News

Mountaintop and community members fellowship together over a Thanksgiving meal.

Story by Valerie Morikone

“I am so grateful that the stories of the Bible are not imprisoned in dried ink printed on thinly sliced trees. Instead, it is bursting with life and full of lessons that teach us of the power of God,” shares Matt Haire, pastor of the Mountaintop church in Oakland, Md., who also pastors the Kingwood and Morgantown churches in West Virginia. “It is our duty to lift the Bible up as the standard of living and to point everyone to the Savior.”

 individuals, such as Rose Stansberry (pictured), made masks to donate to seniors or others in need.

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Prior to the pandemic, the Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C., had planned to serve their commu- nity through “Acts of Kindness” days. The activities shifted due to COVID-19, however, and their focus changed to meet the needs of first responders.

Church members visited neighborhood fire and police stations, prayed with staff and surprised them with breakfast, inspirational books and gift cards.

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10, NIV).

One summer, my family decided to take a road trip to Tennessee. We started off very early, and, by the time we stopped for a bathroom break, it was already noon. My sister dashed to the restroom while the line was short. By the time I got there, the line had grown, so I had to wait.

When I finished and walked back to the parking lot, to my shock and dismay, our van was nowhere in sight. After five minutes of searching for my family, panic set in. Had they left me?

Story from Washington Adventist University Communication Staff
 
Our Washington Adventist University community feels the immense weight of the tragic loss of our Board Trustee, Elder Henry J. Fordham, and his wife, Sharon. The loss of a great university supporter and servant leader of this magnitude motivates WAU to honor Elder Fordham and his wife for their lifetime of ministry.
 
With the support of the President's Cabinet and the WAU Religion Department, President Weymouth Spence announces the naming of the Henry and Sharon Fordham Department of Religion at Washington Adventist University.
 

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

On May 17, Adventist HealthCare and its partner Maryland Oncology Hematology held a Dedication Ceremony for the new White Oak Cancer Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. Leaders from Adventist HealthCare, Maryland Oncology Hematology and The US Oncology Network gathered to celebrate the opening of the center that is focused on the physical, mental and spiritual healing of its patients.

The White Oak Cancer Center, located in the Medical Pavilion on the Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center campus, offers comprehensive cancer care – including chemotherapy, radiation, nutrition, surgical care and other support services – to the communities of Eastern Montgomery County and the surrounding area.

The White Oak Cancer Center is a partnership between Adventist HealthCare, Maryland Oncology Hematology, one of the top providers of cancer care in the region and The US Oncology Network. Through this partnership, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals work together to provide compassionate, personalized care using the latest technology and treatments.

It is with a very heavy heart that we write to inform you that Elder Henry J. Fordham, III, president of the Allegheny East Conference, and his wife Sharon passed away in a house fire overnight.

Today we lost a giant, a legend in Adventist ministry—Elder Henry Fordham III—and his dear wife, Sharon. Together, they made an indelible contribution to the work of God.

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“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, NKJV).

God cares for us so very much. This care is not superficial like how we care about our favorite sports team or favorite food. He truly thinks positive thoughts toward us each and every day, and He wants the best for us.

God is a relationship-focused God who shows this throughout the Bible in countless ways. He pulls out all the stops to establish and deepen relationships with whomever—be they Jew or Gentile.

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“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matt. 20:26, KJV).

Leadership roles, whether large or seemingly small, are given to each of us by the Lord. God gave kings like Saul, David and Solomon the responsibility of shepherding His people and building His kingdom. Like parents, who are entrusted to nurture, protect and guide their children, or church elders, who are called to shepherd Christ’s people, God has given each of us a unique role in His work of salvation.

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“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6, KJV).

This verse is my source of comfort and peace, because it shows both the problem and solution to everyday stress.

Problem: David was greatly distressed.
Solution: David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.