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José Espósito to Serve as Assistant to the President for Evangelism

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

On January 1, longtime pastor and evangelist José Espósito Forciniti will begin serving as the assistant to the president for evangelism at the Columbia Union Conference.

“Why is evangelism important? Because sharing Jesus is the biggest joy of being a Christian,” says Espósito. “It gives purpose to the church. The role of the church is to be centers of hope, God’s hospital where Jesus—the Great Physician—can heal human beings from the spiritual crisis that is destroying them. The role of each brother and sister is to be ‘Jesus’ nurses’ who can assist God in treating the sick with affection, friendship and rejoicing in the miracle of their spiritual healing.”

Cultivate a Life of Praise: 2022 Columbia Union Conference Calendar Released

The last couple of years have been especially hard, given the pandemic, political strife and natural disasters. In times like these, it’s really easy to get stuck in a pattern of pessimism and overlook the many blessings in our lives. In our humanity, we often notice the prose, yet miss the poetry. We marinate in sorrows, but gloss over gifts. We dwell on past hurts instead of present hope.

Indeed, our world is steeped in sin. The devil attacks relentlessly, seeking to destroy us. But Jesus already claimed the victory, and we know that, in the end, the sword of judgment will be overshadowed by His scepter of mercy.

In the meantime, as we live through this great controversy, how can we cope?

Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union Treasurer, Ordained

Leaders from across the Columbia Union Conference gather around the Asiedu family as Emmanuel Asiedu is ordainedStory by Visitor Staff / Images by Stephen Frimpong and Kwame Abrah, WGSDAC

Last Sabbath, December 11, Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union Conference treasurer, was recognized for his ministry through ordination at his home church, Chesapeake Conference’s Washington Ghanaian church in Columbia, Md.

Leaders from around the union and country gathered at the event to affirm the ministry of Asiedu, his wife, Annette, and their daughters, Azaria and Anneliese.

Rehabilitation Moves Into White Oak Medical Center

Story by Adventist HealthCare Staff

Adventist Rehabilitation recently opened the doors to a new inpatient rehabilitation hospital inside of Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md.

Relocating from its previous Takoma Park location, Adventist Rehabilitation approached the design of the new two-floor, 42-bed hospital from the patient perspective first. In keeping with studies that show thoughtful design can improve outcomes and speed recovery, the new hospital will provide:

Order Extra Copies of the 2022 Columbia Union Conference Calendar

The 2022 Columbia Union Calendar, themed “Cultivate a Life of Praise,” features Bible verses that honor God and highlight the beauty of His creation.

Health tips from Adventist HealthCare staff are included every month, reminding readers to take care of their mental health.

Extra calendars can be ordered, for the cost of shipping, by calling (800) 447-7377. Ask for the “2022 Columbia Union Calendar.” 

December 16, 2021: Salt on a Bird’s Tail

image from iStock

“And [Jesus] said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3, KJV).

When I was a boy, my grandfather used to say, “If you can put salt on a bird’s tail, you can catch the bird.” He would then hand us the saltshaker, and off we children went for hours of fun that brought joy and laughter to the adults watching from the porch. Needless to say, we wasted lots of salt and could never get close enough to those illusive birds.

December 15, 2021: The Lord Is My Song

image from iStock

“God is my salvation, I will trust and not be afraid; for Yah, the Lord, is my strength and song” (Isa. 12:2, NKJV).

The phone rang. A voice on the other end had bad news to share with me.

“Your dad is not getting better,” she said.

That sunny day turned gloomy and gray.

Prone to depression, I asked my husband, “How can I be happy when dad is suffering? How can I enjoy the sunny days when he is cooped up in a hospital and I cannot visit?”

Thankfully, there is Someone who is faithful and kind and who every morning gives me the strength to continue on my journey. He promises to carry my burdens and heavy load.

Night of Hope Brings Listeners Closer to Christ

Pastor Cheryl Bridges prays with an attendee at WGTS' Night of Hope

Pastor Charles Tapp prays at WGTS' Night of HopeFor the first time in over two years, WGTS listeners were able to attend Night of Hope event in-person. Several hundred people came together at the Capital Turnaround in Washington, D.C., to hear worship music from Christian music artist Hope Darst and an inspirational message from Pastor Charles Tapp, who does the WGTS program Simple Truths for Life, and is also our WGTS board chair.

December 13, 2021: The Branch, Not the Vine

image from iStock

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser” (John 15:1, NASB).

Jesus’ teaching in John 15:1 illustrates our dependence on Him: “I am the true vine,” He says. How often have we tried to be the vine, but produced sour grapes—the ugly works of the flesh? We have tried to find holiness and love for others in ourselves, which we will never find. “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature” (Rom. 7:18, NIV).

Jesus, the true Vine, will produce the fruit of the Spirit as we allow Him to live in us. “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live” (Gal. 2:20, KJV). Paul, who was crucified with Christ, was not the vine, vainly trying to do his best. He was the branch, whose self-confidence was broken and dependent on the Lord.

December 12, 2021: Light of Salvation

image from iStock

“Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Ps. 119:105, NKJV).

It seems as if the jungle, the mountains and rural areas are favorite destinations to send new ministers. I was no exception. My first district was in the deep forest of Nicaragua, surrounded by rushing rivers and deep lagoons. Our congregations resided in small communities nestled around these lagoons. Ninety percent of travel between them was by river, so we used an outboard motorboat to carry out pastoral work.