The Violence of Silence
The Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM) and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP) staffs have a program that we implement in our Huntsville office called Second Tuesday.
On the Second Tuesday of each month, we join one of the Regional Conferences for their staff worship. The purpose of these joint worship sessions is to connect with our colleagues we serve in the nine Regional Conferences. It also allows our office staff and their office staffs to place names with faces of those with whom they work, but may have never actually met.
ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE
DR. TREVOR KINLOCK, PRESIDENT LaTasha Hewitt, Communication Director P.O. Box 266 Pine Forge, PA 19548 (610) 326-4610. www.myalleghenyeast.org
ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE
MARVIN BROWN, PRESIDENT
1080 Kingsmill Pkwy. Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 252-5271. www.awconf.org
CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE
ROGER BERNARD, PRESIDENT
Cryston Josiah, Communications Director
3301 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66104 (913) 371-1071. www.central-states.org
LAKE REGION CONFERENCE
GARTH GABRIEL, PRESIDENT
JeNean Lendor, Communication Director 19860 South La Grange Road Mokena, IL 60448 (773) 846-2661. www.lakeregionsda.org
NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
DR. ELDEEN KING, PRESIDENT
Lavern Shurrup, Communications Director 115-50 Merrick Blvd. Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 291-8006. www.northeastern.org
SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE
CALVIN B. PRESTON, PRESIDENT James Lamb, Communications Director 3978 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org
SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE
BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Roger Wade, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org
SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE
DR. MICHAEL OWUSU, PRESIDENT
Benia Dean, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org
SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE
DR. CARLTON P. BYRD, PRESIDENT Leslie Soupet, Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion.adventistchurchconnect.org
REGIONAL DIRECTORS/COORDINATORS ROSTER
Virgil Childs, Vice President Regional Ministries Pacific Union Conference 2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org Cell: 909-225-6438
Jonathan Smith, Assistant to the President Black Ministries, Arizona Conference Cell: 769-232-6664 ismith@azconference.org
James Scarborough, Coordinator African American Ministries Central California Conference (831) 262-3838 famar@sbcglobal.net
Oneil Madden, Coordinator African American Dept. Nevada-Utah Conference Cell 702-875-5979 pastoromadden@aol.com
EuGene Lewis, Vice President North Pacific Union Conference
5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org
Dr. Andrea Trusty-King, Vice President Black Ministries Southeastern California Conference (909) 202-0147
kinggm@seccsda.org
Royal Harrison, Director G.L.A.R. Southern California Conference (503) 819-1498
hroyal2@yahoo.com
On Second Tuesday a few months ago, our office had the privilege of worshipping with the Northeastern Conference staff, our largest Regional Conference. The devotional speaker for that morning was Dr. Dedrick Blue, who serves as the Northeastern Ministerial Director. His message was titled “The Violence of Silence.”
Through his thought-provoking words, Dr. Blue talked about the duty of Christians to speak out when injustices are committed, particularly when inflicted on those who cannot speak for themselves. He suggested that silence in those situations is a form of violence; that too many bad things happen because too many otherwise good people do a bad thing: They remain silent in the face of injustice.
One of the more famous quotes from the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was: “In the end, we shall remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
Not only does silence in the face of injustice hurt those being oppressed, but it also hurts those who remain silent. There are times when I did not speak up when injustices were committed—and those times still haunt me—even those that happened years, or sometimes, decades ago. Silence hurts both the oppressed and those who see that oppression and remain silent.
And this may surprise some people. In the Bible, Jesus very clearly takes the side of the oppressed. In Matthew 25, at the end of time, Jesus separates everyone living into one of two camps. In one camp are those on His right hand and in the other are those on His left hand.
Only one thing makes a difference between those on the right or the left of Jesus:
How they treated “The last, the least, the left out, the left over and the left behind.”
As a preacher said once, Jesus called them “the least of these my brethren.” Jesus identified with those individuals and said that whatever people did or did not do for them was the same as if those things were done or not done for Him.
He essentially says to those on His right hand, “Well done,” and to those on His left, “You’re done.” This is entirely based on how they related to those who were in what the late former Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey called “the shadows of life.”
One of the few sermons that Jesus preached where the Bible quotes what He said is His sermon in Luke 4:18 and 19:
The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me
Because He has anointed Me
To preach the gospel to the poor
He hath sent Me to heal the brokenhearted
To proclaim liberty to the captives
And recovery of sight to the blind
To set at liberty those who are oppressed (my emphasis)
To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.
The Bible is quite clear: We have a moral obligation to speak out against injustice—to avoid “the violence of silence.” On some level, not speaking out against injustice is sin.
But there is a right way to speak out and a wrong way. We live in a time when in our country, and sometimes even in our church, people speak out in the wrong manner.
Though I am certain that I have not always lived up to the principles embedded in these three rules, I try to remember them when speaking out against injustice when avoiding the “violence of silence:”
1. How one says something is as important as what one says.
An episode of the old Cosby Show had Dr. Heathcliff Huxtable, played by Bill Cosby, discover that his college-aged daughter, Vanessa, played by Tempestt Bledsoe, has become engaged to a considerably older man—whom he has never met.
Dr. Huxtable asks the man, Dabnis Brickey, played by William Thomas, to imagine his favorite dinner. Dabnis says it’s steak. Huxtable then asks Dabnis what would be his favorite side dish with that steak, and he answers, potatoes.
Dr. Huxtable then says to imagine that tasty dinner served upon a garbage can. “It’s all in the presentation,” he said.
In speaking out against injustice, the presentation counts. Words matter. Tone matters. If we claim to be speaking for Christ, then we must sound like Christ. Yelling in someone’s face is simply not a good strategy for getting them to change their mind. How we say something is as important as what we say.
2. Remember, there is a difference: Someone who has a bad idea or a bad policy or a badly thought-out opinion does not make him or her a bad person.
Until the person proves otherwise, try to give him or her the benefit of the doubt. Also try to assume that even if their idea is bad, their motives are good. Admittedly, this is probably not going to work on someone whose motives are bad and who perpetuates injustice and wrong. But being disrespectful and uncivil is not going to work in this case, either. 3. Speaking out against injustice is not a substitute for expanding the kingdom of God. I hope that I won’t be misunderstood here. As a church, we need to speak out against injustice. We have to avoid the “ violence of silence.” Neither God nor the Word of God is silent concerning oppression and how God feels about oppressors. And since neither God nor His Word is silent about oppression and oppressors, we should not be either. We just need to make sure that we do not emphasize one and de-emphasize the other. It is not community engagement OR evangelism; it is both engagement AND evangelism. In fact, we engage our community as a part of our evangelism. In one of her more famous quotations, Ellen G. White says “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (The Ministry of Healing, p. 143).
When Christ was on this earth, He did all the good things that members and churches are to do for the marginalized in our communities. Then after He did all those things, Jesus said to those marginalized people, ”Follow Me.”
Our work in our communities is not complete until we say “Follow Jesus.” To be silent when it comes to asking people to follow Jesus is the greatest violence of silence. It is violence against their souls.
Now more than ever, there is a spiritual and moral obligation to avoid the “violence of silence.” Now more than ever, there is a need for God’s people to do the right thing, for the right reasons, and to do so in the right way. t
Dana C. Edmond is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), and is also publisher of Regional Voice magazine.
The Violence of Silence
The Bible is quite clear: We have a moral obligation to speak out against injustice —to avoid “the violence of silence.” On some level, not speaking out against injustice is sin.
Empowering Our Youth, Strengthening Our Future
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Interviews Conducted by JeNean Lendor
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Text and Photography By Gerson Pancorbo
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Dr. Melvin Preston
Mrs. Gwendolyn Winston
Foster
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Text and Photography By LaTasha Hewitt
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RV FEATURE
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Text By JeNean Lendor, Photography By Neville Lendor
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Interviews Conducted by J e NEAN LENDOR
IIN 2025, THE LAKE REGION CONFERENCE CELEBRATES 80 YEARS OF MINISTRY. IT MARKS A JOURNEY THAT HAS GROWN IN WAYS THOSE EARLY PIONEERING LEADERS MAY NEVER HAVE IMAGINED.
n April 1944, a group of leaders met at Chicago’s Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church. Their mission? To organize African American members in the Lake Union territory. Following that pivotal meeting, the Lake Region Conference was born on Jan. 1, 1945. This was the very first black, or what’s commonly known as Regional, conference. In 2025, the Lake Region Conference celebrates 80 years of ministry. It marks a journey that has grown in ways those early pioneering leaders may never have imagined. In November 2024, Lake Region’s Communication Director JeNean Lendor sat down with the current conference leadership: Garth Gabriel, president; Abraham Henry, executive secretary; Kent Nichols, treasurer; and Eddie Allen, vice president for multilingual ministries. Below is a transcript of the interview, as they reflected on the conference’s mission over the years, the successes and challenges, and cast a vision for the future of Lake Region. The interview was edited for length and clarity. You can watch the full interview at www.youtube.com/ lakeunionherald
LENDOR: You are all part of the fabric of the current landscape of the conference, and not many people may know you beyond your [current] positions, beyond your roles and responsibilities.
Pastor Gabriel, you have a strong history in music.
Pastor Henry, you know that without this position, you have led by being a significant youth director for so many years.
Pastor Nichols, you’ve been a CEO of your own financial company before coming into ministry.
Pastor Allen, you were an administrator in Africa. So, tell me a little bit about what brought you into these leadership roles.
GABRIEL: I know it seems somewhat trite, but the Lord has led me all the way, sometimes to paths unknown, and I love just being able to walk with Him daily. Sometimes I have no idea where He will take me. [My journey] may not have been linear, but it’s almost cyclical in that I’m able to do music still and preach. I believe that God has blessed me with the ability to put both together.
HENRY: I sincerely appreciate the opportunities that God has given me. My local church first trusted me at a young age and gave me responsibilities and opportunities for growth. I had a pastor who poured into me at the local church and a board who trusted me. I’m so grateful that I have a president and colleague who I work with who trusts me, and constituents who took a leap by giving me this opportunity. It’s been an opportunity to learn and to grow and be able to make a difference in repre-
Seated: President
GARTH GABRIEL
Standing left to right:
Executive Secretary
ABRAHAM HENRY
Treasurer
KENT NICHOLS
Vice President for Multilingual Ministries
EDDIE ALLEN
LAKE REGION IS
senting individuals in my sphere and in my age group, not far removed from being a young adult myself. So, it’s been an awesome journey, so far.
NICHOLS: It may sound cliche, but just like the president said, I feel like the Lord led this journey. I never had any aspiration to be a chief financial officer (CFO). I always wanted to run my own company. I feel like one of the pivotal things that happened to me is that something happened in my life where God said, “Okay, I’m going to stop something that you’re doing well financially, and I’m going to make you look up to Me and realize that
die Allen, we need you over here. I had no idea what a regional conference was, because in the Northwest, where I studied and worked for many years, we did not have that. I have had a wonderful time working with my colleagues. I believe I have the best job in the Lake Region because on any different Sabbath I’m exposed to so many different language and cultural groups. It’s just amazing.
LENDOR: So, January 2025 will mark 80 years of the Lake Region Conference. Is there any one word or phrase that encapsulates the significance of 80 years as a regional conference?
you have to depend on Me completely for everything.”
It changed my whole trajectory of how God wanted to lead me and take me. Eventually I would go into ministry. I never thought I was going to be the CFO for Lake Region Conference. I was just happy to get into ministry, to be a pastor and to be faithful at work. And so, I feel like God has led that journey all the way.
ALLEN: I was in the country of Zambia, speaking with my wife, when she said, “Hey, Dr. [Walter] Wright (Lake Union president at the time) called you twice, and said that you need to call him back.” So eventually I called. He said, Ed-
fields. So, we have work to keep on doing, paving the way.
NICHOLS: I’m going to say that we’re historically strong, relevant, persevering and moving forward dynamically. We keep that history before us to move forward, to be strong, to make sure that we’re always persevering in what we do and what we believe, and then also making sure that we’re dynamic for the new generations.
ALLEN: I am here thinking [of] the word ‘challenging.’ Always expect the unexpected. There’s no dull moment. As far as my ministry, you’re always surprised by something. Don’t take it personally because it’s the Man upstairs’ business anyway. Just do what He called you to do.
LENDOR: There are some who celebrate the relevance of regional conferences, but then there are those who don’t appreciate their relevance. Unfortunately, some of those might be our young adults. There’s a generational gap, which unfortunately might have been caused by the pandemic, because it caused a generational spiritual gap as well. People stopped going to churches as often, their interest in even watching church online might have waned. How would you respond to someone who might say, “Why are regional conferences still significant?”
ing to make up for lost time, change some of our attitudes and how we were brought up, and recognize the difference between the young adults of today and the young adults of yesterday. And so, we have a young adult leader, Pastor James Doggette Jr., who is geared to bringing those young folk back into the fold.
PRAISE GOD! OUR ENROLLMENTS HAVE SPIKED, OUR SCHOOL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN WORKED ON, AND WE HAVE SPENT QUITE A BIT OF MONEY TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF OUR SCHOOLS. s
LENDOR: We have many schools in our conference, some now have not quite gone back to being K through 12. Some of them are just [grades] one through eight. Tell us a little bit about the status of education in our conference.
go to a public school; they can get a great education without paying anything for it, except out of their property taxes. So, we do have to look at some other ways. There are things that we can do that bridge that gap and provide other sources of funding to help those who are worthy for those scholarships, so that everyone who wants to have a Christian education can go. We also must make sure that we not only keep our education and curriculum excellent, but also keep it in an environment that people are proud to be a part of.
NICHOLS: If I could just add, our president came up with the idea that we need to look for alternate sources of income when it comes to our schools. He thought it would be a great idea to look into grants. We just finished out a school grant for almost $289,000. We have another grant that we can use with our schools and our churches for over $1.2 million. So, we are thinking outside of the box.
LENDOR: During the last two quarters of 2024, there were in-person midterm reports taking place around the conference. What feedback have you gotten?
GABRIEL: We are part of history — serious history. After the Lake Region Conference, we had eight other conferences join at different times, but we are the original regional.
HENRY: I would say, still paving the way. We’re growing in leaps and bounds. I always think, if the original administrators at this conference had a chance to watch us on the television screen, would they be proud of what they’re seeing? I believe they would. We are just shy of 32,000 members. That’s something to be proud of, but that’s also an indication of how many more souls we have to win in our major cities and all throughout our
HENRY: We’re on the front lines. I think about one of our pastors in South Bend, Pastor Claval Hunter. I think about pastors like him who choose to engage in frontline ministry. We’re called to not just shape communities and impact lives. Yes, we’re called to kingdom impact. But we also have so much work to do down here. We’ve been relevant. We tune in to what’s happening outside, what’s happening in the world. If there’s a shooting in our community, our pastors are there; if there’s someone hurting, our pastors are there; if a school is shut down for a specific reason, our pastors are involved; if there’s a need for funding, our pastors are trying to find ways to do it.
GABRIEL: [You talk about young adults] we are one of two regional conferences that has a young adult leader, and if we look at the statistics of the church, we’ve lost many of our young adults and with good reason sometimes. We are try-
GABRIEL: A few years ago, we had to close a few schools. We lost a lot of students, and I don’t really know what caused this demise. We found out it was not just in the Lake Region. There were several conferences where schools were being closed, not enough money. Where we are right now, we are making a comeback. Praise God! Our enrollments have spiked, our school buildings have been worked on, and we have spent quite a bit of money to ensure the success of our schools.
HENRY: We have record-breaking numbers in Indianapolis, exceeding 75 students at our school there. At several of our other schools, enrollment is at an alltime high. Also, when we speak about infrastructure, not only did the conference make an investment in our schools— we’re talking about well over $250,000— we’re also speaking about our greatest resources, the people.
NICHOLS: As treasurer, I see that we are committed financially to our teachers. We have phenomenal teachers, teachers who are doing phenomenal work in our school system. We are committed to that in our budget. We’re committed to that and giving money for fixing the schools. But we do have some challenges. How do we meet the demands of what the world is offering, be competitive and also be Christian at our schools? Because there are some places where people can
ALLEN: We have a lot of young people, but a lot of them are not in our schools —we have to be truthful. I’ve spoken to the pastors and I’ve spoken to churches about it. I think when we are intentional with recruiting staff [who speak the language of the immigrant group] it’s effective. You could see the difference, for instance, in Indianapolis with the Burmese or the Hispanic [group] in South Suburban. Kudos to Superintendent Deirdre Garnett. She is intentional about that.
