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“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and your staff, they comfort me” (Ps. 23:4, NIV).

What does this verse mean? The first part says, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil.” I think this means that even though we go through scary things, we have nothing to fear. I wonder why that is? The second part, “for you are with me,” gives it all away.

Victory Church, Delaware, Ohio; Allegheny West Conference

Story by Benia Jennings

After filling out an interest card, Cierra Wood recently accepted an invitation to attend the Victory church in Delaware, Ohio, with her five sons. When she heard the Sabbath message, she promptly decided to make a change in her life.

Potomac Wellness Wheel

Story by Debra Anderson

During the pandemic, Women’s Ministries at Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., offered a way to regain balance in all areas of life, introducing the “Wellness Wheel”—a series of online presentations on creating balance. The series met bi-weekly on Sabbaths for four months via Zoom.

On May 22 and 23, some 250 delegates, including pastors, members and leaders representing churches, conferences, schools, healthcare networks, and ministries from across the Columbia Union Conference territory will gather virtually for the Columbia Union Conference’s 28th quinquennial constituency meeting.

“The agenda includes the election of union leaders for the next five years, updates to the Constitution and by-laws, an audit report as well as reports from leadership of the union’s various institutions,” says Rick Remmers, executive secretary for the Columbia Union, whose office heads the meeting planning committee. “Sometimes people are tempted to devalue the reports, but they are an important part of creating transparency and accountability.”

The Pennsylvania Conference Executive Committee has invited Yves Monnier to serve as the conference’s Ministerial and Evangelism director. Monnier fills the vacancy left by Tim Bailey, who is moving to West Virginia to serve as president of the Mountain View Conference.

Story by Benia Jennings

The annual Allegheny West Conference (AWC) Prayer-a-Thon, hosted by the Prayer Ministries Department, was first held three years ago. Every first Sunday of the year, prayer warriors representing every church across the conference, come together for 18 hours to pray for the new year and give thanks to God for His blessings through the previous one.

Violet Cox, AWC Prayer Ministries coordinator, shares how the idea was born:

Editorial by Dave Weigley

It’s hard to believe that we’ve been living through a global pandemic for more than a year. Our hearts ache for the many lives lost and families impacted. Sadly, our world continues to witness the scourge of wars, terrorism, racial strife, economic stress and extreme weather.

Zenaide Cavalcante & Vania Baioni

Story by Adventist HealthCare staff

Vania Baioni, a registered nurse with the Forensic Medical Unit (FMU) at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, is helping nurses in Brazil launch a much-needed medical specialty. “I am passionate about forensic nursing and I am Brazilian, so it makes sense that I get involved with the group of Brazilian nurses that are working hard to have this specialty recognized there,” said Vania.