New Jersey Conference | Seventh-day Adventist Church

New Youth Director Joins New Jersey Conference

Story by Cinthia Portonova

The New Jersey Conference welcomes Carl Rodriguez to serve as the new youth director. With many years of Youth Ministries experience under his belt, Rodriguez has worked as a teacher, pastor, camporee director and conference youth and young adult director. He most recently served as the Youth and Young Adult Ministries director for the Chesapeake Conference.

Rodriguez is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Ministry in Urban Ministries from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.), and already holds a Master of Divinity from the same institution. He also has a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University (Md.).

Editorial: Leaders of Tomorrow ... and Today

Pathfinders, New Jersey Conference, Editorial, Catherine Osorio

Editorial by Catherine Osorio

When the pandemic hit, I witnessed a decrease in youth attending church and a lack of leaders available to minister to those who remained. This afforded me the opportunity to step up and make a difference. God used Daniel and his friends to stand for their beliefs and be a powerful witness; Esther became queen and saved her people; David defeated the giant when everyone doubted him. So, why couldn’t He use me—an anxious 17-year-old—to be a Pathfinder director?

From Farmer to Mentoring Disciple-Makers

New Jersey Conference, Aubrey N. Richards

Story by Mario Thorp

Aubrey N. Richards was a farmer, butcher and a man of God who sold beef and chicken at the central market of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. He loved his church and was passionate about sharing Jesus. Richards and his wife, Ella, had seven children. They both shared a burning desire to see the young grow and thrive in their walk with Jesus.

Lake Nelson Adventist Academy Gets ‘Down to Earth’

Sixth-grader Sobrina Sterling sits on a piece of furniture made by the 11th grade physics class.

Story by Ashley Boggess

Toward the end of last school year, the focus of the academic fair at New Jersey Conference's Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) was environmental stewardship. Students from kindergarten through 11th grade researched and created dynamic projects focused on reducing, reusing and recycling in a variety of contexts.

New Jersey Conference Children’s Ministries Leaders Receive Training

Local Children’s Ministries leaders participate in one of the stations at the Vacation Bible School training.

Story by Anthony Baffi

The New Jersey Conference’s Children’s Ministries Department began the year with its first-ever hybrid convention, titled “Let Them In.” The theme was based on Noah and his efforts to prepare others to enter the safety of the ark through faithful preaching and teaching.

More than 100 leaders attended the two-day event, earning certificates for the North American Division Children’s Ministries Track 3 Child Evangelism training program.