Columbia Union Visitor--January/February 2024

Editorial

josé d. espósito January/February 2024 n Volume 129 n Issue 1 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 n Kelly Butler Coe Features and Newsletters Editor n Ricardo Bacchus Features and News Editor n V. Michelle Bernard Art Director and Designer n Kelly Butler Coe Advertising Manager n Ricardo Bacchus Online Editor n V. Michelle Bernard CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n visitor@columbiaunion.net columbiaunionvisitor.com FOLLOW US n facebook.com/columbiaunionvisitor n x.com/visitornews instagram.com/columbiaunionvisitor SUBSCRIBE n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, please visit our website and click on subscribe.

PUBLISHING BOARD n Dave Weigley (chair), Kelly Butler Coe (secretary), Emmanuel Asiedu, Tim Bailey, Celeste Ryan Blyden, Marvin C. Brown, III, Bob Cundiff, Gary Gibbs, Jerry Lutz, Marcellus T. Robinson, Charles A. Tapp CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Allegheny East n LaTasha Hewitt, visitaec.com Allegheny West n Keisha Bone, awconf.org Chesapeake n Evan Knott, ccosda.org Mountain View n Liz Bailey, mtviewconf.org New Jersey n Stephen Lee, njcsda.org Ohio n Francis Tuffour, ohioadventist.org Pennsylvania n Tamyra Horst, paconference.org Potomac n Debra Anderson, pcsda.org Blue Mountain Academy n Esther Hernandez, bma.us Highland View Academy n Rob Gettys, highlandviewacademy.com Lake Nelson Adventist Academy n Ashley Boggess, lakenelsonacademy.org Pine Forge Academy n Tracey Jackson, pineforgeacademy.org Shenandoah Valley Academy n Janel Haas Ware, shenandoahvalleyacademy.org Spencerville Adventist Academy n Heidi Wetmore, spencervilleacademy.org Spring Valley Academy n Angela Peach, springvalleyacademy.org Takoma Academy n Shaun Robinson, ta.edu Kettering College n Rebecca Ingle, kc.edu Washington Adventist University n Everett Wiles, wau.edu Adventist HealthCare n Anne Biggins, adventisthealthcare.com Kettering Health n Doug Walker, ketteringhealth.org WGTS n Lisa Krueger, wgts919.com

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 n Dave Weigley Executive Secretary n Celeste Ryan Blyden Treasurer n Emmanuel Asiedu Undertreasurer n Tabita Martinez Vice President, Communication n Kelly Butler Coe Vice President, Education n Donovan Ross Vice President/General Counsel n Lisa Saveikis Burrow Vice President, Ministries Development n Frank Bondurant Vice President, Multilingual Ministries n Rubén A. Ramos Asst. to the President for Evangelism n José D. Espósito Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund n H. Candace Nurse Director, Information Technology Services n Greg Iverson Director, Plant Services n Curtis Boore Adventist ® and Seventh-day Adventist ® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists ®. n The Visitor is printed and mailed at Pacific Press ® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho. n Unless otherwise noted, photos and illustrations are reproduced with permission from gettyimages.com.

You Are Our Strongest Evangelist • A church family growing from 15 to 54

members after meeting the needs of community members and hosting an evangelistic series.

• A young girl requesting prayer for her grandpa and helping lead her family back to Christ.

• A member sharing his love of pickleball with others, resulting in hundreds of people finding fellowship and a safe place to discuss spiritual matters, while getting exercise.

• A pastor using his love of restoring cars to connect with his neighbors.

• A teacher praying for her students, impacting their spiritual walk for years to come.

These are all small, but powerful examples of how Columbia Union Conference members used their spiritual gifts to help build the kingdom of God in 2023.

From 2024–2026, Columbia Union leadership has set their strategic motto to “Empower, Equip, Engage.” Through training events, a unionwide-equipping event for pastors, and monthly inspiration found in the 2024 Columbia Union Calendar, our team will support local conferences in their public evangelism efforts.

OUR GOAL IS FOR MEMBERS TO BE:

1.

2.

EMPOWERED by the Holy Spirit to be the Lord’s witnesses (Acts 1:8).

EQUIPPED to be disciples, evangelists, pastors and teachers to also equip “the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12, NKJV).

3.

ENGAGED in ministry—being steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58).

What gifts has God given you to build His kingdom, revitalize your local church, strengthen your family and impact your community?

Do you have a knack for making newcomers feel welcome? Do you tell stories that engage and encourage young people? Do you see a need and fill it without being asked? What natural gifts do you possess?

We hope you will use these gifts, nurture them and seek further training to grow them by contacting the Evangelism Department at your local conference or the Columbia Union. Why? Because there might be someone you love or someone you haven’t yet met that needs Jesus in their life.

In 2024—and the next few years to come—may “empowering evangelism” be in you and work through you. In this process, you are not alone. Jesus promises, “I am with you always.” With His guidance, may He use you to meet your circle of influence and beyond.

Together, let’s be empowered and empower others to do the same.

José D. Espósito serves as the assistant to the president for Evangelism.

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UpFront

v. michelle bernard

WATCH ‘I AM WITH YOU’ PRESENTATIONS

Pastors from across the Columbia Union Conference will gather Feb. 25–28 for “I Am With You,” an evangelism workshop and ministerium in Hershey, Pa. The empowering training event will equip pastors for the unique challenges facing our churches in today’s culture. Members are also invited to get inspired by watching the livestream presentations given by Elizabeth Talbot, Debleaire Snell, Pavel Goia and others! Watch the event at columbiaunionvisitor.com or youtube.com/columbiaunion.

GET SOCIAL THIS YEAR

Young adults in the Washington, D.C., area have a lot to look forward to in 2024.

Adventist Young Professionals (AYP)—a hub for Seventh-day Adventist young adults—has planned events throughout the year, including bowling, outreach opportunities, “mix and mingle” events, a cookoff, a spring hike, and more. Visit ayp.me/dmv to see the schedule and to find out how you or the young professional in your life can get involved, or visit ayp.me/launchachapter to start a local chapter where you live.

Balance isn’t something you find; you have to be intentional about creating it, or it doesn’t exist.

—Crystal Ward, executive pastor of Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville church in Silver Spring, Md., during her presentation at the 2023 Columbia Union Conference Fall Treasury Meetings that focused on well-being.

LITTLE STEPS, BIG JOY

A recent project called BIG JOY sought to find out if doing one little act of kindness each day for a week could impact ones’ emotional well-being. Participants were provided options (similar to the call of Philippians 4:8 to focus on the good), including doing something kind for others; concentrating on something awe-worthy; shifting one’s perspective concerning a tough situation; and celebrating someone else’s joy. Participants from more than 22 countries experienced an average jump of 26 percent in emotional well-being, felt more empowered to be happy and got better sleep, among other benefits.

ANOTHER REASON TO EXERCISE

That New Year’s plan to exercise more impacts your body beyond your heart rate or the number on your scale.

In a Harvard Health Publishing article, Scott McGinnis, M.D., an instructor in neurology at Harvard Medical School, says that exercise can also indirectly boost thinking and memory skills by improving mood and sleep—areas that can impact cognitive impairment. Walking has been the most studied exercise, but the report says other forms of aerobic exercise that can get the heart pumping would provide similar results.

Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center, also notes that regular exercise is one habit that also reduces symptoms of depression.

160

The number of books customers donated during a book drive for local school libraries at LivingWell, Potomac Conference’s Adventist Book Center.

READ MORE: Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/upfront for the extended stories. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 3

UpFront

This academic year, staff and faculty across the Columbia Union Conference are serving children and their respective communities in more than 80 early childhood education (ECE) centers, elementary, middle and high schools, and higher education institutions.

2023–24 ENROLLMENT NUMBERS BY INSTITUTION ECE: 708 PK–12: 5,767 Higher Education: 1,502 Total Students: 7,997

In his report at the union’s Board of Education meeting, Donovan Ross, union vice president for Education, noted that during the 2022–23 school year, the union had 100 schools. However, due to the closure of two ECE centers and the reorganization of how ECE centers on school campuses are counted, this year the number of schools have decreased to 81 and the number of students have decreased by 92—totaling 7,997 students.

Ross noted the continuing difficultly of hiring teachers— a common problem in the public school system as well. He also noted the department’s concern for student mental health and

Things You Should Know • Want another 2024 Columbia Union Conference Calendar? For just the cost of shipping, call Pacific Press Publishing Association at (800) 545-2449 to order extra copies.

• In 2024, the Columbia Union will spend a significant amount on evangelism: $175,000 on general evangelism; $415,000 on an evangelism ministerium; and $20,000 on young adult initiatives.

hopes that every teacher in the union will obtain a Mental Health First Aid certificate in five to six years.

Committee members discussed potential ways to make Seventh-day Adventist education more accessible in the union, including coordinated marketing efforts, among other ideas.

“We’re listening to these ideas,” said Celeste Ryan Blyden, executive secretary for the Columbia Union and board chair, “and will discuss [them] with Ross and his team.”

BUTLER COE NAMED UNION VICE PRESIDENT

Kelly Butler Coe was named vice president for Communication at the fall Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting.

Though she was born into a missionary family in Hong Kong, Coe has deep roots in the Columbia Union. A graduate of

Lisa Burrow, Columbia Union general counsel and vice president, prays for the Columbia Union Office of Education staff (joined by Emmanuel Asiedu and Celeste Ryan Blyden) at the start of the Board of Education meeting.

4 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Highland View Academy in Hagerstown, Md., and Andrews University (Mich.), Coe has worked in the Communication Department since 2000, serving as assistant director of Communication, graphic designer and art director for the union and Visitor magazine. In September 2020, she was promoted to associate director and, in 2021, was promoted to the director of Communication and editor of the Visitor.

“For 20-plus years Kelly Coe has demonstrated very creative graphic and art direction skills— she is the one that makes the Visitor look so good,” says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president. In her managerial role, “Kelly is a savvy, insightful and gifted communicator. She is a very good choice. We will continue to be blessed by her contributions and dedication in her new role.”

Coe says she is most proud that the Communication team “continuously works to use the latest methods of delivering the news to engage the varying age groups within our membership.”

illustration courtesy the ellen g . white estate

TEACHER SHORTAGE IMPACTS UNION SCHOOLS

Kids, Corner WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER?

Recently, Laiya Davey and her mother, Michelle Davey, a mental health therapist—members of Allegheny East Conference’s Miracle Temple in Baltimore—co-wrote the My Voice Is My Superpower book and activity book. The book—that seeks to empower girls to lift, praise and protect their voices—is now available at LivingWell in Silver Spring, Md., and online.

“I grew up in the era where ‘children should be seen and not heard,’ and that has fostered silence and secrets,” says Michelle. “It’s important for us to create a safe space for our children to feel comfortable speaking up and not shrink in a society where they are told to be silent.

Encouraging children to communicate, ask questions, express their feelings and share their thoughts is essential for their social and emotional development. It helps them build self-esteem, problem-solving skills, and … engage with the world around them.”

STAND TALL FOR JESUS • When Ellen White was a teenager, her family had to stand up for their beliefs.

This resulted in them being forced to leave their church—a situation that was incredibly hard for the family.

In 2024, grow closer to Jesus so that you’ll be strengthened when faced with tough situations. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 5

Noticias

v. michelle bernard

Kelly Butler Coe fue nombrada vicepresidenta de Comunicación en la reunión de otoño del Comité Ejecutivo de Columbia Union.

Con profundas raíces en Columbia Union y Hong Kong, donde nació a una familia misionera, Coe, graduada de Highland View Academy en Hagerstown, Maryland, y de Andrews University (Mich.), ha trabajado en el Departamento de Comunicación desde el 2000, sirviendo como diseñadora gráfica y directora de arte de la unión y del Visitor. En septiembre del 2020, Coe fue

ascendida a directora asociada de Comunicación, y en 2021 fue ascendida a directora de Comunicación y editora del Visitor.

LAS CIFRAS DE MATRÍCULA DISMINUYEN LIGERAMENTE ESTE AÑO ESCOLAR

Este año académico, el personal y el cuerpo docente de Columbia Union Conference están sirviendo a los niños y a sus respectivas comunidades en más de 80 centros de educación infantil temprana (ECE), escuelas primarias K-8, escuelas secundarias e instituciones de educación superior.

En su informe en la reunión de la Junta de Educación de la unión, Donovan Ross, vicepresidente de Educación de la unión, señaló que durante el año escolar 2022-23, la unión tenía 100

NÚMEROS DE INSCRIPCIÓN 2023-24 POR INSTITUCIÓN ECE: 708 Preescolar-12: 5,767 Educación superior: 1,502 Estudiantes totales: 7,997

Cosas Que Deberías Saber

•¿Quieres otro Calendario de la Columbia Union Conference 2024? Sólo por el costo de envío, llame a Pacific Press Publishing Association al (800) 545-2449 para solicitar copias adicionales.

escuelas. Sin embargo, debido al cierre de dos centros de ECE y la reorganización de la forma en que se cuentan los centros de ECE en los campus escolares, el número de escuelas disminuyó a 81 y el número de estudiantes disminuyó en 92, dando un total de 7,997 estudiantes.

EL PRESIDENTE DE NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE, AGUERO, SE RETIRA

Jorge Aguero, presidente de New Jersey Conference desde el 2017, se jubiló el 1 de enero después de 43 años de ministerio pastoral, 25 de ellos dentro de la conferencia.

Aguero y su esposa, Amalia, directora de Esposos de Ministeriales en la conferencia y socia en el ministerio, se jubilan para apoyar a su familia mientras su nieta lucha contra la leucemia.

Lea más en la página 22.

• En el 2024, Columbia Union gastará una cantidad significativa en evangelismo: $175,000 en evangelismo general; $415,000 en un ministerio de evangelismo; y $20,000 en iniciativas para adultos jóvenes.

Los adultos jóvenes en el área de Washington, D.C., tienen mucho que esperar en el 2024. Adventist Young Professionals (AYP), un centro global que permite a los adultos jóvenes Adventistas del Séptimo Día interactuar con otros creyentes, ha planificado eventos en todo el año, que incluyen boliche, oportunidades para alcanzar a otros, socialización, competencias de cocina, una caminata de primavera y más. Visite ayp.me/dmv para ver el cronograma y descubrir cómo usted o los jóvenes profesionales a su alrededor pueden participar, o visite ayp.me/ launchachapter para iniciar un capítulo local donde vive.

