Story by Ellie Anderson
Potomac Conference
Story by Shaun Robinson
Thirteen ambitious students enrolled in this year’s engineering class at Takoma Academy (TA). Two of the course instructors are local engineers who have worked for NASA and Verizon. A third instructor who has done similar training with the U.S. military joins the team online each morning.
This year, Andrews University (Mich.) partnered with TA, certifying the Introduction to Engineering course as the first ever dual-credit course taught by TA instructors on TA’s campus. Additionally, students are receiving training that will prepare them to secure the industry-respected SOLIDWORKS Certification.
Story by Tiffany Doss
In an effort to go “beyond the walls”—the conference’s new initiative—administrators recently met with Staunton, Va., city officials. “[Our] office has been in the community over the past 50 years, but many people don’t know who we are or what we do,” explains Charles A. Tapp, president. “We wanted to meet with city officials to ... let them know we are here to build relationships, help our neighbors and reach out to those in need.”
Story by Tiffany Doss
The Potomac Conference recently created a director of media position to further opportunities for spreading the gospel. “We operate in a high-tech, digital-media environment. We must use every tool available to reach today's generation, providing them with opportunities to use their talents Beyond the Walls and expand the kingdom of God," says Charles Tapp, conference president.
Richard Castillo will lead this new department. He recently served as the vice president of Integrated Marketing and Communications at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. He previously served as media pastor for the Sligo church, also in Takoma Park, and communication director for the Oklahoma Conference.
“My soul clings to You; Your right hand upholds me” (Ps. 63:8, NASB).
An item on my bucket list is to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia. Adventurers who cross the structure for a 360-degree view of the waterfront city must wear a special suit that straps them to a railing. Gale winds at the summit can reach 55 miles per hour, enough force to rip a roof off a building.
Securing people to a structure for safety harkens back to ancient Greek literature. In Homer’s epic Odyssey, the hero Odysseus’ ship passes by Sirens, monsters disguised as beautiful women who sing enchanting melodies and lure sailors to their deaths. Odysseus demands to be strapped to the mast so he can hear the music but not be enticed by the Sirens.