Columbia Union Visitor--May/June 2020 by Columbia Union Visitor

Perspectives dave weigley

A Time to Trust God

ecently our world has been overtaken by the coronavirus pandemic. Fear and uncertainty abound, people are suffering and many lives have been lost. Social distancing measures have left many people working from home or seeking unemployment benefits. Health care workers and frontline responders are risking their lives to save others. Many people are wondering if this is the beginning of the end. And, at the writing of this editorial, our churches are meeting virtually, students are distance learning, and camp meetings, summer camps, graduations and special events have been postponed or canceled. In this unprecedented time, I have found encouragement and inspiration from the biblical account of Joseph. As a young shepherd boy, he faced a series of life-altering events that changed the trajectory of his life. He was betrayed by his kin, sold into slavery and wrongly imprisoned. Like Joseph, we are in the throes of a difficult crisis that has rocked our world. And many are asking, “Where is God?” “How could this happen?” and “How will we get beyond this?” How easily Joseph could have asked the same questions. How easily he could have become angry with God and given have nothing up his faith. But no! And this is why I love to fear for the future, his story. Joseph had a “God perspecexcept as we shall tive” about life. He knew, without a doubt, forget the way the that Someone greater than he was in charge. And in his most difficult Lord has led us, and hour, he vowed to trust God with His teaching in our his future—no matter what. past history. Ellen White says that while facing this terrible calamity, Joseph —Ellen White, Testimonies for resolved “to prove himself true to God the Church, vol. 9, p. 10 … serve the Lord with undivided heart … meet the trials of his lot with fortitude and perform every duty with fidelity” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 214). In this hour of trial, may we, like Joseph, trust God through this storm. Just as He saw us through 2019, He will see us through 2020.

Dave Weigley serves as president of the Columbia Union Conference.

Celeste Ryan Blyden n Editor and Publisher V. Michelle Bernard n News, Features and Online Editor Ricardo Bacchus n Newsletter Editor Kelly Butler Coe n Art Director and Designer Sandra Jones n Advertising and Circulation Manager The Visitor is a publication of the Columbia Union Conference reaching approximately 64,000 Seventh-day Adventist homes in the mid-Atlantic area and 81,000 online. The Visitor provides news and information, inspiration for effective ministry and insight on issues with a spiritual focus to help engage members in experiencing the mission. CONTACT n (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunionvisitor.com visitor@columbiaunion.net n To subscribe, change address or discontinue Visitor mailings, call your local conference, as listed below. Ask for the membership clerk. Free to members. All others, $18 annually. Email sjones@columbiaunion.net. PUBLISHING BOARD n Dave Weigley (chair), Celeste Ryan Blyden (secretary), Jorge Aguero, Emmanuel Asiedu, William T. Cox Sr., Bob Cundiff, Henry J. Fordham III, Gary Gibbs, Ron Halvorsen Jr., Mike Hewitt, Bill Miller, Rick Remmers, Rob Vandeman

5427 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045 (410) 997-3414 n columbiaunion.org Dave Weigley n President Rob Vandeman n Executive Secretary Emmanuel Asiedu n Treasurer Tabita Martinez n Undertreasurer Celeste Ryan Blyden n Vice President, Communication and PR Frank Bondurant n Vice President, Ministries Development Walter Carson n Vice President/General Counsel and PARL Rubén Ramos n Vice President, Multilingual Ministries Donovan Ross n Vice President, Education H. Candace Nurse n Secretary/Treasurer, Revolving Fund Curtis Boore n Director, Plant Services Harold Greene n Director, Information Technology CONFERENCES ALLEGHENY EAST: Henry J. Fordham III, President; LaTasha Hewitt, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 326-4610 n visitaec.com ALLEGHENY WEST: William T. Cox Sr., President; Benia Jennings, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (614) 252-5271 n awconf.org CHESAPEAKE: Rick Remmers, President; Andre Hastick, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (410) 995-1910 n ccosda.org MOUNTAIN VIEW: Mike Hewitt, President; Valerie Morikone, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (304) 422-4581 n mtviewconf.org NEW JERSEY: Jorge Aguero, President; Mario Thorp, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (609) 392-7131 n njcsda.org OHIO: Bob Cundiff, President; Heidi Shoemaker, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (740) 397-4665 n ohioadventist.org PENNSYLVANIA: Gary Gibbs, President; Tamyra Horst, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (610) 374-8331 n paconference.org POTOMAC: Bill Miller, President; Debra Anderson, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (540) 886-0771 n pcsda.org EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS KETTERING COLLEGE: Nate Brandstater, President; Lauren Brooks, Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (937) 395-8601 n kc.edu WASHINGTON ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY: Weymouth Spence, President; Richard Castillo, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (301) 891-4000 n wau.edu HEALTHCARE NETWORKS ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Terry Forde, President & CEO; (vacant), Visitor Correspondent n Tel. (301) 315-3030 adventisthealthcare.com KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE: Fred Manchur, CEO; Christina Keresoma, Visitor Correspondent Tel. (937) 395-8167 n ketteringhealth.org Printed at Pacific Press® Publishing Association in Nampa, Idaho.

About the Cover: Chris Trent was photographed in Logan, W.Va., by Crissy Musick.

Adventist® and Seventh-day Adventist® are the registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. Volume 125 n Issue 3

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UpFront

v. michelle bernard

HEY KIDS! Be one of the first 15 children to find Victor the Visitor mouse in this issue, get a parent or guardian to snap your photo with him and tag the Visitor on social media to receive a puzzle from LivingWell in Silver Spring, Md. Happy Hunting!

5 Things You Should Know (columbiaunionvisitor.com/5Things)

At the March Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee, members voted to give $50,000 back to each conference to support mission and ministry at the local level. They also gave funds to support education at Washington Adventist University.

Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md., has a new president, Anthony Stahl, former president and CEO of Central Texas Medical Center in San Marco. Stahl replaces Erik Wangsness, who left the role in September to become CEO of AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (Fla.).

Allegheny East Conference’s Calvary Adventist School and Early Learning Center in Newport News, Va., was given the 2020 Best of Newport News Award in the Private School category.

OHIO CONFERENCE WELCOMES NEW PRESIDENT Despite several delays due to travel and social distancing restrictions amid the COVID-19 crisis, members of the Ohio Conference Presidential Selection Committee voted overwhelmingly to extend a call to Bob Cundiff to be president of the conference. —Heidi Shoemaker

4% 4%

10%

46%

to GC and NAD: $1,286,259 • Tithe Union Operations and Services: $5,840,153 • Returned Conferences: $1,429,970 • Retirement:to $1,846,297 • Washington Adventist University: $1,339,168 • Auditing: $500,048 • Special Reversion to Conferences: $550,000 •

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C O LU M B I A U N I O N CONFERENCE

MEMBERSHIP *

141,281 Allegheny East Conference: 31,883

Gross Tithe Income: $12,791,895

14%

Due to the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, the General Conference Session and the North American Division Ministerial CALLED Pastors’ Family Convention, both planned for this summer, have been rescheduled for May and June 2021, respectively.

2019 Tithe Usage

11%

Pathfinder clubs across the Columbia Union joined the annual Pathfinder Bible Experience this season. The event challenged Pathfinders to study the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Hosea, Amos, Jonah and Micah. Clubs participated virtually at the union and North American Division levels. Visit columbiaunionvisitor.com/2020pbe to see the results.

IRENE MORGAN KIRKALDY (1917–2007), a Seventh-day Adventist from Baltimore and one of the lesser-known civil rights heroes, was recently recognized with a new highway marker in Glouchester, Va., honoring her story. In 1944, while traveling home from Virginia, she was arrested for refusing to give up her seat in the colored section of the bus to a white passenger. She took her case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which declared interstate transport racial segregation unconstitutional.

Allegheny West: 10,923 Chesapeake: 16,435 Mountain View: 2,248 New Jersey: 7,388 Ohio: 12,274 Pennsylvania: 12,547 Potomac: 37,583 *As of December 2019

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UpFront

Annual Report Highlights

The Columbia Union Conference partnered with the General Conference and North American Division to help fund $900,000 to support local conference outreach ministries, such as the community center at Pennsylvania Conference’s Grace Outlet church in Reading.

The Office of Ministries Development organized our first unionwide evangelism conference where we challenged pastors to employ the best methods for reaching today’s culture.

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Members helped plant 65 churches.

The Office of Multilingual Ministries hosted a discipleship training program from which 185 lay members graduated, ready to become Bible instructors, evangelists and church leaders.

Washington Adventist University, recognized as the safest college campus in Maryland by Niche, launched two new programs: a Bachelor of Music in Music Therapy (the only program of its kind statewide) and the joint Psychology-Education Master of Education in School Counseling.

The Office of General Counsel received weekly requests for legal advice and assistance from members seeking workplace religious accommodations. This team also ensures that the union maintains a proper legal structure and is in full compliance with all applicable laws and government regulations.

Kettering College (Ohio) graduated its first class from the Healthcare Management program and began renovations on the residence hall and Interprofessional Education Simulation Center, better equipping students to make service a life calling.

In its 51st year, the Columbia Union Revolving Fund empowered 295 churches, schools and other entities to better pursue their mission by providing two percent interest rate loans.

In the 100 early childhood education centers, elementary

More than 7,000 Columbia Union Pathfinders attended the Chosen International Pathfinder Camporee in Oshkosh, Wis., where 1,311 were baptized.

The Office of Strategic Communication and Public Relations gathered 32 of the 40 women pastors and chaplains employed across the union—twice the number employed in 2012—for dinner, prayer and conversation.

Kettering Adventist HealthCare (Ohio) opened its ninth hospital, Troy Medical, last summer, quickly followed by the Cancer Center in Troy. In all, their team of more than 12,000 employees and 470 physicians seeks to improve the quality of life in Southwest Ohio.

In August we celebrated the new, state-of-the-art Adventist HealthCare (AHC) White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md. In October we welcomed Fort Washington Medical Center in Prince George’s County to AHC’s family of four hospitals, 6,555 employees and 1,878 physicians and medical staff.

WGTS 91.9 opened its broadcast center in Rockville, Md., which will serve as a hub for prayer, mini-concerts and community events.

The Office of Education continued to partner with the Bainum Foundation so 14 Columbia Union principals and assistant principals could participate in its leadership coaching program.

THE REST OF THE STORY: Read full content at columbiaunionvisitor.com/upfront.

4 | VISITOR May/June 2020

photos by dan weber and latasha hewitt

2019

schools and junior and senior academies across the Columbia Union, educators tasked 5,990 students to live out the Seventh-day Adventist mission.

Noticias

v. michelle bernard

¡HOLA CHICOS! Los primeros 15 niños que encuentren al ratón Victor de la revista Visitor en este número, hagan que sus padres o tutores les tomen una foto y etiqueten a la revista Visitor en las redes sociales recibirán un rompecabezas de LivingWell en Silver Spring, Maryland. ¡Feliz búsqueda! INFORME ANUAL 2019 Aquí hay tres formas en que la Unión de Columbia capacitó a los miembros y a las conferencias para compartir la luz en el 2019. Lea las otras 12 maneras en columbiaunionvisitor.com/ spanish2019annualreport.

El Departamento de los Ministerios Multilingües organizó una escuela de discipulado de la cual se graduaron 185 miembros laicos que están listos para con-

5 Cosas Que Debes Saber (columbiaunionvisitor.com/noticias5cosas)

Durante la reunión de marzo del Comité Ejecutivo de la Unión de Columbia, los miembros votaron para revertir $50,000 a cada conferencia, así como a la Universidad Adventista de Washington en Takoma Park, Maryland. Las entidades pueden usar el dinero para los proyectos que consideren adecuados.

El Centro Médico White Oak de Adventist HealthCare en Silver Spring, Maryland, tiene un nuevo presidente. Él es Anthony Stahl, ex presidente y CEO del Centro Médico Central de Texas en San Marco, Texas. Stahl reemplaza a Erik Wangsness, quien dejó el cargo para convertirse en CEO de AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (Florida) en septiembre.

La Escuela Adventista Calvary de la Conferencia Este de Allegheny y El Centro de Aprendizaje Temprano en Newport News, Virginia, fueron seleccionados para recibir el Premio Lo Mejor de Newport News 2020 en la categoría de Escuelas Privadas del Programa de Premios de Newport News.

Esta temporada, clubes de Conquistadores de toda la Unión de Columbia se unieron a la Experiencia Bíblica Anual de los Conquistadores. El evento desafió a los Conquistadores a estudiar los libros de Esdras, Nehemías, Oseas, Amós, Jonás y Miqueas. Debido al coronavirus, este año, los clubes participaron virtualmente en los eventos a nivel de la Unión de Columbia y de la División Norteamericana. Visite columbiaunionvisitor.com/2020pbe para ver los resultados.

Debido a la propagación de la nueva pandemia de coronavirus, los planificadores de la Convención para Familias Pastorales CALLED de la División Norteamericana y la Sesión de la Conferencia General, ambos planeados para este verano, han sido cancelados y reprogramados para el 2021.

vertirse en instructores bíblicos, evangelistas y líderes de la iglesia. (En la foto aparecen los graduados de la Conferencia de Potomac.)

Nos asociamos con las conferencias y ayudamos a financiar $900,000 para desarrollar y apoyar ministerios de extensión, como el Centro Comunitario Grace Outlet en Reading de la Conferencia de Pensilvania que transformará y evangelizará a las comunidades en ese territorio.

También desafiamos a los pastores a emplear los mejores métodos de evangelismo adecuados para sus comunidades a través de la primera conferencia de evangelismo de la unión.

LOS LÍDERES DE LA UNIÓN DE COLUMBIA RESPONDEN AL CORONAVIRUS “Nos enfrentamos a un momento sin precedentes, y aunque no somos inmunes al impacto del coronavirus (COVID-19), sabemos que servimos a un Dios todopoderoso que ve, a quién le importa y quién es una ayuda siempre presente en tiempos de problemas”, dijo Dave Weigley, presidente de la Unión de Columbia, en un comunicado a los miembros. “A medida que avanzamos juntos en esta crisis, sepan que todos estamos orando por ustedes y les pedimos que se unan a nosotros para orar por sus familias, amigos, comunidades, proveedores de atención médica y otros trabajadores de primera línea”. Al cierre de esta edición, las iglesias y escuelas Adventistas están cerradas o reabiertas después de semanas de cierre; los fines de semana de ex alumnos, graduaciones, reuniones de campamento y campamentos de verano estan cancelados; y 20 miembros adventistas están entre los miles que sucumbieron a la enfermedad.

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 5

Nouvelles

v. michelle bernard

5 Choses à Savoir

(columbiaunionvisitor.com/nouvelles5choses) Au cours de la réunion du mois de mars du Comité Exécutif de l’Union de Fédérations de Columbia, les membres ont voté de retourner la somme de 50 000 dollars à chaque fédération, ainsi qu’à l’Université Adventiste de Washington à Takoma Park, dans le Maryland. Ces entités peuvent utiliser cet argent pour les projets qu’elles jugent appropriés.

Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center à Silver Spring dans le Maryland a un nouveau président. Il s’appelle Anthony Stahl, ancien président et chef de la direction du Central Texas Medical Center à San Marco au Texas. Stahl remplace Erik Wangsness qui a quitté ce poste pour devenir PDG de AdventHealth Wesley Chapel (Floride) en septembre 2019.

Le Calvary Adventist School and Early Learning Center de la Fédération Allegheny East à Newport News, en Virginie, a été sélectionné pour le prix Best of Newport News 2020 dans la catégorie des écoles privées du programme Newport News Award.

Des clubs à travers l’Union de Columbia ont rejoint cette saison, le Pathfinder Bible Experience qui s’organise chaque année. L’événement consiste à réaliser un concours pour les éclaireurs (Pathfinders) sur l’étude de : Esdras, Néhémie, Osée, Amos, Jonas et Michée. Les clubs ont participé pratiquement aux niveaux des syndicats et des divisions nord-américaines. Visitez columbiaunionvisitor.com/ 2020pbe pour voir les résultats.

En raison de la propagation de la nouvelle pandémie de coronavirus, les organisateurs de la Convention pastorale de la Division Nord-américaine sur la famille des pasteurs « CALLED » (APPELÉ) et de la session de la Conférence Générale, tous deux prévus pour cet été, ont été annulés et reprogrammés pour 2021.

SALUT LES ENFANTS ! Les 15 premiers enfants qui trouvent, dans ce numéro, Victor, la souris de Visitor, si vos parents ou tuteurs se prennent en photo avec vous et suivent le magazine Visitor sur les réseaux sociaux, vous recevrez un puzzle de LivingWell, à Silver Spring, dans le Maryland. Bonne chasse ! RAPPORT ANNUEL 2019 Lisez les 12 autres façons sur columbiaunionvisitor.com/ français2019annualreport.

Kettering Adventist HealthCare (Ohio) a ouvert son neuvième hôpital, Troy Medical, en été 2019,

RÉPONSE DES LEADERS DE L’UNION DE COLUMBIA AU CORONAVIRUS « Nous traversons une période sans précédent, et bien que nous ne soyons pas à l›abri de l›impact du coronavirus (COVID-19), nous savons que nous servons un Dieu tout-puissant qui voit, qui se soucie et qui est une aide omniprésente en période de trouble », a déclaré Dave Weigley, président de l’Union de Columbia, dans une adresse aux membres. « Alors que nous traversons cette crise ensemble, sachez que nous prions tous pour vous et nous vous demandons de vous joindre à nous pour prier pour vos familles, amis, communautés, aux prestataires de soins de santé et autres professionnels en première ligne.» Au moment de la publication de ce document, les églises et les écoles adventistes sont fermées après des semaines de fermeture ; les week-ends spéciaux comme le week-end des anciens élèves (alumni), les remises de diplômes, les réunions de camp et les camps d’été sont annulés ; et des 20 frères et sœurs de l’Eglise adventiste sont parmi les milliers de personnes qui ont succombé à la maladie.

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rapidement suivi par le Cancer Center de Troy quelques mois plus tard.

Nous nous sommes associés à des fédérations et nous les avons aidées aven un financement de 900 000 dollars pour développer et soutenir des ministères de proximité, tels que le centre communautaire de Grace Outlet de la Fédération de Pennsylvania à Reading qui transformera et évangélisera les communautés de ce territoire.

Nous avons également encouragé les pasteurs à utiliser les meilleures méthodes et idées d’évangélisation adaptées à leurs communautés via la première fédération d’évangélisation de l’union en avril.

Caring Hearts. Skilled Hands.

Susan Gomer, RN Member Southern Asian Adventist Church

Join our team of compassionate, high-quality nurses at Adventist HealthCare. Serving the Washington, D.C., community since 1907, we are dedicated to caring for our patientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; physical, mental and spiritual health.

Learn about our nursing openings at AdventistHealthCare.com/Careers.

Care. Compassion. Community.

Drawing People to Christ Edwin Manuel Garcia

hris Trent truly understands church members who are struggling with issues, big and small. “My childhood was rough. … My sister was abused, so I guess she passed some of that abuse to me,” says the pastor of Mountain View Conference’s aptly named Grace Outreach church in Logan, W.Va., and the Grace Community church in Williamson, W.Va. “I was taken to church quite often when I was a kid, so I thought there was a God, but, at the time, I didn’t have a need for God.” Trent is a former Marine who owned a tattoo business for 13 years. “And in between,” he adds, “I was married and had three kids by a woman who was kind of wild. We were into drugs a little bit.” Eventually his wife walked out on him, leaving him with three diaper-aged kids. However, this, in turn, set him on a new path. He got into a new relationship, found Jesus and remarried. Even though his life stabilized, he struggled to feel accepted at the Pentecostal church his family attended. Trent was eager to serve, especially in children’s programming, and felt his calling when the pastor requested volunteers for Vacation Bible School. Trent offered to help. The pastor’s response: “No thank you, we are all full.” Later that day, Trent’s wife, Rebecca (pictured, right), was invited to be a volunteer.

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Trent was crushed. He suspected he got rejected because of his body ink and the tattoo business he had restarted in order to provide for his family. Trent walked away from the church, but his wife stayed. During that time, she also studied on her own and discovered the biblical Sabbath, sharing her newfound insight with Trent.

Where Is That in the Bible?

“[My wife and I] thought we had figured out some doctrine that nobody else had heard about in the

photos by crissy musick

world, and we had to go sell it,” says Trent, who returned to church and asked his pastor why they kept Sunday. The pastor replied that it was because Christ’s resurrection happened on Sunday, changing the Sabbath. Trent pushed further, asking “Where is that in the Bible?” The pastor promised to get back to him with an answer, but never did. Meanwhile, his wife kept asking him to come back to church. “I kept telling her, ‘I can’t go to a church that tells lies from the pulpit,’” said Trent, referring to the Sunday/Sabbath issue, and still hurting from the rejection he felt from his church. “Besides, they don’t even like me, they don’t welcome me in, they don’t want to hear from me. There’s no reason to go.” Trent continued searching for more answers about the biblical Sabbath on YouTube and found sermons from Amazing Facts about the so-called secret rapture and the Sabbath. Over the next year, he watched many more sermons from that ministry. The couple concluded it was time to find a church that worshipped on Saturdays, but still hadn’t heard of Seventh-day Adventists. His wife pushed even harder to find one. Trent eventually visited the Amazing Facts website and found information about the Seventh-day Adventist church in California where Doug Batchelor, the Amazing Facts president and speaker, pastored. Google searches led them to a Seventh-day Adventist church about an hour away in Huntington, W.Va. They visited, and Pastor Justin Howard befriended the couple. At this point, Trent had become excited about his relationship with the Lord and had given up the tattoo shop again, even though it meant struggling to earn money. “I want to share this message,” Trent declared. Encouraged by the pastor, he turned his life testimony into sermons and decided to become a minister. Through a series of financial miracles, Trent enrolled in the Emanuel Institute of Evangelism (Mich.), and later the online undergraduate program at Liberty University (Va.), all while working as a Bible worker and pastor in Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Trent says one of his biggest assets as a pastor is being able to fit in with his largely blue-collar congregations and truly understand his members’ struggles. “My sermons are not the biggest theological sermons you’re going to hear; you’re not going to hear all the big words, and I’m probably going to mispronounce some of them,” he says.

I guess. … I fit in with the general public. … It’s easier to get people to work with you when they trust you and you have a solid relationship with them.” Trent says he tries to see the potential in everybody. “I realize where I was at and where God brought me, so I try to look at everybody through the eyes of Jesus,” he says. “If they’re covered in tattoos, I’ll say, ‘I’m glad you’re here.’”

Ways to Help Visitors

Feel Welcome W Make sure all people feel comfortable, says

Chris Trent. Whether they are drinking spiritual milk or eating “spiritual steak,” they should feel comfortable to worship in the church, he adds.

W You can have a service that just bombs …

but if church members are friendly and connect with the guests, they will be willing to come back for another visit, says Tim Madding, lead pastor of Potomac Conference’s Beltsville church campuses in Maryland.

W Note parts in the service that involve standing or kneeling so guests know what is happening and how to participate, Madding adds.

Through the Eyes of Jesus

If a visitor walks into Pastor Trent’s churches in West Virginia covered in tattoos, he’ll give them a warm welcome and his members won’t judge. “We want to be able to have a safe place,” he says, noting that he tries to be down to earth when speaking to new members. “I’ve come from a lower class of people,

Read more helpful hints at columbiaunionvisitor.com/welcome.

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 9

As Pandemic Hits Home, Members Adjust to New Normal V. Michelle Bernard

“Even as we look forward to getting back to our daily ith all churches across the Columbia lives, we are forever changed and will remember how we Union Conference physically closed came together to support our patients, community and due to the coronavirus, pastors and each other,” says Terry Forde, AHC president and CEO. members changed—seemingly overnight—the way they minister. In addition to offering livestreamed or pre-recorded services, Ministry Meets New Realities many churches and conferences moved planning Outreach ministries also adjusted to the new reality meetings, Sabbath School classes and Bible studies to and continued to try to meet the needs of vulnerable Zoom, Facebook Live or other digital video platforms. community members. Jairo Melgar, the pastor of Ohio Conference’s Akron Allegheny West Conference’s Bethany church Hispanic, Youngstown Hispanic and New Philadelphia in Charlottesville, Va., closed their pantry’s normal churches, says it’s a difficult time to be a pastor, baloperations and opened a drive-through option to ancing church members’ needs and carefully respectensure social distancing. Members of Allegheny East ing government recommendations. Conference’s Mount Olivet church in Camden, N.J., “In a week, I had to learn how to do videos and moved their regular food distribution event outside to make my members feel that I’m there for them, try distribute assembled bags of food. to make them feel safe,” says Melgar, who started The New Jersey Conference adopted an idea streaming services to YouTube. started by Hackettstown member David Nazaire who Big churches also shifted their ministry. called on young members to adopt older members to Pastors at Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville regularly check on them and provide for their needs. church in Silver Spring, Md., which already streams Chesapeake Conference’s Adventist Community its service, also began hosting weekly Facebook Live Services and Disaster Response team set up a spiritual sessions, and moved Bible studies and prayer meetand emotional support care line and assisted local ings to Zoom. emergency organizations by providThe church received four times ing medical protective gear for health The Ripple Effect more live traffic than normal the care workers. first week of worshipping excluWGTS 91.9 co-host Stacey Stone At press time, 20 Columbia sively online. Jason Lombard, hosted a live prayer meeting each Union members had died from pastor for media and administraafternoon on the station’s Facebook COVID-19. To read about tion, estimates they had as many page, providing an encouraging mesmembers who passed away as 800 to 900 viewers. sage and praying for listeners as they and more on the impact Conferences reported an posted prayer requests online. The of the pandemic, visit uptick in the number of churches other on-air hosts presented devocolumbiaunionvisitor.com/ offering online services and tionals on the topics of hope and fear coronavirus. increased ministry options via on the web and social media. social media. Church leaders found creative While churches ramped up digital nurturing, ways to connect, such as Chesapeake Conference’s Kettering Adventist HealthCare in Ohio and Adventist Highland View church in Hagerstown, Md., and HealthCare (AHC) in Maryland kicked into overdrive to Beltsville’s campuses that offered sanitized commuhandle the predicted surge of patients in the communion supplies so members could take part in communities they serve. nion from home. Students at Washington Adventist Kettering staff set up a 24/7 incident command cenUniversity in Takoma Park, Md., held a virtual study ter to manage needs, logistics and communication for hall to combat isolation, and, across the union, indiall nine of its hospitals and 100-plus outpatient clinics. vidual members creatively reached out to help. AHC took unprecedented measures to prepare Anita Jones, a member of Mountain View their facilities and employees, coordinating extensive Conference’s church plant in Hurricane, W.Va., and collaboration among its teams of caregivers and facilher daughters, Jaeda and Haven, created and delivity administrators, and also with regional, county and ered 25 cards to a local senior living community “to state agencies. lift their spirits during this scary time,” she says.

