News

Story by Jessica Duffy

ADRA is launching a month-­long campaign  in support of refugees, beginning on May  30.  Through this campaign, ADRA will join other non-­profit organizations around the  world in showing support for refugees in the lead up to World Refugee Day June  20.  The campaign will also complement World Refugee Day Sabbath on June 18.    

In addition to showing ADRA’s support for refugees, the campaign aims to engage the  public in an open dialogue,  providing a better understanding of refugees,  and  challenging some of the prejudices and misinformation which surrounds the topic.    

Since refugees began arriving in Europe in unprecedented numbers in 2015, ADRA has been active in seven Eastern European countries, helping over 120,000  refugees.  Their dedicated staff and volunteers provided essential items including  food, winter clothing, and hygiene kits, as  well as  services such as transport,  information and translation services,  psychosocial support, and charging stations.   

The closure of European borders in March 2016 has left around 50,000 refugees  stranded in Greece. ADRA has established a presence in Greece and is responding  to some of the immediate needs of the camps in  the country’s north. The overall  project goal is the improved living conditions fo  vulnerable refugees and migrants.    

This two-minute video provides a visual overview at the Columbia Union Conference. “We hope it will help members know who we are, where we are located, and how we serve,” says Celeste Ryan Blyden, vice president for Strategic Communication and Public Relations. “It also answers questions people have about membership, mission and the role our union plays in advancing the mission of Christ.”

Story by Donna Bigler

Washington Adventist University (WAU) held its quinquennial Constituency Meeting  May 20, 2016 at Potomac Conference's Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. The meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Dave Weigley, Chair of the WAU Board of Trustees and Columbia Union Conference president.  Michael Kulakov,WAU Religion professor, led the devotion and prayer.

During the meeting, new board members were nominated and approved. They included Evelyn Bata, Andre Hardy, Shawn Fordham and Donovan Ross.

Story by Beth Michaels / Photos by Hearly Mayr

Today 13 graduates of the REACH Columbia Union Urban Evangelism School walked across the stage to receive their diplomas. The school’s inaugural graduation happened during the 27th Columbia Union Conference Constituency Session at Potomac Conference’s Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md.

“I want to thank you for being pioneers in this school of urban evangelism,” said Dave Weigley during the ceremony. I’m delighted you accepted this challenge to come to the school. you have really pioneered a way forward for us here. We as constituents, the sponors of the school are proud and delighted.”