GABRIEL: The directive from the constitution and bylaws of Lake Region Conference is that we have midterm reports. I like having to do it because it keeps us in touch with the members. They know what we’ve done thus far in our ministries, and it’s a way that we can get support from them. In other words, if a presentation is made and we can do better, usually the members speak up. We are here to serve the members and serve God, of course.
HENRY: Midterms is an awesome opportunity to refocus on who Lake Region is. Lake Region Conference is not individuals sitting in an office in Mokena, Illinois. Lake Region Conference is of-
Lake Region Conference office
ficers, administrators, departmental directors and pastors, but Lake Region conference is 32,000 people. So, at midterm reports, it’s not one small, elevated group that feels they’re giving a lecture about what they’ve done to others. No, it’s our conference coming together and having conversations about what we’re doing together.
NICHOLS: We work for the Lake Region Conference, indirectly and directly, but at the end of the day, our success is [the constituents’] success. We are successful because we have people [returning] faithful tithe and offering. We are successful because we have pastors who are being supported by their members to grow their churches. We are part of a family that is doing the gospel of Jesus Christ.
LENDOR: When having discussions with church members, what feedback do you get from them regarding evangelism in the conference?
ALLEN: Evangelism is alive and well in this conference, and I could speak from the multilingual ministry—we’re growing quite a bit there. Since the last quadrennium [three years ago], we have planted and organized seven new multilingual churches. We have two Kinyarwanda [Rwandan/Congolese] churches, two Filippino churches, a Korean church, a Hispanic church, and we just voted to organize a French-speaking church.
GABRIEL: This year [2024], we’ve had more baptisms than we’ve had in 10 years. So, we are busy.
HENRY: We’ve had over 500 baptisms and counting. And this is humbling because we didn’t even notice. It was only as we were preparing for midterm reports that we began to see just how good God is. What I’m seeing coming out of the pandemic is that ministry can’t happen on the backs of administrators and pastors. It has to be churches coming together. What I’m loving to see is total church involvement. Members are involved. They’re doing the work. They’re winning souls. I’m excited for next year!
NICHOLS: If I could add something. You asked the question, “What are we doing about that gap of young adults, or that generation that is on social media
that doesn’t’t really feel like there’s a need to come to church, or why do we have to have a regional conference?”
This perfectly explains it. Until we start engaging, until we start interacting with people; until we start making a difference in their lives, they won’t get involved. And so, we have to go out and meet them where they’re at. Most of our younger generation don’t want you just to tell them, they want you to show them. They want transparency. They want realness and when we engage like this, we will make a difference even in the generation of today!
LENDOR: There’s a major evangelism effort coming in 2025. What will Pentecost 2025 look like for Lake Region?
GABRIEL: I’m excited. We’re number one in the North American Division for having the highest rate of churches enrolled [More info on Pentecost 2025at https://pentecost2025.com].
HENRY: Our president made it very clear to us that we don’t have a position called manager in this conference. We’re pastors, and as pastors it is our job to be in front pushing soul winning. And he said, “There ought not be a church or a pastor not involved in Pentecost 2025.”
NICHOLS: We know every pastor may have a vision on what they want to do for evangelism, and those funds are going to be utilized for that. That aspect may be a community engagement; it may be doing a health fair, it may be a lay person that the [church] wants to support. But at the end of the day, we want to make sure that we represent the gospel of Jesus Christ, and then we point people to the Man who can change their lives and who can make a difference. At the end of the day, we want to just make sure that we do [this] with excellence, that Christ is magnified and that souls have an opportunity to make a decision for Christ.
LENDOR: If you could think of one or two things that in 20 years, 25 years, 50 years, you would love to see the conference have, what would they be?
GABRIEL: If Jesus doesn’t come [by then] it’s because He’s waiting for us to be ready. I would do my best, as I know my colleagues would, to do what we can to hasten His coming. You want that Holy Spirit falling upon us, like it did at Pente-
cost. We will pray earnestly for the Holy Spirit. As a matter of fact, why wait? We can do it now.
HENRY: I want to see us close some generational gaps of working together. I think we’ve set the example of different age groups coming together on our team. All of us are different ages, and we work together so well. We want to see that at the local church. I want to talk to young adults and youth, and I want to appeal to them, “This is not your season for sitting out. This is not your season to be benched. This is not even your season just for preparation. This is your season to serve now where you are; use what God has given you. You don’t need a pulpit in front of a church. Take your pulpits and go to the highways and boundaries. This is your season. This is your call. Let’s do the work. Let’s finish it.”
NICHOLS: One of the goals and desires of our conference is to make sure people fall in love with Christ, to fall in love with His character, fall in love with Him. If He does delay, one of my dreams here at Lake Region would be to have an educational endowment fund, so that we never have an issue when it comes to paying our teachers the best, to making sure that our schools are [the] most innovative and have the best structures, and making sure that every child that comes into our institutions, our churches, our schools, can go and get a Christian education.
ALLEN: My mind is refusing to grasp that Christ would delay in coming. If Christ would delay, I would hope this conference will always live as if Christ were coming tomorrow. That means we will be doing the work He called us to do. But at the same time, “God, won’t You come soon?”
LENDOR: Thank you for the blessing you are to the conference, to each other and to me. You lead with humility and transparency. t
Mrs. JeNean Lendor, Lake Region Conference Communication Director, completed this report for the Lake Union Herald, December 19, 2024.
Elder EuGene Lewis is Elected New North Pacific Union Vice President
Elder EuGene recently accepted the call from the North Pacific Union to serve as Vice President for Regional Ministries. His previous responsibility was to serve as pastor of the Emerald City Community SDA Church in Seattle, Washington. He succeeds Elder Byron Dulan, who retired after more than 50 years of service to the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Elder Lewis was born in Omaha, Nebraska, the eleventh of 15 children to DeAuthor and Rosie Lee Lewis. Despite the large number of children, Elder Lewis said “There was always food on the table,” and his childhood was a happy one.
When he was 12 years old, Elder Lewis came home to find two Bible workers from the Omaha Sharon SDA church, speaking with his mother. They asked her if she was interested in receiving Bible studies. She said that she was and instructed the ladies to give her son the Bible studies.
Additionally, without telling anyone, he enrolled in a separate Bible study course from what he later discovered was the Voice of Prophecy. At the conclusion of the studies, EuGene, his mother and four of his siblings were baptized into the Sharon SDA Church—much to the consternation of his former pastor of the Baptist church he and his family had attended.
After finishing high school, he served in the AirForce, EuGene became a Staff Sargent. He also was an outstanding basketball player who won championships and accolades while playing in the AirForce.
While he was stationed in Spokane, Washington, two major events occurred:
The first occurred when, while reading the newspaper, he learned that a black man by the name of James Chase was running for mayor of
Spokane. As Spokane was 97 percent Caucasian at that time, Elder Lewis did not think Chase had any chance of winning at all, but he was intrigued.Digging up Chase’s number, he told him bluntly that he did not think he could win but if he had the temerity to run, that he (Elder Lewis) would help him and he would do it for free.
Against the odds, Chase did win and offered Elder Lewis a job on his staff. Elder Lewis accepted but he did not know that a second major event was in the offing. God was calling him into the ministry.
First, he began attending the small New Hope SDA church in Spokane. After a while, he was elected as Head Elder and Treasurer. He became the first African American to serve on the Executive Committee of the Upper Columbia Conference. But the Lord had more in store.
He moved his family to Huntsville, Alabama, so that he could attend Oakwood University. He came to the attention of the iconic pastor of the Oakwood church-the late Elder E. C. Ward, who offered him a position on his staff, tuition assistance for his children and an office.
Upon graduation, the late Elder Charles E. Dudley, the legendary president of the South Central Conference and Elder Ward wanted Elder Lewis to remain at the Oakwood church, but the Lord had other plans. He accepted a call back to Upper Columbia where he served as pastor of the church in Spokane where he had served prior to going to Oakwood, and additionally pastored the church in Pasco, Washington.
After serving with distinction in this capac-
ity, he received a call to the Seattle Emerald City Community SDA Church. He served as pastor there for 30 years,-the longest pastoral tenure in a Regional church in Adventist church history.
While in Seattle, the Lord used Elder Lewis to renovate the church, pay off the mortgage and purchase other properties.
Accompanying Elder Lewis to his new position is his wife, Johnnette (“Pye” ) Lewis, also of Omaha, Nebraska. They have two sons, Al Lewis and Dr. EuGene Lewis, and one grandson. t
ed this coverage for Regional Voice magazine.
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), complet-
Elder EuGene Lewis
THE SESSIONS BALANCED FINANCIAL PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES WITH SPIRITUAL RENEWAL AND MISSION ALIGNMENT.
LGUIDED BY FAITH: ORCM AND RCRP CONDUCT MEETINGS IN SCOTTSDALE
TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY GERSON PANCORBO
eaders from the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM) and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan (RCRP) met in Scottsdale, Arizona, for board meetings that combined governance with spiritual reflection. The three-day gathering addressed challenges facing regional conference ministries nationwide.
Dr. Trevor Kinlock, president of the Allegheny East Conference, opened with a devotional from Amos. He urged attendees to move forward in unity, guided by faith and purpose, while emphasizing accountability and justice in ministry.
The RCRP board then focused on financial and structural matters.
During the RCRP board meeting, members approved the 2025 budget, voted on new retirees, and received financial reports. Dr. William T. Cox, RCRP executive director, presented his Director’s Outlook. Additionally, directors from Research and Development, the Cultural Center, and Communications presented their projects for 2025.tions presented their projects for 2025.
On day two, Dr. Toussaint Williams, executive secretary of the South Central
Conference, shared a devotional on Rahab’s story. He spoke of transformation through faith and its power to shape the future. His message connected with leaders working to bridge generational gaps in their communities.
Ms. Yvonne Collins, CFO of RCRP, led the final worship session on day three, with reflections on Nehemiah’s leadership. “A true spiritual leader brings people back to God, motivates, equips, and remains mission-focused,” she said. The ORCM board meeting followed her message.
During the ORCM board meeting, members approved the budget for 2025.
Elder Dana C. Edmond, Executive Director of ORCM, presented his Outlook for 2025 and discussed his transition into retirement.
Representatives from the nine regional conferences contributed diverse perspectives to the discussions. The sessions balanced financial planning and administrative updates with spiritual renewal and mission alignment.
The gathering also marked the final winter meeting for three dedicated servants whose contributions have been ininvaluable: Elder Dana C. Edmond,
whose visionary leadership as Executive Director of ORCM has guided the ministry through significant growth; Ms. Yvonne Collins, whose financial stewardship as CFO of RCRP has ensured stability and trust; and Ms. Margaret Weathers, whose organizational expertise and administrative support enabled Elder Edmond to effectively lead ORCM through its expansion and development initiatives. The board expressed heartfelt appreciation for their years of faithful service and steady commitment to the mission.
As work continues, the ORCM and RCRP leadership remains committed to keeping prayer, worship, and mission central to their decisions. The Scottsdale meeting reinforced the premise that the future of regional ministries depends on both strategy and the collective faith of those in leadership. t
Gerson Pancorbo is the Communications Director for the Office for Regional Conference Ministries and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan. He conducted live coverage to complete this report.
Elder Vanard J. Mendinghall
Dedicated to Ministry, Family, Friends and Mentoring
Vanard J. Mendinghall Jr., was born on November 3, 1943, in Charlotte, North Carolina to Mary and Vanard Mendinghall Sr. As the second of six children, he grew up surrounded by love and family, developing a quick wit and a contagious laughter that would warm the hearts of those around him for a lifetime. Vanard was a man of immense kindness, always willing to lend a helping hand, ensuring that everyone he encountered felt accepted, valued, and loved.
At the age of 15, he experienced a life-changing moment when he gave his heart to the Lord Jesus Christ at a Billy Graham Crusade in 1958. His commitment to faith led him to become the youngest Youth Federation president of the South Atlantic Conference (SAC) at the age of 17. This set the foundation for a lifetime of service, leadership and devotion.
t AT THE AGE OF 15, HE EXPERIENCED A LIFE-CHANGING MOMENT WHEN HE GAVE HIS HEART TO THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AT A BILLY GRAHAM CRUSADE IN 1958.
Vanard pursued his education with determination, earning his high school diploma from West Charlotte Senior High School in 1962, before continuing his studies at Central Piedmont Community College, where he obtained an Associate of Science degree in Commercial Art, Advertising and Design.
In 1965, he was drafted into the U. S. Army, where he trained as a medic and bravely volunteered for Operation Whitecoat, a covert biological and chemical warfare mission. His dedicated service earned him an Army Commendation Medal before he was honorably discharged in 1967. That same year, in a divine orchestration of fate, Vanard was led to attend Oakwood College for a single Purpose—to find the love of his life, Ruth Howard of New Jersey. Their love story was nothing short of extraordinary. Married in 1969, they spent 55 beautiful years together, with their bond of unwavering devotion, partnership, and love. Together, they raised two precious daughters, Kimberly and April, whom Vanard adored beyond measure. He was not just a father but
a pillar of strength, wisdom, and unconditional love in their lives. His family was his greatest joy, and he ensured that his wife and children never doubted the depths of his love and dedication.
In 1970, Vanard earned his bachelor’s degree in Art Education from A&T State University and returned to Charlotte, where he served as principal and teacher from 1973 to 1976. His heart for people and his desire to uplift others soon led him to answer the call to ministry. He pursued a master’s degree in Religion from Andrews University, in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in 1977. This milestone set the stage for a remarkable career as a pastor and leader.
Vanard pastored churches in Athens, Covington, Savannah and Lawrenceville, Georgia, from 1977 to 1982, before stepping into greater roles of leadership. In 1982, he became the Education Superintendent and Youth Director for South Atlantic Conference. He left an indelible mark by initiating the drum corps and Master Guide Club in Georgia. His visionary spirit and passion for strengthening marriages led him to form a small group for married couples, which quickly grew into the widely cherished Married Lovers’ Retreat. Recognizing the importance of nurturing strong, faith-centered marriages, Pastor Mendinghall lovingly entrusted the Married Lovers’ Retreat to Family Life Director Melvin Preston. Under Elder Preston’s devoted leadership, the retreat not only continued, but flourished, touching countless lives and strengthening the bonds of love and commitment for generations to come.
In 1986, he was voted Executive Secretary, serving for five years before being elected Youth Director again from 1991 to 1997. In 1997, he reached a pivotal moment in his journey, becoming the seventh president of the South Atlantic Conference, a position he held with grace, wisdom and vision for 14 years until his retirement in 2011.
Throughout his career, he served in numerous capacities, including teacher/principal; pastor; Youth and Pathfinder director; Director of Education; Health Ministries Leader; Communication Director; Executive Secretary and Stewardship Director. His commitment to stewardship and financial education helped hundreds of
families through his impactful seminars, leaving a lasting legacy of financial empowerment and stability. In addition to his leadership roles, he served on several leadership boards, including the Oakwood University Finance and Executive Committees, also for Florida Hospital, Southern University and North American Division Risk Management, further extending his influence in the broader church community.
Under his leadership, South Atlantic flourished, with nearly 15,000 new members joining during his tenure. His legacy of progress included the construction of a magnificent, $4 million campground worship center in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and 4,100-seat sanctuary that was paid for within just four years. He oversaw the building of a $2 million Youth Worship Center with a gymnasium and a $3 million lodge-style villa. He
t GOD USED HIM NOT ONLY AS A BUILDER OF TEMPLES, BUT A BUILDER AND AFFIRMER OF PEOPLE.
ensured that the conference remained financially strong throughout his presidency and beyond. His leadership also played a key role in the construction of Berean Junior Academy and Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy, while also implementing a tuition subsidy program to enhance the education of pastors’ families.
God used him not only as a builder of temples, but a builder and affirmer of people. He was used by God to install 63 pastors into the gospel ministry. He was a man, driven by a desire to always be in the will of God – a man of principle and courage.
