The Visitor is printed bimonthly and is the official publication of the Columbia Union Conference for the constituents of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Mid-Atlantic area. Our mission is to provide news and information, inspiration for effective ministry, and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission.
Editor and Publisher
■ Kelly Butler Coe
Copy Chief; Newsletters Editor ■ Ricardo Bacchus
News and Features Editor ■ V. Michelle Bernard
Art Director ■ Kelly Butler Coe
Designer ■ Kylie Kajiura
Advertising Manager ■ Ricardo Bacchus
Contract Copy Editor ■ Beth Thomas
Contract Proofreader
■ Lisa Krueger
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Allegheny East ■ LaTasha Hewitt, visitaec.com
Allegheny West ■ Anthony Chornes II, awconf.org
Chesapeake ■ Evan Knott, ccosda.org
Mountain View ■ Liz Bailey, mtviewconf.org
New Jersey ■ Stephen Lee, njcsda.org
Ohio ■ Francis Tuffour, ohioadventist.org
Pennsylvania ■ Tamyra Horst, paconference.org
Potomac ■ Debra Anderson, pcsda.org
Atholton Adventist Academy ■ Beth Villanueva, atholtonadventistacademy.org
Blue Mountain Academy ■ Kiona Costello, bma.us
Highland View Academy ■ Tracy Morgan, highlandviewacademy.com
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy ■ Ashley Boggess, lakenelsonacademy.org
Pine Forge Academy ■ Addriene Rhodes, pineforgeacademy.org
Shenandoah Valley Academy ■ Janel Haas Ware, shenandoahvalleyacademy.org
Spencerville Adventist Academy ■ Lauren Esveld, spencervilleacademy.org
Spring Valley Academy ■ Angela Peach, springvalleyacademy.org
Takoma Academy ■ Shaun Robinson, ta.edu
Kettering College ■ Katie Kimball, kc.edu
Washington Adventist University ■ Everett Wiles, wau.edu Adventist HealthCare ■ Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com
Kettering Health ■ Katie Kimball, ketteringhealth.org
WGTS ■ Lisa Krueger, wgts919.com
PUBLISHING BOARD
■ Marcellus T. Robinson (chair), Kelly Butler Coe (secretary), Emmanuel Asiedu, Tim Bailey, Celeste Ryan Blyden, Marvin C. Brown, III, Bob Cundiff, Gary Gibbs, Andre Hastick, Trevor Kinlock, Stephen Lee, Charles A. Tapp
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The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two health care networks; early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; community services centers; camp and retreat centers; book and health food stores and a radio media ministry. To learn more about the Columbia Union, visit columbiaunion.org.
President ■ Marcellus T. Robinson
Executive Secretary ■ Celeste Ryan Blyden
Treasurer ■ Emmanuel Asiedu
Undertreasurer ■ Tabita Martinez
Vice President, Communication ■ Kelly Butler Coe
Vice President, Education ■ Donovan Ross
Vice President, Evangelism & Multilingual Ministries ■ José D. Espósito
Vice President/General Counsel/PARL ■ Lisa Saveikis Burrow
Vice President, Ministries Development ■ José L. Vázquez
Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund ■ H. Candace Nurse
Director, Information Technology Services ■ Robert D. Chandler
Director, Plant Services ■ Curtis Boore
Adventist ® and Seventh-day Adventist ® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ® ■ The Visitor is printed and mailed at Pacific Press ® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. ■ Unless otherwise noted, photos and illustrations are reproduced with permission from gettyimages.com.
About the Cover: Columbia Union Conference officers Emmanuel Asiedu, treasurer; Marcellus T. Robinson, president; and Celeste Ryan Blyden, executive secretary, were re-elected to serve for the 2026-2031 term.
Photographed by Ruth Annan.
marcellus t robinson
Pull Up a Chair
Growing up in a large family, my parents always taught us that, although we were poor economically, we were rich in love. Therefore, God always provided enough for us to feed someone else. So, without fail, we always set out an extra plate at the table, expecting that somebody would knock on our door in need of a meal.
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus did far more than teach and preach—He intentionally invested in people. One of His most recognizable patterns was gathering around a table, where shared meals became some of His most powerful moments of connection and fellowship.
The book of Luke, alone, mentions several homes where Jesus shared food and friendship:
■ The Home of Levi (Matthew): After accepting Jesus’ call, Levi hosted a great banquet for Him and His disciples (Luke 5:29).
■ The Home of Simon the Pharisee: During a meal, a sinful woman anointed Jesus’ feet and experienced His forgiveness and grace (Luke 7:36–50).
■ The Home of Martha, Mary and Lazarus: Jesus frequently visited this family in Bethany, where He found hospitality and rest (Luke 10:38–42).
■ The Home of Zacchaeus: Jesus invited Himself to Zacchaeus’ house, bringing salvation and transformation to his family (Luke 19:1–10).
■ The Upper Room in Jerusalem: This is where Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with His disciples (Luke 22:7–20).
These meals were far more than social gatherings. Around the table, Jesus taught lessons about forgiveness, grace, inclusion, compassion and the kingdom of God.
The early church followed the same example: “Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart” (Acts 2:46–47, NASB).
During the 29th Columbia Union Conference Constituency Meeting, we announced the 2026 Share Your Table initiative (featured on page 7). It follows the example of Jesus and the early church—encouraging members to open their homes and share meals with their friends and community. Away from the noise of screens and schedules, tables become sacred spaces where the richest feast of all is shared: the Bread of Life.
To help bring this vision to life, the Columbia Union team has designed a special prayer apron bearing the simple yet inviting question: “How Can I Pray for You Today?”—a gentle prompt that can transform an ordinary meal into an opportunity for prayer and connection, because sometimes a simple act of hospitality is all it takes to open the door to someone’s first encounter with Jesus.
Marcellus T. Robinson is the president of the Columbia Union Conference.
CO LUMB IA UN IO N CO NFERENCE
michelle bernard
SAVE THE DATE
The Columbia Union Conference
Camporee will be held August 4–8, 2027 at the Summit Bechtel Reserve in W.Va.
Find more information at cucamporee.com.
LIVING OUT THEIR SACRED CALLING: THE 2025–2026 EDUCATORS OF THE YEAR
The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education recently announced the 2025–2026 Educators of the Year.
Ruth Nino, associate director at Columbia Union’s Office of Education and program organizer, says, “The teacher’s work is a fulfillment of the Great Commission in teaching. It’s ministry in action.”
IMMIGRATION POLICIES IMPACT COLUMBIA UNION CONFERENCE CHURCHES
Throughout the Columbia Union, churches in areas impacted by the federal government’s recent immigration actions have become lifelines for congregants and community members. Church members are delivering groceries to affected families, organizing prayer and fasting initiatives, hosting information events, and transforming homes into churches. Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/2026immigration to read the full story.—Amanda Blake
THE FITNESS HABIT YOU’RE PROBABLY SKIPPING
Cardio and weight training are workout staples, but are you forgetting a critical component in your plan to get or stay healthy?
“Good balance is necessary for everyday activities, from sitting and standing to climbing stairs, and [it is] really important as you age. Balance exercises engage your core muscles. [They support] athletic performance and help prevent falls, especially as we get older,” said Jason Herron, exercise physiologist at the Adventist HealthCare Sports Performance Institute, on a recent episode of Adventist HealthCare’s Weekly Health Minute.
He says, “Even doing balance exercises for a few minutes at a time can make a huge difference. You can do simple balance exercises while you have your morning [drink], during TV commercials or at the end of your workout routine.”
Visit this link for more health tips and the interview that includes practical balance challenges: AHC.Link/VM-Balance.
ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR:
Miya Kim, Principal Atholton Adventist Academy
NEW EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:
Hannah Olin, 7–8
Homeroom Teacher; Middle School Social Studies and Language Arts Teacher
Manassas Adventist
Preparatory School
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR: Courtney Brown, Homeroom Teacher, Math and Innovations Director
Takoma Academy
Preparatory School
SECONDARY EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR:
Dillon Zimmerman, Chemistry/Physics/Intro to Engineering Teacher Spring Valley Academy
CARING HEART AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED
The Columbia Union Office of Education recently honored these Class of 2026 graduates from Columbia Union academies with the Caring Heart Award, recognizing their commitment to service and witnessing.
Blue Mountain Academy: Jordan Slifka
Highland View Academy: Mauricio Antonio Vera Walther
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy: Jayla Sinclair
Pine Forge Academy: Keyonte Moore
Richmond Academy: Nicole De Andrade Matias Da Luz
Shenandoah Valley Academy: Belmaris Mercado
Spencerville Adventist Academy: Aiden Zinke
Spring Valley Academy: Kai Knowlton
Takoma Academy: Marianna Guzman
WAU PRESIDENT TRANSITIONS TO NEW ROLE
Weymouth Spence, president of Washington Adventist University (WAU) for the last 18 years, concluded his tenure as president and transitioned to a new role July 1.
In this new role, Spence will build on the momentum of WAU’s Vision 2030 plan to drive academic innovation, strengthen partnerships and increase institutional visibility to enhance the learning environment for student success. “For 18 years, Dr. Spence has been a steadfast force at Washington Adventist University—steering the institution through periods of meaningful growth, transformation and purpose-driven progress,” says Marcellus T. Robinson, WAU Board of Trustees chair and Columbia Union Conference president. “His ongoing dedication remains invaluable as he advances several key strategic priorities.”
Read more about Spence at columbiaunionvisitor.com.
UpFront
Kids, Corner
ROBOTICS TOURNAMENT
Caleb Paradero, Jithra Joseph and Daniel Garcia, members of the TerraBots (pictured), a robotics teams from Potomac Conference’s Beltsville Adventist School (Md.), were one of the Columbia Union Conference teams that recently participated in the FIRST LEGO® League Championship, held at Forest Lake Academy (Fla.).
“Through months of preparation, the TerraBots poured their energy into more than just building a robot—they grew as a team,” says Krysten Thomas, team coach and a pastor at the Beltsville church. “They embraced the [league’s] core values of discovery, innovation, impact, inclusion, teamwork and fun every step of the way.”
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, AMERICA! • Did you know that the United States of America is celebrating its 250th birthday this year? Celebrate the Fourth of July with these fun questions about how our country began:
by
What country did America free itself from in 1776?
Which country helped America in the war against Britain?
What was the last name of the first president? of July, America’s birthday
Which colony (now a state) was the first to approve the U.S. Constitution?
What color is the president’s house?
Unscramble the circled letters for one of the most famous phrases in American history:
ACROSS
In what city was the Declaration of Independence signed?
What city in Virginia was the first permanent English settlement in America?
What state was Thomas Jefferson from?
The three colors of the American flag: Red, White, and
photo
mariah sosa
Noticias
v michelle bernard
ES ELEGIDO EL EQUIPO DE LIDERAZGO EJECUTIVO DE LA COLUMBIA UNION
En mayo, 260 delegados asistieron a la 29.ª Sesión Quinquenal de la Columbia Union. Representaban a las ocho conferencias, entidades y a las 876 iglesias y grupos de la unión. Los asistentes escucharon informes sobre evangelismo, ministerio y el derramamiento del Espíritu Santo, el cual resultó en 27,158 nuevos miembros en los últimos cinco años.
Durante la reunión, reeligieron al presidente Marcellus T. Robinson (en la imagen, en el centro), a la secretaria ejecutiva Celeste Ryan Blyden (en la imagen, a la izquierda) y al tesorero Emmanuel Asiedu (en la imagen) para el periodo 2026–2031.
Como líder de la Columbia Union, Robinson brinda orientación espiritual y estrategias para cumplir la misión de la iglesia en el territorio de las ocho conferencias que conforman la unión.
Blyden colabora en la administración de las conferencias, escuelas, redes de atención médica y ministerios de la unión. Lleva las actas y los archivos de la unión, asegura que todas las entidades de la unión cumplan con la constitución y los reglamentos, y preside la Junta de Educación de la unión.
Asiedu preside varios comités financieros y de auditoría; asesora a la WAU y a las dos redes de atención médica de la Columbia Union—Adventist HealthCare y Kettering Health—y asiste a las conferencias de la unión en asuntos de finanzas, políticas y procedimientos. Su equipo gestiona los diezmos, las ofrendas, los presupuestos y la nómina.—Amanda Blake
LOS VICEPRESIDENTES SON REELEGIDOS PARA EL MANDATO 2026-2031
Los delegados de la 29.ª Sesión Quinquenal reeligieron a los cinco vicepresidentes—José L. Vázquez, Lisa Saveikis Burrow, José D. Espósito, Donovan Ross y Kelly Butler Coe—para cumplir otro mandato de cinco años en sus respectivos cargos.
Vázquez continuará colaborando con las conferencias locales de la unión para desarrollar y respaldar ministerios de extensión que evangelicen y transformen las comunidades dentro del territorio de la unión. Asimismo, seguirá trabajando para asegurar y gestionar la financiación de proyectos e iniciativas misioneras locales, incluida la plantación de iglesias. Vázquez también se desempeña como director ministerial de la unión.
Saveikis Burrow ha sido vicepresidenta y asesora jurídica general de la Columbia Union desde el 2021, y se desempeña como directora legal principal para los diversos ministerios dentro de la unión, brindando
asesoramiento a los oficiales de la unión y de las conferencias, así como a las diversas entidades ubicadas dentro del territorio de la unión.
Espósito se desempeña como vicepresidente de Evangelismo y Ministerios Multilingües en la Columbia Union.
En marzo del 2026, fue elegido por votación como vicepresidente de Evangelismo y Ministerios Multilingües. En este cargo, trabaja con los directores de Ministerios Hispanos y de Evangelismo de las conferencias locales para proporcionar recursos e inspiración a los miembros, a fin de que continúen compartiendo el Evangelio.
