2020 Spring Issue

• • • OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY IN NORTH AMERICA • • •

Telling

Our

Story

SPRING 2020 https://adventistregionalministries.org

THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC OUR WORLD HAS CHANGED GOD AND HIS MISSION HAVE NOT

PENTECOST IN TANZANIA 16,000 AND MORE TAKE A BREATH OF LIFE

EASTER SPECIAL

Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, Speaker

This ABC Television special, in collaboration with the Interfaith Broadcasting Commission (IBC), features an Easter message from Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, Speaker/Director of the Breath of Life Television Minstry, and Special Musical Guests: Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and the Jeremy Winston Chorale of Ohio.

Special Musical Guests:

Pastor Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, and the Jeremy Winston Chorale of Ohio

Watch on ABC on April 12, 2020 For a list of stations and times, call 256.929.6460 or visit breathoflife.tv

Published by the Office for Regional Conference Ministry in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 Telephone (256) 830-5002 Website: https://adventistregionalministries.org PUBLISHER Dana C. Edmond EDITOR Kyna Hinson ASSOCIATE EDITOR Bryant Taylor ART DIRECTOR/DESIGNER Howard I. Bullard COPY EDITOR Clarise J. Nixon CONSULTANTS Phyllis Ware Lee, Elaine Allston, Wanda Lott EDITORIAL For all correspondence and letters to the editors, write: OFFICE FOR REGIONAL CONFERENCE MINISTRY 7000 Adventist Boulevard Huntsville, Alabama 35896 or fax to (256) 830-5078 We reserve the right to publish and edit your submissions and letters.

REGIONAL CONFERENCE OFFICES

ALLEGHENY EAST CONFERENCE HENRY J. FORDHAM III, PRESIDENT LaTasha Hewitt, Communications Director P.O. Box 266 Pine Forge, PA 19548 (610) 326-4610. www.myalleghenyeast.org ALLEGHENY WEST CONFERENCE WILLIAM COX, PRESIDENT Benia Jennings, Communications Director 1080 Kingsmill Pkwy. Columbus, OH 43229 (614) 252-5271. www.awconf.org CENTRAL STATES CONFERENCE ROGER BERNARD, PRESIDENT Brittany Winkfield, Communications Director 3301 Parallel Parkway Kansas City, KS 66104 (913) 371-1071. www.central-states.org LAKE REGION CONFERENCE R. CLIFFORD JONES, PRESIDENT Paul Young, Communications Director 8517 South State Street Chicago, IL 60619 (773) 846-2661. www.lakeregionsda.org NORTHEASTERN CONFERENCE DANIEL LAMARTINE HONORÉ, PRESIDENT JeNean A. Lendor, Communications Director 115-50 Merrick Blvd.

Jamaica, NY 11434 (718) 291-8006. www.northeastern.org SOUTH ATLANTIC CONFERENCE WILLIAM L. WINSTON, PRESIDENT James Lamb, Communications Director 3978 Memorial Drive Decatur, GA 30032 (404) 792-0535. www.southatlantic.org SOUTH CENTRAL CONFERENCE BENJAMIN JONES, PRESIDENT Anthony Chornes, Communications Director 715 Youngs Lane Nashville, TN 37207 (615) 226-6500. www.scc-adventist.org SOUTHEASTERN CONFERENCE GREGORY O. MACK, PRESIDENT Noel Grant, Communications Director 1701 Robie Avenue Mt. Dora, FL 32757 (352) 735-3142. www.secsda.org SOUTHWEST REGION CONFERENCE CALVIN WATKINS, PRESIDENT Taryan Ramsarran, Communications Director 2215 Lanark Avenue Dallas, TX 75203 (214) 943-4491. www.southwestregion. adventistchurchconnect.org 2018 REGIONAL DIRECTORS/COORDINATORS ROSTER Virgil Childs, Director Regional Ministries Pacific Union Conference 2686 Townsgate Road Westlake Village, CA 91361 (805) 413-7100. www.puconline.org Cell: 909-225-6438 Kingsley Palmer, Vice President African American Dept. Arizona Conference Cell: 775-338-0858 | genx58@gmail.com Frederick Anderson, Coordinator African American Ministries | Central California Conference (831) 262-3838 | famar@sbcglobal.net O’Neil Madden, Coordinator African American Dept. | Nevada-Utah Conference Cell 702-875-5979 | pastoromadden@aol.com Byron Dulan, Vice President North Pacific Union Conference 5709 N. 20th Street Ridgefield, WA 98642 (360) 857-7000. www.npuc.org Robert Edwards, V.P. 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

PUBLISHER’S COMMENTARY

DURING THE CORONAVIRUS:

REGIONAL CONFERENCES ARE STILL MOVING, THOUGH NOT MEETING

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s is the case everywhere and with everyone, the Regional Conferences have been dramatically affected by the coronavirus pandemic. All Regional Conference offices, churches and schools are closed. The coronavirus even struck the office of the largest Regional Conference-Northeastern Conference President, Dr. Daniel Honore informed his constituency on March 26 that he had contracted the coronavirus. We continue to lift our petitions Godward on his behalf.

But even though Regional Conference churches are not meeting, the work of God is still moving. As shared in the 2 part blog on this website -“Opportunity in Adversity”, the coronavirus-while shutting down our institutions-it has opened up the creative energies of those entities. All kinds of creative ministry is being done in Regional Conferences-things that might well have never been done; yea, never even thought of-were it not for the coronavirus.

The Regional Conference Presidents Council meets every Tuesday morning, at 11:00 a.m., Central Time. It is made up of the nine Regional Conference Presidents-Elder William L. Winston, President, South Atlantic Conference and President of the Presidents Council, Drs. William T. Cox, President, Allegheny West, R. Clifford Jones, President, Lake Region and Daniel Honore, Elder Henry Fordham, President Allegheny East, Elder Benjamin Jones, Jr., President, South Central, Elder Gregory Mack, Southeastern Conference, Elder Calvin Watkins, President, Southwest Region, Elder Roger Bernard, President, Central States Conference, Dr. Leslie N. Pollard, President, Oakwood University and the two West Coast Union Vice Presidents-Elders Virgil Childs, Pacific Union and Byron Dulan, North Pacific Union (Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, Speaker-Director, Breath of Life Television Ministries and Attorney Carmela Monk Crawford, Editor, Message Magazine, are invitees to Presidents Council).

Under normal circumstances, Presidents Council meets the first Tuesday of each month. But it was decided that events were moving so rapidly that weekly meetings were necessary.

At these meetings, the Presidents share information, ideas and best practices.

Each Conference President gives a weekly report for his conference. The creative ministry ideas Regional Conference leaders are implementing include are: 1. Conference wide on-line Sabbath worship services 2. Friday night fireside chats by the Conference President 3. Drive-in worship services from the parking lot of churches 4. Young people doing grocery shopping for seniors and leaving the groceries and change at the door 5. On-line Executive Committee meetings 6. A virtual evangelistic meeting, where an individual took a virtual stand to accept Jesus 7. A virtual communion service These meetings have spawned similar meetings. The Regional Conference Trea-

surers convene weekly-on Thursday afternoons. The Regional Conference Secretaries (or Vice Presidents) meet monthly, as do the Regional Conference Communication Directors.

They perpetuate this story and make sure it will be told: Corona has not crippled Regional Conferences.

With the exception of the Regional Treasurers sessions, all of the aforementioned meetings are convened and coordinated by the Office of Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM). Next week, ORCM meets with Black Adventist Youth Director Association Chair (BAYDA), Elder Patrick Graham, Youth Director, Allegheny East, to address online ministry for children and youth. Some churches and conferences are already providing online ministry for the youth, but the idea is to provide parents with a list of all of the online options available for their children.

Additionally, ORCM is striving to work with the Regional Conferences in finding ways to provide ministry options for those who are not online. A recent conversation with a member who was not online had chosen to gather with two or three other members in her home on Sabbaths. Perhaps this was a good idea in normal times but not a good idea now—especially since all of those “gathering” were senior citizens!

The goal is-to borrow a phrase-“No member left behind,” as it relates to receiving ministry in these unprecedented times.

In summary, the work of God’s church continues-despite Corona. “His truth is marching on.” Regional Conferences are still moving even if our churches are not meeting. t Dana C. Edmond Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry REGIONAL VOICE

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C ON T E N T S 4 Publisher’s Commentary

The Coronavirus Effect: Regional Conferences are Still Moving, Though Not Meeting.

All Regional Conferences, and the rest of this world, are affected by the Coronavirus. Though our institutions are closed, and meetings have ceased, new forms of ministry still go forward.

By Dana C. Edmond

8 The World Has Changed—But God and Our Mission Have Not

We practice “social distancing” and “self-quarantines” because of this pandemic. The world has changed, but God and His promises are sure.

Blog from the ORCM Website

10 Breath of Life Evangelistic Effort Brings Explosive Growth in Tanzania An open air meeting “went viral” all over this East African Pentecost. More than 16,000 came, heard God’s Word, gave their hearts to Him and were baptized. They’re still coming.

Interview of Carlton Byrd by Jill Edmond

14 Oakwood University Presents a Virtual Alumni Weekend in 2020

For 53 years Oakwood Alumni, friends and families gathered in the tens of thousands to celebrate their Homecoming and fellowship.

Even the Coronavirus couldn’t shut down these events.

Coverage by Leslie Pollard and Dana C. Edmond

16 Regional Conference Leaders Convene Session in The Bermuda Conference

Administrators from the nine Regional Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists gathered in

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Caribbean territory that is a part of the North American Division, the island of Bermuda, for the annual Winter meeting of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM).

Coverage by Benia Jennings and Dana C. Edmond

34 Regional News

Allegheny East President Fordham joins march against violence in Philadelphia.

Coverage by LaTasha Hewitt

37 In Memoriam

Faithful. Dedicated. Gifted. Two educators from the Southeastern Conference are lost in a tragic automobile accident. We honor the lives and service of Mrs. Sonia Almarie McCloud and Mrs. Sharon Hayes Browne.

Coverage Coordinator Mrs. Carol Byrd

18 Global Corona Stats

Here are the latest numbers from around the world at the time of our publication.

19 In Transition

Elder Michael Harpe, Mrs. Benia Jennings and Mr. Noel V. Grant have all accepted new responsibilities in God’s work.

Communication Directors’ Coverage by Bryant Taylor

24, 25 ORCM Profiles

Wanda Lott and Melonie Gurley bring gifts and talents as they take up new responsibilities at the Office for Regional Conference Ministry.

28 Innovative Youth

Entrepreneur Janiah Hinds combines African American history and sound business principles to make us proud.

Interview of Janiah Hinds by Dana C. Edmond

40 Kobe Farewell

Kobe Bryant—A legendary athlete on the basketball court and a man who learned life’s lessons off the court died with his daughter and friends in a fiery helicopter crash, January 2020. An SDA pastor and a millennial member share their perspectives on his

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30 life after visiting the memorial at Staples Center, downtown Los Angeles.

Mr. Loren Richmond, Member, University SDA Church Dr. Michael Jenkins, Jr., Administrative Pastor, Kansas Avenue SDA Church

42 PELC Honorees Receive Awards

The 2019 PELC session includes tributes to faithful leaders.

Text by JeNean Lendor and Photography by Neville Lendor

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29 ORCM Leader Visits Future Regional Constituents

Elder Dana Edmond shares his experiences when invited to visit inquisitive, industrious minds of church school students at the F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School in Nashville and the Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy.

30 Africa

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Regional Leaders Prepare for the “Transatlantic Family Reunion-II” in Ivory Coast After multiple, successful, groundbreaking meetings in 2019, church leaders make plans to continue the progress and sessions.

Special Report by Dana C. Edmond

44 PELC 2019 Report

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E40—Evangelism: Remembered, Reimagined, Reignited. This conference for church leaders reaches its momentous 40th year.

Text and Photography by LaTasha Hewitt

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46 Oakwood University

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Reflecting the Past, Visioning the Future—PELC 2020 One of the leaders who perpetuated and enriched the PELC sessions from the early days to the present, shares history and observations for the future.

Dr. Mervyn Warren

50 Hope Series

Pine Forge Academy Receives Major Grant from Adventist HealthCare Take a look at two beautiful, new labs at PFA, for Biology and Chemistry. Underwritten by the Adventist Health Care system, this marks a wise investment in the lives of future scientists, engineers and medical professionals.

Coverage by LaTasha Hewitt

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ORCM BLOG

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here have been two times in my life that I have thought, “The world has changed”.

The first time I thought that was in a hotel in Phoenix, Arizona. I was half asleep-about to get up and get ready to go to a meeting-when the phone rang. It was my wife, telling me something about an airplane crashing into the World Trade Center in New York.

