News

Webster Sterling, academy chaplain, reviews the baptismal vows with candidates Miriana Lefleur, Chloe Gerard, Isaiah Beauburn, Daniel Ramos and Lucas Gerard.

Story by Ashley Boggess

Spiritual growth and development are the most important tenets of a Christian education at New Jersey Conference's Lake Nelson Adventist Academy. The goal is to help students learn to “Be the Light,” the theme for this school year and the focus of a recent Week of Prayer. How can students be a light when they are surrounded by the world’s darkness?

When Ellen White was a teenager, her family had to stand up for their beliefs. This resulted in them being forced to leave their church—a situation that was incredibly hard for the family. In 2024, grow closer to Jesus so that you’ll be strengthened when faced with tough situations.

 

Have you enjoyed the Adventist Heritage cartoons we’ve included in the Visitor magazine this past year? If so, the Ellen G. White Estate and Adventist Heritage Ministries has compiled The Story of Anna Rice, a book about the life of Anna Rice and 15 other pioneer adventurers from the beginning days of the Seventh-day Adventist movement.

The 2024 Columbia Union Conference Calendar, which is starting to arrive at homes, features the Columbia Union's strategic motto, "Empower, Equip, Engage," as a call to action in 2024. Each month features Bible verses to remind readers of the important role they play in furthering the mission in their communities.

To order extra calendars for just the cost of shipping, call Pacific Press Publishing Association at (800) 545-2449.
 

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Calendar introduction by the Columbia Union Leadership Team

When you are empowered by God, you can harness your spiritual gifts in a mighty way. Devote time to enriching your personal relationship with Him through prayer, study and meditation. Bolster your physical body by setting aside time for self-care—resting, drinking water, exercising and balancing stress. Engaging in these will strengthen your gifts.

When you are equipped to do something big for God, the sky is the limit. Achieving this goes beyond tools and resources; it also involves identifying your gifts, diving deep into the Word and allowing the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you.

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Editorial by José D. Espósito

• A church family growing from 15 to 54 members after meeting the needs of community members and hosting an evangelistic series.

• A young girl requesting prayer for her grandpa and helping lead her family back to Christ.

• A member sharing his love of pickleball with others, resulting in hundreds of people finding fellowship and a safe place to discuss spiritual matters, while getting exercise.

• A pastor using his love of restoring cars to connect with his neighbors.

• A teacher praying for her students, impacting their spiritual walk for years to come.

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard / Traducción por Domitilla Rosette

•¿Quieres otro Calendario de la Columbia Union Conference 2024? Sólo por el costo de envío, llame a Pacific Press Publishing Association al (800) 545-2449 para solicitar copias adicionales.

• En el 2024, Columbia Union gastará una cantidad significativa en evangelismo: $175,000 en evangelismo general; $415,000 en un ministerio de evangelismo; y $20,000 en iniciativas para adultos jóvenes.

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard / Traducción por Domitilla Rosette

Jorge Aguero (el segundo por la derecha), presidente de New Jersey Conference desde el 2017, se jubiló el 1 de enero después de 43 años de ministerio pastoral, 25 de ellos dentro de la conferencia.

Aguero y su esposa, Amalia, directora de Esposos de Ministeriales en la conferencia y socia en el ministerio, se jubilan para apoyar a su familia mientras su nieta lucha contra la leucemia.