Conference Pathfinder Fair, the “Messengers of Love” Pathfinder club from the West New York (N.J.) Spanish church won first place for the mental, physical and spiritual developmental skills events.
“It was a great experience to be able to get together as conference Pathfinders to have a day to just ... have fun,” said one Pathfinder. After they had completed their events and honors, they enjoyed the afternoon by splashing around in the pool, riding inflatable slides or battling it out on the basketball court. As one Pathfinder put it, “It felt great to come to this event to connect with hundreds of other young people who share the same beliefs, away from the bustling cities and stressful environments to get close with nature, with friends, and, most importantly, with God. It was a great, safe and a welcoming environment.” It was indeed a day they will remember for the rest of their lives.—Carlos I. Torres, Piscataway Eagles Pathfinder
New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference n 2303 Brunswick Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org n President, Jorge Aguero n Communication Director, Mario Thorp
24 | VISITOR September 2019
400 Attend Hispanic Ministries Children’s Festival
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yramids on white sands, hieroglyphics, a mummy and drawings of Pharaoh on the walls transported our imaginations to Ancient Egypt,” shares Wanda Lugo, director of the second annual Hispanic Ministries Children’s Festival (Festival Infantil). As visitors looked up, they saw large red letters spelling LIBRES (freedom). Near the letters were kites. “After all, what can express the feeling of freedom better than happy kids flying kites?” says Lugo. The kites told the story of Israel’s freedom from slavery in Egypt to nearly 400 festival visitors, including 175 children, at the First Hispanic church of Columbus in Westerville. Children practiced for three months preparing for a variety of events. These included preaching about how Jesus makes us free, drawing the sanctuary, organizing books from the Old Testament, answering questions from the book of Exodus, learning memory verses and performing plays representing key events from Exodus. After a fellowship meal on the church lawn, “it was time to fly the beautiful kites, made by hand by the different families,” said Lugo. Flori Ramirez, director of the Findlay Hispanic Children’s Ministries program, says, “Thanks to programs like these, children are more motivated to participate at church.” Elba Mena, a member of the West Columbus Hispanic Mission church, was thankful for a program such as this that “unifies family and church.” Fanny Hernández, director of the Youngstown Spanish Children’s Ministries program and first-time festival attendee comments, “It was a pleasure to meet and share with the other churches.”
Children re-enact one of several events from the book of Exodus during the recent Hispanic Ministries Children’s Festival.
Joseph Devia from the West Columbus Hispanic Church preaches that “Jesus makes us free” to a packed audience.
Lugo, better known as “Tía Wanda” (Aunt Wanda), is also the host of La Hora de los Niños (Children’s Time) on Stereo Adventista, the online radio station developed and operated by the Ohio Conference Hispanic Ministries Department. She thanks all participating Hispanic Ministries pastors, Children’s Ministries directors, teachers and parents for their teamwork. Their contributions made for a successful program. One of the 175 children displays a handmade kite.
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Clifton Youth Grow, Connect, Serve
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hat is the best way for young people to kick off summer? Associate pastor of the Clifton church in Cincinnati, Kwadwo “Kojo” Twumasi, believes it’s with service. Inspired by the “Immersion” young adult retreat and Benjamin Lundquist’s “Growing Young Adventists” presentation in April, Clifton’s young members wasted no time implementing what they had learned. “This retreat served as the catalyst for organizing and empowering our young adults,” said Twumasi. According to Twumasi, “Lundquist challenged us to create vision statements, Bible study opportunities, fellowship events and service initiatives.” Immediately after the retreat, young adults had a vision party along with three other teams where they created a vision statement: GROW—to create Bible study opportunities; CONNECT—to create social opportunities; and SERVE—to create outreach opportunities. “By June these teams were fully organized with leaders, communication channels, goals and events,” shared Twumasi. The first initiative was a weekly Friday night Bible study called REFUGE, followed by a weekly young adult Sabbath School called SPARK, with an average attendance of 14 young adults.
Young people at the Clifton church kicked off their summer with service projects.
As part of their intergenerational framework, Clifton young adult members mentor youth in various areas of spiritual growth during social gatherings, such as this event at a local ice cream parlor.
Some of the Clifton young people approached Twumasi asking if they could have a Friday night youth vespers, a safe space where the youth could spend time together. A team of young adults worked tirelessly to plan, organize and execute this initiative. By July, the vespers service called “Tou Theou” (Greek for “Of God”) began. “Young people are saying that they want everything they are and do to be ‘Of God,’” explains Twumasi. Young people socialize, eat food and play games, then they have an inspiring worship service. Twenty attended the first vespers, along with two visitors. “This vespers is as much an outreach program as it is an in-reach service,” says Twumasi. Not wanting to be left out, over the summer an average of 15 youth gathered at the Clifton church daily for a week to volunteer for various projects. These ranged from church beautification projects such as painting stair rails and pulling weeds in the flower beds to organizing and cleaning rooms/areas in the church that had been cluttered for some time. On the final day, the young adults who faithfully participated during the mission service week enjoyed an outing at Kings Island, an amusement park.
Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference n 1251 E. Dorothy Lane, Dayton, OH 45419 Phone: (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org n President, Ron Halvorsen Jr. n Communication Director, Heidi Shoemaker
26 | VISITOR September 2019
When Done Correctly
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t is often said that the youth are the future of our church. I respectfully, yet passionately, disagree. I believe that the youth are the passion and energy of our church right now. A quick look at history will show us that God has always been passionate about youth. The clear majority of Jesus’ 12 disciples would have fallen into our youth or young adult categories. During the Dark Ages and the Reformation, youth and young adults did much to preserve the work. The founders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church were within today’s youth and young adult age range. This is why Seventh-day Adventist education is so important: When done correctly, no other ministry has such a positive, long-lasting, effective and powerful impact on our youth and young adults. When done correctly, no other ministry will train our young people to be global missionaries for God as efficiently as Seventh-day Adventist education. And, when done correctly, no other ministry can harness the raw energy and enthusiasm of young people and funnel it toward completing the mission of the Church. It is with an eye on this type of passionate ministry that I ask each of you to pray for our Jeremy Garlock education system. Let’s not just finish the work. Let’s empower our young people Education Superintendent to lead the way home to heaven and to Jesus.
School Prioritizes God, Four Pillars of Excellence
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his year Principal Burney Culpepper (pictured, on right) and Vice Principal of Finance Ruben Olm (left) are excited to provide students from Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) in Hamburg, Pa., the opportunity to form a personal relationship with Christ, to excel academically and to grow socially in a safe, fun and nurturing environment. Culpepper and his team are intentionally focusing on four ways through which students will be discipled and challenged this school year: Spiritually. Students will be challenged to cling to Jesus as their best Friend and the true Source of wisdom. They will be taught to become thinkers rather than mere reflectors of their peers and worldly influences. Several “power weekends” with inspiring speakers are planned throughout the year. Practically. A BMA education will guide young people to be self-motivated in time management and life skills in preparation for the future job market and interpersonal relationships—especially through their experience in the vocational education program. Academically. BMA provides a high-quality, diverse curriculum offering many alternatives to meet academic needs and intellectual curiosity, including advanced and dual-enrollment classes. Community Engagement. There are many opportunities to participate in volunteer services, literature
evangelism and outreach ministries while learning skills that will serve for a lifetime. “It is my desire that BMA be a distinctly Adventist center of spiritual, academic, physical and social strength,” shares Culpepper. “A place of discipleship, where students are not only being discipled, but are leading out in it. While our main reason for being here is to serve our students, it’s my goal to help them learn to focus on Christ and aspire to work for God in any capacity He provides for them.” Learn more at bma.us.
