News
Adventist Community Services Prepares to Help After Tornadoes Strike Missouri, Kentucky, and Wisconsin
Yesterday afternoon, a devastating tornado struck Kentucky and St. Louis, Missouri. In Kentucky, 14 are reported dead. In St. Louis, five deaths have been reported, along with widespread damage. At least 20 blocks of the city sustained damage. More than 5,000 properties are without power, and local emergency services are actively responding. As ACS begins to respond, they urge members to pray for those impacted and those providing assistance.
Union Adventist University Receives Grant for Culinary Medicine Teaching Kitchen
The Ardmore Institute of Health has awarded Union Adventist University’s Master of Public Health Program a grant to establish a culinary medicine teaching kitchen (CMTK). The $35,000 will purchase six commercial-grade mobile workstations, each including the culinary tools and appliances to support two students at a time, enabling the university to host classes of up to 12 students in the teaching kitchen. Any remaining funds will support a student garden that was established by the university’s first public health cohort last year.
Mid-America Union Conference Executive Committee Appoints New Communication Director
During its regular spring meeting, the Mid-America Union Executive Committee voted to approve a recommendation by MAUC’s administrative team outlining a leadership transition for the union’s communication department. Following the vote, then-director Brenda Dickerson became the associate director, and then-associate director/digital media manager Hugh Davis became the new director, effective May 1, 2025. This transition of titles, initially proposed by Dickerson, serves as a model for succession planning and smooth leadership transitions in appointed positions.
James P. Willis II Elected as New Vice President for Education for the Pacific Union Conference
The Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists has elected James P. Willis II as its new vice president for education, effective July 1, 2025. He will succeed Dr. Berit von Pohle, who is retiring after a distinguished career spanning 46 years in Adventist education
Andrews University's Envision Magazine Wins Pacemaker Award
On Oct. 27, 2018, Andrews University’s student-produced Envision magazine received a Pacemaker award from the Associated Collegiate Press. Known as “collegiate journalism’s preeminent award,” the Pacemaker awards are presented yearly by the ACP.
Third Annual Fall Classic Highlights Adventist Academies
On Nov. 2-4, 2018, for the third consecutive year, Breath of Life Television Ministries, in collaboration with Oakwood University and the Oakwood University Church, invited academy students from across the North American Division (NAD) to celebrate Adventist education through sports and the arts.
Community Pulls Together After Deadliest Fire in California's History Burns Through Towns
The Camp Fire, now considered the deadliest fire in California’s history, has claimed the lives of close to 60 in the Concow and Paradise vicinities. According to news reports, more than 52,000 were evacuated from the area; about 8,800 homes have been destroyed by the fire that started on Nov. 8. Nearly 1,300 Adventist church members have been affected; and several Adventist properties have been destroyed or sustained serious damage.
Final Reports Spur Well Wishes to Three NAD Leaders Preparing for Retirement
An officer of the North American Division, a vice president, and a ministry director gave their final respective reports during the division’s 2018 Year-End Meeting this past week as they prepare for their retirements by the end of 2018 (Evans, Blackmer) or the beginning of 2019 (Matthews). Executive committee members seized the opportunity to thank the leaders for their service and lasting impact on the division and the Church’s mission of spreading the gospel.