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July 25, 2021: He Gives Us Grace to Trust

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5–6, NKJV).

This text became especially significant to our family when we planned
to move from Nigeria to the United States, where I was to study in the seminary at Andrews University (Mich.). I applied for a visa for myself, my wife and our little boy. Well-meaning people shared horror stories with us of their visa application denials, and suggested that perhaps I should apply for the visa alone and try to apply for my wife and child later. Maybe we would have better luck that way.

July 24, 2021: All I Need and Want

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“Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You” (Ps. 73:25, NKJV).

It was 25 years ago, and I’ve never experienced anything like it before or since; not that anyone else hasn’t had the same issue. In my mid-30s, I experienced depression for the first time in my life. Being a very positive person who is known for my laugh and optimistic demeanor, it was such a stark contrast from my usual state of mind.

Ralph Martin, Former Columbia Union Conference President, Passes Away

Ralph Martin, president of the Columbia Union Conference from 1994-1997, passed away June 19, 2021, at the age of 88. He was an administrator for 42 years--12 in the Columbia Union.

"Ralph was a very innovative leader, and one of the architects of the 'Caring Church' movement, says Dave Weigley, current union president. "He was known for being fresh and creative in ministry, trying different methods to move the mission forward."

Five Pastors Ordained to Gospel Ministry

Photo by Aaron Burden via Unsplash

Story by Debra Anderson

The Potomac Conference recently celebrated a busy season of ordinations. Since the beginning of the year, five pastors have been ordained to the gospel ministry: Cheryl Wilson-Bridges, Isaac Hanna, Carlo Duran, Jesse Nascimento and Chris Cheatham.

July 22, 2021: David’s Story

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“But Jesus said, suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:14, KJV).

One hot July, I was working as a literature evangelist. That morning, I held just one lead card—the person I had been requested to visit that day. The name David was scribbled on the card, obviously a child’s handwriting. The house was more than an hour away on narrow roads.

It was two days before payday, and my tires were bald. I had enough fuel to make the trip, and $1.76 in cash.

Dear Lord, tell me what to do.

Columbia Union Announces 'Relentless' Camporee Date

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

In August, registration opens for “Relentless,” the 2022 Columbia Union Conference Pathfinder Camporee, August 10–14, at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in West Virginia.

The facility boasts more than 10,000 acres to explore. Attendees will be able to fish, hike, mountain bike, zip line, scale a climbing wall, kayak, white water raft and more.

“We want our Pathfinders to know that God’s love for them is stubborn, unyielding and unchanging. ... He is fully committed to loving us with His relentless and unfailing love,” says Frank Bondurant, Columbia Union vice president for Ministries Development, whose team will oversee the event. Find out more at cucamporee.com.

Mountaintop Meets Needs Inside, Outside of Church

Mountaintop and community members fellowship together over a Thanksgiving meal.

Story by Valerie Morikone

“I am so grateful that the stories of the Bible are not imprisoned in dried ink printed on thinly sliced trees. Instead, it is bursting with life and full of lessons that teach us of the power of God,” shares Matt Haire, pastor of the Mountaintop church in Oakland, Md., who also pastors the Kingwood and Morgantown churches in West Virginia. “It is our duty to lift the Bible up as the standard of living and to point everyone to the Savior.”

Capitol Hill Church Shifts Outreach to Meet Pandemic Needs

individuals, such as Rose Stansberry (pictured), made masks to donate to seniors or others in need.

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Prior to the pandemic, the Capitol Hill church in Washington, D.C., had planned to serve their commu- nity through “Acts of Kindness” days. The activities shifted due to COVID-19, however, and their focus changed to meet the needs of first responders.

Church members visited neighborhood fire and police stations, prayed with staff and surprised them with breakfast, inspirational books and gift cards.

July 21, 2021: The Road Trip

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10, NIV).

One summer, my family decided to take a road trip to Tennessee. We started off very early, and, by the time we stopped for a bathroom break, it was already noon. My sister dashed to the restroom while the line was short. By the time I got there, the line had grown, so I had to wait.

When I finished and walked back to the parking lot, to my shock and dismay, our van was nowhere in sight. After five minutes of searching for my family, panic set in. Had they left me?