Ross, vicepresidente de Educación, supervisa un equipo que fomenta, apoya y facilita el camino hacia la excelencia para los más de 450 educadores del sistema educativo de la Columbia Union.
Coe ayuda a definir la voz editorial, los mensajes estratégicos y la dirección visual de la organización, y representa a la unión en entornos de liderazgo colaborativo.—Ricardo Bacchus
VIVIENDO SU LLAMADO
SAGRADO: LOS EDUCADORES DEL AÑO 2025-26
La Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union Conference anunció recientemente a los Educadores del Año 2025-26.
Ruth Nino, directora asociada de la Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union y organizadora del programa, afirma: “La labor del maestro es el cumplimiento de la Gran Comisión a través de la enseñanza. Es ministerio en acción”.
Administradora del Año:
Miya Kim, Directora Atholton Adventist Academy
Educadora de Primaria del Año: Courtney Brown, Maestra Titular, Directora de Matemáticas e Innovaciones Takoma Academy Preparatory School
Nueva Educadora del Año: Hannah Olin, Profesora Titular de 7.º y 8.º grado; Profesora de Estudios Sociales y Lengua y Literatura en la escuela secundaria Manassas Adventist Preparatory School
Educador de Preparatoria del Año: Dillon Zimmerman, Profesor de Química, Física e Introducción a la Ingeniería Spring Valley Academy
Para más historias en español, visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias.
Columbia Union Members Gather to Celebrate Evangelism, Growth and God’s Goodness
BY THE VISITOR STAFF
We’ve come to celebrate the goodness of the Lord,” said Marcellus T. Robinson, Columbia Union Conference president, as he opened the Columbia Union Conference 29th Constituency Meeting in May at Potomac Conference’s Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md.
During the meeting, 260 delegates and some 70 guests from the union’s eight conferences, entities and 876 churches and companies heard reports on evangelism, ministry and how the outpouring of the Holy Spirit resulted in 27,158 new members in the last quinquennium.
Held every five years, the constituency meeting brings together a delegation that includes a strategic representation of men, women, young adults, church employees and lay people to elect leaders and review the Columbia Union’s work.
A CELEBRATION OF EVANGELISM
The Sabbath evening vespers program began with a sacred music concert, followed by the president’s report titled, “A Celebration of Pentecost 2025.” Robinson, who has served as union president since 2024, shared highlights from the evangelistic efforts that yielded 7,097 new members in 2025 alone.
José D. Espósito, union vice president for Evangelism and Multicultural Ministries (pictured on left of Robinson) reported that church leaders wholeheartedly jumped into planning for and implementing Pentecost 2025—the North American Division’s (NAD) evangelistic initiative —to get members, churches and schools involved in sharing the gospel through evangelism.
During the president’s report, Blyden; Emmanuel Asiedu, union treasurer; and Rubén A. Ramos, retired union vice president for Multilingual Ministries, interviewed representatives from each conference about how God had blessed their territories through the initiative. Many conference presidents reported historic baptismal numbers and described how the Holy Spirit worked in mighty ways during Pentecost 2025.
Delegates and guests exchange greetings at the start of the constituency meeting.
Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer, and Andre Hastick, Chesapeake Conference president, interview Drake Johnson, a Bible worker in the Baltimore area.
27,158 The number of new members welcomed into the Columbia Union membership in the last five years
One example of how God impacted an individual in a powerful way is Jimmy. This individual from the Baltimore area received a Bible study flyer from the Chesapeake Conference shortly after he spent more than a year in the hospital due to a suicide attempt. After developing a friendship with Bible worker Drake Johnson and attending the Hope for Humanity evangelistic series, Jimmy was baptized and is now active in a local church plant.
Adding to the reasons to celebrate, five people were baptized during the meeting.
Asiedu said the mission of the union goes beyond the Mid-Atlantic states. “God expects us to do the mission here and the mission abroad,” he said, sharing that, with assistance from Adventist HealthCare and Kettering Health, the union provides educational and health care assistance in India, Cuba, South Africa, Zambia, Jordan, Liberia, Vietnam, Ghana, Cambodia, Uganda and Tanzania.
“We’re a praying union,” said Celeste Ryan Blyden, union executive secretary, on the importance that prayer played leading up to and during Pentecost 2025. She shared that, in 2025, and continuing into 2026, the union has hosted monthly Zoom prayer meetings—lifting up a different conference or entity each month.
“You’ve done a lot of work,” said NAD President G. Alexander Bryant, after thanking union and conference leadership, pastors, educators and members. “My heart has been warmed, inspired, encouraged as I’ve seen the work you’ve done in the union—every conference coming together. That really is what Pentecost is about. … God is still looking to do something special. And He is.”
SHARE YOUR TABLE
After basking in the blessings of Pentecost 2025, Espósito rejoined the stage and, together with Robinson, announced the Columbia Union’s 2026 initiative, Share Your Table. It encourages church members to open their homes to friends, colleagues and neighbors for simple, meaningful moments of connection that can naturally lead to questions about faith or God. “The purpose is to invite one person or family to your home for a meal—breakfast, lunch or dinner,” explained Espósito.
At the constituency meeting, delegates who accepted the call to participate received bags that
Top: Washington Adventist University student Benjamin Clemente (pictured with Tim Bailey, president of Mountain View Conference) shares how he stopped at the Charleston Boulevard church looking for a safe place to sleep and walked away with an entirely new future. Watch his story at columbiaunionvisitor.com/benjaminclemente.
Above Left: Mavie Sullivan, a delegate from New Jersey Conference’s Phillipsburg church, is moved by a testimony.
Above Right: Michael Stephan Coleman and Breanna Rashel Coleman celebrate their baptisms, as Marius Marton, pastor of Ohio Conference’s Elyria church, looks on.
Below: Ivette Ovalle (center) and Domitila Rosette, Columbia Union staff members who support evangelistic efforts, illustrate the new Share Your Table initiative.
Bottom: Attendees respond to Columbia Union President Marcellus T. Robinson’s call to practice friendship evangelism.
REQUEST AN APRON AND PARTICIPATE IN THE SHARE YOUR TABLE INITIATIVE
G. Alexander Bryant, president of the North American Division, congratulates the newly elected Columbia Union officer
included, among other items, a prayer apron that asks, “How Can I Pray for You Today?” This prayer apron provides guests an opening to share what’s on their hearts—prayer requests for jobs, health, finances or family, says Espósito.
Union leaders hope that many members and churches will join the movement.
UNION LEADERSHIP RE-ELECTED
An important area of business delegates handle at constituency meetings is electing union leadership.
After sundown on Saturday night, delegates re-elected President Marcellus T. Robinson, Executive Secretary Celeste Ryan Blyden and Treasurer Emmanuel Asiedu to the 2026–2031 term.
“This body has elected you with a very, very strong mandate and appreciation for your leadership and a desire to see you continue for the next five years,” said Bryant, affirming the re-election and declaring that he hoped the meeting would be the last before Jesus returns.
On behalf of the officer team and their spouses, Robinson thanked the delegation for the opportunity to serve again. “We’re humbled and we’re honored and know you’re praying for us as we pray for you. May God lead and direct us each day.”
As leader of the union, Robinson provides spiritual guidance and strategy to accomplish the mission of the church in the union’s eight-conference territory. He chairs the Kettering Health Board of Directors, Washington Adventist University (WAU) Board of Trustees and serves on various educational, health care, and administrative committees throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Church system.
Blyden, union executive secretary since 2021, helps govern the union’s conferences, schools, health care networks and ministries. She keeps the union’s minutes and archives, ensures all union entities follow constitutions and bylaws, and chairs the union’s Board of Education and WGTS Media Ministry Membership Board.
Elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2021, Asiedu chairs the Adventist HealthCare Board of
Trustees and several financial and audit committees; gives counsel to WAU; and provides strategic financial and policy-related guidance to the union’s conference treasurers and entities. His team manages tithes, offerings, budgets and payroll.
VICE PRESIDENTS RE-ELECTED
Delegates also re-elected all five vice presidents— José D. Espósito, Kelly Butler Coe, Donovan Ross, Lisa Saveikis Burrow and José L. Vázquez—to serve another five-year term in their respective roles.
Espósito served as assistant to the president for Evangelism since January 2022. During this time, he started the Garment of Faith initiative, which encourages members to request a baptismal robe, then commit to pray, mentor and spiritually nourish someone in the hopes that the person may one day be baptized in that robe. To date, more than 6,000 garments have been distributed. In March 2026, he was voted as vice president for Evangelism and Multilingual Ministries. In this role, he works with various multicultural ministries and Evangelism directors at local conferences to provide resources and support for members to continue sharing the gospel through initiatives such as Pentecost 2025. Since September 2023, Coe has served as vice president for Communication. In this role, she helps shape the organization’s editorial voice and visual direction. She oversees the Visitor News platform, guiding a team that creates news and feature content across print, video and digital channels. She also manages crisis communication for the union and provides strategic communication leadership, resources and support to its entities.
Ross, vice president for Education, oversees a team that nurtures, supports and facilitates the “Journey to Excellence” for the more than 450 educators in the union’s educational system. They support, mentor and develop educators by conducting
All five vice presidents—José D. Espósito, Kelly Butler Coe, Donovan Ross, Lisa Saveikis Burrow and José L. Vázquez—will continue to serve in their respective roles for the next five years.
team and their spouses.
annual principals’ boot camps and by securing funding from the Bainum Family Foundation to support leadership development initiatives. They also assist in the formation of system policies and provide mission-driven strategic consultations in areas such as program development, school accreditation, professional growth and teacher certification. He has been the vice president for Education since 2016.
Saveikis Burrow has served as vice president and general counsel for the union since 2021. As chief legal officer, she provides counsel to union and conference officers, entities and various ministries. The General Counsel’s office is also involved substantively with the operation of Planned Giving & Trust Services. Additionally, Burrow represents the union and its entities when dealing with Public Affairs & Religious Liberty (PARL), and also presents educational seminars on various topics including immigration.
At the union’s executive committee meeting in November 2025, Vázquez was elected to be the new vice president for Ministries Development.
Vázquez partners with the union’s conferences
It’s neat to see so many people from all over the union just coming together in a civilized way to conduct business—something that is not common in the corporate world.—Arleen Johns, a member of Pennsylvania Conference’s Hampden Heights church in Reading, served as secretary of the Nominating Committee
I’m just amazed by the ministries and how everyone is working together. It‘s awesome to see how God works through everyone and all the ministries.—Lila Mejia, a member of Allegheny East Conference’s Georgetown Spanish church in Delaware
to develop and support outreach ministries that evangelize and transform the communities within the union’s territory. His department provides unionwide training and oversight for Youth and Young Adult Ministries and Pathfinders and organizes the union’s camporee every five years.
He also works to secure and process funding for homeland mission projects and initiatives, including church plants.
Vázquez also serves as the union ministerial director.
SNAPSHOT OF THE LAST FIVE YEARS
In her report on Sunday morning, Blyden, who oversaw the constituency meeting, noted that, despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the union experienced the largest net growth among NAD unions in the last quinquennium and remains the third largest union with 162,652 members. She noted the median age of members is 48, with 46 percent being 60 years or older, and of these members, 57 percent are women. She added that these totals do not include children who are not
I feel good because I’m serving the Lord through sharing music at the meeting. —Heim Cepeda, a member of the Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) team from Allegheny East Conference’s Oxon Hill Filipino American church in Fort Washington, Md.
A lot of times people think you can [get] political about certain things at these meetings. But it is instead a well-structured, God-led process.—Walter Cardenas, executive secretary of the Mountain View Conference
DELEGATES RESPOND
A total of 260 delegates and 70 guests attended the constituency meeting. Here are a few of their takeaways:
I’m very excited about Share Your Table. This is just another way for members to get personally involved. That is what is going to finish the work—not pastors, but lay people getting involved.—Kent Sharpe, vice president for finance at the Potomac Conference
I hope to see more young people involved in events like these. Moving forward, I hope we continue to evolve and adjust to the current culture in regard to technology and how to reach others who don’t know about Christ.—Michaela Compare, a member of Allegheny East Conference’s Ephesus church in Richmond
I think it’s really important for us to come together as a union and understand all the ministry and outreach going on and look at how our local churches can support and be connected with the union.—Sarah Sellison, a member of Chesapeake Conference’s West Wilmington (Del.) church
BY THE NUMBERS
1.9 million The number of people who joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide in 2024
3.67% The Columbia Union’s net membership growth in 2025, the highest in the NAD and greater than the U.S. population growth rate
876 The number of churches and companies in the Columbia Union
162,652 The number of Columbia Union members today
48 The median age of Columbia Union members
$13,385,984 The amount of funds the Columbia Union spent on evangelism in 2021–2026
$1,117.33 The tithe per capita in the Columbia Union
46 The number of members elected to serve on the 2026 –2031 Columbia Union Executive Committee. See who they are and what they do at columbiaunionvisitor.com/ whatisanexecutivecommittee.
Kettering Health representatives Martina Bruno, Vimbai Mazani and Nestor Bruno stand at the Kettering booth, ready to chat with delegates.
at meetings in the union and abroad. The department also works to develop financial leaders through a mentorship program that has mentored more than 50 employees, including himself, who now work across the NAD.
Following Asiedu’s report, David Kavistan, an audit manager with the General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS), shared that the union and the Columbia Union Conference Association received a clean (otherwise known as a modified) audit opinion for 2021–2025.
During the business sessions of the meeting, delegates heard reports on how Adventist HealthCare, Kettering Health, WAU and WGTS 91.9 are also supporting the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in their respective fields.
baptized or nonmembers who regularly attend church. She also said our union has members from every continent.
