Story by Debra Anderson
It is not uncommon to find church leaders struggling to find ways to go beyond the premises of the church to minister. In the Potomac Conference, however, pastors, principals, teachers and office workers are being challenged to do just that—to extend themselves “Beyond the Walls.” For the last year, congregations around the conference have been intentional in living the gospel of Jesus by reaching out to help those in their local communities.
Story by Maryellen Hacko, ANN
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
The conference’s Pathfinder Ministries Department recently hosted a Teen Leadership Training (TLT) retreat at the Mt. Aetna Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md. More than 30 TLT trainees, 14 TLT mentors and nine staff members gathered for a weekend of training and activities that included a bonfire vespers, indoor and outdoor games and team challenges.
Participants left inspired and equipped. “The program has encouraged me to adjust how I view myself and how I can be a part of spreading the three angels’ messages,” shares TLT trainee Zora Wills from Genesis church’s Jaguars club.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
This past weekend, the Ohio Conference Hispanic Ministries Department welcomed 155 new members to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. "No one I have spoken to has a memory of us ever baptizing this many people in a single day," says Bob Cundiff, conference president. "As such we feel it is an unprecedented event in our territory."
Story by Andrew S. Lay
"Legacy” can mean your reputation, good works or what you leave to your family or charities when you pass away. For several Highland View Academy (HVA) alumni and families, their legacy has been to put their sons and daughters through a Seventh-day Adventist high school setting where the chances of developing an education for eternity is greater. Several of these families describe their legacies below:
HVA was built on the former Negley family farm, with the Negley sons, David (’59), Nathan (’60) and John Negley, Sr. (’66) all graduating from the school. John would also send his son John Negley Jr. (’88) to the academy (both pictured below).
The following delegates will represent the Columbia Union at the upcoming General Conference session in St. Louis:
Story by Esther Hernandez
Rafael Tavares, a senior at Blue Mountain Academy, was born into a Christian home with a praying mother. As a young person, he decided to enjoy life and leave the church. Despite his decision, he knew his choices weren’t glorifying God. “I didn’t understand the impact of my choices—the movies I watched, the music I listened to,” Tavares shares. “But God kept sending me people who showed me His love and truth.”
Editorial by Bob Cundiff
Not too many people have heard the story I’m about to share with you. When the pandemic broke in Spring 2020, many conference administrators contacted the North American Division asking for counsel on how to continue ministry in the new economic fabric brought on by COVID-19.
Story by Lisa Krueger
Growing closer to God. Learning what He shares in His Word. Discovering verses that give hope, strength and peace in difficult times.
Every day, the WGTS team encourages listening families to learn more about God through study of the Bible. Each afternoon, listeners learn from a fun game named Bible or Not, hosted by Johnny and Stacey Stone. They started Bible or Not on WGTS five years ago. “As soon as it is announced for listeners to call in to play the game on-air, all 10 phone lines light up like a Christmas tree,” says Johnny.
Story by Tamyra Horst
Imagine waking up at 2 a.m., traveling all morning, landing in another state at noon, and immediately setting up a mini-health fair with multilingual materials, health care, free household items, and children's games and stories. While part of your team engages with people at the fair, others go door to door, visiting, sharing literature and offering prayer.