News

NJC Lay Training

Story by Abdiel S. Hernandez

The Lay Training Biblical Institute program (Seminario Adventista Laico), sponsored by Andrews University (Mich.), recently brought a clear and fresh vision to the intellectual and spiritual preparation of the lay people of the New Jersey Conference (NJC). This training program was effective in doctrine, discipleship, evangelization, growth and service, and provided tools to empower the lay leaders to develop powerful leadership in their local churches, says organizers.

In 2018 NJC had a graduation of more than 140 students—including a teenager—and shared beautiful experiences with one another.

Event Shiloh Cincinnati Church

Story by Benia Jennings

Imagine receiving free consolations with a dentist, medical doctor, lawyer, psychiatrist, psychologist and nutritionist all at the same location. The conference’s Family Ministries Department recently gathered these resources and hosted the “Building Healthy Families for Eternity” event at the Shiloh Cincinnati (Ohio) church. Staff planned a full day of workshops, training and resources designed to foster hope and bring wholeness to families.

Story by Dustin Hall

Earlier this year, Pennsylvania Conference's Grace Outlet church (GO) moved into its own facility after 10 years of renting. God performed many miracles to provide them with a former country club building in Berks County.

Nearly 300 people attended the Community Center’s grand opening, which included a bounce house, local firefighters, law enforcement with a canine demonstration, food trucks, live music, giveaways and more. The next weekend, more than 70 neighbors attended a concert by contemporary Christian musician Josh Wilson.

Sheep! by Jannes Pockele from Flickr

Editorial by Bill Miller

In Jesus’ day, sheep comprised an everyday commodity used for reproduction, wool and food. Additionally, Jews used a portion of their flock for sacrifices and religious festivals. However, when Jesus talks about His sheep, He introduces an intimate aspect. Jesus’ relationship with His flock proves they are not a commodity to Him, but of utmost value—something even worth dying for.

Story by Katie Fellows

As the time neared closer to the start of their monthlong series, Tom Stone, pastor of Pennsylvania Conference’s Reading Kenhorst Boulevard church, welcomed 40 church and community members alike for opening night.

“The first night of the series was great,” says member Roque Rojas Jr. “I liked how the guests were a mixed group of community visitors, church members and even visiting members from other churches.”

Dennis Nowakowski, a recently baptized new church member, attended almost all of the meetings during the Final Events Prophecy Seminar. As a huge fan of his state football team, he even came on the nights his favorite team was playing.

Story by Richard Castillo

If you take a walk down to Farragut Square in Washington, D.C., one might hear the what sounds like the voice of angel. Coincidentally this "angel" happens to attend Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., for Clinical Psychology and is using her voice to support her studies and spread a message of faith.

Story by Tamyra Horst

“One in three teens struggle with anxiety disorders,” states Burney Culpepper, princial of Pennsylvania Conference's Blue Mountain Academy (BMA). “Mental health is foundational to our overall well-being, but it feels like resources and a safe space to talk about the issues we face can be hard to find. Our recent mental health weekend laid a biblical foundation that will help our students cope with this growing health issue.”

At BMA’s recent “Peace of Mind” mental health conference, students and church members from around the area discovered practical help on topics like depression and anxiety from breakouts on “Disappointment, Depression and Deliverance,” “Healing From Hurtful Habits,” “Self-Identity” and “CALM: A Recipe for Peace in Times of Chaos.”