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photos by v. maponya, kasper haughton jr., adventist healthcare staff, adventist community services staff

Hitting the Books—Virtually

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers, students and parents submerged into distance learning. All Columbia Union schools—including Kettering College and Washington Adventist University—closed campuses and moved to online or distance instruction, with reopen dates unknown at the time of publishing. Educators employed various methods of instruction to keep their students and communities connected, including virtual classes, worships and online assignments. From daily story times on Facebook and creating videos for social studies classes to worshipping together via Zoom, they found a way to keep teaching. Union and conference leaders also added to the virtual ways they communicate with constituents. Pennsylvania Conference staff set up several Facebook groups to connect and motivate members in areas like healthy living, and also hosted a weekly Sabbath School and church livestream on Facebook and YouTube. Allegheny East Conference and the Columbia Union communication staff hosted live events on social media to provide news and ministry updates, tips and inspiration, resources and a sense of connection for members scattered across many states. Reflecting on how church culture may change beyond the coronavirus, Lombard says, “Although we have great worship services, programs and events, we need to continue to improve in the area

Henrique DaSilva, a student at Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pa., participates in an online student-led program. • Marthe Leville and Juliet Smith, members of Church of the Oranges in Orange, N.J., prepare food bags for distribution in the community. • Haven Jones, a member of a church plant in Hurricane, W.Va., creates cards for local senior citizens. • Leaders at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center in Silver Spring, Md., cheer on frontline caregivers. • Heather Crews, pastor of the Courthouse Road church in Richmond, filled the sanctuary with photos of members who worshipped from home via livestream. • Nancy Lamoreaux, a member of Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., and Joyce Seamens, Food Pantry manager at Adventist Community Services of Greater Washington in Silver Spring, Md., sort food for distribution. • Ohio Conference leadership hosted a Zoom meeting with pastors instead of a previously scheduled in-person gathering. • Pastor Fernando Rocha Silva conducts a virtual evangelistic series in the Pennsylvania Conference.• Pastor Stephen Lee leads a Sabbath School Zoom class for New Jersey’s youngest members.

of relationships. … [Senior] Pastor Chad Stuart said to our [church] board, ‘When this is over, if things go back to the way they were, then we as a church will have missed a huge opportunity.’” columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 11

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CELL PHONE EVANGELISM

SLIGO SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PRESENTS ITS 11 th ANNUAL

HOMECOMING AUGUST 1, 2020

Celebrating

the 25 th Anniversary of the first ordination of female pastors in the SDA Church I N T E R N AT I O N A L L U N C H

•

PA RA D E O F N AT I O N S

F E AT U R E D S P E A K E R

Kendra Haloviak Valentine Professor, La Sierra University, CA Former Professor of WAU (CUC) K E N D RA WA S O N E O F S E V E RA L WO M E N O R DA I N E D I N 1995

All are gifted. All are valued. 7 7 0 0 Ca r r o l l Ave n u e , Ta ko m a Pa r k , M D 2 0 9 1 2 • 3 0 1 - 2 7 0 - 6 7 7 7 • s l i g o c h u r c h . o r g

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Newtonville Bible Revival Leads to Nine Baptisms The First Church of Newtonville in Williamstown, N.J., recently hosted a Bible revival, a collaborative effort from the Personal Ministries Department and Evangelism Committee. For two months prior to the revival meetings, Bible workers received special training before going out into the community to offer Bible studies. The Bible study team visited and distributed studies to 369 homes, and were involved in 113 active Bible studies. At the conclusion of the series, they awarded 14 certificates, baptized nine and recognized one by profession of faith. Several of the newly baptized members reflected on what the revival meant to them. Stephanie Mills shares, “After my baptism, I immediately felt excited and accomplished. This meant that I could now live a new life in Christ who died for me.”

Raphique Payme states, “I realized that I am now a new creation in Christ Jesus. I’ve been washed clean. I was lost but now I’m found.” Nadine Arms proclaims, “As I was recovering from my Achilles tendon surgery, I watched Present Truth messages. I was convinced that I needed to recommit myself to God, to change old habits and start anew; showing God that I want to serve Him rather than Satan.” Newtonville is committed to winning souls. “The Lord is coming soon, and Satan is busy. As a church, we want to be active soldiers in the Lord’s army!” exclaims Robert Jackson, Personal Ministries leader and co-organizer of the revival.

Calvary Comforts Police Department Amid Tragedy After hearing of the tragic loss of Officer Katie Thyne, killed in the line of duty just blocks from their church, members from the Calvary church in Newport News, Va., went into action. Thyne had stopped a vehicle for a drug investigation. When she asked the driver to get out of the vehicle, the driver accelerated, dragging Thyne approximately one block and pinning her between a tree and the car doors. “When I heard about the incident, I just knew we had to do something,” says T. DuWayne Privette, the pastor of Calvary. Michael Brinkley, an elder at Calvary, suggested that they host a prayer service and memorial walk to express their condolences and support their local police department. They had three objectives: to let the community know they care about lives; to communicate to the Newport News Police Department that their services are appreciated; and to spearhead an event that would bring together police, clergy and citizens for a common cause. During the event, attendees walked from the church to the memorial site, located on 16th Street. Members offered prayers and words of comfort to the grieving family and police officers in attendance. “Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may ... glorify your Father in heaven.’ That is what we seek to do in Newport News,” shares Privette.

Calvary church members remember a police officer who was killed in the line of duty a few blocks from their church.

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Calvary School Wins Best Private School The Calvary Adventist School and Early Learning Center has been selected for the 2020 Best of Newport News Award in the Private School category by the Newport News Award Program. Calvary, located in Newport News, Va., has been actively involved in their community through several service activities. They hosted a love feast where they prepared a hot meal, participated in the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) parade that encourages saying “no” to drugs and distributed inspiration cards with encouraging messages in their neighborhood. “They deserve this award because of their dedication to the spiritual and academic success of every student,” shares Cynthia Poole, Associate Superintendent of Schools. “The lead teacher, Norma Mann, is a visible Christian in word and deed. She prays over every aspect of the program and gives individual attention to each student.” Each year the Newport News Award Program identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing

Calvary Adventist School students display posters they created for the D.A.R.E. parade. success in their local community and business category. These recognized local companies enhance the positive image of small businesses through service to their customers and community. These exceptional companies help make the Newport News area a great place to live, work and play, says program organizers.

Conference Leaders Train Local Church Officers “Enhance. Equip. Energize.” is the Church Ministries Department theme and the objective of the recent local leader trainings hosted in areas within the conference. Allegheny East Conference (AEC) staff held the Delaware Valley and Bay area training at their headquarters in Pine Forge, Pa., with approximately 250 leaders in attendance (pictured). The Calvary church

in Newport News, Va., hosted the Virginia area training with more than 150 leaders. More than 250 from the Baltimore and Washington Metro areas came together at the Miracle City church in Baltimore, and close to 200 leaders gathered at the Salem French church in East Orange, N.J. The sessions started with a song, short devotional and a charge, followed by a two-hour training session, lunch and a final two-hour training session. Presenter Marcellus Robinson, AEC’s stewardship director, highlighted the eight dimensions of stewardship. Attendees who shared what they learned received giveaways, and everyone acquired resources for upcoming events. “Our team looks forward to being able to interact one-on-one with our local church leaders, not only to share tools and resources, but also to hear from them about their ministry needs,” shares LaTasha Hewitt, Church Ministries coordinator. The departmental directors will continue to provide training and resources at visitaec.org.

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, Henry J. Fordham III n Editor, LaTasha Hewitt

14 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Ministry Leaders Worship Through Service This year the Allegheny West Conference (AWC) has adopted the theme “Worship Through Service & Sacrifice—Giving and Living His Calling.” Conference leaders charged members and churches to join in renewed commitment to the service of others by engaging in acts of sacrificial kindness to impact lives throughout the territory. “It’s not whether or not we wave or clap our hands during the worship service; it’s whether or not God is saying, ‘You did well this week, you surrendered more to the Holy Spirit leading and guiding in your life, you were My hands and My feet that helped to touch people’s lives,’” says William T. Cox Sr., AWC president. “And that’s what we want to experience in AWC. If we can ignite that kind of fire in our conference through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, then eyes have not seen, neither ears heard what God can do for us and through us.” AWC staff asked three ministry leaders what worship through service means to them and how it may differ from traditional views of the church worship experience: Worship through service expands on the view that worship is not relegated to a specific time in our week or specific atmosphere, but rather is our response to God’s self-revelation. Oftentimes God will reveal Himself in spaces that require our practical work and our practical effort. God says there is service to be rendered, and I personally view that service as an offering unto Him.—Ndubuisi Nwade, pastor of the Ephesus church in Columbus, Ohio

When I think of worship, I think of reverence, and, for me, the best way to show reverence to someone is to try to imitate or to be like them. The best way to show that in terms of worshipping God and Jesus is realizing that Jesus lived a life of service, and for me the best way to worship Him is living a life of service as He did.—Jason Ridley, AWC Youth Ministries director Sometimes we can offer praise and reflect Christ through our acts of service for others. Being a servant and being of service goes far beyond praise and worship; worship is active, in fact it’s an action word that means helping, doing and truly being who God has commissioned us to be. Through His Spirit, He enables us to be a blessing to someone and to worship Him through the service we do. I think sometimes it’s those little things that at first seem insignificant to us that end up being the most impactful. Earlier this year, I saw an elderly lady struggling to put groceries in the trunk of her car, so I went over and helped her. Sometimes we see people needing assistance, and we either choose to go out of our way to help them, or we can choose to turn a blind eye and move on. I believe that when we live a life of sacrificial service to others, then God is truly glorified.—Jermaine K. Jackson, CFO for AWC

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Columbus All Nations Member Offers Simple Solutions Ekele Nwankwo is a woman on a mission to sustainable well-being. As an active member in the Health Ministries Department at the Columbus All Nations (Ohio) church, she uses her wealth of experience as a doctor of naturopathy in original medicine to encourage church members—primarily women ages 30 and above—to live a healthy life. “Choosing to ignore a manufacturer’s manual for newly purchased devices is an easy way to damage or misuse it,” says Nwankwo. “Likewise, the functions of the human-machine can be slowed by ignoring guidance given for its operation. By demonstrating the effective use of simple remedies, I aim to show others how to avoid many diseases all too common in our society.” Driven by her faith after having overcome many personal and professional challenges, Nwankwo is committed to helping women make better and well-informed choices regarding their health and to reach for their life goals. By organizing cooking classes, workshops and other wellness events, many participants are said to have seen improvements in their health. Nwankwo’s recent book, Simple Solutions: A Trip Into Sustainable Well Care, explores the relationship between food, lifestyle, longevity and disease from ancient to present times. She outlines simple natural remedies, recipes, scientific research and testimonials, based on careful adherence to “God’s original plan,” showing how one can live abundantly with total plant-based nutrition. Nwankwo is also the co-author of I Am Loved—the 2020 General Conference Women’s Ministries devotional. A mother of four, she holds doctoral degrees in Health Care Chaplaincy and Naturopathy.

