Columbia Union Visitor--November/December 2025

November/December 2025 n Volume 130 n Issue 6

The Visitor is printed bimonthly and is the official publication of the Columbia Union Conference for the constituents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mid-Atlantic area. Our mission is to provide news and information, inspiration for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission.

Editor and Publisher n Kelly Butler Coe

Managing Editor for Print n Ricardo Bacchus

Managing Editor for Digital Media n V. Michelle Bernard

Art Director n Kelly Butler Coe

Designer n Kylie Kajiura

Advertising Manager n Ricardo Bacchus

Contract Copy Editor n Beth Thomas

Contract Proofreader n Lisa Krueger

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Allegheny East n LaTasha Hewitt, visitaec.com

Allegheny West n Anthony Chornes II, awconf.org

Chesapeake n Evan Knott, ccosda.org

Mountain View n Liz Bailey, mtviewconf.org

New Jersey n Stephen Lee, njcsda.org

Ohio n Francis Tuffour, ohioadventist.org

Pennsylvania n Tamyra Horst, paconference.org

Potomac n Debra Anderson, pcsda.org

Blue Mountain Academy n Kiona Costello, bma.us

Highland View Academy n Tracy Morgan, highlandviewacademy.com

Lake Nelson Adventist Academy n Ashley Boggess, lakenelsonacademy.org

Pine Forge Academy n Addriene Rhodes, pineforgeacademy.org

Shenandoah Valley Academy n Janel Haas Ware, shenandoahvalleyacademy.org

Spencerville Adventist Academy n Lauren Esveld, spencervilleacademy.org

Spring Valley Academy n Angela Peach, springvalleyacademy.org

Takoma Academy n Shaun Robinson, ta.edu

Kettering College n Katie Kimball, kc.edu

Washington Adventist University n Everett Wiles, wau.edu

Adventist HealthCare n Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com

Kettering Health n Katie Kimball, ketteringhealth.org

WGTS n Lisa Krueger, wgts919.com

PUBLISHING BOARD n Marcellus T. Robinson (chair), Kelly Butler Coe (secretary), Emmanuel Asiedu, Tim Bailey, Celeste Ryan Blyden, Marvin C. Brown, III, Bob Cundiff, Gary Gibbs, Trevor Kinlock, Stephen Lee, Jerry Lutz, Charles A. Tapp

CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n visitor@columbiaunion.net visitoradvertising@columbiaunion.net n columbiaunionvisitor.com

FOLLOW US n facebook.com/columbiaunionvisitor n x.com/visitornews instagram.com/columbiaunionvisitor

SUBSCRIBE n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, please visit our website and click on subscribe.

Editorial

marcellus t robinson

Three Hellos and One Hope

I was pleasantly surprised to receive a flyer in the mail from one of our own churches the other day. This church, located about eight miles from my home, invited all in the neighboring community to join its “Forecasting Hope” prophecy seminar, providing all the necessary information for me to attend. So, attend I did.

On my way to the church, I received a call from G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, in which I shared with him that I was headed to a local church that was engaging in Pentecost 2025 to carry out the mission of evangelism. We rejoiced in the moment!

As I approached the entrance to the church, my heart was beating with joy. There was a banner that read, “Welcome,” and a greeter approached me with an inviting smile and handshake. It reminded me that sometimes the simplest acts can reflect the love of Christ more deeply than words alone.

The greeter directed me to the registration table where another member provided me with a gift bag containing all the resources needed for the seminar: the church’s card with a QR code, a small water bottle, a study guide for the night’s message, a Bible study reference sheet and a daily prayer journal. Then, an usher pleasantly guided me to my seat. From a visitor’s perspective, I, an unknown guest, was amazed to receive three warm welcomes in one night!

The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two health care networks; early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; community services centers; camp and retreat centers; book and health food stores and a radio media ministry. To learn more about the Columbia Union, visit columbiaunion.org.

President n Marcellus T. Robinson

Executive Secretary n Celeste Ryan Blyden

Treasurer n Emmanuel Asiedu

Undertreasurer n Tabita Martinez

Vice President, Communication n Kelly Butler Coe

Vice President, Education n Donovan Ross

Vice President/General Counsel n Lisa Saveikis Burrow

Vice President, Ministries Development n Frank Bondurant

Vice President, Multilingual Ministries n Rubén A. Ramos

Asst. to the President for Evangelism n José D. Espósito

Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund n H. Candace Nurse

Director, Information Technology Services n Robert Chandler

Director, Plant Services n Curtis Boore

Adventist ® and Seventh-day Adventist ® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ® n The Visitor is printed and mailed at Pacific Press ® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. n Unless otherwise noted, photos and illustrations are reproduced with permission from gettyimages.com.

About the Cover: Stephen Matthie and Romita Mandal were photographed at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens in Vienna, Va., by Eric Kayne.

The meeting was equally wonderful, and several people from the community attended. The pastor preached an inspiring, hopefilled message about the love of God and His eternal law: to point us to Jesus and the sacrifice He made on the cross. He concluded with a prayer for all to receive the gift of God’s love in Christ.

But the warmth didn’t end there. Before exiting the church, one of the greeters I had met earlier invited me to return. From the time I entered to the time I left, I was received with love and care.

This is church at its best—sharing Christian love and inviting others to learn of Christ, accept Christ and continue to grow in Christ. When the church reflects Christ’s love through genuine warmth, organization and a message of hope, it is a powerful tool for evangelism and spiritual growth.

May the Holy Spirit continue to use simple acts of kindness and Spirit-filled teaching to draw hearts to Jesus. Let the spirit of Pentecost—warm hospitality, powerful truth and deep community— continue to permeate our churches until we see Jesus’ return in the clouds of glory!

Marcellus T. Robinson serves as the president of the Columbia Union Conference.

CONFERENCES WORK TOGETHER IN BALTIMORE

This fall, volunteers from across the Columbia Union Conference and beyond, including several members from Chesapeake Conference’s Dundalk (Md.) church, provided some 1,048 individual health services at a free medical, vision and dental clinic at Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Miracle City church in Baltimore.

Services included dental cleanings, extractions and fillings; vision testing and free glasses; basic medical screenings; and mental health and lifestyle guidance and resources. The clinic is just one of several programs that comprise Reach Baltimore, a collaborative evangelism effort between the Chesapeake and Allegheny East conferences and with support from the Columbia Union Conference, North American Division and It is Written.

“This clinic was such a tremendous blessing as we were able to serve hundreds who were either uninsured or underinsured. I’m especially grateful for all the volunteers who came from as far as California to help provide these critical services to our community,” says Trevor Kinlock, AEC president.

The community was also invited to attend a wellness day at Miracle City church and a lecture series at Goucher College in Baltimore, featuring historical and archaeological evidence for the stories, places and people in the Bible.

Plans for these events had been underway for three years and culminated in Hope for Humanity, a month of evangelistic meetings designed for the 630,000 residents of Baltimore and the surrounding communities.

G. Alexander Bryant, North American Division president, and John Bradshaw, It Is Written president, co-preached the series, also

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTS NEW IT DIRECTOR

At the Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting in September, Robert Chandler was elected as the new director of Columbia Union’s Information Technology Services (ITS).

“Robert is a passionate, mission-driven leader and a team player who will work well with our ITS team to continue to provide an excellent service to Columbia Union and our entities,” says Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer. “IT service is the lifeblood of our church ministry, and I’m glad to have Robert lead the ITS Department at this time.”

Chandler has worked in accounting and Treasury for the Seventh-day Adventist Church since 2008, with an additional 28 years working in the corporate world in IT and as a consultant, accountant and owner/operator of a graphic design and promotional products company.

“My post-college career began in Information Technology, with the transition from huge computers to personal computing, which allowed me to work for corporations involved in cutting-edge technologies. IT, as we know it today, is an ever-changing and growing industry. ... I have and continue to enjoy using technology to better the processes and improve lives,” says Chandler.

He most recently served as an associate treasurer at the union where he provided accounting systems development and support. Prior to that, he was the treasurer/CFO for the Northeastern Conference.

v. michelle bernard

held at Goucher College. Robert Costa of It Is Written also preached a Spanish language series.

“This is unprecedented for the largest city in the Chesapeake Conference territory. Much prayer, planning and work has gone into preparing for this joint initiative,” says Jerry Lutz, Chesapeake president.

Read more about this event and other Columbia Union fall evangelistic meetings on our website.

158,772

The number of church members in the Columbia Union Conference, as reported at the September Executive Committee meeting held at Allegheny East Conference’s headquarters in Boyertown, Pa.

A PRAYERFUL END TO 2025

This year, the Columbia Union Conference family—our conferences, entities and members—has been gathering virtually each month to pause for prayer. Help us finish strong by joining our final online prayer meetings, November 5 and December 3, at noon, on Zoom, Facebook or YouTube.

UpFront

LONGTIME UNION LEADER TO RETIRE

After almost two decades of service as Columbia Union’s vice president for Ministries Development, and 43 years of full-time ministry, Frank Bondurant is retiring in November.

A lifelong resident of the Columbia Union territory, Bondurant spent 22 years working for the Chesapeake Conference as a pastor, departmental director and assistant to the president before accepting the appointment of vice president for Ministries Development.

Bondurant’s colleagues know him for a legacy of capable leadership, optimism, enthusiasm and compassion, as well as a big sense of humor.

Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union, who has known Bondurant for almost 20 years, says he was an invaluable resource during Robinson’s first year at the union and is a wealth of institutional knowledge, as well as policy and procedure.

“There are some people who have positional leadership: the elder of the church, deacons, such and such. But then there’s the unofficial leader of the church,” says Robinson, who has a background in pastoral ministry. “Well, Frank is that person at the Columbia Union.”

One of Bondurant’s notable contributions was a focus on pursuing funding made available through higher organizations within the church, for dispersion to conference and local churches within the Columbia Union to use for ministry—including Homeland Mission funding; Global Mission Church Planting funding; and Church Revitalization funding. Under Bondurant’s leadership, millions of dollars have been secured and dispersed back to local churches in the union.

Thanks to these efforts, the union currently leads the North American Division in church planting and urban centers of influence projects.

Read more about Bondurant’s ministry contribution on our website.

—Shannon Kelly

UNION HELPS DISTRIBUTE

MORE THAN 150,000

BOOKS

Columbia Union Conference’s Office of Multilingual Ministries recently helped facilitate the distribution of 152,849 books to conferences in the Columbia Union.

The 15,520 small Bibles, 86,400 Steps to Christ in Spanish, 50,600 Steps to Christ in English and 329 family Bibles books were distributed to pastors, who then shared them with church and community members.

500+

More than 500 community members recently gathered at the Adventist HealthCare Triumph Trek and Health Fair at the Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md., to celebrate individuals who have overcome serious injury or illness—as well as the caregivers, families and friends who have supported them every step of the way.

—Adventist HealthCare Staff

POTOMAC PASTOR RECEIVES AWARD

The Association of Adventist Women (AAW) recently awarded Griselda Jobe the 2025 Junia Award for pioneering work in rural pastoral ministry. She is the lead pastor of Potomac Conference’s Martinsville and Piney Forest churches in Virginia.

“Griselda Jobe received the Junia Award for pioneering work as one of a few ordained female lead pastors in a rural multi-church district in the North American Division,” states Nerida Bates, president of AAW.

In 2010, Jobes became a Seventh-day Adventist and felt God’s call to ministry, so taking a leap of faith, she studied at Southwestern Adventist University (Texas) and earned a degree in Theology in 2019.

She is the co-leader of AAW’s Latin American women’s theologians group.

Around 800 evangelistic meetings hosted by churches and schools across the Columbia Union Conference so far in 2025. Read our full report in the March/April 2026 Visitor.

Kids, Corner

READ THIS BOOK WITH YOUR FAMILY

Did you enjoy exploring Mountain of Miracles at Vacation Bible School (VBS) this summer? Do you want to learn more stories like Elijah’s that teach about God’s love?

We have exciting news! Marilyn Scott, who pastors kids at the Bell Branch and Pasadena churches in Maryland, has written the first-ever VBS devotional book called Mountain of Miracles Family Devotional

Each day, you will enjoy an easy-to-read story with Bible verses, fun questions to talk about with your family, simple activities and a prayer. This short devotional book is available at adventsource.org.

Even if you didn’t go to VBS, you’ll enjoy these daily stories and activities with your family.—Evan Knott and Visitor Staff

MAKE THE HOLIDAYS BRIGHT • Thanksgiving and Christmas are awesome times to celebrate with family and friends! Many churches like to decorate, distribute food baskets and remember Jesus’ birth. You can also help families all over the world by sponsoring gifts from ADRA’s 2025 Gift Catalog at giftcatalog.adra.org!

Check out the scene below, and see if you can find these hidden items inspired by gifts in the catalog: □ blanket □ baby chick □ goat □ honeybee □ seed packets □ water bucket

Noticias

v. michelle bernard

Regresando a Casa

En el artículo principal de esta edición, “Regresando a Casa”, miembros de iglesia de toda la Columbia Union Conference explican qué los atrajo a la Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día. También comparten consejos sobre cómo hacer que una iglesia sea más acogedora, para que otros también la conviertan en su hogar espiritual.

ENFÓCATE EN EL REINO

n Enfócate en el reino, no en la iglesia.

n Cualquiera puede discipular a otros; solo necesitas estar dispuesto a dedicar tiempo y energía a una relación, y dejar que el Espíritu Santo se encargue del resto.

n Permite que la persona a la que estás discipulando lidere las conversaciones.

n Una de las mejores cosas que puedes decir es: “No sé”.

CONÉCTATE CON LA GENTE

n No trates las relaciones como un “medio para un fin”.

n Conéctate con la gente. Apóyalos.

n Sé honesto y ora sobre tu rol en su vida.

SÉ UN AMIGO GENUINO

n Coman juntos.

n Jueguen juntos. Pasen tiempo juntos.

n Tu relación no tiene que comenzar con un estudio bíblico.

PREDICA LA PALABRA A LOS OLVIDADOS

n En lugar de hablar de lo mala que es la vida de alguien, ama a quienes creen que no merecen amor.

n Deja de avergonzarte de “qué tan cristiano” eres. Ser cristiano te distingue, y es algo que despierta curiosidad en las personas.

Lee la lista completa de consejos en columbiaunionvisitor.com/ regresandoacasa.