I turned on the television in time to hear that a second plane had done the same thing. It was September 11, 2001, and things were never quite the same again.

The next time I had that thought was in the Hobby International Airport in Houston, Texas. My luggage landed the day after I did—forcing me to borrow a shirt and tie and to preach the sermon that Sabbath in my tennis shoes—a rather traumatic experience for a very traditional Adventist preacher like me.

The Coronavirus pandemic had just taken hold in the

THE WORLD HAS CHANGED—

BUT GOD

United States. By this time, virtually all Seventh-day Adventist Churches had closed and everyone was live streaming. My host pastor told me that they would have a skeletal crew for their services that day but that they still wanted me to come if I felt it safe. Though Mrs. Edmond felt otherwise, I decided to take one final trip.

I’ll never forget what I saw. The Corona pandemic had devastated the travel industry. Flights were being cancelled left and right. The ones that weren’t cancelled were no more than 25 to 50 percent full. It took me an hour to get my rental car, since the shuttle that took passengers from the airport to the rental car agency wasn’t running regularly. The agency had furloughed everyone except one person. In fact by Sunday morning, when it was time for my trip home, the shuttle ran so irregularly that I gave up waiting and just walked the two miles between the rental agency and the airport.

I went back Saturday night to check in my luggage. I walked through that nearly deserted airport, past rows of airline and car rental counters that just a few days earlier were full of employees and customers. Now those counters were completely bereft of both. I thought again, “The world has changed.”

The world has changed. The all-but shuttered airline industry has now been joined by closed malls, darkened department stores, shut-down businesses and closed churches. “Social distancing” and “self-quarantines” and “pandemic” are words and phrases that a few weeks ago were unknown or non-existent. The world has changed.

As an Adventist minister, I have put on a suit nearly every day and preached a sermon nearly every week for the past 30 years. I have shaken hands at the door after church services for 42 years. Because of Corona, I have worn a suit three times in the last six weeks. I have preached two sermons in the last six weeksonce to a crowd that was limited to staff and the other from my dining room. I haven’t shaken anyone’s hand in six weeks. The world has changed.

Both the Olympics and the General Conference session have been postponed. Oakwood Alumni Weekend was virtual and brilliantly done. (See pages 14 and 15 for details). My office hosts or participates in enough Zoom conferences for us to help that company to turn a profit by ourselves. The world has changed. And I sus-

AND OUR MISSION

HAVE NOT 8

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THE WORLD HAS CHANGED. THE ALL-BUT SHUTTERED AIRLINE INDUSTRY HAS NOW BEEN JOINED BY CLOSED MALLS, DARKENED DEPARTMENT STORES, SHUT-DOWN BUSINESSES AND CLOSED CHURCHES.

pect things will never be quite the same again.

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ut there is one thing that has not changed and that is God-and, the mission of His remnant church.

And that is the theme of this Spring Edition of our magazine: The World Has Changed—but God and Our Mission Have Not. We had already produced the Spring Edition of this magazine. It would have been first distributed during the Oakwood Alumni Weekend.

But our staff got together and decided that a magazine that did not mention the greatest crisis in our lifetime would look pretty irrelevant. So, we have produced an almost completely new mag-

azine, one that is trying to proclaim three things: 1. The Coronavirus has happened and will change everything for the foreseeable future 2. But despite everything in the world changing, the God Who created the world has not changed-nor has the mission of His church. We want to tell you a few stories of how His people have used this great crisis to find new opportunities for mission.

3. Not all the news is about the Coronavirus. There are other good stories to tell-that we were going to tell you before Corona hit-particularly about our young people.

If you are seeing this from someplace other than our website, you can read all

about these things by going to our website at adventistregionalministries.org, and click on “Our Publications.”

Enjoy-and remember, even though everything in the world seems to have changed, God has not. He never has and He never will. In a world where nothing seems sure anymore—including jobs and paychecks-the only sure thing that we have now are the promises of God. And those promises are sure. t __________________________ Dana C. Edmond, Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry and also Publisher of Regional Voice Magazine, first shared these thoughts in a blog on the ORCM website.

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BREATH OF LIFE NEWS

A MODERN DAY PENTECOST COMES TO

By JILL EDMOND

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“

TANZANIA

hoever made a place for his message in their hearts received the baptism; in fact, that day alone, about 3,000 people joined the disciples.” Acts 2:41 (The Voice)

Viewed around the world, the Breath of Life (BOL) television ministry has been a gospel resource bringing the message of life and hope to God’s people. Under the influence and guidance of the Holy Spirit, viewers and attendees are afforded the opportunity to hear the Word of God, preached by a man of God in the person of Speaker/Director Dr. Carlton P. Byrd, so that they may ultimately give their hearts to God. Located on the eastern coast of Africa lies the country of Tanzania. There in Arusha, Tanzania you will find the North Tanzania Union Conference where Godwin K. Leykundayo is the President. President Leykundayo was one of the many BOL viewers in Africa. He determined in his heart to have BOL come to his country to run an evangelistic campaign. His question was, “How to make that happen?”

Global Vessel is a non-profit Adventist organization that does charitable and humanitarian work, particularly on the African continent. The organization has an orphanage on the grounds of the Adventist University in Arusha and recently has been concentrating most efforts there. Though Global Vessel does a lot of missionary work in Africa, its founders, Frazier and Virginia Mathis lived in Maryland but are relocating to Huntsville, Alabama. Yes! They are members of the Oakwood University SDA Church where Dr. Carlton Byrd is the senior pastor.

The Holy Spirit’s rushing wind began blowing these pieces together in 2019. President Leykundayo, talked to the Mathis couple about his desire to host BOL and asked if they knew Dr.

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Byrd or how to contact him. As members of his church, they did! Look at God. The contacts were made and the BOL Tanzania evangelistic campaign was born.

The team included Frazier and Virginia Mathis, a member of their staff from Arusha who would be the translator and also Hope Chanel Tanzania staff. The gospel message was preached from February 22 – March 7, 2020. Dr. Byrd reports that this was not a city-wide or conference project. This was a Union initiative for the Northern part of Tanzania. Planning began in 2019, a year in advance. An organization led by

the laity worked with pastors throughout the country. They organized health fairs, conducted Bible Studies and told people about the upcoming meeting. It was decided that Chato, a medium-sized

city about the size of Huntsville, Alabama, would be the location for the meeting. Chato was chosen because it is the home of the Tanzanian president. Dr. Byrd states, “Because Chato is the presi-

UNDER THE INFLUENCE AND GUIDANCE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT, VIEWERS AND ATTENDEES ARE AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR THE WORD OF GOD, PREACHED BY A MAN OF GOD IN THE PERSON OF SPEAKER/ DIRECTOR DR. CARLTON P. BYRD, SO THAT THEY MAY ULTIMATELY GIVE THEIR HEARTS TO GOD.

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BREATH OF LIFE NEWS dent’s home, choosing to have the meeting [there] was done to bring awareness to governmental and municipality people, and we were not disappointed.”

Dr. Byrd described an amazing set up for the meeting. “Nightly in Chato we would come out to an audience of 3,000-plus souls, [who were] thirsting for the Word of God and 7,000 on Sabbath.”

He explained that this was the attendance on the grounds in Chato. Then the Hope Chanel broadcasted the services via satellite to 3,000 locations across Northern Tanzania where 200-300 people would gather to watch. Reports Dr. Byrd, “They were watching in churches, in stores, wherever they could congregate to watch the broadcast... One group tied a white sheet between two trees and beamed it from a laptop for the audience to see.”

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modern-day Pentecost was taking place in Tanzania. Even down to hearing the Word in their own tongue! Dr. Byrd recounts that his Swahili translator spoke right alongside him, sentence for sentence (Swahili is the official language of the country). The French had translations through an earpiece. There was signing for the deaf and those who spoke English followed along with him. And so every person “heard in their own tongues.”

Describing when he knew this was going to be an extra-ordinary experience, Dr. Byrd recalled the two day trip to Tanzania, stepping off the plane and having to preach. “When I saw the number of people that came out that first night, 3,000 people, I knew God was about to do something supernatural here. And then night after night they kept coming.

And coming, and coming! The night I preached ‘Our Body Temple,’ 500 people responded. Then when we presented ‘The True Church,’ and gave the seven points, [we were] able to see the responses and hear their “Amens” even with a translator, we knew this was not of man’s doing.” Dr. Byrd continued, “Seeing the number of people on Sabbath walking the long distances to hear the Word of God was simply an inspiration.”

“Jambo! Jambo!” This is Swahili for “come.” As Dr. Byrd would make the ap-

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peal, “Jambo,” people at the broadcast site in Chato would come to give their hearts to Christ. All around the country, at those 3,000 satellite locations, pastors were waiting with open arms, waiting to receive the souls thirsty to be baptized. At the end of this two-week Pentecost meeting, 16,706 souls gave their lives to Christ and were baptized!

For two weeks Dr. Byrd spoke from a platform in an open field. Seven hundred of the 16,706 baptized were in Chato. Though there is a church in Chato, it too, is an open-air facility and cannot accommodate the 700 new converts from the BOL Tanzania evangelist meeting.

Plans have been put forth in a joint effort between Breath of Life, Global Vessel and the Tanzania Union Conference to build the Breath of Life SDA Church of Chato.

The land for this project has already been identified. To God be the glory!

We believe Dr. Byrd, Breath of Life, Global Vessel, Hope Chanel Tanzania and the Tanzania Union Conference will forever have a story to tell. …and each day the Lord added to their group others who were being saved.”

Acts. 2:47 t __________________________

THE NIGHT I PREACHED ‘OUR BODY TEMPLE,’500 PEOPLE RESPONDED. THEN WHEN WE PRESENTED ‘THE TRUE CHURCH,’AND GAVE THE SEVEN POINTS, [WE WERE] ABLE TO SEE THE RESPONSES AND HEAR THEIR “AMENS” EVEN WITH A TRANSLATOR, WE KNEW THIS WAS NOT OF MAN’S DOING.”

Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor. She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond completed this article as a special report for Regional Voice Magazine.

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OAK WOOD NEWS

OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY’S VIRTUAL ALUMNI WEEKEND:

GOING ALL OUT FOR “ALL IN”

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ported by LESLIE N. POLLARD AND DANA C. EDMO

o paraphrase the unofficial motto of the United States Postal Service, “Neither snow nor rain nor gloom of night, stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” the unofficial motto of the Oakwood University for the weekend of April 10-11, 2020 was… “Neither the Coronavirus nor social distance stayed Oakwood’s alumni and supporters of Oakwood University from having its first-ever virtual Alumni Weekend.”

The first Alumni Weekend convened in 1967. In those days, the University planned and executed the entire event, with key input from alumni. But this 53rd Oakwood University Alumni Weekend will be remembered as the one that wasn’t-but somehow, was. The Coronavirus pandemic swept across the entire world, infecting (so far) nearly 2 million people and killing nearly 120,000. It has forced the postponement of the Olympics, the General Conference session and the suspension of all professional sports.

It has closed virtually every church in the United States.

But it did not stop Oakwood from having Alumni Weekend. Here’s the story: According to University President, Dr. Leslie N. Pollard, around or about March 1, there came the realization that the coronavirus was in all likelihood going to be “prevalent and extended.” That meant that a number of decisions-unprecedented decisions-were going to have to be made. Dr. Pollard says, “We were making highly impactful decisions on a day-to-day basis, while the entire

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decision-making environment was in a constant state of flux. We were praying, ‘Lord, guide us, lest we fail.’”

On March 2, President Pollard organized and authorized a group of approximately 30 leaders from across the University to form what was called the University Response Taskforce. They began by meeting three times each week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The immediate decision, one that would affect literally thousands of students, faculty, staff and parents, was whether/when to close school. That decision seems obvious in retrospect but the University leadership, like the leaders of every business everywhere, was navigating its way down a road where no road previously existed. This crisis was the likes of which no one anywhere had ever seen. To make things even more compli-

cated, the events surrounding the crisis changed daily—sometimes, multiple times a day.

That meant, one could (and did) have a meeting one day, spend a lot of time arriving at a decision— then have circumstances change within hours, rendering earlier decisions obsolete, irrelevant-or worse.

By March 13, the first difficult decision was made: Oakwood University would physically close for the academic year. But classes— scores of them-would be switched from classrooms to online sessions, within a matter of two weeks. It was a massive undertaking, for which there was also no road map.

No school had ever switched from mostly in-person instruction to distance learning in the middle of an academic year. “We spent one entire week, from March 15-20 getting organized and then spent another week, transitioning class content to our learning management system. “I have never seen a group of faculty and faculty leadership more focused” says Pollard. “Our weaknesses notwithstanding, Oakwood is one amazing organization.”