The Treasury Department understands the need to be faithful stewards, said Asiedu, in his report covering 2021–2025. “We want to make sure every dollar has a connection to mission,” he added, noting that the department’s financial stewardship is built upon the principles of integrity, accountability, transparency, faithfulness, excellence and service.
In the last five years, the conferences in the union received $835,971,736 in tithe. The union received $75,237,456 of this money, which funded union operations and services, education, evangelism, tithe to the NAD, and auditing expenses—and the union was able to return an additional $8,304,342 back to its eight conferences.
Beyond providing strategic financial stewardship and supporting mission, Asiedu said the department is directly involved in evangelism through preaching
Kevin Krueger, president and CEO of Atlantic Gateway Communications, which oversees WGTS 91.9 and WGBZ 88.3—among other digital ministries— reports that 40 percent of 400,000 weekly WGTS listeners don’t even claim to be Christian. This demonstrates the unique ministry opportunity afforded to union entities that directly serve the public.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SELECTED
Delegates also voted to approve a new executive committee to serve for the next five-year term.
The committee serves as the union’s governing body. It convenes quarterly, bringing together 46 members whose composition is deliberately shaped to represent a range of races, regions, genders and ages. Each member is nominated by the entity
VIEW THE HIGHLIGHTS
Watch powerful testimonies and informative reports from the constituency meeting on the Columbia Union YouTube channel.
they represent and, collectively, they hold oversight responsibility for the union’s operations.
At the constituency meeting, delegates also reviewed and voted on proposed minor bylaw changes, which were largely editorial in nature.
This constituency meeting was the first in-person meeting since 2016, following an online 2021 meeting due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Delegates registered and received materials entirely through the Columbia Union Conference app, produced by the Communication and ITS teams.
“The Columbia Union Constituency Meeting is the result of many people and departments working together toward a common goal. The meeting app is one example of that collaboration, reflecting the combined efforts of multiple departments to keep delegates informed, connected and engaged throughout the event,” Coe notes.
“This event helps [members] to understand how our church is moving forward and how we’re changing lives and how we’re making an impact across the board, not just in our schools, but also in our hospitals, our health care systems and at WGTS,” says Cecil Calliste, an executive committee member and delegate from Potomac Conference’s Takoma Park (Md.) church. “I’m so honored to be able to be a part of this, and thankful for the hard work and commitment of all of the Columbia Union staff … so we could experience this.”— Ricardo Bacchus, V. Michelle Bernard, Amanda Blake and Becky St. Clair contributed to this article. V
Right: Members of Potomac Conference’s Takoma Academy choir share special music during the sacred music concert that opened the vespers program Sabbath evening.
Below: Kyoshin Ahn, executive secretary for the North American Division, delivers a prayer of dedication for the Columbia Union Conference office staff.
Danny Calderon, a member of the Nueva Esperanza Spanish church in University Park, Md., provides Spanish-language interpretation for delegates.
Delegates registered for the constituency meeting and received meeting materials via the Columbia Union Conference app, created by the Communication and ITS teams.
Kevin Daniel, assistant treasurer for the Columbia Union Revolving Fund, shows Daniel Pablo Cabezas, a district pastor from the New Jersey Conference, how to use the voting device.
Communication Teams ‘Elevate’ Skills at Conference
Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Communication Department recently welcomed more than 90 attendees to its 11th annual Connection and Ministry Communication Conference (CAMCON) at its headquarters in Pine Forge, Pa. Centered on the theme “Elevate,” this year’s conference focused on helping communication and media teams strengthen their skills and expand their impact.
Church communication and media representatives pitch ideas to a panel of judges, earning more than $14,500 collectively to improve their local ministries.
Seminars were designed to equip local church members with practical tools in areas such as conflict resolution, branding, visual communication, social media strategy, reel creation, photography and livestreaming. Featured presenters included Chariolett Johnson, DaVita Benson, Kelly Butler Coe, David Defoe, Avrey Anderson, Ruth Annan and Colin Sandy, each bringing valuable expertise and insight.
Friday afternoon, attendees participated in an off-site visit to the Pearl Exhibit Group in Pottstown, Pa., where they gained additional exposure to professional production and display solutions.
Throughout the weekend, participants enjoyed interactive experiences, such as a photo booth, professional headshots, daily giveaways and meaningful networking opportunities with fellow ministry leaders.
A highlight of the conference took place Saturday evening with the debut of the “Elevation Tank,” where 10 church media teams presented innovative ideas aimed at enhancing their local Communication and Media Ministries.
Women Clergy Hold First Retreat
The Allegheny East Conference (AEC) Women’s Ministries Department recently invited women clergy for a three-day getaway at The Inn at Leola Village (Pa.).
The retreat offered them a chance to rest, reconnect and be renewed through fellowship, worship and celebrations—including a birthday, upcoming nuptials and a baby arrival.
On Sunday evening, participants gathered at a local restaurant, setting the tone for meaningful connection.
“It was great to connect, as we usually only get to do so at professional functions like workers’ meetings, area meetings, camp meetings and the like,” says Novella Smith, pastor of the Beacon Light church in Annapolis, Md.
On Tuesday, the retreat concluded with an inspiring live theatrical experience at Sight & Sound® Theatres in Lancaster, Pa.
“My key takeaway was the importance of clergy sisterhood. I was able to build relationships with
women who share the same title as mine and understand the joys and challenges of pastoral ministry,” says Darnisha Thomas, associate pastor of the Dupont Park church in Washington, D.C.
Marleena Debrough, AEC Women’s Ministries director and event organizer, adds, “It was an exciting time being together in fun and fellowship, and sharing thoughts and experiences with other clergy.”
Grace Pointe Church Opens New Enrichment Center
The Grace Pointe church in Montclair, N.J., recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new facility—the Grace Pointe Community Enrichment Center, located adjacent to the church.
The enrichment center represents the culmination of dedicated planning and collaboration by Joan Perry, elder and project manager, and Chris Jones, elder. The initiative was supported by former pastor,
Errol Stoddart (left), Grace Pointe church pastor, prays over the new community enrichment center, asking God to use it to reach others.
Dewaine Frazer, and current pastor, Errol Stoddart, whose leadership helped bring the vision to life.
The center will offer a comprehensive range of holistic services focused on community wellness and recovery needs, including a food pantry and soup kitchen; mental health support and counseling; stress management programs and wellness initiatives; and employment and personal development coaching.
Several community officials were in attendance to mark the occasion and offer remarks, including Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., county executive of the Essex County Division of Housing and Community Development; John M. Soares, division director; Salvatore Carnovale, program monitor; John Cataldo, coordinator of contractual operations; and Craig Lombardi, housing coordinator.
Following a prayer of dedication, officials gathered for the ceremonial ribbon cutting. Guests were then invited to tour the new facility and enjoy light refreshments.
Grace Pointe is looking forward to their grand opening when their services will be open to the community at large. “We are excited about the needs we will meet and the resources we can provide to those in our church’s neighborhood,” says Perry.
Penuel Church Celebrates 50 Years
The Penuel church in Brandy Station, Va., recently celebrated 50 years as a congregation. The worship service provided an opportunity for the church to look back with gratitude, reflecting on five decades of ministry.
The service featured a special presentation of the church’s history, bringing Penuel’s journey back into view from the prayers prayed to the sacrifices made and the lives that have been touched along the way.
The worship experience included congregational songs of praise and special music. Trevor Kinlock, Allegheny East Conference president, delivered the message, “I Know Who I Am.” Organizers also honored the elders, pastors, leaders, members and families who have helped build and sustain the ministry over the years.
James Thomas, current pastor, reflected on the celebration and what it means for the church: “As Penuel celebrates 50 years, this anniversary is not just about what has been; it is also about what is ahead. The same God who kept the church in the past will lead it into the future. … This celebration is a declaration that Penuel’s story is still being written, and the best is still to come.”
150 Youth Leaders Certified as Mental Health First Aiders
In recognition of the Allegheny West Conference Youth Mental Health year, more than 150 club directors, youth leaders and Master Guide candidates were recently certified as National Mental Health First Aiders during the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) 2026 at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, Ohio.
The weekend commenced Friday evening with a worship experience led by Philadelphie church’s Haitian Master Guide Club, located in Columbus, Ohio. Inspiring devotional messages from Johnathan B. Fields Jr., associate pastor of the Grace Community church in Euclid, Ohio, challenged the leaders to trust God’s process and purpose in leadership and ministry.
“With God, the process is the preparation for your purpose,” Fields reminded participants throughout the weekend.
The evening concluded with the Inclusion of Youth with Disabilities Adventist Youth Ministry Training, facilitated by Jamal Franklyn, conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. The training equipped leaders with practical tools to better support and include youth with learning disabilities, ADHD, those on the autism spectrum, intellectual disabilities and mobility disabilities within local church ministries and club programs.
On Sabbath, guest facilitator Chardé Hollins, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of Relevant Connections, assisted by Carolyn Henry-Hurst,
program coordinator for Legacies Empowered, delivered two impactful sessions titled, “Unveiling the Healing Network” and “Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.” Hollins, who regularly serves as a trainer and consultant for organizations, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Destination Cleveland, Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin, trained attendees to use the Mental Health First Aid action plan known as ALGEE:
A – Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm, and assist
L – Listen nonjudgmentally
G – Give reassurance and information
E – Encourage appropriate professional help
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies
Participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical response strategies designed to help youth leaders identify, understand and respond to mental health challenges among youth and young adults.
At the conclusion of the leadership conference, more than 150 attendees successfully completed the certification process, making YLC 2026 the largest group of Mental Health First Aiders certified together in the state of Ohio.—Helen Herñandez, Administrative Assistant for Youth and Young Adult Ministries
Adventurer and Pathfinder club directors from the Luso Brazilian church in Dublin, Ohio, participate in a group activity.
More than 150 Adventurer, Pathfinder and Master Guide club directors, youth leaders and Master Guide candidates are certified as National Mental Health First Aiders during the Youth Leadership Conference 2026.
Bethel Celebrates Miracle Mortgage Liquidation
The Bethel church in Akron, Ohio, is celebrating a major milestone after liquidating more than $100,000 in mortgage debt in just two and a half months— months ahead of the original 16-month plan.
In September 2025, Bethel members launched a church-wide initiative under the visionary leadership of Ricky Martin, senior pastor of Bethel, to eliminate the church mortgage by December 2026. The vision quickly united members, children, church leadership and supporters from several states around a common mission.
“This wasn’t simply about liquidating the mortgage; it was about the ability for further outreach with funds that were previously targeted for the mortgage payment,” says Martin.
The initiative inspired participation from every age group within the congregation. Children collected coins weekly, members organized fundraising efforts and supporters contributed sacrificially through donations and matching challenges. What began as a long-term financial commitment soon became a testimony of God’s provision.
Donation challenges ranging from $500 to $100,000 were met with overwhelming support as members and friends rallied together in faith. The Bethel church family witnessed what they sing
UPCOMING EVENTS
July 12–18: Rescue Project, Cleveland
August 28–30: Multicultural Women’s Retreat, Location TBD
September 4–7: Allegheny West Conference Adventurer and Pathfinder Camporee, Camp Chautauqua
September 25–27: Women’s Ministries Convention, Greater Columbus Convention Center
October 4: Health Ministries “Run for Your Health” 1M and 5K, Location TBD
Marvin C. Brown, III, Allegheny West Conference (AWC) president; Keisha Stubbs-Bone, AWC treasurer; and Joel Johnson, AWC executive vice president, celebrate the church’s mortgage liquidation.
during the tithe and offerings part of their divine services: “You can’t beat God’s giving, no matter how you try.”
The Allegheny West Conference administration joined the Bethel family to celebrate the official mortgage burning ceremony January 31, 2026. Special guests included Marvin C. Brown, III, conference president; Joel Johnson, conference executive vice president; Keisha Stubbs-Bone, conference treasurer; members of the Treasury Department; and supporters from across the territory.
Church leaders emphasized that the mortgage liquidation will now allow funds previously designated for monthly payments to be redirected toward ministry, evangelism and community outreach initiatives throughout Akron.
The celebration served not only as a financial victory but as a reminder of what can happen when a church family unites behind a shared vision of faith, sacrifice and commitment.
Pictured left to right: Ricky Martin, Bethel church senior pastor; Christ-Roi Cheres, head elder; Abdelle Cheres, member; Lisa Hood, elder of the Southeast church in Cleveland; Vivian Martin, member;
From National Celebration to Eternal Jubilee
As our nation marks its 250th anniversary, it is worth reflecting on what freedom truly means. Fireworks, parades and get-togethers are more than traditions; they reveal a deep desire in all of us to be free. National freedom is worth honoring and expressing gratitude for, yet it also invites us to consider an even greater freedom found in God’s kingdom where celebration never ends.
Our nation began with struggle, sacrifice and a search for liberty. The founders hoped for a place free of oppression, where people could speak their minds and pursue happiness. Yet, even after 250 years, freedom on earth remains fragile and imperfect. Laws and constitutions help protect us, but they cannot grant true freedom of the soul. In our faith, we find that the freedom awaiting us in heaven is different; it is not earned by our actions but given by God as a gift that lasts forever. As Galatians 5:1 says, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (NIV). This verse reminds us that true freedom comes from Christ and is a gift meant for everyone.
Every year, we gather to celebrate our nation’s birth, singing, laughing and remembering those who sacrificed for our freedom. Still, even the biggest celebration eventually ends—the music stops, the fireworks fade and we return to our daily lives. Recognizing this, we see that these moments point us to an even greater joy that will never end: being with God in heaven.
