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.
G. Alexander Bryant Named North American Division President
On July 9, 2020, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference Executive Committee met virtually to receive the name of G. Alexander Bryant, the recommendation for division president, from both the North American Division’s nominating committee and executive committee. Bryant was confirmed in a vote of 153 to 5.
Southern California Adventists Organize Demonstration for Peace and Justice
Unity. Justice. Community. Peace. That’s what the demonstration on June 3, 2020, in Los Angeles, California, was all about as about 300 people gathered to pray, march, and connect. It was the first time Southern California Conference (SCC) churches organized such an event with a diverse group in every sense of the word: age, gender, ethnicity, and more.
Paradise Church Serves Its Community with Fresh Produce
The Paradise, California, community understands the long-lasting recovery of a catastrophic disaster. The Nov. 8, 2018, Camp Fire burned 95 percent of the town. Now, in Paradise and across the nation, the impact of COVID-19 shelter in place is burning through check books and savings. But for those in the Paradise area, there is some good news. “The church burned down, but our members are still standing, and meeting the needs of others,” explained Steve Hamilton, senior of the Paradise Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Refugee Children's Summer Camp Leads to Community Learning
Every summer, Adventist Muslim Friendship Association, an NAD-based initiative located near Chattanooga, Tenn., provides a summer school for children of refugee families in the area. That first summer in 2016 included English and Geography classes, hiking, and some crocheting classes for the mothers. After observing another organization that taught women to sew bags and purses, AMFA expanded the summer program to include sewing classes for the women.
School of Journalism and Communication Invites High School Students to Virtual Summer Camp
The School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee, will host a three-day virtual photo/journalism summer boot camp for high school students from June 15 to 17. The workshop, to be held via Zoom, is designed for students interested in photography, writing, videography, social media, or overall storytelling.
Escrito Está Holds Virtual Meetings with Nearly 250,000 Views
Between April 18-25, 2020, Robert Costa, speaker/director for the It Is Written Spanish language ministry Escrito Está, shared hope with people in Mexico. Under quarantine orders himself, Pastor Costa conducted an online evangelistic series for the North Mexican Union entitled “El poder de la Esperanza” (“The Power of Hope”) from his home. The event was live streamed through Facebook and YouTube. Due to the online platform, other conferences and churches throughout the North America, Central America, and South America, and Western Europe, joined the event. The attendance peaked with 247,000 views opening weekend.
Messages of Hope Shared during COVID-19
Ron felt impressed to hand the woman at the gas pump a GLOW tract. He did and the woman recommitted her life to Jesus, and she joined the Adventist church. But how can we share the message of hope during these uncertain times? What can we do when we are all staying at home and personal contacts with others aren’t as available or encouraged while we navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic?
Northeastern Conference Adventist Community Services Operates Food Distribution During Covid-19
COVID-19 has affected the number of volunteers, hours of operation, food distribution hours, and other programs at most Adventist Community Services (ACS) locations in North America. This is the reality at the Northeastern Conference (NEC) ACS Center. The food distribution style was changed from “clients choice” to grab-to-go grocery bags (pre-packed bags), and on just one day, April 29, 2020, the NECACS center served 375 families.