Story by Anthony Baffi
The New Jersey Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department began the year with its first-ever hybrid convention, titled “Let Them In.” The theme was based on Noah and his efforts to prepare others to enter the safety of the ark through faithful preaching and teaching.
More than 100 leaders attended the two-day event, earning certificates for the North American Division Children’s Ministries Track 3 Child Evangelism training program.
Story by Kasper Haughton, Jr.
“This is the first time I have heard the Word of God preached in my native language!” Nina spoke with her new pastor, tears welling up in her eyes. “We immigrated to the United States many years ago and found out about Adventism from friends. Since then, every sermon I have heard has been through a translator until today! How beautiful the Word is!”
Story by Visitor Staff
Last Sabbath, July 30, Charlotte Pedersen McClure, former director of Communication for the Columbia Union Conference, former managing editor of the Visitor magazine, and retired pastor from the Spencerville church, was ordained to the gospel ministry.
McClure, who retired in 2010 after pastoring for eight years, has longed for this day to become a reality. “I've always felt welcomed by the brotherhood of pastors—always,” she says. “This is something that I wish would have happened earlier and I wish it would happen for more women, but I just encourage them, whether they are ordained or not, to continue working for God and for the mission of the church to spread the gospel, baptize people, comfort them.”
Story by Benia Jennings
The Women’s Ministries Department at the Shiloh Cincinnati church recently hosted a crafting event. The women enjoyed conversation, music, a raffle giveaway and a light meal before making crafts to support two local community projects. The first project was attaching greeting notes to individual packs of cookies with the inscription “Have a nice day” or “Thinking of you.” The care packages also included shower gel, lotion, hair products, flip flops and shower shoes.
The Women’s Ministries group supports a local women’s shelter by donating various items for the residents. These cookie care packages, delivered on Mother’s Day, served as the latest gift to the shelter.
Story by Iris Argueta/ ADRA
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is scaling up emergency operations to deliver food assistance and water to vulnerable communities on the verge of starvation within the Horn of Africa, including Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia, and Uganda.
Story by Evan Knott/ Chesapeake Conference / Photo from Diego Bosuer
Teens from the Baltimore-White Marsh Church participated in service projects and leadership training during My City My Passion from July 9-16.
The weeklong local mission trip provided 11 teenagers an opportunity to take part in creative service projects in Baltimore, such as serving breakfast to residents at the Ronald McDonald Charity House, assisting local food programs, and cleaning community parks. The group also distributed more than 200 evangelistic books and GLOW tracks.
Story by Salena Fitzgerald
Three beloved and accomplished Takoma Academy (TA) staff members retired at the end of the 2021–22 academic year.
C. Dunbar Henri received his Master of Divinity from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.) in 1983. After 18 months of singing and traveling with the Heritage Singers out of Placerville, Calif., he pastored three churches in Maryland from 1983–1986 before joining TA’s staff full-time.
During the last 37 years, Henri has served as a Bible teacher and administrator, including two stints as TA principal from 1995–1997 and 2005–2009. During his first stint, he became the first black princi- pal to serve at TA. He also served as vice principal.
Story by Debra Anderson
Story by Tamyra Horst
Will Peterson (top left), executive secretary and vice president for administration at the Pennsylvania Conference, recently announced he will be retiring September 1. The conference’s executive committee unanimously voted to invite Shawn Shives to step into that role following Peterson’s retirement. During this transition phase, they will work together to maintain continuity of service.
Story by Janel Haas Ware
After a three-year hiatus, Shenandoah Valley Academy’s (SVA) choir and orchestra hit the road for a tour of the Midwest during the 2021–22 academic year. For many students, this was their first music tour ever. Under the direction of Daniel Biaggi, music director, and Kelly Wiedemann, associate music director, the group set out bright and early on a Tuesday morning.