Beacon of Hope Family Ministries Offers Hope Hope for Families is a family-style talk forum presented by the Family Ministries Department at the Beacon of Hope church in Columbus, Ohio. Hosted by Family Ministries coordinator, Vivian Martin, and inspired by her prayer request to have an improved family life of her own, she helps families share their stories through this format. Hope for Families was presented during the Beacon of Hope’s Multicultural Day, where guests were interviewed and encouraged to share testimonies and stories of how they overcame various crises that have affected their families. “The one thing that all families need is hope,” says Martin. “I thought, How can we reach others outside of the Sabbath School lesson and the worship sermon? How can we create a welcoming environment for the non-churched participants?” Martin adds. Martin’s goal is for Hope for Families to become a yearly event, broadcast live on the Beacon of Hope social media channels that include workshops, a wider variety of stories, studio-quality cameras and gift bags for guests. “One of the families said it brought healing for them. It was the first time they talked to anyone about their loss,” Martin continues. “One guest said, ‘I would like to come to your church. It means a lot to know the church cares.’ Another young church member said she is ready to tell her story. For 20 years, she has been living with an illness and could never talk about it. She has committed to be on the next Hope for Families program.”

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, William T. Cox Sr. n Editor, Benia Jennings

16 | VISITOR May/June 2020

You’re Not Alone As the coronavirus pandemic engulfs our world, I wanted to take a moment to encourage you with the words of Jesus we find in Matthew 28. He says, “Go therefore, and make disciples of all the nations” (verse 19, NKJV). And then He ends with a promise that is especially relevant to us today: “And lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (verse 20). We are navigating with a measure of uncertainty regarding the details of how everything will unfold in the near future. Nevertheless, Jesus has not been caught by surprise by our current world condition. He promises, I will be with you always. I will be with your family. I will be with your church. I will be with your communities. He gives us the assurance and hope that He will be with us and that He will see us through this challenge, as He has for so many others down through the ages. In this unusual season, we do not have to merely sit idle and watch time pass us by. Before us lies a divine opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to make a difference in the lives of people around us. Our churches and schools are finding new ways to communicate the hope that we have in Christ alone. We thank our pastors and teachers for the creativity they are bringing to this situation. We also extend our gratitude to our members who are working on the frontlines in the health care environment to take care of those who are sick. I encourage each of us to find Rick Remmers ways to reach out and express the care and compassion of Jesus. Be encouraged—He is President with you.

Adventist Community Services Responds to Pandemic As the COVID-19 outbreak quickly emerged, the Chesapeake Adventist Community Services (ACS) Department mobilized trained volunteers and partnered with the American Red Cross, state organizations and local churches to provide crisis care to communities across the Chesapeake territory. Through these partnerships, Chesapeake ACS established the following: a network of 16 church-based food pantries; an emotional and spiritual care hotline; and four personal protective equipment (PPE) donation centers, in collaboration with the Maryland Emergency Management Agency. “I know many members are now thinking what can we do in this moment to be healthy and safe. But in addition to that, there is something else that we can do—we can serve our neighbors,” says Ignacio Goya, Chesapeake’s ACS director. “I want to invite everybody to reach out to your families, neighbors, friends and anybody that you’ve been praying for all year long. Call them to see if they have care needs that you can meet.” Chesapeake ACS is looking for donations and volunteers willing to serve the community in this time of hardship. Assistance is needed with emotional and spiritual care, donations management and health care outreach by licensed/certified professionals. Resources are also available for members in need of care and assistance. For food pantry locations, donation needs and centers, spiritual care hotline information (in English and Spanish) and more, visit ccosda.org/coronavirus.

To prioritize the health and safety of our Chesapeake family, the following events have been canceled for 2020: Camp Meeting (English and Spanish), summer camps and FLAG Camps. Plan to attend in 2021!

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Conference Launches New Elders’ Training Program The Chesapeake Conference kickstarted a two-year Elder and Volunteer Lay Pastor Certification program with a recent training event held at the conference office in Columbia, Md. This certification initiative will equip leaders to hone their skills through a series of biblically-based workshops. “The intention is to provide elders with the tools, knowledge and experience they need to serve their local congregations,” says Eli Rojas, ministerial director for the conference. The inaugural training session provided insight into developing the pastor-elder team, how to conduct meaningful visitations and elders’ responsibilities in church functions. “We are really excited about the opportunity we have to provide this training to our leaders,” says Rojas. “We feel it is creating a renewed excitement for ministry because you serve better when you have a deeper understanding of the expectations that the church has of their elders.” The two-year cycle will repeat with the purpose of providing training to current, as well as future elders and volunteer lay pastors. Upcoming trainings will cover other important aspects of elder ministry leadership, such as church administration, evangelism, preaching

and conflict resolution. The next event in this certification track will be a retreat, scheduled for later this year. “My elders were appreciative of the information shared during the sessions,” says David Byrkit, pastor of the Chestertown and Rock Hall (Md.) churches. “The training reminded us of the reason for which we do church and explained that we are needed to do the Lord’s work so we can go home to heaven someday soon.”

645 Members Inspired to Reach Souls for Christ Orlando Rosales, the conference’s Multilingual Ministries director, and Rubén Ramos, the vice president of Multilingual Ministries for the Columbia Union Conference, recently traveled throughout the Chesapeake territory for Caravan 2020, themed “El Dia es Hoy” (Today Is the Day). They visited 10 Spanish-speaking churches, and, at each stop, encouraged every church member to pray

for five people with the purpose to personally lead at least one person to Christ within the year. “We are inviting each member to go through the extraordinary experience of seeing their relatives and friends enter the baptismal waters,” says Rosales. “I saw church members [who were] motivated by the initiative and challenged to go beyond the status quo of merely attending church, deciding instead to get personally involved in the mission.” After the tenth gathering, a total of 645 church members made the commitment to let God lead in reaching at least one person for Jesus this year. In preparation, each member (some pictured with President Rick Remmers and Rosales) received a baptismal robe to be used in the baptism of a friend or family member who responds to this evangelistic effort. “We already have several church members giving Bible studies,” says Anibal Santeliz, pastor of the Annapolis, Bowie and Waldorf Spanish churches in Maryland.

The Challenge 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, Rick Remmers n Editor, Andre Hastick

18 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Refocusing on the Mission to Love Our Communities Valley Vista Adventist Center, Huttonsville, W.Va. n June 5–13 n mtviewconf.org As we prepare for camp meeting, I hope you sense the presence of the Holy Spirit. I have been praying that He will be poured out. When the Holy Spirit fills us, He brings with Him the presence of Jesus, and the fruit of the Spirit is apparent in our lives. The Holy Spirit guides us to use Christ’s method to lead people to Jesus. The Spirit leads us to mingle with the people in our communities as friends who desire their good. He leads us to show sympathy for them, minister to their needs and win their confidence so we can invite them to follow Jesus Christ. Yes, when the Holy Spirit is living inside of us, this work becomes a delight, and we will begin to experience success in doing it. It is time for us to refocus on Jesus and His mission and love our communities like never before. Would you pray daily for the Mike Hewitt Holy Spirit to fill each of our lives and transform us? President

Camp Meeting Speakers First Weekend Speaker Dave Weigley serves as president of the Columbia Union Conference. Elected in 2006, Weigley leads the administrative organization of which the Mountain View Conference is a part. Weigley has worn many hats prior to becoming president, serving as a pastor, evangelist, conference communication director, ministerial director, stewardship director and executive secretary. He has vision, drive and result-oriented leadership, leaving an indelible mark in his various leadership positions.

First Weekend Concert Evelyn Martinez currently attends Southern Adventist University (SAU) in Collegedale, Tenn., where she is pursuing a

career in nursing. Blessed to actively participate in music programs and choirs while growing up, Martinez’s greatest passion besides singing is leading a small group at SAU. She finds that her connection with Christ is strengthened as she serves in outreach events.

Second Weekend Speaker Bill McClendon and his wife, Shirlene, planted Adventist Fellowship in Tulsa, Okla., in 2000. The church quickly became one of the fastest-growing churches in North America, growing from a

handful of believers to almost 900 members in 10 years. In May 2018, McClendon accepted a call to serve as the executive vice president of administration for the North Pacific Union Conference (Wash.).

Second Weekend Concert Denise Barclay, a Caribbean native, is an independent recording artist with an active music ministry, reaching souls across the world. She has been blessed with opportunities to appear on the 3ABN and Hope Channel television networks. Barclay seeks to bring a message of hope, healing and restoration to her audience. She uses her gifts to honor God’s will in her life, and encourages others to do the same.

In this ever-changing COVID-19 pandemic, please visit mtvconf.org for the latest camp meeting updates.

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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, Mike Hewitt n Editor, Valerie Morikone

20 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Sharing Christ Through Health Earlier this year, the New Jersey Conference launched its natural wellness program titled “New Jersey Healthy 2020.” The mission of this program is to share Christ’s message of hope, health and wellness. The vision is to educate and train the mind, body and soul through the therapeutic application of God’s eight laws of health, known as GOD’S PLAN: Godly trust; Open air; Daily exercise; Sunshine; Proper rest; Lots of water; Always temperate; and Nutrition for the preservation and restoration of health. Whereas man’s plan is to medicate—and at times this is necessary—GOD’S PLAN is to educate and prevent. Therefore, it is our objective to collaborate with the local church health directors to help teach the principles of health to our members. We intend to accomplish this through the circulation of a monthly health newsletter, health seminars, vegetarian cooking classes, medical missionary training schools and community health expos. Our long-term goal is to establish a Wellness Center at Tranquility Camp (TVRC) to meet the needs of our members and the wider community. With the steady rise in health awareness, it is clear that the health message is the best means of opening doors and reaching the hearts of those who have not yet accepted Jesus Christ. We believe that “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people” Jerrmain Clarke (Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 143). Natural Wellness Following the four S’s of Jesus—socialize, sympathize, serve and save—we are Program Director breaking down barriers and reaching many of whom we would not have had access.

Compartiendo a Jesús a Través de la Salud A principios de este año, la Asociación de Nueva Jersey lanzó su programa de bienestar natural titulado “Nueva Jersey Saludable 2020”. La misión de este programa es compartir el mensaje de esperanza, salud y bienestar de Cristo. La visión es educar y entrenar la mente, el cuerpo y el alma a través de la aplicación terapéutica de las Ocho Leyes de Salud de Dios: la confianza de Dios; Aire libre; Ejercicio diario; Brillo Solar; Descanso adecuado; Mucha agua; Siempre

templado; y Nutrición (Plan de Dios) para la preservación y restauración de la salud. Mientras que el plan del hombre es medicar, y en ocasiones esto es necesario, el Plan de Dios es educar y prevenir. Por lo tanto, nuestro objetivo es colaborar con los directores de salud de la iglesia local para ayudar a educar a nuestros miembros en los principios de salud. Tenemos la intención de lograr esto mediante la circulación de un boletín mensual de salud, seminarios de salud, clases de cocina vegetariana, escuelas de capacitación médica misionera y exposiciones de salud comunitaria. Nuestro objetivo a largo plazo es establecer un Centro de Bienestar en el Campamento de Tranquility (TVRC) para satisfacer las necesidades de nuestros miembros y la comunidad en general. Con el aumento constante del conocimiento de la salud, está claro que el mensaje de salud es el mejor medio para abrir puertas y alcanzar los corazones de aquellos que aún no han aceptado a Jesucristo. Creemos que “el método de Cristo por sí solo dará verdadero éxito en llegar a las personas” (Ellen G. White, El Ministerio de Curación, p. 143). Siguiendo las cuatro S’s de Jesús, socializando, simpatizando, sirviendo y salvando, estamos rompiendo barreras y llegando a muchos de los cuales no habríamos tenido acceso.—Jerrmain Clarke

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Laurelwood Church Sponsors Health Fair Pastored by Mike Gill, the Laurelwood church in Deptford recently sponsored its first health fair for church and community members. More than 200 people—mostly friends from the community— attended the event. Collete Wiedecke, the Health Ministries leader and mastermind behind the health fair, says, “It’s important for churches to sponsor events like this one because it allows church members to interact with friends in the community and share not only the Bible and health message, but to become known as friends in the community, doing what Jesus did!”

Cherry Hill church member Zinnia Bonilla is happy she attended the Laurelwood health fair. was happy she attended the health fair because she discovered many types of screenings she never knew existed. “I have not been to a doctor in six years because I feel good,” she says, but the health fair has changed her view on the need for regular screening. Due to the health fair’s success, Laurelwood is already planning one for next year.

