It is with a very heavy heart that we write to inform you that Elder Henry J. Fordham, III, president of the Allegheny East Conference, and his wife Sharon passed away in a house fire overnight.
Today we lost a giant, a legend in Adventist ministry—Elder Henry Fordham III—and his dear wife, Sharon. Together, they made an indelible contribution to the work of God.
“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you” (1 Pet. 5:7, NKJV).
God cares for us so very much. This care is not superficial like how we care about our favorite sports team or favorite food. He truly thinks positive thoughts toward us each and every day, and He wants the best for us.
God is a relationship-focused God who shows this throughout the Bible in countless ways. He pulls out all the stops to establish and deepen relationships with whomever—be they Jew or Gentile.
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister” (Matt. 20:26, KJV).
Leadership roles, whether large or seemingly small, are given to each of us by the Lord. God gave kings like Saul, David and Solomon the responsibility of shepherding His people and building His kingdom. Like parents, who are entrusted to nurture, protect and guide their children, or church elders, who are called to shepherd Christ’s people, God has given each of us a unique role in His work of salvation.
“And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God” (1 Sam. 30:6, KJV).
This verse is my source of comfort and peace, because it shows both the problem and solution to everyday stress.
Problem: David was greatly distressed.
Solution: David encouraged himself in the Lord his God.
From Thursday, Oct. 14, to Sunday, Oct. 16, the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary at Andrews University will host the Congress on Social Justice, an event designed to highlight global issues of imbalance as well as the biblical solutions that address them.
Story by Benia Jennings
Three years ago, leadership at the Westside church in Cleveland challenged themselves to reexamine God’s purpose for their church and how they could more effectively share the gospel with others. To that end, they embarked on a journey of spiritual rediscovery, beginning with fasting and prayer to ask God for a revelation of His purpose for the church.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths” (Prov. 3:5–6, NKJV).
I have had my share of trials over the years, as all Christians experience. Lessons learned have matured my faith and trust and have taught me to seek the Lord’s will rather than my own.
“How precious it is, Lord, to realize that you are thinking about me constantly! I can’t even count how many times a day your thoughts turn toward me. And when I waken in the morning, you are still thinking of me!” (Ps. 139:17–18, TLB).
I love this verse because it paints a beautiful picture of God’s unfailing love for me. He truly values me by reminding me that He is always thinking of me, even on the days when I think I am forgotten.
This verse reminds me that I am important, worthwhile and special enough for the God who created all things and made the universe to think of me continually.
Story by Andrew S. Lay
During Alumni Weekend 2021, Highland View Academy (HVA) renamed their gymnasium in honor of Harvey J. Byram, principal from 1980–1987, who worked
tirelessly to build up the HVA campus and begin the varsity athletic programs at the school.
Byram raised money to build the library and science wing of the classroom building, the E & I Barr building that houses the cafeteria and music departments, and the DeHaan Hall and Hartle Hall dormitories.
Historia de Mario Thorp
Hace once años, viajé por la costa de Costa Rica hasta Talamanca, un pueblo al sureste de Puerto Limón. En Talamanca hay un pequeño asentamiento de aborígenes costarricenses que viven en la comunidad de Bribri. Mientras estaba allí, me enteré de un miembro de la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día que quería comenzar un pequeño grupo en la ciudad de Suretka, a una hora de Bribri.
Fui a Suretka para encontrarme con José Brown, también conocido como Piecito. Cuando nos sentamos, me identifiqué como su nuevo pastor. Piecito dijo: “Me gustaría ver una iglesia en esta comunidad”.