If you have ever traveled on a cruise ship (something no one is doing now and is unlikely to do in the near future), you know that cruise ships cannot suddenly change direction very easily or very quickly. Oakwood University was like a huge ship that was speeding towards the end of the academic year, when suddenly, it had to slam on brakes and make an unexpected and immediate U-turn, without throwing any passengers overboard.

At the same time, decisions had to

be made about three major events that were upcoming in less than two months: • Oakwood Alumni Weekend • Oakwood University 2020 graduation • South Central Conference Camp Meeting The South Central Camp Meeting was obviously a decision for the South Central Conference to make. But since it is held on the University campus and requires some University staffing (security, janitorial services, dormitory personnel), collaboration with the Conference Administration was necessary.

A special committee of the Response Taskforce, the Advancement and Development Team under the leadership of Mrs. Cheri Wilson, Executive Director for Advancement and Development, was given a charge—identify a way that Alumni Weekend could happen but only as a local event. As was the case with most entities, the first thought was “Can this event somehow be saved?” Againthe answer seems obvious in retrospect, but things were very different then.

There were no shelter in place orders and gatherings of up to 500 were still allowed.

One original proposal was a “local Alumni Weekend.” Out-of-town Alumni would not be encouraged to come but multiple gatherings of less than 500 could be held in multiple places around the campus-the way Alumni was done in the pre-Von Braun, pre-Oakwood University Church building, pre-historic days.

Ultimately, after debating for about four hours, the A&D team recommended to President Pollard that the idea was not practical-beginning with the fact that it would not seem to make a lot of sense to say to those outside of Huntsville ”It’s not safe for you to come to Alumni Weekend. But we are still going to have it?” So, the proposal for a “local” Alumni Weekend “bit the dust.”

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hen President Pollard launched another idea—“What about a virtual Alumni Weekend?” The idea was to pre-record events for the entire weekend, send the recordings to the audio-visual staff and have them put together all of the individuals-including the speakers- who would have a part on the Alumni Weekend program.

And so it was that virtual Oakwood Alumni Weekend-with the theme-“All

In” was born. It began Friday evening, with the Vesper/Keynote speaker, Dr. Bron Jacobs, Adjunct Professor of Religion, from the Class of 2000. Dr. Jacobs’ sermon title was very appropriate for the times “This Is A Pre-Test,” based on the idea that the Coronavirus was a pre-test whose intent was to prepare God’s people for the final test. Dr. Jacobs was followed by a virtual 90’s concert, featuring musical groups from that era.

Sabbath services began at the unusual hour of 3:30 p.m. To its credit, the University was sensitive to the importance of the local churches need for attracting its members to the services provided by

come,” a fitting choice.

That led into the presentation of the Word of God from the Divine Worship speaker, Dr. Andrea Trusty-King, Senior Pastor, Sixteenth Street SDA Church, San Bernardino, California, and a graduate of the Class of 2000 as well. Dr. Trusty-King gave an inspiring Word from the Book of Joshua, “It’s Already Done”.

A virtual concert by the Aeolians, featuring Donnie McClurkin followed the Alumni Weekend Sabbath worship experience. And with that-the unusual, but successful virtual Oakwood Alumni “All In” Weekend came to a close.

To date, the weekend received at least

their pastoral leadership. The University chose to not offer competing 11:00 programming to the worship hours of local churches in this critical season.

The 3:30 p.m., Central start time meant that churches in all four time zones in the United States would be all but certain to have finished their online Divine Worship services by that time.

Technological “drama” pushed the start time back closer to about 3:45 p.m. (technology is a wonderful thing-except when it doesn’t work), but the service went on without a hitch once it began.

A major highlight was the hymn of meditation offered by the Aeolians. Dr. Pollard had been sent a recording from a group who had been united from different locations via technology to sing.

He passed the idea on to Aeolian Director, Dr. Jason Ferdinand.

Through the miracle of technology-Aeolians dressed in “All In” T-shirts-were synched from around the country and did a moving rendition of the civil rights hymn “We Shall Over-

20,000 online views across all its platforms.

Though it was not possible to physically come together, we give thanks to God, and acknowledge the efforts of Dr. Pollard and those affiliated with him for a memorable 2020 Alumni Weekend. One suspects, this Alumni Weekend will make Oakwood‘s alumni and supporters grateful for this Divinely inspired idea and no doubt more appreciative of the yearly privilege of assembling, worshiping and fellowshipping on the sacred grounds of Oakwood University. t _________________________ Leslie N. Pollard, Ph.D., D.Min., MBA, President, Oakwood University, and Dana C. Edmond, Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry, collaborated on this special report for Regional Voice Magazine.

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LEADERSHIP IN BERMUDA

REGIONAL CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP

MEETS WITH LEADERS AND CONSTITUENTS OF THE BERMUDA CONFERENCE Reported by BENIA JENNINGS AND DANA C. EDMOND

E

verything began in a meeting of Regional Conference leaders and pastors. An idea surfaced—to reach out to Africa and connect with our brothers and sisters in the Motherland. “Fine,” agreed one pastor with roots in the Caribbean. Then he added, “but wouldn’t it make sense to also reach out to the leadership in the Caribbean” since: A. a significant portion of the members in Regional Conferences have roots in the Caribbean and, B. unlike Africa, whose three Division headquarters are thousands of miles away from the United States, the headquarters of the Inter-American Division office is in Miami, Florida—within easy driving distance of the Southeastern Conference headquarters—just outside of Orlando.

That was the genesis of a concept that eventually led administrators from the nine Regional Conferences of Seventh-day Adventists to gather in Caribbean territory that is a part of the North American Division, the island of Bermuda, for the annual Winter meeting of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM). The administrators were

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THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME FOR THE BERMUDA CONFERENCE TO HOST A MEETING OF THIS KIND ON THE ISLAND.

joined by representatives from the North American Division: Dr. G. Alexander Bryant, Executive Secretary; Dr. Alvin Kibble, Vice President; and Dr. Ivan Williams, Ministerial Director.

From the General Conference came Dr. Jeffrey Brown, Associate Ministerial Director, also former President of the Bermuda Conference. Dr. G. Earl Knight, President of the Atlantic Union, the host union, was also present.

This was the first time for the Bermuda Conference to host a meeting of this kind on the island. Dr. Kenneth Manders, President of the Bermuda Conference, decided to capitalize on the presence of such an array of church leadership and scheduled both the Bermuda Conference Church Officers Meeting and their Pastors Meeting to coincide with the ORCM sessions.

The meetings began Friday evening at the Hamilton SDA Church with “The Celebration of Hymns,” led by Dr. Jesse

L. Wilson of the Oakwood University Religion and Theology Department. The event was headlined by Stephen Manders and the island-wide Inspirational Choir under the direction of Owen Simons.

Sabbath morning found the Regional Conference Presidents, Drs. Bryant and Williams, Dr. Leslie N. Pollard (President, Oakwood University) and Elder Dana C. Edmond (Executive Director, ORCM) occupying the pulpits of the Bermuda Conference. Each church had a guest speaker from the North American Division and Regional Conference leadership.

After lunch at the Hamilton Church, everyone re-assembled for a seminar by Elder Edmond, who gave a presentation on the history of Regional Conferences and why they are still needed today. The evening concluded with a dynamic concert by Decree and the Inspirational Choir.

S

unday morning began the Church Officers and Pastors Meeting sessions, once more in the Hamilton Church. Dr. Williams led with an inspiring devotional. Elder Calvin Preston (Vice President, South Atlantic Conference) followed with a spirited plenary session on personal evangelism.

Bermuda Conference church officers and pastors met in individual group sessions led Drs. Wilson, Pollard, and Errol McLean of the North American Division and William Joseph (Ministerial Director, Allegheny West Conference). Elders Edmond and Chryston Jo-

siah (Vice President, Central States Conference) and Mrs. Sonja Crayton (Treasurer, South Central Conference) also led sessions. Dr. Manders remarked that the church officers and pastors of his conference left those sessions “edified and inspired.”

Sunday evening began four days of meetings for the Regional Conference leadership. They addressed matters relating to the Regional Conference Retirement Plan, ORCM, Oakwood University and Breath of Life. Special presentations were made to the administrators of the Regional Conferences by Drs. Ronald Smith (President, Southern Union Conference); Prudence Pollard (Assistant Vice President, Oakwood University); Carlton Byrd (Senior Pastor, Oakwood University Church and Speaker/Director, Breath of Life Television Ministries); Elder Gregory Mack (President, South-

eastern Conference) and Mrs. Jill R. Edmond (retired educator and former Ministerial Spouse Director, South Central Conference).

The meetings ended with a renewed connection between the Regional Conferences and the Bermuda Conference.

In fact, Dr. Manders reports that some of his constituents inquired as to what steps needed to be taken for the Bermuda Conference to become a Regional Conference.

Whether that is possible or not, these historic meetings have linked Regional Conferences and the Bermuda Conference together in spirit. t _____________________________ Mrs. Benia Jennings is Communications - Multimedia Ministry Coordinator for the Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

Elder Dana C. Edmond is Executive Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry and Publisher, Regional Voice Magazine.

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IN TRANSITION

CORONA STATS

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

THE LATEST STATISTICS GLOBAL AND USA VIEWS MICHAEL HARPE VOTED STEWARDSHIP DIRECTOR, NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION

2,319,066 GLOBAL CONFIRMED CASES 157,970 GLOBAL CONFIRMED DEATHS 213 COUNTRIES, AREAS OR TERRITORIES WITH CASES Last update: 19 April 2020, 20:00 GMT-4 DATA PROVIDED FROM THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION

USA 746,625 CASES

CDC | Updated: Apr 20 2020 12:48 PM

USA 39,083

TOTAL DEATHS

CDC | Updated: Apr 20 2020 12:48 PM 18

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A TOP 20 STATES

Jurisdiction Total Cases New York 238,138 New Jersey 85,301 Massachusetts 38,077 Pennsylvania 32,284 Michigan 31,424 Illinois 30,357 California 28,963 Florida 25,598 Louisiana 23,928 Texas 18,923 Georgia 18,781 Connecticut 17,962 Maryland 13,684 Washington 11,790 Ohio 11,602 Indiana 11,210 Colorado 9,634 Virginia 8,990 Tennessee 6,796 North Carolina 6,493

Deaths 17,027 4,202 1,706 1,112 2,391 1,290 1,072 774 1,296 477 691 1,127 582 635 471 562 421 300 147 172

DATA PROVIDED FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

t the 2019 Year End Meetings of the North American Division (NAD), Elder Michael A. Harpe was voted as the Stewardship Director for the NAD. He succeeds Elder Bonita Shields, who moved to the position of Vice President for the NAD. Elder Harpe formerly served as the Stewardship Director for the South Central Conference, headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he became a Seventh-day Adventist in 1971 after a tent crusade held by Elder Charles Drake, III. More than 100 individuals were baptized in that meeting, including Elder Harpe and his mother.

Elder Harpe later attended Oakwood College (now Oakwood University), where he graduated in 1991 with degrees in both Theology and Mathematics. Later on, in 2005, he obtained a Master of Arts Degree in Homiletics and Church Growth from Southern Adventist University. During his time as a student at Oakwood, he served the Oakwood College Church as a student pastor and then as Assistant to the Pastor with the late and iconic Elder E.C. Ward.

Upon graduation, he was hired by the South Central Conference in the area of education. He taught Bible (primarily, but also World History and Algebra for a time) at Oakwood Academy for four years. He

transferred from the teaching ministry to pastoral ministry in 1991, when South Central asked him to serve as the Assistant Pastor of the Oakwood College Church.

That was followed by pastorates in the Laurel/Soso, Mississippi, district and the Birmingham South Park SDA Church.

At the 2006 South Central Conference Session, the constituency asked Elder Harpe to serve as the Director of Communications and Adventist Laymen’s Service and Industries (ASI). A few months later, then President of South Central, Elder Benjamin P. Browne, asked Elder Harpe to assume the leadership of the Stewardship and Trust Department “for a time.” That time ended up occupying most of the next 14 years.

Elder Harpe’s passion in Stewardship was for that ministry to be seen as something more than just a dialog on why church members need to return a faithful tithe and give liberal offerings. His approach was a holistic one, based on what he called the “Four Ts -Time, Temple, Talent and Treasure.” Later, three additional Ts became a part of this holistic approach: “Trust,” “Theology,” and “Testimony.”