Para más historias en español, visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias.

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traducción por domitilla rosette

BUTLER COE ES NOMBRADA VICEPRESIDENTA DE LA UNIÓN

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 7

Celebrating

the Sabbath

Shifting Our Focus From a Divine Commandment to a Divine Commitment

A

By Edwin Manuel Garcia s a growing number of Americans have left Christianity, a surprising trend is taking place: an increased interest in the Sabbath.

“We have a secular movement in America and a resistance to anything ‘religious,’” says Martin Doblmeier, an Alexandria, Virginiabased longtime producer who makes movies about religion, faith and spirituality—including several focused on Seventh-day Adventists. He recently released a documentary called SABBATH. “Sabbath-[keeping] seems to be striking a universal chord, touching people even in the secular world,” he says, “and that is a testimony to God’s hand.”

A Remedy for the Problems of Modernity

In the past 15 years, no less than 15 books have been published, mostly by Protestants, who emphasize the benefits of experiencing Sabbath rest, says Sigve K. Tonstad, a research professor at the Loma Linda (Calif.) University School of Religion. “Sabbath is a remedy for the problems of modernity—that’s what I see in these books,” he notes.

Those embracing Sabbath are not necessarily clamoring to learn about Seventh-day Adventism or Judaism. According to theologians and other

8 | VISITOR January/February 2024

experts, they’re intrigued by the concept of setting aside an entire day to change the rhythm of their ever-demanding week.

Health professionals and theologians, Adventist and non-Adventist, are quick to note that stress and burnout have reached red-flag levels, often caused by life’s demands. Even more reason, they say, for the need to rest.

Living in today’s gotta-have-it-now culture “creates an intensity that is exhausting after a while, and I think that’s part of why we’re burned out. When we expect everything now, then we expect our work and other realities of our lives to function at a level and at a speed that is just not sustainable,” says Randy Roberts, senior pastor of the Loma Linda (Calif.)

University church, one of the largest Adventist congregations in the world.

Julie Manuel and the staff she manages at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center in Moraine, Ohio, treat patients daily who struggle to find balance with their work, family and home life.

They suffer from anxiety, depression and, in worst cases, suicidal ideation.

“For the most part, folks are coming in really physically, mentally, spiritually exhausted,” says Manuel, clinical program manager of the Adult

Sabbath is a relationally rich, spiritually inspiring, restful time that is set aside from other time but is not dominated by what one has to do or can’t do.

Intensive Outpatient Program. “They’re just depleted.”

Those who get overloaded with burnout and chronic stress are putting their health at risk, warns Richard Samuel, a physician at Maryland-based Adventist HealthCare.

Health consequences, he says, can include cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled blood pressure, high blood sugar, depression, a weakened immune system, diabetes, obesity and difficulty sleeping.

“Studies have shown that people who take time to rest are healthier and more productive,” adds Samuel.

“Real rest is, in fact, transforming,” says Kathleen Crowley, clinical manager for LifeWork Strategies Employee Assistance Program at Adventist Healthcare. “With sufficient rest, your thoughts are clearer, more focused, your reactions are timely and well-thought-out and your general attitude is more positive.”

Yet, even with all the proven benefits of rest, why do some people still opt out of this desperately needed weekly respite?

Manuel shares the story of a patient whose child had committed suicide. To avoid the painful emotions of the event, the patient filled her time with busyness and helping others—never slowing down to take care of herself. She felt if she kept busy, the bad memories and thoughts would dissipate. Manuel says, “But what happened was [she] was physically exhausted and discouraged,” full of fear and depression.

The patient slowly added in 30 minutes of activities just for herself—such as taking a hot bath or going for a walk with the dog. It was really hard for her because when she slowed down and implemented the idea of rest in her life, she questioned her worthiness.

The patient also started attending a Bible study and a grief support group. Manuel reports that now the former patient is doing really well.

Bogdan Scur, a professor in the Religion Department at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md., adds that the Sabbath reminds believers that God has made humanity worthy of that grace and rest. “The rest we experience on Sabbath is not only physical but spiritual. This rest reminds us of the rest we have in the salvation accomplished by the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Every time we lay our work down and spend 24 hours of rest with God and in God, we ought to remember that Christ died for us and we [can] trust His sacrifice on our behalf and rest in the salvation that He established.”

A Coming Boom to Adventism?

Whether the Seventh-day Adventist Church can eventually become a denominational home to the many people who are investigating Sabbath rest remains to be seen. Some pastors are skeptical because, within Adventism itself, they notice a

RULE OR RELATIONSHIP? How would you celebrate your spouse’s birthday, asks Pastor Randy Roberts. “I tend to know the kinds of things that will draw us together and that will make her feel like she’s being celebrated.” It’s not sitting down and watching a football game or washing the car. Not because there is some legalistic rule against that, but because the goal is to celebrate the relationship connection and time, he says, noting they might go to a botanical garden or have a leisurely meal instead.

Roberts poses the following questions that can help you plan your Sabbath:

• What brings you into communion with God? • What nourishes your soul?

What allows you to focus on God and on the • important people in your life?

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 9

gradual push away from Sabbath observance.

“I feel worried in some ways, because I think we’re in danger as Seventh-day Adventists of losing the Sabbath as I watch the trends around me,” says Roberts.

“If, when you think about Sabbath, your thinking is mainly governed by what you can’t do, then you’ve got some work to do in understanding the true intent of the Sabbath,” Roberts says. “If, when you think of Sabbath, you have a hard time distinguishing it from any other day of the week, then you’ve got some work to do on the meaning of Sabbath.”

HOW TO SPIRITUALLY REST Bogdon Scur, a religion professor at Washington Adventist University, recommends the following ways to spiritually rest: Attend corporate worship in your local church: •Singing, praying and reading the Word will build your trust and comfort in God, put you at peace and help you rest in God.

unhurried time to read the Bible and •prayTakeby some yourself. Let the Word of God feed your soul. It will provide instruction, encouragement and peace.

Take a walk outside on Friday evening, Sabbath •morning or Sabbath afternoon. Set aside some time to enjoy God’s creation. Remembering the way God cares for His creation instills trust, comfort and peace in us.

Sabbath is a day to do good. Visit the sick •andThelonely, pray with them, and pray and witness to your friends and neighbors.

10 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Roberts says Adventists continue to be split on how the Sabbath should be observed.

Somewhere in the middle, Roberts suggests, “is a relationally rich, spiritually inspiring, restful time that clearly is set aside from other time but is not dominated by what I have to do or what I can’t do.”

When Roberts was being interviewed for The Blue Zones—a book that highlights the healthy lifestyle of Adventists in Loma Linda and other groups around the world—he found it surprising that author Dan Buettner kept circling back to the topic of the Sabbath. Roberts shares, “He said at one point, ‘So you’re saying that every seven days, you all don’t pay bills and mow the lawn and wash the car and shop and do all this stuff.’ And I said, ‘Well, I can’t speak for [others] … but that is the idea. …’ And he said, ‘Wow, do you realize how different my life would be if I did that?’ And I said, ‘Well, yeah, that is kind of the idea. … I think if we took the Sabbath as seriously as we probably ought to, I think it would transform our lives too.’”

A Symbol of God’s Faithfulness

“Sabbath is one of the most powerful theological symbols of Christian faith. Its significance for Adventist faith and spirituality is immeasurable,” says Scur. “Sabbath is the symbol of creation, salvation and glorification.”

Scur continues, “Remembering creation on the Sabbath teaches us that we are not our own; we belong to God, God gave us life and we are not selfmade. ... Also, we need to remember weekly that we are loved and cherished and that the entire world is created as good. Our bodily existence is good.”

Tonstad adds another layer beyond remembrance.

“God [created the Sabbath] to show that He is present in human reality,” says Tonstad. He recently published a book titled, The Lost Meaning of the Seventh Day, which emphasizes how the Sabbath is a symbol of God’s faithfulness.

Tonstad argues that many Adventists have ignored the primary meaning of the Sabbath, placing much emphasis on the Sabbath as a memorial to creation that feels more like a historical memorial—that continually is further in the past. “God created the Sabbath to enter into human time as a participant.

So, God is present in the world, and He is present with us now in the Sabbath. So, we cannot just have it as a memorial because a memorial in some ways has the connotation of absence. … He is present where believing communities [are], where people of faith show up.”

He also notes the “sin of omission in Adventist Sabbath theology is that we have centered—we have emphasized—the Sabbath as divine commandment, similar to the Jews in the time of Jesus,” he states.

Back then, Tonstad says, the Jews accused Jesus of not observing the commandment appropriately,

DIG DEEPER such as when He healed the sick on Sabbath. “Jesus’ Sabbath healings makes good on the divine commitment the way we should,” Tonstad says.

“I strongly urge that we shift our focus from the Sabbath as divine commandment to Sabbath as divine commitment,” Tonstad adds. “And then we also will communally try to make the divine commitment shine in our Sabbath observance.”

What Is Meaningful Sabbath Rest?

For many Adventists, achieving true rest on Sabbath can be easier said than done.

According to experts, the key to ultimate Sabbath rest relies on several factors, including staying connected to loved ones, preventing distractions and placing full faith in God. Also, a meaningful transition at sundown on Friday evenings can help set the mood for Sabbath observance.

“I think we could learn some things from Jewish rituals about the candles and the opening of the Sabbath hours and closing of the Sabbath, and marking those boundaries,” says Tonstad.

Manuel recommends quality time with friends and family on the day of rest. “So, if that’s a Bible study— or a group of nature lovers, your running group or just your family spending time together, talking, eating—connection is so, so important for rest and to feel refreshed.”

The Sabbath can also be a busy time for denominational employees such as pastors whose day is filled with serving, preaching and facilitating. Scur says we can’t remove every responsibility from them but suggests leaders should encourage and teach

Did you know that the Sabbath practice of letting agricultural land rest improves the quality of the soil and can provide free produce to those in need?

In the SABBATH documentary, producer Martin Doblmeier provides a historical perspective highlighting the benefits of the Sabbath beyond spiritual and physical. Watch the movie on the PBS app or by visiting journeyfilms.com, then use Journey Films’ study guides and educational materials to dig deeper on this wide-ranging topic.

local members to participate in various ministries.

“When every church member takes part in ministries to which God called them, pastors will not be overwhelmed with various responsibilities on the Sabbath and will have more time and space to rest and truly engage in worship of God,” he says.

In his 42 years of denominational employment, Roberts has encountered many people who miss out on celebrating the Sabbath because they claim that stepping aside for a 24-hour period will prevent them from completing their work or studies.

“In actuality, that is the point of the Sabbath,” he says. “There has to come a point at which you, by faith, say, ‘God, I’m leaving this in Your hands, and now I’m going to rest. I’m going to focus on You. I’m going to focus on others. And I’m going to enjoy this sacred time that You’ve given me to enjoy.’” columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 11

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Family Continues Mother’s Dream For years, Joyce Steele’s family made it a point to worship with her at the Mizpah church in Philadelphia on the Sabbath closest to her birthday.

Even after she passed away in 2023, her children wanted to keep the tradition going and, as usual, attended this year on the Sabbath following their mother’s birthday.

The family, who travels from New York, New Jersey, Florida and Pennsylvania, are committed to keeping the tradition alive as long as they are able to. “We want to honor her memory, as well as thank the Lord for giving her to us,” says Janet Steele, her daughter. “It also provides us with our own sense of comfort.”

Joyce’s eight children recognize how much her church family meant to her, so that’s another reason why they want to continue this practice. “She would just light up when she saw us all in church, and we could tell it meant the world to her,” remembers Janet.

Joyce was a deaconess and community service volunteer who enjoyed showering the seniors in her neighborhood with gifts. At 93 years old, she was still very active and self-sufficient. “She was the nicest, kindest, most generous person,” says Janet.

“She was God-fearing and always prayed that her children would make the right decisions in life and make it to heaven.”

New Life Builds Church in Kenya The New Life church in Gaithersburg, Md., recently funded the Mabundu church in Kenya.

Mark Brown, elder, initially shared the idea in 2015 with David Defoe, the pastor at the time, and other New Life members after returning from a mission trip where he baptized 160 people. Kenyan members were worshipping in a shed at the time, and Brown felt they needed a proper place of worship. The New Life congregation committed to financially seeing the project through.

After raising approximately $23,000 over six years, New Life received word that the church was completed. Brown and his wife, along with the current pastor, Troy Levy, and his wife visited the completed Mabundu church in person. “It was important to go and see the fruits of our labor,” says Brown.

Levy shared a message on Sabbath, resulting in several requests for baptism. Their group also distributed backpacks to children following the service. The New Life church prioritizes young people in ministry and were happy to see that 50 percent of the congregation were 25 years old and younger. “It was great to hear and see the gospel being spread in a different country and language, and to experience what it’s like for others to engage in evangelism in their own context,” shares Levy.

There is still some work to be done, including flooring, lighting and the addition of a baptismal pool, but New Life members have worked with local members to create a sustainable church strategy for the Mabundu church, which involves starting small businesses to generate funds locally to complete the building process. They have also identified a Christian business coach that will work with them. And New Life will continue to support the church as it grows.

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Treasurer Recognized for 45 Years of Service

Lawrance Martin, Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) vice president for Finance, was recognized as the longest serving treasurer in all of the nine regional conferences at last year’s Regional Conferences Treasury Summit held in Atlanta. Martin has more than

45 years of treasury experience—25 of those years serving as AEC’s conference treasurer.

The summit was held for all regional conference treasury teams to connect and engage in continuing professional development seminars, under the theme, “Strength in Numbers.”

Each attendee received a “jersey-style” T-shirt, reflecting the number of years they have served in treasury ministry.

The conference’s treasury staff members Timothy Privette, an auditor; Kandice Alexander, an accountant; Oville Joseph, assistant treasurer; Lawrance E. Martin, vice president for Finance; and Rayna Braxton, executive administrative assistant, attend the Regional Conferences Treasury Summit.

Ministerial Department Hosts Lay Pastors Retreat Allegheny East Conference’s (AEC) Ministerial Department recently hosted a lay pastors’ retreat, themed “Waking Up the Sleeping Giant.” Led by Gene Donaldson, Ministerial director, the three-day retreat focused on rekindling the embers of faith and personal evangelism.

“We wanted to highlight the importance of personal evangelism in order to fulfill the Great Commission and to teach pastors how to encourage members to get involved in personal evangelism,” shares Donaldson.