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Conference Honors, Bids Pastors Farewell
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he Pennsylvania Conference team recently said, “Goodbye” and honored pastors Lynn Gatz (pictured with his wife, Donna) and Glenn Sutton (pictured with his wife, Kathleen) during camp meeting, as both retired and now begin new adventures. Gatz has served in pastoral ministry for 50 years. Over the last 20 years, he pastored the Coudersport, Derrick City, Mount Jewett and Warren churches in Northern Pennsylvania. He and his wife are looking forward to time with family upon retirement—though he will continue to work as a chaplain in his community. “Lynn and Donna have both been a blessing to our Pennsylvania Conference team,” shares Gary Gibbs, president. “Not only has Lynn faithfully served his district, but Donna’s gift of music and teaching young people to sing and lead worship has added to the impact they have made in the lives of their members and community.” Sutton served in Blue Mountain Academy’s maintenance department for 20 years. He and his wife retired to Oregon and are excited about ministering and sharing the gospel in their new community.
“Glenn has been an incredible support to the work here at Blue Mountain Academy,” says Burney Culpepper, principal. “He knows ... what it takes to maintain, repair and ensure that everything continues working. We are grateful to his faithful commitment at all hours of the day and night. He and Kathleen will be missed.”
Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst
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6,000 Attend English and Spanish ‘Impact’ Events
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early 6,000 Potomac Conference members felt the “Impact” of two regionally planned “Camp Meeting Re-Imagined” events this summer. In Hampton, Va., Barry Black, U.S. Senate chaplain, and Hermes Tavera Bueno, an evangelist, spoke on the “Confidence in the Call.” This unique event provided venues in English and Spanish, and both congregations worshipped together in concert with special vocalist Daniel Ferras. At an event geared toward Hispanic and Spanishspeaking members, “Hispanic Impact,” held in Lanham, Md., drew more than 4,500 people. Speakers included Alejandro Bullón, international evangelist; Luis Goncalves from the South American Division; Tony Anobile, vice president of Multilingual Ministries for the North American Division; and Bill Miller, president of Potomac. Several attendees chose to be baptized, and many others made commitments for Christ. On May 1–2, 2020, a conferencewide event will be held in Lanham, Md. “We are looking forward to having the entire Potomac Conference family together next year for IMPACT 2020,” says Debra Anderson, assistant to the president for communication and coordinator of
the event. “We hope attendees will be inspired to reach out to those who are feeling lost and embrace those seeking to enrich their faith. This event will bring powerful preaching, inspirational music and a community outreach project. We hope to see you there!” More information will be made available at pcsda.org.
Therezinha Barbalho Ordained Into Gospel Ministry
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otomac Conference administration recently ordained Therezinha Barbalho, pastor of the Silver Spring (Md.) church, into the gospel ministry. “The call to ministry isn’t when someone says we couldn’t have done that without you,” said President Bill Miller (pictured right, presenting the certificate of ordination to Barbalho, alongside her husband, Zeli Leite). “It’s
not when committees recommended you for ordination, a degree, interviews or endorsements. The call to ministry is when we hear His voice and we walk with Him into the human mess. The call to ministry is learning our limits and learning to trust in the God who is there with us.” Barbalho says she felt called to pastoral ministry at the age of 18 and went on to graduate with a degree in theology in Brazil. She became a Bible worker in Belém, São Paulo, and later pursued a law degree. While practicing as a licensed lawyer for 13 years, she also served as a volunteer minister. After moving to the U.S., Barbalho served as an associate pastor in the New Jersey Conference. Later she pastored Potomac’s Richmond (Va.) Brazilian church—where she held her first baptismal ceremony—and the Silver Spring (Md.) church, where she works to date. “I receive this moment, so needed for 32 years, understanding that God is making me and promises to make me more and more dependent on Him,” Barbalho shared. “That is how I receive this blessing. I thank the [Seventh-day] Adventist Church for trusting that I can become fully dependent on Him.”
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SVAE Robotics Team Wins National Tournament
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even months of intense work and preparation culminated into 37-and-a-half minutes of careful execution, ultimately ending in victory. Students and faculty from the Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary (SVAE) school in New Market, Va., recently participated in their 12th annual Adventist Robotics League competition, this time bringing home the gold from the national competition held in Florida, along with the Astro Falcon team from the Linda Vista Adventist Elementary School (Calif.). The team—comprised of five eighth-graders—scored first in robot design and programming, core values/teamwork and for their project on space, the tournament’s theme. This competition requires teams to design, build, program and operate robots to compete in a headto-head challenge. “As coaches, we don’t do any of the programming or building,” explains Gordon Miller, SVAE’s teacher and robotics coach. “Our biggest role is to encourage students on the team, help them with goal sets and learn time management. While working together, students develop skills and practice engineering principles, while thinking innovatively and sharing ideas.” Miller says these critical skill sets help make a team work well collectively and accomplish what they set out to do. He also believes this is some of the best preparation for real life. “I have seen students really learn how to deal with conflict,” he adds. “These kids spend a lot of time together while working on something that can be extremely frustrating. I’ve watched teams figure
SVAE’s robotics team places first in three categories at the national robotics competition in Florida. (Left to right) Coach Bill Dodge, Emma Davis, Olivia Patrick, Coach Gordon Miller, Lora Moulder, Michael White, Coach Mike Moulder and Dakota Gullatte.
out how to navigate those tough points and come out more confident and stronger on the other side. It’s hard to learn those life skills in a classroom.” Each competition also includes a theme-based project. Teams hone their public speaking skills for a five-minute presentation. “The intimidation factor is real,” says Miller. “It’s real for the students in it, but it’s amazing to see their confidence grow, to hear them speak more clearly and taking on-the-spot questions without missing a beat.” Miller believes these clubs benefit students so much that he wishes robotics would be part of the curriculum in schools. “The most intimidating part about coaching a robotics team is simply taking the idea off the back burner and getting started,” he says. “It can seem really overwhelming at first, and it’s easy to talk yourself out of doing one, but you just have to dive in. There are so many benefits. I see real changes in my students. When we first started, we didn’t have a clue [about] how to begin or what to do—but we just got started. Today there’s so many resources online and teaching tools that anyone can learn. You can learn how to program, build a robot and download plans. This wasn’t available when we started over a decade ago. The time is now!”
Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference n 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org n President, Bill Miller n Communication Assistant, Tiffany Doss
30 | VISITOR September 2019
Students Go Full STEAM Ahead
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uilding machines while working with the concept of hydraulics. Exploding pipettes with dry ice. Making key chains using 3-D pens and observing the 3-D printers in action. Understanding how salt depresses the melting point of ice while creating an ice cream treat. Field trips to Washington, D.C., New York City and Hershey, Pa. Blue Mountain Academy’s (BMA) STEAM Summer Camp got kids exploring, discovering, examining and creating through science, technology, engineering, art and math. “What’s really exciting about STEAM Camp as an educator is watching campers become more confident with experimentation, manipulation and observation of scientific phenomena,” shares Rose Bechtel, science teacher at BMA. “It’s exhilarating to see the ‘light’ shine in their eyes when they grasp a concept or skill. It doesn’t matter what language you speak, because the ‘Eureka’ moment is expressed on each face similarly!” More than 100 students attended the two-week summer camp. Each day began with a character thought and ended with a campfire. In between, students learned critical thinking skills, created art, figured out clues in an escape room, had the opportunity to fly in one of BMA’s planes and explored area parks, a coal mine and other places. Science, technology, engineering and math are more than just part of a two-week summer program. They are an ongoing part of BMA’s award-winning STEM program. During this school year, STEM students will travel to Andrews University’s Science Fest in the fall and will
later participate in the Governor’s STEM challenge where BMA’s STEM team will invent a new product that will help the community solve a problem. This product will be presented at the Berks County Intermediate Unit in February 2020. Students will compete with other Berks County schools to continue prototyping the invention and win the chance of presenting at a statewide competition. They will also participate with the E-NABLE program that helps to create 3-D printed prosthetic hands. On campus, they will have a schoolwide competition to see who can build the best passive solar heat generator to help in BMA’s green houses. “STEM will be immersed in each science class as we build models, solve problems, invent new products and have fun prototyping solutions to problems,” Bechtel says. “One problem I’d like to solve on campus is to invent a product that will cut down on the amount of weeds that seem to invade our gardens on campus. I’d like to see our students create a product out of recycled organic material that will block the majority of nuisance plants and allow our decorative plants and vegetable/fruit plants to thrive.”—Tamyra Horst
Communiqué is published in the Visitor by the Blue Mountain Academy n 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 562-2291 n Fax: (610) 562-8050 n bma.us n Principal, Burney Culpepper
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New Faculty Members Join Academy
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his school year, Harry Janetzko became Highland View Academy’s (HVA) new principal. Janetzko grew up in North Central Ohio, where both he and his wife, Linda, graduated from Mt. Vernon Academy. They have three adult children. Janetzko has been in education for 41-plus years, teaching students from early elementary school through college. Most recently he served as the Bible teacher for grades 6–12 and vice principal at Tri-City Christian Academy in the Carolina Conference (N.C.). Janetzko’s goals for the new year include building on the school’s spiritual growth; providing a safe school environment for learning; supporting faculty and staff in encouraging high standards for their students; developing a culture of mission and service; and helping faculty and students understand their roles as Seventh-day Adventist Christians at this time in Earth’s history. His team-building approach will empower staff to be creative and innovative as they develop a quality school program that honors God. He enjoys watching young people understand their identity in Christ and press forward in making a difference in this world for the cause of Christ. Janetzko is passionate about quality Adventist education and believes HVA plays an important role as the boarding school in the Chesapeake Conference.
Harry Janetzko, an educator for 41 years, is the new Highland View Academy principal.
Alumnus Reed Kenji Nomura, alongside his wife, MacKenzi, serves as HVA’s new math teacher. He looks forward to meeting the students and their families, and is excited to see how God will bless as the school administration prays and seeks His guidance. Reed Kenji Nomura (with his wife, MacKenzi) serves as the new math teacher. He comes from the East Hamilton Middle High School (Tenn.) where he was the honors statistics and honors pre-calculus instructor and sponsor for the peer tutoring club. “I love the connection that I can make with the students,” says Nomura. “I had many fantastic teachers that inspired me, and I love having the opportunity to be that for someone else.” HVA alumnus Nomura (’10) grew up in the Hagerstown area with his brothers Marc (’01) and Alin (’03), while his dad, Randy, served as both faculty and principal at HVA. A graduate from Southern Adventist University (Tenn.) with a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, Kenji is looking forward to working with the students to achieve excellence in mathematics, computer science and robotics, and is welcomed as the newest teacher for HVA’s STEM certificate program. “My goal is to help lift up HVA and my students in any and all ways to which God calls me,” Nomura says. “Plus, I have a long history with the school and the area, and I am excited about being back to see how everything has changed and grown. I’m looking forward to coming back ‘home.’”—Andrew Lay
Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy n 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 n Fax: (301) 733-4770 n highlandviewacademy.com n Principal, Harry Janetzko
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Maranatha Renovates 270-Year-Old Academy Structure
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n your next tour of Pennsylvania, visit sites like Hopewell Furnace, the Daniel Boone Homestead and the Pine Forge Mansion & Industrial Site. And don’t forget to visit the historic renovated North Hall, now the Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Music Conservatory, coordinated by Maranatha Volunteers International this past summer. The National Pine Forge Academy Alumni Association sponsored the renovation of the building’s exterior and interior, contributing more than $54,000 toward the project. Skilled Maranatha volunteers, along with PFA alumni and community members, worked diligently to maintain the historical integrity of the structure. School board member Nicceta Davis (’72) expresses, “It was nice to get to work with individuals from different areas and backgrounds. Even though we didn’t know each other, we worked well together as a team, sharing a common goal. It reminded me that we can finish God’s work in these last days.” Many years ago, the building served as the girl’s dormitory and school cafeteria. But because of one alumnus’ vision and benevolent gift, it was graciously renovated in 1996 by the late Alphonso Mitchell (’58) and his wife, Phyllis.—Tracey Jackson Now, this edifice, that was constructed in 1750 and
is on the National Register of Historic Places in Berks County, Pennsylvania, is reportedly the oldest building Maranatha has helped renovate. Today it serves as the student’s music building, containing practice rooms for choral studies and private lessons in piano, voice and stringed and woodwind instruments.—Tracey Jackson
Pine Forge Academy’s Music Director Jarrett Roseborough and science instructor Kohren Joseph (’10) remodel and paint North Hall.
A worker helps renovate North Hall, now the Pine Forge Academy Music Conservatory.
The new Music Conservatory building has practice rooms for choral studies and private lessons in piano, voice and stringed and woodwind instruments.