The latter means that after God has blessed one as a faithful steward, there is a testimony that needs to be shared with others Over the years, Elder Harpe developed a Stewardship team that included the first

Assistant Stewardship Director in South Central, Elder James Lewis. Elder Lewis previously served first as the Treasurer of the Allegheny West Conference, and later as its President. They crisscrossed the territory of South Central, using innovations such as Generosity Days, Stewardship Certification classes and Personal Finance Seminars.

On December 1, Elder Harpe transferred his God-given passion for Stewardship ministry from the conference level to the 1.25 million members of the North American Division—the largest division in tithe in the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

There he desires to build on the things left by his predecessor. He also aspires to add a Pastors’ Stewardship Resource Packet.

He wishes to emphasize the importance of local church giving. There is a natural emphasis on tithe, but the Bible mandates and the church depends on faithfulness in offering as well. He has a burden to ensure that the church understands that the dialog on faithful stewardship is still relevant today.

He will be accompanied in this next phase of his ministerial journey by his wife of 36 years, the former Selita Atchley, of Charleston, West Virginia. Also a graduate of Oakwood University, she is currently employed there as a Research and Grants Specialist. t REGIONAL VOICE

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IN TRANSITION Southeastern Conference

IN TRANSITION Allegheny West Conference

NOEL V. GRANT

BENIA JENNINGS

NAMED NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY

COMMUNICATIONS - MULTIMEDIA COORDINATOR

BY BRYANT TAYLOR

I

n this issue, we are happy to announce that two professionals have begun their tenure as communication directors in the Allegheny West and South Regional Conferences. Once again, Dr. Bryant Taylor introduces the new leaders in this arena to the pages of Regional Voice Magazine.

Benia Jennings joins The Allegheny West Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as their Multimedia Ministry Coordinator. She follows Bryant Smith, who served as Communication Director and pastor of Shiloh church in Cincinnati, Ohio. Now the church will receive the focus of Elder Smith’s pastoral energy.

A native of the Bahamas, Mrs. Jennings has served as a religious broadcaster and TV host for the North Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists in Freeport, Grand Bahama.

Her accomplishments include the launch of the Bahamas’ first Adventist Internet radio station, DUB 101 Radio (Disciples United Broadcasting), along with the development of a citywide food distribution program and food pantry to support it.

Jennings has a sincere commitment to Community Services. She is also founder of The Grand Bahama

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Soup Kitchen, which organizes churchled feeding initiatives in conjunction with local government agencies as well as partners in the private sector. She spearheaded the launch of The Sidewalk Soup annual event, an effort to provide hot meals to those in need within this community during the holiday season.

“We are living the greatest communication shift in many years,” says Jennings. “Never has it been so easy to share information so rapidly on a global scale.

I’m a firm believer in employing unique and innovative ways to share the gospel of Christ. I am humbled and count it a privilege to be called to this ministry.”

Jennings’ responsibilities include the

BY BRYANT TAYLOR production of interview-style features, podcasts, development and management of the AWC Radio App and social media management across all platforms. Her mission is to inform and engage by sharing the stories of the churches and members of Allegheny West Conference. Her husband, Conrad, and daughter, Teagan, join her in this new experience and mission field. t _________________________ Bryant Taylor, D.Min., is Associate Editor of Regional Voice Magazine, and offers communication coverage for this publication.

N

oel V. Grant is the new Director of Communication and Technology for the Southeastern Conference. He follows Christopher Thompson, D.Min, who accepted a call to work as Communication and Marketing Director for Breath of Life Television Ministries, as reported in our Regional Voice PELC 2019 issue. We welcome Noel Grant and anticipate his contributions in this ministry.

Grant was born in the parish of St. Elizabeth on the island of Jamaica. At an early age, he exhibited a love for God and the church. In 1991, he emigrated to the United States. A short time later in 1993 when he was only 18, he was devastated by the loss of his mother. As he grappled with this tragedy, Grant developed a deeper, stronger relationship with the Lord. It became very clear to him that he was able to accept his tragic loss and bear such devastating grief, only because God was carrying him through.

The desire to see his mother again when Jesus returns became a driving force in Grant’s life. He would dedicate his life and work to ministry and assist in spreading the gospel however he could. In 2005, he started Lyphe Studios with a mission to provide multi-media services to church organizations within his reach. As the company grew over the years, he renamed it NeliStudios. This venture has been

providing technical engineering, video and sound engineering, graphic design and photography services for many Seventh-day Adventist church organizations in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama. Because of his dedication to communicating the gospel, his technical skills and the quality of services he has provided to many churches, the administration at the Southeastern Conference asked him serve as Director of Communication and Technology.

Grant enjoys nature. In his free time, you will find him walking in a park, on a beach, or taking photographs. His guiding principle is “With God, all things are possible.” t _______________________ Bryant Taylor, D.Min., is Associate Editor of Regional Voice Magazine, and offers communication coverage for this publication.

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21

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] 21

ORCM PROFILE

ORCM PROFILE

“GOD GAVE ME A SONG!”

WITH GOD AS MY LEADER...

Reported by JILL EDMOND

Reported by JILL EDMOND

PROFILE OF MELONIE GURLEY

PROFILE OF WANDA LOTT

W

hen the name Wanda Lott comes up in conversation, the description that will come to mind is, “singer!” And singer indeed she is. However, during this interview, Ms. Lott revealed that there is so much more to her than just her voice. Yes God gave her a song, but He has given her many other gifts as well. God gave her the song of diversity. Wanda Lott was born the fourth of 10 children to Charles and Martha Lott in Salina, Kansas. Because her father was in the Air Force, her family lived in many places: Kansas; Seville, Spain; El Paso, Texas; Limestone, Maine and Springfield, Illinois. This exposed her to different cultures and lifestyles.

God also gave Ms. Lott a song of faith.

Though her father was a Jehovah Witness, her mother was a Baptist and she was raised as a Baptist. She recalls a tent effort coming to town led by Evangelist Robert L. Smith. Along with her mother and her grandfather (who was a Baptist preacher), she attended every night. Ms. Lott remembers hearing her grandfather saying he had never heard the Word taught like this. Unfortunately, she states, her mother succumbed to pressure from her relatives and was not baptized. But as a result of all she had learned, on a Sunday morning Ms. Lott was baptized. By faith, she boarded a bus headed for Oakwood College that same Sunday evening!

Sing a song of joy! Ms. Lott says, “My Oakwood years were the best years of my life. When I got on the campus, I thought I had died and gone to heaven!” She earned a Bachelor in Arts in Bible Instructorship while at Oakwood College. Later she earned her MSM, a Master of Science in Management, with a concentration in Human Resources. In following years, Ms. Lott began work toward a doctorate.

When Wanda was 14 years old, she began singing in the Baptist church. The 24

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youth choir was participating in a program and were scheduled to sing The Creation.

The choir director had heard Ms. Lott humming and casually singing from time to time and asked her to do the solo. Wanda became so nervous that the only way she agreed was if they would allow her to sing from a seated position behind the pianist where she would not be seen! Then at Oakwood, among a sea of talent, she got the “Oakwood jitters” and became afraid again. Ms. Lott did not sing publicly until the end of her freshman year.

And that is when God gave her the song of availability. More and more Ms. Lott began singing on campus, at local churches and out of town. The gift of her voice was beginning to grow in great demand.

She began singing for different evangelists, mainly Elder George Rainey. But she also worked in evangelistic efforts for Evangelist Helvius Thompson and Evangelist Randy Stafford. Allowing herself to be available to work in these efforts expanded her exposure and also helped with her tuition.

Singing the song of availability opened the door for her first album, “Master Save Me.” Ms. Lott recalled meeting her roommate’s godparents, George and Evelyn Edwards, who later became her godparents.

They owned a music production company in Memphis, Tennessee, and that is how her first project came to life. Two of the songs for which Ms. Lott is most known for, “He Gives Me Peace” and “Go Ye Therefore” are on that album. Later as a group member with Lamar Campbell and Praise, she was the soloist for two songs, “I Want to be Ready” and “This Debt of Love I Owe.” Currently, Wanda sings a song of helps.

She is the Treasury Assistant and Office Assistant for the Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM). Ms. Lott is thankful to God for the training she has had in corporate work. She states, “I take

pride in doing and completing a project.” Ms. Lott believes she has the gift of helps and tends to lean toward the unloved with a great deal of understanding and God-given regard.

A song of surprise for Ms. Lott is that she is a natural artist. Many people don’t know that she enjoys drawing. At an early age, she submitted a sketch for competition but was told she was too young.

Sing a song of love and compassion.

Wanda has two children, Jon-Paul Sherrod (deceased 2010) and Chase Sherrod.

She also has two grandchildren, Gabriella Sherrod and Ch’Lasia Sherrod (there’s also one on the way!) Ms. Lott has great compassion for helping and providing a voice for the homosexual community. Learning from the struggles of her late son, she found that there was not a sufficient ear for that culture, especially in the church. She recognizes the hurt and the need for everyone to be heard. Therefore, she is very active with the AIDS Coalition. From her son’s experience she wants to provide the love and compassion so that no one else will feel like they are alone; that there is no church for them and no God. Thank you for giving your attention to this latest list of songs God has given to Ms. Wanda Lott. Finally, the last verse of her song is, “Everything we do should be brought to Him for His guidance.”

“In all thy ways acknowledge him and he will direct your paths” (Proverbs. 3:6) t _________________________ Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor.

She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond first completed this profile as a special assignment for Regional Voice Magazine.

T

oward the end of our interview with Ms. Melonie Gurley, she was asked to state her personal motto. She responded, “To seek and glorify God. As long as I do that, everything will fall into place-if I lead with God.” This statement seems to sum up the core of Ms. Gurley’s work ethic and views on life in general. So, though this question came at the end of the interview we found it an excellent way to introduce Ms. Gurley.

Melonie Gurley was raised in Huntsville, Alabama, with four siblings.

Though her parents were divorced when she was very young, she saw that as an opportunity for God to turn it into a blessing for her. Being raised by a single mother taught her responsibility at a very young age. As a junior in high school she participated in a program through her school called Business Office Education. Through this program, similar to an internship, she landed at NASA and was able to assist in several departments. While working at NASA she was assigned to work in the area Space Station development and was exposed to the planning for this vehicle that still orbits the earth. As a student that was “an exciting time.”

Upon graduation from high school, Ms. Gurley attended and graduated from Athens State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources.

She later completed a Master of Science Degree in Organizational Development and Strategic Resource Management from the Carey Business School at Johns Hopkins University. Ms. Gurley joined the Seventh-day Adventist church under the leadership of Elder Robert Willis, then Senior Pastor at First Church in Huntsville and Elder Nelson Stokes, then the Youth Pastor. Her membership remains at First Church of Seventh-day Adventists, where she currently serves as

the Human Resources Leader. Ms. Gurley is also the proud mother of her 15 year old son, Noah, who is a high school sophomore.

She has worked for the denomination in several different capacities—for Adventist Risk Management, for Oakwood University, First Church and now as the Executive Assistant to Elder Dana Edmond, Director for Office for Regional Conference Ministries (ORCM).

When not working she enjoys spending time with family by supporting her son’s sports and extra-curricular activities and serving as the primary caregiver for her mother. Ms. Gurley enjoys reading and trying out new recipes. She states that though she “loves soul food” she also likes to experience different foods.

While working for ORCM is a parttime position for Ms. Gurley, she states that, “In those hours I am able to produce full-time work.” Her responsibilities range from formatting letters, setting up video conferences, correspondences to Regional Conference Administrations and pulling together collective statistical data that drives much of the information and decisions from ORCM. Incorporating her background in Strategic Human Resource Management, she states, “I have a heart and passion for job seekers. I have a passion for equipping and empowering job seekers to pursue their purpose and to serve and honor God with their gifting.”

Ms. Gurley shared that she also appreciates her employer, Elder Edmond.

She stated that she felt free to talk with potential job seekers about their “purpose and honoring God with their gifting,” with the official tone set by this employ-

er. Says Ms. Gurley, “I have been working 25-plus years. I have worked for a lot people. When I am talking to job seekers about my passion and pursuing their purpose, I let them know [the job search] also involves finding those “with whom you want to work.”

Describing herself as a natural and gifted encourager, Ms. Gurley says she is an eternal optimist who always tries to see the glass half full. She enjoys laughter and sharing it with others.

She also explained that her approach to her goals was holistic in nature.

Everything she does is for her well-being—emotionally and spiritually. She has learned to “say yes to the things that I value and no to the things that I do not.”

Her professional ethics fit this scripture: “In all the work you are given, do the best you can. Work as though you are working for the Lord, not any earthly master,” Colossians 3:23 ERV. Ms. Gurley offers these parting thoughts— “Work is God’s big idea for humanity. He has gifted us all with a contribution we can make to our employers and co-workers. It is a privilege and responsibility that I don’t take lightly.” t ______________________________________ Mrs. Jill Robinson Edmond has worked as a church school teacher and college professor.

