News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

How is ADRA Responding to Disasters Around the World?

Story by ADRA Staff

ADRA’s emergency response team is currently responding to multiple major emergencies around the world, including Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean, back to back earthquake in Mexico, devastating floods in Nepal, and the Rohingya refugee crisis in Bangladesh.

The following links will take you the latest information on each crisis. These pages are updated as often as possible, so please check back for more information. Links to donate are also included in each update and below, and you can also donate to our emergency fund in response to all current disasters at ADRA.org/disasters.

Akron First Church Members Walk to Stop Hunger

William Levin (middle with cap), pastor of Akron First, and his wife, Jan, lead their church members in the "Walk to Stop Hunger" campaign

Story by Sue Kirschbaum

Earlier this year, nearly 45 members of the Akron First church participated in the “Walk to Stop Hunger.” A total of 229 walkers raised $9,263.51 to benefit the Akron Canton Regional Foodbank, which services eight counties around Akron and Canton. About 20 percent of the amount was raised by Akron church sponsors.

WGTS 91.9 Listeners Help fill Major Blood Shortage

Jerry (center), pictured with Johnny and Stacey, donates blood during the blood drive.

Story by Jerry Woods

In the days following Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, the Red Cross in the capital region sent the majority of their blood supply to Texas and Florida. That left a major shortage in the Washington D.C. area. That’s when the American Red Cross turned to the WGTS 91.9 family to help meet the need.

On September 15th WGTS, based in Takoma Park, Md., hosted a blood drive all afternoon at the American Red Cross Chapter in Silver Spring, Md. In just six hours WGTS listeners gave enough blood to stock the entire DC area for a month.

Use Your Voice for Change

Editorial by Jason Ridley

Effecting change is challenging. The outlook can be discouraging sometimes, especially when it comes to our government programs and laws. However, as Christians, we can make our voices heard and use our in influence to be a voice for change.

A couple months ago, I was invited to speak at a community rally for change after government officials heard me campaign for healthcare legislation outside the Ohio State Capitol. At this rally, I addressed an audience about the importance of being knowledgeable about one’s healthcare. Here is an excerpt:

Aguero Elected President of the New Jersey Conference

New Leaders (L-R) Mario Thorp, executive secretary, Jorge Aguero, president and Joel D. Tompkins, treasurer. Photo by Jorge Pillco

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

On Sunday delegates of the New Jersey Conference’s 40th Regular Constituency Meeting elected a new leadership team for the next five years, celebrated the work the church has accomplished over the last five years and elected a new executive committee.

Washington Adventist University Honors Visionaries at Gala

Hyveth Williams and Wymouth Spence display Williams award at WAU's Visionaries Gala.

Story by Emeraude Victorin

The Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., held its fifth annual Visionaries Gala last week at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda, Md. The event, geared toward raising funds to support scholarships and other university initiatives, honored five individuals for providing excellent leadership, service and inspiration to others.

Lake Nelson Community Overcomes Obstacles Before Opening Expanded School

This fall New Jersey Conference’s Lake Nelson School in Piscataway re-opened it’s doors with a new name, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy, and an expanded offering of grades through high school, but not until after overcoming many obstacles.

Park N’ Praise Hosts Fifth Annual Event

Event organizer Roland Blackman talks with a woman from the community.

Story by Oksana Wetmore / Photos by Urbanized Geek

This summer marks the fifth anniversary of Park N’ Praise (PNP), an event run by Seventh-day Adventists from across the Washington, D.C. area, that aims to raise awareness of the need for affordable housing.

Volunteers worshiped with community members, many of whom are homeless, distributed 500 meals, 5,000 diapers and personal care items, conducted 20 health screenings and prayed with 30 attendees at this year’s Washington, D.C., event at Shepard’s Park.

Columbia Union Adventists Send 10,525 Personal Care Kits to People Impacted by Hurricane Harvey

Pine Forge Academy students prepare personal care kits for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey. Photo by LaTasha Hewitt

Story by V. Michelle Bernard / Photos by LaTasha Hewitt and Minnie McNeil

Last weekend Columbia Union Conference members and students packed 10,525 personal care kits for those impacted by Hurricane Harvey in Texas.

Hasta Siempre!

Editorial by José H. Cortés Sr., president of the New Jersey Conference

I remember when my family moved to the New Jersey Conference 30 years ago. My wife, Celita, two sons, Jose Jr. and Josue, and I came after ministering in the Euro-African Division. We carried four nearly empty pieces of luggage, but our hearts were lled with dreams. Now as we look back, we only have expressions of gratitude. The

Lord’s hands have been upon us! God took our dreams and multiplied them infinitely. Through our sons, He brought us daughters: Joanne and Joyce. He also blessed us with grandkids: Jose III, Nadia, Joel and Emma. God has given us much more than we deserve, and His blessings keep raining upon us.