LAS CONFERENCIAS TRABAJAN JUNTAS EN BALTIMORE

Las iglesias y escuelas de la Columbia Union Conference han llevado a cabo aproximademente 800 reuniones evangelísticas en lo que va del 2025, incluyendo Revelación Hoy: Esperanza para la Humanidad. Las reuniones de Esperanza para la Humanidad, celebradas en Towson, Maryland, y organizadas por las conferencias de Chesapeake y Allegheny East, con el apoyo de la Columbia Union Conference, North American Division e It is Written, marcaron la culminación de meses de planificación, estudios bíblicos y oración por los residentes del área de Baltimore.

La serie fue predicada conjuntamente por G. Alexander Bryant, presidente de la North American Division, y John Bradshaw, presidente de It is Written. Robert Costa, de It is Written, presentó dos series en español.

Lea más en línea sobre este evento y otras reuniones de otoño celebradas en la Columbia Union Conference.

LA UNIÓN AYUDA A DISTRIBUIR MÁS DE 150,000 LIBROS

La Oficina de los Ministerios

Multilingües de la Columbia Union Conference facilitó recientemente la distribución de 152,849 libros a las conferencias de la Columbia Union.

Las 15,520 Biblias pequeñas, 86,400 ejemplares de El Camino a Cristo en español, 50,600 ejemplares de El Camino a Cristo en inglés y 329 Biblias familiares se distribuyeron a pastores, quienes luego los compartieron con miembros de la iglesia y la comunidad.

158,772

La cantidad de miembros de iglesia en la Columbia Union Conference, según la reunión del Comité Ejecutivo de septiembre celebrada en la sede de la Allegheny East Conference en Boyertown, Pennsylvania.

COMUNIDAD ATENDIDA EN UNA CLÍNICA GRATUITA

Este otoño, voluntarios de toda la Columbia Union y de otras partes, atendieron una clínica médica, oftalmológica y dental gratuita en la iglesia Miracle City de la Allegheny East Conference en Baltimore.

Los servicios ofrecidos incluyeron limpiezas dentales, extracciones y empastes; exámenes de la vista y anteojos gratuitos; exámenes médicos básicos; y orientación y recursos sobre salud mental y estilo de vida. La comunidad también fue invitada a un día de bienestar en la iglesia.

Para más historias en español, visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias.

MAKING MINISTRY POSSIBLE

Fruit of the Spirit Seventh-day Adventist Church –Allegheny West Conference | Columbus, OH

In 2019, after much prayer and meeting with the only four members of the congregation, Pastor Harold Palmer graciously accepted the call to pastor the Southside Seventh-day Adventist Church, now known as the Fruit of the Spirit Seventh-day Adventist Church. The faith venture started when the members expressed they wanted to build a new church, as they had been conducting services in a house for many years. After a considerable amount of money was raised, we contacted CURF in 2019 to provide the remaining the balance we needed, and Ms. Candace Nurse was instrumental in helping us step by step, as this was our first time experiencing a venture like this. We are grateful to CURF for loaning us the funds to help build a brand-new church facility for God in the southside of the Columbus, Ohio, community.

– Elder James Benton

I am thankful for the opportunity that CURF provided for us to grow our membership, spread the gospel, and serve our community as followers of Christ.”

– Angelique

Benton, member

Since 1968, the Columbia Union Revolving Fund (CURF) has been providing low-interest loans and financing for Seventh-day Adventist Church and school building and renovating projects so as to facilitiate growth. What started as a $200,000 fund with investments from members has grown to a $182 million resource that makes ministry possible. By providing loans for more than 2,000 projects to date, CURF has helped further the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church all across the Columbia Union.

LEARN MORE: 866-721-CURF columbiaunionrevolvingfund.org

By Amanda Blake

In a world that can often feel lonely or uncertain, many long for the assurance that we are never alone. Here, we share stories of those who found a welcoming spiritual home.

Romita Mandal had known Mr. Matthie for more than a decade. He’d been her elementary and middle school strings director, and, when she reached high school, her private violin instructor.

“Sometimes, we wouldn’t unpack the violin,” she shares. “Sometimes, I would just have a breakdown on the couch, and he would help me and be a mentor.”

Finding Home

Mandal grew up with a Hindu mom and an atheist dad. She aligned more with her dad, whom she describes as scientifically minded with no space for spirituality—yet, unlike him, Mandal believed that God existed.

Mandal independently studied parts of the Bible, including the Ten Commandments, and found it puzzling that churches didn’t worship on the seventh day.

One day, after speaking with Mandal about God, Matthie offered to spend time with her to answer any “God questions” she might have. She accepted, and they eventually began studying the Bible together once a week.

Matthie’s answers made sense to Mandal in a way her church experiences did not. As she explains it, she saw Christianity in a different light because she was learning about it through her longtime friendship

with Matthie. A few months into their studies, she started attending Matthie’s church, Potomac Conference’s Living Faith church—now called Greater Than I—in Chantilly, Va.

She loved how the service was structured and how the congregation was involved in reading and discussing Bible passages. After about a year of studying with Matthie, in 2016, Mandal was baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For her, “coming home” truly is the best way to describe her experience of finding her church.

“I love that phrase, because every time I go to church, I tell people, ‘This is my home. You guys are my home,’” she says. “I haven’t always had a stable living situation. There are very few places where I have felt emotionally, physically and mentally safe, but in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I feel like my true self.”

Demystifying Discipleship

Be Kingdom-Focused

• Anyone can disciple others. You just need to be willing to give time and energy to the relationship and let the Holy Spirit take it from there.

• Let the disciple lead the discussions.

• Be kingdom-focused, not church-focused.

• One of the best things you can say is: “I don’t know.”

• Approach the experience with an “empty cup,” ready to be filled by God.

• Remember that you’re just one part of the disciple’s journey.—Stephen Matthie

Connect With People

• Don’t treat relationships as a “means to an end.”

• Connect with people. Support them.

• Be honest and pray about your role in their life.

—Romita Mandal

An Inviting Home

Like Mandal, Tracy Morgan did not grow up in a Christian household. She was raised as a Nichiren Shoshu Academy (NSA) Buddhist.

“As far as what we believed, I don’t really know,” Morgan says. “I kind of had this picture of a fat Buddha-type guy up in a cloud, some old man with a beard—that was my view of religion.”

According to Morgan, she had no moral compass during this stage of her life, which continued into her early 20s. That’s when she started dating Tim, who, like her, wasn’t religious at all—at least, he wasn’t in the beginning.

Tim began attending evangelistic meetings. He quit smoking. He stopped drinking. Eventually, he was baptized into the Adventist Church.

Morgan cheered for him, although she wanted nothing to do with her boyfriend’s new religion. One day, however, Tim invited her to a game night at the church, and when she arrived, they all treated her as if they knew her. “Everybody was nice. It wasn’t weird. They weren’t what I thought they were going to be,” she recalls.

Comparing Our Beliefs

When Tracy Morgan first became a new Christian in 1993, young adults from the Warren (Mich.) church embraced her and her now husband, Tim, with open arms (center, in black shirts).

She had a similar experience at a young adults’ weekend Tim took her to at Camp Au Sable (Mich.). “The younger women really embraced me and were very kind to me [through] stupid things like just doing our hair in the bathroom and laughing and talking. … It kind of shattered that expectation that Christians were weird and prudish and quirky.”

Seventh-day Adventists share much in common with fellow Christians and other faiths. Below we compare Adventist beliefs with other religions or denominations based on their prominence in the United States. See an extended list at columbiaunionvisitor.com/beliefcomparison.

Seventh-day Adventist

One God; No Trinity; Awaiting Messiah

Sacred Tradition; Magisterium

Tanakh, with an Emphasis on the Torah Varies; Messiah Still to Come

(Shabbat)

One God; (Muhammad and Jesus were prophets) Qur’an; Sunnah Barzakh, then Heaven/Hell Friday Prayers

Demystifying Discipleship

Be a Genuine Friend

• Eat together. Play games together. Hang out.

• Be a genuine friend.

• Your relationship doesn’t have to start with a Bible study.—Tracy Morgan

When Morgan accompanied Tim to church for the first time, the pastor stopped the service to pray for a family whom Morgan had met at the game night. The woman had recently given birth, and the baby was in critical condition. At the next service, Morgan saw the woman and baby they’d prayed for the week prior.

“That was the first time I’d seen a direct answer to prayer,” she explains. “I was getting to know who Jesus was in the past, what He had done, what that story in the book was. But to see it live in action, in real time, was very impactful.”

After a couple years of study and relationshipbuilding, Morgan dedicated her life to Jesus by getting baptized. And she and Tim eventually got married. Morgan, now the Development and Alumni Relations director for Chesapeake Conference’s Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., describes how she’s watched Adventist academies also play a role in making the Adventist Church a home: “It’s an awesome thing watching these kids grow and get closer to Christ. Sometimes they leave [the church], but they still have that connection with their school—they always have this safe place that they can come back to and know that they’re loved.”

Returning Home

Raised in Ecuador, Bryan Esparza grew up Catholic—largely due to his paternal grandma’s dedication to the church.

“I was baptized when I was a child. I did communion, confirmation and all the steps one has to do

[for] the Catholic lifestyle,” he explains. “But I never really had a relationship with God.”

As a teenager, he grew curious about God and began exploring other Christian denominations. His maternal grandma, an Adventist, took him to services on Saturday, but he never took time to study the significance of the seventh day for himself.

When Esparza was 18, his family moved to the United States. The closest church to their new house was Adventist, and Esparza, still seeking to know God, soon found himself attending a nightly evangelistic series there.

“Throughout the sermons, I learned that one must develop a relationship with God—with Jesus, especially,” he shares. “I understood that [the relationship] was more than just sitting down and listening to somebody talk about God.”

Demystifying Discipleship

Preach the Word to the Neglected

• Don’t be afraid to meet new people.

• Don’t be embarrassed of how Christian you are. Being Christian sets you apart, and it’s something people are curious about.

• Preach the Word to the neglected. Instead of talking about how bad their lifestyle is, love those who think they’re not worthy of love.—Bryan Esparza

At the end of that series, the pastor made an appeal, asking those who desired baptism to stand up. He nervously stood up, and his life began to change.

Esparza started reading the Bible, attending Bible studies and praying with intention—a very new experience for him. He opened his heart to Christ.

About three years later, Esparza’s dad passed away. He was angry at God, angry at himself, wondering if he should have been a better Christian. He stopped going to church and reading Scripture. He formed relationships with people that led him to alcohol and drugs. After a certain point, he felt too ashamed to return to church.

One night, as he was beginning to sober up, Esparza heard a voice: “Bryan, come back.”

“It was so strong,” he now describes. “Tears started to fall from my eyes, and I knew that was Jesus Christ. He was talking to me. The path that I was on, I was truly soon to meet my death. So, Jesus Christ saved me again.”

He returned to church, and today Esparza is a member of Chesapeake Conference’s Frederick (Md.) church.

“The reason I go to church is because I want to see everyone’s face,” Esparza shares. “I want to know how their week was. I want everyone to testify how Christ has made an impact during their week.”

Feels Like Home

Similar to Esparza, Tara Stevens grew up knowing about Jesus, yet she had outgrown the church she was raised in—at least, that’s how she felt. She loved the Bible and would often study at home, but the truth she was reading didn’t align with the Baptist church she was attending. She visited other churches, but none of them felt like home.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stevens, a nurse, was working in care coordination. She met Robin, an older patient, via a telehealth call, who was often accompanied by Rebecca Cook, who helped advocate for Robin. Both were members of Allegheny East Conference’s United in Christ church in Baltimore. For weeks, the three women communicated on the phone.

Stevens described the moment they finally met in person: “You would have thought it was a family reunion—lots of hugs and tears. I bonded with them.”

As she grew closer to the two women, she noticed how Cook cared for Robin.

“Whenever there was a need, [Rebecca] would show up. The kindness and the love she showed through her actions—what she did—it just showed you that she had God all in her. She didn’t have to say anything.”

Eventually, Robin passed away. When Stevens heard the news from a colleague, she called Cook, and they spoke for hours.

Cook invited Stevens to attend her church’s virtual Bible study group, and Stevens happily accepted, believing these meetings would be an addition to her current studies, not a gateway to Adventism.

Stevens enjoyed the studies and the people she met through them. She began attending United in Christ’s online services, and when the church met in person for the first time post-pandemic, the congregation embraced her. She knew, in that moment, that she’d finally found a family to worship with—people who were, as she describes, “about the business of God.” Last December, she was baptized.

“I have never felt so at home,” she says. “I love that everything is backed by the Word of God.”

Home Is Where the Heart Is

There are many cultural and community elements that also draw people to the Adventist Church. Before exploring Adventism, Mandal had adopted several tenets of the Adventist health message in her own life. Discovering that her new church family followed those same guidelines was a joy.

The health message also continues to draw Esparza to the church. In fact, it made his return to the church and God an even sweeter homecoming.

Tara Stevens (right), pictured with friends from the United in Christ church in Baltimore, enjoys feeding those experiencing homelessness.

He finds that eating well, avoiding harmful substances and exercising consistently enhance his spiritual walk.

Both Mandal and Morgan mention their church’s service opportunities. Mandal says that she loves getting involved in any way she can, especially when she can help organize opportunities for fellowship and connection with the community. Morgan explains that, as a “Martha”—a hard worker who needs a purpose— the church feeds her by keeping her busy. She jokes that her hair was still wet from the baptismal tank when she started teaching a Sabbath School class.

In her childhood church, Stevens didn’t feel called upon as a young person to get involved. She loves that the Adventist Church encourages and trains its youth to be servants of God. She also loves the community the church provides—people who notice your absence and keep you updated.

For Stevens, Esparza, Morgan and Mandal, the Adventist Church’s emphasis on the Bible also played a huge role in drawing them toward the denomination.

“I love the emphasis on rest and prayer and … not discounting certain parts of the Bible just because it’s convenient or because you can interpret something a certain way,” Mandal says. “I truly feel that Adventism is so faithful to the Word.”

Describing how she feels when she goes to church and learns more about God through Scripture, Mandal adds, “I’m constantly inspired to be a version of myself that God can use.” V

Demystifying Discipleship

Practice What You Preach

• Live the Word. Let them see God in you.

