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.
North American Division Hosts More Than 100 at Second Annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast
More than 100 people from diverse faith traditions attended the second annual Religious Freedom Prayer Breakfast hosted by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America (NAD). The event held on Jan. 16, 2020, recognized Religious Freedom Day in the U.S., and included prayer for elected officials, the community, the nation, for peace and places of worship, and for unity of spirit.
First Annual Celebration of Community Engagement Held at Andrews University
Andrews University continues to expand efforts to be a blessing to those beyond its campus. The first annual Celebration of Community Engagement took place this past fall in the university’s Buller Hall. The program included a "poster session," musical selections, and video presentations that highlighted more than a dozen university departments and clubs involved in community engagement projects led by professors and students.
Mile High Academy and Local Community Join Together to Honor Student
Mile High Academy (MHA), local Denver, Colorado, churches, and the community have joined together as they honor the life of one of their students who passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020.
Great Food, Unselfish Service, Genuine Care at the Pulse Café
Pulse Cafe and is a place that draws 600 to 800 patrons for Sunday brunch alone, each hungry soul coming to dine on vegan “chicken” and waffles, or breakfast burritos, or sweet corn tamales, and more, all made from as organic and as locally sourced produce as possible. This is evidence of a forward-thinking and sophisticated business plan, but Pulse’s real mission is to use its service, menu, and other offerings to benefit the community. A restaurant as an institution to benefit the community? While this altruistic motivation may astound the general public, it should be a well-known method and standard operating procedure for any well-informed member of the Seventh-day Adventist community of believers. It certainly is for Lance Wilbur and his wife, Evita, managers of Pulse, and the owners, Ted Crooker and Keith Rehbein.
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.
Free Clinic in Arizona Addresses Chronic Need For Oral Health Care in Native Communities
God’s hand was at work in Page, Arizona, through a group of dedicated volunteers who facilitated 300 procedures during a free dental clinic hosted at the Page All Nations Seventh-day Adventist Church on September 23-25. During the three-day clinic, approximately $200,000 of dental procedures and $30,000 dermatology services were given at no cost to more than 140 people.
Rooted in Faith
Heidi Baumgartner, Washington Conference communication director, reflects on having a history of five generations in the same church family, and how God has been faithful for 121 years. "This was the location where my dairy-farmer great-grandparents came to faith at an H.M.S. Richards crusade and raised their family of five children. My brother and his family now have their membership in the family church. Life isn’t always easy, but through the years, we’ve seen how God is faithful. This legacy is worth passing on."
Local Adventist Community Services Provides Help for the Holiday
On Nov. 25, 2019, almost 1,000 families who preregistered through a county database began receiving a full, 30-pound Thanksgiving meal basket including turkey, bread, vegetables, potatoes and more. For three days, families came to the Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) in Silver Spring, Maryland, for their meals.