She is married to Elder Dana C. Edmond, Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine. Mrs. Edmond first completed this profile as a special assignment for Regional Voice Magazine.

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YOUTH INNOVATOR

CHURCH SCHOOL VISIT

“SLAY IT LOUD!”

THIS YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR MAKES US PROUD

ORCM LEADER VISITS FUTURE REGIONAL CONFERENCE CONSTITUENTS

Reported by DA NA C. EDMOND

Reported by DA NA C. EDMOND

F

or Janiah Hinds, 15, her interest started in church school. At the time she was a student at what was then the Alcy Junior Academy (now called Greater Memphis Adventist Academy).

As is the case in most Regional Conference church schools, Black History Month is celebrated every February.

The students are taught about the history and contributions of African-Americans in the United States of America.

Often, Black History Month culminates with programs presented by students of the schools associated with Regional Conference churches in their local areas.

Participating in these Black History Month programs piqued the interest of Janiah in African-American history.

She joined her interest in cultural history to her interest in entrepreneurship.

Last fall she started her own business: a line of T-shirts designed with themes to combat stereotypes she had seen tied to African-Americans.

Janiah’s first T-shirt designs addressed negative stereotypes with wording that began “Black Is Not”… followed by a list of stereotypes that some have regarding black people. She is the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. Kymone Hinds, who served in the Central States and South Central Conferences. Her father assisted in launching her enterprise.

Her next idea was to flip the concept in the opposite direction. This time, Janiah’s T-shirts revealed attributes of black people. The theme of these T-shirts was simply “Black Is…” fol-

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lowed by a list of positive characteristics and achievements.

In a theme coined by her sister, Janiah dubbed her company “Slay It Proud.”

It is a play on words from the iconic, groundbreaking 1968 hit song by the late James Brown “Say It Janiah Hinds talks through an interview for the WFLA-TV Loud—I’m Black, and Channel 8 news broadcast in Tampa that focused on her I’m Proud.” business.

Though younger black people can made possible because of the carbon filahardly conceive of it now, up until the ment, which was invented by an African time that song emerged, black skin and American. She calls her weekly video foblack features were not celebrated at cus “Black Friday.” all. Back then, to call someone “black” Janiah’s entrepreneurial and historwas cause for a fight or punishment in ic endeavors attracted the interest of the school. news media in Tampa, Florida, where The name of the company, Slay It she and her family now live. WFLA Proud, celebrates the song that marked News Channel 8 recently sent a reporta cultural turning point in black people er and camera crew to her home to inembracing who they were with celebraterview her and her father, then featured tion. them on a nightly news segment.

In addition to her T-shirt business, “Slay It Loud!” Janiah is an entreJaniah also posts a video every Friday preneur, an historian, a celebrity and a with facts about black history. She reblack Seventh-day Adventist young perminds us this is “really American hisson.” And we’re proud. t tory.” She herself became interested in _________________________ this area and was sometimes surprised to learn about the large number of inDana C. Edmond is Direcventions by African-Americans—such as tor of the Office for Regional the potato chip by George Crum. Then Conference Ministry, (ORthere were essential items, such as the CM) and publisher of Relight bulb. Though it was not invented gional Voice Magazine. by an African-American, the bulb was

J

ust prior to the closing of schools, when faced with moving their classes online (due to the Coronavirus), I had the opportunity to visit two Regional Conference church schools and speak with them on 1) the history of Regional Conferences, 2) why they are needed today and the fact that3) we are counting on them to preserve Regional Conferences in the future.

The first visit was to F.H. Jenkins Preparatory School in Nashville, Tennessee. This is the oldest black private school in Nashville. A few years ago, it teetered on the verge of closing, dropping done to 23 students. The conference had even begun discussing a contingency plan to pay the teachers for the rest of the school year-should the school be forced to close its doors.

But the school board chair at that time, Elder Furman Fordham, Senior Pastor, Riverside Chapel, was led by God to do a number of things. One of which was to superintend the search that brought Dr. Summer Wood to serve as Principal.

Under God, Dr. Wood, with a dedicated core of teachers and good church support, Jenkins began arresting the trend toward closing. They more than tripled the school’s enrollment, solidified their finances, and-even added staff and the ninth grade.

For the past two years, I have been invited by one of their teachers, Mrs. Courtney Edmond Campbell (yes, she

is my daughter!) to talk to the students in the upper grades about Black Adventist History. Mrs. Campbell is one of the few teachers in Regional Conferences who accepted an invitation to return to teach at the church school she attended and from which she graduated.

The students were involved and engaged in the discussion of the history of Regional Conferences. The subject had special relevance for them because one of the longest-serving Regional Conferences-the South Central Conference office building is directly across from their school. This is the area, the territory where the work among African-American Seventh-day Adventists began The visit to F.H. Jenkins was followed the next week by another ORCM “road trip” to Atlanta and the Greater Atlanta Adventist Academy (GAAA).

Here the Guidance Counselor, Dr. Sheila Willis, sent an invitation to speak to Chaplain Jynean Palmer-Reid’s Senior Bible Class about the history of and continuing need for Regional Conferences.

GAAA is one of our larger Regional Conference schools, located in Atlanta—a city that houses one of the larger populations of Regional Conferences members. As was the case in Nashville, it is important that our young people become aware of our past so that they can help secure our future.

The students listened and asked questions. There was already a connection with several of the members of the class, who were also members of the GAAA basketball team. My son, R. J. is one of the assistant basketball coaches for the team. I had been to one of the basketball games and a practice or two.

This is the kind of dialog that must be had with young people. One day they will be the adults who will become leaders in Regional Conferences. I hope to have similar meetings in Regional Conference schools across the country.

There is already a commitment to return to both schools for the 2020-2021 academic year. t __________________________ Dana C. Edmond is Director of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry, (ORCM) and publisher of Regional Voice Magazine.

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AFRICA REPORT

THE QUEST TO CONNECT CONTINUES— REACHING OUT TO

SOUTH AND WEST AFRICA

By DA NA EDMOND

P

art of the responsibility of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry is to lead the initiative of Regional Conferences to connect with the Seventh-day Adventist leadership in Africa. In reporting about our historic trip to Kenya in 2019 to meet with the African leadership, we simply noted, “They are our brothers.”

The 2019 series of meetings was named

by Elder G. Emmanuel Pelote, Assistant to the President, East Central African Division. He termed the series the “Transatlantic Family Reunion.” The encounters were so well received that the Regional Conference leadership was asked to return to Africa in 2020.

Dr. Elie Weick, President of the million-member West Central African Division, with headquarters in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, extended the invitation. As one of the participants in the Transatlantic Family Reunion in Kenya, Dr. Weick wanted the bonding to continue.

There is a good bit of advance preparation and organization that goes on behind the scenes. The Regional Conference leaders who attend these meetings need to be housed and fed during their stay. They need to be transported to and from airports. They need to be advised

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ONE OF MY CONCERNS IN TRAVELING TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY WHERE I HAVE NEVER BEEN IS THE FEAR OF NOT CONNECTING WITH MY HOSTS UPON ARRIVAL AND HAVING TO FEND FOR MYSELF.

on such things as the best available route from where they are to the country where the meetings are being held. The dates of and the agenda for the actual meeting between the African leadership and the Regional Conference leadership must be planned. The Regional Conference leaders need to be advised as to what vaccinations are required and what type of visas are needed.

Obtaining this information (and more) becomes the responsibility of the Office for Regional Conference Ministry.

The primary method is for the ORCM Director to go to the site of the meeting in advance, to find a contact person at the destination with whom to work and then study all the details. As ORCM Director, this became my role. My contact for “Transatlantic Family Reunion I” (the meeting in Kenya) was Elder Pelote—an African American who serves as Assistant to the President of the East Central African Division His work was outstanding!

Aside from naming the meetings, he also made all of the arrangements.

The seven-hour time difference between Nairobi, Kenya and Huntsville, Alabama meant that we were rarely in our offices at the same time of day. It was not uncommon for our phone meetings to take place at a time that was during the middle of the night for one of us.

We would call and text each other via WhatsApp, which is a free service. My own WhatsApp text notifications come with what sounds like the wake up alarm on my phone and I distinctly recall hearing what I thought was my alarm going off. I began getting dressed for the day only to look down at my phone and discover that is was 2:00 a.m. What I thought was my alarm was actually a WhatsApp notification of a text from Elder Pelote, who was beginning his workday in Nairobi!

And so it was that about three months in advance of “Transatlantic Family Reunion II.” I boarded a plane in Nashville for the 18-hour flight (counting layovers) to Abidjan, Ivory Coast (or, Abidjan,

“cote d’Ivoire”). French is the dominant language there, though most of the people I met spoke English as well.

One of my concerns in traveling to a foreign country where I have never been is the fear of not connecting with my hosts upon arrival and having to fend for myself. I’ll tell my host when my plane arrives, but the X factor is how long it will take to get luggage and get through the immigration process. Officials look at passports and visas (if required) and ask, “How long are you in the country?”

“Where are you staying?”

“Why are you here?”

Occasionally, some country’s immigration officer will ask, “Are you carrying any weapons?” “Do you have any illegal drugs?”

Naturally, I don’t have any of those things, but I am pretty sure that the people who do have them aren’t going to admit it!

That process can take up to an hour.

After completion, passengers walk out into a sea of unfamiliar faces, seeking someone who looks like that they are

ily recognized. Sure enough, at the head of the line of people waiting were the two individuals from his office.

Interestingly, while I was on my plane to Abidjan, one of the passengers saw my Oakwood hoodie and asked me had I gone to the school. Sitting right behind me, I discovered, was the Youth Director from the Northern California Conference and his wife. They were also going to Abidjan for a mission project.

looking for them or who is carrying a sign with your name on it—something that lets you know that someone is there for you.

Thankfully, even though my host, Dr. Weick, was out of the country, he had arranged for two staff members from his office to pick me up. I emailed him a description of what I would be wearing in advance (my navy blue Oakwood University hoodie) so that I would be more eas-

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hen in Kenya to plan Transatlantic Family Reunion last year, we had a five-hour layover in Amsterdam. I walk four to six miles per day for exercise, so during our fivehour layover, I sought to get my exercise by working through the very large Amsterdam airport. Imagine my surprise during that walk through a European airport—4,000 plus miles from home— and I heard a voice calling, “Pastor Edmond?” It was one of the young people who I knew from my days as Youth Director in South Central. Now a young REGIONAL VOICE

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adult, she is a successful attorney who was on her way to Dubai.

The great thing about being a Seventh-day Adventist is that wherever you go in the world, you can almost always find another person of “like precious faith.”

Friday was spent trying to get my visa situation straightened out. To do that, we went downtown. As was the case in the other cities in Africa I had been privileged to visit (Harare, Johannesburg, Nairobi), the downtown areas of Africa look much like the downtown areas of the United States: tall buildings, traffic, lots of people. Downtown Abidjan was like that.

The West Central African Division leader whose responsibility it is to handle immigration was kind enough to help me.

He knew just where to go and who to talk to to resolve my issues. By late afternoon, I was all set.

That evening, Dr. Weick came for a visit. He had been in Ghana and stopped by the division’s guest house where I was staying to meet with me. It was the first of two visits where we talked about his ministry, his views on various church issues, his work as a pastor in the Lake Region Conference years ago and the common acquaintances we had, etc.

We started reaching out to Africa two years ago to build relationships and collaborate in ministry. The doors that have 32

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THERE ARE THINGS ADMINISTRATORS NEED DONE THAT THE PASTOR MAY NOT AGREE NEED TO BE DONE.

been opened have led to Regional leaders accepting various assignments in Africa, including evangelistic campaigns. Dr. William T. Cox, President, Allegheny West, just returned from Uganda where he ran an evangelistic meeting; the Lord gave more than 300 baptisms. South Central Conference President Benjamin Jones, Jr. and I preached for camp meeting and the Constituency Meeting for the Trans Orange Conference, headquartered in Johannesburg, South Africa. In the past 10 days, another call came for a Regional Conference worker to do a meeting in Tanzania. Later on this year, Mrs. Sonja Crayton, Treasurer for South Central, will go to South Africa to train the Treasurers there. This Africa initiative is about being in relationships and building bridges for the sake of ministry.

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abbath morning, Dr. Weick and his wife picked me up and took me to the church where he serves as pastor and the West Central African Division President. This is not something that he needs to do to assist the local conference (though I have no doubt that it helps). He does it to stay connected to where most ministry takes place—at the local church level.