The retreat, which included 11 AEC lay pastors, addressed how many church members have untapped potential for personal evangelism. Presentations were structured into five parts: the need for personal evangelism; definition and challenge; identifying your witnessing styles; relationships; and how to transition to spiritual conversations and use your faith story.

Attendees were encouraged to awaken this potential within their congregations by fostering a culture of evangelism, supporting and equipping their members, and setting an example through their own evangelistic efforts. “The retreat re-energized and motivated me to go back to my mission field equipped with tools to share God’s Word from a personal perspective,” shares Boniface Getugi, lay pastor of the Living Springs Fellowship church in Baltimore.

“The retreat showed me how to involve my members in evangelism by … telling your own personal story on how God brought you to Jesus Christ,”

says Michael Cox, lay pastor of the Faith church in Cambridge, Md. “I am sure that when we go back to our church and implement Jesus’ model of personal evangelism, our members will catch the vision and start to run with the mandate,” shares Andrew Brown, lay pastor of the House of Praise church in Oxon Hill, Md. According to conference guidelines, a volunteer lay pastor (VLP) is a lay pastor who has been recommended by an area leader/ethnic coordinator, Ministerial director and assigned by the executive committee. Reappointment to VLP status is contingent upon attending annual training events, an annual performance review, and the recommendation of the sponsoring church board (if applicable), the area leader/ethnic coordinator and the Ministerial director.

Phena Long, volunteer lay pastor of the New Beginnings church in Baltimore, listens to a presenter at the lay pastors’ retreat.

Allegheny East Exposé is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny East Conference n P. O. Box 266, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com n President, Marcellus T. Robinson n Editor, LaTasha Hewitt

14 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Conference Goes to Bible Bowl!

A nail-biting tiebreaker, study sessions by the hotel pool and visits to area attractions like Universal Studios made the 2023 Bible Bowl Championship in Orlando an opportune time for Allegheny West Conference (AWC) youth and adults to hide the Word of God in their hearts and have fun doing it.

Two youth teams made up of students from Columbus Adventist Academy (Ohio), and one adult team from the Ephesus church in Columbus represented AWC in the 40th annual championship games, hosted by the Mt. Sinai church in Orlando.

More than 30 teams—including senior youth and young adult teams—competed across five categories, hailing from regional conferences around the United States and Canada.

Although none of the AWC teams took home first-place trophies, team members and coaches agree they valued the experience and lessons learned far more than any trophy. Here is what they had to say:

“This is my second year coaching. I do it because I believe if children hide God’s Word in their hearts, there will be a transformation in their character, and that’s more important than them winning a competition … they will achieve God’s purpose for being born.”—Marcia Sackie, pre-junior coach —Tamaria L. Kulemeka

“I learned more about the Bible. … I also learned how important it is to follow the Ten Commandments.”—Xahara Chisebe, age 8 “The lesson I learned was it’s not all about winning; it’s just about keeping God’s Word in our heart, having fun and trying our best.”

—Caleb Cunningham, age 8 “I enjoyed studying the Bible with my friends and being able to take a trip to new places.”

—Kymble Armstrong, age 10

photo by tamaria kulemeka

“I learned to never give up and to always have hope.”—Jaden Castillo, age 10 “I learned about teamwork and how you have to put in a team effort to win.”—Kaelyn Goodman, age 11 “The quote that reminds me of Bible Bowl this year is Psalm 119:11–16. This is my first year, and that verse encapsulates my takeaway.”—Julia Smith, adult participant

Left to right: (back row) Joel E. Johnson, Allegheny West Conference (AWC) executive secretary; Paula Olivier, Black Adventist Youth Directors Association president; Elethia Dean, a Bible Bowl coach; Marcia Sackie, a Bible Bowl coach; (front row) and pre-junior team members Jeremy Kargbo, Caleb Cunningham, Chimwemwe Kulemeka and Xahara Chisebe represent the AWC at the 2023 Bible Bowl Championship event.

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Kelsi Bolden: A Modern Soldier The Park Street church is located in Oberlin, Ohio, along with Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music. Over the years, the congregation has been blessed to have many students worship with the church. In more recent years, Elvis Francios, who during the pandemic became known as the “Singing Surgeon,” and many years ago, Calvin Taylor, a music publisher, concert performer and recording artist, both attended Park Street while they were students at Oberlin.

The church is a home away from home for Seventh-day Adventist students during their

Kelsi Bolden makes it a point to witness about God to her friends from the Oberlin College and Conservatory of Music.

education. Each September, when students arrive— sometimes accompanied by parents asking members to take care of their children—Park Street has always responded positively to this solemn responsibility. Yet, for many students, their time in Oberlin leads them in other directions.

Not so with Kelsi Bolden, a vibraphonist from New Jersey in her senior year at the conservatory.

From the moment Bolden began attending Park Street, she desired to be in service for God and be personally involved with the church. Earlier this year, she spoke for Youth Day, her sermon titled, “Elements of the War and Signs of the Times.” This message was not only for Park Street members but to share her faith with former classmates.

Bolden is a bold and fearless witness for the Lord on the Oberlin campus. There have been many students who have come to Oberlin, but sadly few remain connected to their Adventist faith or the congregation. Bolden, instead, is determined to let her light shine!

She shares The Great Controversy books throughout the campus. Recently, one of the food service staff approached her and thanked her for sharing the book last year and said she has been referring to it constantly with all that is happening in the world today.

Bolden not only shares her musical talent, but she invites members of her band, The New Standard, to come and play at Park Street. During the recent “Messages of Hope” evangelistic series, the church recognized several band members for their dedicated service in music.

Bolden currently serves as church pianist and tells the children’s story every Sabbath. Her stories are always engaging and informative for the entire audience. This is where she has incorporated her personal ministry: “Modern Soldier Ministries—Soldiers for the Lord.” Her mission being to alert and prepare souls for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

What a blessing Bolden is to the Park Street church, and the congregation is extremely happy she is an active and vital part of their church family say leaders.—Angèle Peterson, Communication Lead

Spirit is published in the Visitor by the Allegheny West Conference n 1080 Kingsmill Parkway, Columbus, OH 43229 Phone: (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org n President, Marvin C. Brown, III n Editor, Keisha Bone

16 | VISITOR January/February 2024

‘Reach Baltimore 2025’

We are barely into 2024 and already preparing for a major evangelism outreach initiative next year.

Actually, plans for evangelism in 2025 were already well underway in 2023, as a result of a conversation I had with David Klinedinst, conference evangelism director, way back in 2021. We discovered that the Lord had concurrently, and independently, placed on our hearts a burden for unreached souls in the largest city in the Chesapeake Conference—Baltimore. In this major Maryland city of more than 560,000 people, and another 2 million living in the greater metro area, there is much to be done to reach people with the Good News and the timely, relevant message of God’s movement in these waning days of Earth’s history.

With such a large population, and disproportionately small Seventh-day Adventist presence in the city, we are impressed that it is time to answer His call and focus our God-given, spiritual energy and resources on the people of “Charm City.” Hence, the “Reach Baltimore 2025” initiative was officially launched in Fall 2023. This outreach program will partner with It Is Written and collaborate with our sister conference, Allegheny East, because Baltimore resides in both conference territories.

On Oct. 25, 2023, more than 30 representatives from both conferences met at the Columbia Union Conference office as follow-up to several visioning meetings earlier in the year. Attendees at the joint meeting included both conference presidents, executive secretaries, treasurers, evangelism directors, Baltimore area pastors and representatives from It Is Written to share the vision of the initiative and adopt a roadmap to the city-wide evangelistic meetings that will be held in Fall 2025. It was agreed among all three entities of this unprecedented collaboration that, between now and then, there will be several planning and training sessions for church members in the greater Baltimore area, rallies held at various church locations, and prayer vigils for the people of Baltimore to open their hearts to the impressions of the Holy Spirit and accept Jesus as their Savior and the messages of the three angels of Revelation.

So, 2024 is going to be very busy for Chesapeake as preparations are made for 2025, because, while we are planning for this exciting initiative, there will be many evangelistic series held in churches around the conference this year. I invite you to pray that the Lord Jerry Lutz of the harvest will send out laborers into the field. Will you be one of them?

President

Ghana Mission Trip Leads to 664 Baptisms A team of Chesapeake Conference pastors recently returned from a mission trip to Ghana, where they partnered with the Northern Ghana Union Conference to conduct a series of evangelistic meetings, resulting in 664 baptisms.

The evangelistic campaign spanned two weeks, with pastors immersing themselves in the local communities, learning from the resident Adventist pastors and members, and sharing ideas and techniques. According to the pastors, the opportunity to share their faith in a context vastly different from their own was eye-opening and reinforced the universal nature of the gospel message.

Andre Hastick, executive secretary, says, “We feel blessed to have come here to Ghana, to partner with the local church here, and to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of His soon return.”

Greg Carlson (right), pastor of the Park and Beacon of Light churches in Salisbury, Md., speaks with the help of an interpreter during an evangelistic series in Ghana.

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Conference Unveils New Strategic Plan The Chesapeake Conference has unveiled its new strategic plan for 2023–2027, identifying five priorities as areas of focus. The five priorities outlined by the new strategic plan are the following: • Evangelism, Church Planting, and Church Revitalization • Children’s, Youth, and Young Adult Ministries • Adventist Education • Community Services and Outreach Ministries • Church Leadership Training and Equipping Jerry Lutz, president, elaborated on the driving force behind the plan: “Our mission, vision, values and priorities are driven by, and rooted in, the Great Commission of our Lord to ‘make disciples of all nations’ and to baptize and teach ‘everything’ He has ‘commanded’ (Matthew 28:19–20). It is our objective in Chesapeake to faithfully do the Lord’s will by using the gifts of the Holy Spirit to do what He has called us and equips us to do. The message is the mission: Jesus saves, and He is coming soon.

There is much to be done in our conference territory to get out the Word.”

Since the onset of the current quinquennium in May 2022, the conference administration and the

executive committee have followed a thorough fourstep method to develop the new strategic plan: pray, listen, review, and prioritize. As part of that process, feedback was actively sought from a broad spectrum of constituent groups, including conference department directors, school principals, teachers, pastors, local church leaders and the general Chesapeake Conference membership.

“We aim for the entire Chesapeake Conference family to be part of this plan,” says Andre Hastick, executive secretary. “We earnestly invite everyone to not only be informed but also actively participate in advancing the mission forward.”

Triadelphia Church Celebrates 50 Years The Triadelphia church in Clarksville, Md., recently celebrated 50 years of ministry in Howard County, marking half a century since its founding members began construction on its current building. Before moving to its current site, the congregation held services at the Glenelg Methodist Church during the initial years after members began meeting in 1967.

Ted Wilson, Triadelphia member and president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, reflected on his time with the church during the Sabbath morning sermon. “It has been a great

opportunity to belong to a local church that has expansive evangelistic outreach programs, services and activities that bring people to the foot of the cross and the knowledge of the three angels’ messages and Jesus’ soon coming,” he says.

The two-day celebration began on a Friday evening with vespers, featuring musical performances and a devotional by the church’s current pastor, Samuel Nunez. Sabbath events included a Sabbath School panel discussion, a luncheon, an afternoon program reviewing highlights from each decade of the church’s history and a closing vespers.

Nunez noted the evident camaraderie during the celebration. “What stood out to me were the many smiles and hugs people were sharing with each other, even if they had not seen each other in a long time or were just meeting for the first time,” he says.

Former pastors Randall Murphy and Roland Smith, both key figures in the church’s early building project, were in attendance and were recognized during the celebration.

Currents is published in the Visitor by the Chesapeake Conference n 6600 Martin Road, Columbia, MD 21044 Phone: (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org n President, Jerry Lutz n Editor, Evan Knott

18 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Conference Hosts First Annual Men’s Retreat After years of seeing their wives get away for a weekend retreat, men of the Mountain View Conference (MVC) finally had their turn. In October 2023, more than 40 men went to Valley Vista Adventist Center in Huttonsville, W.Va., for MVC’s first annual Men’s Retreat. For those who arrived early on Friday, fishing was on the schedule in Valley Vista’s own lake.

Angel Rodriquez, pastor of Ohio Conference’s Akron district, was the guest speaker for the weekend. Rodriguez spoke to the men about how to be a man of God in their church, their jobs, with their wives and as fathers to their children. “There were older, experienced men who came, and there were younger, single men who wanted to be surrounded by that Christian experience,” states Rodriguez. “Together, we bonded as one under the banner of Christ.”

Rodriguez continues, “As a pastor, it was very inspirational to me to see that so many men would come to a series to learn how to become better role models to their church and their families.”

Sabbath afternoon, the men had the opportunity to ask questions to a panel on how to become better role models and how to more effectively spread the gospel in the conference.

Besides inspirational talks, the men enjoyed a weekend of Christian fellowship and activities geared just for them, such as a movie night and fire making. Walter Cardenas, assistant to the

Sergio Ovando, a member of the Moorefield Spanish company in Old Fields, W.Va., burns his name onto a fire starter.

More than 40 men attend a panel discussion at Valley Vista Adventist Center during the conference’s first annual Men’s Retreat. president, and his son, Nathaniel, were the first to start a fire. “As a father,” states Cardenas, “it was a blessing to bring my son and have him see men of different ages, sharing their faith and showing interest in him.”

Tim Bailey, MVC president, states, “The weekend was a real blessing to our men, and we hope even more come next year,” referring to the second annual Men’s Retreat, which will be held Sept. 6–8, 2024, at Valley Vista Adventist Center.

Joe Goad, a member of the Boulevard church in Charleston, W.Va., makes a flint fire starter, engraving his name on a wooden dowel.

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President Returns to His Roots, Celebrates Revival Thirty-six years ago, a young, newlywed pastor came home from his honeymoon and started working in his first district in Wheeling, W.Va. On Nov. 11, 2023, this same pastor, Tim Bailey, now the Mountain View Conference president, returned to that same district and Wheeling church to hold revival/reaping meetings. “As we are encouraging evangelism in our conference,” states Bailey, “I feel it is important to lead by example. And what better place than where I started my ministry?”

In preparation for the revival, Clayton Powell, current Wheeling pastor, and his wife, Melodi, started working the fields months ahead. “I actually had nonmembers—current Bible study contacts—already inviting their friends to come to the meetings,” states Powell. On opening night, 30 people visited the church for the very first time.

