Allegheny West Conference

Story by Tamaria L. Kulemeka

The opioid and heroin epidemic is crippling communities across the nation, leaving health officials and providers, coroners, law enforcement and churches scrambling to respond to and combat this widespread crisis.

Bonnie Franckowiak, professor and coordinator of the Master of Science Nursing Program at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., says, “The use of opioids in this country is staggering. It’s huge, and it’s growing all the time; we don’t seem to have a handle on it at all,” she says. “In 2012, 259 million prescriptions were written for opioids, which is enough to give every American adult their own pill box.”

New members (front row) display their baptismal certificates.

Lidia Pérez, miembro de la Iglesia Central de Cincinnati, es uno de los 50 nuevos miembros en Cincinnati. Historia de pastor de la Conferencia de Allegheny West

Hace tres años, Cincinnati sólo tenía una iglesia adventista del séptimo día y un grupo pequeño. Hoy la Conferencia de Allegheny West (AWC) tiene cinco prósperas iglesias hispanas y dos a punto de abrirse. La Conferencia de Ohio también está plantando una iglesia allí.

Editorial by Jason Ridley

Effecting change is challenging. The outlook can be discouraging sometimes, especially when it comes to our government programs and laws. However, as Christians, we can make our voices heard and use our in influence to be a voice for change.

A couple months ago, I was invited to speak at a community rally for change after government officials heard me campaign for healthcare legislation outside the Ohio State Capitol. At this rally, I addressed an audience about the importance of being knowledgeable about one’s healthcare. Here is an excerpt: