Story by Simonique Dietz, IMC Director
Under the leadership of Dr. Alicia Barksdale, director of Washington Adventist University’s (WAU) Music Therapy program, students will soon gain access to a state-of-the-art recording and technology lab made possible through a grant from the Versacare Foundation.
Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff
On Sunday, Sept. 21, more than 500 community members gathered at the Adventist HealthCare Triumph Trek and Health Fair to celebrate individuals who have overcome serious injury or illness – as well as the caregivers, families and friends who have supported them every step of the way.
The event stems from a long-standing legacy of a “walk, wheel or run” that originally focused on raising awareness and support for those with limb loss. The tradition expanded last year to welcome and acknowledge those who have overcome a range of health obstacles with the help of Adventist HealthCare Rehabilitation and Home Care Services teams.
Story by Angela Peach
This summer, Vice Principal Ken Knudsen accepted a call to serve as principal of the Hinsdale Adventist Academy (Ill.). To address this new vacancy, Trevor Ross accepted the position of vice principal for junior high and high school.
Ross is no stranger to Spring Valley Academy (SVA), having served as a teacher at SVA for 20 years. During his long tenure, he has taught classes, from biology and environmental science to health and Bible. He’s also been the driving force behind
SVA’s strong participation in four yearly blood drives as coordinator of that initiative.
Story by Lauren Esveld
Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) is pleased to announce that Alejandra Chow will transition from her current role as assistant business manager to serve as the new registrar.
Chow has been a valued member of the business office for the past three years. Her commitment to SAA’s mission, meticulous attention to detail and passion for mentoring young people are evident in all she does.
Editorial by Dillon C. Zimmerman
What does service look like to you?
Story by Rob Gettys
Tracy Morgan joins Highland View Academy (HVA) this year as the new development director. Morgan comes to HVA from Great Lakes Adventist Academy (Mich.), where she spent the last seven years leading the advancement, enrollment and alumni relations team. There, she was able to build relationships with past, present and future students from around the world—individuals she will always cherish.
Story by Tamyra Horst
Churches and schools across the Columbia Union Conference are preparing to host Pentecost 2025 events this fall. Several churches started meetings this week, including Mountain View Conference's Boulevard church in Charleston, W.Va., and Pennsylvania Conference's Gettysburg church.
Allegheny East Conference's Fourth Street Friendship church in Washington, D.C., recently hosted a 2025 Popsicle Festival where church members and volunteers gave away 486 popsicles and, most notably, 346 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Community members also received free haircuts, other grooming services, basic infant CPR classes and more. Members of Fire Engine 6 engaged with the community by providing fire safety education and assisting residents with signing up for smoke detector installations to promote better home and neighborhood safety.
Story by ADRA International Staff/ Image by ADRA Afghanistan
A powerful 6.0 magnitude earthquake in eastern Afghanistan struck on August 31, 2025, killing more than 2,200 people and injuring at least 3,600 others. The disaster has directly affected an estimated 500,000 people across Nangarhar, Kunar, Nuristan, and Laghman provinces, including many women, children, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and recent returnees.
On September 4 and 5 two strong aftershocks shook the same region, compounding devastation and terror. ADRA’s assessment team was present in the area but is safe.
Story by LaTasha Hewitt