The revival meetings lasted for eight consecutive days, ending in mid-November.

On the final Sabbath, four women joined the Wheeling family through baptism. The church celebrated the high Sabbath with a harp concert given

by Kaili Kimbrow (pictured), a college friend of the Powells, and a Thanksgiving fellowship dinner. The following Sabbath witnessed a profession of faith, with four commitments for future baptisms.

“The Final Events series was very eye-opening,” states Beth Carden, who joined the church by profession of faith, “and I am excited to continue exploring Scripture concerning these events! I am anticipating

New member Beth Carden joins the Wheeling church by profession of faith, next to Pastor Clayton Powell. more and more growth and discovery as to what it truly means to be a Seventh-day Adventist as I continue to follow Jesus Christ.”

Powell continued the meetings twice a week through the remainder of the year for new members and other visitors who wanted to study and learn Bible truths.

“What a blessing to be in Wheeling for the meetings,” states Bailey. “It felt like being home again for my wife and me, and we were excited to see more souls joining the family of God.”

Tim Bailey (left), conference president, and Walter Cardenas, assistant to the president, affirm the vows with baptismal candidates Melissa Ferrebee, Doris Rumora, Nancy Danehart and Tonya Wolanski.

Mountain Viewpoint is published in the Visitor by the Mountain View Conference n 1400 Liberty Street, Parkersburg, WV 26101 Phone: (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org n President, Tim Bailey n Editor, Liz Bailey

20 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Time—The Ageless Riddle “Daddy, I have a riddle for you,” my younger son gleefully declared. “What goes up but never comes down?”

Before I could muster a response, he quipped with playful mischief, “Your age.”

If, like me, you resist the inevitability of aging, it might be a subtle sign that you’re already on that journey, as the young eagerly anticipate the swift passage of time.

The 96-year-old elder at my church, a figure I deeply admire, often cautions me with a friendly admonition, “Pastor Lee, don’t you dare grow old.” Despite my sincere attempts to heed his advice, I find the relentless march of time undefeated.

In our bustling society, the 86,400 seconds gifted to us each day for spending and investing often feel inadequately fleeting. Imagine, though, if God were to grant an extension—a 25th hour or a 13th month.

How would we choose to shape our lives differently?

We find inspiration in Scripture, as demonstrated by Joshua, who seized extra time when the sun stood still, ensuring victory over his enemies (Joshua 10:13). Similarly, Caleb, in his seasoned wisdom, boldly requested the mountain promised by the Lord, trusting in divine strength (Joshua 14:12). On the flip side, Hezekiah, who received an additional 15 years of life, did not make the most judicious use of his time.

While time remains an unwavering force, unyielding and irreversible since the days of Joshua and Hezekiah, our agency lies in how we invest this precious commodity.

Reflecting on C. S. Lewis’ timeless wisdom, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is” (The Screwtape Letters, number 25), how do you envision God shaping your future? The New Jersey Conference is embarking on a significant four-year initiative, commencing with, “It’s Stephen Lee Time, Newark!” Our plea extends to you, urging your involvement in reaching this great city Executive for the Lord. Together, let us serve the God who reigns over all, even the intricacies of time.

Secretary

Women Valued, Refreshed at Ministries Retreat More than 380 women recently gathered for the New Jersey Conference (NJC) Women’s Ministries retreat, themed “Restoring Hope.”

Juliana Marson, conference Women’s Ministries director, says, “We wanted to remind women that God sees them, He values them and God is able to heal them. Through shared testimonies, the women were encouraged to rest in God and His provision to overcome challenges. It was an opportunity for women from across the state—both English and Spanish speakers—to be refreshed, restored and refocused.

“He is where we find security; He is our Creator and we should walk boldly in whom He created us to be,” Marson adds.

A red-carpet event on Saturday night gave the women an opportunity to do just that. Each woman, dressed in formal attire, received a tiara and was encouraged to walk boldly as daughters of the King.

Organizers also gave awards to those who have supported Women’s Ministries, including 32 Women’s Ministries church leaders and past Women’s Ministries directors.

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Hungarian International Celebrates 90 Years The Hungarian International church in Perth Amboy celebrated its 90th anniversary in October (pictured), a significant milestone in its rich history.

Established in 1928, the church officially formed as a congregation in April 1933, following a series of dedicated evangelistic endeavors.

The challenging years of the Great Depression left indelible marks, vividly reflected in the treasurer’s meticulous records. Despite financial hardships, the church persevered and flourished, a testament to the unwavering faith of its members.

On Dec. 10, 1945, the members acquired their own building, dedicating it on June 22, 1946. The congregation’s resilience persisted even through challenges posed by the recent pandemic, as devoted members undertook a renovation.

The anniversary celebration was graced by Minner Labrador, Multilingual Ministries director for the North American Division, who delivered a powerful keynote address. Labrador emphasized a

poignant message: the imminent return of Jesus.

Festivities extended the following day, with the Fight for Freedom concert—an outreach event aimed at engaging the Hungarian community. This harmonious celebration not only showcased the church’s commitment but also served as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hungarian members.

Aguero Retires After 43 Years of Service

Jorge Aguero, president of the New Jersey Conference, is retiring after 43 years of pastoral ministry— 25 of them dedicated to the conference.

Aguero shares the following statement: “New Jersey has been my home for 25 years. Throughout this time, my family and I have had the joy of experiencing the love of God and the community shared together as a Seventh-day Adventist family.

I have had the pleasure of serving you as a pastor and a director of Sabbath School Ministries, Family Ministries, Personal Ministries, and Men’s Ministries—and most recently as president.

Throughout my life, I’ve felt the need to follow God’s call wherever He beckons.

Now I’m feeling the call to minister to the most important audience in my life—my family. Many of you have graciously journeyed with me through my granddaughter Catalina’s unexpected diagnosis of leukemia

last February. Our lives as a family have changed, as we have been faced with the challenges cancer generates. We are so thankful for the thousands of prayers for Catalina, and that she’s responded well to treatment. However, there is a long road ahead.

After carefully evaluating, praying and consulting with my family, as well as the Columbia Union Conference leadership team and the North American Division retirement office, I have decided to invest my energy full time in my family. This decision has not been an easy one, as I have served in various capacities and helped many church families for 43 years. But my children and grandchildren now need me more than ever, so I have decided to begin my retirement Jan. 1, 2024.

I will continue to uphold the mission the Lord has given me, and I know you will too. I trust that He who brought us together will provide leadership and guidance for His people.

Thank you for your understanding, support and prayers. May the Lord bless you as you continue to carry out His work.”

The New Jersey Conference team expresses their gratitude to Aguero and his wife, Amalia, his partner in ministry, during the many years of service. They will be greatly missed.

New Jersey News is published in the Visitor by the New Jersey Conference n 2303 Brunswick Ave., Lawrenceville, NJ 08648 Phone: (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org n President, (vacant) n Editor, Stephen Lee

22 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Conference Holds Church Planting Festival In recognition of the new status of 25 churches, the Ohio Conference recently celebrated its first church planting festival at Spring Valley Academy in Centerville. The event kicked off with a welcome address by Peter Simpson, conference Multilingual Ministries and Church Planting director, Representatives from all 25 congregations then marched down the aisle of the academy’s Fritzsche Center for Worship and Performing Arts holding a banner with the name of their church inscribed on it (pictured).

The event was the crowning celebration of a church planting caravan, in which 25 conferencewide church plant ceremonies were held simultaneously. During the ceremony, six new groups officially became church plants, five churches attained mission church status, and 14 churches became organized churches.

At the celebration, Jose Cortes Jr., associate director for the Ministerial Association at the North American Division (NAD), said, “NAD is the largest division when it comes to geographic territory. Now, out of all this territory, there is not one place where the church is multiplying faster than in the Ohio Conference.” On behalf of the NAD, he thanked the members and the Ohio Conference leadership— specifically Simpson for his remarkable role in church planting.

Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president, delivered a sermon titled, “You Will See Greater Things Than These,” sharing how the conference exceeded its evangelism goal through God’s leading. He reported

that in 2021, the conference recorded 830 baptisms.

That number jumped to 907 in 2022. And the current number is 944. He was optimistic that in 2023, the conference would witness its first 1,000 baptisms in a single year, and it did. He stressed, “When we commit our lives to Jesus … we have great things, but we will see greater things than these.”

Later, organizers shared short video testimonies and historical overviews of how some of the 25 churches started and people who played key roles. Some churches, lay church planters, mother churches and pastors received certificates of recognition, medals, pins and other awards for their unique contributions to church planting in the territory.

Rubén A. Ramos, vice president for Multilingual Ministries at the Columbia Union Conference, talked about the need for a church on every corner. He appealed for people to continue to plant new churches. Those who responded to the appeal received replica church buildings.

In his speech, Frank Bondurant, vice president for Ministries Development at the Columbia Union, thanked the Ohio Conference administration and Simpson for their vision and for what God has been doing through them. “Brothers and sisters in Ohio, this has been a great day, but the best is yet to come,” he said.

Rubén A. Ramos, Multilingual Ministries vice present for the Columbia Union Conference; Peter Simpson, Ohio Conference Multilingual Ministries and Church Planting director; Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president; and Oswaldo Magaña, Ohio Conference executive secretary, clap during the church planting festival. columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 23

Beavercreek Celebrates Community Guest Day The Beavercreek church recently held a community guest day honoring officials from the city council, educators, health care professionals, and human and social service providers.

Attendees included leaders Daniel Tryon, president of Soin Medical Center and Greene Memorial of Kettering Health; Spencer Hannah, interim principal of Spring Valley Academy; Alex Johnson, interim president of Central State University; Sharon Fulcher, director of Feed the Creek; Michelle Collier, executive director of Good Neighbor House; Paul Hoover, senior ambassador for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA); Don Adams, councilmember of Beavercreek; and Bob Stone, mayor of Beavercreek.

In his welcome address, Delthony Gordon, lead pastor of Beavercreek church, described the collaborative relationship between the church and community leaders. “It’s a privilege to be in a vibrant community in which we engage each other, support each other and serve together … here in Beavercreek,” he said.

Tyron expressed gratitude and commended the church for its presence in the community. He thanked church members for their support to hospital staff and patients. “You put in prayer for the people that are in need and hurting and in pain across the community,” he said. “We see the blessing of that prayer and blessing of God’s presence.”

Stone shared that Beavercreek is known for different types of churches. “We’re blessed to have

Bevercreek church member Esther Gordon presents a gift to a guest. a real variety in this community, and it is the variety of the people and the different experiences they bring that make this community great,” he said. He praised the church for its contribution to the city.

Other leaders shared greetings and messages.

To show its appreciation, the church presented gifts to all the guests. Joel Halladay, church elder, led a special prayer for community leaders following an invitation for them to come to the front of the sanctuary.

Preaching on the “Cornerstones of Our Faith,” Gordon shared the five Bible-based truths of creation, God’s commandments, Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, and His second coming. He then stressed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church got its name because members believe in God as the Creator, His unchanging laws, and His first and second coming.

The service ended with the hymn “Jesus is Coming Again,” and a scriptural benediction from Joe Gilford, an elder at Beavercreek. Guests and members had a fellowship meal together after the service.

Elder Joel Halladay prays for the community leaders.

Mission Ohio is published in the Visitor by the Ohio Conference n 1251 E. Dorothy Lane, Dayton, OH 45419 Phone: (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org n President, Bob Cundiff n Editor, Francis Tuffour

24 | VISITOR January/February 2024

‘Back to the Altar’

I knew I was listening to an exciting answer to prayer as I heard the speaker describe an inspiring initiative called “Back to the Altar.” I had been earnestly seeking God for strategic initiatives for our conference’s new quinquennium, which began after the constituency session in October 2023.

Our team identified several key ideas we felt God was leading us to as conference staff, and pastors met for prayer and planning. We determined that a renewed focus on a personal relationship with Jesus would be one of the more important initiatives. We long for each member to experience a deepening of love for Him and to grow in the qualities of being Jesus’ fully committed disciple.

Consequently, my prayer over the past month had been for God to reveal how we would do this—enter “Back to the Altar.” As I listened to the speaker describe this General Conference initiative, I was deeply moved by the realization that God had already inspired other like-minded church leaders and members around the world.

God is birthing a movement.

“Back to the Altar” is an invitation to renew our commitment to spend time with God in personal and family worship. If we are honest, most of us have allowed technology and other things to squeeze time with God from our lives. We are left poorer for it. Through “Back to the Altar,” we intend to unite as a conference church family to encourage and inspire each other to rebuild the altar of daily worship in our personal lives and homes. I believe that as we do this, God will reveal Himself to us in precious and powerful ways.

Visit our website for more information on how you can be part of this global movement of God, and experience Him in new and inspiring ways. We are encouraging churches and families to unite with members around the world for 10 Days of Prayer, Jan. 10–20, 2024. We’ve Gary Gibbs made “Back to the Altar” materials available in several languages at paconference.org/ President ten-days-of-prayer.

Constituency Session a Time of Praise

“Our Pennsylvania Conference 2023 Constituency Session was spent praising God for the incredible ways He has blessed us over the last five years,” shares Gary Gibbs, president. “Our membership has grown to more than 13,680 members, as we welcomed 2,216 new believers during this quinquennium—many from the 100 or more evangelistic events held each year. School enrollment has grown to over 500 students.”

At the session, delegates re-elected President Gary Gibbs, Executive Secretary Shawn Shives, and Treasurer Kevin Costello. Also, five new churches— Juanita Hispanic, Kennett Square Hispanic, Upper Darby Hispanic, York Haitian, and Hazleton Hispanic—were accepted into the Pennsylvania Conference sisterhood of churches.

Gibbs continues, “God has also provided through the faithful giving of our members. Tithe, which empowers the mission, grew from $11.9 million at the end of 2017 to $15.36 million by the close of 2022.

Our people have a huge commitment to evangelism and sharing the gospel, giving more than $400,000 to

Delegates to the Pennsylvania Conference Constituency Session re-elect (left to right) Executive Secretary Shawn Shives, President Gary Gibbs, and Treasurer Kevin Costello. our evangelism offering each of the last three years.”

He adds, “We are grateful for the faithfulness of God and of our members. He has moved in powerful ways, and we are excited to see what He does in the next quinquennium!”

