Allegheny West Conference

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:

Story by Celeste Ryan Blyden, Columbia Union Visitor 
 
Today Nathaniel Drew, pastor of Allegheny West Conference’s Bethany church in Charlottesville, Va., and the Calvary church in Gordonsville, Va., attended the memorial service for Heather Heyer, the woman killed last Saturday when a car plowed into a crowd of counterprotesters at a white nationalist rally in Charlottesville. As an active member of the local Clergy Collective, he and other spiritual leaders joined more than 1,000 people who came to support and comfort Heyer's family, friends and the community.
 
Photo by Teri Lynne Underwood from Flickr

William T. Cox Sr., President of the Allegheny West Conference; William Miller, President of the Potomac Conference; and Dave Weigley, President of the Columbia Union Conference, release the following joint statement regarding the unrest in Charlottesville, Va.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Heather Heyer and Lieutenant H. Jay Cullen and Trooper-Pilot Berke M. M. Bates of the Virginia State Police, who lost their lives on Saturday, August 12, during the violent uprising in Charlottesville, Va. We’re also praying for healing for all who were injured and impacted.