When we remember the spiritual freedom we have in Christ, we find hope and peace, even on the hardest days. Reminded of this greater freedom, we can let go of fear and choose forgiveness or patience rather than feel trapped by circumstances or burdened by worries. This spiritual freedom changes how we respond to struggles and brings real joy, even when life is difficult.
God’s kingdom invites everyone. The book of Revelation describes people “from every nation, tribe, people and language” gathering in response to God’s love. This freedom transcends all boundaries and includes everyone. It is a spiritual liberty that lifts every burden. In keeping with this vision, as representatives of Christ, we can welcome newcomers, connect with people from diverse backgrounds and support community programs that serve all, regardless of origin. Let us seek ways to open our doors wider so that our meetings reflect the inclusive love of God’s kingdom.
As we celebrate our nation’s significant 250th anniversary, let us seek ways to embody Christ’s liberty, confident that simple actions can lead us and those around us to deeper joy and spiritual growth. Let us be thankful as we mark this moment, but let us not forget that the best freedom and greatest celebration are still ahead of us in heaven. Let us fill our souls with joyful expectation of the ultimate celebration to come, when we will be with God forever, truly free.
Marilyn Scott Executive Secretary
Jeff Kern To Lead Communication
Jeff Kern recently began his duties as Communication director for the Chesapeake Conference. Kern takes over the role previously held by Evan Knott, who accepted a call to GeorgiaCumberland Conference.
Kern most recently served as pastor of the Living Word church in Glen Burnie, Md. He came to the Chesapeake Conference two years ago after serving in the Northern New England Conference. He brings decades of cross-cultural experience to the role, having previously served as a pastor, missionary and ADRA director in countries including Peru, Brazil, Rwanda and Sudan.
“We’re pleased to welcome Pastor Jeff Kern as our new Communication director,” says Andre Hastick, conference president. “His international experience with ADRA, trilingual abilities and mission-driven communications background will serve Chesapeake well. We look forward to his leadership as we continue telling the story of what God is doing in our Chesapeake churches, schools and communities.”
Kern says he hopes to guide the conference’s communication efforts as a tool for evangelism. “As Communication director, I aim for our conference to go beyond sharing corporate news and information,” he says. “We will serve as a catalyst for the gospel, a megaphone for our distinctive message and an active support to all who want to be part of this proclamation.”
Wilmington Junior Academy Celebrates 100 Years
Wilmington Junior Academy (Del.) recently marked a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of Seventh-day Adventist education. All festivities were held at the West Wilmington (Del.) church. The celebration began with a Friday night vespers service and dinner, and continued on Sabbath with a special worship service and fellowship luncheon. Students played a central role in the Sabbath program, including the school’s choir.
Andre Hastick, Chesapeake Conference president, and Janesta Walker, superintendent of schools, were both present to offer congratulatory remarks. Elvis Mogoi, senior pastor of BaltimoreWhite Marsh church and former senior pastor of West Wilmington, served as the guest speaker.
“For 100 years, Wilmington Junior Academy has been shaping minds and nurturing faith,” says Hastick. “As we celebrate this magnificent milestone, we reaffirm our commitment to Adventist education—not only as a program we support but as a mission we believe in.”
Walker notes that sustaining Adventist education for a century is seldom achieved. “Celebrating 100 years of continual operations for a Seventh-day Adventist school is a very rare occurrence,” she says, “and we are so proud of Wilmington Junior Academy for the strong work they are doing in educating children and youth for eternity.”
Dwayne Duncombe, West Wilmington senior pastor, welcomes attendees to Wilmington Junior Academy’s 100th year anniversary.
Walter Cardenas Elected Executive Secretary
Delegates to the Mountain View Conference Executive Committee recently elected Walter Cardenas to serve as executive secretary, a position formerly held by Victor Zill, conference treasurer.
“Pastor Cardenas is a servant leader who is already highly respected by our entire team, both in the office and by our pastors and teachers,” states Tim Bailey, conference president. “His skills and love for our people make him a logical choice to serve our Lord and our constituents. We are very pleased that he has accepted this new role in our conference.”
Born in Honduras, Cardenas graduated from George Mason University (Va.) with a Bachelor of Science in Network Administration and earned a Master of Pastoral Ministry from Andrews University (Mich.).
In November 2007, he joined the conference as a Bible worker and church planter, where he planted the Moorefield (W.Va.) Spanish church and began working with Spanish-speaking communities in Lewisburg and Morgantown. Through the years, he has served as a district pastor, conference youth director, summer camp director, Hispanic Ministries director, and assistant to the president—the role he most recently held.
Cardenas states that he is especially committed to helping churches become centers of excellence in worship, outreach and community impact. His ministry reflects his strong desire to see lives transformed through intentional discipleship and a deeper relationship with Jesus.
Above all, his greatest joy is his family. He is a devoted husband to his wife, Yasmi, and the proud
Walter Cardenas, alongside his wife, Yasmi, is Mountain View Conference’s new executive secretary.
father of three wonderful children who continue to inspire his faith and ministry every day.
“As the conference treasurer who has also held the executive secretary position for quite a number of years,” states Zill, “I am very excited to welcome Pastor Cardenas as the new executive secretary of our conference. I have worked with him for about 18 years and have witnessed him in the many various positions he has held. He has many fine leadership qualities, and I am certain that he will be a great blessing to our conference and the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a whole.”
RETREAT SPEAKERS ANNOUNCED
Mountain View Conference (MVC) would like to announce the speakers for the upcoming retreats:
The Spanish Women’s Retreat will be held September 25–27, 2026, with speaker Laura OttatiRomero from Allegheny West Conference’s Multicultural Department.
The English Women’s Retreat will be held October 2–4, 2026, with speaker and author Tracy Morgan, development director at Chesapeake Conference’s Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md.
The Men’s Retreat will be held October 9–11, 2026, with speaker Tobin Dodge, director of Arctic Mission Adventure in Anchorage, Alaska.
All retreats will be held at Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va.
For more information, call the MVC at 304-422-4581.
Students Become Missionaries
Recently, students, staff and parents from Mountain View Conference’s (MVC) Parkersburg Academy (W.Va.), Summersville Adventist School (W.Va.) and Highland Adventist School in Elkins, W.Va., participated in a mission trip to Puerto Rico. The dual purpose of the trip was to help a local church in reaching its community and provide the students with an educational experience.
The mission group spent most of their 10-day trip providing services in the city of Arecibo. The local church had identified three projects that needed help in the community to share God’s love. One project was aimed at helping a member’s neighbor who was unable to keep up her with her yardwork and the physical exterior of her house (pictured, right). The mission group was able to scrape and repaint the outside of the house, pressure wash the driveway and remove the plants that were encroaching on the house.
During their time at her home, God used the team to bless her in an unexpected way. On the first day, she suffered a serious fall. Providentially, one team member was an EMT, providing immediate medical care that otherwise wouldn’t have been available.
The other two projects, which were smaller in scale, were to support local church members who were also unable to care for their facilities. The missionaries spent two days hauling away debris, cleaning roof drains and reclaiming yards that had become overgrown and unusable.
In addition to these projects, the missionaries led out a Week of Prayer for the local church.
Jeremy Garlock, MVC Youth and Young Adult director and Education superintendent, led the church’s youth and the MVC students in song
services, where they sang songs alternately in English and Spanish. Various members of the mission group provided testimonies, and Garlock and Walter Cardenas, MVC executive secretary, preached the messages. On Sabbath, the group also joined local members in visiting a nursing home as well as homebound members.
This trip was not without educational opportunities. The students spent one day at the El Yunque National Forest, where they were able to hike to the top of the mountain and spend time at the El Yunque National Forest Education Center. They also visited the historic site of Old San Juan.
This trip was a blessing to all who participated, say MVC leaders, as they were able to experience another culture, learn, serve and have the experience of following God’s call to tell someone about Jesus.
Students from Mountain View Conference sing with youth members from a church in Puerto Rico during the Week of Prayer.
Students from the Summersville Adventist School scrape and paint a wall during their mission trip in Puerto Rico.
One Thing You Lack
After a long and demanding day of teaching, answering the Pharisees, and blessing little children, Jesus was approached by a young man with a question that still echoes in many hearts today: “What shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” This man, known as the rich young ruler, seemed to have everything—youth, wealth, influence and a moral life. Yet, despite all he possessed, something was missing. His heart was not satisfied, and he sensed that only Jesus could show him what he lacked.
Jesus gently led him to reflect on God’s commandments. Confidently, the young ruler answered that he had kept them from his youth. He was sincere, disciplined and deeply religious. But Jesus saw beyond outward obedience and into the true condition of his heart. Scripture says that Jesus looked at him and loved him. What a moving moment. Before speaking words of correction, Jesus first revealed love. His counsel came from compassion, not condemnation.
Then Jesus said, “One thing you lack.” He told the young man to sell what he had, give to the poor, take up the cross and follow Him. The problem was not merely his riches. The deeper issue was that he could not surrender everything to Christ. His possessions stood between him and full devotion. Sadly, he walked away sorrowful because he valued what he had more than the invitation Jesus offered.
This story speaks clearly to us today. Many people may appear faithful and committed, yet still hold on to something that keeps them from fully surrendering to Christ. That “one thing” may not be wealth; it may be pride, comfort, ambition, fear or self-will. Whatever it is, Jesus still looks at us with love and calls us to let it go.
Following Jesus means more than giving things up. It means wholeheartedly embracing the mission He has commanded us to fulfill. It means taking up our cross, living in self-denial, serving others and joining Him in His work. As we wait for His soon return, may we respond with willing hearts, knowing that He is worth every sacrifice.
Eduardo Monteiro Executive Secretary
God’s Goodness Never Fails at Vine Haven
Vine Haven Adventist School community has witnessed God’s faithfulness firsthand. Over the past year, the school’s enrollment has nearly doubled, and it was blessed with the addition of a van to support student transportation—both clear signs of His continued provision.
As the staff looks ahead, they are excited for another enriching school year filled with academic growth, engaging events, meaningful trips and dynamic clubs. Most importantly, they remain committed to guiding their students in their knowledge and relationship with their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
This ministry thrives through the shared dedication of their faculty and staff, church community and families—all working together to provide their children with a strong, Christ-centered education.—Victor Macucachi, Principal
Third Annual Prayer Convention Encourages Attendees
“Many, even in their seasons of devotion, fail on receiving the blessing of real communion with God. They are in too great a haste” (Ellen White, Education, p. 260).
Guest speaker Peter Neri, a retired pastor, presented this quote as part of a larger passage, giving attendees at the third annual prayer convention 20 minutes to read and meditate on it before opening a group discussion about what God was communicating through the text.
The prayer convention, held at Tranquility Camp, functions as a mini spiritual retreat designed to deepen attendees’ relationship with God. This year’s theme spoke to a discipline that many church members tend to neglect: “Spending Quality Time With God.”—Anthony Ponterio, English Prayer Coordinator and District Pastor
Participants gather at Tranquility Camp for a moment of reflection during the conference’s third annual prayer convention.
Educators Earn Mental Health First Aid Certifications
“True education,” as defined by Ellen White, encompasses the whole being, guiding students through the harmonious growth of one’s physical, mental and spiritual powers. With this philosophy at the core of its mission, New Jersey Conference (NJC) educators recognize they often serve as first responders to students
Conference educators recently took an important step in strengthening this role by earning Mental Health First Aid certifications. The day began with a powerful devotional led by Isis Wade, an educator herself, who reflected on the story of Elijah as he navigated one of his greatest personal struggles following the pinnacle success at Mount Carmel. The training, led by Janet Armstrong, associate director of the Southern District for the Potomac Conference, and Juwel Watson, associate director of special education for the Potomac Conference, taught educators practical tools to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use challenges and how to respond with informed compassion and confidence.
As schools increasingly encounter the broader mental health crisis affecting society, NJC educators are now better equipped to identify when a student may be struggling and to offer meaningful support. The New Jersey Conference Office of Education is committed to investing time, energy and resources into equipping educators for the vital work entrusted to them. They hold the incredible responsibility of supporting students on their journey to excellence while continuing to educate for eternity.—Elisa Maragoto, Superintendent of Schools
New Jersey Conference educators gather to learn how to best support their students physically, mentally and spiritually.
Leaders Gather for Evangelism, Spiritual Renewal
Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference recently gathered at Integrity Hall in Dayton, Ohio, for a two-day pastors’ meeting focused on evangelism, spiritual renewal and ministry effectiveness. The gathering emphasized equipping leaders to engage their communities, strengthen discipleship and advance the church’s mission across the territory.
The meeting opened with a devotional by Shane Hochstetler, senior pastor of the Columbus Eastwood church. His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—engaging in the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him.
Oswaldo Magaña, conference executive secretary, followed with a presentation on stewardship, framing it as a vital component of spiritual life rather than a mere obligation. He encouraged pastors to teach members that faithfulness to God brings joy and to present offertory moments in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection.
Bob Cundiff, conference president, offered practical counsel to pastors on maintaining integrity in ministry. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, healthy boundaries, and wise decision-making in relationships, finances, and daily interactions. Cundiff underscored that safeguarding personal integrity is essential not only for individual ministry but also for protecting the church’s reputation and mission.
The spiritual focus continued with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington church, who called on pastors to engage in personal reflection and renewal. He reminded attendees that while ministry provides unique opportunities to witness God’s work, proximity to spiritual activity does not guarantee personal transformation. Challenging pastors to examine their own spiritual lives, he urged them to ensure that the gospel they preach is actively shaping their hearts.
Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. José D. Espósito, vice president for Evangelism and Multilingual Ministries at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced Ohio Conference’s evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory.