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Mother’s Prayers Answered for Son Janice Hanson prayed for her son, Gregg. She became a Seventh-day Adventist at a tent meeting, along with her husband, Gus; son, Rob; daughterin-law, Doris; and nephew, Rob Jr. She took her family to church and prayed. Although Gregg was a Christian, he was never baptized. His parents prayed persistently. Janice made a notation in her Bible Nov. 11, 1978, praying and expressing her desire that he would choose the Seventh-day Adventist message and be baptized.

Forty-five years later, Gregg received an invitation in the mail for evangelistic meetings being held at the Bucks County church in Warminster, Pa. After his mom’s death, he and his family continued to talk about God and eternity. They knew they wanted to see her again. Gregg contacted Joshua Plohocky, pastor of Bucks County. When they met, Gregg showed Plohocky the dated note in his mother’s

CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 10–24: 10 Days of Prayer: “Back to the Altar” Jan. 14: Women’s and Family ministries training at the Pennsylvania Conference Mission and Evangelism Center Jan. 19–21: Pathfinder Winter Retreat at Laurel Lake Camp Feb. 2–3: Youth Certification Training at the Harrisburg First Seventh-day Adventist Church Feb. 4: Treasurers Training at the Pennsylvania Conference Mission and Evangelism Center

Joshua Plohocky, pastor of the Bucky County church, gets ready to baptize Gregg Hanson and his son, Gregg, Jr.—an answer to a mother’s prayer.

Bible, and asked if he could be baptized on a very special Sabbath.

On Nov. 11, 2023—45 years later to the day—his mother’s prayers were answered. Plohocky baptized Gregg, along with his son, Gregg, Jr. “The ‘rest of this story’ will take place when Jesus returns,” shares Yves Monnier, conference evangelism director. “Can you imagine mom’s joy on resurrection morning when she sees her son and grandson? Indeed, prayer is our most powerful tool in reaching people for Jesus. Prayer is not just preparation for evangelism; prayer is evangelism.”

Feb. 11: Treasurers Training at the Pittsburgh Seventh-day Adventist Church Feb. 20: Elders’ Training via Zoom Mar. 1–2: Music Fest at Blue Mountain Academy (live and via social media) Mar. 1–3: Discipleship Conference at the Pennsylvania Conference Mission and Evangelism Center Feb. 17: Marriage Conference at The Lodges at Gettysburg June 7–15: Camp Meeting 2024, featuring Ted Wilson, General Conference president, and John Bradshaw, It Is Written director

Scan the QR code for Pennsylvania Conference’s events page.

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 2359 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst

26 | VISITOR January/February 2024

No Need to Fear When someone reaches the age of 100, we refer to them as a centenarian, and we celebrate this tremendous milestone with much fanfare. This year, the Potomac Conference will turn 100. And as a conference, we, too, will take the opportunity to celebrate. But our celebration will take on a little different tone than merely observing that we reached this important landmark in our journey as a conference.

Instead, we plan to take these next 12 months to pay homage, not only to our past and present, but also, with great anticipation, look to the bright future God has in store for us. We will continue to look for new ways to “Move Beyond the Walls” while remaining faithful to our mission of “growing healthy disciple-making churches.”

As we look toward our future as a conference of nearly 39,000 members, I cannot help but be reminded of the inspiring words of Ellen White when she wrote, “We have nothing to fear for the future, except as we shall forget the way the Lord has led us, and His teaching in our past history” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 10).

So, as we begin this journey of celebration, we do so not in a spirit of fear for what the future holds, but in a spirit of anticipation. Because as hymn writer Ira F. Stanphill once Charles A. Tapp said, “I know who holds our future, and I know who holds our hand.”

President

Restoration Praise’s Commitment Shines Bright In today’s fast-paced world, it’s crucial to create spaces where children can grow, learn and find a sense of belonging. The Restoration Praise Center (RPC) in Bowie, Md., has taken up this cause by extending a warm embrace to young hearts in the community where the church is located.

RPC recently participated in a Children’s Passport Program, showcasing the culture, music, food and people of Haiti. In partnership with the city of Bowie, church members gathered at the Old Bowie Celebrates festival to create a safe place for learning and play for more than 400 community children.

Lola Moore-Johnston, lead pastor at RPC, emphasized that community outreach and children are fundamental aspects of the church’s mission. “Through this event, we aimed to unite people from diverse backgrounds and ensure that every child felt valued while learning about a new culture, in this case, Haiti,” she says. “The focus was not only on religious knowledge but also on instilling core values like kindness, empathy and respect for others.”

Larry Green, associate pastor at RPC, was pivotal in coordinating the event with the city. He believes the RPC outreach to children in the community is a testament to its unwavering commitment to nurture the next generation.

Kabrielle Green, a Restoration Praise Center church member, displays her artwork at the Old Bowie Celebrates festival.

Leaders say that through a wholistic approach that encompasses education and support for families, RPC members are sowing seeds of compassion, understanding and faith that will bear fruit for years to come.

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Caravan of Hope Mobilizes Churches In a week filled with faith, fellowship and fervent evangelism, the Potomac Conference’s annual Caravan of Hope proved to be a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of its participants. With the resonating theme, “Jesus, Your Hope,” the caravan brought together churches, members and special guests for a spiritually enriching experience that impacted the Potomac community.

Rafael Soto, Hispanic Ministries director for Potomac, shared the primary objective of the caravan, stating, “We want our members to be actively engaged in sharing the love of Jesus in their churches and in their communities. We want them to be excited about doing their part to ‘Move Beyond the Walls’ and save souls for Christ.” This mission to mobilize churches to actively preach the gospel of Jesus was at the forefront of the caravan’s goals.

During the caravan, which journeyed through 10 churches within the conference, a total of 57 churches united to offer their support to the evangelistic campaign. The caravan impact was demonstrated by 300 baptisms throughout the week, serving as a testament to the powerful message of hope and salvation. Forty-five percent of the people baptized were under the age of 22.

The caravan was further enriched by the presence of preacher Felipe Garibo from Mexico, who delivered inspiring sermons throughout the event.

Additionally, special guest singer Edith Aravena from Chile sang nightly as attendees celebrated their faith.

Edith Aravena from Chile sings at the Caravan of Hope event, held at the Southern Asian church in Silver Spring, Md. Other caravans took place in 2021 with evangelist Alejandro Bullón, followed by another successful iteration in 2022 with evangelist Jose Rojas, specifically targeting young people. The 2023 caravan aimed to unite everyone, fostering a sense of collective mobilization and deepening the bonds of faith within the Potomac community.

Soto emphasized the importance of involving young people in evangelism, stating, “In the future, we plan to organize another caravan targeting this vital demographic. In Potomac, we seek to engage and empower our youth to preach and teach the gospel.”

As anticipation builds for the future, the Potomac Conference is already planning a special caravan for the fall of 2024, as it will be one of the events to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Potomac Conference. With another successful caravan in the books and exciting plans for the future underway, leaders say the conference continues to shine as a beacon of hope and faith in the community. The message of Jesus, the bonds of brotherhood and the joy of service remain at the heart of this annual tradition, inspiring all who participate to be messengers of hope in their communities and beyond.

Carlo Duran, pastor of the Alexandria Spanish church, hugs Maria Cristina following her baptism.

Editor’s Note: In the Nov/Dec 2023 Potomac People newsletter, Pastor Joel Gonzalez’s name was misspelled. We regret this error.

Potomac People is published in the Visitor by the Potomac Conference n 606 Greenville Ave., Staunton, VA 24401 Phone: (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org n President, Charles A. Tapp n Editor, Debra Anderson

28 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Savoring Change, Fostering Growth As the Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) family commences on a journey into the new year, they are delighted to share some exciting changes that have taken place at their beloved institution.

One notable transformation involves their cafeteria facilities. In collaboration with Pennsylvania Conference leaders, BMA administrators have forged a dynamic partnership with Lexington Independents to elevate the dining experience for their students. The result is a positive and refreshing cafeteria atmosphere where students can savor a diverse array of cuisines.

“The cafeteria changes are very drastic in the best way possible. We are all excited to go; it’s fulfilling, healthy and gives us energy for our classes,” shares junior student Madison Moltalvo.

At the helm of this culinary adventure, Hector Ruiz, Food Service director, expresses, “We offer a wide array of diverse cuisine that showcase a range of culinary cultures. Some of our popular options are New American, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Chinese and Greek cuisines. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, lactose intolerant or nut-free, we’ve got you covered. And this is just the beginning; there are countless more culinary cultures we are eager to explore.”

This collaboration enhances not only the flavor but the nutritional value of the meals, promoting overall well-being. BMA believes a well-nourished body fosters a well-nourished mind, crucial for academic and personal growth.

Emphasizing a healthy lifestyle, BMA continues to prioritize physical activity with morning PE classes and intramurals.

Mariana Quiroga, chef manager and nutritionist, and Hector Ruiz, chef and Food Service director, provide many nutritious and flavorful culinary options to meet the needs of each student.

BMA staff expresses sincere thanks to everyone who has supported them through prayers and financial contributions. They encourage you to share the transformative BMA experience with other young individuals, spreading the positive impact of their community.

Thank you for being a vital force in the BMA family.—Burney Culpepper, Principal

The BMA Experience is published in the Visitor by the Blue Mountain Academy n 2363 Mountain Road, Hamburg, PA 19526 Phone: (610) 562-2291 n Fax: (610) 562-8050 n bma.us n Principal, Burney Culpepper n Editor, Esther Hernandez

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h i g h l a n d v i e w a c a d e m y. c o m

Academy Hosts Music Festival Under the leadership of David Nino, Highland View Academy’s (HVA) music director, the Chesapeake Conference music festival was recently held on the campus of HVA. More than 200 students from seven schools within the conference and several home school students attended the three-day event, themed “Praise Him with Thanksgiving.”

Clinicians were brought in to teach multiple areas, including handbells, choral instruction, band and orchestra. Throughout the event, students enjoyed learning new ways of how to improve their personal abilities to praise God through music. When asked about the festival, C. J. Daniel, a band clinician, responded, “We had great kids, practicing hard and ended up with great music.”

The event concluded on Sabbath afternoon with a Sacred concert, featuring the festival handbells,

Freshmen Brent Appleton and sophomore Michael Ramos play the bells at the music festival. band, orchestra and the large choir. The gymnasium was packed with students, parents and community members, as God was lifted up.

School Impacts the Community Through Service Highland View Academy (HVA) leaders and students are committed to serving their local community. In years past, they have planned and implemented a “Week of Service” in the spring. This year, they chose to spread the service days throughout the school year to place a more consistent emphasis on serving their community.

Recently, HVA students entered the community to rake leaves, split and stack firewood, pick apples from a family orchard—located on a farm with a

medical mission program that serves advanced cancer patients—and participate in many other service-related activities.

More than 100 students and staff worked throughout the day to make the lives of others easier and better. Oleta Emerson, one of the residents in the community, tearfully shares, “These students are a blessing to me and my family. We could never have accomplished the many tasks that they did for us today. I’m crying because they were an answer to our prayers.”

Jesus mingled with others as one desiring their good; He got to know them and their needs, and He helped them. The HVA community believes that this model of service still works today, and they encourage others to do the same.

Students prepare to rake leaves in Highland View Academy’s community.

HVA Highlander is published in the Visitor by the Highland View Academy n 10100 Academy Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740 Phone: (301) 739-8480 n Fax: (301) 733-4770 n highlandviewacademy.com n Principal and Editor, Rob Gettys

30 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Week of Prayer Ignites Students for Christ Spiritual growth and development are the most important tenets of a Christian education at Lake Nelson Adventist Academy. The goal is to help students learn to “Be the Light,” the theme for this school year and the focus of a recent Week of Prayer.

How can students be a light when they are surrounded by the world’s darkness?

During this week, Webster Sterling, the school chaplain, high school religion and business/economics teacher, senior class advisor and pastor of the Academy church plant, led students through a journey with the blind man, referenced in Mark 8.

Through dramas and skits, the senior class illustrated the events surrounding the blind man and his healing.

Sterling helped students explore many questions: Was the blind man punished for a sin? Are we punished for the sins of others? How are we blind in our own lives? How can we allow God to help us see?

In exploring these questions, Sterling helped the students understand that humans have blind spots— both mental and physical. He said that sometimes we cannot trust our emotions because of mental blind spots; other times we cannot trust our eyes because of the physical blind spots. We have to surrender to God and allow Him to heal our brokenness and blindness so that we can see the Light, draw close to the Light and “Be the Light.”

The culminating celebration of the Week of Prayer was a special Sabbath program at the Academy church plant. Sterling led another powerful message of how God’s grace and love can root out the darkness. God’s family welcomed five young people

Webster Sterling, academy chaplain, reviews the baptismal vows with candidates Miriana Lefleur, Chloe Gerard, Isaiah Beauburn, Daniel Ramos and Lucas Gerard. who committed their lives to God to “Be the Light”: second-grader Miriana Lefleur; second-grader Chloe Gerard; third-grader Isaiah Beauburn; sixth-grader Lucas Gerard; and fifth-grader Daniel Ramos.

“It is such a blessing to see the Lord working in the lives of Lake Nelson students,” says Elisa Maragoto, principal. “From getting baptized, singing praises to God, and performing in chapels and the Christmas program to service activities and care for the community, God continues to bless the school with talented students who choose to ‘Be the Light.’

Our prayer is that our students, their families, their communities and everyone they meet may see the Light of the Lord shine through them in their actions, words and values.”

Chloe and Lucas Gerard (wearing towels) celebrate with their parents, Cindy and Luxene, after committing their lives to Jesus through baptism.

The Legacy is published in the Visitor by the Lake Nelson Academy n 555 South Randolphville Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: (732) 981-0626 n Fax: (732) 981-0770 n lakenelsonacademy.org n Principal, Elisa Maragoto n Editor, Ashley Boggess

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Choir Triumphs in Local PBS Praise Gospel Event In a celebration of musical talent and spiritual harmony, the Pine Forge Academy (PFA) choir recently emerged victorious in WHYY's prestigious Lifting Voices in Praise Gospel competition in Philadelphia.

The choir’s inspirational performance captivated the audience and secured their place as the twocategory winner of the event.

The competition, hosted by WHYY-TV 12 (PBS), with radio hosts Cherri Gregg and WURD’s Solomon Jones, serving as emcees, highlighted youth and adult gospel choirs and quartets and soloists drawn from across the region. The Seventh-day Adventist academy choir, renowned for its soul-stirring renditions and vocal prowess, stood out from the start.

