Story by Everett Wiles
Washington Adventist University (WAU) has been officially recognized as an Opportunity College and University (OCU) in the latest Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, a distinction awarded to only 16% of over 3000 colleges and universities nationwide.
Story by Debra Anderson
In 1860, more than 550,000 enslaved Black people lived in Virginia, accounting for one-third of the state’s population. In the rural village of Montebello, historical records confirm that several families owned enslaved individuals. Life expectancy for those in servitude was about 36 years, and infant and child mortality rates were tragically high. Forced to labor six days a week, many also endured legal prohibitions. By the 1830s, it was illegal in Virginia for enslaved persons to read or write.
Story by Francis Tuffour
Pastors from across the Ohio Conference recently gathered at Integrity Hall in Dayton for a two-day meeting focused on spiritual renewal and evangelistic preparation.
Bob Cundiff, conference president, opened with a devotional, affirming the sacred calling of pastoral ministry. “You are loved, you are with friends and we celebrate you,” he said.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Some 2,000 Master Guides, including 600 registrants from the Columbia Union Conference, recently attended North American Division’s First Master Guide Camporee at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in Glen Jean, W.Va.
Interested in planning your own short-term mission project with a group? Start by visiting hesaidgo.org.
This site can connect you with current needs, opportunities and additional, invaluable resources from Adventist Risk Management and the U.S. Department of State that are essential to protecting missionaries and avoiding unnecessary risks. The site provides checklists for mission trip planning and packing, while also connecting prospective leaders and volunteers with the most up-to-date information. The site also keeps a running list of short- and long-term volunteer opportunities for individuals.
Come together as part of the Columbia Union family August 6 at noon for a special time of prayer. The Allegheny West Conference team will be leading the prayer time and sharing exciting updates about Pentecost 2025, with a special focus on how the youth are getting involved. We will also lift our hearts in prayer for our students and educators as they gear up to head back to school.
How to Join
Participate in Zoom (Meeting ID 968 9736 8736, Passcode: 803677); Facebook or YouTube to be part of this prayer event.
Story by Liz Bailey
Through intentional effort and strategic planning, the staff at Parkersburg Academy (PA) in West Virginia has been dedicated to cultivating a more vibrant spiritual environment by introducing God and nurturing the relationship of each student with Jesus. It is noteworthy that 70 percent of PA's student body comes from families who are not affiliated with the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Story by Royston Philbert
While veteran delegates at the 2025 General Conference Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church brought decades of institutional knowledge to the floor, it was the voices of youth delegates that offered a fresh cadence to the global dialogue on mission, policy, and generational transition.
Story by Lauren Davis
Story by Debbie Michel