Health Ministries assistant Patricia Rozier oversees a booth at the Laurelwood church health fair. Patricia Rozier, the Health Ministries assistant, communicated her experience with others at the event. Today she is a healthier Christian by eating a healthy diet. She presented various dishes and shared the recipes with the attendees. At the health fair, medical volunteers screened visitors for oral, skin, breast, prostate and cervical cancer. Other volunteers gave eye exams and checked blood pressure and blood sugar levels. There was even a blood drive and available colorectal screening kits. Zinnia Bonilla, a member of the Cherry Hill church,

Health Ministries leader Collete Wiedecke distributes snacks.

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, Jorge Aguero n Editor, Mario Thorp

22 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Ohio Welcomes New Conference President Despite several delays due to travel and social distancing restrictions amid the COVID-19 crisis, members of the Ohio Conference Presidential Selection Committee voted overwhelmingly in April to extend a call to Bob Cundiff to be the next president of the conference. “I’m excited for Ohio in calling Bob Cundiff. He brings with him a deep passion for soul-winning and engaging young adults in the mission of the church,” says Dave Weigley, Columbia Union president and chairman of the selection committee. For the past seven years, Cundiff has served as the president of the Northern New England Conference (NNEC), where he helped stabilize finances, strengthen relationships within conference constituency and personnel, and renew evangelism and church planting programs throughout the territory. Born in Los Angeles, Cundiff moved to Louisville, Ky., at the age of six. Raised in the South, his mother was a loyal Seventh-day Adventist and his father an atheist. At the age of 17, he experienced a radical conversion that later led him into the ministry. Speaking of his humble origins to the committee via Zoom, Cundiff shared, “It’s important to me to remember my roots, remember where I came from.” Testifying he “loves the pulpit,” Cundiff has decades of ministry experience and continues to enjoy preaching up to 30 times a year and is a frequent speaker at summer camps, camp meetings, weeks of prayer and college chapel services. His passion for Adventist Education and young adults was evident during the virtual gathering, as he told the selection committee about a church planting initiative in NNEC focusing on native New England young adults, “Young adults have the power to change this church.” Many selection committee members smiled during the virtual gathering with Cundiff, as he shared how he revived tithe and helped build reserves in the NNEC, and as he spoke about his work with diverse people and churches within his territory. The committee was pleased that, although he keeps very busy, Cundiff makes sure to prioritize his schedule to include time with his family.

Bob Cundiff, pictured with his wife, Tanique, is the new Ohio Conference president.

“Tanique and I are so touched to be invited to serve in the Ohio Conference. These recent weeks of prayer and searching for God’s heart in this matter have led us to a strong conviction that God is indeed calling,” says Cundiff. “Our experience during the presidential search committee interview demonstrates that Ohio is anxious to move forward in growth, unity and discovery of the next phase of God’s will for this great territory. Join us now in praying for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit as we seek to press together and share Christ with a world that is confused and hurting by the COVID-19 crisis. We move forward, remembering that the Bible says in Romans 8:31, ‘If God is for us who can be against us?’” Cundiff is married to the bride of his youth, Tanique, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, and they have three young adult children, Joshua, Lauren and Rachel. He began the transition to Ohio in midApril, utilizing videoconferencing and other technology to remain connected until the pandemic abates and social restrictions are lifted. Cundiff replaces Ron Halvorsen Jr., who left Ohio in December 2019 to return to pastoral ministry.

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Students Excel in Third Annual Geography Challenge Geography encompasses so much more than states and flags and waterways. “It’s about cultures and people, not just about where they live, but about how and why they live,” shared Richard Bianco, Ohio Conference’s Superintendent of Education, during his welcome at the third annual Geography Challenge. This year, 32 Ohio Conference students competed in the challenge, held at the Worthington church. Twelve students from grades 1–4; 18 from grades 5–8; and two from grades 9–12, had 20 seconds to answer each question, and were only allowed one “lifeline.” Round after round, judges asked students questions or showed them images. Whomever made it through all 10 rounds were considered winners and received a

trophy and cash prizes. After some nail-biting rounds, the 2020 Geography Challenge winners were: Grades 1–4 1st place: Nicholas Myers (Mount Vernon Elementary) 2nd place: Anthony Narog (Eastwood Junior Academy) 3rd place (tie): Nolan Hood (Toledo Junior Academy) and Xavier Verdugo (Toledo Junior Academy) Grades 5–8 1st place (tie): Faith Babcock (Worthington Adventist Academy) and Laila Wisecup (Northern Ohio Adventist Academy) 3rd place (tie): Cameron Dulaney (Mansfield Adventist School); Noah Myers (Mount Vernon Elementary); Eleanor O’Grady (Northern Ohio Adventist Academy); and Rishi Reddy (Toledo Junior Academy) Grades 9–12 1st place: Ayden McCoy (Spring Valley Academy) 2nd place: Thomas Hoover (Zanesville Adventist School) Education Superintendent Rick Bianco (far left) stands with the Geography Challenge emcee, winners, sponsors and judges.

Students Exhibit Creativity in Art Auction The gymnasium was transformed into an art gallery. A pianist played live music while nearly 150 guests sipped sparkling juice and nibbled on hors d’oeuvres, served by upper grade students. Students of the Mayfair Christian School (MCS) in Uniontown created the art on display. Interspersed between the art exhibition and auction, seventh- and eighth-grade students shared a diverse selection of performances. “MCS has always had an art auction where $200 to $300 were raised,” says Miriam Troup, MCS principal. “We decided to put a different spin on this event.” Creativity abounded as students displayed multiple mediums of art: clay figurines, a fusion of clay and basket weaving, abstract tempera paint pours and studies in shape were shown in their colorful glory. Attendees bid on select pieces during a silent auction. A live auctioneer auctioned a plethora of communitydonated goods and services. By the close of the semi-formal event, the artwork brought in more than $4,000 for MCS.

Troup comments, “I believe that this event was blessed by God. Community businesses, school staff, students and members from the Akron First and Bethel churches made all of this possible.”

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, Heidi Shoemaker

24 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Casey Joins Conference Team The Pennsylvania Conference is excited to welcome Pastor Todd Casey and his wife, December. Casey accepted an invitation to serve as youth director, joining the team April 1. Connecting young people to Christ, equipping them for service and providing opportunities for them to serve, fellowship and grow in their relationship with God are priorities in the conference. “Chosen and Called,” one of the eight strategic mission initiatives, focuses on discipling young people in Pennsylvania. Casey shares this vision for Youth Ministries. “Working with young people is a great privilege for me and my wife. Providing opportunities for our young people to connect with Christ, both within church as well as outside of church, is top priority for us,” Casey states. “My desire, as the youth director for the Pennsylvania Conference, is to provide resources to the local church in order to better equip them in reaching their young people. “In addition, it is my desire to see us further strengthen our regional youth work in offering training to local churches, developing Pathfinders, Master Guide and Adventure clubs, youth rallies and young adult gatherings, to name a few. Moreover, it is my hope to see every church send their kids to summer camp. Camp is a powerful tool at the church’s disposal, where children are introduced to Jesus Christ and decisions to follow Him are made. “Finally, it is my prayer that, as each church strives to reach young people for Jesus, these young people will find Jesus in our church,” he says. Casey was born and raised in New Brunswick, Canada, arriving in the United States at age 17 to attend Union College (Neb.). He graduated in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Canadian University College. From there, Casey attended Mission College of Evangelism (Ore.), where he met his wife, December. They were married in 2009 and moved to Alabama, where Casey worked as a youth pastor and senior pastor for six years. For the last four-and-a-half years, he has served as the youth director for the Gulf States Conference (Ala.) and camp director for Camp Alamisco. He is currently

Todd Casey, pictured with his wife, December, is the new youth director for the Pennsylvania Conference.

pursuing his masters in biblical and theological studies at Southern Adventist University (Tenn.). Casey enjoys the beach, collecting shells, playing golf and traveling. He has a commitment to young people, desiring that all have the opportunity to know that God is real.

Chosen and Called

Inspire, engage and disciple young people to love and serve God as a vibrant experience that impacts lives. Every young person in our churches is loved, chosen and called by God. They are a powerful force for good and are the “army of workers” who will take “the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior … to the whole world!” (Ellen G. White, Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 555).

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Teens Lead Powerful Revival “God is real.” Those three words changed lives as God recently moved powerfully on the campus of Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) in Hamburg and in the lives of students. Young people and staff gathered for a Friday evening bonfire at the end of a Week of Prayer. They had just learned that the school would be closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As they prayed and sang together, senior Esteban Grajales suddenly felt the need to go and talk to six friends. Grajales asked others to pray and invited Henrique da Silva to go with him as he went from room to room in the dorm. “God is real,” he told each student. “And if He’s real, He wants your heart and your commitment.” Sophomore Wilson Guerrero says, “I came to BMA because I wanted to grow closer to God. That night, Esteban and Henrique visited my roommate, Kyle. They talked to him about God. I felt like the words were for me. They asked if I wanted to make a decision [for baptism], so I did.” Another sophomore, Oscar Martinez, had been feeling lonely while sick in his room. “Although I was born into a Christian home, I never felt God near me,” he shares. “However, while I was sick, I had a moment with God. I prayed, cried and asked Him to show me who my real friends were.” That Friday evening, Grajales visited Martinez and told him “God is real.” Martinez continues, “I felt that God was talking to me and answered my prayer. That’s why I want to do my part and give myself to Jesus.”

That same evening, fellow sophomore Gabriel Donati told Sanghae Kim, pastor of BMA’s campus church, he wanted to put God first in his life and be baptized. Grajales and da Silva later visited Donati’s dorm room and asked him if he wanted to be baptized. “The opportunity was available the next day. I was happy about that,” he states. “An army of youth rightly trained” is leading a spiritual revival across the campus of BMA. Even as the school transitioned to distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, students initiated their own video and teleconference prayer meetings each night at 9 p.m. They took their invitation to the community outside of BMA through their Facebook pages, at first sharing an encouraging scripture verse, thought and invitation to pray. Later they began sharing videos of students offering a short devotional and scripture thought. “I am so proud of our BMA students and staff!” says Gary Gibbs, president of the Pennsylvania Conference. “Throughout this school year, we have witnessed the Holy Spirit powerfully at work on campus. Principal Burney Culpepper and his staff are dedicated to BMA being a safe place where students not only excel academically, but prosper spiritually. Every parent interested in their child’s spiritual welfare is being greatly blessed by BMA.” For more information on student enrollment opportunities at BMA, contact Ruben Olm at rolm@bma.us or (914) 216-1609.

Pastor Sanghae Kim speaks to Blue Mountain Academy baptismal candidates.

Pennsylvania Pen is published in the Visitor by the Pennsylvania Conference n 720 Museum Road, Reading, PA 19611 Phone: (610) 374-8331, ext. 210 n paconference.org n President, Gary Gibbs n Communication Director, Tamyra Horst

26 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Pilot Program for Mental Health Awareness to Begin Not long ago, I had the opportunity to sit down with a friend who shared a heartfelt burden concerning our young people. “What can we do to make sure we are attending to the mental health needs of students in our Adventist schools?” he asked. This question spurred the beginning of an important journey. In partnership with principals, Board of Education members, and leaders in the North American Division’s Office of Education and Health Ministries Department, we have begun—on the grassroots level—plans to develop a pilot program in one of our Potomac Conference school/church communities. This program will educate school leaders on mental health awareness, including the warning signs and conversation tips for talking to troubled children and teens. It will also focus on ways to develop and secure a network of local medical professionals who can readily be available to talk to students and provide additional training and resources. Our greatest hope is to develop a template from this pilot program that can then be shared Steve Laing with other school communities. It’s exciting to see what the Lord is already doing! We ask for Vice President your prayers as we seek to minister to our young people in this important endeavor. for Education

‘Daughters Arise’ at Capital Memorial Church Listening to a group of middle- to high school-aged girls talking in the potluck line, Jeanene Medley, a member of the Capital Memorial church in Washington, D.C., heard a small voice ask, “Who is taking these girls under their wing?” It was in this moment that Medley felt called to develop a mentorship program built on the pillars of faith, empowerment, love and sisterhood. “Daughters Arise” soon came to fruition and now meets once a month. The mentors—young adult women who come from diverse backgrounds—answer questions and share life experiences with younger girls. They also delve into personal hardships and how to deal with life’s tough choices—like school and career considerations. But first and foremost, the mentors ensure that the gatherings focus on finding spiritual renewal, strength and reaching others outside the group with words of encouragement, cards and gift bags. The group is currently studying the book of Esther and took the opportunity to hold a Ms. Cultural Pageant in order for each woman to celebrate their heritage. “We wanted to highlight that it’s OK to be proud of where you come from and who you are,” says Medley. “One mentor stressed we are never just one thing—we are powerful, beautiful, smart, and God has a purpose for all of us.”

