Stories & Commentaries

It was Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2021, in College Place, Washington, a year into the coronavirus pandemic, and “As far as the eye could see, there were cars. The mood was one of anticipation and gratitude,” said Alareece Collie, executive pastor for the Walla Walla University (WWU) Church. While most of the world’s population has suffered from social isolation, unease, and painful losses during the past year, it was the promise of hope that brought the Walla Walla Valley community together.

You’ve read the social media posts before — the ones that make you cringe, angry, hurt, sad, depressed, or simply numb. By the way some "Christians" post online, you might think they don’t realize there is a real person(s) somewhere in the world reading and contemplating their potentially destructive words. Every encounter we have with one another matters.

As we draw to the end of the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrations of 2021 and reflect on the state of things in the United States, North America, and our world, one can’t help but be perplexed by the paradox of our times. In one of Dr. King’s most famous speeches he said, "I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character." Some want to say that we have arrived at that place, but have we really?

In Matthew 28:19, 20 are the words of Jesus in the passage called “The Great Commission.” Notice that Jesus gave three commands in this Great Commission, after exhorting us to go make disciples, baptize, and teach them to observe all things as Jesus taught/commanded. When He spoke, Jesus didn’t “wing it.” He gave thought to what He was saying, how He was saying it, and in what order He was saying it. We should not take these imperatives lightly, nor should we ignore the order in which they were given.

​​​​​​​The events in Washington, D.C., during the past few days have been traumatic for most Americans, and shocking for those around the world. The leadership of the North American Division affirms the rights of people to respectfully protest, but strongly condemns the reprehensible actions of rioters that show a clear disrespect for the safety of others, the institution of democracy, and the diplomatic and orderly process of the transition of government.

When Southwestern Adventist University's class of 2024 arrived on campus in August 2020, they stepped into a university experience unlike previous classes. Due to COVID-19, SWAU had moved classes online the previous semester and was now reopening its campus with accommodations in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of faculty, staff, and students.

COVID-19 losses, restrictions, and closures have greatly altered our world, and will continue to ripple out around the globe for years. In varying degrees, we’ve all had our lives changed. ... I am grateful Lord's protection, and in these circumstances, in this uncertain time, there are lessons we can learn — even from the basic and mundane task of grocery shopping.

I really don’t like Christmas. I hate to say it, but through the years I have gotten grumpy once Thanksgiving ends. But before you cast me away as a holiday hater, let me explain a few things.

Quiero extenderles, en nombre de mis compañeros directores y de toda la familia de la oficina de la NAD (División Norteamericana, por sus siglas en inglés), nuestros más cálidos saludos navideños al finalizar este año 2020. ¡Y qué año ha sido! ¿Quién hubiera imaginado cuando empezamos el 2020 que lo terminaríamos de esta manera?

I want to extend to you, on behalf of my fellow officers and the entire NAD office family, our warmest holiday greetings as this year 2020 comes to an end. And what a year it has been! Who could have guessed when we started 2020 we would end it in this manner?