Their commitment to musical excellence and a deep connection to the spiritual essence of gospel music propelled them to the forefront of the “Youth Choir” competition, as well as the “Best Overall” competition. The Lifting Voices in Praise competition is a precursor to the WHYY program, Gospel, which will air in February 2024.

Under the skillful leadership of their director, Jarrett Roseborough, the PFA choir delivered a performance that pushed musical boundaries. Their harmonies and movements resonated with a divine energy, while the repertoire of song selections was a testament to their versatility, demonstrating a keen ability to navigate the diverse landscape of gospel music. The seamless transitions between uplifting anthems and soulful spirituals underscored the depth of the choir’s musical artistry.

The four judges, comprised of seasoned professionals in the gospel music industry, were unanimous in their praise for the PFA choir. They commended the choir’s exceptional vocal precision, emotional delivery and overall stage presence. It was evident that the PFA choir had not only mastered the technical aspects of their performance but had also infused their presentation with an authentic and heartfelt connection to the music’s spiritual roots.

Jones remarked how the choir’s performance took him back to the struggle of his African American

Flanked by the Pine Forge Academy choir, Director Jarrett Roseborough and choir member Kaitlyn Lyseight-Shields (’25) hold the awards for Best Youth Choir and Best Overall Performers at WHYY’s Lifting Voices in Praise Gospel event. ancestors with a modern display that he found encouraging. Neicy Tribbett, one of the judges, was impressed with the rich history of the choir and school overall.

Roseborough says his top priority was exposure for the students. “I wanted them to gain a unique experience that was outside our routine concert performance,” he says, “and I had hopes for them to see that what God does through us at PFA is not the norm.” Their victory is a source of pride, not only for the choir, but also for the PFA community and supporters.

As the echoes of their triumphant performance linger in the hearts of those who experienced it, the choir is happy for the win but were very intentional about focusing on ministry and displaying excellence through the enduring power of music to uplift, inspire and unite communities for the cause of Christ.

The choir’s achievement highlights the significance of preserving and celebrating the rich cultural and spiritual heritage embedded in this timeless musical genre. As Jones says, “Gospel is everything.”

PFA Post is published in the Visitor by the Pine Forge Academy n P.O. Box 338, Pine Forge, PA 19548 Phone: (610) 326-5800 n Fax: (610) 326-5152 n pineforgeacademy.org n Principal, H. Clifford Reynolds, III n Editor, Tracey Jackson

32 | VISITOR January/February 2024

God Wants Me at SVA A growing crowd milled around me, exchanging greetings and hugs—signs of friend groups reuniting. I sat alone in the lobby of Twomley Hall at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA). It was handshake day, and I was a new student.

Several days earlier, I moved from my native Michigan, met by the heat and humidity of Virginia, to attend SVA. It was an abrupt change from how I had envisioned my last two years of high school.

Every plot worth its salt has a tragedy, and this one involved me switching schools before the end of my sophomore year. I didn’t want to stay online for the last two years of high school, and needed a school that would allow me to grow. I prayed, asking God to lead where he wanted me to go. After some searching, in July I committed to attending SVA as a community student and immersing myself in its vibrant student life.

Back to handshake day. People around me.

Couldn’t place a single face in the room. “Did I make the wrong decision?” I wondered.

A student came over, introduced himself, and asked, “Have you met anyone in your class?”

I replied I had not. He led me to some classmates.

We hit it off, and they accepted me with open arms.

Then as handshake started, and I began to meet everyone else, I knew I’d be OK. I would succeed at SVA. God had answered my prayer.

I quickly settled into classes and my daily routine.

Prayer groups, chapels and Friday night vespers opened my eyes to the warm spiritual atmosphere

on campus—just what I was looking for. My teachers were passionate about knowledge and, with their help, I knew I could reach for the stars. I began to make more friends and deepen existing friendships.

Service opportunities beckoned, and soon I began to contribute by using my skills around school.

On a chilly September evening, I sat on the bleachers with a friend watching an intense varsity volleyball game. We were behind by a slight margin in the penultimate set and were tied 2-2.

A player fell on our side. The guest team scored.

Our player got back up playing harder than ever. We scored a point. And another. Soon, we were back on track. The guest coach stopped the game to huddle.

“SVA! SVA! SVA!” we cheered.

When we won, I jumped up and cheered the loudest I’ve ever cheered. We all poured onto the court.

“SVA! SVA! SVA!” echoed throughout the gym. It was then I realized the immense pride I had for my new school and that this was home.

This is where I belong. This is where I can thrive.

This is where God wants me. He wants me at SVA. —Samuel Girven (’25)

Impact Shenandoah is published in the Visitor by Shenandoah Valley Academy n 234 West Lee Highway, New Market, VA 22844 Phone: (540) 740-3161 n shenandoahvalleyacademy.org n Principal, Donald Short n Editor, Janel Haas Ware

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Students Cultivate Compassion Through Service Seventh-grader Eden Dessie says, “I feel happy Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA) is develthinking that I could make a difference when someoping the habit of prioritizing what really matters: its one needs it.” values. The core value of service teaches students SAA’s elementary students engage in a variety of the vital lesson of loving their neighbors as Jesus projects, teaching young hearts the importance of taught; the way one gives back to their school, giving back while fostering a sense of responsibility church and local community should be a way of life.

“Serving puts into practice one of the most import- and gratitude. Some popular initiatives include singing for assisted living residents, participating in food ant yet challenging principles in Scripture: humility,” drives at local shelters, encouraging senior citizens says Tim Soper, campus chaplain. “Putting the needs by way of pen pal programs, making cards for military of others ahead of our own demonstrates that we personnel and volunteering at church. love others the way Christ loved us. This is a natural Seventh-grader Michael Haughton says, response to those who are already in love with Jesus.

“Sometimes you can’t spread the gospel with words, … Serving others is one of the best ways to learn but you can spread the gospel with kindness.” about and experience God’s love.”

High school students have expanded their serThe benefits of community service extend beyond vice opportunities to participate in more complex the recipients of the students’ efforts. By serving projects that require leadership and organizational those in need, students also develop a sense of skills. These include coordinating charity fundraisers, purpose, reinforcing the reality that they can make a volunteering at homeless shelters, serving at local tangible difference in the world. Engaging in serchurches, participating in mission trips, landscaping vice projects positively impacts students’ personal gardens at nearby parks and partnering with local growth, character development and spiritual fornonprofits to address pressing community issues. mation. It strengthens their sense of belonging and Through these experiences, students gain a deeper connection to the broader community, fostering a understanding of the challenges their neighbors profound sense of unity and shared purpose. Service face andfrom learnSpencerville the value ofAdventist working collaboratively to to others provides students the opportunity to be the Highlights Academy make a positive impact. hands and feet of Jesus in the world.

“What I love about our Spencerville community is that our school, church and parents areLEARN intentional LOVE TO in setting expectations, providing opportunities and LIVE TO SERVE modeling service to our students,” says Tissiana FORthings CHRIST Bowerman, principal. “ThereALL are few as exciting as seeing students value service at an individual level by taking the initiative to make a difference in a way that is unique to their personal interests and skillsets.”

C.A.R.E. Club members visit the Elternhaus Assisted Living facility in Dayton, Md., to sing, share a devotional message and share special gifts with the residents.

Spotlight is published in the Visitor by Spencerville Adventist Academy n 2502 Spencerville Road, Spencerville, MD 20868 Phone: (301) 421-9101 n spencervilleacademy.org n Head Principal, Tissiana Bowerman n Editor, Heidi Wetmore

34 | VISITOR January/February 2024

photos by jordyn winston and hollie macomber

Campus Ministries: The Heartbeat of Campus Life This school year, there is a lot happening at Spring Valley Academy (SVA). From classes during the day to an active Music Department and afterschool activities such as sports and LEGO® robotics, it’s easy to stay busy as an SVA student. But the most important thing that is going on at SVA is also the heartbeat of the school: the Campus Ministries Department, led by Chaplain Joel Greve and Assistant Chaplain Nicolas Chaij.

New employees this year, both Greve and Chaij are very familiar with SVA. Greve served as an associate pastor at the Centerville church (Ohio), interfacing frequently with SVA students and ministering to their families, and Chaij is a Class of 2015 alumnus.

Together with administration, they chose the theme “The Awe of God” for the 2023–24 school year. As one might encounter a sweeping vista or a beautiful sunset, Greve wants students to take in the “grand vista, the marvelous sight, that is our God,” he says. Students do this through studying the ways God presents Himself using various names to different individuals in Scripture. Through chapel talks from local pastors and breakout groups, SVA students studied six Old Testament names their first semester and will study six New Testament names during the second semester.

Another new feature this school year is a weekly Campus Ministries newsletter that is sent to families.

Every week, the chaplain’s office shares a rundown of events from chapel, a family worship/discussion outline, a devotional thought, as well as different

Chaplain Joel Greve hangs out with students at the Agape Feast this fall. opportunities for supporting the community through outreach. “The goal is that each family … can have discussions or prepare a family activity that connects them with their kids and the name of God we studied that week,” says Greve.

To assist with the many duties of the Campus Ministries office, Greve and Chaij have assembled a team of student leaders, which includes class and campus pastors who lead their own teams focused on specific areas of interest, such as praise and worship, audio-visual, engagement, and outreach.

“The goal is that what we do in Campus Ministries is driven by our students and guided by our chaplains,” explains Greve. “SVA needs to be a place where students not only grow in their knowledge of God but also [grow] in their God-given abilities to do ministry.”

Finally, Greve shares, “My hope for the students is simple: that SVA would be a place where they could know, follow and share Jesus for themselves, that we would create an environment where they can feel free to choose a lifetime with Jesus.”

Chaplain Joel Greve speaks to the high school students during a Friday morning chapel.

Connections is published in the Visitor by Spring Valley Academy n 1461 Spring Valley Pike, Centerville, OH 45458 Phone: (937) 433-0790 n springvalleyacademy.org n Interim Principal, Spencer Hannah n Editor, Angela Peach

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Academy Opens Two New STEM Labs Takoma Academy (TA) recently celebrated the opening of two newly renovated STEM science labs.

One of the updated rooms will serve as the general science lab for Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Anatomy and Physiology. The other room will serve as an innovation lab for engineering projects, 3-D printing, Adventist Robotics league preparation, Ten80 racing practice, and a direct-to-garment design and production center.

Prior to the installation of the new labs, science classrooms were dubbed as experimental spaces for students. The new general science lab will provide TA students with a modernized space to conduct experiments, collect data and complete research projects. The school plans to partner with Adventist colleges and universities across the country to prepare its student body for the kind of lab experience they will receive in higher education.

“I feel the new lab will give students the opportunity to experience research or engineering on a different level,” says MySha Miller (’24).

A major impetus for the renovations was a long-standing desire of the school’s administration to continue its mission of providing “excellence in academics.” Upgrading the science lab will be pivotal in maintaining that goal. As providence would have it, Steve Laing, Potomac Conference superintendent, and Gabriel Madrid, assistant superintendent, visited TA last semester. They discussed with TA staff the idea of creating an innovation lab that

Charles A. Tapp, conference president; Shaun Robinson, STEM coordinator; Yasmine Julien, principal; Dwayne Leslie, senior vice president and general counsel of Adventist HealthCare; and Steve Laing, conference superintendent, take part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrating the two new labs.

would not only serve TA students but the Adventist elementary and middle schools in the Washington metropolitan area. Shaun Robinson, TA STEM coordinator, was tapped to lead the project, and Ron Braithwaite (’93), the fundraising efforts. The Alumni Association helped the school reach its goal of more than $200,000 in less than 10 months.

“The alumni giving back to the STEM lab has provided us with resources that not only make us more enthusiastic about learning science but also reminds us to give back once we’ve become professionals ourselves,” says Cameryn Smith (’24).

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new labs was held in November. Attendees included Charles A. Tapp, Potomac Conference president; Dwayne Leslie, senior vice president and general counsel of Adventist HealthCare; and Steve Silver (’71) co-founder of the ONIX Group, and they were recognized for their individual and/or organizations’ donations and support. TA staff presented Dana Brathwaite and Danielle Arceneaux from Arceneaux Design Collective with gifts for their extraordinary interior design work in the labs.

TA Today is published in the Visitor by Takoma Academy n 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912 Phone: (301) 434-4700 n ta.edu n Principal, Yasmine Julien n Editor, Shaun Robinson

36 | VISITOR January/February 2024

Care. Compassion. Community.

Giants of Joy “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” – Sir Isaac Newton Have you ever seen a giant? I remember once watching a doctor who squatted down so that she could be at eye level with a young patient – there was lots of nodding and hand motions and then suddenly a jubilant fistbump! Whatever the discussion, they now understood each other and celebrated their trust. The conversation was transformed by a provider who was giant in creating connection to find joy.

Another time, I saw a young man leaving one of our hospitals who looked up to see an older man get caught in a gust of wind and have a paper fly out of his hand. Quickly, the young man went chasing after the paper and brought it back. “Here you go” was all he said, but there were smiles that stayed on both faces as they continued on their individual ways. Once again, it sure looked to me like I had stumbled upon a giant in spreading joy.

Once you start noticing them, you realize that there are giants everywhere, shutting out distractions and giving their full attention to another person like a gift. They are giants at being empathetic, seeking to understand and share another’s life and perspective in ways that give rise to relationship and joy. They are giants at serving, helping out in large and small ways. They are giants at sharing knowledge and skills. They are giants at affirming when they could have just as easily been critical. They are giants at saying “I’m sorry,” or “I accept your apology.” They are particularly good at saying, “How can I help?” They are giants at opening their hearts and extending their hands.

How do we fulfill our Mission of extending God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing? We do it by standing on the shoulders of giants – by being inspired by their acts of kindness and connection so that we also see opportunities for us to act as giants.

I invite you to take a moment to look around you – giants of joy can be found throughout our AHC family, working together to provide hope and healing. By being inspired to take action ourselves, we can become giants for others.

Terry Forde President and CEO Adventist HealthCare

Former patients and their parents joyfully reunite with caregivers!

Shady Grove Medical Center NICU Reunion Was a Sea of Smiles Last October, Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) welcomed over 200 families for its highly anticipated reunion. With the theme “It’s Great to SEA You,” little mermaids and brave sailors gathered at the picturesque “rio” lakefront in Gaithersburg for their first in-person event since 2019.

