New Jersey Conference

As I read Jesus’ words in John 14:1, “Let not your heart be troubled”(NKJV), I cannot stop thinking about my 2-year-old granddaughter, Catalina, who was recently diagnosed with leukemia. How can I accept Jesus’ words when we—humankind—become so overwhelmed by problems that are many times beyond our control?

Andre Ascalon (alongside his wife, Hillary), recently retired after serving in the New Jersey Conference for 38 years.

Story by Cinthia Portanova

Andre Ascalon, who retired at the end of 2022, served in the New Jersey Conference (NJC) for 38 years—20 years as a lay pastor and 18 as a full-time pastor, alongside his wife, Hillary. “My wife has been the most integral part of my ministry. This is a match made in heaven,” says Ascalon. “I think she is everything to my ministry.”

Jaslyn and Ms Kelly Kelly participate in Lake Nelson Academy's Partrership for Eternity

Story by Jaslyn Valverde

For the last couple of years, I’ve been participating in Partnership for Eternity. Since 2006, this program has been helping cultivate relationships between mentors and students at Seventh-day Adventist academies and elementary schools. The goal of the program is for students and mentors to create relationships and experience the blessing of service together. It has also been created to help retired individuals connect more with youth by build- ing relationships and learning from each other.