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

The Product of Purpose
Human trafficking is believed to be the third-largest criminal activity in the world, and has no demographic restrictions, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. “There are horrific stories,” said attorney Amanda Rodriguez. “But [it’s inspiring] to see the strength of survivors. It’s made my faith stronger. ... I know this is my purpose and I know God has led me on this path.”

Transition in Ownership Planned for WGTS, Pending FCC Approval
On May 9, 2018, the Washington Adventist University Board of Trustees voted to divest itself of the WGTS 91.9 radio station's operating license for $12 million. Pending FCC approval, administrators, expect the purchase to be completed sometime this fall with all assets transferring to the newly formed non-profit Atlantic Gateway Communications, Inc.

Adventists Help in Volcanic Eruption Aftermath in Hawaii
Since May 3, more than 600 houses have been destroyed by the Kilauea volcano eruption on the Island of Hawaii (known as the “Big Island”). Thousands of residents have evacuated their homes. Adventists in Hawaii and the mainland are helping families in need. On Big Island, meals are being prepared, and churches have been used as shelter. ACS DR is currently working with FEMA and the Red Cross at one shelter; Adventists are also volunteering at another shelter in Pahoa dubbed “The Hub.”

ADRA Canada Responds to Volcano Aftermath in Guatemala
On June 3, 2018 the Fuego Volcano (Volcano of Fire) in Guatemala erupted, causing large amounts of destruction to the surrounding communities. This catastrophe has affected the lives of almost two million people; 112 people have died and 198 are still missing.