News | Seventh-day Adventist Church

A Mountain View Conference History Lesson

Story by Valerie Morikone

Longtime Mountain View Conference (MVC) members may know interesting facts and statistics about the conference. Recent members who have moved here from other areas may be unaware of its early history. In either case, reviewing the past brings one face-to-face with God’s miracle-working power and what He has accomplished. As Ellen White says, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Review and Herald, October 12, 1905).

Did You Know?

Download the 2021 Columbia Union Calendar

For those wanting more copies of the 2021 Columbia Union Calendar, call (800) 447-7377, and ask for the “2021 Columbia Union Calendar.” Extra calendars are free, with just the cost of shipping.

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Blue Mountain Academy Students Baptized During FOCUS Week

Pastor Sanghae Kim reads the baptismal vows to candidates Kyle Williams and Joseph Berry.

Story by Esther Hernandez

“At Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), we believe that true education focuses on academics, along with social, physical and spiritual development of our students,”
states Burney Culpepper, principal. “This year’s FOCUS (Focus On Christ’s Ultimate Sacrifice) week impacted our staff and students in a powerful way, causing them to grow in their relationship with Christ and strengthen their understanding and desire for the Word of God.”

Ohio Conference Hispanic Ministries Grow Through Crisis

Elder David Santiago opens his home for members of the Lorain Hispanic church plant, as Pastor Anthony Infantes (pictured standing) shares the Word of God.

Story by Kasper Haughton Jr.

10 Join Ellicott City Church at Outdoor Baptismal Service

Debbie Rivera, associate pastor of the Ellicott City church, baptizes Meghan Stewart into the church.

Story by Fylvia Fowler Kline

Member Joins Vineland Church After Walmart Encounter

Story by Ever Gonzales

Nancy Viera had just learned she was dying from cancer. This news brought sadness and despair. Not knowing what to do, she walked to Walmart to clear her mind. While there, she met an elderly woman who gave her a copy of The Desire of Ages. Their conversation about Jesus’ love led to personal Bible studies, and, as they studied together, Viera learned about the Sabbath.

One day, Viera asked her Pentecostal pastor why they didn’t worship on Saturday. He couldn’t give her a biblical answer. She continued studying the Bible with her new friend, and six months later decided to begin keeping the Sabbath.

Funeral Leads to Baptism

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

Toward the end of 2019, Minnie Redcross, one of the matriarchs of the Hillside church in Harrisburg, Pa., passed away. Among those present at her funeral was her great-great-niece, Dereasha Leaks.

At the service, Leaks felt impressed by the Holy Spirit that she needed to return for a Sabbath worship service. Shortly after, she began attending services regularly. Her husband, Kevin, also enjoyed attending, and soon they began studying with one of the church elders and his wife. Eventually, Leaks decided to fully embrace the Sabbath message and requested to be baptized.

First Church Dedicates Community Prayer Box

Story by LaTasha Hewitt

The Prayer Ministries team of First Church in Washington, D.C., recently dedicated their community prayer box. The concept for the box came about when the team, inspired by Hebrews 4:16, sought to connect with their community in a meaningful way. After a team member saw a “Free Book” sharing box, in which community members “take a book or leave a book,” they formulated an idea to start a community prayer box.

The group wanted a box that would be durable, weather-resistant and represent their care for the neighborhood. They ended up choosing a steel church barn mailbox, and a church member hand inscribed the calligraphy on the box.

Shiloh Church Provides ‘Breakfast With Seniors’

Story by Benia Jennings

Seniors have been hit especially hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Needing to exercise greater caution, contracting the virus is particularly dangerous to them. As a result, during this COVID-19 season, seniors are often lonely, sedentary and depressed. But this crisis created an opportunity.

The Shiloh Cincinnati church runs and operates Shiloh Adventist Gardens—a 64-unit senior living facility— and is always looking for opportunities to share the love of Christ and bring joy to an often-forgotten population. Last fall, the church brought breakfast and a smile to the residents. Shiloh member Amanda Smith organized the meal preparation and food delivery.

February 28, 2021: Go for It!

“I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all” (Eccles. 9:11, KJV).

These words hold two very credible sources of endorsement: They were penned by Solomon—the wisest man who ever lived—and, as a part of the canon of Scripture, fall under the category of being inspired by God. The truth of this passage can be viewed in two ways that offer hope to us in our earthly journey and experience.