—Tara Stevens

MODERN-DAY MIRACLES

Join AWR President Duane McKey as he travels the globe to uncover powerful stories of transformation that defy logic and confirm what we already know: God is still working miracles today!

WISAM: A LIFE OF MIRACLES

In this gripping and deeply personal story, Wisam Ali shares how Jesus found him, changed his heart and called him to become a messenger of hope. His journey is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s love.

Communication Team Celebrates Anniversary on Cruise

Allegheny East Conference’s Communication Department recently celebrated its 10th anniversary of their Connection and Ministry Communication Conference (CAMCON) on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. On the seven-day cruise, attendees participated in seminars on the sailing days (Tuesday and Friday) and a seminar and worship service on Sabbath—where they welcomed almost 20 additional worshippers on the ship for the Sabbath School and worship experience.

Part of the voyage included participating in a photo scavenger hunt where participants captured moments from their time on the ship and various items from the port destinations, including CocoCay, Bahamas, St. Thomas, and St. Kitts and Nevis.

“Deciding to host the conference on a cruise was less about the conference itself and more about celebrating the ministry of local church communication and media teams,” says LaTasha Hewitt, AEC Communication director. “Local communicators are some of the most undercelebrated ministers in the local church, and burnout is real. We wanted to encourage them to take time to relax and recharge.”

CAMCON was birthed in 2015 with the goal of providing an opportunity for local church communication and media team members, along with pastors, to come together to learn, brainstorm and network on how to more effectively proclaim the gospel locally and globally.

Organizers thank the Columbia Union Conference Communication Department for sponsoring the event’s welcome bag, as well as Janet Baddol of Paradise Resort Travel and a member of the Metropolitan church in Hyattsville, Md., for coordinating the travel arrangements.

Genesis Church Member Turns 100

Muriel Evadney Phillips Nero, a member of the Genesis church in Plainfield, N.J., celebrated a remarkable milestone as she turned 100 on July 16, 2025. Born in the village of Buxton, located on the East Coast of Demerara, Guyana, she has lived a life defined by resilience, guided by faith and sustained by quiet strength.

Nero moved to the United States in 1985. Although she had been a Christian for many years, it was not until 2012 that she embraced the teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That year, she was baptized into the Genesis church during an evangelistic series led by Pastor Ramone Phoenix from Jamaica.

On her centennial birthday, Nero was surrounded by eight of her 10 children (pictured)—two of whom are deceased. Though her words have become fewer, her eyes and gentle smile speaks volumes as she responds to the presence and voices of her loved ones.

The official celebration occurred at the United Church of Christ auditorium in Plainfield, N.J. Family, church members and friends gathered to honor her life and offer heartfelt thanks to God for His continued blessings.

Compassion Projects Yield More Than 200 Baptisms

As part of Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) commitment to evangelism in 2025, several churches hosted compassion projects—two of them yielding more than 200 baptisms combined.

The Sharon church in Baltimore titled their twoweek series “The Compassion Project: Nights of Inspiration,” led by Shane Francis, pastor of Sharon. The series featured nightly giveaways, including diapers, backpacks, school supplies, groceries, gift cards, gas cards and toiletries. At the conclusion, there were a total of 126 baptisms.

“When we first started, we never imagined this outcome—but the people kept coming, and as they came, so did their desire to surrender their lives to Christ,” says Francis. “I thank the entire team for their incredible work organizing such a powerful and meaningful program that not only shared the Word but also met the [practical] needs of the people.”

In Camden, N.J., the Mount Olivet church hosted an 11-day compassion series in a tent in the parking lot of its church. Partnering with Daniel Hall, a pastor from the South Atlantic Conference, the church formed a plan of action to reach their community.

Conklin Gentry, an evangelist for AEC, preached nightly messages, and the giveaways included clothing, sneakers, gift cards, bikes and scooters. At the conclusion of the series, 109 individuals, including young people and adults, were baptized.

“The Compassion Project motivated us for mission, unified us in purpose and diversified and infused us with the lifeblood of the community,”

Robert Best (center, blue hat), pastor of the Mt. Olivet church, celebrates with the Caldron family, many of whom were among the 110 baptized during the compassion project.

shares Robert Best, pastor of Mount Olivet. “It also strengthened our faith in the promise that God will use simple means to perfect His work of righteousness.”

Church members later formed relationships with the new believers by hosting luncheons and a welcome party where current members were able to greet newly baptized members.

The Sharon and Mt. Olivet churches are two of several churches who participated in the compassion projects throughout the year as part of the evangelism thrust within the AEC.

Baptismal candidates at the Sharon church are presented to the congregation prior to being baptized.

Young Hearts Shine for Jesus During Pentecost 2025

Allegheny West Conference (AWC) youth, young adult and children’s ministries recently collaborated with 88 ASI Mission 2000 & Beyond missionaries that came to Columbus, Ohio, from the United Kingdom, Curaçao, Trinidad, Jamaica, Barbados, Belize and Guyana to host Youth Pentecost and Pentecost Kids. The program was themed “Rescue Ohio.”

During the first week, 42 youth and young adult evangelists preached a proclamation series held in English, French, Creole, Spanish and Portuguese across seven churches: Beacon of Hope, Columbus Central, Manantial de Vida, Fruit of the Spirit, Columbus All Nations, Luso Brazilian and Philadelphie Haitian. The churches experienced the diversity and dynamism of the true meaning of Pentecost 2025.

The program continued the second week with the addition of a Vacation Bible School in the fellowship hall by Tanya Muganda, AWC Children’s Ministries director.

Each day, the ASI missionaries impacted the community through health fairs, volunteering at the Neighborhood Services Inc. Food Pantry and Habitat for Humanity. Additionally, they trained AWC youth and young adults to preach sermons for the Rescue Ohio proclamation series.

“The greatest tool and discipleship program is equipping the talents and gifts of youth and young adults to rescue their friends and followers for Jesus,” says Jamal Franklyn, (AWC) youth and young adult director. “Pentecost includes youth because Acts 2:17 prophetically affirms that in the last days, God says that He will pour out His Spirit on all people. Sons and daughters will prophesy, young men will see visions, old men will dream dreams.”

During the series, 12 youth from the Philadelphie Haitian Pathfinder Club were among the 52 baptized. Wilkenson Bissereth, Philadelphie Haitian pastor, had the opportunity to baptize his son Willens Bissereth. At Beacon of Hope, eight young adults were baptized as a direct result of young adult-led ministry initiatives.

Organizers report that, together, ASI missionaries and AWC youth and young adults combined forces to distribute 250 care packages, 100 backpacks and boldly proclaimed the gospel, testifying of God’s power in their problems and leading their friends to be rescued by Jesus.

Conference Invests Largest Group of Master Guides

The Allegheny West Conference (AWC) made history at the first North American Division (NAD) Master Guide Camporee held earlier this year by investing the largest group of Master Guides of any conference in attendance. A total of 30 new Master Guides were invested, marking a significant milestone in AWC’s commitment to leadership development and service.

This achievement reflects the vision of Nixon Francois, general coordinator of the AWC Master Guides, who recently launched the “100 Master Guides Initiative.” This initiative seeks to recruit, train and invest 100 Master Guides across the conference and to strengthen leadership within the Adventurer and Pathfinder club ministries of local churches. To accomplish this goal, area coordinators are actively planning training workshops, supporting the establishment of new Master Guide clubs, mentoring club directors and counselors and equipping Master Guide candidates to complete their investiture requirements.

At the recent North American Division Master Guide Camporee, the Allegheny West Conference made history by investing the largest cohort of Master Guides of any conference in attendance.

leadership, resilience, physical fitness and community service.

In total, 126 Master Guides from AWC attended the NAD camporee, contributing to the vibrancy of the event. Each morning, AWC held devotionals as a conference and different clubs led inspiring devotionals that reminded Master Guides of their sacred calling to serve. Throughout the week, AWC participants engaged in seminars, honors, outdoor activities and team challenges designed to enhance

Master Guide Rossana Cruz, who was invested during the camporee, sets up her tent.

The spirit of excellence extended into competition as well. Johnny Soria, an invested Master Guide, area coordinator and assistant treasurer for AWC, placed third in the Master Guide Race Individual Super Sprint Triathlon, proudly representing the spirit of AWC.

One highlight at the camporee occurred on Sabbath when the traditional parade of clubs filled the grounds with unity and purpose. That afternoon, the newly invested Master Guides received their scarves, certificates and pins in a moving ceremony, officially marking their pledge and readiness to serve as leaders in their local churches and communities. Among the invested Master Guides were Pastor Stanley Hood and Elder Alisa Hood, senior pastor and first lady of the Southeast church in Cleveland.

The NAD Master Guide camporee was more than an event; it was physically energizing and spiritually motivating for the AWC Master Guides. Club directors and counselors say they returned to their local churches inspired and equipped to serve Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs with renewed passion and dedication.

Welcoming Home New Family Members

With all the evangelistic meetings and prophecy seminars that have been going on in our conference this year, such as our twin outreach initiatives, Pentecost 2025 and Reach Baltimore 2025, there are likely some unfamiliar faces and new members in your church. For this, we praise God and welcome them with open arms into the fellowship of believers. How wonderful it is to see how the Lord is blessing Chesapeake churches with hundreds of baptisms and many more who are preparing to join God’s great advent movement.

While we rejoice with the saved and celebrate every new soul who enters the kingdom, we who are more mature in our walk with Jesus and better grounded in the faith must be mindful of the special care and needs of our newborn brothers and sisters in Christ.

For some, Christianity and church membership is an entirely new experience in which nearly everything is unfamiliar and strange. By their baptism, they have demonstrated that they love the Lord with all their hearts and have committed their lives to Him and His teachings, but what about their new church family? How will they be received? How will they learn to be a member of your church? There are many answers to these questions for which there is not enough space to write about here, but one thing can be said: Nothing overcomes the unfamiliar and strangeness better than a seasoned, experienced member to guide them into their new surroundings with caring, patience and understanding. Everyone new to Jesus and His church needs a friend, a mentor, someone to show them the way. Maybe you can be that person.

Then there are other new members who were already Christian when they came to the meetings or Bible studies, but have now come into the Advent movement, having received “new light” and gained a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Christ in these last days. Theirs is a very special journey that also requires extra attention. To get to where they are today, they have likely made some difficult decisions and sacrifices that may have caused strained family relationships, loss of friends and social affinities, Sabbath and job issues, dietary changes, adjustment to a new day of worship, unfamiliar traditions, customs, Adventist church “language” and so on. We must be aware and sensitive to the things they are enduring to make this transition. Just because they have been baptized and voted into church membership does not mean things are all settled in their lives. Hardly. The truth is, they are now at their most spiritually vulnerable, and there is a long road ahead of them. They also need someone to carefully, lovingly help them navigate their new life. Maybe you can be that person.

Whatever their circumstance, welcome these new members as brothers and sisters in Christ. Encourage them to get involved in their new church life. Whether it’s in worship services, small groups, church or school events, walk with them. The fellowship will help them get more and more comfortable with their new surroundings. Pray with them and for them. Invite them into your home for a meal or take them out to their favorite restaurant. Above all, make yourself available to them. Put yourself in their place, as someone to whom church is a new experience, or someone who has left their church community to join the Adventist Church. Remember what it was like when you first joined the church, or if you are a lifelong member, at least imagine what it must be like to be the newest member of your congregation and welcome them to their new home!

Jerry Lutz President

Dover First Brings Hope Downtown

The Dover First church recently brought public evangelism to the heart of Delaware, holding tent meetings just steps from the State Capitol on the Legislative Mall. The “Hope for Today” series featured guest speaker D. W. West, assistant to the president of Adventist World Radio. Meetings were held on the Legislative Mall during the first week, before concluding at the Dover First church.

The series combined Christ-centered messages with a compassion campaign designed to meet practical needs in the community. Each evening, guests received free items such as diapers and wipes, toiletries, health care kits, sneakers and winter coats. The giveaways, supplied in part through partnerships with nonprofits like It’s From the Sole and One Warm Coat, drew more than 200 people on some nights.

Javier Scharon, pastor of Dover First, says the church felt called to host the meetings in Dover’s central gathering place. “Legislative Mall is a central

Hundreds gather for an evangelism series under a tent on the Legislative Mall just steps from the State Capitol in Dover.

location in our city,” he says. “Everybody knows it, and whenever something is happening there, people always come to see what’s going on.”

Pastors Grow Through CPE Program

Chesapeake Conference is now in its third year of offering Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE), a program designed to help pastors grow in emotional intelligence, spiritual awareness and relational effectiveness. So far, 18 pastors have completed at

least one unit of CPE, with the conference offering up to four units for those who want to go deeper.

The program is tailored to the needs of Chesapeake churches and communities. It combines classroom learning with real-world ministry, requiring participants to complete hundreds of hours of supervised visits and case studies while receiving one-on-one mentoring and peer feedback. Pastors learn how to listen more deeply, set healthy boundaries and reflect on how their own experiences shape their ministry.

“When pastors engage in leadership self-awareness training through CPE, they begin a transformative journey toward emotional and spiritual intelligence,” says Shelvan Arunan, Chesapeake Conference associate Ministerial director and CPE supervisor. “They become not only healthier pastors, but also more present parents, loving spouses and trusted spiritual leaders. This kind of growth is not just professional; it’s deeply personal and profoundly spiritual.”

CPE is now part of the conference’s training track for ministerial interns preparing for ordination or commissioning.

Youth See Dreams Become Reality

Shortly after Jeremy Garlock accepted the call to serve as Mountain View Conference’s (MVC) new youth director and pastor of the Boulevard church in Charleston, W.Va., he attended a meeting at the Columbia Union Conference. It was at this meeting that he discovered information about special funding opportunities allocated for youth-led outreach initiatives.

Upon his return home, Garlock called upon the youth and young adults at camp meeting. Excitedly, the young people talked about what they could do for their communities, like feeding those experiencing homelessness and helping new moms who were underprivileged.

On September 6, the conference saw its dream become a reality. Twenty-three youth and young adults gathered from across the MVC ready to serve God and others. They set out into the surrounding neighborhoods, where they delivered food, hygiene products and clothing to more than 62 individuals.

A couple expresses thanks for the many gifts they received during the community baby shower.