I am sure that his ministry is well received. As a former conference president,

I just wondered about those occasional difficult conversations that presidents have to have with virtually every pastor about job performance. There are things administrators need done that the pastor may not agree need to be done. How do you have those kinds of conversations as Conference President with one of your pastors when that pastor is also one of the world leaders of the church?

It reminded me of a conversation that I had in the early days of being a conference president. I had invited one of the towering, iconic figures of our church, Elder Charles Bradford, to preach at one of our conference events. But I was on a strict time schedule.

I had known Elder Bradford since I was a little boy. My late aunt, Lorraine Edmond, had been a school teacher for Elder Bradford when he was a young pastor in St. Louis. And I had to tell this iconic figure whom I respected that he was on a schedule and could only preach so long.

That was not an easy task—at least not in my mind.

But Elder Bradford was very gracious.

He stayed within the time parameters and we were blessed by his ministry. No doubt, Dr. Weick is the same way. But when one of your pastors is also the division president, that is a horse of a different color.

I was the speaker for the divine worship hour. I had an interpreter who translated the sermon into French. Preaching with an interpreter brings with it an entirely different dynamic. First, you have to cut your sermon in half because the interpreter will need as much time as you had. So if your sermon is 30 minutes long, adding an interpreter turns it into an hour.

Then a speaker must eliminate all slang expressions (like the one I just used about a “horse of another color”). They can be difficult to translate and may mean something entirely different in a different language. What you don’t want is for the translator to have to stop, break into your sermon and say, “What did you say?”

Lastly, you need a translator who knows when to translate. You need him or her to wait until you finish the phrase you want translated before he or she begins translating it. Both of us cannot be talking at the same time; but I have had that happen—more than once.

Sabbath evening brought my second and final meeting with Dr. Weick. We worked out the details of Transatlantic Family Reunion II and listed his staff member who would be my contact person. There was just one detail left to work out.

At 2:30 a.m. the next morning, Ivory Coast time, the Tennessee Titans were playing the Baltimore Ravens in a football playoff game. As a Titans season ticket holder, I was resigned to missing the most important game of the year because I was 6,000 miles away from home. Obviously, it was not going to be broadcast on local television!

But here was yet another reason to be grateful for the smart person that I married 41 years ago. My wife connected with me via WhatsApp as the game was starting in those early morning hours. She then propped her phone up so that I could see the television set from our home on my phone. Then, she started a three-way call with my son in Atlanta. The three of us watched the entire game; the Titans won, and I have rarely enjoyed a game more!

Late the next evening, I left for home.

But one more surprise awaited. After flying all evening, we arrived in Paris early the next morning. After finishing breakfast, I was about to walk by a man, when the thought came, “He looks familiar.” It was Dr. Willie Oliver, Family Life Director for the General Conference. He and

I HAVE DISCOVERED OVER THESE PAST 41 YEARS OF MINISTRY THAT GOD’S PLANS FOR US ARE BIGGER AND BETTER THAN ANY PLANS THAT WE COULD EVER EVEN IMAGINE. his wife were on their way to India.

Years ago, we had worked together as Youth Directors. I said to him, “Who would have thought in those days that we would wind up meeting in Paris, France?”

God says in the New International Version of Jeremiah 29:11, “I know the plans that I have for you.”

I have discovered over these past 41 years of ministry that God’s plans for us are bigger and better than any plans that we could ever even imagine. And as I said goodbye to my colleague, Dr. Oliver, that morning in Paris, I was glad that while God’s plans for me had just taken me to the other side of the world, His plan for me that day was to take me home to Mrs. Edmond. t __________________________ Elder Dana C. Edmond is Executive Director, Office for Regional Conference Ministry and Publisher, Regional Voice Magazine.

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REGIONAL NEWS

ALLEGHENY EAST

PRESIDENT FORDHAM PARTICIPATES IN MARCH AGAINST

GUN VIOLENCE Report and Photography by LATASHA HEWITT

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enry J. Fordham, II, president of Allegheny East Conference, recently participated in a community march against violence in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The march took place after a 10-year old boy was shot as he was on his way home from school.

The march, which occurred near the location where the young man was shot, was led by the Black Male Community Council of Philadelphia.

This was the ninth march organized by the group’s leader, Stanley Crawford, who lost his 35-year-old son to gun violence in September of 2019.

Elder Fordham learned about the march through his son, Shawn Fordham, who pastors the Mizpah Seventh-day Adventist church in Philadelphia. The church is located just around the corner from the shooting incident involving the 10-year-old boy. They were among several other community leaders, clergy and fathers, who gathered to march against gun violence. Other supporting entities included Black Men Engaging Neighborhoods (BMEN) and Hope for the City, two other organizations designed to address gun violence and bring hope to the entire city. This

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event was covered by local news outlets.

President Fordham shared his reasoning on why it was important to attend and to participate with the other clergy, leaders and fathers: “I’ve realized that real ministry takes place on the street, not just between walls. And injustice allowed anywhere is injustice allowed everywhere,” he explained.

Shawn Fordham also expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate. “We were thankful for the invitation to come out and be able to show that Black men, no matter [the] denomination, are here to support [one another].”

Even though the 10-year-old survived the incident, there have been several other victims in the city who have not. Fordham hoped that by marching, he could also demonstrate that community service expands far beyond the walls of churches. It also includes standing up for social justice issues that impact the communities we serve. t _________________________ LaTasha Hewitt is Communications Director for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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It’s Time to Take the LEAP. Complete

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SONIA ALMARIE MCCLOUD

IN MEMORIAM

Dedicated Christian Educator and Friend of Children

1950 – 2019

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S

onia Almarie was born on March 4, 1950, in Montego Bay Jamaica, to Edna Mae (Mills) Franklin. An only child, she would become a loving gift to all who met her.

Sonia completed her high school education at Montego Bay High School. She furthered her studies by moving to the United States and enrolling at Miami Dade College. She also met her sweetheart who she would later marry at college, Eddie McCloud. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education. The McClouds were blessed with one son, Andre Lamont. Later she attended Florida International University (FIU). Andre recalls walking the FIU campus many nights while his mom would be in class. Sonia would earn a Master’s degree in Urban Education.

Andre followed the strides of his father.

He became a youth elder and gained the respect of his peers and seniors alike with the vitality of his sermons and unique presentations. As long as the messages guided toward truth and eternity, he spoke realities. He currently serves as a minister in the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Pastor McCloud was recently assigned to the Maranatha SDA Church in Tallahassee, and the Mt. Olive SDA Church in Quincy, Florida. Sonia was very proud and supportive of her son. She also had a special relationship with her daughter-in-law, Emily McCloud. They enjoyed travels and conversing together.

She had great love for her grandchildren, and shared special relationships with them.

She would drive Andre, Jr., to swim practices and swim meets; take Edwin to basketball practices and games and take Tishana on shopping trips to the mall. One of her last travels was to drive from Fitzgerald, Georgia, all the way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, to take Edwin to the historic, global 2019 Pathfinder Camporee. That’s love.

That’s who she was.

Sonia began her employment in the Bahamas where she worked in the Ministry of Education as a classroom teacher. After returning to Miami from the Bahamas, she

started her career as a teacher for the Miami-Dade County Public School (M-DCPS) system. Her entire 30-year public school career was served at one school, Bunche Park Elementary, as a Special Education and Inclusion teacher.

During her time at M-DCPS she also served as chair of the ESSAC committee, received the Teacher of the Year award, was listed in Who’s Who among American Educators and served as UTD Steward.

After her retirement from M-DCPS, Sonia took a few years off to travel and to spend time with her family. Her love for children afforded her the opportunity to function in different sectors of education. This passion initiated her work with Southeastern Conference, all over Florida. She worked as a principal and teacher at Ephesus Junior Academy in West Palm Beach, at New Hope Elementary School in Ft. Lauderdale, Miami Union Academy and Bethel SDA Elementary in Homestead. Her tenure in these educational facilities lasted for five years.

Sonia would go the extra mile for anyone.

She loved people but had a special love in her heart for children. She saw each one of them as individuals and devoted her life to preparing them for their tomorrows and for God’s Kingdom. It made her happy to see their growth.

Sonia’s career as a teacher was augmented with work for her church. Initially she attended the Northside SDA Church, but after meeting Eddie, she began attending the Miami-Bethany SDA Church with him. She remained a committed and faithful member until she relocated. She served as Church Clerk, Children’s Sabbath School Teacher, AY Leader and Pathfinder Director. She loved music and was a member of many choirs and musical groups. One group, the Agape Singers from various churches, directed by Dr. Calvin McCalla, went on to produce and professionally record an album.

Sonia had a never-ending love for Pathfinders/Adventurers Ministries and Chil-

dren’s Sabbath School. This is where she and her best friend, Sharon Browne, bonded. Sonia and Sharon spent countless hours at club meetings, out camping and instructing new Master Guides. They were responsible for the graduation of one of the largest classes of Master Guides from the Bethany Church within a year. They were also obsessed with running the Primary Children’s Tent at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Camp Meeting, which they did for 30 years.

Sonia served as a Master Guide Instructor, District 5 Pathfinder Coordinator and SEC Adventurer Coordinator. She was also instrumental in creating the Black History Honor for Pathfinders.

On Thursday evening, December 26, 2019, while planning a banquet, she and her best friend Sharon Browne perished in an auto accident.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie McCloud and her mother, Edna Mae Franklin. She leaves to cherish her memory her son, Pastor Andre McCloud and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Emily McCloud; her grandchildren Tishana, Andre and Edwin; her uncle and aunt Herman and Quilve Mills; cousins, nieces and nephews; grand nieces and nephews; a host of relatives, god-children, friends, church families, and Sharon’s daughters Erica Dickenson and Robin White (Forever bonded and Forever Friends), and many others who loved her and will miss her dearly. t

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IN MEMORIAM

SHARON HAYES BROWNE

her a lifetime committed to enhancing the lives of others. Her remarkable gifts afforded her the opportunity to help shape the lives of countless little ones in preparing them for God-centered journeys through this world. Her friendly nature drew many friends. One of the most faithful, who stuck “closer than a brother” for 35 years, was Sonia Mc-

Cloud. They were fellow missionaries and Kingdom Builders here on earth, and they were together in the tragic auto accident that took both their lives.

This loving mother, faithful servant and phenomenal friend lost her life December 26, 2019, but her spiritual light and legacy will illuminate many lives—forever. She leaves a legacy of

love, service and cherished memories to her children Robin, Erika, Michael and Karen (who preceded her in death); to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers and sisters, a host of nieces, nephews, church family, grieving friends, and Andre and Emily McCloud, always family, forever bonded. t

Trailblazer in Childcare

1949 - 2019

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haron Browne’s life began July 31, 1949, in Daytona Beach, Florida, to the late Agnes K. Elmore and Pembroke Burrows.

She was educated in the Volusia County public school system.

She attended the Bonner Elementary School, the Campbell Junior High School and the Campbell Senior High School. Sharon excelled at public speaking, debate, and running track.

She also held the office of student council president.

Sharon was a trailblazer in the field of childcare. She was resourceful, creative and passionate about children.

Her talents led to work in childcare at The Urban League of Greater Miami, the Bethany Day Care Center, and the Trinity Temple Center for many years.

She retired from the Ephesus Christian Childcare Center as the Director.

She dedicated more than 40 years in Childcare Ministries and has worked as a consultant to various non-profit organizations. Along with Sister Walker and Mrs. Sonia McCloud, Sharon was also instrumental in starting the Pathfinder Ministry and later the Adventurer Ministry in the Southeastern Conference.

She, Mrs. McCloud and Sister Fresia Medina created the Little Lamb and Eager Beaver books. Portions of those books were later adapted by the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists to minister to even more children. She was the only person to have held every position at a daycare center—simultaneously—and she loved it!

She served as director, cook, teacher, nurse, custodian, technician, driver, delivery liaison, board member, counselor—and too many others to mention.

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SONIA MCCLOUD AND SHARON BROWNE

I She and friends often laughed about this.

Sharon Hayes Browne also worked actively for Jesus. Her grandparents Emma Julia and Madison Mayes always took her and her siblings to the New Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, Florida. At an early age, Sharon accepted Jesus as her personal Lord and

Savior. As such, she dedicated her life to Him and His promises. She shared her gifts, finances, time and talents. Every blessing she received from God was available to anyone she met who was in need. She saw the best in everyone and cared for all.

Her family’s support, her education and her beaming personality allowed

BELOVED EDUCATORS Tribute by CAROL A. BYRD

t was my honor to know personally and to work with both of these distinguished ladies. They both served as faithful members of the Bethany SDA Church in Miami, Florida, and the Ephesus SDA Church in West Palm Beach, Florida. At that time my husband, Pastor W. C. Byrd, and I were blessed to also serve with them in ministry at the Ephesus Church.

