News
Learning to Read the Word
New structure, methodology is explored for Partners in Mission adult literacy program.
It is estimated that 750 million people worldwide are illiterate. For nearly two decades the North American Division has sponsored adult literacy initiatives through its Partners in Mission program with sister divisions and mission fields. The partnerships have given more than 180,000 adults the gift of literacy.
NAD President to Retire July 1; Replacement Process Defined
Daniel R. Jackson, president of the North American Division of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (NAD) and his wife Donna, have announced their intent to retire, effective July 1, 2020. With the postponement of the 2020 General Conference (GC) Session, NAD administration has worked with GC leadership to establish a clear process for the election of the new NAD president in July 2020.
Maintaining Hope During Distance Learning, Planting ‘Seeds for Life’ for Citizens of the Navajo Nation
The Navajo people have been disproportionality affected by the deadly coronavirus since the first case was confirmed on the tribal land on March 17, 2020. Navajo Nation has the most confirmed cases of COVID-19 per capita in the United States. The principal of the Adventist boarding school that provides a safe haven for its Navajo students, and the native ministries director for the Pacific Union Conference share their realities of serving the marginalized nation within a nation, especially during the coronavirus public health crisis.
Drive-By Greetings and Online Giving
For Pastors Phil and Jan White of the Simi Valley Seventh-day Adventist church in Southern California, the transition from normal church services to live-streaming and online giving was seamless. The church was live-streaming services pre-pandemic, and, for the past eight years, has been using Adventist Giving online. “A small percentage of the membership used adventistgiving.org before, for convenience,” said Pastor Phil White, “and now about 50 percent of our church family is using the service.”
ADRA International Commits $150,000 to Support ACS Food Pantries
ADRA International has committed $150,000 to support Adventist Community Services (ACS) food pantries in the U.S. to respond to the COVID-19 food relief efforts. "We are grateful for ADRA's commitment to serve and to partner with ACS for this great endeavor," said Sung Kwon, ACS director.
Adult Bible Study Guide Co-Authors Conduct Virtual Sabbath School on It Is Written TV
The It Is Written TV program features John Bradshaw, speaker/director of It Is Written, along with the co-authors of the current Adult Sabbath School Bible Study, “How to Interpret Scripture,” Michael Hasel, professor of Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology at Southern Adventist University, and Frank Hasel, associate director of the Biblical Research Institute.
Treating the Sick and Frightened: Perspective of an Emergency Medicine Doctor
Emergency departments across the United States are seeing an influx of patients with symptoms associated with the virus, creating compounded high-stress situations for health care providers. Meanwhile, there are still patients with other conditions, illnesses, and injuries who also need medical attention.
Pastoral Self-Care in Isolating Times
Congregational care during this coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic is essential, however, traditional congregational care is, at best, now very strained. Ministry is quite different than it was a few weeks ago. We cannot meet or gather as congregations. Caregiving for bereaving families unable to attend funeral services, members who may not be digitally connected, and those losing employment while working from home are just some examples of how ministry has shifted. The congregational need for dedicated pastoral care is self-evident.
During Its Spring Meeting, Oakwood University Votes New Scholarship, New Board Chair
On Monday, April 20, 2020, the Oakwood University Board of Trustees spring meeting was held virtually due to coronavirus restrictions. The spring meeting covered a number of topics relevant to the virtual and remote operation of the university during this time of disruption. Two key outcomes emerged from the meeting. The first was the unanimous vote on the Oakwood C.A.R.E (Career Advancement and Readiness Education) proposal. The second was the vote to transition the chair of the Oakwood University Board of Trustees from Daniel R. Jackson, president of the North American Division (NAD) to G. Alexander Bryant, executive secretary of the NAD.