Post is published in the Visitor by the Pine Forge Academy n P.O. Box 338, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-5800 n Fax: (610) 326-5152 n pineforgeacademy.org n Principal, H. Clifford Reynolds, III
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8 New Staff Members Join Academy
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pencerville Adventist Academy is excited to introduce new staff members (pictured in order mentioned). Tissiana Bowerman joins the administrative team as head principal. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Andrews University (Mich.), she earned a Master of Education, with an emphasis in Educational Administration and Supervision from Southern Adventist University (Tenn.). Having 20-plus years of experience, covering a broad spectrum of administration, she is uniquely qualified to lead SAA. “I look forward to what we will accomplish as God leads our school to grow and witness for Him,” she says. SAA is also happy to welcome Alexy Gatica as the new guidance counselor. Gatica graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychology from Southern Adventist University, and recently completed her Master of Arts in Youth and Young Adult Ministry from Andrews University. She will serve as the counselor for all grades, as well as provide college preparation guidance for high school students. SAA also welcomes Isaac Tyman as the new PE teacher. Tyman received his Bachelor of Arts in Physical Education/Health K–12 from Southern Adventist University and his Master of Science in Physical Education/Athletic Administration from Azusa Pacific University (Calif.). New to the elementary teaching staff this year is Joan Waite who will teach an additional fourth-grade class, due to an overwhelming number of interested fourth-grade students. She has a Bachelor of Science
in Elementary Education and a Master of Education in Administration and Supervision from Atlantic Union College (Mass.). Amanda May Walter is the new seventh-grade homeroom and middle school math teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Windsor (Ontario), as well as a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with German Emphasis from Southern Adventist University. She strives to help young students learn of the Master Teacher. We are happy to welcome Kimberly Terry as our IT/STEM facilitator. Terry has a Bachelor of Science in Elementary and Early Childhood Education from Columbia Union College (Md.), as well as a Master of Science in Technology for Educators from Johns Hopkins University (Md.). She looks forward to providing schoolwide support for technologies throughout the school. Terry will also coordinate the STEM activities in the elementary and middle school. Viara Levterova joins the staff as the high school Spanish teacher. With a Master of Arts in Spanish from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Arts in French from the University of North Texas, Levterova has a passion for teaching and using languages. Also new to the high school this year is math teacher Brody Wiedemann. He is a graduate of Southern Adventist University with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics Education. “I’m looking forward to sharing my passion for learning with my future students,” says Wiedemann.
Spotlight is published in the Visitor by Spencerville Adventist Academy n 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 Phone: (301) 421-9101 n spencervilleacademy.org n Principal, Tissiana Bowerman n Editor, Heidi Wetmore
34 | VISITOR September 2019
Come Unto Me
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ear number 50 is in the books, and Spring Valley Academy (SVA) is stepping forward into a new era. The Jubilee Year that just passed was one of celebration and reflection on the school’s inspiring story of providence and the commitment of the school’s founders and all those who have carried on the mission for more than a half century. It was a building year with the ribbon being cut on a beautiful new Worship and Performing Arts Center and christening of newly renovated science classroom/lab spaces. We know that every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father of lights from the Lord of love. All the glory goes to Him. Speaking of Jesus, SVA is excited to step into the future with a prominent, outdoor, visual reminder that we exist to bring kids to Jesus and introduce them to his “matchless charms.” Thanks to donations from several generous supporters, an outdoor cluster of bronze figures depicting children coming to Jesus now occupies the center focal point of the SVA campus. Sculpted by Victor Issa, this art piece serves as a daily reminder and witness of our mission. We stride into the next half century knowing that we are nothing without Him and everything with Him. Year 51 is a record breaker with anticipated enrollment reaching an all-time high of 450 students. Accordingly, our teaching and support staff are growing to meet the expanding needs. Fantastic new teachers are arriving from California (Aaron Knowlton), Georgia (Beth Jeffers), Louisiana (Joy Leffers), Pennsylvania (Karin Lebo), Tennessee (Cornelia Scribner), Texas (Dillon Zimmerman), Wisconsin (Althea Elliott) and SVA alumna (Emily Cowell). Plans are also underway for significant classroom expansion to accommodate expected continued enrollment growth. Darren Wilkins We are so blessed to have a quiver full of arrows. Principal
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” (Psalm 127:3–5, ESV).
Connections is published in the Visitor by Spring Valley Academy n 1461 Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458 Phone: (937) 433-0790 n springvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Darren Wilkins n Editor, Vicki Swetnam
columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 35
Thank you, Lord, for Students Who Love and Serve You
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ach registration day, Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) faculty and staff form a circle, join hands and pray for the students who will momentarily walk through the doors of Twomley Hall and become part of the SVA family. We pray for God’s blessings on the school year and recommit to serving students by educating them through “experiences that produce disciples of Jesus”—the mission of SVA. It’s exciting when the students walk through the doors and stories of God’s leading begin to emerge. It’s amazing to learn the circumstances that lead students to SVA, and to hear them talk about their personal commitment to Christian education. Stories of God’s leading are often about the greatest challenge— finances. Many factors bring students’ financial plans together to make attending SVA possible: parents pay tuition; students commit to work; local churches provide some financial help; and many alumni and friends of SVA give generously to help keep the important promise that “no qualified student will be turned away from Shenandoah because of finances.” Students below express what God has done and continues to do in their lives on the campus of SVA: ■■ SVA provides me with a quality education and a great spiritual environment, giving me the chance to be a leader and an example to others. It has molded me into a better person with a stronger relationship with the Lord. ■■ Adventist education means a lot to me because I feel the faculty and staff care so much about me.
■■ I work in the cafeteria, learning what it takes to feed 200 students, and I really love the hands-on work experience. ■■ The faculty at SVA are all great! The teachers take time to explain in ways that are fun and effective. They challenge me to think differently and encourage me to keep going each day. ■■ A Christian education is important to me because I can openly pray and have conversations about God. I can ask questions about the Bible. My spiritual life isn’t shut down. Instead, I’m encouraged to embrace being a Christian. ■■ It is important for me to be at SVA. It is an amazing experience to encounter God while receiving a great education. I have learned so much about leadership and have been able to grow my faith in the Lord. Thank you to the people who have given to help me continue attending SVA. ■■ SVA has really changed my point of view on God. I am excited to learn more about Him this year, and I hope to share God’s love with others. Thank you to each one who supports SVA Adventist boarding school education with prayers, encouragement and financial support for the next generation of Christ’s disciples here at Shenandoah Valley Academy. Thank you, Lord, for students who love you and want to serve you.
Donald Short Principal
Impact is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy n 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 n shenandoahvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Donald Short n Editor, Janel Haas Ware
36 | VISITOR September 2019
A Focus on Excellence, Commitment, Spiritual Growth
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akoma Academy (TA) excels in many areas such as fine arts and athletics, and the mission of leading young people to Jesus Christ, providing excellence in academics and a commitment to service is incorporated in everything the student body and faculty strive to do. Last school year, 42 graduating seniors received acceptance letters from 123 colleges and universities and more than $7 million in awarded scholarships. One graduating senior, Tylanni Barton, was accepted to 41 schools, including all of the Adventist colleges/ universities within the North American Division. Barton received approximately $2 million in scholarships. TA also established a partnership with A Wider Circle, an organization dedicated to ending poverty, not only through tangible programs and services, but also by developing long-term solutions to the problem. TA alumus Danny Garcia (’06) is the co-director of Neighbor-to-Neighbor, one of the programs offered by A Wider Circle. Neighbor-to-Neighbor focuses on reducing poverty through revitalizing neighborhoods and raising awareness and engagement in the community. Their work directly impacts underprivileged people in Takoma Park, Silver Spring and the surrounding neighborhoods.
Leyu Kalkidan (’19) assists in folding clothes at A Wider Circle.
