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

Historic Pathfinder Event Showcases Faith and Biblical Scholarship Among Youth
The 2018 Pathfinder Bible Experience Division Finals draws nearly 4,000 people from the North American Division and British Union.

Samantha's Story
During fourth period Samantha Grady and her classmates at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida were learning about the 1936 Summer Olympics in Germany and the Holocaust. The students were typing on their computers when shots rang out.

Is This Thing On? Facebook Live Event Goes to Walla Walla University
The next "Is This Thing On?" NAD Facebook live event will be held at 4 p.m. (PDT) on May 12 at Walla Walla University. Students will dialogue with church leaders from the NAD during a 120-minute livestreamed conversation. Dan Jackson, NAD president; Alex Bryant, executive secretary; and Tom Evans, treasurer, will answer questions via audience and social media during the program’s third Facebook Live event.

Fresh Produce Giveaway Lays Foundation for “Friendship Evangelism”
Thousands of pounds of spinach, kale, mango slices, and bananas were distributed at the North American Division (NAD) headquarters to residents in need on Sunday, April 8. Approximately 125 people filled reusable grocery bags provided by Adventist Community Services (ACS) with fresh greens.