Despite his many accomplishments, Vanard remained steadfast in his role as a devoted husband and father. He cherished every moment spent with his family, ensuring that they always felt his unwavering love and support. Whether sharing stories, embarking on adven-
tures, or simply being present, he nurtured deep, meaningful connections with those he loved. His family always knew they were his greatest priority, and his devotion to them was evident in the way he lived his life.
Vanard’s generosity knew no bounds. He gave freely of his time, resources and love, making every individual he encountered feel seen and valued. His kindness extended beyond his family—and even strangers were touched by his warmth and selflessness. He was a storyteller; an artist; a visionary and a leader who had the rare ability to transform anything he touched into something extraordinary.
Throughout his life, he preached in 29 countries across five continents, sharing the message of faith with unwavering conviction. His favorite destination was Rome, a city whose rich history captivated his mind and spirit. He was a man of great integrity, humor, and principle embodying the very essence of leadership through his deep trust in God.
On Friday evening, February 21, Vanard took his final breath, surrounded by his family he so deeply loved. His legacy of love, faith, and leadership will live on in the countless lives he touched.
Vanard is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth; his devoted daughters, Kimberly (Hodari), and April (John); his loving siblings, Greta, Ezra (Linda), Ruth Joyce, Debra (Ray), and Jeremiah (Harriett). His treasured grandchildren are: Nina, John III, Julia and Dionne, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones who will forever carry his memory in their hearts.
“Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in tombs will hear His voice and come out. . . ” ( John 5:28-29, RSV). t
We offer special thanks to the Mendinghall family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this loving tribute to the exceptional life of this teacher, pastor, leader and administrator, Elder Vanard J. Mendinghall. He and Mrs. Ruth Mendinghall also pastored my church in Athens through my days as a graduate student at the University of Georgia. Their careful nurturing reinforced sound spiritual foundations for many. And we are grateful.
Elder Vanard J. Mendinghall
“Just Kinda Cool”
Ireminded my wife and children of it for years. It happened when I was a youth director for South Central Conference. My daughter was in the academy, in the 10th grade or so. I was visiting her school and somehow, I overheard one of her classmates say to her. “Your Dad is cool.” I never let my wife and chil dren forget what that young person said.
I do not remember why that young person said I was cool. My wife and children certainly did not agree! But when I heard of the passing of Elder Vanard J. Mendinghall, former South Atlantic Conference president, that was the first thing I thought about. He was just kinda cool. The way he dressed. The cars he drove. The way he carried him self. Most of all, when I remember Elder Mendinghall, what I re member are the things I don’t remember. I don’t ever remember hearing him raise his voice (except when he was preaching ). I don’t remember seeing him seem flustered in any way. He always seemed to be in control of the situation, and of himself. To me, Elder Mendinghall was just kinda cool. Elder Mendinghall and I first met when we were both conference youth directors—he was in South Atlantic and I was in South Central. We were in quite a group: Dr. G. Alexander Bryant; Elder James Black; Elder Willie L. Taylor; Elder Trevor Baker (though he left shortly after I became conference Secretary. Then, later, he became the Northeastern Conference president); Elder Carl Rogers and the late, legendary, Elder Danny Davis. There were others—whom my senior citizen memory simply can not recall.
It was great fun being around those men and I learned a lot. One of the people I learned from was Elder Mendinghall -- though he would teach me things in his typical, understated way. He did not say a lot but I would learn valuable lessons from him. He would share them in one or two sentences.
One such example was the construction of the last two regional conference K-12 schools in Atlanta and in Huntsville. The school in Atlanta was built first. I happened to be in Atlanta when they announced they were going to build a school facility there. I remember my reaction when they said that in the church where I was visiting. In my mind I said “Right.”
t
WITH THE HELP OF GOD AND A LIST OF PEOPLE TOO LENGTHY TO MENTION HERE, THE K-12 SCHOOL IN HUNTSVILLE GOT BUILT. s
I thought that because even though I did not live in Atlanta or work in South Atlantic, I had heard the “We are going to build a school” line a thousand times for what seemed to be the last 1,000 years. I was highly skeptical, to say the least.
But Elder Mendinghall, who had by then become the South Atlantic president, his administration, the Atlanta-area pastors and the Atlanta Adventist community, rallied together and were all used by God to build a structure that housed a K-12 school.
By then, I was South Central conference secretary. I was so impressed by what happened in Atlanta that I persuaded my South Central President Benjamin Browne, to allow me to charter a bus and bring the school board from Oakwood Academy to meet with the school board of Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy. It was a very productive meeting. What made it particularly productive for me were two private meetings that I had while in Atlanta. One was with Elder William L. Winston, the Berean Church
pastor at that time and later, Elder Mendinghall’s successor as the South Atlantic president. The other was with Elder Mendinghall himself. They both shared valuable information.
In his typical understated way, Elder Mendinghall gave me valuable advice in one sentence. A few years later, after becoming the South Central president, when faced with the same challenges at Oakwood Academy that he faced in getting the getting Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy built, I remembered what he told me. And I did what he said.
With the help of God and a list of people too lengthy to mention here, the K-12 school in Huntsville got built. And one of the reasons was because of Elder V. J. Mendinghall.
I remember the last real conversation I had with Elder Mendinghall, at South Atlantic’s camp meeting, during the rehearsal for their Ordination Service. I was assigned to walk into the service with Elder Mendinghall.
While we were waiting to go in, I reminded Elder Mendinghall that about a 1,000 years earlier (a slight exaggeration), while we were both youth directors, he had given me the honor of preaching at one of his Youth Federations.
I didn’t expect him to remember that day. But to my surprise, Elder Mendinghall not only remembered me coming to his federation those many years earlier, but he remembered the title of my sermon. Even I hadn’t remembered that! That was Elder Mendinghall. By then, his health had clearly declined, but there was clearly nothing wrong with his mind.
In my own life, I have had to deal with a lot of death lately. I used to think “We sure are losing a lot of good people lately.” And while that is true, what is even more true is the more years that I have, the more friends and colleagues that I shall lose.
The good news is that one day, we shall get back all the good people we have lost. I’ll see Elder Mendinghall again. And when I do, I think the first thing that I’ll say to him is ” Elder, I never told you this. But I always thought that you were kinda cool.” t
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), and publisher of Regional Voice magazine, penned these words in tribute to his longtime colleague and friend, Elder V. J. Mendinghall.
Elder V. and Mrs. Ruth Mendinghall
Dr. Melvin Preston
1950-2025
A Life of Faith, and Service
Melvin Preston, known for his deep, unmistak able baritone voice and 6’4” frame, had a way of commanding a room, whether he was de livering a sermon, leading a heartfelt prayer, or playfully teasing a family member. His warmth, humor, and unwavering dedication to service defined a life that touched countless people across gener ations and communities.
Born on October 31, 1950, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Eugene Preston and Annie Mae Brunson Preston of St. Matthews, South Carolina, Melvin was the fourth of nine children. Even as a young boy, it was clear that he was destined for leadership. At C. A. Johnson High School in Columbia, he was known for his kindness and his talent for making people laugh. He graduated in 1968. Along with his family, Melvin was deeply involved in the ministry at the Ephesus SDA Church in Columbia, leading youth services and church programs. From an early age, it was evi dent that the Lord was moving in Melvin’s life. A graduate of Oakwood College, (now Oak wood University), Melvin began his studies in 1969, and remained an active member of the class of 1973. His passion for ministry blos somed during his time at Oakwood, where he held leadership roles, including leader of the Missionary Volunteer (M. V.) Society. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Religion from Oakwood. In the 1980s, Pastor Preston was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Faith Theological Seminary for his outstanding community accom plishments. Dr. Preston also at tained multiple Family Life Certi fications, becoming a Family Life Educator from Andrews Univer sity; a Leader for “Mad About Marriage;” a Facilitator for Intimate Life Ministries; and a Trainer/Instructor for Great Commandment Ministries. He
was a staunch supporter of pre-marital counseling and as such became a facilitator and the trainer-instructor for “Prepare and Enrich,” a premarital and marriage compatibility assessment tool. During his freshman year at Oakwood College, Melvin met the love of his life, the former Joetta Green. There was no one else for him after meeting Joetta, and they later wed on September 8, 1974. Melvin and Joetta built a family and shared three beloved children: Kevin, Brian and Clarisha. When he was not pastoring or involved in church-related construction projects, he enjoyed time with family and traveling with his love. Melvin had a passion for traveling and visited five continents and a host of countries. In 2024, Melvin and Joetta celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in Decatur, Georgia, surrounded by family and friends. Immediately following college, Melvin began working for the South Atlantic Conference, where he was employed as minister and Director of Family Life Ministries for a total of 50 years. Since 1974, he was a beloved pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, dedicating more than five decades to serving his congregations and community with unwavering faith and compassion. During his tenure, Pastor Preston served as lead pastor for the Laurinburg and Marion church districts; New Bern and Murfreesboro districts; Jacksonville and Washington districts; Fayetteville and Lillington districts; Charlotte Berean and the Gastonia Ephesus SDA Churches in North Carolina. In Georgia, he served as the lead pastor at Decatur, Lithonia and New Hope SDA churches. Additionally, he served as interim pastor, including Shiloh Seventh-day Adventist Church and many additional churches within the South Atlantic Conference.
Beyond the pulpit, Pastor Preston was a builder—not just of faith, but of physical spaces that fostered growth and community. He led major church construction projects, including the Murfreesboro SDA Church; Fayetteville SDA Church; Charlotte Berean Junior Academy; and Decatur Adventist Junior Academy. His vision extended beyond his local congregations, contributing to the Hope Tabernacle building committee and ensuring
THROUGH THE YEARS, PASTOR PRESTON ENCOURAGED THE MARRIED COUPLES THROUGH POWERFUL THEMES SUCH AS “MORE THAN MARRIED;”
“THE POWER OF TWO;’ AND “MARRIED AND LOVING IT!”
that generations to come would have places to worship, learn and grow.
Perhaps nothing defined Pastor Preston’s ministerial career more than his dedication to Family Life Ministries for the South Atlantic Conference. He passionately worked to strengthen marriages and families. In the mid-1990s, Pastor Preston received an assignment that became the heartbeat of all his ministries. He began orchestrating and directing the Married Lovers’ Retreat of the South Atlantic Conference. Initially the retreats were held at Nosoca Pines Ranch in Liberty Hill, South Carolina, and at the Cohutta Springs Conference Center in Crandall, Georgia, until the attendance outgrew these centers. Pastor Melvin moved the Married Lovers’ Retreats to various hotel conference centers in Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. The MLR grew to an annual attendance ranging from 200 to more than 300 couples. He led and coordinated more than 40 retreats, including one on a cruise ship, and even one held virtually during the Pandemic.
Through the years, Pastor Preston encouraged the married couples with powerful themes such as “More Than Married;” “The Power of Two;” and “Married and Loving It!” Pastor Preston, with Sister Joetta by his side, always included Renewal of Vows as a very intrinsic activity of each Married Lovers’ Retreat. This was his way of saying as in one of the retreat themes, “Love for a Lifetime!”
In addition to retreats, he has trained several local Family Life Ministries leaders to become certified in Family Life Leadership for their churches. In February 2020, Pastor Preston received the Spalding Medallion, the highest honor given by the Seventh-day Adventist
Church in Family Life Ministries. Beyond his pastoral work, Dr. Preston’s leadership extended to the broader community. For more than 25 years, he served on the Board of Directors for Southside Medical Center (SMC), a 501 (c) (3) Community Health Center. He served as Chairperson for several years, and served as Vice Chair for the last 10 years. Despite his many responsibilities, Melvin never lost sight of what truly mattered – his family and his faith. His playful teasing and sense of humor kept everyone on their toes, while his deep, reassuring voice made even the most challenging conversation feel hopeful. He was one who could make others laugh even during their most difficult moments.
On January 29, 2025, at the age of 74, Melvin peacefully went to sleep in the Lord, leaving a legacy of service and compassion. He was preceded in death by his parents, Eugene and Annie Mae; and his brothers James, John and Larry. Melvin is survived by his loving wife, Joetta Preston; their three children: Kevin (Sherry) Preston of Stone Mountain, Georgia; Brian Preston of Tampa, Florida, and Clarisha Preston of Marietta, Georgia. He is also survived by five siblings: Calvin (Wynona) Preston; Carolyn Preston; Kenneth (Stephene) Preston; Gwendolyn Preston and Gloria Preston Poole. His family also includes Pattie (Willie) Brown; William Williams III; Carmela W. Moultre, and Shelia (Randy) Thompson. His seven grandchildren include Kameron, Isaiah, Kloe, Caidei, Kiley, Karter and Keaton. Ernestine Preston (devoted second mom) and a host of aunts, in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins completed a family that was his pride and joy. He also leaves behind a community of cherished church members, colleagues, friends and neighbors.
As Melvin often preached, “death is just a layover” until the soon coming of the Lord – when we will meet again. t
Special Thanks to the Preston family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this fitting tribute to the prolific, innovative life of this dedicated leader and administrator, Dr. Melvin Preston.
Mrs. Gwendolyn Winston Foste r
Musician, Health Educator, Devoted to God’s Service
Whether we knew her as “Gwennie,” “Gwen,” “Mommie Gwen,” “Mimi,” or any variation thereof, Gwendolyn Delores Winston Foster was a rare, one-of-a-kind jewel. On May 3, 1942, the coldest day on record (6°F) for that year, Gwen was born in Louisville, Kentucky. The darling of Cleo and James Winston Sr., Gwen was the eldest of three siblings: James R. Winston, MD, and William H. Winston, MD. Her brother, Jimmy, saw his sister as one who reflected what she was told about the Bible in her conversations with others. She was “precocious,” studious, intellectual, and more serious than her years would indicate.
Gwen was the product of a highly creative and industrious family, an inheritance from both of her parents. Her maternal grandmother, Ella Sharp Mitchell, owned a music school and sold hair products, traveling to many parts of Florida. Gwen’s mother, Cleo Sharp Winston, was known for her phenomenal voice. Gwen’s father, James R. Winston Sr., had an industrious and brilliant mind. He was determined to guide his children and others into paths of achievement that were otherwise unavailable due to segregation, racism, and a poor national economy. He was a dedicated Bible scholar and couldn’t wait to speak about Christ’s testimonies and inevitable return. In 1953, the Winston family moved from Louisville, Kentucky, to settle in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Upon settling in Philadelphia, the family worshiped at Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church in South Philadelphia. At 16, Gwen led the Chapel Choir, a choir of mostly teens, at the Ebenezer church until she went to college. The choir became well-known as a youth group, traveling together for many performances. Gwen graduated from Germantown High School and attended Oakwood College (aka Oakwood University in Huntsville, Alabama).
At 14, Gwen met the love of her life, Allen W. Foster Sr. During that time, the two teenagers began to strike an interest in each other, sharing a common interest in music. Their love led them to holy matrimony on June 30, 1963. Their darling firstborn is Joya Foster Follette, a well-known musician and music teacher. The second born was their son, the late Allen W. Foster Jr., a great visual artist who garnered national prizes for his works. Tragically, his life ended early due to a car accident. Their third child, Angela Foster Griffin, with her effervescent charm and captivating smile, took great care of her mother to the end.
Gwen’s interest in evangelism led her to Bible study, where she eventually
became a Bible worker for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Her mission was holistic, necessitating a greater understanding of health reform. Thus, Gwen returned to collegiate studies, graduating from Antioch College of Philadelphia and receiving an MPH in Public Health from Loma Linda University in 1977. Nevertheless, Gwen remained steadfast in building the music ministry at Ebenezer. The Ebenezer Choir was Gwen’s love. As a young adult, Gwen became the director of the Ebenezer Seventh-day Adventist Church Choir. They produced three albums:
“The Ten Commandments”
“Heaven: What is it all about?” and “The Lord Is My Light.”
t SHE WAS “PRECOCIOUS,” STUDIOUS, INTELLECTUAL, AND MORE SERIOUS THAN HER YEARS WOULD INDICATE. s
They traveled extensively throughout the United States, Bermuda, and Barbados. Many souls were led to Christ through the ministry of this choir. Her love for youth inspired her to include them in the choir. Gwen’s interest in youth blessed her with appointments
as choir director to such institutions as Pine Forge Academy in Pennsylvania, where she and Allen ministered for approximately nine years. She later directed the Lincoln University choir, also in Pennsylvania. As choir director, Gwen’s leadership inspired many students to choose music as a career. Some became nationally recognized performing artists and educators as well.