Excited from the joy of blessing others, they returned to the church that evening and opened the doors of the fellowship hall for a community baby shower. Eighteen mothers, and even a few fathers, were seated at tables in a beautifully decorated room surrounded by gifts, such as diapers, wipes, bottles, formula, clothing, highchairs, car seats, bathtubs, and even cribs, playpens and bassinets. As the young people watched the parents open the gifts, they say they felt more blessed than the recipients.

“This ministry has been meaningful to so many,” states Garlock, “and has given us the ability to connect with people in our community that we otherwise would not have connected with. As a result of this ministry with the young people, I have had the opportunity to visit moms and their babies in the hospital and pray with them, new families are coming to church, and the church family has united under mission.”

Buckhannon Church Celebrates High Sabbath

On August 23, the Buckhannon (W.Va.) church gathered for an uplifting baptism Sabbath. The sanctuary was filled with joy as several individuals publicly declared their new life in Christ by being baptized.

The children who came forward to be baptized were deeply influenced by the Valley Vista Summer Camp and Vacation Bible School. It was heartwarming to witness how the seeds planted during those summer activities blossomed into such meaningful commitments.

Another highlight included Liz, a women confined to her home, who joined the church by profession of faith via Zoom.

“The inspiration from that baptism Sabbath continues to ripple through the congregation,” says Roger Curtis, pastor of the Buckhannon, Glenville, Parsons and Braxton churches. “Moved by what they witnessed, another person has come forward, eager to take their own steps of faith. This occasion truly demonstrated that church is not just a place of worship, but a nurturing family that grows together.”

Elijah, Zaiden, Krislynn, Lilliana, Raelyn, Kelly and Deana recently got baptized after attending Valley Vista Summer Camp and Vacation Bible School.

God Moves in Romney Church

The Romney (W.Va.) church took a step of faith this summer. The church invited Pastor Michael Carder, a speaker for Amazing Facts, to lead a three-week evangelistic series. At first, some

Dan Beavers, a lay pastor at the Romney church, baptizes mother and son, Tyra and Hunter Worthy, following a three-week evangelistic series.

wondered if it was even possible for a small congregation to host such an event with so many other programs and commitments already taking place across the district. Yet, the members of Romney believed that if God was opening the door, no obstacle was too great.

The meetings began, and God’s presence was felt night after night. For many, the experience was truly transformational. Tyler, a young attendee, described the series as “life-changing, and life-defining.” After receiving Bible studies, he made the decision to surrender his life completely to Jesus. He was not alone as eight others also made commitments for Christ, either through baptism or profession of faith.

“This three-week series has become a testimony that no town is too small, no challenge too great and no church too limited when God is leading,” says Eddie Reyes, pastor of the Romney, Moorefield, Moorefield Spanish and Franklin churches. “The Romney church now looks forward with anticipation, praying that this will be only the beginning of greater things God has in store for its community.”

God’s

Gift to Us

Many gift-giving traditions occur during Christmas in North America. Each family that celebrates the event has their own historical and cultural basis for the exchange of presents.

Even the Magi in the time of Christ’s birth gave gifts to show appreciation for the bountiful blessings God had bestowed on them. Matthew 2:11 records this event: “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (NIV).

Joseph and Mary appreciated the heartfelt and unsolicited contributions to their prophesied son. The birth of Christ served as a reminder that God the Father also gave humanity an unsolicited and heartfelt gift. He aimed to remind the world that He is in the business of saving and restoring what was lost through another “gift” from an archenemy—the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil: two gifts and two separate outcomes. One offers hope, the other despair.

Giving a gift one makes or buys is one thing, but it takes on a more profound significance when your son is the gift. Jesus was God’s gift to us—a willing gift to restore what was lost—the gift of the tree of life. One day, very soon, we will celebrate a different Christmas under that tree, sharing the fruits in remembrance of His ultimate gift and the promise of a new world.

Carl Rodriguez Youth Ministries Director

Couples Declare Marriage Is ‘Better With You’

Themed “Better With You,” the Family Ministries Department held the 2025 Couples’ Retreat this summer, in partnership with Chesapeake Conference’s Hispanic Ministries Department. The gathering brought together 86 couples who were richly blessed by devotionals from Pastor Abdiel del Toro and inspiring seminars led by Esther and Orlando Cruz. Together, they offered spiritual and practical insights for strengthening marriages.

The retreat setting itself told a story. A swing, gently swaying on one side of the venue, represented the back-and-forth rhythm of married life. On the other side, a seesaw illustrated the inevitable highs and lows that every couple experiences. At the center stood a simple bench, symbolizing the importance of rest, reflection and unity. This thoughtful design reinforced the central truth of Ecclesiastes 4:9–12: Marriage flourishes when lived together in love, mutual support and Christcentered commitment.

The weekend concluded with a moving communion service in which couples renewed their covenant with Christ, inviting Him to remain at the very

Attendees listen to speakers Esther and Orlando Cruz at the 2025 Couples’ Retreat.

heart of their relationship. It was a fitting close to a retreat that celebrated both the beauty and the resilience of Christian marriage.—Carlos Torres, Family Ministries Director

The Regional English Couples’ Convention, held at the Maranatha Haitian church in Newark, recently brought together couples from different churches for a powerful weekend of growth, renewal and fellowship. The event’s keynote speakers, Cesar and Carolann De Leon, captivated the audience with their engaging and heartfelt presentations. Drawing from years of ministry and counseling experience, they addressed the challenges couples face in today’s world, while offering faith-based principles and practical tools to strengthen relationships. Attendees were encouraged to build deeper emotional intimacy, cultivate forgiveness and prioritize spiritual unity in their marriages.

Beyond the keynote sessions, the convention included interactive workshops, music and opportunities for couples to connect and encourage one another. Many participants left with renewed vision for their marriages and a stronger commitment to live out God’s design for family. The convention was celebrated as a timely and transformative gathering

Couples Prioritize Marriage at Convention Pathfinders Experience ‘Faith on Fire’ at Camporee

The 2025 New Jersey Conference (NJC) Pathfinder Camporee recently lived up to its theme, “Faith on Fire,” as more than 1,800 Pathfinders,

that will leave a lasting impact on couples and communities alike.—Jean Michel Etienne, Family Ministries Associate Director

staff and families gathered for a weekend of faith, fun and fellowship.

Attendees participated in hands-on activities, such as log pulling, backpacking, furniture building, orienteering, drilling and marching, and earning honors. Each day featured high-energy worship with glowing giant foam sticks and powerful speakers.

“This camporee is something I’ll never forget,” says Aby Jimenez, NJC Pathfinder coordinator. “From powerful altar calls to intense but friendly competitions, our Pathfinders showed what it means to be on fire for God.”

The Teen Leadership Training (TLT) Sermon Showdown showcased bold young leaders who inspired everyone with their messages. A spiritual highlight came when six Pathfinders decided to be baptized.

Jimenez adds, “I’m so proud of every director, volunteer and especially our TLTs. God was present in every detail, and we all left changed.”—Cinthia Portanova, Children’s Ministries Director and Youth Ministries Administrative Assistant

161 Join Elyria Church, More Than Doubling Membership

The Elyria church concluded its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series earlier this year, adding 161 new individuals to its membership—surpassing the congregation’s previous membership and worship attendance before the campaign.

Before the series began, Elyria had a membership of 100. Andrew Sutton, treasurer of the Ohio Conference, emphasized that in God’s eyes every soul is precious and that even a small number of baptisms makes an evangelistic effort worthwhile. However, he noted that what took place in Elyria was unprecedented in Ohio Conference’s history. “We praise God for such a great harvest,” Sutton says, reflecting on the remarkable growth.

Pastor Marius Marton, who leads the Elyria congregation, recalled telling the church board that he was praying for 150 new souls. “One board member said, ‘150-plus,’” Marton shared with excitement. “God blessed us with 161 precious souls. Imagine if we had bigger faith—God would have given us more.” He credited the remarkable results to the church’s wholehearted participation in Total Member Involvement (TMI), which united the congregation in harmony and mission. “Now the praises are being shouted from the rooftops, and the church is eager to do it again!”

Guest speaker Kojo Twumasi, senior pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood churches, preached under the theme Summer BLAST—Building Lives Around Solid Truth. This innovative evangelism model blends acts of service with the gospel by meeting the community’s basic needs while sharing a Biblecentered message. Twumasi commended the Elyria

members for being filled with the Holy Spirit, noting their passion for soul winning and their determination to do even more for the Lord. He emphasized that members bathed the series in prayer from start to finish, and he underscored the importance of the congregation’s retention program, which began immediately after the campaign concluded. “Last Sabbath morning, the church was filled with both old and new members,” he says with joy.

This summer alone, Twumasi has spoken for five evangelistic campaigns—Elyria being the fifth— which together have resulted in 400 baptisms. He continually gives glory to God for leading in each effort and for touching the hearts of those who have chosen to follow Him.

Elyria’s Summer BLAST was part of Pentecost 2025, a North American Division initiative designed to launch more than 3,000 proclamation events across the division’s territory throughout the year. The initiative seeks to fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come” (NKJV). Through its prayer-filled preparation, Spirit-led preaching and united service, the Elyria church stands as a powerful example of how local congregations can join a continent-wide movement to share the hope of the gospel and hasten the soon return of Christ.

Conference Announces New HR Generalist

The Ohio Conference is pleased to announce that Esther Gordon, who has faithfully served as the administrative assistant for the Treasury Department, has transitioned into the role of Human Resources generalist. With a strong background in administration and a deep commitment to supporting the mission of the conference, Gordon looks forward to continuing her service in a new capacity.

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Gordon grew up in a family deeply committed to service. As a pastor’s kid and the youngest of five children, she witnessed firsthand her parents’ lifelong dedication to church ministry.

Gordon joined the Ohio Conference in 2021, serving as the administrative assistant in the Treasury Department. In this role, she carried a wide range of responsibilities, including receipting, remittances and accounts payable. She also managed check processing, departmental correspondence and assisted with calls and inquiries, ensuring that the Treasury office operated efficiently and with care.

When reflecting on her work, Gordon shares that her greatest passion lies in connecting with people and offering help wherever it is needed. She sees these moments of service as opportunities to make a meaningful impact and to live out her calling in a practical way.

In her new role as Human Resources generalist, Gordon will oversee key responsibilities, including employee onboarding and offboarding, open enrollment and benefits administration, maintaining service records, and processing vacation requests. She will also manage employee communications and assist in developing and implementing HR policies to support the Ohio Conference team.

When reflecting on her most rewarding experience at the Ohio Conference, Gordon shares a touching memory: “There was an Ohio constituent who would often reach out to me for help. She would send little notes tucked inside her tithe envelope. One of those notes read, ‘Thank you, Esther. Looking forward to meeting you in heaven someday.’ That simple message brought me such joy! I taped the note to my calculator as a daily reminder of why I do what I do—and I still have it to this day.”

Gordon finds encouragement in Isaiah 41:10, which reminds her of God’s constant presence and strength: “Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (KJV). When it comes to her work, however, the verse that guides her most is Deuteronomy 28:8: “Blessings on all that you set your hand to do!” (KJV). She includes this verse at the end of her emails to share encouragement with others.

As she steps into this new chapter, Gordon shares a simple yet meaningful message: “I count it a privilege to serve the members of the Ohio Conference.”

Today, Gordon continues her legacy alongside her husband, Pastor Delthony Gordon, and together they are blessed with two children. Outside of her professional role, she enjoys singing, reading, traveling and spending time playing games with her family.

Special Sabbath Services Draw Guests to 100 Churches

This past September, nearly 100 churches across Pennsylvania opened their doors in a special way— inviting friends, family, neighbors and those who hadn’t attended church in a while to join them for a Grand Reunion Sabbath. The results were powerful: sanctuaries filled with guests, meaningful worship, warm fellowship and decisions for Christ.

At the Pottsville church, 40 guests attended its Friends, Family and Faith Sabbath. The day featured inspiring music from Blue Mountain Academy students, a delicious lunch, gift bags with picture frames and even a photo booth where guests posed with family and friends. Members later hand-delivered the framed photos to their visitors. The highlight was when four people responded to an appeal for baptism. “We’re definitely going to do this again next year!” says Dee Casper, pastor of Pottsville.

The Bethel Haitian church welcomed 17 guests for their Grand Reunion Sabbath. “Several want to receive Bible studies,” shares Gaby Dorcil, pastor of Bethel Haitian. “Keep them in your prayers.” Similarly, the Shekinah Haitian church in Manheim celebrated 22 visitors at their special Sabbath service.

In Harrisburg, both the Eben Ezer Hispanic church and Harrisburg First church hosted special Sabbaths. Harrisburg First included seminars on family worship and grief recovery, followed by an Adventurer Club meeting.

More than 25 visitors attended the Homecoming Sabbath at the Grace Outlet church in Sinking Spring—including several young adults who joined their parents for the first time in years. Guests received a warm welcome, an umbrella with the church colors and logo, and an invitation to stay for lunch. After the service, Joshua Plohocky, pastor of Grace Outlet, offered to pray and anoint anyone with a need. He prayed with individuals throughout the afternoon, and by the end, there were six requests for baptism and one for a wedding.

Other reports of God’s blessing poured in from across the state:

• The Allentown church welcomed nearly 40 guests.

• A couple who joined the Bucks County church in Warminster asked if they could be married in the church and are considering making it their home.

• The Canton church had 25 in attendance—12 of them guests.

• More than half of the worshippers at the Mifflintown and Hope Fellowship churches were visitors.

• The Sayre church welcomed 35 people, with 19 guests.

• Of the 13 guests at the State College church in Pennsylvania Furnace, several were Penn State students who are expected to attend throughout the school year.

• The Wyoming Valley church in Hudson had 66 visitors and celebrated the ordination of their pastor, Fadi Haddad.

• The Frazer Hispanic church in Exton gave each visitor a gift basket and rejoiced as a young man joined their family through profession of faith.

When all was said and done, members were encouraged as their friends, family and neighbors walked through the doors. Many churches have decided to make this a yearly tradition, convinced that God is using these Sabbaths to grow His kingdom in Pennsylvania.

LEGIT Camp Marks 10 Years of Life-Changing Ministry

This summer marked a milestone for the LEGIT Summer Camp at Huntington Valley Christian Academy (HVCA) commemorating 10 years of ministry that has gone far beyond games and activities to transform lives for eternity. Over the past decade, hundreds of children have stepped onto the HVCA campus, and left with hearts touched by Jesus and friendships that last year-round.