He reported that collective efforts led to more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference’s leadership in member engagement in mission.
Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across Ohio, reflecting a broad and coordinated effort to support local pastors and churches and advance evangelistic outreach. Reports from various ministries demonstrated continued growth, strategic initiatives and a shared commitment to equipping congregations for effective mission in their communities. Later, Bryant Smith, manager of spiritual care at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings.
A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria church for a significant evangelistic milestone. The congregation celebrated 172 baptisms over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to outreach and discipleship. Conference leaders acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind this growth, including the support of Kojo Twumasi, conference Evangelism director, and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ.
Ohio Conference leaders Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary; Kojo Twumasi, Evangelism director; and Bob Cundiff, president, pray for Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria church during the pastors’ meeting.
Pastor Writes Book on Archaeological Context of Daniel
The Book of Daniel: An Archaeological Commentary is a newly published work by Patrick Mazani, pastor of the Bucyrus, Galion and Marion churches. It offers an in-depth exploration of the biblical book of Daniel through the lens of archaeology. This volume highlights material discoveries that illuminate and expand the historical and cultural context of the biblical narrative.
Focusing on archaeological findings, Mazani allows ancient evidence to interact directly with the scriptural text, providing
readers with a broader understanding of Daniel’s setting and message. These insights bring renewed clarity to the book’s prophetic themes while presenting its content in a way that is both engaging and informative.
Drawing connections between past discoveries and the biblical account, the commentary presents the book of Daniel as a dynamic and relevant study. It explores historical developments from the time of Daniel and considers their ongoing significance, offering a perspective that bridges ancient history with contemporary biblical understanding.
Written in an accessible style, this work serves as a resource for personal study, small group engagement and ministry application. It is designed to support pastors, teachers and church members seeking a deeper and more informed approach to studying and presenting the book of Daniel.
For more information, please visit wipfandstock. com/9798385256235/the-book-of-daniel.
Divinely Woven Brings Women Together for Renewal
Nearly 200 women gathered at the Centerville church for the Divinely Woven event, a special gathering designed to foster connection, encouragement and spiritual renewal. Hosted in the church’s fellowship hall, the event brought together participants from the Ohio and Allegheny West conferences.
Speakers Esther Gordon, HR generalist from the Ohio Conference, and Ruth-Ann Thompson, an author and motivational speaker from the Allegheny West Conference, led the program, creating an environment centered on fellowship and spiritual reflection. Attendees were invited to step away from daily responsibilities and engage in a time of shared worship and connection.
The event focused on strengthening relationships among women and encouraging unity across churches. Through messages and interaction, participants were reminded of the importance of community and shared faith.
Divinely Woven highlighted the value of bringing women together in a setting that supports spiritual growth and meaningful connection.
Women participate in an interactive activity using strands of yarn to represent shared life experiences, illustrating connection, unity and the strength found in community.
Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference ■ 1251 E. Dorothy Lane, Dayton, OH 45419 Phone: 937-741-0236 ■ ohioadventist.org ■ President, Bob Cundiff ■ Editor, Francis Tuffour
Investing in Our Children
In every classroom, God is at work—shaping lives in ways that reach far beyond what we can see.
During a recent visit to one of our elementary schools, a first-grade student approached me with a big question: “What is your name, and what do you do?”
I explained that I serve as the superintendent of education and briefly described my role. She paused, smiled and said, “I want to be a superintendent too.”
She may not yet understand all that the role involves, but it reminded me of a simple truth: God places us where we are, not only to fulfill a responsibility, but to reflect something greater to the young eyes watching us.
In our schools, these moments happen every day. Students are not only learning to read, write and think—they are discovering purpose, identity and faith. They are watching, listening and imagining what their own future might look like.
The beauty of Seventh-day Adventist education is that it also creates space for students to encounter Christ in a personal way, to grow in their spiritual journey and to develop values that will guide their decisions for a lifetime.
We see the fruit of this work as students make decisions for Jesus and publicly commit their lives to Him. These experiences are nurtured through the collaboration of dedicated teachers, supportive families and pastoral leadership—all working together to guide the next generation.
Adventist education also plays a vital role in sharing the gospel. In the daily rhythm of the classroom, students experience faith in action—through kindness, service, prayer and teachers who inspire their lives.
When we support Adventist education, we are participating in something far greater than a school system—we are investing in lives that will influence others for Christ. Today, it may look like a child’s dream. Tomorrow, it becomes a life of purpose, leadership and service.
Will You Pick It Up?
Imagine finding money along a path—real value just waiting to be picked up. That’s essentially what’s available through Pennsylvania’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program—and it’s making a life-changing difference for Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) students.
Monica Wringer Education Superintendent
Your contribution helps make Christ-centered education immediately accessible to students who might not be able to afford it—opening doors to academic growth, spiritual development and a stronger future. At the same time, you significantly reduce your tax burden.
Through EITC, individuals and businesses can redirect a portion of their Pennsylvania state taxes to support student scholarships. Instead of sending those dollars to the state, you can invest them directly in Seventh-day Adventist education. Donors receive up to a 90% state tax credit, meaning your gift only “costs” about 10% of the amount you give. It’s one of the most impactful and cost-effective ways to support Christian education.
There are two participation windows each year: Spring (March–May) and Fall (October–December). Individuals typically benefit most from applying in the fall, while businesses often enroll in the spring to adjust quarterly tax payments.
Over the past two years, nearly $1 million has been committed to student tuition across Pennsylvania Conference schools through EITC. Getting started is simple: Visit eitcpaschools.org and complete a short joinder form. Then choose the amount and designate BMA or another school. You can also refer a business or contact the team at eitc@paconference.org.—Roy Weeden, EITC Coordinator
I’m Experiencing God at Blue Mountain Academy
Before I came to Blue Mountain Academy (BMA), my spiritual life was nonexistent, and I had no true connection to Jesus. That all changed as soon as I arrived on campus.
When I first started there, things felt the same spiritually; I knew who Jesus was and of His sacrifice for me, but I truly had not experienced Him or His amazing love. At the time, I was going through a lot, and not being with my family made it worse. I felt alone, and I didn’t know whom to confide in—until one Sabbath.
A guest speaker came to preach, and I remember him sharing Hebrews 4:14–16: “Seeing then that we
have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (NKJV).
This verse allowed me to see that, even in my struggles, Jesus knows my every weakness, and He resonates with them.
Today, I am growing even closer to Jesus through Bible studies, personal devotions and sermons. All these opportunities are because of BMA. I look back and thank God for placing me in this school because I am receiving such a great education and learning about Jesus’ sacrifice and love in an experiential way.—Xavier Victoria Gomez (’28)
Conference Receives Nonprofit of the Year Award
The Potomac Conference received the Nonprofit of the Year Award during the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala, the chamber’s premier annual event recognizing leadership, service and community impact across the region.
“This recognition affirmed the importance of building relationships beyond the traditional walls of the church,” says Charles A. Tapp, conference president. “It reminded us that serving as salt and light often happens through meaningful partnerships with others who are equally committed to strengthening the communities we serve.”
The gala brought together more than 200 attendees, including business leaders, elected officials, nonprofit organizations, entrepreneurs, military representatives and first responders from across Maryland.
The chamber presented the award to organizations that demonstrated exceptional commitment to service, operational excellence, meaningful community engagement and lasting impact. The Potomac Conference received recognition for its ongoing mission-centered work throughout Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
Guided by its commitment to move beyond the walls, the Potomac Conference partnered with local leaders, schools, churches and community organizations to strengthen families, support youth development, promote wellness and respond during times of crisis.
Dewan Clayborn (left), president and CEO of the Central Maryland Chamber of Commerce; and Zubin David (right), board chair, present Charles A. Tapp, Potomac Conference president, with the Nonprofit of the Year Award.
Hispanic Ministries Caravan: One Week, 195 Souls
A spirit of unity and purpose recently swept across the Potomac Conference as the Hispanic Caravan of Evangelism resulted in 195 baptisms. Each baptism marked more than a number but a personal decision to follow Jesus.
Throughout the week, churches across the conference in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., hosted simultaneous evangelistic meetings, as pastors from Honduras joined local congregations
to share a message of hope centered on the theme, “Restored by Grace.”
Adding to the momentum, a traveling caravan, led by Melchor Ferreyra, retired Personal Ministries director for the Inter-American Division, visited several locations during the week (pictured), reinforcing local efforts and deepening the spiritual impact.
Reflecting on the experience, Rafael Soto, conference vice president for Hispanic Ministries, praised God for the visible movement of the Holy Spirit:
“This effort stands as a testimony of what God can do when His people come together with a shared purpose and a willingness to follow His leading.”
The Hispanic Caravan of Evangelism leaders not only welcomed new believers but also reflected a renewed commitment to mission across the conference, an expression of what it means to move beyond the walls and carry the message of grace into every community.
The Montebello Community Honors Camp Blue Ridge
Recently, members of the Montebello community in Virginia presented a special gift recognizing Camp Blue Ridge’s (CBR) ongoing commitment to serving the local community.
Each year, CBR hosts two major outreach events designed to move beyond the walls and strengthen community connections. The annual Independence Day celebration welcomes more than 300 guests and features fireworks, free food and activities.
During the 2025 Community Independence Day Celebration last year, resident Jayne Hoffman photographed moments that were later professionally mounted on canvas for display in the foyer of the camp’s new café.
CBR also hosts an annual community Christmas party that draws more than 100 guests and includes a holiday meal, live entertainment and a gift exchange. Camp staff also partnered with Nelson County Social Services Department to collect and distribute gifts for families in need.
A commemorative plaque accompanying the display thanked the camp for helping make Montebello “a better place” and expressed appreciation for “the neighbors we have found, the community we have
developed, and the friends we have come to love in Camp Blue Ridge.” The Montebello Volunteer Fire Department coordinated the gift, in partnership with local residents, to honor the strong relationship between the camp and the surrounding community.
“The relationships we have built here mean so much to us, and we cherish every opportunity … to reflect the love of Jesus in meaningful and practical ways,” says Julie Minnick, associate director at CBR.
Charles A. Tapp (center), Potomac Conference president, and Camp Blue Ridge staff and community members stand beneath five canvas photographs gifted by the Montebello community.
Equipping Leaders to Lead Well
The Pastoral Ministries Department designed the LEAD (Learn, Encourage, Accountability, and Dream) initiative to increase meaningful touchpoints with pastors. LEAD leaders, who actively serve within the pastoral community, build trust and offer consistent, peer-based support.
LEAD leaders from across the Potomac Conference recently gathered for a focused season of coach training to strengthen how they can
support pastors within their groups. Through 15 LEAD groups, the conference fosters a culture of growth, trust and shared leadership among pastors. Mike Cauley, former Pennsylvania Conference and Florida Conference president, and current pastoral coach, led the training (pictured).
The training equipped LEAD leaders to coach pastors more effectively. Coaching differs from mentoring or consulting by helping pastors draw on their own strengths to address leadership challenges.
The training moved quickly from instruction to application. The exercises gave leaders an immediate opportunity to practice their coaching skills and quickly became a highlight of the training session.
“We believe this investment will produce lasting results for our pastors and the churches they serve,” says John Nixon II, conference vice president for Pastoral Ministries.
As leaders return to their groups, the goal is simple but powerful: create space for pastors to be heard, supported and equipped to thrive.
PHOTO BY RICHARD CASTILLO PHOTO BY JOHN NIXON II
Royals Sports Teams: Winning Ethically Is the Goal
On the court, the Atholton Adventist Academy (AAA) Royals play with a sense of higher calling. Nothing illustrates this better than one moment during a tightly contested men’s volleyball match. A hard-driven spike from the opposing team sailed long and was ruled out. As the Royals team and AAA fans erupted in celebration, player Oluwatishe Popoola signaled to Head Coach Geofferey Hyde, swiping his fingers together to indicate he had touched the ball while trying to block the spike. No one had seen it, but Popoola felt the contact and knew the point should belong to the opposing team. Hyde notified the referee, who reversed the call, awarding the point to the opponent.
At AAA, win or lose, playing ethically is the highest calling. The Royals lost that game, but in one quiet moment of honesty, Popoola demonstrated a different kind of victory—one measured, not on the scoreboard, but in character.
Hyde says, “The goal is winning ethically every single time. It’s more important than the scoreboard.” This is reflected especially in the way the men’s volleyball teams play—with honesty and integrity, routinely calling out infractions on themselves that referees miss, playing with joy and effort, and celebrating good plays, even from the opposing team. They play with sportsmanship, win with dignity and lose gracefully—never putting down their opponents.
This type of play hasn’t gone unnoticed. Parents and coaches from opposing teams have stopped Hyde to say, “Your team is different.” And one player from another team was so impressed by the Royals’ integrity and sportsmanship that he drove an hour just to watch them play.
At AAA, students are urged to always wear their crowns so that their actions and motives align with their identities as sons and daughters of Jesus, the King of kings. In this way, on and off the court, the AAA Royals live out the words of Jesus found in Matthew 5:16: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (NIV).
This purpose has not been lost on the players. When asked why his team continually calls infractions that referees miss, Popoola states, “Honesty and integrity doesn’t just keep the game more fun, it also shows that you are a child of God. Others will see that too.” Jeremy
Villanueva, Vice Principal
Students Oluwatishe Popoola and Jordan Vanterpool block an attacker’s hit during a home game.
Members of the Atholton Royals volleyball team listen to Head Coach Geofferey Hyde’s instructions during a game.
Academy Offers New Career-Building Programs
Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) is expanding opportunities for students by launching new career-focused programs in the 2026–2027 academic year. New and upcoming offerings—including pre-nursing, pharmacy assistant and skilled trades tracks—are designed to help students reduce college costs, gain career-ready skills, earn income while attending college or move directly into the workforce after graduation.