In 2000, Philadelphia Mayor John Street appointed Gwen the “Health Czar” for the city to promote a healthy lifestyle that encouraged more physical activity and nutritious eating habits. This city-wide program was modeled after the annual Summer Health Camp, named Fitness for Life, sponsored by the Allegheny East Conference. Through this en-
deavor, Gwen reached city employees and faith-based communities with the aim to make Philadelphia the healthiest city in the nation. Her health program led to more prestigious opportunities, such as interviews on the ABC program “Good Morning America,” and news articles with People and Essence magazines. As food editor for Message magazine, she produced menus and conducted interviews with Dick Gregory, Patti LaBelle, and Former President Bill Clinton on more than one occasion.
However, the story has moments of tragedy that troubled Gwen for the rest of her life. The loss of her son, Allen Jr., and the ultimate loss of her greatest love, Allen Sr., crescendoed at the close of her final earthly chapter:
Let us remember 1 Corinthians 15:52:
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed” (KJV). Gwen is at rest until the trumpet awakens her. We must all take these times seriously. Christ is very soon to return. Finally, remember Gwen’s message to all of us:
“Mediocrity is against ‘our religion.’” Gwen’s life was one that was well-lived. Her music and health ministries were her passions. In her limited spare time, she enjoyed good food and spending time with her grandchildren. Above all, she loved the Lord. We look forward to seeing her again upon His soon return.
Gwen leaves to mourn two daughters, Joya (Lysle III) and Angela (Maurice Sr.); brother, James (Jacqueline); sister-in-law, Ann; grandchildren, Maurice Jr., Kayla, Allyn Nichole, Kennedy, and Lysle IV; nephews and nieces; and a host of family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Allen Sr., son, Allen Jr., and brother, William. t
Special Thanks to the Foster family from Regional Voice magazine for sharing this inspirational chronicle on the life of Mrs. Gwendolyn Winston Foster. Her life revealed dedication to God, made manifest in beautiful music and innovative health initiatives. As a beloved friend, she will be missed. She loved her family, her. professions, and her community Humanity is better because of this life.
Elder Leighton H. Palmer Great Source of Encouragement
Ithought I was the only one.
The calls would come to my South Central Conference office every few months or so. They would not last long—just a few minutes.
The person on the other end would ask how I was doing. I would, in turn, ask how he, his wife, his children, and later, his grandchildren were doing. He would tell me that he was praying for me, or he would pray for me. I can’t remember which it was. And then, that would be all, until the next time.
The caller on the other end was Elder Leighton Palmer. I did not know him well; I knew his father and his wife better than I knew him.
His father had been a pastor in the Allegheny West Conference, at the Shiloh SDA Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, back in the days when I was a young pastor in the South Central Conference. I pastored the Covington, Kentucky North Star SDA Church which was right across the Ohio River.
I invited him to preach in my little church; he was kind enough to accept. Then, he invited me to his large church. Though that was more than 40 years ago, I still remember his sermon at my church and my sermon at his.
I had attended Oakwood with his wife, Joanne. I didn’t know her well, but better than I knew him. So, it was not because we were close friends that Elder Palmer called me and encouraged me. I thought he did it because he was one of those nice people who committed to pray for and encourage the conference president. Anyone who has ever had the great privilege, and also the great pressure that comes with the responsibility, knows one certainly needs prayer and encouragement while serving in that role.
So, I thought Elder Palmer was encouraging me in my role as president.
Elder Palmer recently passed away from Multiple Sclerosis (MS). It was only when I attended his funeral that I discovered that I wasn’t the only one who he encouraged. He did that for lots of people—it was his ministry once his illness forced him to retire from his work at the conference.
tIN THE END, IT IS QUITE POSSIBLE THAT ELDER PALMER REACHED MORE PEOPLE FROM HIS WHEELCHAIR THAN HE COULD HAVE REACHED FROM HIS PULPIT. s
tTHERE IS A LESSON IN ELDER PALMER’S LIFE FOR THOSE HE LEAVES BEHIND. THE LORD HAS A MINISTRY FOR EVERYONE. s
Almost everyone who spoke at his funeral had the same story; they received calls of encouragement from Elder Palmer. He was doing that most every day, up to almost his last day.
I would imagine that there were a number of people at that funeral who had the same reaction as mine: I thought I was the only one he called. Each of us thought we were the only one. And that’s what made Elder Palmer a special one.
There is a lesson in Elder Palmer’s life for those he leaves behind. The Lord has a ministry for everyone. There is something for everyone to do, even when some feel as though life has done them wrong.
No one would have blamed Elder Palmer if he had become angry and bitter at the hand life had dealt him. Here he was, a pastor serving the Lord, using his exceptional gifts (in addition to being a preacher, he was a superbly gifted musician), to further the kingdom of God. And it was all taken away from him, or so it would seem. He spent the last 20 years or so of his life with MS. Why?
I suspect Elder Palmer asked the question “Why?”
I don’t know what answer the Lord gave him, but here’s what I do know: Whatever answer the Lord gave Elder Palmer about his sickness, it did not stop him from giving God his service.
In the end, it is quite possible that Elder Palmer reached more people from his wheelchair than he could have reached from his pulpit. He certainly reached me.
And I am very grateful.
One final thing: I don’t know if Elder Palmer ever asked the Lord “Why.” If he did, I don’t know what the Lord said to him.
But I am pretty sure that I know what the Lord will say to him one day soon. On that day, Elder Palmer will hear something better than the answer to “Why?”
He’ll hear the words, “Well done.” t
Elder Dana Edmond wrote these words in tribute to the life of Elder Leighton Palmer, who gave him and many others the priceless gift of encouragement.
Operation ReachBack: Empowering Our Youth, Strengthening Our Future
By ESTHER EASTER
Since founding in 1994 by Dr. Calvin B. Rock, Operation ReachBack has stood as a beacon of mentorship, leadership, and community support for black Seventh-day Adventists. What started as a project exploring the history and future of black SDA members has developed into a powerful movement dedicated to shaping the lives of young men and women, preparing them for success while grounding them in faith.
The Evolution of Operation ReachBack
In the beginning, the organization convened professional, three-day think tank sessions in various states: California, Georgia, Missouri, Florida, Virginia, Nevada, Alabama, Michigan, and Tennessee. Professional African American Adventists, (doctors, educators, judges, attorneys, musicians) met to discuss the needs of the black community. The meetings enabled individuals to discuss and plan programs in their fields of expertise to take back to their communities. Guest speakers such as Johnny Cochran and Dr. Bernice A. King were among those who spoke on the plight of the black community, which inspired the organization.
After approximately 15 years, there has been a significant shift from discussions to local chapters working on their communities' needs. The initial focus was on African American males aged 8-18, providing mentorship, guiding them toward higher education, and nurturing them into strong, faith-driven men. However, as society evolved, so did Operation ReachBack. Today, the organization extends its reach to young men and women, emphasizing leadership, career development, and spiritual growth.
During the Triennial Meeting on October 27, 2024, newly appointed President Dr. Danny Blanchard highlighted the importance of adapting to modern challenges.
“We must evolve as times change to meet the needs of our youth,” he said. “Their concerns are complex, from mental health struggles to career uncertainties. Operation ReachBack is here to guide and support them through these challenges.”
Key Focus Areas for Today’s Youth
Youth today face overwhelming pressures in multiple aspects
of their lives. Operation ReachBack is committed to addressing these concerns through structured mentorship and faith-based support. The organization’s primary areas of focus include:
1. Mental Health & Well-Being
Young people today grapple with anxiety, depression, and stress due to academic pressures, social media influence, and peer relationships. Operation ReachBack provides tools and mentorship to help them develop resilience, cope with emotional struggles, and prioritize their well-being.
2. Education & Career Readiness
Every youth’s journey is unique; not all will pursue traditional higher education. Operation ReachBack offers guidance on career paths, including vocational training, entrepreneurship, and technical careers. The goal is to help individuals understand their purpose and confidently navigate their path. In the near future, small grant awards will be given to help individuals with educational needs.
3. Health & Lifestyle
With increasing concerns about unhealthy eating habits, body image struggles, and sleep deprivation, young people need guidance on maintaining healthy lifestyles. Operation ReachBack encourages self-acceptance, proper nutrition, and overall well-being, reminding youth that God uniquely creates each of them.
4. Family & Relationships
Many young people struggle with balancing independence and family expectations. From conflicts with parents to navigating peer pressure and friendships, Operation ReachBack provides support and resources to help them maintain healthy relationships while strengthening their connections with God.
Expanding the Reach: National and Local Chapters
National Chapter
The national chapter facilitates significant projects to uplift Black communities in the United States and supports special programs in Africa. Past initiatives include:
• Publishing the book Black Seventh-day Adventists Face the 21st Century (1996). This book can be ordered through the Pacific Press.
• Sabbath School Supplement, published every year in February during Black History Month. This year, 2025, the publication is “Social Justice And The Church,” available through AdventSource.org
• Digging water wells in Tanzania and Kenya
benefit their regions, with a strong emphasis on education and youth empowerment.
For example, Florida’s TECH LEGACY, a high school robotics team, actively competes in tournaments, exposing students to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields. Other chapters partner with local organizations to provide scholarships, mentorship, and career-building workshops.
New Chapters & Growing Impact
During the October 2024 Triennial Meeting, Dr. C.B. Rock remained Chairman of the Board, while Dr. Danny Blanchard assumed the role of president. The meeting reinforced the organization’s commitment to expansion, with new chapters forming in San Jose, Sacramento, California, and Lincoln/Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Rock and Wayne O’Bannon announced plans to establish a chapter in Huntsville, Alabama, where Operation ReachBack now has a fully staffed office.
Join the Movement: Climbing Upward – Reaching Back Operation ReachBack is more than an organization—a movement of faith, empowerment, and service. The group dedicates itself to fostering collaboration, leadership, and personal growth as a network of black Seventh-day Adventist professionals and community members.
Following the motto “Climbing Upward—Reaching Back,” Operation ReachBack ensures that each generation is supported and empowered to reach its full potential while lifting others.
How Can You Get Involved?
• Join a Chapter: Become a mentor and help shape the next generation.
• Support Our Initiatives: Donate, volunteer, or contribute resources.
• Spread the Word: Share our mission and invite others to learn more.
A Call to Action: Will You Reach Back?
Youth today desperately need guidance, encouragement, and faith-based mentorship. Will you answer the call? Your involvement can change lives and inspire future leaders by mentoring, supporting, or simply spreading awareness.
Together, we can make a difference. Let’s continue to reach back, empower, and uplift the next generation! t
For information, contact President Danny E. Blanchard, at the Huntsville ORB office. The phone number is (256) 895-6617.
We at Regional Voice magazine wish to thank the following Operation ReachBack officials for sharing information on this organization: Dr. Calvin B. Rock, founder and Chairman of the Board; Dr. Danny Blanchard, newly appointed President, and Ms. Esther Easter, also an ORB Board Member, handles Marketing.
African countries Operation ReachBack serves
Dr. Calvin B. Rock Dr. Danny Blanchard Dr. Eurydice Osterman
Esther Easter
Bermuda Conference and Regional Conferences: A Two-Way Street
Special Report By DR. KENNETH L. E. MANDERS AND DR.
JEFFREY O. BROWN
R-L Edward Richardson (1986-1991), Carlyle Simmons (19912000), Samuel Bulgin (2000-2004), Jeffrey Brown (2004-2014), and Kenneth Manders (2014-present day).
The year was 1958. A cry went out from the Bermuda Mission of Seventh-day Adventists for a preacher of color. The Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists heard the cry, and R. T. Hudson was sent. That opened the door for Charles E. Bradford to conduct a successful evangelistic campaign in Bermuda. The rest is history, a rich, two-way relationship between the Bermuda Conference and the North American Division’s regional conferences and institutions, including Oakwood University (OU), Pine Forge Academy, Breath of Life, Message magazine, the Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council (PELC), and the Black Adventist Youth Directors Association (BAYDA) with its Youth Congress. The church in Bermuda remains grateful for our first black mission presidents, Robert Carter and Alvin Goulbourne. Other pastors included Willie Lewis, Jerry Wells, Hector Mouzon, Jerry D. Lee, Leroy Phillips, David McCottry, Richard Barron, Famous Murray, Mike Faison, Roger Bernard, Jimmy Ferguson, and Richard Martin, who gave and continue to give excellent pastoral leadership to churches in Bermuda.
In 1986, Bermuda became a conference, and for the first time a Bermudian president, Edward L. Richardson, was assigned. The relationship with regional conferences birthed our first camp meeting in 1987. Our early days saw camp meetings and churches blessed with powerful preachers such as E. E. Cleveland, George Rainey, C. D. Brooks, Raymond Saunders, Doc Smith, Samuel Thomas, Sr, and Henry M. Wright, as well as gifted musicians such as T. Marshall Kelly, Walter Arties, Gwendolyn Foster and Gale Jones Murphy. Our beloved PreK to 12 academy, the Bermuda Institute, has been
blessed with wonderful educators such as principals Dr. Roy Malcolm, Joseph Redcross, and William H. Brown, along with Education Superintendent Richard Smith.
Bermudian educational employees such as Kaven Ible, Paula Wilson, Edrene Malcolm, Alma Foggo York, Raymond Simons, and Shelley Vaughn, have all helped make Oakwood ‘Bermudaful.’
And Bermudian pastoral employees such as Eugene Virgil, Edward Richardson, Mack W. Wilson, Colin Dunbar, Patrick O’Mara, Llewelyn Williams, David Steede II, and Kelby McCottry have enriched the regional conferences.
In addition, Cynthia Williams served as Northeastern Conference assistant treasurer.
Bermudian students have also enhanced this two-way relationship, from Leon James, the first Bermudian to attend Oakwood, to those who became United Student Movement Presidents (Kelby McCottry, 1995-1996; Sheldon Holder, 1997-1998), Miss United Negro College Fund UNCF (Kimberlee Tankard, 2006-2007; Monica Kelly, 20132014), Miss 1896 Founders Day (Simone Vaughn, 2021-2022), Mosley/Warren Homiletic and Preaching Award recipient (Kenneth Manders, 1991), Oakwood Aeolians choir members (many students to the present), Dynamic Praise Director Owen Simons, the choir’s first, in 1988), and Oakwood University Church minister of music (songwriter and producer,
In celebration of this two-way relationship, Carlyle C Simmons was honored with the 2024 PELC Lifetime Achievement Award for Outstanding Service, recognizing 50 years of ministerial service, the first Bermuda Conference president to receive this award. History was further made as the full complement of Bermuda Conference presidents assembled for the occasion: Edward Richardson (1986-1991), Carlyle Simmons (1991-2000), Samuel Bulgin (2000-2004), Jeffrey Brown (2004-2014), and Kenneth Manders (2014-present day). Bermuda Conference has a seat on the OU board and a voice on the Regional Presidents’ Council. The legacy is great, the relationship is vibrant, and the twoway street between the Bermuda Conference and the Regional Conferences is alive and well. For this, we give God the praise. t
Dr. Kenneth L.E. Manders i s President of the Bermuda Conference.
Dr. Jeffrey O. Brown is Associate Secretary of the Ministerial Association, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Stephen Manders, 2012).
House Minority Leader, Rep. Hakeem Jeffries Preaches at Brownsville SDA Church
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, 8th Congressional District, New York, and the Minority Leader of the United States House of Representatives, recently preached for the Divine Worship service for the Brownsville SDA Church in Brooklyn, New York.
The Congressman is a friend of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Northeastern Conference, having been a guest at their Camp Meeting and one of the speakers at the funeral of the late former President of Northeastern, Dr. Daniel Honore.
gressional district. He did so and enjoyed the service.
When Black History month came, Rep. Jeffries spoke with Pastor Mota-Poyser about visiting this church once more. He recalled the pastor’s Black History sermon the previous year and how he was blessed by it.
To the congressman’s surprise, Pastor Mota-Poyser flipped the script on him.
She suggested that in the current sociopolitical environment, his people needed to hear from him. She invited him to deliver the message and he agreed.
The Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM), which publishes the Regional Voice magazine and is a sponsor of PELC, looks forward to welcoming Congressman Jeffries to the 2025 sessions. We will be glad to have him as a participant and as a guest at the various gatherings of our church. Sharing the message of God’s remnant church with him and other government leaders is a part of our responsibility and also ensures that those in government will know and understand our mission to the world. t
By DANA C. EDMOND
tTHE CONGRESSMAN IS A FRIEND OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH AND THE NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE, HAVING BEEN A GUEST AT THEIR CAMP MEETING AND ONE OF THE SPEAKERS AT THE FUNERAL OF THE LATE FORMER PRESIDENT OF NORTHEASTERN, DR. DANIEL HONORE. s
The connection to the Brownsville Church came through its minister, Pastor Michelle Mota-Poyser, who also serves as an Assistant Ministerial Director for Northeastern. They connected when Congressman attended the evangelistic meeting held in Brooklyn. Former Northeastern Conference President (now, President of the Atlantic Union Conference), Dr. Abraham Jules conducted this meeting in the summer of 2022.
Pastor Mota-Poyser connected with a member of Rep. Jeffries’ staff who is a Seventh-day Adventist. She then invited the representative to visit her church in Brownsville, which is a part of his con-
The representative preached from the subject: ”Like A Good Neighbor, Jesus Is There.” His text was Mark 4:35-41, which told of Jesus calming the stormy sea.
Rep. Jeffries has accepted an invitation to attend the 2025 PELC (Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council), which will be held in December.
Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM), completed this coverage for Regional Voice magazine.
LET’S TALK ABOUT JESUS
By LATASHA HEWITT
The 2024 Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council’s conference marked 45 years for the annual gathering held on the campus of Oakwood University. Welcoming hundreds of pastors and ministry leaders from all over the globe, the theme took attendees back to basics, “Jesus: Praise Him, Practice Him, Preach Him.”
The Preparation
Before the four-day conference officially started, the road to the experience was paved with virtual and pre-conference events. Pastor Amanda Hawley hosted a virtual series, “PELC Sermon Classics,” revisiting memorable sermons every Friday from November 22 to December 6th. In addition, there was the traditional Chaplain Appreciation Sabbath held at the Oakwood University Church the Sabbath before, with Senate Chaplain Barry Black as the speaker. That afternoon a groundbreaking chaplain ordination service was held for Dr. TyRon Douglas, Associate Athletic Director— Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging & Justice at UC Berkeley (Berkeley, California). According to Adventist Chaplaincy Ministries, his ordination as a university chaplain with a specialization in sports chaplaincy is the first in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “It was a blessing to share the experience with my wife and children, family, friends and supporters. It was a full-circle moment for me and a historic moment for our denomination,” shared Douglas, an Oakwood University alum.
Top row, left to right: Elder Calvin Preston, South Atlantic Conference. Dr. Andrea TrustyKing, Southeastern California Conference. Dr. Carlton Byrd, Southwest Region Conference. Elder Gerson Pancorbo, ORCM, in discussion. Second row, left to right: Elder Damien Chandler, Elder Calvin Watkins, NAD. Dr. Byrd, Dr. Ron Smith, Southern Union, and Dr. Wilson. Dr. Abraham Jules, Atlantic Union, offers prayer. Elder Dana Edmond, ORCM, leads session. Third row, left to right: Dr. Wilson, Dr. Noah Washington. Director Cleveland (Murphy) Wilson. Dr. Richard Martin; Dr. Lola Moore-Johnston.
On Saturday evening, PELC hosted a hymn fest “Celebration of Hymns, Heritage and Him” designed to inform and inspire generations of worshippers on the value of hymns to the church in their various forms. The program featuring talented musicians such as Gale Jones Murphy, Orville Brissett, Cleveland (Murphy) Wilson, David Hector and Jesse Wilson. “Whether through nostalgia or spiritual-led creativity, the Seventh-day Adventist Church will always draw strength from hymns that magnify, glorify, and exalt Him (Jesus Christ) and helps ground us in the basics of the theology we believe,” said Brissett, one of the event coordinators.
In addition to the various services, Bible workers and local church elders also re-
ceived training on Sunday morning.
The Prestige Sunday evening marked the official start of the conference with the service awards, honoring those who have served faithfully and made notable imprints in the church’s mission. The honorees included Eddie Allen (Lake Region Conference); Dr. G. Alex Bryant
(North American Division); George L. Byars (South Central Conference); Dr. D. Robert Kennedy (Allegheny East Conference); Elder Philip Palmer (Southwest Region Conference); Dr. Carlyle Simmons (Bermuda Conference); and Gale Jones Murphy (music ministry). “(Receiving the award) was a real moment of introspection and reflection; It was gratifying, especially because the one who has been
my faithful partner in ministry was standing beside me. Secondly, it made me feel thankful and I received it with the humblest of feeling,” Dr. D. Robert Kennedy, award recipient who retired from Allegheny East Conference after 50 years in collective ministry.
The Preaching One undeniable highlight of every
PELC is the dynamic preaching. Each of the eight speakers embraced the theme in their own way sharing an inspired perspective on what it means to embody the message of the theme. Their unique interpretations were reflected by their sermon titles: Sunday evening: Andrea Trusty King –“Not on My Watch” Monday morning: Jamond Jimmerson –
“Practice What You Preach”
Monday afternoon: Darlene Thomas – “The Other Side of It”
Monday evening: Dr. Charlie Dates – “There’s Nobody Like Jesus” Tuesday morning: Calvin Preston - “Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing” Tuesday afternoon: Rene Canon – “When the Thunder Subsides” Tuesday evening: Dr. Noah Washington – “Where is Jesus?” Wednesday morning: Bobbie Waters – “What’s Your Brand?”
Though the messages were powerful, being a part of a PELC preaching line-up comes with a healthy mixture of gratitude and anxiety. “It was an honor to share this year, though it was also a little nerve-racking. If you think preaching to the choir is hard, try preaching to the preachers,” shared Dr. Andrea Trusty King.
Pastor Jamond Jimmerson was also humbled by the invitation, “Having the opportunity to share the stage with so many great preachers was an honor and a privilege that I will cherish it forever. Having attended for the past 10 years, and I am now blessed to be a part of its rich legacy.”
The Plenaries and Presentations
Plenearies were presented by Kirk Nugent, media pastor at the Oakwood University Church and Elder Dana Edmond from the Office of Regional Conference ministries. Nugent’s presentation, “Sharing Jesus in the Digital Space,” provided a guide for developing impactful content online. “I wanted to connect content creation to our faith in a tangible way. I made the case for God as the “Ultimate Content Creator,” inviting each of us to join in the great work of reaching people online,” shared Nugent.
Edmond shared updates and statistics on all of the regional conference, including baptisms, tithes, and division impact.
Following the plenaries, attendees could choose from an array of super seminars on topics ranging from politics and trauma to hermeneutics and discipleship, to succession planning and retirement.
William Taliaferro, retired pastor, presented the seminar “Jesus and the Marginalized,” hoping to expand awareness about what it means to be pushed aside. “When people think of ministering to the “marginalized,” they mostly think about addressing the needs of people with disabilities, and I was hoping to expand the view on marginalization from a spiritual perspective to anyone being pushed to the margins for reasons that disqualify and isolate,” explained Taliaferro.
The Praise
Preaching and music go hand-in-hand at PELC, and the praise team sets the stage for an unforgettable worship experience. “Every year the team takes seriously the opportunity to lead our pastors in worship. We know that pastors pour into our churches. This is our opportunity to pour back into them,” shared Pastor Damian Chander, PELC’s music coordinator. The giving of their gifts in song also produces rewards for the team, as opportunity to pour back into one another. “Transformational ministry happens in the music room as we prepare to minister,” says Chandler.
The PELC praise team will release its first single, “All Things Well,” this spring on all music platforms. “We pray it will remind us that in spite of what we see, God is working it all out for good.”
The New Life Inspirational Choir of Huntsville was also a musical guest during PELC’s opening night. They shared a medley of classic choir songs under the leadership of Murphy Wilson, who has been the director for 50 years. The choir will be
The Prayers
Though preaching and music are hallmarks of the PELC worship experience, prayer also plays a significant role. This year several groups and initiatives were committed to prayer. On Sunday evening, women pastors and ministry leaders were called to the stage for a special prayer of dedication. On Monday afternoon, conference and union presidents led prayer for the North American Division’s evangelism initiative, Pentecost 2025 and on Tuesday evening, a special prayer was given for the PELC Praise Team and their ministry efforts. The Partners
Aside from the main conference programming, other groups had the opportunity to gather and connect. The Hispanic caucus met in the Office of Regional Conference building, featuring speakers Dr. Hermes Tavera and Pastor Gustavo Squarzon and presenters Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, Gerson Pancorbo, Dr. Manuel Moral, and Dr. Minner Labrador.
The education superintendents and associates from all the regional conferences also met to share updates and discuss trends.
The ministerial spouses held their meetings in the Powell Auditorium at the Bradford Cleveland Brooks Complex with the theme “Family Matters” this year. This year marked one of transition for the group, as Elder Linda Penick, who had served as the spouses’ coordinator for 13 years, passed the baton of leadership to Dr. Quernande Wells, MBA, EDD. Penick saw the role as a fulfillment of her life’s purpose, which is “to inspire others to encounter Jesus personally, empowering them to trust His purpose and live in His truth through a life of authenticity, grace, and faith.”
Wells is humbled to assume the role and recognizes the footsteps in which she is following. “I am prayerfully seeking God’s guidance on how to be of continued service for fellow ministerial and chaplain spouses within our territory. I solicit your prayers for the team as we will walk in obedience to God’s will,” said Wells.
The Patronage
Various vendors and exhibitors continued their presence around the perimeter of the church’s hallway introducing resources and products to attendees. However, vendors do not come just to share, but also to receive. “PELC is one of my favorite events of the year. It’s great to connect with many of our pastors, and the music is sublime,” Larry Witzel, CEO of Sermonview. With a 45-year legacy in its pocket, PELC remains one of the premiere conferences for pastors and ministry leaders in North America. t
LaTasha Hewitt is Communication Director for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. She reports extensively for Regional Voice magazine.
Top row, left to right: Chaplain Rene Cannon, Mrs. Carmela Monk Crawford, Message Magazine. Dr. Charlie Dates, Progressive Baptist Church of Chicago.
Second row, left to right: Elder Linda Penick. Resources on display.
Pastor Kimberly Mann, OUC.
Third row, left to right: Calvin Watkins, NAD. Session Leader. Dr. William Cox, RCRP.
Fourth and fifth rows, left to right: Workshop in session. Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, NAD, Session Leaders at the pulpit. Pastor Furman Fordham II, far right, offers prayer.
PELC HISPANIC TRACK: A CHRIST-CENTERED FOCUS FOR MINISTRY LEADERS
Text and Photography By GERSON PANCORBO
The Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC), offers spiritual renewal, inspiration, and fellowship. It equips pastors, chaplains, and other ministry leaders for their roles. Established more than 40 years ago by regional conference leaders, PELC is the largest annual gathering of pastors and church leaders in the North American Division. This year, sessions took place from December 8 to 11, 2024. While the main English track was held in the newly-renovated Oakwood University Church, PELC in Spanish was hosted at the Office for Regional Conference Ministries in Huntsville, Alabama. Planned by the Hispanic Caucus, this specialized program provided resources and training for pastors serving Hispanic communities.
A Christ-Centered Program
PELC in Spanish, with the theme “Jesús, Promuévelo / Practícalo / Predícalo “ (Jesus, Promote Him / Practice Him / Preach Him), focused on empowering pastors to deepen their Christocentric preaching and ministry. Each day began with worship and a devotional led by Dr. Minner Labrador, vice president for Multicultural Ministries at the North American Division.
Workshops and plenary sessions emphasized practical and theological tools for ministry, including:
• “Jesús es Suficiente” (Jesus is Enough) by Hermes Taveras, a biblical Christology, justification by faith, and perfection.
• “Jesús en un Mundo Secular” (Jesus in a Secular World) by Gustavo Squarzon, Relevance and hope for a contemporary society.
• “Jesús y las Redes Sociales” (Jesus and Social Media) by Gerson Pancorbo, The art of communicating in the Digital Age and using AI for ministry.
• “Jesús y el Espíritu de la Profecía” (Jesus and the Spirit of Prophecy) by Manuel Moral, Current and Generational Challenges with the writings of Ellen G. White.
tFOR THE FIRST TIME IN ITS HISTORY, PELC IN SPANISH HOSTED AN AWARDS CEREMONY RECOGNIZING LEADERS WHO HAVE SIGNIFICANTLY CONTRIBUTED TO ADVANCING HISPANIC MINISTRY WITHIN THE REGIONAL CONFERENCES OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH.
Honoring Hispanic Leaders
For the first time in its history, PELC in Spanish hosted an awards ceremony recognizing leaders who have significantly contributed to advancing Hispanic ministry within the regional conferences of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Honorees included:
• Dr. Leslie Pollard, President of Oakwood University
• Dr. Jesse Wilson, Professor of Religion at Oakwood University
• Elder Roger Bernard President of the Central States Conference
• Elder Roger Hernández, Ministerial and Evangelism Director for the Southern Union
impactful leadership but also underscored the Hispanic Caucus’s commitment to highlighting the contributions of these individuals.
Hispanic Community
The Hispanic program offered a unique space for pastors to connect, share experiences, and learn from one another.
Moving Forward
The Spanish track of PELC continues to serve as a vital resource for ministry leaders working to share Christ’s message in culturally relevant ways. This year’s focus on Christ-centered ministry provided inspiration and practical tools that attendees are eager to implement in their local communities.
As PELC concluded, leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gather, learn, and grow in their shared mission to proclaim Jesus as enough for every need. t
On Monday afternoon, participants engaged in an in-depth seminar on Christocentric hermeneutics with Dr. Elizabeth Talbot, a global leader in Adventist theology and evangelism. Talbot’s session emphasized the necessity of presenting Christ as the center of every message, inspiring pastors to preach the gospel with clarity and passion.
• Elder Héctor Ramos, Hispanic Ministries Director for the Southwest Region Conference
• Elder Efraín Poloche, Pastor and Evangelism Coordinator
• Elder José Cortés Jr., Associate Ministerial Director for the North American Division
The ceremony not only celebrated their
Sessions by Armando Miranda Jr. (NAD Youth Ministries) and Elvis Diaz (Pacific Press) introduced resources and strategies for engaging younger generations and sharing the gospel through literature
In his closing remarks, Vanston Archbold, president of the Hispanic Caucus, highlighted the importance of unity in ministry, encouraging participants to keep Christ at the forefront of their service.
for
Gerson Pancorbo is the Communications Director
the Office for Regional Conference Ministries and the Regional Conference Retirement Plan. He conducted live coverage to complete this report and to photograph this event.
2024 PELC Program Honors Lifetimes of Service
By J eNEAN LENDOR
The Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC) gathers leaders annually for the sessions over four days in Huntsville, Alabama. They begin with a special program to honor exceptional, living legends in regional church work. This ceremony took place on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the Oakwood University Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Pastor Furman Fordham II, the master of ceremonies for the evening, highlighted the significance of those receiving tribute, stating, “Each of the honorees this evening has led with sustained excellence for 30-plus years.”
Seven individuals received the 2024 PELC Lifetime Achievement Award. This distinguished group included pastors, conference and division administrators, and a minister of music.
The 2024 PELC honorees were:
Dr. Eddie Allen, Lake Region Conference
Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, President, North American Division
Pastor George Byers, South Central Conference
Dr. Robert Kennedy, Allegheny East Conference
Elder Philip Palmer, Southwest Region Conference
Dr. Carlyle Simmons Bermuda Conference
Mrs. Gale Jones Murphy, Musician, singer, and songwriter
In response to her award, rather than delivering a speech, Mrs. Gale Murphy performed one of her original songs, Well Done. The lyrics were especially fitting for the evening, reflecting on the honorees’ achievements and the purpose of ministry. The chorus declared:
"Well done, good and faithful servant. You’ve been faithful over a few things, Now you will rule over many things.
I can’t wait to hear Him say, my child, well done."