Many of today’s coaches first came as campers, grew through the teen program and now serve as leaders, pouring into the next generation just as

they were once mentored. That cycle of discipleship is at the heart of LEGIT’s mission, say organizers.

This year’s camp welcomed 138 campers over three weeks. The highlight came when four teens chose to be baptized, publicly declaring their commitment to follow Jesus. Two families, new to the camp, also decided to enroll their children at HVCA—a direct link between summer ministry and Christian education.

The camp’s influence extends beyond summer through a weekly Wednesday night youth group born from camp connections at the Bucks County church in Warminster. Many of the same young people who first encountered LEGIT now gather yearround for worship, Bible study and encouragement.

As LEGIT celebrates its 10th anniversary, the vision remains the same: to meet kids where they are, build lasting relationships and point them to Jesus in ways that make them want to return—not just for the next summer, but for life.—Madeline Winget, Bucks County Church Member

Making a Difference in Gettysburg

Members of the Gettysburg church are committed to taking small steps to make a big difference in their community.

In August, they launched a school supply drive and collected enough donations to fill 117 backpacks with supplies for local children. A few weeks later, the team hosted “Pack the Pantry”—an outreach event at a local grocery store. With tables, signs, balloons and a lot of enthusiasm, they invited shoppers to give back. The response was overwhelming: more than 1,400 pounds of food and $480 in cash donations were collected and distributed to local food pantries.

And the momentum didn’t stop there. The team spent a day in Harrisburg serving the homeless in early October. They packed 100 backpacks filled with coats, gloves and hats, prepared bagged lunches, and served a hot meal at a local soup kitchen for 150 people.

All of this began with a simple idea the team calls “The $5 Difference.” Members were invited to donate just five dollars periodically—and from that small act of generosity, big things have grown.

“We really wanted to start finding small ways that we could impact our community,” says Brittany

Noss, Personal Ministries director at Gettysburg. “From backpacks to food donations, we’ve seen how God multiplies even our simplest efforts. Our hope is to inspire other churches to look for little ways to make a difference right where they are.”

Conference Re-Elects Leaders at Constituency Session

The Potomac Conference held its Fourth Quinquennial Constituency Meeting on September 28 at the Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md. Nearly 800 delegates gathered to discuss and vote on matters essential to the future of the conference. Constituents considered key agenda items, affirmed the progress of the past term and voted for all current administrators to continue serving in their roles.

During his remarks, Charles A. Tapp, re-elected president of the Potomac Conference, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve another term. He reminded delegates of the breadth of the territory and the importance of working together as one body. “I am not the president of the DMV. I am not the president of Southwest Virginia. I am the president of the Potomac Conference,” Tapp said. “When we move together, beyond the walls, our reach grows wider, our witness grows stronger and our love becomes more visible.”

Jose Vazquez, returning vice president for administration, reported on membership growth and the strength of the conference’s diversity. Comprised of more than 120 nationalities and 193 congregations, Potomac’s membership surpassed 40,000. Vazquez stated that this diversity was not a challenge to overcome but a gift that strengthened the shared mission of building healthy, disciple-making churches and schools. “Our variety of backgrounds is not a barrier but a blessing,” he said. “Together we are stronger in witness, richer in culture and deeper in faith.”

Karen Senecal, returning vice president for finance, reported on the conference’s financial health, highlighting God’s faithfulness through the stewardship of its members. She noted that Potomac had received $200 million in tithe during the past five years, reflecting the commitment of both longtime and new believers. Summarizing her report, Senecal stated, “Each gift, whether large or small, represents an act of faith that continues to strengthen the mission of the conference.”

Looking ahead, Tapp introduced a vision for Adventist Christian education in the territory. “I will form a think tank of leaders, educators and lay

Re-elected to another five-year term were (left to right) John Nixon, vice president for Pastoral Ministries; Gabriel Madrid, vice president for Education; Karen Senecal, vice president for Finance; Charles A. Tapp, president; Jose Vazquez, vice president for Administration; and Rafael Soto, vice president for Hispanic Ministries.

people to ensure Adventist Christian education is accessible and affordable,” he said. “Truly … nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come, and that time is now.” His appeal underscored the conference’s commitment to investing in its young people and ensuring that every child has access to Christ-centered learning.

The constituency meeting not only celebrated past successes but also set a forward-looking agenda for the next five years. With renewed leadership, financial strength and a growing membership, the Potomac Conference reaffirmed its mission of moving beyond the walls to share the gospel with its diverse and expanding community.

Conference Hosts Ministry Center Open House

More than 200 people gathered on August 23 to celebrate the official opening of the Potomac Conference Ministry Center in Silver Spring, Md. The event welcomed pastors, educators, staff and community members who toured the new facility and learned about the vision behind its creation.

The Ministry Center will provide more than office space for conference personnel. Leaders described it as an incubator of ideas where ministry initiatives

Richard Castillo, Media director for the Potomac Conference, explains the plans for the media studio at the new Ministry Center.

will be born and strategies developed to serve the community. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, the center will play a key role in helping the Potomac Conference fulfill its mission to “Move Beyond the Walls” in ministry.

The building will also serve as the hub for training pastors and educators, equipping them with resources to strengthen local congregations and schools. In addition, it will house the Spanish School of Discipleship, broadening the conference’s ability to serve diverse communities across the region.

Attendees expressed both gratitude and excitement for the new facility and what it represents for the future of the conference.

“I believe this is a dynamic visionary experience; this is ministry beyond the walls,” says Larry Green, associate pastor of the Restoration Praise Center church in Bowie, Md. “Just moving through this facility, I’m already seeing the vision.”

As the Potomac Conference looks ahead, the Ministry Center stands as a symbol of vision and growth, a place where faith and creativity will meet to inspire ministry that reaches beyond the walls.

Newport News Health Fair Brings Healing, Hope to 460

The health fair hosted by the Newport News (Va.) church recently delivered nearly $305,000 worth of no-cost medical, dental and vision services to 460 attendees in the Virginia Tidewater region.

Supported by 283 volunteers, the event reflected a strong spirit of service and collaboration.

First held in 2017, the fair represented a joint effort of English- and Spanish-speaking churches partnering with Remote Area Medical (RAM), a nonprofit provider of mobile medical clinics. This partnership addressed urgent needs in an area federally designated as deficient in health care providers.

Event Co-Chair Elias Llerandi, a local dentist and member of the Peninsula Spanish church in Hampton, Va., underscores the importance of the fair: “Many in our region are uninsured, face language barriers or have limited access to care. By offering free services and connecting patients to local resources, the health fair helps ensure that medical support is not limited to this once-a-year event but can continue throughout the year.”

Organizers emphasized that the health fair sought to serve both body and spirit, providing medical care while extending faith-based encouragement.

For the Newport News church community, leaders say the health fair functioned as both service and ministry, with outcomes seen not only in restored health but also in lives touched by compassion and faith, blessing both the volunteers and the recipients alike.

A Place to Belong

Students travel from near and far to attend Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), whether it is just across the street or a 10-hour plane ride away. Despite the distance or the number of familiar faces, feelings of loneliness can persist. However, at BMA, those feelings can be transformed with the supportive community in place.

Milhery Jean-Misere is a three-year BMA student from Philadelphia. He previously attended Huntingdon Valley Christian Academy, a Pre-K to eighth grade school, like several current BMA students. Since Jean-Misere already knew some people on campus, it would be easy to assume that he wouldn’t feel lonely, but loneliness can hit even the ones you would least expect.

Jean-Misere was blessed to find BMA, a school that offers many events to help students adjust and gain a sense of belonging—like dorm retreats, one of Jean-Misere’s most memorable experiences. Dorm retreats occur on specific weekends where students spend spiritual time in separate locations on campus to get closer to their fellow dorm residents and to grow closer to God.

He recalls, “It really made me grow in the dorm and … as a part of the school. It helped me with the loneliness that I was feeling because I was away from my mom.”

Jean-Misere’s experience is the result of much prayer and intention by the BMA staff, including Adam Bially, BMA’s church pastor and academy religion teacher. Bially explains, “At BMA, we aim to train our students in our classes, programs and activities to know Jesus personally through prayer, Bible study and outreach.”

This program intentionally offers students a new perspective on God and themselves through meaningful activities, including themed spiritual weekends, dorm worships, outreach, leadership opportunities through participation in Sabbath programming, and individual Bible studies for interested students.

Before coming to BMA, Jean-Misere felt his spiritual life was “kind of like a routine, like I wasn’t really talking to God. … But once I came here, I felt like I truly learned how to spend time with God. … I feel like I’ve gotten closer to God.” Jean-Misere credits

his roommate and BMA pastors Bially and Tony Gil for this change in his life.

“Kai, my roommate from last year, helped me study the Bible. And pastors Adam and Tony were really kind and helped me understand God’s Word better,” he says. Bially notes, “I have seen Milhery grow in stature, wisdom, knowledge and his relationship with God. The academy benefits in many ways from students like Milhery who allow the Holy Spirit to transform their lives on a daily basis.”

Jean-Misere adds, “BMA is a friendly environment where you can grow and learn about Jesus. While our academic education is preparing us for a job and a future, spiritual education will prepare us for the life to come.”

Regardless of where you are right now—growing, struggling, wanting to grow—visit bma.us to learn more about the BMA experience—a place where you belong. Milhery Jean-Misere (center) and his friends are growing academically and spiritually through their BMA experience.

Phone: (610) 562-2291 n Fax: (610) 562-8050 n bma.us n Principal, Burney Culpepper n Editor, Kiona Costello

www.highlandviewacademy.com

‘To

the Ends of the Earth’

For many of us, Acts 1:8 serves as a call to action, but to reach the entire world can seem like a daunting task. However, at Highland View Academy (HVA), this passage is being embraced in a new and inspiring way.

“To the Ends of the Earth” is the theme for the 2025–26 school year. HVA is embracing its identity, not only as an academic institution, but as a spiritual training ground for world-changers. Staff are being called to create and grow young people who are prepared, passionate and ready to carry the message of Jesus wherever God leads them. But how?

Whether in the classroom, the cafeteria, the dorms or at work, every space can be a mission field and a sharing opportunity—even through silence. Leaders ask, what better way to fulfill the Great Commission than to teach students to fall in love with Jesus and to live with such conviction and joy that they naturally want to share His love with others?

The staff at HVA is deeply committed to planting seeds of faith in their students to help cultivate spiritual curiosity, courage and a heartfelt desire to serve. The school recognizes that, to fulfill this mission, it doesn’t necessarily mean crossing oceans. Sometimes, it’s about stepping across a hallway, a street or even putting down a cell phone to make a connection.

As if to affirm this renewed sense of calling, God

Singers Halley Williams (’27), Lulu Hernandez (’28) and Jason Ashman (’26) lead song service during the academy’s fall Week of Prayer.

has opened a remarkable door for HVA—one that promises to have a lasting impact for generations to come.

Through the generosity of dedicated donors, HVA is in the process of creating its first-ever endowment. This fund will be set up in a way to generate an ongoing annual income that will be used to help students today, tomorrow and until Jesus comes. To build the foundation of this endowment, a donor has pledged to match two dollars for every dollar given by others. This is an amazing opportunity to make a lasting difference in the lives of HVA students.

An endowment of this scale provides more than financial relief—it also creates a foundation of stability for the academy and its bright future. With careful investments and stewardship, the funds will be able to support HVA’s mission long term, which, in turn, will aid in enhancing scholarship and aid funds for the students. This will help ensure that the school continues to nurture young minds and leaders until Jesus returns.

Even though “To the Ends of the Earth” is just the theme for this school year, staff are hoping to impress upon the students that it is not just a school theme—but a commitment—and it’s just the beginning!

A Legacy of Faithful Service

At Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA), teaching is more than a profession—it is a ministry. Each classroom is a sanctuary where God’s calling and purpose meet daily instruction. The teachers are mentors and spiritual guides who have embraced their role as a lifelong mission.

The story of LNAA is one of rootedness and mission. While schools naturally experience seasons of change, the school has been blessed with teachers who have chosen to plant their lives here. Many have devoted five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and even 30 years in one place. Their service is not only measured in time, but

5+ YEARS

in prayers offered, lessons taught and lives shaped for eternity. They say their longevity flows from conviction: Teaching at LNAA is a sacred trust and a joyful response to God’s call.

LNAA also celebrates its newer teachers. Each one adds strength and vision to the mission, carrying forward the same spirit of dedication that has defined the school through the years. For every year, every student and every life touched, God is to be praised for the educators of LNAA. Their example shows us that teaching is not simply a career, but a sacred ministry.

Alumni Launches Career Fair at 50th Alumni Anniversary

Pine Forge Academy (PFA) recently held a career fair during its Alumni Association’s 50th Anniversary weekend celebration. The event brought together current students and distinguished alumni for a morning of exploration, mentorship and inspiration. The program provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with professionals across a wide range of industries while envisioning their own future career paths.

Representing fields such as nursing, fashion design, medicine, horticulture, dentistry and ophthalmology, alumni shared their expertise and experiences with eager students. Special guests included representatives from Morgan State University’s Nursing Department, Oakwood University, a recruiter from the United States Secret Service, and a recruiter from Alabama A&M University who spoke about academic programming opportunities for students. Their presence highlighted both career pathways and the critical role of higher education in building those pathways.

Throughout the morning, students attended presentations that offered practical insights into

Alumni Association team members and career fair presenters unite to help Pine Forge Academy students pursue their goals.

career preparation, academic requirements and real-world experiences in the workplace. Interactive sessions also allowed students to conduct mock interviews, giving them valuable practice in professional communication and self-presentation. These opportunities proved invaluable as students gained confidence and developed a clearer sense of how to pursue their goals.

The most memorable moments came through the testimonies shared by alumni. Graduates reflected on their journeys, challenges and triumphs, offering encouragement to the next generation. Their stories demonstrated that, while the path to success may be demanding, it is also deeply rewarding and filled with purpose. Many students left the sessions visibly energized, inspired to set new goals and motivated to chase new dreams.

By hosting this event at the opening of the 50th Anniversary Alumni Weekend, the Alumni Association reaffirmed its commitment to bridging the past and present. School leaders say that through shared knowledge, guidance and mentorship, PFA alumni continue to light the path forward.