Both Sonia and Sharon went well beyond professional expectations as church school educators. Sharon’s assignments included Day Care through Pre-Kindergarten. She served as the day care director and teacher at the Bethany and Ephesus churches. She also worked as a consultant and director for many other day care centers as well.

Sonia brought her years of experience in Special Education to the Miami Union Academy, which was also truly a blessing.

She offered consultations to many of our students in South Florida through school visits and contacts with parents. She served as principal and teacher with distinction in several progressive schools in the Southeastern Conference.

We thank God that both of these professionals also worked untiringly to establish Pathfinder Clubs in many churches and schools in the Southeastern Conference. They touched student lives on all levels—spiritually, mentally, physically, academically and socially in their classrooms, in Sabbath Schools and at Camp Meetings. They rightly prepared so many young lives for service in this world and to gain entrance into Heaven.

The news of their tragic accident came to us from Dr. Barbara Davis, Superintendent of Education for the Southeastern Conference. It was devastating—on multiple levels—personal, conference-wide and extending throughout the SDA World Field.

Both ladies will be greatly missed. Ultimately, we must all continue their work to train, to pray with and to prepare this generation to meet King Jesus.

Finally, to the families of Sharon and Sonia, we loved them dearly. You are in our constant prayers. We join the Southeastern Conference administrators, educational superintendents and work force, and the conference constituents in extending comfort and condolences. We realize your precious family circles and the professional ones are broken with this loss. President G. Mack, conference officials, educational administrators and the entire educational team worked with loved ones to plan and execute very special celebrations of their precious, beloved lives. May we all redouble our efforts to enter the Pearly Gates.

We have the Hope that one day Christ will join all of us together, loved ones and friends, for eternity. t ___________________________________________________ Mrs. Carol A. Byrd has served as an educator and the Southeastern Conference Superintendent of Education. She also served as a classroom teacher, principal, associate superintendent and superintendent in the South Atlantic, Florida and Southeastern Conferences. She and her husband of 46 years, Pastor W. C. Byrd, reside in Huntsville, Alabama. They have three adult children, Dr. Carla Byrd, Manager Carl Byrd and Dr. Carlton Byrd, and five grandchildren. Mrs. Byrd remains active as a teacher and tutor at the Competitive Edge Learning Center in Huntsville, assisting Mrs. Annette Hall. Mrs. Byrd worked to coordinate the coverage of these stories for Regional Voice magazine.

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IN MEMORIAM

KOBE BRYANT 1978 - 2020 • GABRIELLE BRYANT 2006 – 2020

O

n Sunday morning, January 26, 2020, the unthinkable happened.

Basketball legend Kobe Bryant, 41, his daughter Gianna, 13, two other members of the Mamba Team in girls’ basketball Bryant coached, Payton Chester, 13 and Alyssa Altobelli, 14, their parents Sarah Chester, 45; Keri Altobelli, 46; John Altobelli, 56; Assistant Coach Christina Mauser, 38, and the helicopter’s pilot, Ara Zobayan, 50, all perished when their chopper crashed into a California hillside in thick fog and flames.

Kobe Bryant, a gifted athlete, began his legendary career with the National Basketball Association, (NBA), right out of high school as a 17-year-old in 1996. He was selected by the Charlotte Hornets, who then traded him to the Los Angeles Lakers, a team he had loved since childhood.

He would play with this team for 20 years.

With the Lakers he would win five NBA championships in his legendary jersey number 24. He would go on to win two gold Olympic medals with the U.S. team, and chart a jaw-dropping 30,00-plus points over the course of his career. He would also lose moral ground in a scandal, settle the dispute, apologize to the public, to his family, and seek to make recompense.

After his retirement in the 2015-2016 season, Bryant seemed to find his footing as a husband to Vanessa Bryant since 2001, as a father to Gianna and his other three daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianca, 3, and Capri, less than one year. He worked as a generous philanthropist and took great joy in creating the Mamba Academy and coaching teams and his own daughters in sports.

In the aftermath of this tragedy, thousands upon thousands took time to visit public, outdoor memorials at “The House that Kobe built,” the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Two of those visitors share their thoughts with us here. t

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Dr. Michael Jenkins Jr.

Administrative Pastor Kansas Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church Riverside, California RV - What drew you to the public outpouring at the Staples Memorial site?

“I was deeply affected by the tragic accident and loss of nine lives. Kobe touched my emotions for many years. The memorial seemed like a good place to go to reconcile and find closure. I also wanted to have a first-hand experience there because this is something that will be talked about till the end of time.”

RV - How was the atmosphere?

“It was quiet, reflective, respectful, and somber.”

RV - Had you followed Kobe’s career?

“I followed his playing career since he came into the NBA straight out of high school.

Kobe was my son’s favorite player. My son wears number 24 on his high school basketball team because of Kobe. I watched as Kobe transitioned after basketball into things that kept him busy and gave him fulfillment. It was nice to see him mentor his daughters and other young women in athletics.”

RV - Had you ever seen him play?

“I had been to Staples Center multiple times over the years to see Kobe and the Lakers play and I watched several Lakers games on tv. I’ve also taken my son to see Kobe and the Lakers play live.”

RV - How was your experience at the Memorial?

“I found a sense of closure. It was therapeutic to be there in that space with others who were feeling the same thing I was.”

RV - What did you draw from your own time there with others who paid tribute?

“I was able to come to grips with the fact that the tragedy was real and Kobe, Gianna, and the others were actually gone. I was reminded of my own mortality, that I must cease every opportunity because tomorrow is not promised.” t

Mr. Loren Richmond

Member, University SDA Church Los Angeles, California RV - What drew you to the public outpouring at the Staples Memorial site? Had you followed Kobe's career?

“One of the things that stuck out was not only how much of a generational talent Kobe Bryant was but also how much of a multicultural talent he was.”

RV - How was the atmosphere?

“Being down there felt absolutely surreal to me.”

RV - How was your experience at the Memorial?

“So many people in all walks of life were feeling the same pain.”

RV - What did you draw from your own time there with others who paid tribute?

“Strangers comforting other strangers over the loss that each person felt made me realize how much love there really can be in this world.” t

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PELC 2019 HONOREES

RECEIVE AWARDS

By JENEA N LENDOR

T

THESE AWARDS ARE NOT GIVEN OUT BY CHANCE OR HAPPENSTANCE.

he annual Pastoral and Evangelism Leadership Council (PELC) marked the 40th Anniversary of these sessions. The opening program on Sunday evening, December 8, honored eleven individuals in Regional Conference ministry who made an impact in their churches, conferences and beyond.

The honorees are selected by individual regional conference administrators. These awards are not given out by chance or happenstance. They are given to those who have worked humbly and tirelessly for the church because of their love for God and for service rendered to their brothers and sisters in Christ.

The honorees for 2019 included: Sylister Jackson, South Central Conference; David Jones, South Atlantic Conference; Rupert Bushner, Southeastern Conference; Bobby Waters, Central States Conference; Nicole Brise, Pastoral Spouse Honoree; Lee Roy and Cloe Logan, Lake Region Conference; Winston Stephenson, Northeastern Conference; Charles Jenkins, Allegheny East Conference; Pedrito Reid, Northern Pacific Conference and Lonnie Bynum, Allegheny West Conference. As the awards were presented by their respective administrators, family and friends joined them on the platform for the special celebration.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEVILLE LENDOR

Special recognition was given to Dr. Mervyn Warren, who was the leader of PELC in 1986. Dr. Jesse Wilson, the Director of PELC, acknowledged Dr. Warren as the driving force and the reason for PELC being the longest running educational leadership conference in the Seventh-day-Adventist Church. Along with Dr. Warren, Mrs. Paula Johnson was recognized by Dr. Wilson for her legacy as the creator of the Regional Pastoral Spouses Ministry for PELC that began more than 26 years ago.

The evening was also uplifted musically by the Inspirational Choir of First SDA Church, Huntsville, Alabama.

The awards recognition program is a special time when everyone can witness living Seventh-day Adventist history. The pastors, conference directors, pastoral spouses and conference evangelists that are honored are beacons of light that allow God to shine continuously through them. We are privileged to appreciate and acknowledge them while we are able to stand beside them. t ____________________________________________________ JeNean Lendor is Assistant to the President for Communications, Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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PELC 2019 REPORT

PELC 2019

MARKS 40-YEAR MILESTONE

Ricardo Graham, President, Pacific Union Conference, has attended these sessions since 1979.

Seeing my pastoral comrades report on evangelism encouraged me as a young pastor to “go and do likewise” in regard to evangelism.

Report and Photography by LATASHA HEWITT

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he Pastoral Evangelism and Leadership Council (PELC 2019) celebrated 40 years as a premier pastoral conference for Adventist ministers with momentous sessions. The theme: “E40: Evangelism Remembered, Reimagined, Reignited,” set the tone for the four-day conference, as attendees reflected on the history of the gathering, discussed what it could become, and became refueled for ministry.

Pre-conference activities began Sabbath at the Oakwood University Church with a worship service featuring a message from Chaplain Barry Black and music from recording artist Donald Lawrence. The evening program included a concert from Oakwood University’s award-winning Aeolians choir.

Sunday morning, local elders participated in a three-hour training session at the Bradford Cleveland Brooks Learning Center on the campus. Sunday evening kicked off the opening of the conference with a special awards ceremony, as leaders from every Regional Conference, the Northern Pacific Union Conference and from Oakwood University. Several Pastoral Spouses were also awarded. Others were recognized for their notable contributions in soul-winning for Christ. These Honorees included: Charles Jenkins, Lois McGee, Artismus Tucker, Annette O’Bannon, Leroy Logan, Nicole Brise, Ernest Young, Nathaniel Hollis, Alice Cooper and Dr. Mildred Johnson Honoree Pedrito Maynard-Reid (Walla Walla University), who has trained ministers for more than 50 years, shared what the award meant to him. “It’s an especially humble honor for God to use you through so many decades. When God calls you, you don’t expect human recognition, honor is in seeing your students following Jesus; to know you made an impact recognized is icing on the cake.”

The awards ceremony led into the opening night worship service, featuring more music from the Aeolians, greetings from Oakwood University President Leslie Pollard, and a greeting from host pastor, Dr. Carlton Byrd. During the welcome, many hands went up acknowledging their attendance at the first PELC 40 years earlier. Afterward, attendees were encouraged to greet one another and share a fond PELC memory. Clips from PELC ser44

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mons of the past were sprinkled throughout the program, allowing attendees to reflect on messages that have captured their experiences at the meetings.

The opening night speaker, Dr. Emil Peeler, Senior Pastor, Capitol Hill SDA Church in Washington, D.C. (Allegheny East Conference), shared his thoughts. “I was both honored and humbled to be the keynote speaker of the 40th anniversary of PELC. My goal through the message was to encourage and challenge each preacher, teacher, and leader to continue to lift Jesus up as the standard and antidote for every issue that we may face,” said Peeler.

The goal to “reignite” could be felt throughout the worship services and seminar line-up.

During Monday and Tuesday, attendees enjoyed early morning worship services, where speakers included Mackenzie Kambizi and Clifford Jones, respectively. Super seminars were held in the mornings featuring seminars like, “How Can You Be Spirit Filled” and “Effective Evangelism”. Seminar offerings were followed by E. Dewey Smith and Daniel Honore. The 5:00 PM worship services featured speakers Daniel Kelly and Michelle Hill.

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pecial features this year included a “Lunch & Learn” with E. Dewey Smith, the pastor of House of Hope in Atlanta, Georgia, a question and answer session with Sandra Roberts, president of the Southern California Conference, and a plenary with the Office of Regional Conference Ministries with our regional conference presidents.

Part of PELC being “reimagined” was to be inclusive of other groups and ministries, and the same was true this year. Going on in conjunction with the conference were various tracks, including Hispanic, Bible instructors, chaplains and ministerial spouses.

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he Hispanic track moved from the BCBLC to Moran Hall to accommodate the growing number of Hispanic leaders in attendance. “It was inspiring to see and feel mission in all the presentations. PELC has consistently become the best place for Hispanic pastors to grow in the North American Division,” said Roger Hernandez, presenter and Ministerial and Evangelism director for the Southern Union Conference.

Dr. D’Andria Anderson-Jackson presented to the spouses on self-awareness. “My goal was to introduce the group to strategies that will help each woman maintain her personal identity while managing life as a spouse in ministry. We spent time exploring life stories, reconnecting with our strengths, identifying our needs, and learning tools for navigating relationships,” shared Jackson.

Another staple of the PELC experience is the presence of vendors ranging from organizations to authors to merchandise.