Sounds of laughter filled the air as NICU graduates ages 10 and younger donned Shady Grove sailor hats and enjoyed sweet treats, carousel rides, a beach sand art station, a balloon twister and an ocean-themed photo booth. Families shared stories of their courageous care experiences at the “How Big Was I?” table. The activity, featuring preemie dolls and nautical-themed weighted items, allowed NICU graduates to see and feel their sizes as newborns.

The most heartwarming aspect of the event was reuniting our nurses and their once-tiny patients. Many families expressed their excitement at returning to an in-person gathering and emphasized the profound significance of the NICU in their lives.

William Yang, a parent, expressed his gratitude, saying, “Our son spent over a month in the NICU. The nurses helped us through some difficult times, and we are truly grateful for them.”

Suanne Reid, another parent, praised the NICU nurses as superheroes and angels walking on Earth. “They not only took care of our son but also made sure my husband and I were taken care of. We will forever be grateful for them.”

Nurse Manager Laura Speer, RN, and the PR/Marketing team played an essential role in planning the event.

“Today, we celebrate not only how far our NICU graduates have come but also the enduring connections formed with our dedicated nurses during those challenging days,” Speer said.

For more information about us, visit AdventistHealthCare.com/About

We extend God’s care through the ministry of physical, mental and spiritual healing.

Living Our Mission to Ex tend C–od’s Care

Supporting Cancer Care This past fall, Adventist HealthCare showed its steadfast commitment to supporting those impacted by cancer in multiple ways:

Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center Partnership On Oct. 1, 2023, Adventist HealthCare entered a new radiation oncology joint-venture partnership with The US Oncology Network, a leading oncology provider, at the Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center. This partnership deepens the longterm collaborative relationship with top oncology experts at Maryland Oncology Hematology and is backed by the The US Oncology Network, with 500 sites of care throughout the U.S., giving patients more access to the latest clinical trials, treatment and advanced technology.

Adventist HealthCare and Maryland Oncology Hematology have collaborated closely for many years and were key partners in the opening of the Aquilino Cancer Center in 2013. The relationship has deepened through a separate radiation oncology joint-venture partnership at the White Oak Cancer Center in 2020. This alliance will help continue to bring new state-of-theart technology and treatment for radiation oncology that is more targeted, offers decreased treatment times and reduces side effects, thereby enhancing patient care and improving outcomes.

Positivity abounds during a month filled with honor walks (left) and exercise (right).

Honoring Breast Cancer Survivors On Oct. 8, Adventist HealthCare

celebrated breast cancer survivors by lighting up the “rio,” a lakefront shopping and dining area, with a luminary display. More than 100 survivors and their families attended the annual event, which included inspirational words from survivors and caregivers, an honor walk around the lake and a moment of prayer and reflection. Those in attendance reunited with their care team and reconnected with other survivors from past years’ events.

Pink Party Zumba On Oct. 5, dozens of supporters showed their spirit by celebrating the fight against breast cancer with a fun night of Zumba!

Advancements in Cancer Care Podcast

On Oct. 13, the Adventist HealthCare & You podcast hosted Kashif Firozvi, MD, medical director of the cancer service line at Adventist HealthCare and medical oncologist at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Cancer Center. Discussion explored cancer treatment options, common myths, advancements in care and other important topics.

Celebrating a Milestone Anniversary of Healing

On Nov. 7, Shady Grove Aquilino Cancer Center celebrated its 10th anniversary. Physicians, patients and team members gathered with Adventist HealthCare leaders and donors to celebrate the high-quality comprehensive care provided to patients over the past decade and share in excitement for the center’s future.

White Oak Medical Center Earns Second Consecutive ‘A’ Safety Grade Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center has again received an “A” safety grade from The Leapfrog Group, an influential nonprofit organization that ranks hospitals across the nation based on publicly reported data around hospitalacquired infections, serious harm and other quality and safety measures.

“We are truly honored to be recognized by The Leapfrog Group for the second consecutive time as one of the safest hospitals in Maryland,” says Anthony Stahl, president of Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. “The ‘A’ safety grade reflects our deep and ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our patients.”

Faith & Health This past fall, eight executive team leaders from Adventist HealthCare and Adventist HealthCare Fort Washington Medical Center visited Breath of Life Seventh-day Adventist Church in Fort Washington, Maryland.

Adventist HealthCare conducted the Sabbath service, including a panel discussion of the role of faith in bringing community healing as part of a holistic approach to physical, mental and spiritual well-being. They also provided a variety of health screenings to support the church members.

For more information about us, visit AdventistHealthCare.com/About

YOUR HEALING MINISTRY Kettering Health Newsletter

Faith and Determination Adalberto Overcomes Obstacles Through Unwavering Faith

By Konni Lorenz “Blessed”: That’s the word that exudes from Adalberto Agosto-Burgos as he describes the past three years of his life.

Since Adalberto spoke very little English, he was continually turned down for jobs.

But he never lost faith. Adalberto believed that God was, and is, with him at every turn.

Adalberto was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where he served as a police officer for 13 years. In 2014, he found himself with a new co-worker: Ken Pitney from Lebanon, Ohio, who had been assigned to work on the island.

The two served together for three years before Ken had to return to his hometown for a family emergency in 2017.

Having built a strong friendship, they vowed to stay in touch.

Sticking to his word, Adalberto and his wife spent a week at Ken’s home in Lebanon less than a year later. “During that trip,” Adalberto says, “Ken told me that if I want to move to the U.S., he will help me reach my goal.”

Promise of a Better Life Back in Puerto Rico, Adalberto immediately called a family meeting. Along with his wife and three children, they weighed the possibility of moving to Ohio, nearly 2,000 miles from home. Everyone agreed relocating was the best decision for their family.

“The main reason I wanted to move was because I thought it would be a good idea for my kids,” says Adalberto. “They were studying at the university in Puerto Rico, and I knew that in the U.S. they would have better job opportunities and a better life.”

Over the next year, he and his family visited Ken a few more times. All the while, Adalberto worked hard to find a job in law enforcement to continue the work he knew from back home.

He quickly learned this would not be an easy task.

Separated by More Than Distance Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, the two cultures are different, and most notably for Adalberto, the language.

During visits to Ohio, he developed strong connections with others in the community, which led to opportunities. In November 2019, he got a job interview with Kettering Health’s former chief of police, Thomas Thompson. He offered Adalberto a job, on one condition: Adalberto would need to be at the police academy in the U.S. for classes starting in two weeks.

Adalberto had only days to decide what the future would look like for himself and his family. “It was a hard decision because I wanted to come to the U.S.,” he says, “but it was such a short amount of time to make a move like that.”

Answering the Call In the end, Adalberto realized the answer was simple: “If God wants me here, I am coming.”

He flew back to Puerto Rico, packed a bag, and returned to Ohio.

While attending the police academy, he stayed with his friend Ken and his family, who provided Adalberto with everything he needed: food, a room, and a car.

“In March [2020], I went back to Puerto Rico to get my family and any belongings we could take on an airplane,” recalls Adalberto. “Each of us had, maybe, four bags.”

The language barrier wasn’t the only challenge Adalberto faced upon coming to the mainland. He also found himself unable to meet the academy’s timed running requirement.

But Adalberto never lost hope.

(continued on next page)

Kettering Health • 3535 Southern Blvd. • Kettering, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • ketteringhealth.org

THE NEWS

Kettering Health Newsletter

Faith and Determination (cont’d) Success Through Persistence In August 2022, Adalberto passed his certification exam through the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission.

During that time, Adalberto committed himself to learning English and completing all the requirements to become a commissioned police officer in Ohio—including passing the timed running requirement.

“What a lot of people have not seen unless they have worked with Adalberto is that he has put in countless hours studying the English language, as well as what he needed to know to pass the police academy,” shares Dan Doherty, police officer for Kettering Health.

On October 6, 2022, Adalberto was sworn in as a police officer for the Kettering Health Police Department, surrounded by fellow officers and even clinical staff members.

Providing CPR and AED Training to the Community at Paycor Stadium On October 24, more than 400 people took the field at Paycor Stadium—home of the Cincinnati Bengals—not to play football, but to learn how to provide lifesaving aid in the event of a cardiac emergency.

Kettering Health joined the Cincinnati Bengals, American Heart Association, and Cintas to provide hands-only CPR training and AED education to increase the number of people in the community who can help when quick action is needed.

More than 40 Kettering Health employees volunteered, including 25 clinicians, a mix of RNs and EMS personnel, as well as Dr. Prasanth Lingam, an interventional cardiologist, who spoke about the importance of CPR training and how acting quickly impacts survival rates.

After the training session, community participants had the opportunity to receive resources and education about heart health, take a heart risk assessment, and receive a blood pressure screening.

And his commitment continues to pay off.

Adalberto was promoted to police sergeant and took the oath at a ceremony in June of 2023.

Adalberto didn’t know what to expect when uprooting his family from Puerto Rico and moving nearly 2,000 miles away, but one thing he did know: He needed to give them the life they had all hoped for.

His faith in God never faltered, and neither did he.

Jonathan Duffy Retires The Kettering Health family congratulates Jonathan Duffy, executive director of Mission and Ministry, on his retirement at the end of 2023. Since joining Kettering Health in 2020, Duffy helped advance the system’s mission outreach and spiritual care functions by developing strong community relationships, leading our chaplains across the system, and advancing outreach to underserved communities.

A former president of ADRA International, Duffy previously served as CEO of ADRA Australia and as health director of the South Pacific Division. As he heads back down under, our prayers for blessings on Jonathan and his family go with him as he enters a new season of life.

A familiar face, Peter Bath, former Kettering Health vice president of Mission and Ministry, will serve as our mission leader for the first half of 2024. During the interim, the former Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church pastor will help us transition to new leadership for our mission function.

Kettering Health • 3535 Southern Blvd. • Kettering, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • ketteringhealth.org

Kettering College Now Offering Master of Science in Nursing

By Rebecca Ingle

Kettering College has added a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) track to their offerings, with the first cohort starting in January 2024. The MSN degree will have an emphasis on Nursing Leadership and is intended to prepare current nurses for roles in leadership, such as a director of nursing, nurse manager, educator or researcher.

Kettering College requires a minimum of 39 credit hours and 460 clinical hours. All MSN courses must be taken at Kettering College.

The MSN track is designed as a two-year program, including a total of six semesters. It is cohort-based with two entry points planned each year in winter and fall. Minimum requirements for an applicant interested in the MSN program include the following:

Content in the core curriculum includes leadership, health promotion, organizational behavior, human resources, financial management, evidence-based practice, quality improvement and mentoring.

y A completed Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from a regionally accredited higher education institution with a minimum of a 3.0 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale.

The goals of the MSN program are aimed at guiding students

y To lead teams in a collaborative, dynamic health care environment. y To apply evidence-based, ethical decision-making. y To model professional competency and Christian values. y To utilize interprofessional communication to improve health care outcomes. y To implement innovative strategies to reduce health care disparities.

Dr. Nicole Orian, chair of Kettering College’s graduate Nursing program, says, “The online MSN program will facilitate flexible access to high-quality education that will prepare nurses for leadership roles in the rapidly changing health care environment. Students choosing this degree are interested in advancing their nursing careers toward leadership and management to improve health care outcomes.”

y An active, unencumbered license as a registered nurse in the state where they practice and where clinical practicum hours will be completed. y A personal statement including how their nursing career goals align with the MSN program of study.

Jennifer Shull is the system chief nursing officer at Kettering Health, the health care system associated with Kettering College, which shares the same campus. She says, “This training provides knowledge that broadens the nurse’s perspective and skill in caring for patients as well as leading and supporting teams. We require this training for our directors of Nursing because of the additional skill and competency it provides to help them be more effective leaders. We are grateful for our partnership with Kettering College.”

For more information about Kettering College’s MSN program, visit kc.edu/msn.

Kettering College | 3737 Southern Blvd., Kettering, OH 45429 | (937) 395-8601 | kc.edu

news The Meaning Behind ‘Hands and Heart’ We believe in leaving the radio studios and going out into the many communities we serve to meet and talk with listeners – the people we are serving. That’s how our Hands and Heart program began.

“It is important that we provide opportunities for ourselves and our listeners to be the hands and heart of Jesus in the neighborhoods and the world around us,” says President and CEO Kevin Krueger.

In 2023, listeners sponsored more than 600 children through Compassion International, donated more than 2,300 boxes of cereal through our “Great Cereal Box Drive,” contributed school supplies and toys, as well as money to help families in our area stay warm and have food.

In addition to our listeners’ generous gifts, our team volunteered at Comfort Cases near our office, an organization that packs bags for foster children with blankets, pajamas, books, and school and hygiene supplies. Also, two of our staff, Becky Alignay, midday host, and her husband, Jimmy, and Stephanie Eshelman, afternoon producer, traveled to El Salvador to learn about and interact with children and mothers at three ministry and education centers.

“Just as Jesus used his hands to bring hope and healing to others, we desire to inspire others to be a blessing and help those who need a boost,” says Krueger.

Opportunities for helping others in our community and around the world are the meaning of the Hands and Heart projects at WGTS 91.9.

Reaching Worldwide With Worship Music AllWorship.com expands ministry opportunities as a part of WGTS 91.9 A year ago, AllWorship.com became a part of WGTS 91.9 – Atlantic Gateway Communications. AllWorship.com features five streams of music: contemporary praise, instrumental worship, Spanish language worship, traditional praise, and Christmas worship. “For almost two decades, it has provided worship music to the global community,” says President and CEO Kevin Krueger. “We are humbled and grateful for this opportunity to share the good news of Jesus by growing this avenue of worship music. It allows us to minister globally to a variety of music tastes.”

In 2023, the playlists were updated, the technology powering AllWorship.com was updated, and the website – AllWorship.com – was remodeled. When the new site went live Thanksgiving weekend, it included our Hymns and Favorites music channel that has been a part of WGTS for many years.

AllWorship listeners spend more than 100,000 hours a month listening, says Mike Agee, WGTS 91.9 executive director for strategic initiatives. Francois, listening in Queensland, Australia, says, “Thank you for making Christian music available to the world!”

In 2024, the AllWorship app will receive a refresh, which will provide a mobile connection for music and ministry, as well as the ability to integrate with smart speakers.