Currently the group has approximately 10 mentors and 10 mentees who appreciate the community that is growing among the different generations. “We are building that bond and camaraderie together,” Medley continues. “The program teaches, inspires, motivates and encourages all who are involved.”

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New Life Comes Out of Loss At the age of nine, Guadalupe “Lupita” Nieto Arroyo felt lost in a sea of deep loneliness and depression. She had long been the target of school bullying, and her home life felt unstable, as her parents considered divorce. Psychologists and therapists who counseled Arroyo advised her to leave her circle of friends— many of whom used drugs and listened to music with dark messages. However, she didn’t know where else to find refuge. Upon watching The Passion of Christ with her mom one night, Arroyo commented, “They didn’t love Jesus either. That’s why they killed him.” The situation grew worse when Arroyo’s best friend posted private photos of her on Instagram. This betrayal and accumulation of circumstances caused pain she could no longer handle. A month before her 13th birthday, Arroyo ended her life. When a member from the Norfolk (Va.) church visited the grieving family, he noted the house was filled with pictures of Arroyo amid candles and people praying the “novena” for her soul. The member explained what the Bible says concerning death, and prayed and wept with the family. “This was the first time we felt any peace,” shares Miguel and Gabriela, Arroyo’s parents.

Lupita (left) stands with her sisters, Neyelly and Azucena, who were baptized shortly after her death.

Due to Guadalupe “Lupita” Nieto Arroyo’s passing, more than 20 people have started Bible studies and are now attending church.

“In our hearts, we hoped God could bring something good out of so much tragedy.” Soon after this visit, the couple began attending the Chesapeake Spanish Mission Group in Chesapeake, Va. Their marriage slowly rebuilt, their faith grew and they eventually began holding prayer meetings in their home. Within five months of their daughter’s tragic death, Miguel, Gabriela and their other daughters, Neyelly and Azucena, decided to get baptized by Juan David Moreno, the pastor of Chesapeake Spanish. “Due to the sorrows of losing this young life, more than 20 people have been impacted by the love of Jesus and have started Bible studies and are attending church,” says Jose Esposito, the Hispanic Ministries director. Soon after the baptisms, the investigation surrounding Arroyo’s death finished and authorities returned her cell phone to the family. Looking through the phone, Gabriela realized how lost her daughter had been without them knowing it. “I thank God for giving us another chance with our three remaining children,” Gabriela shares, “and we feel blessed that our fourth child, due soon, will be born a Seventh-day Adventist.” Esposito thanks God for believers and pastors who minister to the grieving. “Tell them that He is real!” he says. “It is not the formalism of a lifeless religion. He has the power to make all things new. Do not miss the opportunity to tell those who suffer that Jesus is hope. Jesus is coming!”

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, Bill Miller n Editor, Tiffany Doss

28 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Mission Trip to Mexico Impacts Students Nine different church locations. Three schools. Providing concerts. Interacting with students. Painting walls. Talking with students and church members. Learning to barter at shops. Sharing testimonies with people wanting to know more about God. On a mission trip to Mexico earlier this year, the Blue Mountain Academy (BMA) Bel Canto members and school administrators, along with Carlos Charnichart, the Pennsylvania Conference treasurer, impacted lives—and were themselves impacted. “Whenever I am a part of a mission trip that serves another country, I am astounded at how youth are not as burdened with preconceived notions and prejudices,” states Burney Culpepper, BMA’s principal. “Mission trips abroad open up our worldview and help us to understand how other cultures really are. These kinds of trips are an invaluable part of the BMA experience. Mission trips are a type of ‘lab’ where our students are able to put into practicality what they are learning at BMA.” Senior Alan Diaz is one example of a student who is doing just this. Diaz is considering becoming a pastor, and during his time at BMA, he is learning to share his faith. While visiting a barbershop in Mexico, he saw a Bible and asked the barber if he could read a

Sophomore Gracelyn Culpepper and freshman Emily Dekle help paint a church during their mission trip to Mexico. few verses aloud. Afterward, he prayed for the barber, customers and shop. The barber was surprised and impressed by this simple act. “I can do this on my own in my shop each day,” he told Diaz and those listening. Before leaving the area, Diaz and his friends checked back with the barbershop and learned that business had increased and the barber was seeing Diaz’s prayers being answered. Another time on the mission trip, the Bel Canto members finished a concert for a church district, when a doctor in the audience approached Culpepper and other BMA staff and asked if his daughter could attend BMA. However, he didn’t want to wait until the new school year; he wanted her to go back with the group right away. “He wanted her to be a part of what he was seeing,” shares Culpepper. It is moments like these that demonstrate the mission of BMA: to provide a Christ-centered Seventh-day Adventist education that leads students into lives of service for God. Learn more at bma.us.

Communiqué 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, Dave Morgan

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

Students Combat Global Issues Earlier this year, 20 Highland View Academy (HVA) juniors and seniors joined more than 100 academy students from across the Chesapeake Conference to participate in the second annual Capital Model United Nations (Model UN), held at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. The high schoolers could not wait to engage fellow students on important and current human rights issues. Senior Summer Seaward explains, “I was nervous to attend Model UN because it seemed very intimidating and serious at first. But once we got there, I realized this was an opportunity of a lifetime to experience how the world comes together to solve problems.” Similarly, junior Reagan McCain acknowledges that “at first it was really scary ... but I was surprised by how fun it was and how much I learned about public speaking and collaboration.” As this would be a first-time experience for students, Jonathan Scriven, the associate director for the Honors College, met with the group to discuss the role and purpose of the Model UN. Students divided into delegations of three and were assigned a country to represent. Each delegation chose an ambassador to be the official spokesperson whose role was to prepare a welcome speech highlighting their nation’s main interests, contributions and hopes for the day of political debate, compromise and resolution-writing. In the weeks leading up to the event, and with

the help and guidance of April Lutz, HVA’s history teacher and vice principal, each delegation spent time researching their assigned nation and the chosen topics of debate in order to familiarize themselves with global issues that the UN is currently addressing. Such topics included measures to combat child trafficking; protecting privacy and identity in the digital age; and standards for international intervention and combating pandemics and global health crises—a topic they chose in November but proved to be especially timely. When the day arrived, students dressed in their best business attire and dove into their roles as ambassadors. Junior Levi Walker especially enjoyed the fun of representing another country’s views rather than his own, as it “allowed [me] to get a broader view of the issues and a better understanding of many perspectives,” he says. Others got to represent their home country, which allowed students like junior Stephanie Jaqua to address current issues Brazil is facing that she has experienced personally. By the end of the day, the three groups—the Special Commission on Politics and Health; the Economic and Social Committee; and the Human Rights Commission— presented written resolutions that had been debated and amended through student collaboration. HVA students were excited to see one of their own, McCain, win the Outstanding Delegate award and cannot wait for the opportunity to return next year.

Junior and senior students participate in the Capital Model United Nations delegation.

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, Harry Janetzko n Editor, Andrew S. Lay

30 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Students Connect With God, Disconnect From Media Earlier this year, Lake Nelson Adventist Academy held a spiritual retreat for the high school students, intended to revitalize them spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally. The annual spiritual retreat usually takes place somewhere in nature—a setting for high schoolers to relieve stress and anxiety. For three days and two nights, it provides time to disconnect from social media and phones and connect with God and friends. Some of the “amenities” include food, comfortable rooms, spiritual sessions, bonding time and activities. This year was no different. The spiritual retreat took place at the Tranquil Valley Retreat Center in Tranquility, N.J. Ashley Boggess, the junior homeroom teacher and high school English teacher, organized this year’s activities and speakers. The presenters included Jean Brown, a Seventh-day Adventist psychologist, and Anthony Baffi, the associate youth director for the New Jersey Conference. The topics for this year’s retreat included identity crisis, depression, stress management, how to deal with abuse, overcoming addictions and more. The main emphasis was on change and making room for God in their lives. The students had the opportunity to break out

During free time, Webster Sterling, the senior homeroom teacher and religion professor, plays soccer with junior Amy Colon.

Students (clockwise) Andrew Medina, Timothy Herrick, Roberto Escada and Jerlyn Reyes participate in a team building game.

by class and take part in group activities, including a painting session by third-grade teacher Kimberley Francis, an up-and-coming artist. She offered an art therapy-type segment. A hiking activity, led by John Hakizimana, the sophomore homeroom and high school science teacher, taught life lessons through nature. Principal Elisa Maragoto spoke to high school students about the importance of spending time with God and how they can better their relationship with Him, while Brown spoke to the seniors about their future and college options. Free time gave the students the opportunity to enjoy the indoor pool, play sports, pray with friends or teachers and talk with the guest speakers. The high schoolers say some of their favorite experiences were at the breakout sessions where they participated in deep discussions. “The food was also one of my favorite,” said one student, “especially on pizza night where there was not only regular pizza ... but also vegan pizza!” Returning motivated, students agreed that the trip was a blessing.

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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Life Enrichment Clubs Enhance Campus Life Pine Forge Academy (PFA) has incorporated life enrichment clubs into their curriculum this year. Students have joined clubs, such as Coding, Genealogy, Media, Chess, Crochet, Poetry, Art and Debate, that meet for 50 minutes twice a month. Instructor Lisa Marshall has introduced members of the Art Club to several artistic mediums. The club’s latest work is a fluid art design known as the acrylic painting string technique. This format brings out the creative ingenuity of the students. Member Keiry Zapata (’20) shares that the Art Club is “a way to express myself after a hectic week. I am able to be creative and enjoy myself.” While many of the students in the class may not choose art as a profession, PFA gives them a venue in which they are able to express a multitude of feelings. The Chess Club is another enrichment activity. Math teacher and chess coach O’Shayne Rankine has introduced dynamic playing strategies to his students. PFA recognizes that chess can be an important benefit to the cerebral development of its students. They report that chess may help grow dendrites, raise IQ scores and increase problem-solving skills. Members have participated in several matches against other private and charter schools, and the club

Shemiah Hoppie (’20) plans his next chess move. has consistently finished in the top 10. In fact, club president and senior Kevin Zapata (pictured) placed fourth in the Penn-Jersey Athletic League in his latest match. Zapata has been in love with chess from a young age. His keen ability to play is only surpassed by his academic attainments. Students from the Debate Club recently participated in a contest that required them to research the topic, “Be it Resolved that Civil Disobedience is a Moral Right.” Led by English teacher and Debate Club coordinator Gazetta Holt-Roberts, the PFA team won every round and are the reigning champs of the Penn-Jersey Debate Association. At PFA, students are taking their motto, “Excellence is No Accident,” seriously.

Tyler Edgar (’21), Kalin Griffin (’21) and Simeon Ferguson (’20) strategize an argument in the Debate Club tournament.

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

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High School Student Turns Hobby Into Ministry

photos by gigi mattox

Charis McRoy, a junior at Spencerville Adventist Academy (SAA), learned how to loom knit hats from a family friend. After making hats for each of her family members, McRoy wondered how she could use this newfound hobby to serve others. She needed a reason and purpose for what she was doing; that is how Kinder Knit was born. After much thought, McRoy decided to make hats for infants in the NICU. This target group was near and dear to her heart, because 17 years ago, she herself was a newborn in the NICU. “To this day, I have handmade blankets that kind individuals gave me when I was in the NICU,” shares McRoy. “Now this is my chance to give back and serve others.” Last year McRoy donated 20 hats to a maternity ward at a hospital in Georgia. This year she hopes to donate more hats to hospitals in the Washington D.C. metropolitan region. With help from others, she is challenging herself to make more than 50 baby hats by holding workshops. So far she is a fifth of the way there. In February she held a workshop at the SAA high

Charis McRoy teaches fellow student Alyssa Caruthers how to knit hats for NICU babies.

school girls’ slumber party, where she taught some of her friends how to make hats. “I really admire her generous and kind spirit,” says sophomore Alyssa Caruthers. “She kept encouragHighlights from Spencerville Adventist Academy ing me, even when I thought I couldn’t do it. I am so grateful that I was able to learn how to knit that day. I truly admire Charis and the hard she has put in to LOVE TOwork LEARN giving to God’s children.” LIVE TO SERVE Junior Angela Coppock says, “One of my favorite ALL FOR CHRIST parts of the slumber party was knitting little baby hats. It was cool to learn a new skill and help others in the process. We were learning with a purpose.” Staff member Gigi Mattox, the high school administrative assistant at the time, served as a chaperone at the slumber party. “I expected that sometime throughout the evening I would share some words of wisdom with a student or two, since that’s what supervisors/ chaperones are supposed to do. However, I was ministered to by this beautiful child of God who was using her talents to shine for Jesus,” she says. “I thank Charis for ministering to me and imparting words of wisdom through her actions that evening.” McRoy says, “I hope that others will see that one of the greatest ways of sharing the gospel is by simply Charis McRoy displays hats she made for her Kinder showing people that someone cares and loves them.” Knit initiative.

