Columbia Union News

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

Monica Esperante has recently joined the Columbia Union Conference staff as an assistant treasurer, where she will oversee day-to-day accounting functions, prepare financial reports and support the payroll processes, among other tasks.

"Monica is an excellent CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with a deep heart for mission and is committed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” says Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer. “With her skill set and welcoming attitude, the union treasury is well-positioned to continue to be a resource to the field."

Story by Amanda Blake

The United States’ recent immigration crackdown has impacted hundreds of congregations across the Columbia Union Conference. Earlier this year, church administrators and legal advisors met to discuss the realities unfolding in local churches.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that in 2025, close to 3 million undocumented immigrants departed the United States, including “more than 675,000 deportations.” In a similar timeframe, more than 1.6 million immigrants lost their legal status.

Story by the Visitor Staff / Photos by Ruth Anan and Kylie Kajiura

Historia de Ricardo Bacchus / Traducción para Domitila Rosette

Editorial by Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference

Growing up in a large family, my parents always taught us that, although we were poor economically, we were rich in love. Therefore, God always provided enough for us to feed someone else. So, without fail, we always set out an extra plate at the table, expecting that somebody would knock on our door in need of a meal.