Graduating senior Katherine Wycliffe gets baptized on baccalaureate day. TA students and faculty enjoyed working with A Wider Circle during the fall and spring quarters, and look forward to continued service with the organization. TA faculty always keep the reality of heaven in view. They invest most of their time in teaching practical ways to grow in a relationship with Jesus, and it shows! Nearly 75 percent of the student body are baptized, and every day students make a commitment to follow Christ. Katherine Wycliffe (’19) celebrated the end of her high school career by being baptized during the Class of 2019 baccalaureate ceremony. Graduate Abriel Thuc, an international student from South Sudan, wasn’t raised Seventh-day Adventist, yet he experienced God’s love while attending TA, and through the family of one of his peers, resoundingly said “Yes” to Christ earlier in the school year. Even as the last day of school came to an end, Aiden Holness-Smith (’22) took his stand in accepting the Lord as his Savior. “We are extremely proud of the accomplishments of our TA Tigers, and even more for the Class of 2019,” says Carla Thrower, principal. “It is our prayer and desire that they will continue to soar and represent well their families, alma mater and God in all of their endeavors.”
TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy n 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (301) 434-4700 n ta.edu n Principal, Carla Thrower n Editor, Salena Featherstone
columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 37
news Manager’s Note: Living for God’s Purpose The entanglement of our selfish human side versus what God has called us to seems to most always be a point of tension. There is a pulling that happens—and at times our human side can be quite manipulative in finding justification for that which suits its desires. In the classic devotional, My Utmost for His Highest, Oswald Chambers writes: “As Christians we are not here for our own purpose at all—we are here for the purpose of God, and the two are not the same.” Today, ask yourself, are you living for your purpose or for God’s purpose? Recently, we had this conversation together as a team at WGTS 91.9 and we recommitted our lives and our work, and this media ministry to him. Our prayer is that this ministry would continue to share Jesus Christ as the only way to eternal peace and happiness as well as contentment in the daily rigors and challenges of life - and we commit to this mission. The mission remains strong. Over 550,000 people are ministered to each week on-air with thousands more ministered to each week through social media, online streaming, our ministry-focused website, concerts and special events, and our PrayerWorks initiative which happens over all communication avenues available to us. Your WGTS 91.9 media ministry is strong and is being used by God to change lives 24/7. Thank you for praying for WGTS 91.9 and thank you for partnering with us through your prayers and financial contributions—both are critical. May God bless and keep you, and may you live for God’s purpose each day.
WGTS Brings You ‘Words of Hope’ In the process of cleaning and packing for the transition to the new WGTS ministry center, we discovered some old stored equipment—and inspiration for our latest video message. Here’s a portion from the “Words of Hope” video with WGTS morning host Jerry Woods. Americans spent billions of dollars last year on storage space. The stuff we store away may have fond memories for us. What are you storing? In Matthew, the Bible encourages us to store our riches in heaven, and tells us that where your heart is, there your treasure will be also. So let these be your words of hope: Put your time and energy into loving God and loving people. Then you’ll be investing in the only two things you can keep for eternity. “Words of Hope” shares a devotional thought from one of our on-air hosts. You can see this entire video—and others as well—at wgts919.com.
Hands and Heart project: Listeners joyously joined this campaign to ensure that foster children in the D.C. area would have a backpack and school supplies on their first day of school. More than 800 were donated.
7600 Flower Avenue Takoma Park, MD 20912 800.700.1094 wgts919.com
Find support and pray for others. Visit wgts919.com/PrayerWorks.
Washington Adventist University’s
CLASS Honors College OF 2019
Our focus at Washington Adventist University continues to be on the success of our students. At this spring’s commencement students, parents and well-wishers were excited to celebrate the success of the Class of 2019, having satisfied their degree requirements. Graduation is the crowning event of a student’s academic chapter. These graduates have earned the WAU seal of approval and are now prepared to enter their professional careers or Dr. Spence and the Honors College Community at the graduate annual President’s Dinner,We 2018 continue their education. extend much praise and appreciation to the dedicated and committed faculty and staff who guided and supported My mission as the President of Washington their academicAdventist journey. University has been to serve the educational needs of all God’s children. WAU hasThe a richly diversified student body,isand we receive with achanging. variety of industry of higher education complex and isstudents continuously academic preparedness. A few years ago one of our WAU board of trustees members, Dr. Albert Reece, The traditional learning models have expired. It is the expectation now that approached me with a desire to expand the opportunities for high-achieving students through the crehigher education institutions create a learning environment that is based on ation of the first Honors College in Adventist higher education. This precipitated a dialogue with WAU’s assessment data to create personalized learning pathways. Learning spaces, Provost, Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, and the Director of the WAU Honors Program, Professor Bradford Haas, that such as classrooms, library, study areas, and even residence halls, must now led to the launch of the Honors College curriculum in Fall 2017. demonstrate flexibility, mobility, and integration for effective student engageWith the launch of the Honorsment. College we have been pleased to offer international study-on-location ofstudents we are preparing for the Century are unique and diferings in partnership with ourThe sister institution, Newbold College of21st Higher Education in the United verse in faith, and geographic origin. What is continuing to excite Kingdom. The Honors College has also created unique research and innovation opportunities, is that they are seeking a Christian education, an education and this past spring hosted anus inaugural Capital Model United Nations conference, facilitated thatwas willattended not only prepare them service to humanity, but by Honors College students, that by nearly one for hundred students from local Adventist academies. WAU isalso blessed by its location by the Nation’s Capital, and the for eternity. Honors College is always looking for educational opportunities for students, including visits to the many museums, theatres, government and religious institutions in the Washington Metropolitan area.
This is Washington Adventist University! Each year it is my privilege to host the annual President’s Dinner for the Honors College community. This takes place near the beginning of the academic year, and you can feel the energy from the Honors students. I am always impressed by the diversity of the Honors cohort – students from around the world with a variety of interests and talents. It is always a delight to speak with young people who plan to be future doctors and nurses, lawyers and pastors, educators and musicians, who will leave WAU prepared to be competent moral leaders and make the world a better place.
Weymouth Spence President
This coming year will mark fifteen years of Honors education at Washington Adventist University. It will be a time to reflect on how God has blessed the growth of this academic community, and to envision what new opportunities it will supply our students in the future.
This is Washington Adventist University!