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

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Alumna Designs for Academy, Receives Award Kelly (Peach) Long (’98) didn’t know she would be designing things for her alma mater when she began her job at Kettering Adventist HealthCare (KAHC) in 2017 as a graphic designer. Most of her work as the graphic design manager in the KAHC Marketing and Communications Department on the Ohio campus involves designing and overseeing the design of materials for her employer. However, due to the ongoing generosity of KAHC toward Spring Valley Academy (SVA), she soon found herself designing for SVA periodically. One of the recent examples of her work was the invitation package she created for the annual SVA gala, themed “Passport to Adventure.” Long created an invitation that resembled an airline boarding pass in which the reply card looked similar to a passport. “Kelly’s creativity makes everything she designs exceptional,” says Angela Peach, director of development for SVA. “She’s designed the gala materials for the last three years, and she’s well-captured our theme each time, but this year was something special.”

Kelly (Peach) Long displays the Hermes Award she received for the design package she created for SVA’s gala.

The Dayton chapter of The American Advertising Awards agreed, awarding her the prestigious Hermes Award for her design package at an awards banquet earlier this year. Long’s win moves her on to one of 14 district competitions; the winner of those moves on to a national competition. “I never thought about the possibility of an award when designing, but it’s nice to be recognized, especially for work I do for SVA,” says Long, who in addition to being an alumna of SVA, has a daughter, Norah, in first grade. “It’s fun to be able to contribute to an event like the gala by just doing my job!” The “Passport to Adventure” gala raised more than $200,000 for SVA’s Worthy Student Fund and the upcoming classroom expansion project. “There are many ways to show support for SVA,” says Principal Darren Wilkins. “We’re thrilled for Kelly and the Kettering Adventist Health Network as they win this award for the designs they created to support the gala!”

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 Principal, Darren Wilkins n Editor, Vicki Swetnam

34 | VISITOR May/June 2020

Opportunities of Academy Life: Bringing Her Home As I strapped my feet securely into the proper placement of my rowing machine, I prayed that God would guide my thoughts as I exercised. My husband had given me until the end of the day to come up with an answer as to where I thought our oldest, Jenna, should attend high school. We had looked at several schools over the years, and now that she was in eighth grade, we had to make a decision. I pondered over my own experience. Blue Mountain Academy had been a lifechanger for me. As I rowed and prayed, thoughts of my academy days rolled around in my mind. What was it that I loved so much about my experience? What did Adventist academy offer that the day schools in our area did not? I thought of the many friendships that developed over my academy years with individuals that are now like family. I thought of the faculty who mentored me and helped me grow into the person I am today. Then it came to me. The work program.

Most day schools don’t have an on-campus work program. I started out as a janitor, and then worked in the auto mechanics department before landing a job in the print shop. The skills I learned working in the print shop helped me, not only in college, but also in my future career as a graphic designer. As I thanked God for giving me the insight about how valuable the work program was for me, my initial question still went unanswered. I asked God, “What academy do I send her to?” As soon as I asked, the answer hit me like a two-by-four to the back of the head. “Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA). She was conceived there; bring her home.” Fourteen years prior, my husband and I had been part of the SEEDS Conference hosted at SVA. It was at that time some friends of mine prayed for my womb, even though I said I wasn’t ready to be a mother. But God has the best plans in store for us. As I drove my daughter home from school on the last day of her freshman year at SVA, I asked her, “So what did you find most valuable from your first year of academy?” She answered, “The work program.” She was a janitor.—Ausma Kinney

Impact 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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New Chaplain Makes Easy Transition One of Takoma Academy’s (TA) missions is to lead young people to Jesus by helping students maintain a strong spiritual life. While the faculty and staff make a team effort to provide spiritual guidance to the students, the role of a chaplain is to expand on it. This was no challenge for new hire Leah Burgess, affectionally known as “Chaplain B. Leah,” who was welcomed to the Tiger family late last year. Burgess was born in Marlton, N.J., and graduated from high school in 1995. She then attended William Paterson University of New Jersey and graduated in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts in African, African American and Caribbean Studies. She is currently furthering her education and pursuing a Masters of Divinity at Howard University School of Divinity (DC). Prior to TA, Burgess was very active in the community. In 2002 she began her ministry in victim advocacy and gave 17 years of service as a victim advocate and community educator in Connecticut, New Hampshire, Washington, D.C., and Maryland. As an advocate, she served in a local rape crisis center, the Dartmouth College sexual abuse awareness program and the sex offender supervision unit in Manchester, Conn. Burgess observes that “serving people in crises after experiencing sexual violence trauma taught me how to see, walk with and listen to the most vulnerable of these. It gave me the tools to walk with young people

Chaplain B. Leah (left) and students Sherina Moses (’20), Valerie Ganta (’22) and Yannice Prather (’20) play a friendly game of ping-pong in the “The Living Room.”

Chaplain B. Leah welcomes everyone to “The Living Room,” a place to let down your hair and explore what it means to listen, love, be loved and live like Christ.

who are often excluded, criticized and/or overlooked.” Her activism has carried over into the church setting. Burgess is an elder, prayer coordinator and a member of the pastoral staff at the Restoration Praise Center (RPC) church in Bowie, Md. She is married and partnered in ministry with Ché Burgess, a volunteer lay pastor at RPC and an upcoming 2020 graduate majoring in Theology at Washington Adventist University in Takoma Park, Md. Together they have three children, TA student Dance (’22) and 8-year-old twins Michael and Gabriel. Shortly after being hired, Burgess didn’t waste time connecting with students and implementing new traditions. “When I was hired, I was impressed by God to show/share with TA students and the community at-large how to live, listen and love,” she says. Often forgetting that young people deal with many stresses and crises in life, Burgess responded to the Holy Spirit and developed “Nap’el” (Chapel), a monthly experience designed to offer students reflection and rest. Sherina Moses, the senior class president, says, “Chaplain B. Leah has been very much a mother figure here at TA. My senior year has been very stressful. I’ve gone to her several times, and it’s always a judge-free zone. She is always so open and honest.”

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, Carla Thrower n Editor, Salena Fitzgerald

36 | VISITOR May/June 2020

news Listeners Help Fill Food Banks Our WGTS 91.9 team felt called to make a difference, to help our communities in Maryland, Virginia, and D.C. “We wanted to engage our listening family in an act of generosity by giving to those in need through local food banks,” shares Kevin Krueger, general manager. So the team crafted a campaign called “Operation Fill the Pantry.” Local statistics inform us that this is needed, and it is a way we can all be the Hands and Heart of Jesus to those around us. One in 10 residents in our area are experiencing hunger, with a third of those being children. In February, our staff members and volunteers started by collecting food on a Friday afternoon in Alexandria, Va. We completed two other food drives in Bowie, Md., and Fairfax, Va., before needing to put the food drives on hold due to COVID-19. Through the three food drives, WGTS 91.9 listeners gave over 7,000 pounds of food. “While we had planned more stops, the organizers at the food banks said, ‘this boost was so perfectly timed because now so many people need food during this difficult time and we had food to give them,’” says Jitesh Ram, community engagement director.

Morning show host Claude Jennings joins one of many listeners who donated 7,000 pounds of food in February and March to local D.C.-area food banks.

Trusting in God How do we stay on track when everything around us is changing? It’s a question you might have asked yourself lately. Life can change pretty rapidly and over the last few months, it sure has. For many, that’s when fear, anxiety, and stress can skyrocket. I love the verse in Philippians 4 that says, ‘Don’t be anxious about anything, but in every situation present your requests to God. And the peace of God – which transcends all understanding – will guard your hearts and minds in Christ.’ We do live in uncertain times. It’s a time when WGTS 91.9 is on the frontlines of ministry, meeting people where their need is, and helping to relieve anxiety, loneliness and fear. Through the music, the spoken word, the friendship of those behind the mics, throughout the day and night, we are all reminded that there is hope and that God is still in control. If you need prayer, we’re here for you. Let us know by sharing your prayer request on PrayerWorks at wgts919.com.

WGTS 91.9 listeners generously sponsored 727 children during our Days of Compassion event in February. Please pray for each sponsor family and each child who will now receive food, medical care, and a Christian education.

2099 Gaither Road, Suite 105 Rockville, MD 20850 202.902.6000 wgts919.com

Find support and pray for others. Visit wgts919.com/PrayerWorks.

KETTERING COLLEGE

The IPE Simulation Center at Kettering College provides more than 400 clinical simulations a year, mostly for students from nursing, respiratory care, physician assistant, and other programs. Health care professionals from Kettering Adventist HealthCare hospitals also take part in simulations to hone their clinical skills.

Kettering College’s $2.7 Million Renovation on IPE Simulation Center Complete Kettering College recently completed its $2.7 million renovation on the Interprofessional Education (IPE) Simulation Center. In January, members of Kettering College’s board, Kettering Adventist HealthCare executive leadership, Kettering College faculty and staff, and students were all in attendance for the ribbon cutting. “This isn’t just a space for our nursing students,” said Nate Brandstater, Kettering College President. “It’s a technologically advanced educational space for Kettering Adventist HealthCare learners and beyond that’s second to none.” The $2.7 million project was funded by Kettering Adventist HealthCare Strategic 2019 capital funds, according to Nicholas Henson, director of finance and administration. “The vision of Kettering Adventist HealthCare is to be the leader in transforming the health care experience,” Henson said. “The IPE Simulation Center allows students to discover the best practices in a multidisciplinary environment, resulting in our students delivering health care in a collaborative approach that is industry-leading.”

The first phase of this renovation was completed in August 2019, which included the addition of a preparation room and additional space and workstations in the control room. The second phase, which was just completed, included 10 client care beds, with different rooms mirroring a labor and delivery/postpartum setting; a pediatric patient room; a nursing station; a classroom; a conference room; and a faculty work room. This extension allows eight to 10 simulations concurrently, allowing more than one group of nursing students to participate in a simulation at a time. With this extension, the number of students able to participate in simulations at once has doubled. The expansion to the IPE Simulation Center was a strategic move from administration as Kettering College recently moved to a twoentry admission structure, which accepts nursing students in both the fall and winter semesters.

KETTERING COLLEGE • 3737 SOUTHERN BLVD. • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 395-8601 • KC.EDU

Care. Compassion. Community.

Heroes I’ve been thinking a lot about heroes. My earliest heroes were not people from TV or even storybooks. They were Bible characters like David, Daniel, Esther, and the “Three Worthies” in the burning fiery furnace! I loved the stories about these heroes and what they stood for. It seemed as if there was NOTHING that they were afraid of. In today’s environment, I find myself thinking about them again and again. In scripture after scripture, they are not just expressing their hopes – they are recounting what they have learned from their experiences. Their convictions grow out of the confirmation of their faith as it was tested, tried, and proved to be well-founded. And when Mordecai asks Esther, “And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” [Esther 4:14, ESV], he is not only speaking of their own time – he is calling all of us to be our best and bravest selves in whatever set of difficulties and critical moments we live in. I have a whole set of new heroes on my mind lately – heroes that I want to thank for their willingness to live out their values through taking up the difficult tasks that the coronavirus crisis has pressed upon us. Thank you to our physicians and employees who are working around the clock to prepare for the worst and who are hoping for the best. Thank you to those people who are still stocking shelves and to the cashiers in grocery stores. Thank you to those who are still operating the gas stations. And to all those teachers who are trying to make sense of online teaching. Those who are working overtime to keep the public places that we all share safe and clean. Police, fire, and EMTs. The volunteers taking groceries to senior citizens. And to all those who are sheltering in place, staying home and staying safe, doing whatever it takes to take the energy away from this unseen foe. Thank you! Every single one of you. Maybe the words of Moses, one of the greatest heroes ever, when he says “It is the Lord your God who fights for you” [Deuteronomy 3:22, ESV] will help you remember that you are not alone. May we find the strength to be heroes in this most uncertain time.

Terry Forde President & CEO Adventist HealthCare

Judith Pierce, RN, a Shady Grove Medical Center OB Nurse and member of Willowbrook Adventist Church, helps a mom and her newborn.

Shady Grove Medical Center Earns Five-Star Rating Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center has earned a five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The rating is based on quality and performance measures as compared to over 4,000 hospitals across the country. Shady Grove is one of just eight hospitals in Maryland and the only one in Montgomery County to be awarded five stars, the highest possible rating by CMS. Less than 9% of hospitals across the country received five stars. "This achievement represents years of hard work at every level of our organization," said Dan Cochran, President of Shady Grove Medical Center. "This five-star distinction is truly the mark of people and processes coming together to make sure our patients have the safest, highest quality care." The quality measures that are evaluated are: • Safety of care • Readmission • Patient experience • Effectiveness of care • Timeliness of care • Efficient use of • Mortality medical imaging Each of these measures are evaluated and scored separately, then an average score is calculated to determine the hospital’s overall rating. "I am grateful to our leaders who have guided our work," said Cochran. "Our staff is dedicated to excellence for our patients and to our Mission of extending God’s care."

