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.
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.
Our Columbia Union Conference family is heartbroken to share that our beloved colleague and friend Elder Rob Vandeman passed away this morning at his home in Clarksville, Md., after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, Judy, and their family.
Vandeman, a dedicated pastor and administrator, served the Seventh-day Adventist Church for almost 50 years, the last 11 as Columbia Union executive secretary.
We will share more information as it becomes available.
Story by Vicki Swetnam
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the sport of disc golf exploded. Needing an escape from quarantine disc golf provides an opportunity to get fresh air and exercise all while social distancing.
Cold weather often spells the end of disc golf, but Ohio Conference's Spring Valley Academy, located in Centerville, kept the sport alive by hosting a six-week putting league in conjunction with disc golf manufacturer Dynamic Discs. Using a universal set of rules, students were able to see how they stacked up against competitors worldwide. Stats were collected on a UDisc app, and a running global leaderboard was updated each week.
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
Recognizing wintertime would be difficult for many in their community, Allegheny East Conference's Glenridge church in District Heights, Md., conducted its first ever drive-thru community giveaway. Spearheaded by Pastor Wayne Hosten, more than 40 members and volunteers from various churches ministered to more than 400 families.
After a week of sorting and packaging by a faithful crew, cars starting lining up at 7:30 a.m., two hours prior to the giveaway.
Story by Esther Hernandez
Angola. United Arab Emirates. Bermuda. Brazil. South Korea. Mexico. Russia. United States. Students from Pennsylvania Conference's Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) bring a rich diversity to campus as they learn different perspectives and how to excel in a multicultural, multi-ethnic environment, preparing them for the future in a diverse world.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Moving to a plant-based diet has provided Keiva Dennis, a member of Potomac Conference’s Seabrook church in Lanham, Md., many health benefits: she lost 20 pounds, her acne cleared up and her knee pain disappeared. She also says it’s cheaper than her previous vegan diet.
Dennis first began following a whole-foods, plant-based diet more closely after spending time with her sister’s family, who ate that way. “Eating whole foods was so amazingly satisfying that I decided to continue this lifestyle,” she says. (Read more about her journey here.)
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Yesterday, pastors and Hispanic Ministries coordinators gathered at the Columbia Union Conference headquarters in Columbia, Md., to pray over and take home (in total) more than 13,600 Bibles and 100,000 Steps to Christ in English and Spanish.
“We pray a special blessing on all these Bibles,” said Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president at the event. “As [the Bibles] go forth, may they be a wonderful light so many people might know Jesus Christ as their personal Savior and prepare for the great, soon coming of Christ.”
Story by Lauren Brooks
From detecting the early stages of cancer to diagnosing COVID-19 and pneumonia, advanced imaging techniques are playing a critical role in the future of health care. To meet the growing demand for skilled technologists, Kettering College’s Advanced Imaging program is utilizing simulator software that gives students hands-on experience with today’s medical imaging technology.
Story by Andre Hastick
Recently, Chesapeake Conference's Glenn Dale Spanish group in Lanham, Md., officially transitioned to company status. During a special service, the group prayed and worshipped together to commemorate the occasion. Jerry Lutz, conference president, delivered a sermon to the congregation, emphasizing the importance of continued mission and outreach in the church community.