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.
With Religious Freedom Under Threat, Is There a Way Forward?
Seventh-day Adventist advocates are working to protect this vital human right within a culture that has grown skeptical of many religious freedom claims.
A New Commandment
While on earth, Jesus gave His disciples a “new” commandment to “love one another” just as He loved them. He invites us to live a life that faithfully points to and mirrors Him.
Legacy, Leadership, and New Initiatives
The final morning business session of the North American Division 2019 Year-end Meeting (YEM) primarily focused on pension benefits provided to employees by the represented entities of the territory, including the division and all its unions, conferences, schools, mission fields and independent ministries. Delegates also heard numerous reports from various departments, entities, and ministries.
It Is Written Ministries Opens New Headquarters
On Friday, Nov. 22, 2019, more than 500 community members, pastors, church officials, and workers gathered for the grand opening of the new It Is Written headquarters in Collegedale, Tennessee. The event was live-streamed on It Is Written’s Facebook page and featured a dedication, a ribbon cutting, ministry tours, giveaways, and refreshments.
Southern Adventist University Welcomes New Vice President for Spiritual Life
Southern Adventist University is pleased to welcome Joseph Khabbaz as the new vice president for spiritual life. Along with serving as campus chaplain, Khabbaz will help prioritize Southern’s spiritual goals through this newly restructured position.
A Journey to Parity: NAD Responds to the Annual Council Voted Action on Tithe-Sharing
A significant portion of the 2019 Year-End Meeting Sunday afternoon business session on Nov. 3 was focused on the General Conference’s response to financial parity request from the executive committee of the North American Division. During 2019 Annual Council, leaders of the world church voted to reduce the tithe percentage of the NAD by 2 percent – 5.85 to 3.85 percent beginning in January 2020 over the next four years – and have the remaining 12 divisions increase their tithe percentages from 2 to 3 percent over a 10-year period.
Financial Responsibility With Grandma and Grandpa Jones’ Money
Randy Robinson, North American Division treasurer, introduced the 2019 treasury report with thanks to G. Thomas Evans, previous treasurer. He then shared 2 Chronicles 7:14 as he opened his report on Nov. 4. Robinson shared highlights from the 2018 audited financial statement, including operating fund trends, working capital, and tithe.
Stand on the Promises of God with Holy Ghost Power
On the second day of the 2019 North American Division Year-End Meeting, G. Alexander Bryant started the secretary’s report with Isaiah 40:31, telling the executive committee that whatever challenges come, even when “we scratch our heads and ask, ‘What are we going to do,’ we’re going to stand on the promises of God.” After thanking the secretariat team, Bryant went straight into membership figures.