“He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Rev. 21:4, NLT).

This verse has always been a favorite of mine, so I recently read it in various translations. Surprised to find 28 translations online, I realized there are many different ways God shows us that because one day He will make death disappear, we can look forward to being happy forever.

My mom was very ill for four, long years and passed away three years ago. It still doesn’t feel real that she is gone. God never intended for us to experience that kind of sadness, separation and death. He created us to live forever with each other and with Him.

On May 22–23, the Columbia Union Conference hosted its 28th quinquennial constituency meeting. Due to the pandemic and social distancing measures that continue around the union eight-state territory, the two-day meeting was held virtually.

Story by Ricardo Bacchus

At the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting on May 23, delegates re-elected vice presidents Celeste Ryan Blyden, Frank Bondurant, Rubén A. Ramos and Donovan Ross, and also elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow to replace Wally Carson, who plans to retire at the end of this month.

After the votes, Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president, said the union is blessed with a dedicated team of leaders "with wonderful expertise to move the mission forward.”

Celeste Ryan Blyden Re-Elected to Lead Communication

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

After 53 years practicing law, including 44 years representing the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Walter Carson, Columbia Union Conference vice president and General Counsel, plans to retire May 31. During his career, he represented various government agencies and worked in private practice, but found the greatest sense of purpose in working for the church.

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Delegates to the Columbia Union Conference 28th Quinquennial Constituency Meeting elected Lisa Saveikis Burrow as the new vice president and general counsel.

Burrow, who most recently served as the assistant to the general counsel at the Columbia Union, will replace Walter Carson, who is retiring at the end of May.

Burrow says she is humbled by the new position: “There are days when I ask, why me? But I have seen God at work in this process, and I do believe He has answered prayers and has led me here, so I am ready to serve.”