Weymouth Spence President
For more information about the WAU Honors College visit Ave. 7600 Flower www.wauhonorscollege.org, or email honorscollege@wau.edu Takoma Park, MD 20912
wau.edu
Forgiveness and Health
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familiar biblical imperative is clear about the significance of forgiveness: “But if ye forgive not men their trespass es, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses,” (Matt.6:15). Why did Jesus say this was important? Watson (2017) suggests the following: “In relationships, forgiveness is liberating. It frees us from a negative attachment to a person who has hurt us. This liberates us from the cycle of negativity and anger allowing us to open our hearts to gratitude.” Gratitude paves the way and allows a person to experience forgiveness. And the more one is open to practicing gratitude the greater chance you become more open to the idea of forgiving people too. Nelson Mandela (1994), who spent a long time in prison for his political beliefs, summarized it this way: “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” But what is forgiveness? Those who have researched forgiveness have made this point. It is not how we relate to another person, or our ability to regain intimacy or to be reconciled to a person who hurt you, but rather it’s about you and your heart’s condition. How can this take place? A spiritual transformation must take place by being partakers of the divine nature. Apostle Paul informs us we must “Be transformed by the renewing of mind” (Romans 12:2). Negative energy such as hate, envy, jealousy, and anger (Gal.5:20,21) must be replaced with positive energy such as love, joy, and longsuffering (Gal.5:22,23) by reflecting the fruit of the Spirit. Then we will be in the best condition to ponder and create new neural pathways and be open to what is true, pure, lovely, virtuous, and anything praiseworthy (Phil.4:8). We will be able to meditate or think about these things. Using thought control influences our emotional condition! Praiseworthy means offering up a sense of gratitude, thankfulness, joy and appreciation. It’s an attitude change from within. When forgiveness doesn’t exist within a person, the anger, resentment, and hurt can make you ill both on an emotional and physical level.
On the other hand, Donsky (2019) found that the act of forgiving someone can raise a sense of optimism, happiness, and hope. Not forgiving and holding resentment is correlated with anxiety, hostility, depression, and major psychiatric disorders. If you forgive someone, you won’t experience this spike in stress hormones. You are responsible for your peace of mind and health. Taking the time to practice forgiveness principles will help improve your emotional and physical condition. If you are having difficulty practicing forgiveness, here are a few techniques to start the process:
Can you rewire your brain in 3 minutes a day? Breuning (2016) recommends focusing on good thoughts three minutes a day for 45 days or three times a day at one-minute intervals to create a new neural pathway. It takes 45 days for a new neural connection to be firmly in place to experience the world more positively. This way, you will slowly lessen the times you replay the hurt. Eventually, a new tape will play in your mind, and new positive emotions will occur. Optimism, hope, compassion, and greater self-confidence will replace negative thoughts (Patri, 2017). Thought control!
Write a letter to the person who hurt you. Don’t send it.
...hurt can make you ill both on an emotional and physical level.
Health Consequences
An angry emotional state triggers the increase of stress chemicals known as adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine. Consequently, there are some serious negative health issues for experiencing and recalling negative emotions. Research indicates that high blood pressure, anxiety, depression, and a poorly functioning immune system are experienced (Luskin, 1999; Swartz, 2014). That means every time you recall the distressing situation, you release more damaging chemicals. This situation may cause chronic inflammation. The body responds to anger and resentment by becoming inflamed. Research indicates that continued inflammation creates many health issues: such as heart disease, cancer, stroke, and autoimmune weakness (Nordqvist, 2017). According to Luskin (1999), dwelling on the past with negative emotions is destructive. He has found that mismanaged anger and hostility is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Luskin, who is the director of the Stanford University Forgiveness Project, says “forgiveness boils down to a simple choice: whether to dwell over the past hurts or try to see the good in others.” When you don’t forgive you release all the stress chemicals which we know have a negative impact on your health and relationships.
List the ways you have been wronged and hurt. Describe how this affected you. End the letter by writing you have forgiven them. This letter is actually for you! (Carpenter Smith Consulting, 2019).
Reflect on times you’ve been forgiven.
Given the instruction in the Lord’s prayer, “Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors,” (Matt.6:12). We have no choice. Many of us have hurt someone by our words or actions. We need to reflect on our experience of forgiveness and what it has meant to forgive someone else. Clinically we know that individual healing starts in a counseling session when the client can forgive that person who hurt them. We must examine ourselves first. We have to accept our responsibility for our emotions, decisions, and ultimately, our health practices (Carpenter Smith Consulting, 2019).
Meditate on God’s Word. Inspiration informs us how dramatic forgiveness can be experienced in our life by dwelling on his Word: “O how many souls are starving for words of tenderness, for words of brotherly kindness, for words of hope, of faith, of forgiveness, of Christlike love, that will not quench the last spark of hope: “And the Lord shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought (joy, contentment, happiness), and make fat thy bones (immune system benefit); and thou shalt be like a watered garden (hope & optimism) and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not,” (White, 1895).
Summary Forgiveness and gratitude contribute to wellness. Forgiveness is a personal choice that has a significant impact on the quality of our physical and mental health. When we can take hold of the biblical wisdom from Proverbs 17:22, “A merry heart doth good like medicine and a broken spirit drieth the bones,” we are promised it will increase our ability to promote positive relationships that will create peace of mind when we learn to forgive one another. Grant Leitma, Ph.D. is a Professor and Chair of Psychology & Counseling at Washington Adventist University.
7600 Flower Ave. Takoma Park, MD 20912 | wau.edu
YOUR HEALING MINISTRY K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R
Expanding North By Christina Keresoma
Kettering Adventist HealthCare has opened a new hospital in Troy, Ohio, just north of Dayton. A record number of network employees and local community members attended the ribbon cutting, and you could feel the electricity of excitement in the air. The new hospital features 29 medical-surgical beds, cardiac testing, and surgical services in addition to a full-service, 24/7 Emergency Department with 12 beds. The hospital also includes office spaces for primary care visits and other specialized health services. The community has welcomed and embraced Kettering Adventist HealthCare so much that the original size of the hospital was increased to meet the needs in the area. The land that the hospital was built on was once the home of the Hobart manufacturing plant that built electrical apparatuses, including motors, electrical welders, and battery chargers in the early 1920’s. The Hobarts sold the land to make way for the hospital and have been very supportive of having a faith-based, mission-driven hospital. Michael Beamish, mayor of Troy, thanked the network and local leadership for bringing highquality care into his community.
Adventist HealthCare
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KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD. • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG
THE NEWS
K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R
Continuing to Fight A team of clinicians, engineers, and health system specialists from Verily has teamed up with Daytonarea health organizations, including Kettering Adventist HealthCare, to fight the opioid crisis. Verily is Alphabet Inc.’s research organization devoted to the study of life sciences. Verily believes that technology is an important part in helping people with addiction, but they also know the importance of health care providers and the environment they foster during the treatment and recovery process. They have partnered with Kettering Adventist HealthCare to create a high-tech rehabilitation center named OneFifteen. In addition to its leadership role in the organization, Kettering Adventist HealthCare will provide input on protocols and standards of care. OneFifteen is the first location of its kind, and if the project succeeds more locations could be implemented nationwide. Verily and the community partners know that this project is no small undertaking and requires a deep commitment of health and healing.
