News Articles

NAD's Top 10 Stories of 2021

December 31, 2021 | Columbia, Md. | North American Division

In 2021, the North American Division website garnered more than 1.2 million unique page views. More than 408,000 unique page views were directed to NAD news articles.

The top 10 most-visited news articles for 2021 are listed below. Click the titles to read the full articles, and enjoy this 2021 North American Division news year-in-review.

1. COVID-19 Vaccines: Addressing Concerns, Offering Counsel

Published December 18, 2020; the top story in 2021

Seventh-day Adventists look to the coming of Christ as the great culmination of history and an end of all disease, suffering, and death. At the same time, we have been entrusted with the Adventist health message embodied in and expanded upon by the writings of Ellen White, summarizing healthful living through practical and wholistic healthy lifestyle behaviors. We advocate all of these practices to maintain a healthy immune system, and in the pandemic, even more is needed.

stock photo of COVID-19 model and vaccination needle and hand — *iStock Photography*

2. Resources on COVID-19: Vaccination Information, Guidance on Immunization, and Additional NAD News and Information

March 30, 2021

The North American Division has put together a series of links to offer guidance about vaccines from national and international health organizations, the General Conference, and healthcare experts — with the COVID-19 vaccine highlighted in particular. Also included are practical articles, NAD statements, and more.

3. Symposium Broadcast on COVID-19 Vaccine, the Bible, Science, and Faith Draws Large Number of Viewers

Published May 19, 2021

“Welcome to our special dialogue today,” said Carlton P. Byrd, Breath of Life TV Ministries speaker/director, at the beginning the North American Division’s COVID-19 vaccine symposium broadcast on May 15, 2021. “Our goal during our time together is to help find answers to some of the questions that have arisen about the COVID vaccine, and help you make an informed decision on [whether] the vaccine is right for you and your loved ones."

4. Debleaire Snell Named Speaker/Director Elect of Breath of Life Ministries

Published July 30, 2021

On Wednesday, July 28, 2021, the North American Division Adventist Media Ministries board voted to accept the name of Debleaire Snell for the position of speaker/director of Breath of Life Ministries.

5. North American Division Responds to Statement from Greater New York Conference Regarding Harmful Comments Made by Pastor

Published November 22, 2021

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America wholeheartedly condemns any form of behavior or rhetoric that perpetrates any type of violence against women. This is not what the Seventh-day Adventist Church believes.

6. Understanding Daniel and Revelation: An Interview with Mark Finley

Published July 2, 2020; a top story in 2021

Mark Finley's Understanding Daniel and Revelation has just been released from Pacific Press Publishing Association. Finley, who has conducted evangelistic meetings around the world for the past 50 years, shows how biblical prophecy fits into real life. Recently Dale Galusha, president of Pacific Press, had the opportunity to interview Finley about this new book.

7. Max Mace, 82, Adventist Music Legend, Passes to His Rest

Published November 6, 2020; a top story in 2021

Following a battle with cancer, Seventh-day Adventist music legend Max Mace passed to his rest November 4, 2020, one day before his 83rd birthday. His family said Mace was home in Placerville, California, United States, when he died.

8. Kenneth O. Cox, Adventist Evangelist, Passes to His Rest at 84

Published July 8, 2019, still a top story in 2021

9. Update: Greater New York Conference Issues Statement Regarding the Resignation of Grand Concourse Church Pastor

Published November 24, 2021

This is the statement of the Greater New York Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church regarding the resignation of Burnett Robinson, pastor of the Grand Concourse Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City.

10. Allegheny East Conference President and Wife Die in House Fire

Published July 20, 2021

Early Sunday morning, July 18, 2021, Henry J. Fordham III, president of the Allegheny East Conference (AEC), and his wife, Sharon Elaine (Wright) Fordham, passed away due to a fire in their home in Douglassville, Pennsylvania.

Henry and Sharon Fordham — *Henry J. Fordham III, president of the Allegheny East Conference, and his wife, Sharon Elaine (Wright) Fordham*

More than 60,000 Youth to Set Up Camp in Gillette, Wyoming, for Week-Long Event Filled with Learning, Worship, and Community Outreach

More than 60,000 young people, hailing from more than 100 countries, will set up a tent and RV city August 5-11, 2024, as they attend the Ninth International Pathfinder Camporee at the Cam-Plex Facilities in Gillette, Wyoming. Themed “Believe the Promise,” the six-day camporee, held every five years, is sponsored by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America, headquartered in Maryland, and the Center for Youth Evangelism, located in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Washington Adventist University Junior Secures Prestigious Summer Internship at Johns Hopkins University

The biology department at Washington Adventist University (WAU) is proud to celebrate the achievement of Charis McRoy, a junior under the guidance of Sam D. Perez, chair of the biology and chemistry department at WAU. McRoy, also a member of the honors college, has earned a summer internship at Johns Hopkins University for 2024, following her persistent applications.

There Is No Other Experience Like Studying Abroad

Pacific Union College business student Olivia Newman has been spending her junior year studying in Spain through Adventist College Abroad. The thought of traveling and appreciating a different culture excited her. From the beautiful architecture in Spain and her goal of improving in the Spanish language, Olivia chose to study at Campus Adventista de Sagunto.

Adventist HealthCare CEO Terry Forde Will Depart to Lead Health First in Florida

Terry Forde, president and CEO of Adventist HealthCare, headquartered in Montgomery County, Maryland, will step down from his role on Aug. 2, 2024, to become president and CEO of Health First, headquartered in Brevard County, Florida.

Walla Walla University Professor Shares on NBC News About Challenges of Keeping Octopuses

During the second week of April 2024, Kirt Onthank, professor of biology at Walla Walla University, was invited to share his expertise on octopuses on NBC News. Onthank contributed to a story about an Oklahoman family that recently welcomed 50 octopus hatchlings and has been garnering attention on TikTok.