Pastor Kimberly Mann, Assistant Pastor of Oakwood University Church, summed up the evening’s significance: “We celebrate and build upon their strength to create a lasting impact for generations to come.” t
Mrs. JeNean Lendor is the Director of Communication for the Lake Region Conference. She has conducted live coverage to complete multiple PELC Honors reports. Mr. Neville Lendor has also covered multiple PELC Honors events, and has captured them with his photography.
HONOREES
Dr. and Mrs. Robert Kennedy
Dr. and Mrs. G. Alexander and Mrs. Desiree Bryant
Pastor Furman Fordham, church ministries director, South Central conference, Dr. Carlton Byrd president Southwest Region conference, Dr. Jesse Wilson, director, Bradford Cleveland Brooks Institute, surround Dr. Carlyle Simmons, honoree, Retired president, Bermuda conference as he is honored by PELC for his service to the church.
From left: Dr. Jesse Wilson, Pastor Furman Fordham, Elder and Mrs. Palmer, Mrs. Gale Murphy, Elder Eddie Allen, Dr. and Mrs. Carlyle Simmons, Dr. and Mrs. G. Alexander Bryant, Elder and Mrs. Robert Kennedy, Elder and Mrs. George Byars, Dr. Carlton Byrd.
Mrs. Gale Jones Murphy, brother Claude Jones, right, and Pastor Furman Fordham.
Elder Philip and Mrs. Ingrid Palmer
AGING WITH PURPOSE
RETIREMENT ZONE
DR. DAVID WILLIAMS –MAXIMIZE MEANING IN YOUR LIFE
PART FOUR IN THE SERIES
Interview Conducted by DR. DELBERT BAKER
The Regional Conference Retirement Plan in conjunction with Regional Voice magazine have presented a four-part series for retirees and pre-retirees, focusing on the dynamic dimensions of this time of life. In each case Dr. Delbert Baker sat with the interviewee and explored relevant aspects of the topic for this audience. In this final installment we examine perspectives and strategies on meaningful living with purpose and focus.
Part Four of Four
Dr. David R. Williams
David Rudyard Williams, a Seventh-day Adventist scholar, is the Florence Sprague Norman and Laura Smart Norman Professor of Public Health at Harvard School of Public Health. He also is a teaches African and African American Studies and Sociology at Harvard University. Initially trained in theology and ministry at Caribbean Union College and Andrews University, he later shifted to public health and sociology—earning an MPH from Loma Linda University and an M.A. and PhD from the University of Michigan. A St. Lucian-American, he is renowned for his research on race and health.
Since joining Harvard in 2006, Dr. Williams has appeared on most major television networks, contributed as a senior research advisor to the PBS documentary series Unnatural Causes and delivered the widely viewed TED Talk, How Racism Makes Us Sick, now available in 22 languages with more than 2 million views.
A CONVERSATION WITH DR. WILLIAMS
SECTION 1: Understanding and Defining Purpose
Q: Dr. Williams, thank you for sharing your thoughts with our readers. Your work and research on enriching the lives of people of all
SINCE JOINING HARVARD IN 2006, DR. WILLIAMS HAS APPEARED ON MOST MAJOR TELEVISION NETWORKS, CONTRIBUTED AS A SENIOR RESEARCH ADVISOR TO THE PBS DOCUMENTARY SERIES UNNATURAL CAUSES AND DELIVERED THE WIDELY VIEWED TED TALK, HOW RACISM MAKES US SICK, NOW AVAILABLE IN 22 LANGUAGES WITH MORE THAN 2 MILLION VIEWS. s
Harvard University
walks of life has had broad appeal, especially concerning how to deepen one’s purpose and aim in life. The Regional Conference Retirement Plan is particularly interested in this topic as it has direct relevance to retirees and pre-retirees. Tell us what life purpose means and why it’s so important?
Dr. Williams: Purpose is what drives us—it provides a guiding motivation gives life authentic meaning and gives breadth to daily activity. Purpose is about having a sense of direction, a reason to get up each day that’s bigger than just the day-to-day routine. Purpose provides a sense of continuity, a feeling that there’s something larger at play in your existence. Life purpose is simply your reason for getting up each day—a clear idea of what matters most to you and guides your decisions and actions. It’s about knowing what you value, what you want to contribute, and what makes you feel fulfilled. When I think of purpose personally, it’s knowing that I’m contributing meaningfully in the space where I am. This isn’t just my opinion; studies show that people with a strong sense of purpose often experience better physical and mental health. They live longer and are generally more resilient, facing life’s challenges with strength. Purpose, I believe, is one of the greatest gifts we can cultivate, especially in the later years.
Q: Many people see purpose as an overwhelming concept. Do you think someone has to have a specific idea of their life’s purpose, or can purpose take on different forms over time?
Dr. Williams: Purpose can absolutely take many forms, and it doesn’t always need to be a grand mission. Many people with purpose may not even recognize it as such. Purpose is often about doing what you can, where you are with a sense of value and intent. Researchers studying purpose often measure it through questions like, “Do you feel your life has meaning?” or “Do you feel hopeful about the future, even during difficult times?” Purpose is more of a feeling and motivation, rather than a concrete goal, and it’s something that
tPURPOSE FOSTERS
OPTIMISM
BECAUSE IT GIVES PEOPLE HOPE AND SOMETHING TO LOOK FORWARD TO, EVEN DURING HARD TIMES. IT INSTILLS A SENSE THAT “THIS TOO SHALL PASS” AND THAT THERE’S ALWAYS A REASON TO PRESS FORWARD.
can evolve as life changes.
Q: Could you give us an example of a person with purpose?
Dr. Williams: OK. Consider a person who finds meaning in service, in making a positive impact on others’ lives. Their purpose might be to improve community well-being or serving in church. They volunteer regularly, choose a career in healthcare or education, regularly help
out in church and make conscious decisions to support those in need and help wherever they can.
SECTION 2: Purpose and Its Impact on Health And Resilience
Q: You’ve mentioned that purpose has tangible health benefits. Could you share more on how living with purpose can affect one’s health and
longevity, especially for retirees?
Dr. Williams: The research on this is compelling. Purpose is shown to have a direct link to better physical health and longevity. At any age, people who feel they have purpose experience less disease, better mental health, and overall greater life satisfaction. Not only that, but individuals who live with purpose tend to approach stress differently—they
tAND INTERESTINGLY, THOSE WHO ARE HIGH ON PURPOSE ARE MORE LIKELY TO MAINTAIN THEIR HEALTH BY DOING THINGS LIKE TAKING ROUTINE SCREENINGS OR FOLLOWING MEDICAL ADVICE s
see it as something manageable rather than overwhelming. This resilience in the face of life’s challenges is powerful for people in their later years, especially as they adapt to changes in health or the loss of loved ones. And interestingly, those who are high on purpose are more likely to maintain their health by doing things like taking routine screenings or following medical advice. So, purpose
really contributes to a wholistic sense of well-being.
Q: How does a sense of purpose contribute to a person’s optimism, and why is that important for aging well?
Dr. Williams: Purpose fosters optimism because it gives people hope and something to look forward to, even during
hard times. It instills a sense that “this too shall pass” and that there’s always a reason to press forward. People with purpose tend to look at life as a glass half-full rather than half-empty. This kind of optimism is crucial for seniors as they navigate health issues, face new limitations, or adjust to changes in their social circles. Purpose fuels a positive outlook, and research shows this mindset not only improves quality of life but can even extend it. For those in retirement, maintaining this optimistic outlook is one of the best ways to ensure aging with grace and resilience.
SECTION 3: Rediscovering Purpose
After Retirement
Q: Retirement can be a major life transition, especially for those who have found a lot of purpose in their professional careers. How can retirees rediscover purpose when they no longer have their professional identity?
achieve but about who you become. Then there are the mindsets of gratitude, hope, and resilience. By living intentionally and deliberately having a growth mindset, retirees can make this phase of life incredibly meaningful. Remember, purpose is about leaving a legacy of kindness, wisdom, and faith that will continue to impact others.
CONCLUSION
Q: Many retirees express a desire to serve but don’t know where to start. What are some practical suggestions for finding opportunities for meaningful service?
Dr. Williams: Service is a fantastic way
Dr. Williams: You’re right—retirement can feel like a loss of identity for many, especially if they’ve spent years defining themselves by their work. But retirement is also a wonderful opportunity to find new avenues for purpose. One way retirees can do this is by focusing on their strengths—the things that made them successful in their careers. Are they known for being diligent, creative, or supportive? These traits don’t disappear with retirement; they’re part of who you are. There are countless ways to apply these strengths, whether through volunteering, mentoring, or even new hobbies that allow you to contribute to your community. Another way to rediscover purpose is to think about the challenges you’ve overcome in life. Could those experiences help someone else who’s going through something similar in your circle of influence? Purpose doesn’t have to be a huge mission; it’s about finding ways to contribute meaningfully where you are.
to find purpose, and it doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by thinking about what you’re good at and what you enjoy. If you’re someone who loves to cook, maybe there’s a local soup kitchen that could use your help. Or, if you’re a natural teacher, consider mentoring young people in your community. Service doesn’t have to involve a huge time commitment or specific skills. It’s about using your gifts, however small they may seem, to uplift others. A little kindness goes a long way, and for many, service provides a sense of purpose that is incredibly fulfilling. Serving others also helps retirees stay socially connected, which is essential for emotional well-being in their senior years.
SECTION 4: Living with Purpose, Faith, and Optimism
Q: You have a Master of Divinity degree, as well as your other degrees. And you have highlighted the importance of faith in your work. How does faith support a sense of purpose, and what advice would you give to retirees looking to grow their faith and purpose in this season of life?
Dr. Williams Faith and purpose go hand-in-hand, especially as we age. Faith reminds us that there’s a larger plan at work, that we’re not defined by our past, and that each stage of life is part of God’s purpose. For retirees, this can be a powerful realization — that even as you step away from your career, you have a unique opportunity to re-purpose and get a new grasp of what God has for you in this season of your life. You have a new opportunity to grow closer to God and find renewed purpose in Him. One
of my favorite verses is Ecclesiastes 9:10: “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.” This is a call to live with intentionality and [to] recognize that nothing happens by chance. God has a plan for each of us, and purpose can be found in acts of kindness, faithfulness, and generosity. And this is what purpose is all about.
Q: Finally, what strategic mindset shifts would you recommend to help retirees embrace purpose and fulfillment during retirement years?
Dr. Williams: One of the most important shifts is to stop viewing retirement as an end and see it as a transition into a new season. Aging is a chance to deepen your faith, strengthen your relationships, and focus on what matters most.
Another important shift is to remember that purpose isn’t about what you
Dr. David Williams’ reflections offer invaluable guidance on finding purpose in pre-retirement and retirement years. With insight into the benefits of purpose for health, the importance of faith, and practical ways to serve, his wisdom encourages all readers to live with intention, optimism, and resilience. Embracing purpose doesn’t just enrich the pre- retirement and retirement years; it provides a lasting legacy of positivity and faith for generations to come. t
Delbert W. Baker, PhD, is an author, educator, administrator and pastor. He is Director of Research and Development at the Regional Conference Retirement Plan Office in the Charles Dudley, Sr. Regional Conference Ministries Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Raising Black Excellence: How Black Adventist Schools Empower Black Students to Thrive!
By DR. TREVOR KINLOCK
For many parents of black children, the prospect of finding safe, quality educational environments for their children remains a challenging reality. Far too often their choices are between schools that are under-resourced and insufficiently rigorous, or more affluent schools that may have the resources but lack the cultural relevance and sensitivities that are critical in educating black boys and girls. In many cases, black Adventist schools address these racial and class inequalities in a manner that heightens the academic outcomes and opportunities for black students.
Racial Stratification in Education
Seventy years after the landmark Brown v. Board of Education ruling, many U.S. schools are still deeply segregated by race. De facto segregation continues through various factors such as housing patterns, school choice policies, and funding disparities. Nationwide, school districts with more students of color receive $2,700 less funding per student per year than districts with more white students. This is a systemic issue that affects black students’ access to resources and educational opportunities (Ed Trust, 2022).
Because of these spatial and economic differences, black students in the U.S. consistently score lower than white students on standardized tests, a gap that persists across subjects and age groups (NAEP, 2024). However, a large body of research documents that the black-white socio-economic gap is at the root of racial differences in academic achievement. (Darling-Hammond, 2010; Evans, 2005; Grodsky, 2008; Hill, 2017; Ladson-Billings, 2006; Milner, 2012, 2013; Rothstein, 2004; Rowley and Wright, 2011). Black students are just as competent and capable as their peers when sufficiently resourced. Therefore, instead of pursuing failed policies to close the so called “achievement gap,” we must instead address these fundamental gaps in opportunity.
The Cognitive Genesis Study- Seventh-day Adventist Schools Work!
From 2006 to 2009, the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists commissioned a longitudinal study of Adventist education—the CognitiveGenesis study. This research
NATIONWIDE, SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH MORE STUDENTS OF COLOR RECEIVE $2,700 LESS FUNDING PER STUDENT PER YEAR THAN DISTRICTS WITH MORE WHITE STUDENTS.
looked at the academic achievement of more than 51,000 students in more than 800 Adventist elementary schools and academies in the U.S. The CognitiveGenesis study found that students in Adventist schools were outperforming their peers nationally in both public and private schools (Thayer & Kido, 2012). Adventist students scored higher on achievement tests than the national norm group. Additionally, the longer students were in the Adventist system, the higher they achieved compared to the norm group.
Educational researchers and authors of the study, Jerome Thayer and Elissa Kido, observed an academic advantage for students within the Adventist school system relative to their norm group peers. Kido termed this the “Adventist Advantage” (Thayer & Kido, 2012).
What about Black Adventist Schools?
However, though the CognitiveGenesis project yielded valuable insights on student achievement of all racial groups within the Adventist educational system, research specific to the performance of black students within black Seventh-day Adventist school systems is deficient. Although Regional conferences operate more than 85 schools nationwide
STUDENTS ARE
(pK-12), educational research into black Seventh-day Adventist schools is sparse. This research gap leaves important black educational spaces unexplored and critical voices unheard in the ongoing quest for educational equity and excellence for marginalized communities.
In 2019, in partnership with the Allegheny East Conference Office of Education, the author initiated a study to help fill these research gaps in Black Adventist education. This pioneering study explored a black Seventh-day Adventist school to understand how schools like this influence the academic, social, and cultural development of black students. Findings from the study illustrate the liberatory roles Black SDA schools play in supporting strong achievement and developmental outcomes for black students. Research findings document a consequential mix of factors that collectively
may be termed the “Black Adventist Advantage.”
Black SDA Schools Work!
Longitudinal achievement findings of the study revealed that students in the black SDA school were achieving at high levels relative to their peers in public and private schools both nationally and within their state (Kinlock, 2021).
• 78% of students were in grades testing at or above the national norm.
• 74% were testing at or above grade level.
• 75% were graduating with a 3.0 GPA or higher;
• 57% were graduating with a 3.5 GPA or higher, and
• 0% were graduating with a 2.0 GPA or lower.
Participants described the school as a safe space where black academic excellence was both normalized and celebrated. This contrasts with traditional school environments where black students’ academic trajectories are harmed by white teacher implicit bias, low teacher expectations, teacher attitudes and beliefs, and punitive behavior management approaches (Downey and Pribesh, 2004; Keels, Durkee, and Hope, 2017; Love and Kruger, 2005; Lustick, 2017; McGrady and Reynolds, 2013; Moore, 2017; Oates, 2003; van Den Bergh, 2010; Williams, 2011).
Another example of high achievement is at Pine Forge Academy (a predominantly black SDA high school in Allegheny East) where 100% of seniors graduate with 100% college acceptance rates! When schools and educators create equitable and affirming learning environments that both protect and nurture, black students may experience similar achievement results. The literature demonstrates that black students need educational safe spaces that empower them to learn, thrive, and achieve.
The realities of racism, discrimination, cultural exclusion, and unconscious bias within many U.S. schools mean that black and brown students remain vulnerable and need safe educational spaces.
Faith Works!