BMA already offers dual-credit opportunities, but the academy recently expanded its health care pathways through dual-enrollment classes taught on campus, online instruction and summer coursework.
“If someone started this during their sophomore year and finished everything by their senior year, they would have a year and a half of college [coursework] completed,” explains Burney Culpepper, BMA principal.
Gary Gibbs, Pennsylvania Conference president, emphasizes the benefits of BMA’s dual-credit program: “It is a significant blessing to anyone because it saves both time and money. You can move through your degree faster and begin your career sooner.” Gibbs adds that his daughter graduated from BMA with 23 college credits that applied directly to her degree.
The health care option currently in development is a pharmacy assistant certification program. The program would include one semester of training followed by a national certification exam, preparing graduates for entry-level positions at pharmacies.
“When you’re a college student or just getting started, this can help supplement your income—or even pay for your college,” Culpepper says. He adds that medical professionals at Seventh-day Adventist universities see the certification as “a great advantage for students interested in entering the medical field.”
Concurrently, BMA is expanding opportunities in skilled trades to provide additional career pathways for students. “We recognize that not everyone’s
career pathway leads to college,” Culpepper explains. “The trades are important, and there is a growing need for skilled workers.”
Benjamin Weaver, a graduate from the Class of 2026, recognizes this importance. “BMA’s auto tech class has provided me with a hands-on learning experience working with cars. We have done almost everything, from oil changes to learning about the inner workings of a rear differential,” Weaver shares. “Since I plan to work on Class 8 trucks after graduation, this class is giving me the skills I need to succeed.”
Alongside its established auto tech course, BMA plans to add training in electrical work and other trades. While these new programs expand the value of BMA’s quality Adventist education, its administration, teachers and staff remain committed to its mission of helping students grow spiritually and develop a personal relationship with God. Through academics, leadership development, practical skills training and a Christ-centered campus community, BMA continues to prepare students for meaningful lives of service now and for eternity. Learn more at bma.us.
BMA Experience is published in the Visitor by the Blue Mountain Academy ■ 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: 610-562-2291 ■ Fax: 610-562-8050 ■ bma.us ■ Principal, Burney Culpepper ■ Editor, Kiona Costello
Benjamin Weaver, a Class of 2026 graduate, plans to start his career path by using the skills he gained in Blue Mountain Academy’s auto tech class.
A Foundation That Lasts
With graduation behind them and summer in full swing, the students of Highland View Academy’s (HVA) Class of 2026 are stepping into new chapters shaped by faith, community and purpose. Though each journey is unique, together they reflect the impact of Christ-centered education and the relationships formed at HVA.
Gabi Villalobos’ story began far from Hagerstown. At age 7, she moved from Maracaibo, Venezuela, to the United States after her family sought political asylum. Though she dreamed of attending HVA after her time at Frederick Adventist Academy (Md.), finances made that uncertain until anonymous donors stepped in to help cover part of her tuition.
Over the past four years, those donors quietly continued supporting her education. “They’re doing God’s work,” Villalobos says. “I hope to be able to thank them in person someday.”
At HVA, Villalobos grew academically and spiritually, serving as Student Association vice president and developing leadership skills that will help her pursue her goal of becoming a youth psychologist. Most meaningful of all, during graduation weekend, she chose to be baptized surrounded by friends, family and classmates.
Jason Ashman’s path to HVA came through connections made at the Mt. Aetna Camp and Retreat Center in Hagerstown, Md., where he met Doug Hess, assistant coach of the HVA Aerial’s gymnastics team. What drew Ashman to HVA was not just athletics, but the example of Christian mentorship he saw in those around him.
At HVA, Ashman thrived as both an athlete and musician, regularly leading worship through music and devotional thoughts. Living in the dorm became one of the most meaningful parts of his experience. “Having my best friends right next door,” he says, “that’s been the best part.”
Ashman has enlisted in the U.S. Army and plans to serve as a combat medic before eventually becoming an emergency medicine doctor in the Army. He says HVA strengthened his faith and prepared him to confidently navigate life beyond the Seventh-day Adventist environment.
Julianne Paris joined the HVA family as a junior after being homeschooled most of her life. Looking for greater academic challenges and community, she quickly became a spiritual leader on campus.
As senior class pastor and a member of the Campus Ministries team, Paris helped organize and lead Bible studies, worships, weeks of prayer and vespers programs. She also became a key member of the Aerial’s gymnastics team, where she found close friendships and encouragement.
Paris plans to attend Andrews University (Mich.) to study animal science and biology with the goal of becoming a veterinarian. She says the hands-on science experiences at HVA helped prepare her for that future.
While their stories are different, Villalobos, Ashman and Paris share something in common: HVA helped shape, not only what they will do, but who they are becoming.
As they move forward, they carry with them more than diplomas. They leave with a foundation of faith, a heart for service and a desire to reflect God’s love wherever life leads next.
Academy Hosts First Annual Olympic Day
At the end of last school year, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) hosted its first annual Olympic Day. They were joined by four other conference schools: Meadow View Junior Academy, Tranquility Adventist School, Vine Haven Adventist School and Waldwick Adventist School. Organized by the New Jersey Conference (NJC) Office of Education, the five schools gathered to build teamwork and enhance school spirit.
The day commenced when the schools joined together in LNAA’s gymnasium. Victor Macucachi, Vine Haven principal, led a devotional thought for the day. The group of some 400 then watched a video of NJC’s Olympic torch being passed from student to student and school to school across the conference, until it reached LNAA, where Student Association (SA) President Gianna Tetelepta carried it to the stage. There, LNAA Principal and Superintendent of Schools Elisa Maragoto lit the torch.
Lake Nelson Adventist Academy students Elijah Samuel, Gianella Nunez, Jonathon Zambrano and Josiah Luc enjoy a coordination ski challenge.
Grades 1–3 students—representing the five schools in the New Jersey Conference—participate in a game of tug-of-war.
Students then made their way outside. Dressed in different colors, groups were intentionally mixed by age and school so students could get to know one another.
One of the stations was a relay race. Teams had to jump over and crawl under bars, then had to pull tires toward them and drag them back to where they came from.
Racing was another station. Teams had to race to the end of a line. In the second round, they had to double the distance.
At the final station, there were three activities: plastic lawn darts, team building skis and a sack race. After the field activities, the students enjoyed an outdoor lunch followed by a soccer game and a basketball game. The day concluded with an award ceremony.
LNAA staff members and the SA thanks everyone for participating. They say it was a blessing to mingle and meet new people in the NJC school system.—Rachel Finney (’28)
Academy Celebrates Class of 2026
The Pine Forge Academy (PFA) Class of 2026 is a shining example of excellence, determination and talent. This remarkable group of 35 students has earned more than $900,000 in scholarships, proving that hard work, dedication and faith can open doors to endless opportunities. Their accomplishments reflect not only academic success, but also the strength of character and creativity that define this extraordinary class.
The students of the Class of 2026 are more than scholars. They are athletes who have demonstrated discipline and teamwork on the field and court. They are singers whose voices have inspired audiences and have brought joy to school programs and community events. They are writers who have used their words to express powerful ideas, musicians who have filled rooms with beautiful melodies, and actors who have captivated audiences through their performances. Their talents are diverse, yet they all share a commitment to excellence.
What makes this class truly special is their ability to balance these gifts while remaining hardworking and focused on their goals. Many of these students have spent countless hours practicing,
Class of 2026 sponsors Jamine O’Bryant, administrative assistant; Auldwin Johnson, assistant dean of men; and Martine Bermingham, French teacher, helped prepare the students for the next chapter of their lives.
Students from the Class of 2026 are composed of athletes, singers, musicians, writers and actors.
studying, rehearsing, competing and serving their community, all while maintaining strong academic records. Their achievements are a testament to perseverance and determination.
The Class of 2026 embodies the powerful phrase, “Young, Gifted and Black.” They represent a generation of young people who are unafraid to dream big and work tirelessly to make those dreams a reality. They carry themselves with confidence, intelligence and pride, while also uplifting and supporting one another along the way, say school leaders.
Their success serves as an inspiration to younger students and to the entire Pine Forge community. They are a reminder that talent alone is not enough; true greatness comes from combining talent with discipline, character and faith. As they prepare for the next chapter of their lives, whether in college, careers or service, there is no doubt that they will continue to achieve extraordinary things.
The PFA Class of 2026 has already made its mark, and their future is brighter than ever, say school leaders. With more than $900,000 in scholarships and a legacy of excellence behind them, these young men and women are poised to become leaders, innovators and changemakers in the world. PFA proudly celebrates this gifted and accomplished class.
Academy Welcomes Principal Becky Patrick
Becky Patrick, a veteran Seventh-day Adventist educator with 29 years of experience, has been voted by the Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) Board of Trustees to serve as interim principal for the 2026–2027 school year. Patrick’s selection makes her the first female principal in the history of SVA.
Patrick steps into this role following the faithful leadership of Don Short, who has served the academy with dedication for the past 10 years.
Patrick’s connection and commitment to Adventist education runs deep. As a former boarding academy student, she has experienced firsthand the meaningful relationships that have a transformational impact on students’ learning and lives. These early experiences helped guide her calling to education and continue to influence the way she guides her students today.
Patrick has served in a variety of roles: teacher, instructional leader and boarding school principal. For 14 years, SVA has been home, where she has served as math teacher and teacher leader. She cares deeply about supporting teachers, mentoring staff and helping to create an environment where students thrive spiritually and academically.
Patrick holds a Master of Science in Education, with an emphasis in Instructional Leadership, from Southern Adventist University (Tenn.) and a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics, with a minor in Biology, from the University of Louisville (Ky.). Gabriel Madrid, Potomac Conference vice
president for Education, says, “The Lord continues to bless SVA with spiritual, mission-focused leadership. Principal Patrick brings not only a wealth of experience but has already demonstrated her dedication to furthering the spiritual life, academic success and social development of SVA students.”
As Patrick steps into this important leadership role, academy staff are confident she will lead with care, clarity and a deep commitment to the mission of SVA: to educate disciples of Jesus.
Academy Adds New Staff for 2026–2027
The Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) team is excited to welcome the newest faculty members for the 2026–2027 school year.
These educators bring a deep commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth and the development of the whole student. Together, they represent a shared mission to inspire curiosity, foster character and cultivate a love for lifelong learning. God continues to guide and provide for the school community, and SAA leaders are looking forward to the meaningful and lasting impact these teachers will have on their students and families.
Bringing eight years of teaching experience with her, Liviani Segovia is the new third grade teacher. She holds a degree in Elementary and Special Education from Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. Originally from Puerto Rico and raised in Northern Virginia, she is excited to begin this new chapter in Maryland and become part of the SAA community. She is passionate about supporting each child’s growth—not only academically but also spiritually in their relationship with God and their understanding of His love.
Cindy Esposito joins the SAA team as its new fifth grade teacher. She comes with a wealth of experience in Seventh-day Adventist education. Since 2010, she has served in a variety of roles, supporting students academically, spiritually and socially. For the past three years, she has taught fifth and sixth grade and is passionate about helping upper elementary students grow in confidence, independence and ownership of their learning.
For the high school and middle school Spanish program, SAA welcomes Maria Teresa Alvarado-Reyes. She is a dedicated educator and a student success professional with over two decades of experience in Adventist education, academic advising and holistic student development. Originally from Mexico City, she has recently served as the Spanish and Reading teacher at the George E. Peters Adventist School in Hyattsville, Md., where she was passionate about fostering bilingual literacy, while integrating faith, culture and academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment.
For the high school program, Chehalis Eno will be stepping into the role of English teacher for grades 9 and 11. Eno graduated from Southern Adventist University (Tenn.) in May of 2026 with a degree in Secondary English Education and an additional endorsement in Secondary Math. SAA leaders look forward to the gifts, talents and enthusiasm she will bring to the students and community.
LOVE TO LEARN LIVE TO SERVE
FOR CHRIST
“As we welcome these new faculty members, we are reminded of the many ways God continues to lead and bless Spencerville Adventist Academy. Each educator brings unique gifts and a shared commitment to nurturing students academically, spiritually and socially,” says Principal Robert Martinez. “Looking ahead to the 2026–2027 school year, we are excited for the opportunities that await and confident that our students will be supported, challenged and inspired to grow in their faith and learning.”
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High School Band Plays at Carnegie Hall
During last school year’s spring semester, the Spring Valley Academy (SVA) high school band had an opportunity few musicians ever get: performing at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Donald Huff, SVA band director, says, “Playing at Carnegie Hall was the greatest musical experience of my entire life.” That’s quite a statement for someone like Huff, who has traveled the world and conducted bands in many locations. “It’s the best room I’ve ever played in,” he continues. “It’s widely viewed as the performance pinnacle for a musician, and you feel the weight of that in that room. I think the students were surprised at how affected they were by that sense of wonder.”
Rodil Espinoza Martinez (’26) says, “There was just something about that place. I didn’t expect to feel so in awe of it. But it was so cool, and we played the best we’ve ever played.”
“It was really cool,” says freshman Anna Graybill (’29). “Such a fun experience.”
While playing at Carnegie Hall was the main focus of the trip, it was by no means the students’ only activity. The tour started with a stop in Washington, D.C., where the band performed for Potomac Conference’s Takoma Park (Md.) church Sabbath morning. After the church service, they visited the National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Arlington, Va.
Sunday morning, band members spent time at Carnegie Hall, practicing and preparing for their afternoon performance, where approximately 1,000 guests attended. Sunday evening, they took a dinner cruise around the Statue of Liberty and visited other local sites.
