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How Pioneering Black Adventists Helped Shape the Columbia Union

Douglas Morgan and Emory Tolbert wrote this article, published in the February 2007 Columbia Union Visitor.

When Adventism took root in Washington, D.C., in the late 1800s, the capital city had the largest concentration of blacks of any American city. Howard University, outstanding public high schools, and federal government jobs made Washington a place of opportunity and high achievement for black Americans.

The first sizable group of black Adventist believers, in what would become Columbia Union territory, worked and worshiped in full fellowship with white believers in the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Washington, D.C.

¿Y si Fuera Hoy?

image of question marks by qimono on pixabay

Historia de Jorge Agüero

Mientras escribo este editorial para comenzar el nuevo año, no puedo dejar de pensar en la pena, el dolor y el sufrimiento que dejó la pandemia del COVID-19 y los implacables desastres naturales que nos afectaron el año pasado. Si pudiera prometer que este año será el año de “no más noche, no más dolor, no más lágrimas, nunca más llanto”, como expresa la hermosa canción.

Clifton Church Growing Young, Growing Together

Clifton members Houpu Xu, Lawrencia Robinson and Farrah Mugwisi sort medical supplies for shipment to overseas disaster zones at the Matthew 25 Ministries community center.

Story by Kojo Twumasi

Ohio Conference's Clifton church has been focusing on younger generations this year. The congregation, located in Cincinnati, is a multi-generational and diverse community. The leadership, however, wanted to remain intentional in next generation ministry after joining the Ohio Conference Youth Department’s Growing Young cohort.

New Jersey Conference Schools Partner at Leadership Retreat

Story by Leah Ware

In partnership with the Waldwick Adventist School (N.J.) and the Vine Haven Adventist School (N.J.), Lake Nelson Adventist Academy in Piscataway, N.J., recently had a very special and unique leadership training. Sponsored by the New Jersey Conference, the theme for the year’s retreat, “Courage to Lead,” was held at the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Andover, N.J.

Student Association (SA) leaders, accompanied by chaperones, school principals, SA advisors and keynote speakers, spent two days engaged in activities designed to guide, empower and spiritually strengthen their God-given talents and skills. This event gave students the opportunity to receive leadership training, participate in planning sessions and learn how to become spiritual leaders wherever God positions them.

Grace Community Finds Its Place

Grace Community church, Allegheny West Conference

Story by Benia Jennings

While at their previous location, the Grace Community church in Cleveland desired to expand their ministry reach by looking for more impactful ways to serve their community.

“We felt like just doing Sabbath worship was not enough for Cleveland. We had a vision that we needed to expand to more of a seven-day-a-week ministry that met people’s needs, and our facility at the time could not provide that,” says MyRon Edmonds, lead pastor at Grace Community.

Spencerville Adventist Academy Organizes Food for Families in Need

Spencerville Adventist Academy, Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington

Story by Heidi Wetmore

Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) students and staff recently partnered with Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington (ACSGW) to organize and pack 50 boxes of food in preparation for distribution. There has been an increase of people in need, including a number of recent refugee families from Afghanistan.

“The students are excited to participate in service and plan to continue working with ACSGW throughout the school year,” says Tim Soper, campus chaplain.

Takoma Academy Grows Engineering Program

Story by Shaun Robinson

Thirteen ambitious students enrolled in this year’s engineering class at Takoma Academy (TA). Two of the course instructors are local engineers who have worked for NASA and Verizon. A third instructor who has done similar training with the U.S. military joins the team online each morning.

This year, Andrews University (Mich.) partnered with TA, certifying the Introduction to Engineering course as the first ever dual-credit course taught by TA instructors on TA’s campus. Additionally, students are receiving training that will prepare them to secure the industry-respected SOLIDWORKS Certification.

Pennsylvania Conference Publishing Department Makes Education Possible

image of books by Luboshouska on Pixabay

Story by Natalie Lilly

The Pennsylvania Conference recently welcomed Johnathan Ryan to serve as the new coordinator for the Publishing Department. Ryan is directing a literature evangelism program for high school and college students to enrich their faith and earn money toward their Seventh-day Adventist education.

Students are equipped with books like Ellen G. White’s The Great Controversy, The Desire of Ages, and Steps to Christ, along with materials on healthy eating to sell door to door. Proceeds from the sales are matched by the student’s school, doubling their earnings; these monies are applied to their tuition.