May 2017

John Dodd Freeman, the founder of Maranatha Volunteers International, a charitable organization and supporting ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, passed away on May 22 in Salem, Oregon. He was 95. The Adventist businessman launched the international charitable organization in 1969.

Robert A. Cushman Jr. has been selected as the president of Pacific Union College. Cushman will be the 23rd president in the institution’s 135-year history. He comes to PUC from Walla Walla University, where he currently serves as vice president for academic administration

A sudden downpour during April 29-30, resulted in significant flooding in Missiouri. Kansas, and Arkansas were also affected. Approximately 1,000 homes were flooded; and several roads, property, and businesses have also been destroyed by the natural disaster. The severe weather system hit the Canton, Texas, community with seven tornadoes. Five deaths were reported, and more than 50 individuals have been injured. Adventist Community Services Disaster Response (ACS DR) was on the scene at the affected areas.

“God wouldn't let me sleep,” Sabra Johnson said about the night she and her husband, Nick, helped save motorist Kristen Smitson from being swept away by flood waters on April 29. Quick thinking with a flashlight and a call to 911 brought the help Smitson needed, whose car became submerged. Says Johnson, “I had prayed for God to give me peace, but I’m so thankful God woke us up.”

The Pathfinder Bible Experience study season on the Pauline Epistles culminated on April 22, 2017, as 500 Pathfinders on 79 teams met in Chicago for the sixth annual NAD Division testing event. Of the teams that participated, 53 scored 90 percent or higher, earning first place; 25 scored 80-89 percent for second place. One team achieved a perfect score upon completion of the question and answer period. Several other teams missed only one or two points.