Katrina Bennie, SVA guidance counselor, says, “It was special to watch the students experience these things for the first time. Their wonder was infectious!”
On the way back home, the group stopped at Pennsylvania Conference’s Blue Mountain Academy to play for its chapel program and also visited the Flight 93 National Memorial in Stoystown, Pa.
“Music tours are always a highlight of the musical year,” Huff says. “This one was particularly special because we experienced Carnegie Hall together for the first time. It was something I’d wanted to do for a long time, but it was even better because I was able to help the students get that opportunity as well.”
SVA faculty and staff thank the parents and donors who made this once-in-a-lifetime trip possible.
The high school band practices on stage at Carnegie Hall prior to their concert performance.
Members of the band explore the Brooklyn Bridge in New York City.
In His Service: Academy Welcomes New Principal
Takoma Academy (TA) is delighted to welcome its incoming principal, Jasmine Brann, into the school’s family. A proud alumna of Sligo Adventist School (now Takoma Academy Preparatory School) in Takoma Park, Md., Brann holds this community close to her heart and is deeply honored to return in service and leadership. She is an author, researcher, nonprofit founder, singer-songwriter and was a principal in the District of Columbia Public Schools, where she was recognized as the “2024 Principal of the Year.”
Brann has presented at numerous conferences nationwide and is a passionate advocate for students’ access to holistic educational experiences, including multilingual education, arts integration and financial literacy. Most importantly to TA’s community, Brann loves God and is committed to supporting young people in developing meaningful, personal relationships with Him.
As excitement continues to grow around this new chapter for TA, the community has been eager to learn more about Brann’s beliefs, motivations and goals for the school. A few of those questions— along with Brann’s responses—are shared below.
What led you to consider the principalship at TA?
I felt God calling me to serve more directly within the faith community that helped shape and raise me (Galatians 6:10). I believe He has entrusted me with a beautiful assignment to learn, lead and serve at
TA, using the gifts and experiences He has given me to make a meaningful difference for eternity.
What impact do you plan to have on the culture at TA?
My prayer is to honor and build upon the rich heritage and history of TA, while promoting a “kingdom-class” education that centers around God (Matthew 6:33). I also believe by following Christ together, we can make a lasting impact on our school community and all those around us as He faithfully leads us forward.
How important is spirituality to you as a school leader?
I know our relationship with God is our only lifeline. Faith is foundational to our spiritual intelligence (Hebrews 11:6; Hebrews 12:2). My prayer is to encourage and inspire real connection with God. This is the journey that I am on.
What will be different for you as a principal of a Christian school after serving as a principal in the public school system?
I definitely trust God to teach me as I learn in this new phase of my career. By God’s grace, I have always sought to lead according to my Christian values. However, I am especially grateful for the opportunity to speak even more openly about my faith and intentionally integrate God’s Word into my leadership and service.
As TA starts a new chapter, students, staff and faculty thank Keith Beckett, TA’s interim principal last year, for serving as its educational leader.
We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.
Where Hope, Peace and Healing Grow
Throughout the year, I make time to focus and reflect on a belief that has guided Adventist HealthCare’s mission for more than a century: true healing addresses the whole person – mind, body and spirit. From our earliest roots as a sanitarium more than 100 years ago, we understood that the environment and nature can play a powerful role in healing.
Today, research supports this long-held understanding. Studies consistently show that access to natural light, green spaces and outdoor views can reduce stress and support recovery. Patients in nature-inspired environments often experience improved comfort and shorter hospital stays – and families, visitors and caregivers also benefit from greater emotional well-being. These principles are brought to life in the new Horizon Tower at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Planned with intention more than a decade ago, the tower was designed to support mental health and whole-person healing through evidence-based design. Connection to nature was not an afterthought – it was woven in from the very beginning.
Throughout the space, thoughtful design elements reflect this commitment. Welcoming flowers greet visitors at entrances. Soft lighting, calming colors and imagery inspired by the outdoors create a sense of peace. Expansive windows in patient rooms and staff areas invite natural light and views of vibrant green roofs. A rooftop garden near the Intensive Care Unit offers families and care teams a place to pause, breathe and find comfort while remaining close to loved ones.
This approach builds on the healing environments created at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center and reflects Adventist HealthCare’s broader commitment as we grow and renew facilities across our system. Our emphasis on integrating nature into our entities reflects our foundation in the Seventh-day Adventist faith, as well as our commitment to support healing, dignity and hope for everyone we serve.
I invite you to consider how time in nature supports your own well-being. Whether by stepping outside or simply looking out a window, let the beauty of the world remind you that you are a valued part of God’s creation. May these experiences remind us all that we are deeply connected to God’s natural world – and how that connection can foster hope, peace and healing.
John Sackett President and CEO Adventist HealthCare
A National Safety Award Sweep for Adventist HealthCare
This spring, all three of Adventist HealthCare’s acute care hospitals earned the distinguished “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit organization that assigns Hospital Safety Grades based on evidencebased measures of patient safety.
Adventist HealthCare is the only health system in Maryland to have all of its hospitals awarded the A rating.
This milestone achievement was made possible by years of focused work to enhance patient safety and quality to prevent errors, injuries and infections across the system.
Grades are updated twice each year after rigorous analysis.
This spring marked Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s inaugural “A,” which joined with White Oak Medical Center’s seventh consecutive “A” and Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center’s third straight “A.”
“Every one of our acute-care hospitals has earned Leapfrog’s highest safety grade, and that is no accident,” said Patsy McNeil, MD, Executive Vice President and System Chief Medical Officer for Adventist HealthCare. “It is the result of a relentless, systemwide commitment to safety and quality at every touchpoint. We continually strive to deliver exceptional outcomes for the patients we serve.”
To learn more about Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grades, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.
Our Mission Story in Numbers, Impact & Progress
Visit AHC.Link/VM-AnnualReport to learn how Adventist HealthCare is living its mission and fulfilling its vision to be the trusted choice for high-quality, exceptional care.
Living Our Mission to Extend Cod’s Care
Shady Grove Medical Center Opens
State-of-the-Art Horizon Tower
This summer, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center team members welcomed the first patients into the hospital’s new Horizon Tower. The enhanced emergency and critical care spaces are an investment years in the making and a powerful addition to the system’s modern, community-centered healthcare.
At a ribbon cutting on June 5, hospital leaders, physicians, nurses, community partners and donors helped dedicate the much-anticipated six-story building.
“The Horizon Tower is a promise,” said Dan Cochran, President of Shady Grove Medical Center, at the ceremony. “We will make sure our neighbors have exceptional care, and we will be relentless in our excellence in delivering it as our mission calls us to do -- physically, mentally and spiritually.”
The new tower’s features include:
A modernized Emergency Department with more spacious treatment rooms and additional dedicated areas for mental health emergencies
A replacement Intensive Care Unit with a unique outdoor garden for loved ones who need respite
A relocated Cardiovascular Interventional Radiology Lab, placed closer to the Emergency Department to expedite treatment for heart attacks and strokes
A rooftop helipad to support rapid transport for critically ill patients
All private inpatient rooms to enhance dignity, rest and infection control
The building is one of the first hospital spaces in the U.S. designed with insights from COVID-19. Additionally, the light-filled break spaces, larger patient rooms and improved lines of sight are a testament to the voices of many team members who helped shape its design. Overall, the tower will serve as a platform to expand the hospital’s quality innovations while enhancing patient experience and caregiver well-being.
G. Alexander
President
the North American Division; Emmanuel Asiedu, Treasurer of the Columbia Union Conference and Chair /Treasurer of the Adventist HealthCare Board of Trustees; Costin Jordache, SVP of Strategy and Brand for Adventist HealthCare; John Sackett, President and CEO of Adventist HealthCare,
Top: The Horizon Tower at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center. Middle: Nature-themed art and large windows brighten the Intensive Care Unit.
Above: (l to r) Dan Cochran, President of Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center; Celeste Ryan Blyden, Executive Secretary of the Columbia Union Conference and Secretary of the Adventist HealthCare Board of Trustees;
Bryant,
of
celebrate at the ribbon cutting.
Kettering Health Chaplain Finds Calling and Community in Adventist Faith
By Garrett Conti
Debi Robertson did not begin her chaplaincy career until she was 69.
After 30-plus years as a social worker, primarily serving individuals with developmental disabilities, Robertson entered the Clinical Pastoral Education program at Kettering Health in Dayton, Ohio. Today, at 74, she serves as a part-time chaplain at Kettering Health’s Hamilton campus. She just finished her Fourth Unit of training, which is equivalent to 1,600 hours of clinicals and classroom time.
“I decided that I would like to do something I’ve always wanted to do, and that’s to be a chaplain,” Robertson said.
After raising her children — two adopted children and one biological son — Robertson reached a point where she could finally pursue a long-held interest in spiritual care.
“She moved out in April, and I applied in May,” Robertson said, referring to her youngest daughter.
Robertson said her background in social work prepared her to support people through difficult circumstances, but chaplaincy required a different level of presence.
“To be a chaplain, you have to give your whole heart,” she said. “You have to give your total self, or you don’t do any good for anyone, including yourself.”
At Kettering Health, her work reflects the system’s mission to live God’s love by promoting and restoring health. She spends much of her time supporting staff, in addition to visiting patients and families.
“Kettering made it very clear from the beginning that we take care of staff first, patients second, and community third — and I love that,” Robertson said. Her responsibilities include leading devotionals, offering prayers and supporting employees across the hospital.
Kettering Health Newsletter
“You can minister to people in the grocery store,” she said. “We are all ministers, and we get to practice it every day.”
Robertson’s professional development has taken place alongside a shift in her personal faith. Raised in the Church of Christ, she spent years moving between denominations before connecting with the Seventh-day Adventist Church during her chaplaincy training.
“I saw real people, real Christians who were walking their talk,” Robertson said.
She said the Adventist emphasis on Sabbath and whole-person health aligned with her beliefs.
“Sabbath is like spending time with your dad,” she said. “You can’t wait to be together.”
After visiting an Adventist church in Hamilton, Ohio, Robertson said the decision felt clear.
“God said as I drove into the parking lot, ‘this is your home,’” she said.
Nestor Bruno, the director of Mission and Ministry at Kettering Health, said Robertson’s development reflects the goals of the system’s spiritual care program.
and a genuine commitment to helping chaplains grow into their calling.”
Robertson said she does not view her path into chaplaincy or the Adventist faith as accidental.
“Debi Robertson represents the best of what spiritual care formation can be,” Bruno said, “because it includes professional growth and personal growth — an intimate correlation between being a better care provider and growing intimately as a human being and son or daughter of God. She brings together pastoral wisdom, clinical depth
“I feel like I wouldn’t be here if I hadn’t been led to Kettering and hadn’t been led to chaplaincy,” she said.
“God wanted me here.”
At Kettering Health Hamilton, located between Cincinnati and Dayton, that sense of purpose aligns with a broader mission to care for the whole person — physically, emotionally and spiritually. For Robertson, chaplaincy is not separate from her faith but an expression of it, lived out in conversations, prayers and quiet moments of presence. It is work she came to later in life, but one she approaches with clarity about where she belongs.
Washington
Adventist University Reflects on Five Years of Growth, Innovation and MissionFocused Impact
Following the recent Washington Adventist University (WAU) Constituency Meeting, university leaders reflected on a five-year period marked by resilience, innovation, and mission-centered growth as the institution navigated unprecedented changes in higher education between 2021 and 2026.
Emerging from the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, WAU remained focused on its commitment to academic excellence, spiritual development, student success, and service. Throughout the fiveyear period, the university strengthened student support services, expanded academic advising and counseling resources, and developed flexible pathways designed to help students achieve their educational goals.
Enrollment growth and workforce readiness remained key priorities as higher education institutions across the nation faced shifting demographics and evolving student expectations. In response, WAU enhanced recruitment efforts and expanded partnerships with churches, community colleges, healthcare organizations, and international markets. The university also continued to strengthen programs in nursing, public health, cybersecurity, business, psychology, and other high- demand fields that prepare graduates for meaningful careers and service.
Academic innovation played a significant role in the university’s progress. Investments in instructional technology, online learning platforms, and faculty development enabled WAU to expand learning opportunities for traditional students, adult learners, and working professionals while maintaining academic rigor and faith integration.
The university also demonstrated a strong commitment to financial stewardship during a period of rising costs and uncertainty across the higher education sector. Through strategic planning, responsible resource management, and fundraising efforts, WAU continued to invest in student services, academic quality, and campus
improvements while strengthening its longterm sustainability.
Recognizing the importance of preparing graduates for an increasingly complex workforce, WAU expanded internships, clinical experiences, research opportunities, and service-learning initiatives. These experiences helped students develop the technical expertise, leadership skills, and cultural competence sought by today’s employers.
Diversity continued to be one of the university’s defining strengths. With students representing numerous countries and cultural backgrounds, WAU fostered a learning environment that promotes inclusion, global awareness, and crosscultural understanding while remaining firmly rooted in its Seventh-day Adventist mission and values.
As higher education continues to evolve, university leaders remain optimistic about the future. Building on the accomplishments of the past five years, Washington Adventist University is positioned to continue advancing academic excellence, workforce preparation, spiritual growth, and community engagement while preparing graduates to serve their communities, professions, and the world.
“To God be the glory” remains the guiding theme of the university’s journey as WAU continues its mission of transforming lives through faith, learning, and service.