School Year Starts With Worship and Welcome

This year, the new school year at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) began as expected: registration, orientation, dorm move-in, first classes, greeting new and old friends and teachers—and, most importantly, sacred time was set aside for worship and prayer to dedicate everything that happens on campus to God. Students, faculty and staff committed to a year with Jesus as the center of campus life.

The first Friday vespers, planned by chaplains Callie Buruchara and Diego Rodriguez, provided a special opportunity for students and faculty to dedicate the new school year to God. Following praise time and a word from the chaplains, students divided into groups led by Student Association officers and dorm resident assistants. At each area

across campus—dorms, classrooms, the business office, the music department, the sports fields and more—student leaders led prayer sessions, followed by singing “Sweet Hour of Prayer.” Then everyone, including seniors Rosmaily Peguero and Madison Wilson (pictured), gathered at the flagpole for a candlelight ceremony, dedicating the school year to God.

On Sabbath morning, New Market church members lined the sidewalk to greet the students to the first church service of the year (pictured). Some of these church members are part of Reach Our Kids (ROK) Ministries, in which they seek to support high school students with church member “ROK

Families.” ROK Families offer friendship, support, cookies and special care packages throughout the year, as well as plan two vespers programs, with the goal of ensuring that students feel loved and know they are a special part of the New Market church family.

ROK leaders, New Market church pastors Reed Richardi and Buz Menhardt, and SVA singers Daniel Torres (’28), Marcos Torres (’26), Maria Sanjuan (’26) and Belmaris Mercado (’26) led the church service, keeping in mind the objective of showing hospitality toward the students. At the end of the service, church members gave each student a treat bag that included a pair of “ROK socks”—part of the tradition of giving students ROK-themed gifts. SVA staff thank the New Market members for their kindness, care and hospitality toward their students.

Academy Hosts a Weekend of Spiritual Renewal

This year’s spiritual retreat for Spencerville Adventist Academy took place at the restful Mount Aetna Camp and Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md. Having a spiritual retreat at the beginning of the school year served as a refreshing pause that fostered unity among the students and led to reflection and spiritual growth.

The weekend centered on the powerful theme found in John 13:35: “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (NIV).

Throughout the retreat, students were given opportunities to connect with God and each other in meaningful ways. Guest speaker Erwin Nanasi, worship and music pastor of the Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., led out in worship talks. His engaging messages challenged students to live out Christ’s love in tangible ways—not just during the retreat, but in their daily lives.

The retreat began Friday morning as students departed campus, filled with anticipation. The students participated in spirited Student Association (SA) activities that set the tone for the weekend. The evening marked the beginning of spiritual programming where students gathered for worship, music and a devotional thought—a time that fostered vulnerability, connection and a shared sense of purpose. Sophomore Saneliso Sokupa learned from the experience “how intertwined God is in music and the beauty of praising Him in song.”

Lucas Chow (’27), William Miongo (’27), Andrew Pozo (’28) and Samuel Joel (’28) pause to pray during the academy’s spiritual retreat.

Sabbath was especially memorable. After breakfast, students participated in spiritual breakout sessions, deepening their understanding of the weekend’s theme through hands-on activities. A group photo captured all the students and staff who attended (pictured), and soon after, students joined together again for an extended worship and reflection session that highlighted the importance of love and discipleship.

Highlights fr om Spencer ville Ad ventist Academ y ALL FOR CHRIST LOVE TO LEARN LIVE TO SERVE

Afternoon and evening activities offered a blend of quiet reflection, small group discussion and creative worships. These moments encouraged students to not only think deeply about their personal faith journeys but also to support and uplift their peers. Camden Armstrong, SAA’s athletic director, capped off the evening with fun and inclusive activities for all, reinforcing the bond being formed among classmates.

By the end of the retreat, hearts were lighter, spirits renewed and connections stronger. “The experiences we shared at the spiritual retreat will not only stay in our hearts forever, but it has also been seen and will be remembered by the One up above,” says freshman Steve O’Neil.

Students Use Sonshine Cards to Light Up Community

Spring Valley Academy (SVA) staff believe education goes beyond memorizing facts and numbers. What matters most is discovering who Jesus is and finding ways to share His message with those around us.

One way SVA students learn this is through the Sonshine Card program. In this program, students in grades K–6 create cards with messages of encouragement for community members going through a difficult time.

The program began in 2013, when Elementary Vice Principal Judy Cambigue was teaching third grade. Cambigue found that her students enjoyed creating cards to uplift and encourage other people, and when she moved into her vice principal role in 2019, she broadened the tradition to include the whole elementary school.

“Over the years, we’ve sent cards to people who suffered through an illness, have lost their home in a fire or have lost loved ones,” Cambigue says. “I’ve also had people submit names of lonely neighbors who have no other connection with SVA. We’ll encourage anyone God places before us!”

When students create the cards, what they share with the recipient is up to them. Depending on their grade level, there are often cheerful pictures and uplifting words or a favorite Bible verse or promise. This activity shows them that encouragement does not have to cost anything.

“At Spring Valley Academy, we believe in teaching students

An individual going through cancer treatment received these Sonshine cards.

to be empathetic and to be proud to freely share the love and comfort of Jesus and the promise of eternity,” says Cambigue. “Making cards keeps this idea front of mind.”

Cambigue doesn’t always hear back from recipients, but when she receives a thank you note, she shares it with the students during elementary chapel so they realize the impact their cards have on others.

“I was given a stack of about 50 Sonshine cards while my mom was in the hospital a few years ago,” says Emily Cowell, director of Residence Life at Kettering College and a former teacher at SVA. “These cards came from former students and kids I’d never met. To say I was touched would be an understatement. I still have those cards and have pulled them out over the years to remember the love I was gifted at a tremendously difficult time in my life.”

Since the initiative began 12 years ago, SVA students have sent more than 7,600 cards to individuals. Cambigue enjoys introducing the concept to new students each year, and she knows from firsthand experience just how meaningful the cards are to the recipients. “I’ve been the recipient of batches of cards when my in-laws and father died,” she says. “There’s something special about getting a hopeful and heartfelt note from a child.”

To suggest a Sonshine card recipient, email jucambigue@springvalleyacademy.org.

Student Leaders Organize and Inspire

Takoma Academy (TA) welcomes a few new or revitalized after-school clubs this year. Several students took the initiative to fill the need for more extracurricular activities that will enrich their high school experience. TA is well-known for the musical talents of its students, and Kenneth Jarrett (’27), a member of the school’s Camerata choir and talented pianist, decided to start a gospel choir called ROAR.

“I think ROAR will encourage others to praise God. It means ‘Rejoicing Our Amazing Redeemer,’ and sometimes people can be shy about doing that. This choir will encourage people to praise the Lord, and it creates [another] environment where we can all praise Him together,” says Jarrett, who will lead almost 30 students as they spread the gospel of Christ through music to the student body and local churches.

Elle-Michelle Henry (’26) and Zyon Starling (’26) are taking their culinary abilities to the next level. Henry’s specialty is cinnamon rolls, but she enjoys making all kinds of food. She plans to open her own restaurant someday.

“I wanted to start a culinary club at school because I love cooking and baking and wanted to share that passion with others,” she says. “I wanted

to create a space where students could learn new skills and try different recipes. The club also gives students a chance to work together, be creative and enjoy something rewarding outside of day-today classes.”

Starling wants to help her peers learn to be more self-sufficient as they prepare for adulthood. “Everyone needs to know how to cook healthy and wholesome food. It’s a basic life skill,” she says.

Kayla Rogers (’26) enjoys writing and talking to people. This year, she decided to bring back the school newspaper. She hopes to spread the Tiger spirit by reporting on all the latest news and events happening with the student body. “I plan to release a series of newspaper articles by the end of this year and help students explore the world of creative writing,” she says. Rogers aspires to be a journalist and author.

With so many current events and social issues happening these days, students have plenty to think about. Keira Hawkins (’27) understands that teens need a platform to discuss and voice their opinions. “Debate encourages teamwork, leadership and active listening. The debate club will give students the chance to build skills that are needed for the real world. It will provide knowledge that students can carry with them into adulthood. As president of the debate club, Hawkins wants to debate on a variety of topics, including political, religious, environmental and other social issues that impact the lives of today’s young people.

Listening Unlocks Harmony

There’s a kind of magic that can happen when people join together to produce truly exceptional harmony. However, that type of unity doesn’t happen just by chance. Truly experienced choir members know they need to do two key things: align with the music and align with everyone else in the choir. So, how does that happen? Aspiring singers are often surprised to learn that in order to be a really good choir member, they must first be a really good listener!

As acclaimed music educator Chris Maunu explained, ensembles help uncover understanding that we cannot identify on our own. He marvels that he has had occasions where his attention was directed to something he hadn’t noticed before, and then he “couldn’t unhear it.” He further explained that his “whole approach to the music shifted. The power of true listening opens up new dimensions of awareness we did not even realize were there.”

At Adventist HealthCare, we listen in two important ways. First, we value every team member’s voice. Our leadership visits with clinical teams regularly to understand in real time their challenges and triumphs. We run multiple surveys to focus on a wide variety of topics. We invite questions for our town halls. We set up workgroups, committees and councils.

Secondly, we listen to our patients. We have Patient Experience surveys that are sent immediately after care to get reactions while they are still top of mind. We have created Patient and Family Advisory Councils to really delve into issues through focused discussion. We invite feedback to inform recognition programs like the DAISY Award. We monitor social media to understand the full spectrum of reactions to our care.

These are just a few examples of the ways we listen –and because our team reflects the rich diversity of our community, we are able to fully explore the different perspectives surrounding our care interactions. The result? Our organizational culture where respectful dialogues inform our processes, drive our continuous improvement and define how we extend compassionate care.

Thank you for sharing your voice, listening to others and aligning with the standards and goals we have created together. This combination will enable our ability to be the trusted choice – both as a great place to work and as an exceptional place to receive healing care.

John Sackett President and CEO Adventist HealthCare

Judith K. Mufuh, Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education & Training (left), and Ann Roda, VP of Mission Integration & Spiritual Care (right), congratulate Desiree Ellis (center), one of the 18 graduates of the 2025 Clinical Pastoral Education training program.

Strengthening Clinical Chaplaincy

For more than a century, Adventist HealthCare has recognized the importance of spiritual care in wholeperson healing. One example of its commitment to supporting optimal health outcomes is Adventist HealthCare’s longstanding Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) training program. The CPE program offers intensive, hands-on training in spiritual care for the development of professional clinical chaplains. Through supervised clinical practice and reflective learning, clinical interns cultivate deep emotional and pastoral insight that integrates faith and psychology.

Each year, pastors, religious leaders, psychology students, lay ministers and other individuals interested in developmental growth apply to the program, which is accredited by the College of Pastoral Supervisors and Psychotherapy, Inc.

This year’s 18 graduates contributed more than 9,000 hours of spiritual care across the Adventist HealthCare system – developing spiritual assessment skills while supporting patients, families and staff with sacred rituals, blessings, prayer and compassionate presence.

The August graduation ceremony honored the interns’ diverse backgrounds and their dedication to holistic care, reflecting Adventist HealthCare’s mission to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

“This program gives interested persons of all faiths an up-close opportunity to learn about the work of spiritual healing in hospitals and other healthcare settings,” said Judith K. Mufuh, D.Min., BCCC, BCPC, Manager of Clinical Pastoral Education & Training. “Adventist HealthCare is pleased to support the development of pastors, religious leaders and others to inform their ministry in a variety of denominations and religious bodies.”

We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

Living Our Mission to Extend Cod’s Care

Innovation Leaders

Chief Medical Officer Joins Panel on Artificial Intelligence

Fort Washington Medical Center Vice President and Chief Medical Officer Keith Fisher, MD, was among a select group of presenters invited to participate in a virtual discussion hosted by Becker’s Healthcare last July. The focus of the event was to examine how health systems are revolutionizing primary care with agentic artificial intelligence (AI), that is, models designed to execute complex, multi-step tasks through advanced contextual reasoning to proactively identify needs and achieve goals.

The discussion highlighted how clinically proven AI tools integrated into electronic health records are already transforming care, including:

• Personalizing primary care for more people

• Easing clinicians’ workloads by offering analysis insights

• Improving decision-making at the point of care

• Delivering strong clinical results to support lower costs

This webinar underscored how Adventist HealthCare is committed to being the trusted choice for exceptional care –both now and in the future!

Robotic Surgery Milestone

Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Surgical Services team celebrated a milestone – the program’s 500th robotassisted surgery – with the program’s physician leaders, orthopedic surgeons Gabriel Petruccelli, MD (left), and Craig Miller, MD (right). The surgery, which occurred Aug. 28, was to help heal a patient’s left shoulder.

Rooted in Whole Health

Planting Seeds of Good Health

Last June, Adventist HealthCare Physician Enterprise attended Veg-Fest at LivingWell in Silver Spring, Maryland. The health and wellness event celebrated plant-based eating and healthy living. Team members offered heart health resources, health talks on diabetes and nutrition, CPR demonstrations, and blood pressure screenings to community members. To identify their risk factors, attendees were also invited to take Adventist HealthCare’s free and fast heart and breast cancer health risk assessments, which can also be found online at AdventistHealthCare.com/KnowYourRisk

Demonstrating Adventist HealthCare’s long-standing commitment to offer innovative care, the foundation of this achievement dates back to 2019, when Shady Grove Medical Center became the first hospital in both the state of Maryland and the D.C. region to incorporate ExactechGPS®, a technology that enables surgeons to better prepare for and perform shoulder replacements. The technology gives surgeons a clearer look at a patient’s anatomy for precise planning before procedures and quick yet detailed adjustments in the operating room.

Additionally, the hospital’s total joint replacement teams have earned The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval, a national mark of excellence for safety and quality in shoulder, hip and knee surgeries. “As the orthopedic coordinator, I am so proud of my team and the type of care that we give to our patients,” said Patty Kastl, RN.

Triumph Trek = A True Triumph!