Another key factor in black student achievement is faith. Educational researcher William Jeynes found that student religious commitment reduced the racial achievement gap by 50%, while attending a religious school reduced the gap by 25% (Jeynes, 2010). A significant body of research demonstrates that faith
heightens achievement for black and brown students (Barrett, 2009, 2010; Byfield, 2008; Madyun and Lee, 2010; McCray, Grant, and Beachum, 2010; Toldson and Anderson, 2010). This suggests that parents and educators should encourage using faith and faith-based approaches as a cultural tool to support the academic success of their children.
The Village Works!
Strong social networks of home, church, and school provide critical support to diverse students. This “village model” employed by the Adventist church provides black students with the enhanced social, spiritual, and economic capital that improves their academic outcomes (Kinlock, 2021). The literature suggests that such networks positively influence student achievement, provide needed social investments into black students, and narrow opportunity gaps (Barrett, 2009, 2010; Darling-Hammond, 2010; Hill, 2017; Ladson-Billings, 2006; Madyun and Lee, 2010; Milner, 2013; Toldson and Anderson, 2010).
Black teachers work!
A Johns Hopkins 2018 study found that black students are 13% more likely to go to college if they had at least one black teacher by the third grade (Papageorge, 2018). With at least two black teachers in elementary school that likelihood increases to 32%. Black teachers have a positive effect on black student college attendance. Why? Numerous studies document that black teachers consistently have higher expectations for their students—and those students strive to meet their expectations and therefore attain higher levels of achievement.
Culturally Relevant Education Works!
Culturally relevant educational ap-
proaches use the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and frames of reference of ethnically diverse students to make learning encounters more relevant and effective for them (Gay, 2010:31). Research suggests that culturally relevant education within schools across academic content areas: mathematics, science, history, social studies, and English language arts, is academically beneficial for students of color (Caballero, 2010; Choi, 2013; Dimick, 2012; Epstein, et al., 2011; Hubert, 2013; Martell, 2013).
Underfunding precipitates an entire series of negative educational consequences that leave students of color without adequate resources, causing them to fall further behind. Policy solutions include equalized funding across districts, targeted funding to disadvantaged schools, and scholarship and endowment support for deserving families. We must change the way we fund education.
Adventist schools collectivize the financial resources of the local church, conference, and community to make quality education accessible for minority students. These church schools play a critical role for black families living in urban spaces and represent an educational activism that remains alive within the ethos of black religion. Such activism is essential and empowering and creates spaces of protection and support that leave black children free to pursue their excellence. t
Trevor Kinlock, PhD., M. Div., currently serves as President of the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
Downey, Douglas B., and Shana Pribesh. 2004. “When Race Matters: Teachers’ Evaluations of Students’ Classroom Behavior.” Sociology of Education 77(4) 267-282.
EdTrust, 2022. Equal is not Good Enough: An analysis of School Funding Equity Across the U.S. and within Each State.
Epstein, T., E. Mayorga, and J. Nelson. 2011. “Teaching about race in an urban history class: The effects of culturally responsive teaching.” Journal of Social Studies Research 35:2-21.
Evans, Robert. 2005. “Reframing the Achievement Gap.” Phi Delta Kappan 86(8): 582-589.
Gay, G. 2010. Culturally Responsive teaching: Theory, research, and practice, 2nd ed. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Madyun, Na’im, and Moosung Lee. 2010. “Effects of Religious Involvement on Parent-Child Communication Regarding Schooling: A Study of Black Youth in the United States.” The Journal of Negro Education 79(3) 295-307.
Martell, C.C. 2013. “Race and Histories: Examining Culturally relevant teaching in the U.S. history classroom.” Theory and Research in Social Education 41:65-88. McCray, Carlos, Cosette Grant, and Floyd Beachum. 2010. “Pedagogy of Self Development: The Role the Black Church can have on African American Students.” The Journal of Negro Education 79(3): 33-248. McGrady, Patrick, and John R. Reynolds. 2013. “Racial Mismatch in the Classroom: Beyond Black-White Differences.” Sociology of Education 86(1) 3-17.
has more than 20 years of experience leading and supporting Black Adventist schools. He holds a PhD in Sociology and Criminology from Howard University, where he also teaches as adjunct professor. His specializations include race analysis, urban studies, social inequality, and the sociology of education. Dr. Kinlock’s research and professional practice are directed toward ensuring equity and access for communities of color to quality systems of education.
REFERENCES
Barrett, Brian D. 2010. “Faith in the Inner City: The Urban Black Church and Students’ Educational Outcomes.” The Journal of Negro Education 79(3) 249-262.
Barrett, Brian D. 2009. “The ‘Invisible Institution’ and a Disappearing Achievement Gap.” Religion and Education 36: 22-38. Byfield, Cheron. 2008. “The Impact of Religion on the Educational Achievement of Black Boys: A UK and USA Study.” British Journal of Sociology of Education 29(2): 189199.
Caballero, J.A. 2010. The effects of the teacher student relationship, teacher expectancy, and culturally-relevant pedagogy on student academic achievement. Doctoral Dissertation, Available from ProQuest Dissertations and Theses database (UMI No. 3474274).
Choi, Y. 2013. “Teaching social studies for newcomer English Language learners: Toward culturally relevant pedagogy.” Multicultural Perspectives 15:12-18.
Darling-Hammond, Linda. 2007. “The Flat Earth and Education: How America’s Commitment to Equity will determine our Future.” Educational Researcher 36(6) 318-334.
Dimick, A.S. 2012. “Students’ empowerment in an environmental science classroom: Toward a framework for social justice science education.” Science Education 96:990-1012.
Grodsky, Eric. 2008. “Testing and Social Stratification in American Education.” Annual Review of Sociology 34 385-404.
Hill, Nancy, Julia Jeffries, and Kathleen Murray. 2017. “New Tools for Old Problems: Inequality and Educational Opportunity for Ethnic Minority Youth and Parents.” The Annals of the American Academy 113-133. Hubert, T.L. 2013. “Learners of Mathematics: High school students’ perspectives of culturally relevant mathematics pedagogy.” Journal of African-American studies 18:324336.
Jeynes, William. 2015. “A Meta-Analysis on the Factors that Best Reduce the Achievement Gap.” Education and Urban Society 47(5): 523-554.
Jeynes, William. 2010. “Religiousity, Religious Schools, and their Relationship with the Achievement Gap: A Research Synthesis and Meta-Analysis.” The Journal of Negro Education 79(3): 263-279.
Keels, Micere, Myles Durkee, and Elan Hope. 2017. “The Psychological and Academic Costs of School-Based Racial and Ethnic Microaggressions .” American Educational Research Journal 54(6):1316-1344.
Kinlock, Trevor. 2021. “Raising Black Excellence: An Exploration of How a Black Operated Seventh-day Adventist School Empowers Black student achievement and development through Liberation and Resistance.” PhD Dissertation, Department of Sociology, Howard University.
Ladson-Billings, Gloria. 2006. “From the Achievement Gap to the Education Debt: Achievement in U.S. Schools.” Educational Researcher 35(7) 3-12.
Love, Angela, and Ann Cale Kruger. 2005. “Teacher Beliefs and Student Achievement in Urban Schools Serving African American Students.” The Journal of Educational Research 99(2): 87-98.
Lustick, Hilary. 2017. “Restorative Justice or Restorative Order? Restorative School Discipline Practices in Urban Public Schools.” SAGE Urban Education (SAGE Urban Education).
Milner IV, H. Richard. 2012. “Beyond a Test Score: Explaining Opportunity Gaps in Educational Practice.” Journal of Black Studies 43(6) 693-718.
Milner IV, H. Richard. 2013. “Rethinking Achievement Gap Talk in Urban Education.” Urban Education 48(1) 3-8. Moore, Allison B., Cynthia MacGregor, and Jeffrey Cornelius-White. 2017. “School Personnel-Student Racial Congruence and the Achievement Gap.” Journal for Multicultural Education 11(4): 264-274. National Assessment of Educational Progress, 2024. Oates, Gary. 2003. “Teacher Student Racial Congruence, Teacher Perceptions, and Test Performance.” Social Science Quarterly 84(3) 508-525.
Papageorge, Nicholas. 2018. “The LongRun Impacts of Same-Race Teachers.” National Bureau of Economic Research p. 25254 Rothstein, Richard. 2004. “A Wider Lens on the Black-White Achievement Gap.” Phi Delta Kappan 86(2) 104-110. Rowley, Rochelle L., and David Wright. 2011. “No ‘White’ Child Left Behind: The Academic Achievement Gap between Black and White Students.” The Journal of Negro Education 80 (2) 93-107.
Thayer, Jerome, and Elissa Kido. 2012. “Cognitive Genesis (CG): Assessing Academic Achievement and Cognitive Ability in Adventist Schools.” Journal of Research on Christian Education 21(2) 99-115.
Toldson, Ivory, and Kenneth Anderson. 2010. “The Role of Religion in Promoting Academic Success for Black Students.” The Journal of Negro Education 79(3): 205-213. van den Bergh, Linda. 2010. “The Implicit Prejudiced Attitudes of Teachers: Relations of Teacher Expectations and the Ethnic Achievement Gap.” American Educational Research Journal 47(2): 497-527. Williams, Amanda. 2011. “A Call for Change: Narrowing the Achievement Gap between White and Minority Students.” The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues and Ideas 84(2): 65-71.
Cleveland T. Wilson Reflects on A HalfCentury of Choir Leadership
Interview Conducted by PRISCILA PANCORBO
For 50 years, Cleveland T. Wilson, better known as Murphy, led the First SDA Church Inspirational Choir in Huntsville, Alabama, shaping not just melodies but also the lives of countless individuals who sang under his direction. In this interview, he shares memories of his early musical roots, the evolving climate of black Adventist worship, and his hopes for the future now that he has officially retired. Below is an edited transcript of our conversation.
Q: First of all, what was music like in your home growing up? Did you always know you wanted to lead a choir?
Murphy: Interestingly enough, I did not. I come from a pastor’s family, so music was definitely present—my father and mother both loved it. My mom especially enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I remember having a small record player as a kid, playing little vinyl records at home. But I never envisioned myself leading a choir one day.
We moved around because of my father’s ministry. In Buffalo, New York, I became extremely close to a family called the Willis family. They were heavily involved in music at our church there, Emmanuel Temple. The church had several singing groups: quartets, a gospel choir, and a chorale. My friends and I even had our own little group
called the Emmanuel Temple Quintones. Back then, though, it didn’t occur to me to start a choir of my own. I simply loved to sing.
Q: You eventually began leading the First SDA Church Inspirational Choir. What was the musical climate of black Adventist worship at that time?
Murphy: It varied, depending on where you were. Most of the churches were doing what you call spirituals, anthems and contemporary arrangements. Gospel music wasn’t really the favorite among conservative Adventists.
When I started the choir at First Church, there was no gospel choir. Our repertoire initially included the same types of music as the existing sanctuary choir. However, as people began comparing the two choirs, I felt the Lord led me to move in a different direction so there wouldn’t be this back-and-forth competition. Little by little, we eased into more gospel-style songs. People soon discovered the depth and testimony in many gospel pieces. They realized it was a message from the heart.
Q: How do you balance the traditional Adventist music—
such as hymns and classical influence—with the improvisational soul of gospel?
Murphy: There have always been debates about the existence of gospel music. I learned from the Baptist church, that a lot of the gospel songs that they did were more relevant to an experience in your heart, and what you’ve been through; how the Lord brought you through the miracles that you knew that He was responsible for. It’s all about expressing what God has done for you and it’s coming from your heart. My wife used to say all the time that it comes from the heart [and] reaches the heart.
I didn’t sit down and try to figure out a formula for mixing it with how Adventists felt. The Lord enabled us to pick the right songs. People, over a period of time, began to see this was about a testimony. That’s the kind of music we tried to do, a testimony.
Q: You’ve retired after 50 years, which is practically a lifetime in music ministry. What kept you going year after year, especially through challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic?
Murphy: When the pandemic hit and churches closed, we rehearsed in the parking lot. We’d set up a keyboard at the front door, spread out our chairs for distance, and learn new songs. Even when
God gave me the opportunity to share my testimony and to say some things that were on my heart. I had a vision for how I wanted the final concert to be. Not only did the Lord bless me to get anything that I felt like I wanted, He put more in it. I have to say at this point, our final performance was our best.
Q: How did you use your role to mentor young people in the church?
Murphy: I read people’s eyes. I watched my father do this as a pastor and he could look at somebody and see that they needed just a little attention. He took time for people. I kind of have that same sort of approach in talking to people. I can see in their eyes, [that] they need to talk, or they’ve got questions. One of the things, [one of] my main cards to play, regardless of what age I’m talking to, are three things: God is first, then yourself, and then mankind. That’s the way you should live your lives.
Q: Now that you’re stepping away, what will you miss the most, and what’s next for you?
people moved to virtual church and the choir’s numbers naturally declined, God kept us going.
We never really planned to go 50 years; we just kept singing. I think what kept me going is the love for the music, the love of finding music that would fit the service and the sermon. There’s something about watching a service flow. I also credit my late first wife, Antoinette, who insisted on continuing as pianist despite her health challenges.
Q: Could you share a performance you’ll remember most fondly?
Murphy: There are so many over the 50 years that we’ve had but the one we just did this weekend [February 22] was about the best and the most memorable. There was so much in it for all of us in terms of memories. I am thankful that
Murphy: I will miss everything about being a choir director. The camaraderie with the people, the fellowship, watching their eyes light up when a song hits them and they realize what we’re singing about. For me, this will be the first time in 50 years that I’ll be able to maybe go to dinners and not have to worry about going back to rehearsal. My wife and I are talking about visiting some places that we want to go, just enjoying some time where we’re not tied to a schedule. And I’m thinking about some hymn fests where we just do some of the old hymns, because we can’t lose the hymns. We can’t let them die.
Q: How do you hope people will remember you?
Murphy: I’d like to be remembered as someone who made a difference, a positive difference. t
Mrs. Priscila Pancorbo, experienced in journalism and media production, serves as the ORCM Building Usage Coordinator and the Website Content Manager. She completed the interview for this profile.
Dr. Cherryl Anne Galley
1949-2024
Life of Gracious Kindness, Scholarship and Music
Cherryl Anne Galley was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, on February 14, 1949, to Charles E. Galley, Sr., and Anne Ebron Galley. She loved her older brother Charles, Jr. (a.k.a. Chuck) and her younger brother Carleton.
Cherryl began formal piano lessons at an early age under the instruction of her mother, a noted pianist and piano teacher. She was exposed to many vocal groups while growing up in the Oakwood College community. Cherryl was a member of the Futuretones Quartet with her friends Eugene Rogers, Betty McGinnis, and Victor Beale, as well as the Oakwood Academy Choir, the Oakwood College Choir, and the Aeolians. While studying in California, she sang with the Loma Linda University Choir and the Chamber Singers Ensemble.
In addition to piano and vocal music, Cherryl also studied organ, harmony, theory, arranging, orchestration, improvisation, electric bass, and studio recording techniques. In addition, she also had perfect pitch.
What an extraordinarily gifted young lady, one whom Satan himself desired to snatch from the ranks of service to God. After completing her bachelor’s degree in secretarial administration in California in 1971, her talents opened the door to many opportunities, some of which drew her into a dark world, and she became lost to her family. With deep continued prayer, Cherryl’s mother searched for her. With the combined efforts of her older brother Chuck, they found her. She clung to them, knowing that the life of service to Christ that she had learned in her youth was far better than what Satan had to offer. Cherryl was grateful that she had known something better, that made her decide to escape from darkness to the light of life in Christ. She lived the adage in Proverbs 2:26: “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”
Cherryl was a light in her mother’s life as she, with the support of her brother Chuck in California, devotedly cared for Mrs. Galley in Huntsville until her death in 2014. Most would consider Cherryl’s as a full and complete life, including very active roles in music and local ministry, and in the photography club. However, there is much more!
Wanting to help others reach their full potential in personal growth, Cherryl completed a master of science degree in counseling psychology at Alabama A&M University, and a doctoral degree in counseling psychology at Andrews University. This educational foundation enabled her to serve as an adjunct professor at Alabama A&M University in the Department of Psychology, and to clinically apply her skills as a psychological counselor at the University of Alabama, Huntsville,
Counseling Center. She later joined Oakwood University as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, continued as an associate professor, served as department chair, and then as Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences until her retirement.
