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ACS Chesapeake Welcomes Afghan Families with Essential Items

Story by Evan Knott/ Chesapeake Conference

When families from Afghanistan arrived in the United States following their rapid evacuation from the war-torn country, Adventist Community Services (ACS) stood ready to serve.

Chesapeake Conference’s ACS team first responded to the crisis by meeting evacuees at the airport to offer emotional and spiritual support. Three months later, ACS Chesapeake has shifted its focus to providing 340 Afghan families resettling in Chesapeake territory with food and essential supplies as these families attempt to rebuild their lives in the United States.

Empowering Surgeries at Adventist HealthCare Medical Centers

Photo by COMSEVENTHFLT/Flickr

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center and Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center recently installed da Vinci Xi Surgical Systems for minimally invasive procedures in the areas of gynecology, urology, thoracic, cardiac and general surgery.

This state-of-the-art upgrade to their robotic system assists their surgeons in performing delicate and complex operations through a few small incisions. This approach results in improved recovery times and decreased pain from traditional open surgery.

Power the Mission

Anna Earl/Unsplash

Editorial by Carlos Charnichart

It all begins with our mission of “Reaching Everyone, Everywhere.” As Seventh-day Adventists, we are committed to the hope of Christ’s return, and we are passionate about sharing the everlasting gospel to as many people as we can. We believe that we are the last day church, allowing God to take control of every area of our human existence—including our resources. We have been called to live and trust the lordship of Jesus Christ daily (see Prov. 3:5; Luke 12:22). God is empowering our mission through our faithful return of tithes, offerings and other gifts.

November 24, 2021: Where You Go, I’ll Go

Image from iStock

“By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or night” (Exod. 13:21, NIV).

I was wrestling with a difficult decision. I knew what I wanted to do, but I had no peace. As I was lying in bed weeping over my decision, a friend called me up and said, “Janesta, I was having my devotions, and God told me I should call you.”

Grace Pointe Church Hosts First Clothes Drive

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The Grace Pointe church in New Jersey, formerly known as the First Church of Montclair, recently hosted its first clothes drive to celebrate their community.

“We wanted to thank the community for mak- ing us feel welcome and give back to them,” says Domonique Bebohi, member and event organizer.

Approximately 40 people came through during the drive. Items—donated in perfect condition or new— included men and women’s clothes, ranging from shirts and dresses to shoes and other accessories.

November 23, 2021: If You Resist, He Will Flee

Image from iStock

“Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you” (James 4:7, NKJV).

If someone were to ask me what the best advice I have ever received was, I would quote this verse. I have learned that the Bible is a guide, a place I can go to learn what I need to do.

Satan is the king of lies. He left heaven with that title. And there is no doubt that if he deceived the angels, he can and will deceive us. The devil even deceived me in more ways than I can explain.

November 22, 2021: Jehovah-Jireh: The Lord Will Provide

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“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from His glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:19, NLT).

Traces of this text can be easily seen in my journey with a God who consistently provides for me and my family beyond which we can ever ask or imagine. He is our Jehovah-Jireh, the Source of our provision.

At the end of my seminary experience, I was left hanging in the waiting place. With no pastoral call, not knowing what my next step would be and confined with limited resources, I kept asking God, “What’s the plan?”

November 28, 2021: Storms Will Come

“He said to them, ‘Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?’” (Mark 4:40, ESV).

The disciples, several of whom were experienced sailors, had been scared to death as a windstorm brought waves crashing over the side of their boat. Water filled the vessel faster than they could bail it out. Yet, Jesus slept peacefully until the disciples woke him. After calming the storm, He asked them, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Peter would take this lesson to heart. In Acts 12, he endured a different kind of storm. Shackled between two guards, he slept peacefully in prison though his death was imminent.

November 27, 2021: A Willing Offering

“Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You” (1 Chron. 29:13–14, NKJV).

Near the end of his reign, King David assembled the people of Israel for what was one of his last public appearances. It was a praise service in which he recounted God’s providence and all the preparations made for the great work of building the temple of God. More than once, the Bible records that David and Israel’s leaders “offered willingly” to the Lord.

November 26, 2021: Finding the Courage

“An honest answer is as pleasing as a kiss on the lips” (Prov. 24:26, NCV).

I can imagine it is an exceptionally busy day for King Solomon. He calls his advisors together to ask for feedback on proposed strategic plans and initiatives which he hopes will enrich the quality of life for the people entrusted to his care. I imagine him turning to his counselors and asking for their opinion, only to see them glancing at each other in a hesitant and uncertain manner, wondering what answer he, the king, would