Story by Shaun Robinson
This school year, Takoma Academy (TA) welcomed five new members to its teaching staff: two math teachers; a history teacher; an English Language Arts teacher; and an athletic director. Some schools end up with teachers who go into education as a secondary option or who consider the job to be some sort of mitzvah. This group, however, is different. They have truly been called by God to do what they do.
Story by Christina Keresoma
Hearing the word “cancer” brings anyone’s world to a stop. Life seems to freeze around as you try to comprehend everything that’s about to change.
The cancer journey affects the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. And it requires a community to navigate. That’s why at Kettering Health we stand behind our faith-based approach to bring to every cancer patient care that not only heals but also offers hope. Our dedicated cancer specialists treat patients with innovative treatments and a holistic approach, coming alongside patients and their families for every step of the journey. We’re no stranger to what it takes to help others fight cancer—and neither are our friends in the NFL.
Story by Liz Bailey
“A New Believer’s retreat! That was a new and revolutionary idea to me,” says Walter Cardenas, assistant to the Mountain View Conference (MVC) president. “I had never heard of this before, but when newly elected President Tim Bailey shared this idea with me, the more I thought about it, the more excited I became. We began to dream about the potential this event would have and the blessing that it was going to be for new believers.”
Story by Janel Haas Ware
At the recent Shenandoah Valley Academy Senior Dedication, Principal Don Short placed the Class of 2023—made up of 56 seniors—into God’s loving care during his dedication prayer:
Dear Father,
What a tremendous collection of dreams, hopes and desires on the platform this evening. It is with those dreams and desires that we come to you as teachers, administrators, parents, grandparents to ask for Your help.
Story by Esther Hernandez
Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) began the new year with 161 students—an increase in enrollment over the past three years—and with several “power weekends” featuring speakers who shared their testimonies and challenged the young people and staff to take the steps needed to strengthen their relationships with God.
Justin Kim, assistant director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries for the General Conference, challenged students not to settle for being mediocre.
Story by Jerry Woods
Over 40 golfers enjoyed a day on the links at P.B. Dye Golf Club in Ijamsville, Md., for the third annual “Difference Makers Golf Tournament.” Golfers enjoyed breakfast as WGTS President and CEO Kevin Krueger and WGTS staff members welcomed them to the club. Then everyone took to the course for the tournament, which included several prizes including the longest drive hole, and a grand-prize package for winning the entire tournament.
Story by Evan Knott
Several Chesapeake Conference congregations recently celebrated new church property acquisitions. The Capital Brazilian Temple, the Prince Emmanuel All Nations, and the Open Arms churches all finalized purchases of new properties in September.
Story by Benia Jennings
“My passion for Health Ministries comes from my own health struggles,” says Donna Peters, Allegheny West Conference’s (AWC) new Health Ministries coordinator. “In the past, I was prediabetic and overweight with high blood pressure. I wanted to learn how I could help heal myself through exercise and food,” she says.
Story by Benia Jennings
“We should all go to the doctor for routine checkups to ensure everything is operating as it should and to catch potential issues before they become a problem. In my opinion, the role of the conference auditor is similar. It’s good to have someone come in and ensure that the church’s finances are operating as they should and identify potential problems ahead of time,” says Elliott Meredith III, Allegheny West Conferencew's (AWC) newest auditor.
Meredith acknowledges that being audited often has a negative connotation. It’s something that he hopes to change. “I’d like to build a relationship as the liaison between the churches and the Treasury Department that will evoke a positive connotation.”
