News

  1. Home
  2. News

'Back to the Altar'

Editorial by Gary Gibbs

I knew I was listening to an exciting answer to prayer as I heard the speaker describe an inspiring initiative called “Back to the Altar.” I had been earnestly seeking God for strategic initiatives for our conference’s new quinquennium, which began after the constituency session in October 2023.

Our team identified several key ideas we felt God was leading us to as conference staff, and pastors met for prayer and planning. We determined that a renewed focus on a personal relationship with Jesus would be one of the more important initiatives. We long for each member to experience a deepening of love for Him and to grow in the qualities of being Jesus’ fully committed disciple.

ShareGreatControversy.com Chronicles Powerful Stories of Impact

Story by Alicia Adams

In the world of literature, certain books transcend their pages, seeping into the very fabric of people’s lives, reshaping destinies, and fostering movements that echo through time. One such work, The Great Controversy by Ellen G. White, has become a catalyst for profound transformations, and a newly launched website, ShareGreatControversy.com, features the testimonies of people whose lives have been forever changed following an encounter with this classic book.

The website captures scenes of the book’s impact by showcasing true stories of well-known figures and everyday people alike who, after reading The Great Controversy, embarked on transformative journeys that rippled through their families, churches, and the world.

Week of Prayer at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy Ignites Students for Christ

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?

Standing Tall For Jesus

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.

How to Order 2024 Columbia Union Calendars

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.
 

You Are Our Strongest Evangelist

gettyimages.com

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.