Story by Carl Rodriguez, Youth Ministries Director
One of New Jersey Conference’s ministry goals is to provide wholesome, year-round recreational opportunities where youth and young adults can invite friends and enjoy themselves. This year, around 240 ski and snowboard enthusiasts gathered at Montage Mountain Resorts in the Poconos for fellowship and to sharpen their skills on the slopes.
Story by Tamyra Horst
Each summer, church families from across Pennsylvania gather on the campus of Blue Mountain Academy for one of the most anticipated spiritual events of the year—the Pennsylvania Conference Camp Meeting. Scheduled for June 12–20, this powerful and fun week offers a chance to step away from the busyness of life, reconnect with God and enjoy meaningful time with fellow believers.
Read Articles from the May-June 2026 Visitor:
When Heather Lunsford, a member of Chesapeake Conference’s New Hope church in Fulton, Md., was a child, complex topics such as adoption, bullying and surrogacy were not commonly addressed in children’s books. Now, as an adult who has experienced all three situations, Lunsford has authored and illustrated books she hopes will help others.
Story by Amanda Blake
In 2022, OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT sparked an ongoing surge in generative artificialm intelligence (AI), a technology that has triggered both excitement and anxiety. Many Seventh-day Adventists are embracing AI, intent on harnessing this new tool to spread the gospel.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education honors four educators with the 2025–26 Outstanding Educator Awards.
“Our Columbia Union educators are living out a sacred calling as, day after day, their dedication prevails in the quiet, unseen moments when extra time is given, care for each student is shown and the love of Jesus is expressed,” says Ruth Nino, associate director at Columbia Union’s Office of Education. “They go beyond a career by investing their hearts and creating spaces where students feel seen, valued and empowered.”
Story by Cerise Woodard
As greeting time approached during a recent Sabbath service, I braced myself. You know the moment. A well-meaning church member smiles warmly while at the pulpit and asks, “Do we have any visitors? Please stand and introduce yourself!” Then comes the invitation to “show God’s love” with enthusiastic hugs and handshakes.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Seventh-day Adventist camps in the North American Division. This summer, conferences within the Columbia Union will host six camps, in addition to many church-run day camps.
Washington Adventist University incoming freshman Franklin Diaz and Jennifer Perez (’29) have been selected to receive this year’s Next Generation Hispanic Pastor scholarships, provided by the Columbia Union and North American Division.
“There is a lack of pastors,” said Rubén A. Ramos, who recently retired as union vice president for Multilingual Ministries. “We need to encourage our young people who are considering ministry.”
Photos by Melvin Donadelle/Chesapeake Conference and Nicol Belvedere/North American Division
Forty-six Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams participated in the 2026 North American Division level event last weekend at Camp Hawthorne in Florida.
Here are the placements:
First Place
Allegheny East Conference
Community SDAC of Englewood Falcons Thrivin 5
Filipino-American Oxon Hill Oxen Warriors
Genesis Jaguars
Miracle City Knights 1
Muungano Shining Lions Zion Redeemed