Weymouth Spence Former President
‘MY HOPES FOR THIS PLACE ARE HIGH’: BUILDING ON WAU’S LEGACY WHILE SHAPING ITS FUTURE
“With gratitude I acknowledge the tender care of my heavenly Father and thank Him for the blessings that He has bestowed upon me …”
“As I look at the situation and the prospects here, I am filled with hope and courage” (Letters and Manuscripts, vol. 19)
These are the words of Ellen G. White when she arrived to Takoma Park, Md., in 1904.
White expressed these sentiments after identifying property for a school and sanitarium. Today, I, too, express these same sentiments. Through the role of interim president, I accept this sacred opportunity to provide continued service to the students and constituents of what we now call Washington Adventist University (WAU).
During WAU’s May 2026 Constituency Meeting, when it was shared that, during the past quinquennium, more than 1,000 students have exited through the university’s “Gateway to Service,” my heart, like White’s, was also filled with hope and courage. Regardless of the degree or credential, it was with deepening gratitude that I recognize that each graduate is distinctively chosen and appointed for “such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
White’s 1904 letter concludes by declaring, “My hopes for this place are high. The country for miles and miles around Washington is to be worked from here. I am so thankful that our work is to be established in this place. Were Christ upon the ground, He would say: ‘Lift up your eyes and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.’ We have work to do in leading precious souls onward step by step.”
Therefore, as we anticipate our 2026–2027 academic year, more than ever, with prayerful anticipation and great joy, we move forward with hope and courage. Through the rigor and relevance of the university’s Vision 2030 initiatives and strategic plan, our Lord will prosper the lives entrusted to our care in ways that will exceed anything that we can ask or imagine (Eph. 3:18–20).
This is your university — Washington Adventist University!
Cheryl Harris Kisunzu Interim President
news
Listeners
and WGTS 91.9 Staff
Recognize National Day of Prayer
On the National Day of Prayer in May, people from around the region came together to worship and pray on the plaza in front of Maryland’s capital building in Annapolis. The WGTS 91.9 team was there to pray and talk with people who attended.
Several speakers shared messages about prayer, and local pastors prayed for leaders in government, churches, schools, and the media. They also prayed for families throughout the region.
As a community of believers, staff, volunteers, and listeners, WGTS values prayer. Prayer shows up in person at events, such as concerts or Sticker Stops, and it shows up on the online prayer platform When We Pray at wgts919.com. Prayer shows up during team meetings, online, on the phone, on social media, and in person. Prayer is infused into everything at WGTS and all ministries that are a part of Atlantic Gateway Communications.
This is the third year in a row that WGTS has partnered with National Day of Prayer gatherings around the listening area, encouraging listeners to come together to pray.
A Mother’s Story of Hope
Since 2012, The Story Project video series has told several dozen stories of WGTS listeners—real people who have experienced life’s hardships and, despite their grief and pain, have found a way forward through the music and messages offered by the station.
Christine, a mother of four daughters, shared her story in memory of her daughter Grace, who at just 13, experienced an incident that brought such severe cyberbullying that it led to a devastating loss.
Even in this difficult time, Christine found the strength to move forward. She says, “Hope is everything. I was worried that I wouldn’t be able to see God’s beauty anymore. But on the week of her funeral, I walked out, and I could still see it, I could still feel it. I felt God with me.”
She shares how the station helped her: “WGTS and the faithful music puts you right back into your heart, into where the love is, and where the hope is…so many times, just the right song would come on to help me.”
“If you’re going through difficult times, there’s love, there’s compassion, there’s grace. Hang on. You’re never alone. I promise it will get better.”
To see the rest of her story, go to wgts919.com/2026/05/the-story-project-christine/.
Listeners and WGTS 91.9 staff came together in Annapolis, Maryland, to worship and pray on the National Day of Prayer.
VISITOR ADVERTISING AND SERVICES ■ The Visitor does not guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised and does not accept responsibility for typographical or categorical errors. For advertising guidelines and rates, visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/advertising.
EMPLOYMENT
ANDREWS UNIVERSITY
seeks qualified Seventh-day Adventists to fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World. Visit andrews.edu/jobs for our current openings.
SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY continuously seeks qualified candidates to fill various positions around campus, including faculty, salaried staff and hourly staff positions. If you are interested in working at Southern, we encourage you to view the positions that are currently open at sau.catsone.com/ careers and apply as God leads. To view current open educational positions Pre-K through college across the North American Division, please visit jobs at adventisteducation.org.
UNION ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY:
Seeks qualified candidates for a full-time Business Program professor. Excellent benefits. Participates as a member of the team preparing professionals for Christian service in the business world by providing a quality, student-oriented education that emphasizes ethics and balances practice and theory.
Seeks candidates for a fulltime clinical coordinator in the Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Excellent benefits. Assists the director in organizing and scheduling clinical rotations for PA students.
Seeks applicants for an enrollment counselor. This is a full-time position with benefits. Serves as the primary representative for Union Adventist University, actively recruiting prospective students through high school visits, college fairs and campus presentations. Manages a specific geographic territory, guiding applicants through every stage of the admissions process from initial inquiry to final registration.
Seeks applicants for the TRIO Student Support Services Project director. Leads and administers the Student Support Services
library instruction to diverse groups of students, faculty, staff and community visitors, using modalities suited to the individual, classroom or online environments. ALAaccredited Master of Library and Information Science or equivalent required.
program. This role is responsible for overseeing TRIO SSS program services, grant compliance, staff and student success for low-income, first-generation and disabled students, ensuring alignment with Department of Education guidelines. This individual will be a key partner in implementing strategic initiatives focused on student retention, engagement and graduation.
Seeks applicants for director of Major Gifts. Responsible for cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects to support the strategic initiative to increase philanthropic support through focused individual, foundation and corporate giving programs. This is a full-time position with a generous benefit package.
Seeks applicants for Religion program director and professor to begin teaching fall 2026. Candidate must be ordained or commissioned to the ministry in the Seventhday Adventist Church or on a track. Responsibilities include serving as program director for the Religion program, oversight of the SALT program, and teaching classes.
Seeks director of Human Resources. This is a full-time, exempt position with excellent benefits. This position plans, leads, develops, coordinates and implements policies, processes and initiatives to support the university’s human resource compliance and strategy needs.
Seeks Student Success Career Development program manager. Will oversee career development services, including coaching and advising students in calling/ vocational exploration and other related duties. This is a fulltime position with full benefits package, including tuition assistance to dependents.
Seeks Student Success Career Development life coach. Will implement strategic initiatives related to student retention, engagement and graduation. This is a full-time position with full benefits package, including tuition assistance to dependents.
Seeks research and instruction librarian. This position develops and provides reference and
faculty positions, please visit wau.edu/humanresources to submit your application.
Seeks applicants for emergency medical services (EMS) coordinator in the International Rescue and Relief (IRR) program. This is a full-time exempt position with excellent benefits. The EMS coordinator is responsible for developing and managing the EMS component of the program and includes both teaching responsibilities and program administration. EMS instructor certification is required.
Seeks applicants for director of Doctor of Physical Therapy program to provide leadership to the program and oversee all aspects of the DPT program, including responsibility for communication, program assessment and planning, fiscal management, faculty evaluation/professional development, curriculum development, accreditation and other duties. This is a full-time exempt position with excellent benefits, including tuition assistance.
Seeks candidates for two nursing faculty positions. These are full-time, exempt positions. Responsible for preparing undergraduate students to successfully complete the Union BSN curriculum and pass the National Council State Boards of Nursing Examination. Excellent benefit package that includes tuition assistance for dependents.
Please see full job descriptions and applications at ucollege. edu/employment.
WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a detail-oriented administrative assistant for its Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations. $20.00/hour. Support with purpose. Donor database and event coordination experience valued. Raiser’s Edge training a plus. Comprehensive benefits. Faith-driven mission.
WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY is committed to finding qualified individuals who share our mission and values to fill a variety of faculty and staff positions. We are currently hiring for several roles. For a complete list of full-time, part-time and adjunct
SEEKING FULL-TIME, MISSIONMINDED executive director for Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington, located in Silver Spring, Md. Email: edsearch@acsgw.org to request a job description and/or submit a resume.
SIGN BUSINESS FOR SALE: Established one-man sign business with solid base of repeat clients for sale to hard-working, entrepreneurial type with talents in basic carpentry, graphic design and customer service. Owner wants to pass business on before retiring. If interested in this rewarding opportunity in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, please send a confidential e-mail to: mark@augustasigncompany.com. God has blessed this business for many years, and I know He will continue to bless it in the future!
MISCELLANEOUS
AUTHORS, transform your manuscript into a globally distributed book. Get free evaluation from trusted Adventist publisher (42 years). If accepted, we edit, design, layout, market and distribute worldwide. Submit today: teachservices.com. Look for red “Submit Manuscript” button at top of homepage. We buy/sell used Adventist books. Visit lnfbooks.com, or call 706-504-9192.
ADVENTIST SINGLES WANTED! Looking for meaningful, faith-centered connections? Join adventistdating.com—where single Seventh-day Adventists meet for friendship, companionship and love, grounded in shared beliefs. Safe, sincere and free to join. Start your journey today at adventistdating.com—where faith meets love!
NEED A VOCATION? Gain a valuable trade in HVAC, welding or other fields—and be equipped to share the three angels’ messages. Streams of Light Training Institute is where trades meet mission. Learn more at streamsoflightinstitute. net or call 888-765-7654.
KIDS NEED NEVER BE BORED! Just point them to lifetalkkids. net, and let them listen to great adventures, faith-building Bible stories, captivating science and awesome nature programs and more 24/7. Kids grow better with radio. Download our free app at: lifetalk.net
Bulletin Board
REAL ESTATE
HOUSING AVAILABLE ON
FARM in Finger Lakes region in Upstate New York. Houses and apartments for rent and/or for assisted living arrangements. Long- or short-term land also available for lease. Call 315-946-6444 or 315-879-0949.
DON’T JUST RETIRE! Live with purpose at Fletcher Park Inn. An independent living retirement community, located on the campus of Fletcher Academy near Hendersonville, N.C. Join our family, take part in the many opportunities for staying active, volunteering, making new friends and living with a purpose. Call 828-209-6930 and ask for our marketing department, or visit fletcherparkinn. com to find out more about our apartment and villa homes.
FLORIDA LIVING RETIREMENT
COMMUNITY: Independent living on 13.5 acres near Orlando, sunny beaches, golf courses, shopping areas and medical care. All renovated ground-level units. Florida Conference-owned facility. Call 407-862-2646 or visitfloridalivingretirement.com.
SERVICES
SMILE BRIGHT AND EXPLORE
BEAUTIFUL ART AT TECHNĒ
DENTAL. Looking for a caring, highly experienced dentist? Ernest Ponraj, DDS, offers topnotch dental care in a welcoming environment. Whether you need a routine checkup or more advanced treatments, you’ll be in expert hands. But that’s not all! Ponraj also owns an exclusive art gallery, showcasing stunning works from artists around the globe. Located at 4 Taft Court, Suite #150, Rockville, MD 20850. Mention this ad to receive a discount on services. Call 301-598-7800, or visit technedentalgallery.com.
MARYLAND ADVENTIST
DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Associate fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as many other certifications. Call 301-649-5001 or 410-461-6655. Mention this ad and receive 10% discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients!
MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving and Storage partners with the
General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Dante at 800-766-1902 for a free estimate on your relocation needs. Visit apexmoving.com/adventist.
ELTERNHAUS ASSISTED LIVING, Adventist family-owned and -operated, provides specialized care for seniors in a family homestyle setting. Delicious vegetarian food, activities, Friday night vespers and a shuttle to church Sabbath morning. Visit elternhausalf.com.
PATH OF LIFE HEALING CENTER DETOX RETREATS offer a well-established retreat program focusing on detox and wellness. The 10-day healing retreat is a valuable opportunity for those looking to address health challenges and improve their lifestyle. With 28 years of experience in helping people avoid or reverse disease, there is a solid track record. Call 301-377-4523 or visit pathoflifehealing.com/ lifestyle-retreats.
OBITUARIES
PELLEY, LESTER DOUGLAS, born April 11, 1942, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Canada, to Ralph R. Pelley and Jennie B. Hudson Pelley. Died July 10, 2024, in Madison, Wis. He graduated from Atlantic Union College (Mass.) cum laude in 1969 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. On June 10, 1969, he married Judith Darlene Ball. They celebrated 55 years together in 2024. Lester’s career spanned 43 years in various roles within financial administration for Seventh-day Adventist Church institutions, both at Atlantic Union College and the Pennsylvania Conference. One of his greatest satisfactions was mentoring college students who worked in his departments. His primary hobby was, first and foremost, classical music, either live or played on quality equipment. He took great pride in the first set of components and speakers he purchased. His greatest joy was returning to Newfoundland for annual visits. He was also active in his local church and served as treasurer for 17 years. Lester was predeceased by siblings Olive, Sylvia, Ralph and niece Jeannine. He is survived by his wife; son, Douglas Scott Pelley (Ingrid Satelmajer); daughter, Elaine Michelle Pelley (Benjamin Shoemaker); and four precious grandchildren, Ryan, Alison, Derek and Natalie. Also surviving are a brother Rudolph (Mo) Pelley; niece Barbara Pelley Montaperto; nephew Bruce Pelley; and nieces and nephews in Newfoundland.
Sligo by the Sea
2026 SUMMER MINISTRY SERIES
June 27 Jim Howard
July 4 Charles Tapp
July 11 Dr. Olen Netteburg
July 18 John Rengifo
July 25 Bonita Joyner Shields
August 1 Kermit Netteburg
August 8 Music & Worship
August 15 Dunbar Henri & Dan Pabon
August 22
Ted Modell
August 29 Greg Carlson
September 5 David Weigley
Sunset Calendar
Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters reside.