As a mentor, teacher, and researcher, Cherryl initiated Oakwood’s annual Psychology Research Symposium. She also sponsored the Psychology Student Club, was a member of the Faculty Senate, and served as Vice Chair of the Curriculum Subcommittee. She also served as First Elder at the Oakwood University Church, as a board member for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Alabama, and a member of the South Central Conference’s Family Life Committee.
After retirement from Oakwood in 2017, Cherryl practiced as a licensed professional counselor at Psychological and Counseling Associates, P.C., becoming known as a very effective therapist. She terminated her practice in 2022 as she began to struggle with health challenges. Cherryl’s legacy is expressed in a recorded album entitled “Right By My Side.” Her testimony is: “Through various events, I have grown to know Him as the One who’s beside me at all times….”
Preceded in death by her parents Charles Galley, Sr., and Anne Galley, and her younger brother Carleton Galley, Cherryl passed away on October 30, 2024. She leaves to cherish her memory an older brother Charles Galley, Jr., his wife Heddy and their seven children; an uncle John Ebron; first cousins Duane Ebron, and Floretta (Albert) Morris; and a host of former students, colleagues, extended family and friends.
May Cherryl’s life of service inspire us as we look forward to sharing eternity with Jesus and with Cherryl in praise, music and eternal joy! t
We at Regional Voice magazine offer our thanks to the family of Dr. Cherryl A. Galley for this fitting tribute to a beautiful life of dedication, and to Ms. Debbe Millet for preparing these words for publication.
tIN ADDITION TO PIANO AND VOCAL MUSIC, CHERRYL ALSO STUDIED ORGAN, HARMONY, THEORY, ARRANGING, ORCHESTRATION, IMPROVISATION, ELECTRIC BASS, AND STUDIO RECORDING TECHNIQUES. s
President Jimmy Carter
A Stellar Life of Service
Jimmy Carter (James Earl Carter, Jr.), 39th president of the United States, was born October 1, 1924, in the small farming town of Plains, Georgia, and grew up in the nearby community of Archery. His father, James Earl Carter, Sr., was a farmer and businessman; his mother, Lillian Gordy Carter, a registered nurse. He was educated in the public school of Plains, attended Georgia Southwestern College and the Georgia Institute of Technology, and received a B.S. degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. In the Navy he became a submariner, serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific fleets and rising to the rank of lieutenant. Chosen by Admiral Hyman Rickover for the nuclear submarine program, he was assigned to Schenectady, New York, where he took graduate work at Union College in reactor technology and nuclear physics and served as senior officer of the pre-commissioning crew of the Seawolf, the second nuclear submarine.
On July 7, 1946, he married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. When his father died in 1953, he resigned his naval commission and returned with his family to Georgia. He took over the Carter farms, and he and Rosalynn operated Carter’s Warehouse, a general-purpose seed and farm supply company in Plains. He quickly became a leader of the community, serving on county boards supervising education, the hospital authority, and the library. In 1962 he won election to the Georgia Senate. He lost his first gubernatorial campaign in 1966, but won the next election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on January 12, 1971. He was the Democratic National Committee campaign chairman for the 1974 congressional and gubernatorial elections.
On December 12, 1974, he announced his candidacy for president of the United States. He won his party’s nomination on the first ballot at the 1976 Democratic National Convention, and was elected president on November 2, 1976.
Jimmy Carter served as president from January 20, 1977 to January 20, 1981. Significant foreign policy accomplishments of his administration included the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II treaty with the Soviet Union, and the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. He championed human rights throughout the world. On the domestic side, the administration’s achievements included a comprehensive energy program conducted by a new Department of Energy; deregulation in energy, transportation,
communications, and finance; major educational programs under a new Department of Education; and major environmental protection legislation, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
President Carter is held in high regard around the world for his innovative and compassionate post-presidency. In1981, he even spent the early moments of transition from his term to that of President Ronald Reagan in mid-flight, to retrieve the 52 American hostages who had been held in Iran. While he had been unable to negotiate their release as president, he still wanted to personally welcome and escort them back home.
Once he and Mrs. Carter returned to their small home in Plains, they set about bringing positive changes to their area and to millions around the world.
In 1982, he became University Distinguished Professor at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, and founded The Carter Center. Actively guided by Carter during his lifetime, the nonpartisan and nonprofit Center addresses national and international issues of public policy. Carter Center staff work to resolve conflict, promote democracy, protect human rights, and prevent disease and other afflictions. The Center has spearheaded the international effort to eradicate Guinea worm disease, which is poised to be the second human disease in history to be eradicated.
The permanent facilities of The Carter Presidential Center were dedicated in October 1986, and include the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, administered by the National Archives. Also open to visitors is the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, administered by the National Park Service.
For more than 30 years, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteered one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes for themselves. From 2007, President Carter also served as a member of The Elders, a group of independent global leaders. He taught Sunday school and was a deacon in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains. For recreation, he enjoyed fly-fishing, woodworking, and swimming.
They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing.
That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter
Work Project). Each year since then until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987. (This text is from the statement on their website, “Habitat for Humanity Mourns the Death of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter” December 29, 2024).
His work that began in 1978 to cultivate the historic Peace Accords between Egypt and Israel, and his tireless efforts for democracy and peace around the world were recognized after his presidency.
On December 10, 2002, the Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2002 to Mr. Carter “for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.”
When his beloved wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, 96, died in 2023, he insisted on two things. He ordered a new suit, and attended all of her services.
His birth and his death both made history. He was the first U. S. president to be born in a hospital. And when he died peacefully at home on December 29, 2024, President Carter, 100, had lived the longest among all U.S. presidents. He was buried beside Mrs. Carter on family land near their home in Plains, Georgia. t
This text is from biographical statements given on the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum website. It was my honor as a college student to witness President and Mrs. Carter take the first walk ever of a first family down Pennsylvania Avenue on his inauguration day. It was an equal honor to bid him farewell as he lay in state at the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum in Atlanta, Georgia.
t HIS WORK THAT BEGAN IN 1978 TO CULTIVATE THE HISTORIC PEACE ACCORDS BETWEEN EGYPT AND ISRAEL, AND HIS TIRELESS EFFORTS FOR DEMOCRACY AND PEACE AROUND THE WORLD WERE RECOGNIZED AFTER HIS PRESIDENCY. s
President Jimmy Carter
1924 - 2024
From Wildfires to Mudslides; From Blizzards to Ice Storms t
Lift up your eyes to the heavens, and look upon the earth beneath: for the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall wax old like a garment. . . , but my salvation shall be forever, and my righteousness shall not be abolished
(Isaiah 51:6 KJV)
GOD IS GOOD! THE ALTADENA SDA CHURCH, ONE OF OUR SISTER CHURCHES, WASN’T BURNED, BUT 25 OF THEIR MEMBERS LOST THEIR HOMES. s
The wildfires tore through Los Angeles and surrounding areas of southern California like waves from hell:
• 29 deaths; 17 in the Eaton fire; 12 in the Palisades fire, according to the Los Angeles County medical examiner
• 37,000 acres burned
• 16,000 structures destroyed
• 24 days of burning before containment
Here is an early account that a dear friend and longtime, faithful member of an SDA church in Los Angeles sent on January 13:
“Thank you for your prayers. We had one family from our church, a mother, 92, and daughter in her 50s, who lost their home in the Eaton fire. It is a diverse community, but a lot of African Americans who owned property have lived there for 40-plus years. Thank God this mother, who uses a wheelchair and her daughter evacuated in the wee hours. Her neighbor shared that their homes burned at about 3:00 a.m. They had left only two hours prior!
“God is good! The Altadena SDA Church, one of our sister churches, wasn’t burned, but 25 of their members lost their homes. My supervisor and my staff (at a university in the area) have
friends who lost homes. Colleagues from other colleges had staff and students who lost homes.
This has all taken its toll on the Greater Los Angeles region. We are supporting each other. The Southern California Conference Office has held a collection drive for non-perishable items.
“Thank you again for your thoughtful words and prayers. We all need them.”
To make matters worse, these blazes left the California earth parched, cracked and vulnerable to heavy winter rains that followed. In some cases, the rains turned the dry earth to rivers of mud, pushing debris from the fires down hillsides to highways—causing even more hazards and also destroying some structures that the fires had not burned.
Conversely, in the northern part of California, up to the Pacific Northwest, across the Northern Plains and Midwest, all the way to the Eastern Seaboard and the South, the winter weather turned mean and cold, with blizzards and heavy snow falling in record feet and inches, (There was even snow in New Orleans!) freezing rain pouring down, and sheets of ice forming on roofs and glazing streets. Millions faced the cold without power and had to shelter in place because their cars were buried in snow. Millions more
CALIFORNIA FIRES STATISTICS
60+ 13 HOMES LOST MEMBERS FROM AMONG SCC 13 CHURCHES MEMBERS LOST HOMES
450+ $249K VOLUNTEERS DONATIONS HELPED WITH CONTINUE TO BE DISTRIBUTION RECEIVED
Southern California Conference of Seventhday Adventists
Use this link to read more official coverage from the Southern California Conference: Article: https://scc.adventist.org/stories/southern-california-fires-an-outpouring-of-support-and-blessings-amid-tragedy
Special thanks to Pastor Lawrence Dorsey, Director, Greater Los Angeles Region of SCC, and SCC Executive Assistant to the Vice President Tracy Garnett for their contributions and coordination of this coverage.
faced road hazards when interstates and local roads were piled high with drifts and encrusted with ice on road surfaces.
Nationally, there were:
69 deaths due to the severe winter weather
• 19 deaths due to tornadoes in midMarch
• 3 deaths due to dust storms in Texas
How to Help
To send assistance, donate to the American Red Cross at their website, give blood or take a course with them that could save a life.
You may also donate through ADRA International, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, through their Current Appeals, Emergency Responses and/or through Planned Giving and more. See the ADRA website for details. t
This article is based on reports from news networks, national weather reports, press dispatches and accounts from witnesses.
Walking Through Fire: Lessons and Blessings of Faith
By PATRICE THOMAS CONWELL
“OH MY GOD!”
As these words left my husband, Alton’s lips, he jumped up from his chair at the kitchen table and lunged in front of him. I whirled around to see blue and orange flames swiftly devouring the kitchen ceiling.
Immediately I ran to the hallway and hit the fire button on the alarm pad. At the same time, I looked back toward the kitchen and saw flames leaping out between the wall and the microwave.
“We don’t have time to wait for the alarm people to call us,” I thought. I dialed 911 while watching my husband frantically try to put out the fire.
“Is anybody else in the house?” the operator asked after hearing my details.
“Just my husband and me.”
“You both need to get out, NOW!”
I screamed at my husband to get out of the house. It was April 11, 2023. As we shut the front door behind us, my family’s 15-month journey of faith lessons and blessings began.
Lesson 1: God’s providence prepares the future for us.
Our house, previously owned by my grandparents, is next door to the house I grew up in and where my mother still lives. When it was evident that my grandmother could no longer live alone, my parents had a two-room mother-in-law suite built on their home where she stayed until her death. And when my parents put my grandparents’ house up for sale, 26 years ago, my husband had to convince me to buy it. I love my parents, but I didn’t want to live next door to them. The blessings? That two-room suite built for my grandmother provided my family with a cozy, familiar, soft place to land after the fire, right next door to our own house. Our presence provided company for my mother who’d been widowed the year before. It also allowed us to bless my mom financially, as the insurance company paid her to house us.
“WE DON’T HAVE TIME TO WAIT FOR THE ALARM PEOPLE TO CALL US ,” I THOUGHT. I DIALED 911 WHILE WATCHING MY HUSBAND FRANTICALLY TRY TO PUT OUT THE FIRE. s
When I woke up the morning after the fire, my family’s plight smacked me. “We don’t have anything but what we left the house with,” I thought. “No toothbrushes, no toothpaste, no clothes, no hairbrushes or combs…”
The thought brought me to tears.
The blessing? The fire was contained in the front of the house, so it never reached the bedrooms. I was able to extract clothing essentials that I laundered myself to remove the soot and smoke smell (after a Google search on how to do that) giving my husband, son and me enough items to wear. From the beginning, prayer was key to keeping us sane and “faithed up” as we trudged through insurance processes. From dealing with mitigation teams and combing through insurance reports to finding a general contractor and overseeing the rebuild of our house, God answered our prayers to direct us to the right resources. When overwhelming frustrations and stress threatened my ability to maintain a Christian attitude and behavior, I prayed for help to pass each test. My husband picked up the load when I was emotionally depleted, as I did for him. Family, friends, and church family supported us with financial gifts, prayers and encouragement, constantly aiming our thoughts toward the end result—a brand-new home.
The blessings? My husband, son and I learned to see, through faith’s eyes, what was not yet tangible. In turn, faith grew our patience and perseverance as the process dragged on much longer than we were told. Throughout the journey, my husband and I formed a bond with the general contractors that gave us opportunities to witness and minister to them on a personal level.
Lesson 3: God cares about the details. What the fire did not consume inside of
Lesson 2: God’s ways are designed to promote spiritual growth.
Our destroyed kitchen.
Our gutted house roof.
our house, the water, smoke, and soot did. The house was gutted from roof to floor, down to the studs. The result was an opportunity to create a house we wanted instead of the house we inherited.
Anyone who’s dealt with an insurance company knows that their goal is to give you as little money from your policy as possible. Their only interest was to put our 1965 house back together as a 1965 house.
So, I prayed a very specific prayer: “Lord, please allow us to get the upgrades that we want without having to take out a loan to get them.”
After years of suffering under debt that we eventually paid off, I didn’t want to incur any major debt.
Along every step of upgrading plumbing and wiring, modifying layouts, and choosing roofing, gutters, windows, doors, flooring, cabinets, appliances, lighting, fixtures…and every. single. detail. of the rebuild, I prayed.
My husband and I scoured all kinds of stores—salvage, regular, and internet— to find what we wanted. When ordering delays altered our original choices, I prayed for God to lead us to alternatives
that still aligned with our vision. No stranger to DIY projects, we took some on when our desires were too costly. The blessing? Our 1965 house is a 2024 house that reflects our style (and all our years of watching HGTV). And we didn’t take out a loan to accomplish it. While we can always depend on God to give us what we need, often He blesses us with what we want, as well.
Lesson 4: God is not bound by time.
The first time we walked into our house 26 years ago, we wanted to open the wall that separated the living-dining room from the kitchen-den room. But we never had the money to do that. We also wanted to remove the paneling from the den walls and replace the dated cabinets in the kitchen. But we never
THE BLESSING? IT’S GOTTEN EASIER FOR ME TO CONTENTEDLY WAIT TO FOLLOW GOD’S LEAD INSTEAD OF FORCING THINGS TO FIT MY TIMETABLE.
had the money to do that. In fact, a few months before the fire, my husband and I had talked about a kitchen remodel, trying to prioritize how to do it to fit our budget, or lack thereof.
So, as I watched the thick, black smoke bellow out of the attic eaves, I said, “God, I don’t know if I should be mad at You or grateful! You heard us talking about remodeling our kitchen. But this is NOT the way WE would have done it!”
Later, standing in my new, open concept living-kitchen-dining room, with all the changes we had dreamed of over 26 years, it hit me—what is time to
God? NOTHING! We are the only ones bound by time—a beginning and an end—because it’s all we know. It’s always been hard for me to wait on God beyond the time I think He should take to answer a prayer. But now I understand His perspective.
The blessing? It’s gotten easier for me to contentedly wait to follow God’s lead instead of forcing things to fit my timetable.
No, God didn’t cause our fire. Our new microwave that was too powerful for the 1965 house wiring did that. But God allowed beauty to rise from ashes, as a song says, providing lessons and blessings along the way. God was with us through that fire, literally and figuratively, as His Word promises.
an award-winning educator and public relations mentor. She also brings copy editing and page proofing skills to every issue of Regional Voice magazine. She worked faithfully, even through this trial by fire. Her family’s testimony truly reveals God’s deliverance, timing and resolution— enough to give all of us Hope.
Hopefully, my family’s testimony will encourage you, both spiritually and practically, in your own faith walk and growth. And the next time our house burns, it will be because we’re headed to a new home for eternity. t
Patrice Thomas Conwell is
Our restored living-dining rooms.
Our restored dining room-kitchen.
Our house restored.
Our restored living room.
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