More than 550 community members gathered at the Adventist HealthCare Triumph Trek and Health Fair on Sept. 21 for a robust health fair, live music, games and a “walk, wheel or run” around the beautiful lakeside path at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. Read all about the event at ColumbiaUnionVisitor.com

A Moment to Remember: A bathroom, a baptism, and a new life

By Ben Riggs

Two weeks after Dario Maldonado started his chaplain residency at Kettering Health in May 2024, a patient asked him about baptism. Dario baptized not only that patient but also their significant other.

He couldn’t help wondering whether more baptisms might happen.

A month passed. Then another. Then another.

A year went by with no requests. But Dario believed God was in the details, working amid his waiting.

In early September, on a Sunday, Dario entered the ICU at Kettering Health Main Campus. Partway through a 24-hour shift, he’d been asked to visit a family. While in the ICU, an older couple approached him.

“Chaplain, can you visit our son?”

Meeting Tyler

Dario agreed. Following the couple to the patient’s room, he entered expecting to see someone sedated. Instead, he found Tyler sitting upright, with countless wires sprouting from his bed to various beeping machines. He looked distraught, as if he’d misplaced something important. Dario initiated a conversation, asking Tyler what brought him to Kettering Health. Tyler, 30, had been admitted after complaining of heart and lung pain. After collapsing in the emergency department, he woke up in the ICU, without much of his memory. He couldn’t recall his children’s names or ages. But one detail stood out as Dario listened to him recount the story.

“A month ago,” Tyler said, “I was at church with my wife. I felt called to be baptized. But I didn’t do it.”

A Moment to Remember (cont.)

Dario, trained in active listening, couldn’t help but notice the odd sense of specificity. “He couldn’t remember his kids,” Dario said, “but he remembered not being baptized. That detail mattered.”

Moved by Tyler’s distress, Dario gently offered, “You know, you could be baptized here if you’d like.” Tyler lit up. “I’d love that,” he said.

Arranging a baptism in the moment wasn’t possible. Tyler had too much equipment attached to him. He prayed with Tyler and his wife, Julie. He’d check back in with Tyler to see if he was still interested. If so, he’d arrange it. Dario was given a phone number for Plant Engineering, whom he heard would help with baptism equipment and water.

Praying in the bathroom

The following Tuesday, Dario returned to Kettering Health Main Campus, looking for Tyler. He wasn’t in the ICU. But he wasn’t hard to find. He’d been stepped down to the pulmonary unit, where Dario regularly serves. He found Tyler and his wife, Julie, in the midst of being discharged.

...dying to the old life, rising in newness through Christ.

with the trough. Looking for a place to put it, Dario peered through the open bathroom door. His mind jumped to just a day before, when Dario joined fellow chaplains at Kettering Health Main Campus to pray over some renovated patient rooms. One chaplain joked, “We should pray in the bathrooms, too.” So, they did.

Dario told the Plant Engineering team, “Set it up in the bathroom.”

Some of his memory had returned. And he shared with Dario that he was going home but still wanted to be baptized. Dario quickly called Plant Engineering. He reached Jake, a manager. Unfortunately, they hadn’t done a baptism setup since 2020, due to COVID restrictions. And the requests never returned. But Jake responded with enthusiasm. “We don’t have a horse trough,” he said, “but we’ll buy one.”

A few hours later, as Dario ate lunch, Jake called. “Where do you want us to set this up?” Dario left his lunch to meet them at Tyler’s room. The Plant Engineering team arrived

God in the details

Kneeling next to Tyler, “I opened Romans 6,” Dario recalled. “I explained the meaning—dying to the old life, rising in newness through Christ. Then I asked, ‘Do you accept Jesus as your Savior?’ Tyler said, ‘Yes.’”

Dario lowered him into the warm water. Tyler’s wife cried. His mother-in-law, watching via video call, said, “We’ve prayed for this moment for so long.

Thank you.”

Transport soon arrived to take Tyler home. But not before Dario handed him a baptism certificate, a Bible, and a copy of Steps to Christ.

“I don’t know when my next baptism will be,” Dario said. “But I’ve learned that every space in the hospital—even a bathroom—can be sacred. God works in the details.”

And for Tyler, though his care journey continues, he left Kettering Health Main Campus with more than a discharge summary. He left with a new beginning marked by faith, grace, and healing. And it’s a moment he said he’ll never forget.

Across the nation, the demand for competent, compassionate, and highly skilled nurses has never been greater. With health care systems stretched to capacity and a growing need for specialized care in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, and community health environments, the nursing shortage presents both a challenge and a call to action. The future of health care depends on preparing the next generation of nurses, leaders who can rise to the occasion with knowledge, confidence, and dedication.

Washington Adventist University (WAU) is answering that call. The university’s Nursing Program is not only the largest academic program on campus but also one of the most successful in the state and region. Recently, on September 24, 2025, the Maryland Board of Nursing granted Full Approval to WAU’s Pre-licensure Program, a distinction that underscores its academic rigor, commitment to excellence, and proven outcomes.

The numbers tell the story. While the Maryland Board of Nursing sets the standard for first-time RN licensure passage at 79%, WAU nursing graduates are outperforming the benchmark by a wide margin. For the 2024–2025 cycle, WAU’s nursing students achieved a 92% first-time passage rate. (Source: Mountain Measurement (2025), in partnership with National Council of State Boards of Nursing)

This remarkable achievement positions WAU as a leader in preparing practice-ready nurses who excel in the most demanding health care environments.

The success doesn’t stop at licensure. WAU nursing graduates are 100% employed upon graduation, a testament to the high regard employers have

WAU Meeting Today’s Nursing Shortage With Tomorrow’s Leaders

for the program. Across hospitals, clinics, and community settings, WAU nurses are consistently recognized for exceeding the standard of care, demonstrating both clinical expertise and a compassionate approach to patient well-being. Employers know that WAU-trained nurses bring not only technical skills but also a strong ethical foundation, leadership qualities, and resilience, traits that are desperately needed in today’s health care landscape.

Looking ahead, the shortage of nurses is projected to grow even more acute, especially in critical specialties such as critical care, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health, and community health nursing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects steady growth in nursing jobs over the next decade, with health care increasingly dependent on nurses who can adapt to technological innovations, diverse patient needs, and expanding care environments. WAU’s nationally marketed nursing program is positioning itself to meet this challenge head-on, inviting students from across the country and internationally to join a program that has proven its effectiveness and leadership in the profession.

At WAU, nursing is more than a degree, it is a mission. The program combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training and a supportive community of faculty and peers. Students graduate not only as competent professionals but also as compassionate caregivers, leaders, and advocates for health and healing in every setting.

For those called to make a difference in the lives of patients, families, and communities, WAU’s Nursing Program offers the opportunity to join a tradition of excellence and step into a future where skilled, dedicated nurses are needed more than ever.

Washington Adventist University Nursing: Preparing nurses today for the health of tomorrow since 1904.

This is Washington Adventist University.

Weymouth Spence President

Washington Adventist University Is Top Ranked Adventist University in 2025 Washington Monthly Rankings

Washington Adventist University Is Top Ranked Adventist University in 2025 Washington Monthly Rankings

AAAAccording to the 2025 Washington Monthly university rankings, Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the top-ranked Adventist university in the United States, thanks to lower net cost and higher earnings for graduates, as well as top 100 marks nationally for Student Outcomes we rank 83 and Service 80. The Washington Monthly rankings aim to highlight schools that focus on student success at a more economical cost, with higher median earnings for graduates. WAU’s ranking confirms the value represented by the mission-driven education that it provides to students.

ccording to the 2025 Washington Monthly university rankings, , Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the top-ranked Adventist University thanks to lower net cost and higher earnings for graduates, as well as top 100 marks nationally for Student Outcomes (83) and Service (81). The Washington Monthly rankings aim to highlight schools that focus on student success at a more economical cost, with higher median earnings for graduates. WAU’s ranking confirms the value represented by the mission-driven education that it provides to students.

Out of the 1422 four year colleges and universities ranked by Washington Monthly, WAU is number 342. Many of the schools higher on the Washington Monthly rankings are public universities with government subsidies, or private colleges and universities with large endowments. WAU’s ranking is high relative to comparative private institutions.

ccording to the 2025 Washington Monthly university rankings, Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the top-ranked Adventist university in the United States, thanks to lower net cost and higher earnings for graduates, as well as top 100 marks nationally for Student Outcomes we rank 83 and Service 80. The Washington Monthly rankings aim to highlight schools that focus on student success at a more economical cost, with higher median earnings for graduates. WAU’s ranking confirms the value represented by the mission-driven education that it provides to students.

ccording to the 2025 Washington Monthly university rankings, , Washington Adventist University (WAU) is the top-ranked Adventist University thanks to lower net cost and higher earnings for graduates, as well as top 100 marks nationally for Student Outcomes (83) and Service (81). The Washington Monthly rankings aim to highlight schools that focus on student success at a more economical cost, with higher median earnings for graduates. WAU’s ranking confirms the value represented by the mission-driven education that it provides to students.

Out of the 1422 four year colleges and universities ranked by Washington Monthly, WAU is number 342. Many of the schools higher on the Washington Monthly rankings are public universities with government subsidies, or private colleges and universities with large endowments. WAU’s ranking is high relative to comparative private institutions.

WAU is further categorized as “Masters Level Universities.” Out of the 587 schools in this category, WAU ranks at number 86. These ranks are best understood by

WAU is further categorized as “Masters Level Universities.” Out of the 587 schools in this category, WAU ranks at number 86. These ranks are best understood by

Out of the 1,421 four-year colleges and universities ranked by Washington Monthly, WAU is number 342. Andrews University is the next Adventist university on the list at number 1,043, followed by La Sierra University (1,171), Union Adventist University (1,195), Walla Walla University (1,250), Southern Adventist University (1,275), Pacific Union College (1,289), Oakwood University (1,340) and Southwestern Adventist University (1,389). (Loma Linda University was not ranked).

Out of the 1,421 four-year colleges and universities ranked by Washington Monthly, WAU is number 342. Andrews University is the next Adventist university on the list at number 1,043, followed by La Sierra University (1,171), Union Adventist University (1,195), Walla Walla University (1,250), Southern Adventist University (1,275), Pacific Union College (1,289), Oakwood University (1,340) and Southwestern Adventist University (1,389). (Loma Linda University was not ranked).

Many of the schools higher on the Washington Monthly rankings are public universities with government subsidies, or private colleges and universities with large endowments. WAU’s ranking is high relative to comparative private institutions.

breaking down the Student Outcomes and Service rankings, along with the Net Cost and Median Income data.

breaking down the Student Outcomes and Service rankings, along with the Net Cost and Median Income data.

The Washington Monthly rankings place emphasis on schools that demonstrate student success through Student Outcomes, and also the extent to which schools prepare students for a life of Service to their communities. Among the 587 Masters Level Universities, WAU ranks number 19 for Student Outcomes, and number 21 for Service.

Many of the schools higher on the Washington Monthly rankings are public universities with government subsidies, or private colleges and universities with large endowments. WAU’s ranking is high relative to comparative private institutions.

WAU, La Sierra and Southern Adventist were further categorized as “Masters Level Universities.” Out of the 585 schools in this category, WAU ranks at number 86. La Sierra is number 475, and Southern Adventist is number 524. These ranks are best understood by breaking down the Student Outcomes and Service rankings, along with the Net Cost and Median Income data:

The Washington Monthly rankings place emphasis on schools that demonstrate student success through Student Outcomes, and also the extent to which schools prepare students for a life of Service to their communities. Among the 587 Masters Level Universities, WAU ranks number 19 for Student Outcomes, and number 21 for Service.

According to Washington Monthly’s data, the net price to attend WAU ($14,071.00) is significantly lower than the net price, demonstrating the concrete value of the education that WAU provides students.

WAU, La Sierra and Southern Adventist were further categorized as “Masters Level Universities.” Out of the 585 schools in this category, WAU ranks at number 86. La Sierra is number 475, and Southern Adventist is number 524. These ranks are best understood by breaking down the Student Outcomes and Service rankings, along with the Net Cost and Median Income data:

The Washington Monthly ranking was only the most recent external recognition received by WAU. In April, 2025, WAU was one of only 476 four year colleges and universities to be recognized as an “Opportunity College or University” in the Carnegie classifications of universities. This is the new, highest accolade given by Carnegie to recognize schools where there is high student access to education

According to Washington Monthly’s data, the net price to attend WAU ($14,071.00) is significantly lower than the net price, demonstrating the concrete value of the education that WAU provides students.

The Washington Monthly rankings place emphasis on schools that demonstrate student success through Student Outcomes, and also the extent to which schools prepare students for a life of Service to their communities. Among the 585 Masters Level Universities, WAU ranks number 19 for Student Outcomes and number 21 for Service. For comparison, La Sierra ranks 423 for Student Outcomes and 303 for Service, while Southern Adventist

The Washington Monthly ranking was only the most recent external recognition received by WAU. In April, 2025, WAU was one of only 476 four year colleges and universities to be recognized as an “Opportunity College or University” in the Carnegie classifications of universities. This is the new, highest accolade given by Carnegie to recognize schools where there is high student access to education

The Washington Monthly rankings place emphasis on schools that demonstrate student success through Student Outcomes, and also the extent to which schools prepare students for a life of Service to their communities. Among the 585 Masters Level Universities, WAU ranks number 19 for Student Outcomes and number 21 for Service. For comparison, La Sierra ranks 423 for Student Outcomes and 303 for Service, while Southern Adventist

ranks 538 for Student Outcomes and 252 for Service.

with above average median incomes. WAU was the only four year Adventist school to receive this designation.

ranks 538 for Student Outcomes and 252 for Service.

WAU also holds a distinction as the number one Adventist university in the United States for lowest student loan default rate, according to College Raptor. This ranking reflects the university’s strong commitment to student outcomes and financial stability, ensuring graduates are equipped for success in both career and life.

with above average median incomes. WAU was the only four year Adventist school to receive this designation.

According to Washington Monthly’s data, the net price to attend WAU ($14,071) is significantly lower than the net price at Southern Adventist ($20,729) or La Sierra ($21,720), whereas the Median Income for WAU graduates after nine years ($54,535) is higher than at La Sierra ($51,101) or Southern Adventist ($43,985), demonstrating the concrete value of the education that WAU provides students.