2099 Gaither Road, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20850 202.902.6000 wgts919.com WGTS 91.9 and WGBZ 88.3 are ministries of Atlantic Gateway Communications, Inc. Copyright 2023.

Find support and pray for others.

Visit wgts919.com.

Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities Reports Fall 2023 Consolidated Enrollment Numbers The Association of Adventist Colleges and Universities (AACU), comprised of the presidents and other top leadership from 13 Adventist colleges and universities in North America, reports that the latest consolidated enrollment numbers for 2023 totals 20,573 students, an increase of 16 students from the previous year. Altogether, the combined program offerings of AACU institutions represent nearly 400 unique degrees and certificates at campuses that provide a safe harbor for students seeking a faith-based university education.

“Engaging our key stakeholders and constituencies is very important to the AACU presidents,” says Andrea Luxton, executive director for AACU. “Making this most recent data public is part of our ongoing effort toward that goal.”

“We’re encouraged and excited to see an upward trend, particularly among our new students.”

- Weymouth Spence

In the overall undergraduate enrollment numbers, new freshmen saw a positive year-to-year increase of 5.9 percent, going from 2,504 in 2022 to 2,651 this year. AACU began tracking undergraduate transfer numbers over the last three school years, including the fall of 2020. That population has been growing every year since then—1,344 in 2020 to 1,677 this year—a 25% increase.

“We started to see a leveling off last year after a steady decline—most noticeably during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Weymouth Spence, president of AACU and Washington Adventist University. “We’re encouraged and excited to see an upward trend, particularly among our new students.

As this gives us hope for a bright future for Adventist higher education in North America, the Adventist Association of Colleges and Universities and the Adventist Enrollment Association will work harder to seek collaborative strategies to grow overall enrollment and build stability for our member institutions.”

As we share this annual update, we wish to directly appeal to students, families, church leadership and other key stakeholders to join us in this important conversation for our higher education system and the students it inspires and educates for successful careers and meaningful lives of Christian service. wau.edu

Washington Adventist University’s Rising Scholars Program Interested in learning about WAU’s Rising Scholars Program?

Contact Dr. Betty Johnson Dean of the Betty Howard Center for Student Success bljohnson@wau.edu

The Rising Scholars Program at Washington Adventist University (WAU) offers a unique opportunity for students who don’t initially meet traditional admissions requirements.

During a recent interview, Dr. Ralph Johnson provided an in-depth look at the program’s evolution, objectives and outcomes.

Originally known as “The Bridge Program,” the Rising Scholars Program began around 2008 or 2009 as a summer initiative.

Students who applied to WAU but didn’t meet standard admissions criteria could attend the summer program to enhance their academic preparedness. If successful, they could then be admitted for the ensuing fall semester. Dr. Johnson noted, “It predated my arrival to WAU, but once I joined, we made some adjustments to the summer program over the years.”

However, as time went on, fewer students were willing to dedicate their summer to the program. This led to its transformation from a summer initiative to a fall semester program. Unlike the previous setup in which students were admitted to WAU only after successfully completing the summer program, the new model offered students

conditional acceptance. “If they completed the semester with at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA, they transitioned from conditional status to regularly matriculating students,” Dr. Johnson explained.

The new curriculum is tailored to individual needs. All students must take a math and English course, and their placement in these courses depends on their respective placement test scores. Other courses aimed at improving their study and critical thinking skills have also been added to the program.

Due to concerns of possible stigma attached to the term “Bridge,” the program was renamed “Rising Scholars.” Despite the name change, its core objective remained unchanged: to provide students an opportunity to showcase their academic abilities.

When asked about the program’s success rate, Dr. Johnson candidly said, “The success is largely based on students’ willingness to participate. We provide the opportunity and set clear expectations. There have been some phenomenal success stories, but there have also been students who did not capitalize on the opportunity.” He recalled

recent Rising Scholars who returned for their second semester and were inducted into the freshman Honors Society. On the flip side, he noted that those who didn’t do well usually failed because they didn’t put in the necessary work.

The WAU community supports these students wholeheartedly. Dr. Johnson mentioned that the university’s president, Dr. Weymouth Spence, and provost, Dr. Cheryl Kisunzu, visit the Rising Scholars every year, a gesture that underscores the institution’s commitment to their success.

In conclusion, the Rising Scholars Program at WAU demonstrates a genuine commitment to offering students a second chance at educational access, academic success, highlighting the power of resilience, adaptability and community support.

The Betty Howard Center for Student Success oversees the Rising Scholars Program. Students in the program engage with Dr. Ralph Johnson, Dean Fitzroy Thomas and Dr. Betty Johnson to bolster their opportunity for success. The center lauds their achievements.

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EMPLOYMENT ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks candidates for a full-time, tenure-track Ph.D. biochemistry faculty position for our ACSapproved program, starting July 2024. Duties: mentor undergraduate students to excellence in faith-reflective professionalism; teach biochemistry and chemistry courses and labs; champion undergraduate research; promote an all-inclusive, equitable learning environment. For more information, email: chemistry@andrews.edu.

ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks qualified Seventh-day Adventists to fill open roles in fulfilling our mission to Seek Knowledge, Affirm Faith, and Change the World. If interested, please check out our current openings at Andrews.edu/ admres.jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time associate vice president for Academic Administration and dean of Graduate and Professional Studies. Candidate should have a Ph.D. with a minimum of five years of successful full-time graduate teaching experience at the higher education level. Applicant will assume a leadership role in all aspects of graduate education and provide academic, administrative and strategic direction to Graduate Studies, Online Campus, and the Adult Degree Completion (ADC) Program. For more details, visit southern.edu/jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time faculty in the area of Counseling for School of Education/ Psychology. A doctoral degree in counselor education from a CACREP-accredited program is required. Doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology from an APA-accredited program could be considered if applicant has been employed as a full-time faculty member in a counselor education program for a minimum of one full academic year before July 1, 2023. For a full job description and desired qualifications, visit southern.edu/jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time teaching faculty member for 46 | VISITOR January/February 2024

the Department of Biology/ Allied Health, beginning Fall 2024. Ph.D. in Biology who will teach upper and lower division courses and labs. Candidate should be committed to involvement with undergraduate students in the classroom, as well as guiding independent student research projects. Additionally, candidate should be a practicing Seventh-day Adventist, believing the biblical record of the creation of life on earth in six literal days. For more details, visit southern.edu/jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time engineer teaching faculty member for School of Engineering and Physics in the areas of mechanical, electrical and computer engineering. The ideal candidate will be proficient in developing and teaching undergraduate engineering courses, including both lecture and laboratory components. Master’s degree in mechanical, electrical, computer engineering or related area required. Doctorate preferred. Prior higher education teaching experience and/or relevant industry experience preferred. For a full job description and desired qualifications, visit southern.edu/jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time program director to launch a new Doctor of Physical Therapy degree program. The ideal candidate will be proficient in managing the CAPTE accreditation process, new program development and teaching graduate physical therapy courses, as well as clinical practice. In addition, the successful candidate will be committed to mentoring advisees, nurturing student learning both in and out of the classroom and disciplining students in Jesus Christ. For a full job description and desired qualifications, visit southern.edu/jobs.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY School of Nursing seeks a full-time faculty to join a mission-focused team. Teaching responsibilities will be primarily at the undergraduate level. An earned doctorate is preferred.

Requisite qualities include current RN adult health or ICU clinical experience, successful teaching experience, interest

in research, flexibility and commitment to Adventist nursing education. The candidate must be a member in good and regular standing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. To apply, visit sau.catsone.com/careers.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY School of Religion seeks full-time faculty member to begin fall semester of 2024.

Must be an active member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in regular standing and should have a Ph.D. (or be near completion) in the New Testament. Positive experience in pastoral ministry and teaching is helpful. Must demonstrate contagious love for Jesus, strong commitment to authority of Scripture and deep passion for Adventist message and mission. Good people skills and ability to engage students in a positive, faith-building manner in the classroom are essential. To apply, please visit sau.catsone. com/careers.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks full-time teaching faculty in the School of Business. Candidates should have a graduate degree (minimum). Doctorate in businessrelated field preferred. Ideal candidates will have successful, professional experience in for-profit companies/organizations. Candidates will bring relevancy to courses through connecting theories, current events and real-world experiences. Candidates will facilitate learning in alignment with a Christian biblical worldview and Seventh-day Adventist beliefs and values. Ideal candidates will be committed to student learning, engagement and spiritual well-being. For more information, visit sau.catsone. com/careers.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks qualified candidates for the following staff salaried positions—customer service and print project manager – Mailing and Printing Services; DHSI community outreach coordinator – Academic Administration (reopened). For more information, visit sau. catsone.com/careers.

SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks qualified candidates for the following staff hourly positions—housekeeper – Student Housing; housekeeping and maintenance supervisor; carpentry technician; part-time cashier – Village Market; S.A.L.T. outreach coordinator for School of Religion; alarm technician; landscape supervisor. For more information, visit sau.catsone. com/careers.

WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY Department of Health, Wellness, and Physical Education seeks full-time department chair to lead and create a visionary program plan and conduct classroom instruction at the higher educational level in a manner that intentionally affirms the Seventh-day Adventist ministry of teaching and incorporates insights from the Loma Linda blue zone advantage. Interested candidates can apply at wau. edu in the “Careers” tab under “About WAU.” WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time undergraduate chemistry professor. Primary consideration will be given to individuals with a Ph.D. in organic, analytical, or physical chemistry.

The successful candidate will be responsible for up to three chemistry courses per semester, academic advising and assessment, and other duties. Interested candidates can apply at wau.edu in the “Careers” tab under “About WAU.” For additional information, contact Dr. Sam D. Perez at sperez@wau.edu.

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to WWII, June 18–28; Thailand, June 17–26. From $1,950/person, plus airfare. (Customized group tours are also available.)

Contact tabghatours@gmail. com or tabghatours.com for full information.

LEGAL NOTICES MOUNTAIN VIEW CONFERENCE OF SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS QUINQUENNIAL SESSION The second quinquennial session of the Mountain View Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at 10 a.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2024, at Valley Vista Adventist Camp, 532 Valley Vista Lane, Becky’s Creek Road, Huttonsville, WV 26273.

The purposes of the meeting are to elect the Conference officers, Conference Committee, Board of Education, and the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the ensuing term, as well as to transact other business as may properly come before the Conference at that Session.

A meeting of the Organizing Committee, described in Article IV, Section I, of the Bylaws, will convene at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, 2024, at the Parkersburg Seventh-day Adventist Church, 1901 Park Ave., Parkersburg, WV 26101.

The purposes of this meeting are to select members of the Nominating Committee for the Session and to nominate members of the Constitution and Bylaws Committee for the ensuing term.

Timothy C. Bailey, President Victor N. Zill, Exec. Sec.

OBITUARIES HILLEBERT, Paul A., born January 28, 1919, in Gowanda, N.Y.; died September 13, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. He was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. Paul lived to be 103 years old. He served in the Philippines during World War II, where he constructed a piece of X-ray equipment the Army used. He later worked for the Review and Herald Publishing Association in Hagerstown, Md., where he retired in 1984. He was predeceased by his wife, Adeline, in 2016. Survivors: Two sons, John David Hillebert and Paul Frederick Hillebert; four grandsons; and four great-grandchildren.

KEPNER, Millard “Scott”, born September 15, 1923, in Hagerstown, Md., died October 6, 2022, in Hagerstown, Md. Scott was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. He attended Shenandoah Valley Academy in New Market, Va., and graduated from Mount Vernon Academy (Ohio) in 1941. He was employed by the Western Maryland Railroad. He was baptized by Pastor Carl Seek in 1984 and became an active deacon; every Sabbath he opened up the church, and every week he mowed the grass.

KERR, Marga Louise (Martin), born August 8, 1948, in Takoma Park, Md.; died November 4, 2022, in McDonald, Tenn. Marga was the first of her parents’ five children. While growing up in Vero Beach, Fla., she discovered three of the great loves of her

life: water, music and her future husband, Elton, whom she met in seventh grade in a one-room church school. She loved to swim and waterski and was phenomenal on all keyboard instruments: piano, organ and accordion. After graduating from Little Creek Academy in Alpharetta, Ga., Marga attended Southern Missionary College (now Southern Adventist University) in Collegedale, Tenn., as a nursing student from 1967–1971, serving in Nicaragua as one of the college’s first student missionaries. On August 15, 1971, Marga married Elton Kerr. After moving to California, where her husband began medical school at Loma Linda University, Marga began a career in public health nursing.

Marga took great joy in playing the organ for church and being actively involved in Children’s Ministries at the Kettering (Ohio) church. Survivors: Her husband, Elton, of 51 years; a son, Randall Kerr; three daughters, Ruthie Gray, Robyn Kerr, and Rachelle Huynh; and nine grandchildren.

RADA, Julianita “Nita” I., born November 22, 1936, in Ligao, Albay, Philippines; died January 17, 2022, in Annapolis, Md. She was a member of the Hagerstown (Md.) church. Nita worked for three publishing houses for 39 years: Philippine Publishing House; Southern Publishing Association in Nashville, Tenn.; and the Review and Herald Publishing Association in Hagerstown, Md. Survivors: Four sons, Norman, Ephraim, Jr., Rinaldi, and Bobby; a daughter, Dinah Rhesa; 10 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Sunset Calendar Sunset times listed below are for the cities in which our conference headquarters reside.

For a full listing of sunset times in the Columbia Union territory, please visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/sunset.

Jan 5

Jan 12

Jan 19

Jan 26

Feb 2

Feb 9

Feb 16

Feb 23

Boyertown, Pa.

4:49

4:56

5:04

5:12

5:21

5:29

5:38

5:46

Columbus, Ohio

5:20

5:27

5:34

5:42

5:51

5:59

6:07

6:16

Columbia, Md.

4:58

5:04

5:12

5:20

5:28

5:36

5:44

5:52

Lawrence Twp., N.J.

4:46

4:53

5:00

5:09

5:17

5:25

5:34

5:42

Dayton, Ohio

5:25

5:32

5:40

5:48

5:56

6:04

6:13

6:21

Hamburg, Pa.

4:50

4:57

5:05

5:13

5:21

5:30

5:39

5:47

Staunton, Va.

5:09

5:16

5:23

5:31

5:39

5:47

5:54

6:02

Parkersburg, W.Va.

5:16

5:23

5:30

5:38

5:46

5:55

6:03

6:11

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