Story by Fred Manchur
Despite the challenges we’ve faced in 2020, Kettering Health in Ohio has continued to grow these past five years. As we’ve added new facilities and expanded our community reach, we’ve continued to emphasize recruiting Seventh-day Adventist employees to ensure that our mission stays at the forefront of all we do.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).
I was blessed to have parents who always believed in me. I can’t remember a decision I made in which my parents were not there to lend their support. They may not have agreed with every decision I made, but they were alongside me as I moved on from the outcome of my decisions. Their willingness to be there for me meant the world. It gave me strength and confidence to move forward when, at times, I didn’t think I could. Maybe you had parents like that or maybe you had someone else in your life who cheered for you. Whether you did or didn’t, know that in Christ we all have a passionate cheerleader.
Story by Vicki Swetnam
Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Stage Band spent the last part of 2019 and the first part of 2020 preparing for their Benny Goodman fundraising concert. Then, the pandemic hit.
Months passed until Donald Huff, SVA band director, finally received clearance for the concert. Staff and students made proper preparations, brought in equipment and obtained professional videographers for a “live recording session.” Huff issued stern orders to the band: “Everyone, stay six feet apart, keep using hand sanitizer and stay heathy!” No one expected that he would be the one with the COVID-19 scare.
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
The Allegheny East Conference (AEC) recently launched its first podcast, The UpSet. The goal of the podcast is to provide conversation about current topics from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of respecting differing opinions. Topics range from politics and social networks to the stock market and church life.
“The Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Josh. 1:9, NKJV).
In 2017, I was living and working in Milan, Italy. I had a part-time job in a Chinese multinational company, lived downtown with my sister and did Bible work in my spare time. Life was comfortable and predictable. I was active in church and held a few offices. I enjoyed teaching Sabbath School and giving Bible studies, but I felt the need for a change.
Nobel Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai shared the following message with Washington Adventist University Graduates via a video message during their 2021 Spring Graduation weekend.
Malala Yousafzai WAU Message.mov from Washington Adventist University on Vimeo.
Story by Shannon Smith
Last weekend, leaders at Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Md., celebrated the many achievements and successes of students during their graduation ceremonies. It was the first commencement since 1904 to be held on the campus commons.
“On this the 106th Commencement Weekend, 275 students will receive a variety of graduate, undergraduate, associate and certificates,” said Weymouth Spence, WAU president. “Washington Adventist University is certainly a place where we produce graduates who bring competence and moral leadership to their communities.”
The Gathering 2021 Chesapeake Conference Camp Meeting experience will be held virtually, June 15-19, featuring on-location broadcasts throughout the conference. To view a complete program schedule and access seminars, evening worships, children’s/youth/ young adult programs and resources, please visit ccosda.org/campmeeting.
Featured Speaker
Here is a list of conferences within the Columbia Union that are hosting virtual or in-person 2021 camp meetings:
Allegheny East Conference: June 26–July 3 (virtual)
Allegheny West Conference: June 16–19 (virtual)
Chesapeake Conference: June 15–19 (virtual)
Mountain View Conference: June 11–19 (in person at Blue Mountain Academy)
Historia de Anthony Baffi
Mientras atendía a su padre en el hospital, Reina Zapata-Méndez, miembro de la iglesia hispana de Jersey City y voluntaria de la Conferencia de Nueva Jersey como coordinadora estatal de Guías Maestras, escuchó la noticia de que un virus que se originaba en China había llegado a Estados Unidos. Zapata-Méndez, y el resto del mundo, no podían imaginar el torbellino que estaba por golpear en las próximas semanas.