The fact that WAU has received these external validations stands in contrast to its capital resources, whereas schools with far greater endowments and grander campuses rank far lower. “We know the value of the education we offer to students,” says WAU President, Dr. Weymouth Spence. “Imagine what we could do with additional resources. That’s why we are working to revitalize our campus for the 21st century to provide diverse revenue streams to support our students. We are looking for partners to help us sustain our mission of serving students for another 120 years.”

WAU also holds a distinction as the number one Adventist university in the United States for lowest student loan default rate, according to College Raptor. This ranking reflects the university’s strong commitment to student outcomes and financial stability, ensuring graduates are equipped for success in both career and life.

The fact that WAU has received this external validation stands in contrast to its capital resources, whereas schools with far greater endowments and grander campuses rank far lower. “We know the value of the education we offer to students,” says WAU President Weymouth Spence. “Imagine what we could do with additional resources. That’s why we are working to revitalize our campus for the 21st century to provide diverse revenue streams to support our students. We are looking for partners to help us sustain our mission of serving students for another 120 years.”

According to Washington Monthly’s data, the net price to attend WAU ($14,071) is significantly lower than the net price at Southern Adventist ($20,729) or La Sierra ($21,720), whereas the Median Income for WAU graduates after nine years ($54,535) is higher than at La Sierra ($51,101) or Southern Adventist ($43,985), demonstrating the concrete value of the education that WAU provides students.

The fact that WAU has received these external validations stands in contrast to its capital resources, whereas schools with far greater endowments and grander campuses rank far lower. “We know the value of the education we offer to students,” says WAU President, Dr. Weymouth Spence. “Imagine what we could do with additional resources. That’s why we are working to revitalize our campus for the 21st century to provide diverse revenue streams to support our students. We are looking for partners to help us sustain our mission of serving students for another 120 years.”

The fact that WAU has received this external validation stands in contrast to its capital resources, whereas schools with far greater endowments and grander campuses rank far lower. “We know the value of the education we offer to students,” says WAU President Weymouth Spence. “Imagine what we could do with additional resources. That’s why we are working to revitalize our campus for the 21st century to provide diverse revenue streams to support our students. We are looking for partners to help us sustain our mission of serving students for another 120 years.”

Sharing Jesus—Sharing Hope

It started with a large, bright-colored exercise ball. A listener had come to a toy drive to donate a large, green ball, but, in fact, he had another idea. He wanted someone to play with him, to roll the ball back and forth on the ground. He wanted to make a friend. His name is Stirling, and he has become a regular visitor to WGTS Sticker Stops.

For Stirling and others, coming to a WGTS event is more than just receiving a cup of ice cream, a bumper sticker, or a prize. And it’s more than donating an item, like a toy or a backpack, for the latest Hands and Heart project. Listeners arrive at events with hope, knowing that the WGTS staff and volunteers will talk, listen, and pray with them. They will share a handshake or a hug and even recognize them the next time they come to an event. It is all about the connection.

“Loneliness and stress are all around us, and we understand that God has called us to be a voice for Him, providing comfort, joy, peace, and encouragement, truly making a difference in lives across the region every minute of the day. This happens online, on the air, and in person,” says Kevin Krueger, president and CEO.

“These personal connection moments are a vital part of our ministry. This is a wonderful moment for us to share Jesus with people,” adds Krueger.

In 2025, WGTS team members have conducted or had a strong presence at over 70 events. These moments include being onsite at churches, schools, parks, city plazas, convention centers, and coffee shops for Sticker Stops concerts, and other events. Hands and Heart projects this year included collecting 814 backpacks and 664 t-shirts for families in need throughout the Washington, D.C., metro region. This year, 55,800 people have been a part of WGTS in-person events, which included 91 Days of Summer, that itself provided three free-to-the-community, outdoor summer concerts. Also, over the summer, more than 11,000 cups of ice cream paved the way for thousands of conversations, prayers, moments of joy, and even tears. Jesus was present, front and center, and clearly moving in lives, at every event.

“While the numbers give a feel for the impact, for us, it comes back to the face-to-face connection that is established each time we talk with someone. It is what we want to be known for…being present and available, walking through life together, and bringing the hope and love of Jesus to hundreds of thousands in our communities,” says Krueger.

2099 Gaither Road, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20850

202.902.6000 wgts919.com

VISITOR ADVERTISING AND SERVICES n The Visitor does not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised and does not accept responsibility for typographical or categorical errors. For advertising guidelines and rates, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/advertising.

EMPLOYMENT

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY

seeks qualified Seventh-day Adventists to fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World. Visit andrews.edu/jobs for our current openings.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY continuously seeks qualified candidates to fill various positions around campus, including faculty, salaried staff and hourly staff positions. If you are interested in working at Southern, we encourage you to view the positions that are currently open at sau.catsone.com/ careers and apply as God leads. To view current open educational positions Pre-K through college across the North American Division, please visit jobs.adventisteducation.org.

UNION ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY seeks qualified applicants for research and instruction librarian. This position develops and provides reference and library instruction to diverse groups of students, faculty, staff and community visitors, using modalities suited to the individual, classroom or online environments. ALAaccredited Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent required. See job description and apply at uau. edu/employment.

UNION ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for the position of life coach in Student Success. This is a fulltime, non-exempt position. A bachelor’s degree is required, master’s preferred. Duties include serving as a life coach/ academic advisor for assigned freshmen, working with highrisk students and providing specialized services, assisting freshmen with registration, providing accountability coaching for academic probation population and other duties. Please see the job description and instructions for application at uau.edu/employment.

UNION ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for emergency medical services (EMS) coordinator in

the International Rescue and Relief (IRR) program. This is a full-time exempt position with excellent benefits. The EMS coordinator is responsible for developing and managing the EMS component of the program and includes both teaching responsibilities and program administration. An EMS instructor certification is required. Please see the job description and apply at uau.edu/employment.

UNION ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY seeks applicants for director of Doctor of Physical Therapy program to provide leadership to the program and oversee all aspects of the DPT program, including responsibility for communication, program assessment and planning, fiscal management, faculty evaluation/professional development, curriculum development, accreditation and other duties. This is a full-time exempt position with excellent benefits, including tuition assistance. See the full job description and apply at uau.edu/employment.

UNION ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY seeks candidates for two nursing faculty positions. These are full-time, exempt positions. Responsible for preparing undergraduate students to successfully complete the Union BSN curriculum and pass the National Council State Boards of Nursing Examination. Excellent benefit package that includes tuition assistance for dependents. Applicants should complete an application at uau.edu/ employment.

WASHINGTON ADVENTIST

UNIVERSITY is committed to finding qualified individuals who share our mission and values to fill a variety of faculty and staff positions. We are currently hiring several roles. For a complete list of full-time, part-time and adjunct faculty positions, please visit wau. edu/humanresources to submit your application.

MID-AMERICA UNION

CONFERENCE seeks applicants for a full-time associate treasurer to support treasury operations, including budgeting, financial reporting, audits

and compliance. Applicants should have denominational experience in accounting/ finance, strong analytical and interpersonal skills and a commitment to missionfocused stewardship. This position offers excellent benefits. Qualified applicants, please send your resume to Raylene Jones at raylene.jones@maucsda.org.

GUAM ADVENTIST CLINIC seeks missionary OB/GYN physician and physical therapist. Join our Christ-centered, multispecialty team delivering high quality health care and education. United States medical license and minimum commitment of two years required. Benefits include clinic-sponsored mission trips, generous annual leave, competitive compensation and beautiful beaches. Inquire today at connect@adventistclinic.com.

POPLAR CREEK SPA in Collegedale, Tenn., seeks massage therapists to join our professional and supportive team. Adventist-owned and -operated by a practicing massage therapist, we offer hourly W-2 pay, mentorship and Sabbaths off. Enjoy a rewarding career in a welcoming Adventist community near Chattanooga’s mountains and outdoor beauty. Visit poplarcreekspa.com/careers.

MINISTRY OPPORTUNITY! Small health food store and plant-based café looking for new management. Products include bulk flours/grains/ nuts/seeds/legumes and supplements/essential oils. Space for health education classes. Located in Southwest Virginia. For more information, contact Sally: info@startanew.me.

MISCELLANEOUS

JOIN STREAMS OF LIGHT INTERNATIONAL for life-changing mission trips! Share hope, spread truth and experience the joy of service. Connect with people, pray with those in need and make an eternal impact. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or new to missions, there’s a place for you. Learn more at streamsoflight.net.

FOLLOW MY BLOG , paulsbookwords.com, where I review Christian books and share other books of interest. After working for the Adventist Book Center for 45 years, I’ve learned a thing or two of what makes a great book. Follow me to get new content delivered directly to your inbox.

CONSIDERING RURAL LIVING?

Explore Greeneville, Tenn. Located near the Smoky Mountains, Greeneville Adventist Academy has an accredited K–12 Adventist day school program, supported by two constituent churches, prioritizing the Bible, evangelism, mission trips, academics and a high-quality music program (voice, band, bells and strings). Visit mygaa.org, or call (423) 639-2011.

HOLIDAY PROGRAMS: Fill your life and home with a Christian spirit of Christmas. LifeTalk Radio plays Christmas music all through December with special concerts nightly at 8 p.m. (EST), from December 6–25. Enjoy Christmas music 24/7 at lifetalk.net.

REAL ESTATE

ORCHARD FARM: Selling two to three acres of land parcels at $19K an acre in Finger Lakes area of Upstate New York. Located in a cul-de-sac with a street view, this land includes an active fruit and vegetable farm. Additional acres available for lease or sale further inland. Call (315) 946-6444 or (315) 879-0949.

DON’T JUST RETIRE! Live with purpose at Fletcher Park Inn. An independent living retirement community, located on the campus of Fletcher Academy near Hendersonville, N.C. Join our family, take part in the many opportunities for staying active, volunteering, making new friends and living with a purpose. Call (828) 2096930 or visit fletcherparkinn. com to find out more about our apartment and villa homes.

FLORIDA LIVING RETIREMENT COMMUNITY: Independent living on 13.5 acres near Orlando, sunny beaches, golf courses, shopping areas and medical care. All renovated ground-level units. Florida Conference-owned facility. Call (407) 862-2646 or visit floridalivingretirement.com.

SERVICES

SMILE BRIGHT AND EXPLORE BEAUTIFUL ART AT TECHNĒ DENTAL. Looking for a caring, highly experienced dentist? Ernest Ponraj, DDS, offers top notch dental care in a welcoming environment. Whether you need a routine checkup or more advanced treatments, you’ll be in expert hands. But that’s not all! Ponraj also owns an exclusive art gallery, showcasing stunning works

Bulletin Board

from artists around the globe. Located at 4 Taft Court, Suite #150, Rockville, MD 20850. Mention this ad to receive a discount on services. Call (301) 598-7800, or visit technedentalgallery.com.

MARYLAND ADVENTIST

DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as many other certifications. Call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services, excluding thirdparty payers. We welcome new patients!

MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving and Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Dante at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate on your relocation needs. Visit apexmoving.com/ adventist.

ELTERNHAUS ASSISTED

LIVING, Adventist familyowned and -operated, provides specialized care for seniors in a family homestyle setting. Delicious vegetarian food, activities, Friday night vespers and a shuttle to church Sabbath morning. Visit elternhausalf.com.

TEACH SERVICES HELPING

AUTHORS: Publish your book, including editing, design, marketing and worldwide distribution. Visit teachservices. com to submit your manuscript for a free evaluation, or call (800) 367-1844. Also, shop for new/used Adventist books at teachservices.com or at your local ABC.

PATH OF LIFE HEALING CENTER DETOX RETREATS

offer a well-established retreat program focusing on detox and wellness. The 10-day healing retreat is a valuable opportunity for those looking to address health challenges and improve their lifestyle. With 28 years of experience in helping people avoid or reverse disease, there is a solid track record. Call (301) 377-4523 or visit pathoflifehealing.com/ lifestyle-retreats.

OBITUARIES

HENDERSON, JUDITH “JUDI” V., born January 1, 1944, in Marlowe, W.Va.; died August 10, 2023, in Avon Park, Fla. Judi was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for 50 years and a local member of the Avon Park church. Judi was a cosmetologist and a Daughters of the American Revolution member. She is preceded in death by her devoted husband of 50 years, Jesse “J. G.” Henderson, Jr.; granddaughter Melissa Froelich; parents O. W. Lloyd and Margarite LeMaster Lloyd; and sister Anita Writer. She is survived by her brother Scott Lloyd (Debbie) of Martinsville, W.Va.; daughter Karinda Maquera (Wernher) of Avon Park, Fla.; daughter Staci Froelich (Jim) of Laurel, Md.; son Joel Henderson (Teri) of Cleveland, Tenn.; granddaughter Clarissa Burkett (Cale) of Orlando, Fla.; grandson Nicholas Maquera (Rechelle) of Apoka, Fla.; grandson Mark Froelich (Lisa) of Laurel, Md.; and granddaughter Kaitlyn Bushong (Caitlin) of Asheville, N.C.

BAUMGARTNER, EARL MELVILLE, born November

17, 1934; died November 16, 2023. He was born to Charles Baumgartner and Maud (Lord) Baumgartner in Collegeville, Pa. Earl leaves behind a legacy defined by his unwavering commitment to Seventh-day Adventist Youth Ministries. He played an impactful role as the director of the Valley Forge Pathfinder Club and area coordinator for the Southeast Pennsylvania Pathfinders. He dedicated his time and expertise to Huntington Valley Christian Academy, serving on the school board and as a volunteer at Blue Mountain Academy. Earl was also a founding member of the Adventist Community Services Center in Fairview Village. Born and raised in Collegeville, Earl served in the United States Army beginning in 1957 and received an honorable discharge in 1959. For more than 30 years, Earl worked as a devoted heating ventilation and air conditioning teacher at Central Montgomery County Technical High School. Earl is survived by his beloved wife, Kay (Lantz) Baumgartner; two sisters, Dorothy Workman and Evelyn Thume; four children, Rick, Brenda, Ken and Renee; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Sunset Calendar

Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters

The Andrews Bible Commentary radiates the simple dignity of the grand old commentary we all know and love, but it is written for this century by the scholars of the church for the people of the church. It’s the Adventist standard for the next generation.

Passage-by-passage commentary, to be read as book, rather than a reference work.

Deep analysis focused on the meaning of the text in the context of the Advent hope.

All in two elegant volumes. That means lots of room on your shelf for the other great books of faith that enrich your