One such individual was Shannon Austin, first-time vendor sharing his new book with attendees. “There are very few books on being a great husband, so this book is meant to guide men on how to navigate marriage in this modern era. It’s practical but also scriptural,” said Austin.

One undeniable emphasis of PELC 2019 was the support for females in ministry.

I have attended PELC since it was Dr. Ron Smith, president called Evangelism Council. That first of the Southern Union, one way back in the 70’s yielded much was recognized for his in regard to expectations. The emphastand on women’s ordisis was heavy on actual evangelism brated the rich hisnation at the most recent exploits; the late Elder E.E. Cleveland tory of the premier General Conference seschaired the sessions where actual conference and set numerical reports from that year’s sion. Sandra Roberts, the a promising backevangelism meetings were reported. only female conference drop for its evolving president in the North future.

American Division was granted a platform to share her ministry BRIEF HISTORY path in ministry and answer questions. In PELC, initially known as “Evangelism addition, at the last worship service, BrenConference” was organized in 1979 by six da Billingy, a pioneer female pastor and pastors: Benjamin Reeves (chairperson) mentor was honored, as she retires from E.E. Cleveland, Calvin Rock, C.E. Dudley, her post as Associate Director of the North Robert Woodfork, and Mervyn Warren.

America Division Ministerial Association.

Initially it started off as a joint workers’ “To be able to honor her was a highmeeting between South Central and South light. She has taken a lot since the beginAtlantic conferences. Shortly thereafter, ning of her pastoral ministry; things that in the early 80s, all of the other confershe would never broadcast. Her endurance, ences joined the sessions. Over the years, faith and prayer life speak volumes to how the name of the conference changed from clergy (male and female) should comport “Evangelism Conference” to “Pastoral themselves when faced with painful oppoLeadership Council,” and then to its cursition.” said Novella Smith, assistant pasrent name Pastoral and Evangelism Leadtor of the Metropolitan Church (Washing- ership Council (Conference), affectionately ton, D.C.) who presented Billingy with the referred to as “PELC.” t award. ___________________________ Also, as has become customary, females in ministry were invited to the altar for LaTasha Hewitt is Communia special prayer of dedication, their male cations Director for the Alleghcounterparts joining them in support. eny East Conference of SevThe 40th anniversary of PELC celeenth-day Adventists.

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OAK WOOD FEATURE

REFLECTING THE PAST, VISIONING THE FUTURE—

20/20 PELC

By MERV Y N WARREN

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here were you in early December 2019, days before our 2020 decade began?

Approximately 1,000 delegates were attending the annual Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Conference (PELC) celebrating its “20 plus 20” (or 40 years ) offering seminars, workshops, and presentations from 1979 through 2019. Under the capable leadership of Jesse Wilson at Oakwood University, all indices point to a future of clear “20-20” vision for continued success.

One of the venues called for Elder Freddie Russell and me to share snapshots of our years as two immediate past leaders of the Conference. (Specific years for all previous leaders are: Benjamin F. Reaves 1979-1985 Mervyn A. Warren 1985-2008 Freddie Russell 2009-2012 and Jesse Wilson 2009-present.

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THE HISTORY BEHIND PELC ALLOWS CONTEXT FOR ITS PRESENT

Interestingly, the 23 leadership years

by Warren were acknowledged to be more than half of the 40 years being celebrated.

My snapshots were introduced with a quote, “What’s past is prologue,” taken from the National Archives Building. I must have seen it a million times during my graduate studies in Washington, D.C. Its meaning: The past sets the stage for the story yet to be told.

The history behind PELC allows con-

text for its present service and exploits.

It was under this “past-prologue” umbrella that I reminded the Conference about the original brain trust behind its existence: E. E. Cleveland (Director of Missions, Oakwood University, and the person who birthed the initial idea of an “Evangelism Council”); C. E. Dudley (President, South Central Conference); R. L Woodfork (President, South Atlantic Conference); Calvin B. Rock (President, Oakwood University); Mervyn

A. Warren (VP Academic Affairs, Oakwood University); and Benjamin F. Reaves (Chairman, Department of Religion). Although only the South Central and South Atlantic Conferences attended the initial Evangelism Council in 1979, by the early 1980s all of the Regional Conferences were on board while not a few seemed to view the once a year gathering as somewhat of a joint workers’ meeting. The Regional Conference presidents deserve a special wreath of honor for not merely supporting the annual Conference with their presence but, as the Regional Black Caucus, they soon became principal supporters and underwriters. To help keep my forti-

PELC plaque

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eth anniversary remarks on track (and on time), I summarized four snapshots from my leadership years under the headings: NAME, CLAIM, BLAME, and FAME.

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rom 1979 to the present, NAMES for the conference have sprouted as plentifully as grapes on the vine, but only four survived over the years as official: “Evangelism Council,” “Ministers’ Conference,” “Pastoral Evangelism Conference,” and finally “PELC: Pastoral Evangelism Leadership Conference.” Adopting the PELC nomenclature was launched in 2009 and grew out of a vision to take a tip from corporate management and apply those principles to needs of our churches, conference offices, institutions and all faith-based organizations.

The CLAIM for an annual conference of 40 years seeks to answer: Why do we do this?

What’s the purpose of it all? Why do the “swallows keep coming back to Capistrano?”

From the very beginning, the “mis-

sion” of the conference has been simple and clear: To offer continuing education and help equip pastors, evangelists, Bible workers, and all religious servant-leaders to witness effectively the full gospel of Jesus Christ with special attention to the “Three Angels’ Messages” during the eschaton and final days of earth. Evangelism and church nurture by the Holy Spirit were central. My brief reminiscence while addressing PELC brought to mind the annual “Evangelism Hour” of yesteryear when evangelists and pastors reported their number of baptisms and shared their evangelistic methodology.

For those of us who may feel cold about figures and numbers, leadership theory affirms that if you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it. Here is a roster of prototypical pastors and evangelists participating during my tenure would include: E. E. Cleveland, E. C. Ward, George Rainey, Harold Cleveland, Charles Brooks, Leonard Newton, Calvin Rock, Byron Spears, Earl Moore, William Scales, Mark Finley, Randolph Stafford, Helvius Thompson, Cleve-

FROM THE VERY BEGINNING, THE “MISSION” OF THE CONFERENCE HAS BEEN SIMPLE AND CLEAR: TO OFFER CONTINUING EDUCATION AND HELP EQUIP PASTORS, EVANGELISTS, BIBLE WORKERS, AND ALL RELIGIOUS SERVANTLEADERS TO WITNESS EFFECTIVELY THE FULL GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO THE “THREE ANGELS’ MESSAGES” DURING THE ESCHATON AND FINAL DAYS land Houser, Dennis Ross, Phillip Willis, Donald McPhaull, Abraham Jules, Calvin Watkins, Allen Savory, Robert Connors, Truman Bryant, Walter Pearson, Kenneth Cox, Stephen Lewis, T. A. McNealy, Pat Vincent, Carlton Byrd and others.

About midway the 40-year expanse of programming, a decision was made

PELC Lake Region doorknob

to consider inviting Christian preachers not of our denomination to preach or deliver keynote messages on opening night of the Conference. Understandingly, questions rising to the level of BLAME dominated many conversations. Pandora’s box cracked if not completely opened at this idea, because admittedly care must be exercised on such matters. Albeit, a number of ministers from these other faiths had already conducted one or two of our seminars. In order to broaden the background and stave off unwarranted blame targeted at any particular person about the preaching idea, I wanted to tell the PELC audience that in 1995 our Planning Committee designated me to present the sensitive concept to our sponsors, Regional Conference Black Caucus, for counsel. They prayerfully gave support with the general understanding that: 1) Our motive be anchored in reaching out to non-SDA ministers to induce Christian fellowship and show reciprocity inasmuch as they invite us to attend and participate in their assemblies; 2) The selected preachers would be known for Christian Biblical preaching in the broad protestant tradition; 3) They were 48

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to have some familiarity, knowledge, or understanding of our traditional SDA worship liturgy; 4)They were expected to have a track record of preaching on college and university campuses, environs which normally discourage proverbial “Pentecostal” preaching style; 5) We were expected to exercise respectful care to circumvent preachers known for practicing “hooping,” “humming,” and wild “hollering.” Our first selection of fifteen preachers from 1995 to 2009 worked very well and included also a female (Dr. Renita Weems, Old Testament Professor at Vanderbilt Divinity School) and a Caucasian pastor, (Dr. Joel Gregory, First Baptist Church, Dallas, Texas). Nevertheless, those of us who do committee planning must tread softly (not rough-shod with overly quick riposte) and respect those who are sincerely convicted that the SDA pulpit is for its own preachers.

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o undergird and perpetuate FAME

by PELC and its 20/20 vision for the future, I concluded my remarks by flashing upon the screen the following photos and graphics: 1) the Plaque of six photos of the original

planning committee and brain-trust; 2) a Photo Montage of all Regional Conference presidents from their beginning (1945-6) to 2005; 3) the original Doorknob from the very first Regional Conference office building (1945) in the Lake Region Conference, Indianapolis, Indiana; 4) the goldmine of Annual Council Documents (1990-2009) deposited for digitization by the Archives Department of the Eva B. Dykes Library of Oakwood University. These include cassettes, VHS, CDs, and DVDs of all presentations from plenary sessions; and 5) a Procedural Manual passed on to PELC leaders in 2009 which in turn they will improve for their successors.

These materials above (except number 4) have been placed in the archives of the Office of Regional Conference Ministries. While history may be prologue, the future with 20/20 vision is mandated for greener pastures. t ___________________________ Mervyn A. Warren, PhD, D.Min, MDiv, MA, is the Retired Dean of Religion; VP for Academic Affairs; Provost and Interim President of Oakwood University REGIONAL VOICE

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HOPE SERIES

PINE FORGE ACADEMY RECEIVES $100,000 GRANT FROM ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE

By LATASH A HEW IT T

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ine Forge Academy recently received funding of $100,000 from Adventist HealthCare (Gaithersburg, Maryland). This partnership between the historic boarding academy and the leading healthcare system is designed to help both entities accomplish their mission statements, which are both similar: • “...to prepare students spiritually, intellectually, physically, and socially for service to God and man.” (PFA) • “...to extend God’s care through ministry of physical, mental, and spiritual healing.” (AdventHealth) “Our vision for PFA is to be a premier, 21st Century S.T.E.M High School, (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), producing top health care professionals, scientists, and administrators who serve and impact their communities with excellence! To accomplish this, we want to create a pipeline between AdventHealth and PFA. We envision this being accomplished through exposure to summer internships, scholarships and having a state-of-the-art S.T.E.M program,” says Sokoni Scott, President of the National Pine Forge Academy Association.

The funds provided by Adventist HealthCare will be used to enhance

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“WE WANT TO CREATE A PIPELINE BETWEEN ADVENT HEALTH AND PFA. WE ENVISION THIS BEING ACCOMPLISHED THROUGH EXPOSURE TO SUMMER INTERNSHIPS, SCHOLARSHIPS AND HAVING A STATE-OF-THEART S.T.E.M PROGRAM.” SOKONI SCOTT, PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL PINE FORGE ACADEMY ASSOCIATION. PFA’s Science Lab by: • expanding the hands-on lab experience • introducing a Green Chemistry program • continuing participation in the Pennsylvania S.T.E.M Competition • expanding the science course offerings to include advanced placement • offering a comprehensive S.T.E.M./ Robotics program The science lab renovations are scheduled to be completed in April 2020.

“Adventist HealthCare is honored to help Pine Forge Academy rebuild this science lab and provide the needed equipment and resources so its students

can continue to excel,” said Terry Forde, President and CEO of Adventist HealthCare. “We hope this lab will inspire students to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare and we look forward to one day welcoming some of them to be part of our organization where they can help us fulfill our mission of extending God’s care,” Forde continued.

Adventist HealthCare, founded in 1907, serves patients throughout the Washington, D.C. region. Based in Gaithersburg, Maryland, it employs approximately 6,000 people, has more than 1,700 physicians and cares for close to 800,000 community members each year.

It includes three acute-care hospitals: Shady Grove Medical Center, White Oak Medical Center and Fort Washington Medical Center. It also features: two rehabilitation hospitals and outpatient clinics; mental health services; physician practices, home care services and outpatient locations. Its mission is to extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing. t ___________________________

A WONDERFUL INVESTMENT: THANKS TO SOME EXCELLENT PLANNING AND EXECUTION, PINE FORGE ACADEMY STUDENTS WILL ENJOY THE BEST OF SCIENTIFIC STUDIES LEADING TO SOLID CAREER PATHS.

LaTasha Hewitt is Communications Director for the Allegheny East Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

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