Adventist HealthCare
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KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD. • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG
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EMPLOYMENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK IN A VIBRANT OUTREACH MINISTRY TO THE NATION’S CAPITAL? Consider a career with WGTS 91.9 – Atlantic Gateway Communications. Check our website (wgts919. com) regularly for part-time and full-time openings. WANTED: LIVE-IN PERSONAL ASSISTANT. This position is to help with a myriad of activities including domestic (vegetarian cooking, etc.), driving and administrative tasks. Room and board with salary. Access to car included with some travel. Computer savvy is important. Please email kbmgroupllc@aol. com or call (301) 355-6491. ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE. Show your care and compassion as a registered nurse and join the Adventist HealthCare family in Maryland. Bring your experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of our patients. For information and to apply, AdventistHealthCare.com/ careers. REMNANT PUBLICATIONS/ PRINTER PUBLISHER, seeking qualified, dedicated, ministry-minded personnel for the following positions: production workers, sales consultants and social media/marketing expert. All positions must be U.S. citizens and be willing to relocate in Coldwater, Mich. For more information, visit remnantpublications.com/employment. Send résumés to jobs@remnantmail. com. Call (800) 423-1319. FLETCHER ACADEMY, INC., seeks experienced Director 44 | VISITOR September 2019
of Information Technology, responsible for all IT functions enterprise-wide. At least a bachelor’s degree in relevant field, plus technical and leadership experience required. Must be comfortable leading a team from a highly visible position, a member of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church in good standing and enjoy working with young people in a boarding academy setting. Send cover letter and résumé to Gary Carlson, CEO, at gcarlson@ fletcheracademy.com. FLETCHER ACADEMY, INC., seeks experienced leader for Director of the Lelia Patterson Fitness & Aquatics Center, responsible for management and growth of the business. Degree in Business Administration or Wellness Management preferred; demonstrated leadership required; managing/growing a similar facility a strong plus, must be a member of the SDA church and enjoy working in a boarding academy setting. Send cover letter and resume to Gary Carlson, CEO, at gcarlson@fletcheracademy.com. STALLANT HEALTH RURAL HEALTH CLINIC in Weimar, Calif., is accepting applications for a nurse practitioner or a physician assistant. Please contact Marva at marva@stallanthealth. com, for further information. SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY is seeking a candidate for Certification Officer and Teaching Materials Center Director. For a complete job description and list of required qualifications, visit southern.edu/jobs.
CHILD IMPACT INTERNATIONAL is seeking a general manager. Applicants must have management skills including experience in marketing, fundraising, planning, effective communication and church events; a passion for education and orphans/underprivileged children; the ability to lead a small but growing ministry based in Collegedale Tenn. Applicant to work closely with CEO in strategic planning and operations. Domestic and international travel required. Application deadline is January 31, 2020. For more details: support@childimpact.org. UNION COLLEGE seeks a clinical director for master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies. Responsibilities include organizing, monitoring and evaluating clinical experiences, plus limited classroom teaching. Master’s degree, NCCPA certification and three years of clinical practice required; teaching experience desirable. Contact Megan Heidtbrink, megan.heidtbrink@ ucollege.edu.
MISCELLANEOUS HAVE YOU CONSIDERED A CAREER/MINISTRY IN MASSAGE THERAPY? Black Hills School of Massage offers a 600-hour scriptural- and evidence-based program. Upon completion students are eligible to take the MBLEx examination to qualify for state licensure. Check us out on our Facebook page or at bhhec.org. Next program begins April 2020. Call (423) 710-4873 or (605) 255-4101 today! HYMNS AND FAVORITES. Classic music of the church— songs that will enrich your life and warm your soul. HymnsandFavorites.com— listen right now and anytime online with your smartphone or computer. Hymns and Favorites is brought to you by and is a ministry of WGTS 91.9. WILDWOOD LIFESTYLE CENTER. We have helped people avoid or reverse disease for almost 80 years. We can help you with diabetes, heart disease, hypertension, obesity, depression, anxiety and more. Call today (800) 634-9355 or visit wildwoodhealth.com. We care about your health! FARMERS AND GARDNERS: 6th Annual Adventist Agriculture Association (AdAgrA) Conference, January 14–18, 2020, in High Springs, Fla. Since 2013 AdAgrA encourages,
supports and mentors those who wish to follow God’s agriculture plan. Great information and inspiration for how and why Adventists need to be in the garden. Registration and info: adventistag.org. ARE YOUR HEALTH CHALLENGES INTERFERING WITH YOUR LIFE GOALS? Worried that you won’t be there to walk your daughter down the aisle? Play with your grandkids? If your bucket list has been reduced to getting up in the morning, why not come to the quiet, healing beauty of the Black Hills Health & Education Center and discover the Pathway to Wellness. We’d love to help you expand your list. Life’s too short to miss it! (605) 255-4101; or visit bhhec.org.
REAL ESTATE COUNTRY LIVING IN BERKELEY SPRINGS, WV: Three rooms for rent, sharing a LR, DR and kitchen, located in walk out, lower-level, singlefamily home. Two private entrances. Master bedroom with small study/sitting room and private bath, $500; two other bedrooms sharing a Jack & Jill bathroom with whirlpool tub, $400 each. Laundry access, Wi-Fi and utilities included. Call Wilma, (240) 405-6632. REAL ESTATE AGENT IN NORTHERN VIRGINIA AND MARYLAND For Seller and Buyer Sarah Kwon, Realtor, Associate Broker United Real Estate Reston, Va. Call: (703) 887-8469 Email: KwonRealty@gmail.com Website: kwonrealty.com Leasing and Property Management Services Available
SERVICES TEACH SERVICES: Helping authors make their book a reality. Call (800) 367-1844 for your free manuscript evaluation. We publish all book formats and provide worldwide distribution. View new books at TEACHServices.com or ask your
Bulletin Board local ABC. View used Adventist books at LNFbooks.com. ENJOY WORRY-FREE RETIREMENT at Fletcher Park Inn on the Fletcher Academy campus near Hendersonville, N.C. Spacious apartments available now. Ask about our limited rental units and villa homes. Enjoy a complimentary lunch at our vegetarian buffet when you tour. Call Lisa at (800) 249-2882 or (828) 209-6935 or visit fletcherparkinn.com. MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if needed, at Adventist hospitals. Offices in Laurel and Maple Lawn/Fulton. Call (301) 317-6800. MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for your relocation needs. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Danté at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at apexmoving.com/adventist. 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. Dr. Lee is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as having many other certifications. For appointments, call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive a 10 percent discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients!
TRAVEL/VACATION CONDO FOR RENT IN HONOLULU, HAWAII, 2 BR condo minutes to beaches, Chinatown and hiking! Sleeps six comfortably. Furnished kitchen; washer/dryer, AC and more. Free parking. Visit honcentralsda.org/ vacation-rentals/nelson-hale, or call (808) 989-4910. ISRAEL TOUR with Pastor Jim Gilley and friends, November 17–25. $3,295. Includes air, breakfast and dinner buffets daily, all tips and taxes. From New York, Chicago or Los Angeles; other departure cities
available. Call Maranatha Tours at (602) 788-8864.
ANNOUNCEMENTS MANASSAS ADVENTIST PREPARATORY SCHOOL in Manassas, Va., will be celebrating 50 years of service to their community and church October 12. Festivities will begin at 9:30 a.m. Please invite all former staff and alumni by sharing the event page on Facebook: facebook. com/events/319882628794471. HARRISBURG FIRST ADVENTIST CHURCH AND SCHOOL in Harrisburg, Pa., is celebrating 125 years of service October 11-12. Speakers include Chuck Holtry and Kenneth Stout. For details and photos, visit: harrisburgadventist.org/125.
OBITUARIES SINKA, Jean C. (Jeanne), age 47, died July 19, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. She resided in Wakeman, Ohio, and was a faithful member of the Westlake (Ohio) church. Jeanne served as choir leader, organist, pianist, Music Ministry leader, Sabbath School leader and teacher, as well as leading Pathfinders. She also served as church secretary and so much more. She was the founder and teacher of Northern Ohio Adventist Academy. She left a 20-year career as an electrical engineer at a consulting firm to use her talents and passion for God’s work. She was the high school math, music and science teacher, and again, so much more. Her infectious laugh and positive spirit defined her. Jeanne was happiest spending time with her family, enjoying simple blessings like a good meal and cozy evenings with them at home. She also loved cats. Survivors: her husband of 19 years, Zsolt; her daughters, Carly and Abby; her father, Igor Botansky; and her sister, Heidi Kermich, along with brother-in-law Tibor; and her nephew, Tom. WUCHENICH, Gary, born October 16, 1951, in Pittsburgh, Pa.; died April 10, 2018, in Redland, Calif. He was a member of the Loma Linda (Calif.) church. He grew up in Pennsylvania, where he and his family still have many friends and visit yearly. Gary is a graduate of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry and had a career in endodontics. He is survived by his siblings: Nanette, Danielle, John and Gayle, Valerie Wuchenich-Nelson, Chris and Melanie Wuchenich-Jobe and 17 nieces and nephews.
Sunset Calendar
Sept 6 Sept 13 Sept 20 Sept 27
Baltimore 7:31 7:20 7:09 6:57 Cincinnati 8:03 7:52 7:40 7:29 Cleveland 7:53 7:42 7:29 7:17 Columbus 7:57 7:46 7:34 7:23 Jersey City 7:22 7:11 6:59 6:47 Norfolk
7:28 7:17 7:07 6:56
Parkersburg 7:51 7:40 7:28 7:17 Philadelphia 7:26 7:15 7:03 6:51 Pittsburgh 7:46 7:34 7:22 7:11 Reading
7:29 7:18 7:06 6:54
Richmond 7:33 7:23 7:12 7:01 Roanoke
7:43 7:32 7:22 7:11
Toledo
8:01 7:49 7:37 7:25
Trenton
7:25 7:13 7:01 6:50
Wash., D.C. 7:33 7:22 7:10 6:59
Do you want to be perfect? It’s all about JESUS, all about HIS PERFECT GRACE, and all about freedom from the chains of legalism and guilt.
“This is a book that you will want to read. It will warm your heart and provide practical help for both spiritual and church issues.”
Monte Sahlin
Adventist Today
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be kind
and compassionate to
Caring for the whole person
ONE ANOTHER
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV)
At Kettering Adventist HealthCare, we believe that in order to heal, you need care for the whole person. Through our not-for-profit network of nine hospitals, 12 emergency centers, more than 120 outpatient facilities across Southwest
mindBODYspirit
Ohio, and Kettering College, we provide team-based care committed to improving the lives of those in our community.
To learn more about joining our community of caregivers, visit ketteringhealth.org
Adventist HealthCare
™
K E T T E R I N G H E A LT H N E T W O R K
Statement of Policy—Nondiscrimination in Adventist Schools The Seventh-day Adventist Church (SDA), in all of its church-operated schools, admits students of any race to all privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at its schools and makes no discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, gender, handicap, ethnic background or national origin in the administration of education policies, applications for admission, scholarship or loan programs and extracurricular programs. The governing body of the Church has ruled officially, and in practice abides by, the following policies: 1. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded, with no discrimination in recruitment or hiring against any employee or application because of race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, age or sex except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification. 2. Preferential hiring shall be practiced only on the basis of freely chosen adherence to Adventist tenets essential to the operation of an Adventist institution. 3. Compensation and benefits will be administered without regard to race, color, ethnic background, country of origin, creed, age or sex except where age or sex is a bona fide occupational qualification. 4. Decisions for the promotion of employees will be based upon the qualifications of an individual as related to the requirements of the position for which he or she is being considered. 5. Inasmuch as the personal life and professional identity of an individual are inseparable, all employees are expected to conform to the standards of conduct that are in harmony with Seventh-day Adventist practices. Allegheny East—Baltimore Adventist Academy, Calvary Seventh-day Adventist School, Dupont Park Adventist Junior Academy, Ephesus Adventist Junior Academy, George E. Peters Adventist School, Hillside Seventh-day Adventist School, Jessie R. Wagner Adventist School, Pine Forge Academy, Sharon Temple Adventist School, Trinity Temple Academy, Wilbert F. Mays Adventist School Allegheny West—Columbus Adventist Academy, Ramah Junior Academy Chesapeake—Atholton Adventist Academy, Baltimore-White Marsh Adventist School, Chester River Adventist School, Dover First Christian School, Frederick Adventist Academy, Friendship Adventist School, Highland View Academy, Mount Aetna Adventist School, Rocky Knoll Adventist School, Spencerville Adventist Academy, Wilmington Jr. Academy Mountain View—Boulevard Adventist Academy, Greenbrier Valley Academy, Highland Adventist School, Parkersburg Academy, Summersville SDA School New Jersey—Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, Meadow View Junior Academy, Tranquility Adventist School, Vine Haven Adventist School, Waldwick Adventist School
Ohio—Clifton Christian Academy, Eastwood SDA Junior Academy, Mansfield SDA School, Mayfair Christian School, Mount Vernon SDA School, Northern Ohio Adventist Academy, Piqua SDA School, Spring Valley Academy, Toledo Jr. Academy, Worthington Adventist Academy, Zanesville Adventist School Pennsylvania—Blue Mountain Academy, Blue Mountain SDA Elementary, Gettysburg Adventist Christian School, Harrisburg Adventist School, Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy, Lehigh Valley SDA School, Mountain View Christian School, Pocono Adventist Christian School, Reading SDA Junior Academy, The Northern Tier Christian School, Wyoming Valley SDA School, York Adventist Christian School Potomac—Beltsville Adventist School, C.F. Richards Christian School, Desmond T. Doss Christian Academy, Manassas Adventist Preparatory School, Olney Adventist Preparatory School, Powell Valley Christian School, Richmond Academy, Roanoke Adventist Preparatory School, Shenandoah Valley Academy, Shenandoah Valley Adventist Elementary, Stanley SDA School, Takoma Academy, Takoma Academy Preparatory School, Tappahannock Junior Academy, Tidewater Adventist Academy, Tree of Life Christian Preparatory School, Vienna Adventist Academy
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Visitor Magazine Columbia Union Conference 5427 Twin Knolls Rd. Columbia, MD 21045
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Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Nampa, ID Permit No. 66
g n o l e f i i ng a L
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t s i r i t h Ch Adventist Education
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454 Teachers 26 Early Childhood Education Programs 55 Elementary Schools 11 Junior Academies 5 Senior Academies 4 K-12 Schools
Kettering College Washington Adventist University
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Find out more about education in the Columbia Union Conference at
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