820 West Diamond Avenue, Suite 600 • Gaithersburg, MD 20878 • 301-315-3030 • AdventistHealthCare.com

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

Adventist HealthCare Welcomes New Leaders Two new leaders joined Adventist HealthCare in early 2020, both coming to the organization from other Adventist systems in the U.S.

New Leader for Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center In March, Anthony Stahl joined Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center as its new president. He previously served as President and CEO at Central Texas Medical Center in San Marcos, Texas. Anita Jenkins, CEO of Howard University Hospital, stands with Terry Forde (right), President & CEO of Adventist HealthCare, Howard University President Wayne A. I. Frederick, M.D., (second from left) and Hugh Mighty, M.D., Howard University VP of Clinical Affairs and Dean of the College of Medicine.

New CEO for Howard University Hospital In February, Adventist HealthCare and Howard University, which operates Howard University Hospital, announced a three-year management services agreement. As part of the senior leadership team to help strengthen the hospital’s presence in the region, Adventist HealthCare named Anita L. A. Jenkins as the new CEO of Howard University Hospital. “Adventist HealthCare and Howard University Hospital share long traditions of caring for our communities,” said Terry Forde, President & CEO of Adventist HealthCare. “We want Howard to continue to be a vital healthcare provider to meet the growing needs of the community.” Anita brings more than 20 years of healthcare experience to Howard University Hospital. She most recently served as president of Sycamore Medical Center near Dayton, Ohio, part of the Kettering Adventist Health Network. She also oversaw Kettering Behavioral Medical Center and the Senior Division. Sycamore is rated a 5-Star Hospital by CMS; an “A”

Hospital by Leapfrog; and one of the top 100 Hospitals in the country by IBM Watson Health. Anita joined the Kettering Health Network in 2015 as chief operating officer for the 500-bed Kettering Medical Center. “I look forward to working with the dedicated physicians, nurses and employees at the hospital to build upon Howard’s historic legacy of providing quality and compassionate care to the community,” she said. The partnership between Adventist HealthCare and Howard will provide access for the talented Howard medical residents, students and graduates to train and work within Adventist HealthCare’s network of hospitals. This is vitally important given the national shortage of healthcare professionals. Howard University Hospital is a private, nonprofit institution that has served the community for more than 150 years. It is one of the most comprehensive health systems in D.C., with a Level 1 Trauma Center and an emergency department that sees approximately 50,000 patients annually.

Before Central Texas Medical Center, Anthony served as hospital administrator and Vice President at Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center-Lake Placid, Sebring and Wauchula campuses where he directed the operations of nine departments spanning the campuses. He also worked locally in Silver Spring for a few years at the start of his career with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Anthony is passionate about clinical quality, employee engagement, retention and recruitment and Mission. He also has experience leading organizations through intense growth phases. At Central Texas Medical Center, a 170-bed hospital, he led his team to achieve significant accomplishments in these areas. His leadership helped the team gain a top distinction in quality and patient safety rising from a C to an A Leapfrog hospital safety grade. His team was also recognized for excellence in minimizing hospitalacquired conditions and patient readmissions and top-quartile U.S. rankings for employee engagement.

820 West Diamond Avenue, Suite 600 • Gaithersburg, MD 20878 • 301-315-3030 • AdventistHealthCare.com

YOUR HEALING MINISTRY K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R

Navigating the Storm By Christina Keresoma

Health care is a constantly changing environment. New

Through the leadership of the Incident Command Center,

technology brings new machines and procedures, and

important initiatives were instituted, including:

new buildings are designed with efficiency in mind. New

• New visitor restrictions to help protect our patients

diseases and infections are treated, while new viruses challenge the very heart of our health care systems. The coronavirus pandemic—COVID-19—was just that. Kettering Adventist HealthCare came together to navigate this evolving threat that is genderless, raceless, faceless, classless, sexless, and nondenominational. Kettering Adventist HealthCare faced the virus head

and caregivers • Work-from-home flexibility for non-clinical departments • Coordination and support of child care for essential staff • Surgeries suspended for nonlife-threatening procedures, allowing equipment and rooms to be ready

on by establishing an Incident Command Center led by network executives, nursing leaders, physicians, infection control, human resources, finance, communications, information technology, and many other departments. Teams worked around-the-clock to help manage the quickly changing situation by adjusting operations to ensure Kettering Adventist HealthCare was

Top: Nurses became greeters and screeners at one of the Kettering Adventist HealthCare hospitals for the COVID-19 response. Middle: Incident Command Center was ground zero for COVID-19 response. Bottom Left: Executives, physicians and hospital leaders pray with Fred Manchur, CEO of Kettering Adventist HealthCare. Bottom Right: Greeters screen temperature and log visitors.

positioned to provide the best care to our community.

Adventist He Healt althC hCa are KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG

™

THE NEWS

K E T T E R I N G A D V E N T I S T H E A LT H C A R E N E W S L E T T E R

Navigating the Storm (continued) The challenge of COVID-19

this pandemic. As of March 24,

was met by innovation and

employees had donated more

creativity from many entities.

than $130,000 and over 1,200

Health systems, industries,

hours of paid time off. These

governments, and communities

resources were distributed to

came together to combat

staff members who needed

this new threat that was felt throughout our community, state, nation, and world. Many

Jeffrey Weinstein, MD, front middle, and Daniel Pearson, MD, back left, rounds with Soin Medical Center leadership to ensure COVID-19 readiness, even before the early guidelines around social distancing.

help paying utilities or who did not have enough vacation hours to cover time they were

people’s lives have been forever changed, but Kettering

unable to work during this crisis.

Adventist HealthCare’s commitment to its mission

“I have always said that Kettering Adventist HealthCare’s

never faltered.

real strength is beyond its bricks and mortar, beyond its

One of the best examples of mission-in-action was

remarkable technologies and services. The true strength

demonstrated by Kettering Adventist HealthCare

of our network is our people, and we will continue to

employees—whose own lives were turned upside down—

help each other through this,” said Fred Manchur, CEO

pitching in to help other team members most affected by

Kettering Adventist HealthCare.

Delivery Day With all the news about the coronavirus, I wanted to share happiness, kindness, compassion and service with a picture and a story involving the Grandview Medical Center Emergency Department staff as we helped deliver some of the food items that we, along with many others, had donated to the Food 4 Kids initiative. I have included a picture of Suzanne and Andria, two of our Emergency Department nurses. They along with 4 other staff delivered to over a dozen families. #theyarewhywedothis

“Be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Thank you, Dawn Sweet, Emergency Department Manager at Grandview Medical Center

Adventist He Healt althC hCa are

KETTERING ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE • 3535 SOUTHERN BLVD • KETTERING, OH 45429 • (937) 298-3399 • KETTERINGHEALTH.ORG

™

Bulletin Board VISITOR ADVERTISING AND SERVICES Advertising n The Visitor does not endorse or guarantee the integrity of any product or service advertised and does not accept responsibility for typographical or categorical errors. For advertising guidelines and rates: columbiaunionvisitor.com/advertising Obituary Submission n Obituaries are posted free of charge for members of the Columbia Union. To submit an obituary: columbiaunionvisitor.com/obituary Subscriptions n Nonmembers of the Columbia Union may subscribe to the Visitor for a fee. For more information: columbiaunionvisitor.com/subscription Contact Us Sandra Jones Columbia Union Visitor 5427 Twin Knolls Rd Columbia, MD 21045 sjones@columbiaunion.net (410) 997-3414

EMPLOYMENT THE GENERAL CONFERENCE is seeking an Associate Treasurer for Technology to lead and direct its technology departments. Responsible for setting long-term strategies. A Bachelor in Information Systems Management or a related field is required. A Master in Information Systems and experience in administration at higher levels of the church organization is preferred. Interested applicants should send résumé to stavenhagenr@gc.adventist.org. ADVENTIST HEALTHCARE Show your care and compassion as a registered nurse, and join the Adventist HealthCare family in Maryland. Bring your experience and passion to make a difference in the lives of our patients. Please refer to our website for more information and to apply. AdventistHealthCare.com/ Careers ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks instructor for the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School (RMES). Must be a certified innovative teacher to teach grade 5, be proficient in the core/STEM subjects, demonstrate commitment to collegiality and professional competence and have a passion to instill a Christ-like character while inspiring students to strive for excellence in their total development. The employee will perform all supervisory and extracurricular

responsibilities expected of a full-time elementary classroom teacher. RMES is the K-8 laboratory school at Andrews University and has an enrollment of about 228 students. For more information, please visit: andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/ faculty#job_5. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks Assistant/Associate Professor of Audiology, to teach in the undergraduate speechlanguage pathology and audiology program as well as support the speech-language pathology graduate program. For more information, please visit: andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/ faculty#job_7. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks Learning Management Systems Administrator, responsible for technical support of the official university-wide instructional technology systems (such as the Learning Management System, video hosting solution, etc.). The Learning Management Systems Administrator reports to the director of the Center for Digital Learning and Instructional Technology (DLiT). For more information, please visit: andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/ staff_salary#job_4. ANDREWS UNIVERSITY seeks instructor for the Ruth Murdoch Elementary School. Must be a certified, enthusiastic teacher to teach English-Language Arts (Reading and Writing) at the junior high level, grades 7 and 8. The candidate must be able to work in a collaborative environment, demonstrate professional competence, be proficient in other core subject areas and have a passion for

inspiring students to strive for excellence in their total development. The employee will perform all supervisory and extracurricular responsibilities expected of a full-time elementary classroom teacher. For more information, please visit: andrews.edu/admres/jobs/show/ faculty#job_5.

MISCELLANEOUS ANDREWS UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DEGREES. Feed the world with Agribusiness. Beautify the world with Environmental Landscape Design. Care for the creatures that share our world with Animal Science. Change the world with International Agriculture Development. See our new Agriculture Education Center at andrews.edu/agriculture; email: agriculture@andrews.edu; (269) 471-6006.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE: 84 ACRES IN WEST VIRGINIA W/HOUSE AND BARN Farmable rolling hills, private, secluded and quiet; surrounded by forest and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Large, spring-fed pond; sub-dividable land; perfect horse property. 4 BR, 3 BA, remodeled home with 3-story barn (new roof). Second building site on property with all utilities. 15 minutes from Route 522 between Winchester and Berkley Springs. Close to shopping and Walmart, hospital and medical facilities. Growing Adventist church and 8-grade school nearby. Price: $559,999 Contact G. Ehlert (304) 822-7703 or (304) 279-3100 TENNESSEE/GEORGIA REALTOR: Specializing in buying or selling affordable homes in the Collegedale, Chattanooga, N. Georgia or surrounding areas. Howard Karst, Realty Specialists of Ooltewah (423) 238-7325, is your best partner for experienced professional service. Phone: (301) 332-8471, or email: tsrak@msn.com.

LOOKING FOR COUNTRY PROPERTY: Young married couple with child looking for country property to purchase or possibly rent. Please call Wilner at (301) 792-2882. NEW MARKET HOUSE FOR SALE: Just six minutes from Shenandoah Valley Academy. Three parklike acres with 310 feet of frontage on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Two levels, 2,400 sq. ft., 2 BR, full bath and a full kitchen on each level. Upper level has new kitchen appliances, granite countertop with new paint and flooring throughout. Lower level has walkout. $289,000. Land contract may be available. Call (828) 808-7748.

SERVICES MOVE with an award-winning agency. Apex Moving & Storage partners with the General Conference to provide quality moves at a discounted rate. Call us for your relocation needs. Adventist beliefs uncompromised. Call Marcy Danté at (800) 766-1902 for a free estimate. Visit us at apexmoving.com/adventist. MARYLAND ADVENTIST PODIATRIST: Dr. Scott Nutter, highly trained, experienced and board certified, is available in several locations to help your foot/ankle problems, including arthritis, heel pain, spurs, diabetes, callouses, ingrown nails, sprains, fractures, warts, bunions, etc. Surgery, if needed, at Adventist hospitals. Offices in Laurel and Maple Lawn/Fulton. Call (301) 317-6800. MARYLAND ADVENTIST OPHTHALMOLOGIST, PAMELA D’SOUZA-DAVID, MD, is a board-certified eye surgeon with additional fellowship training in glaucoma. She offers routine eye exams, as well as cataract and glaucoma evaluations and surgery. Her office is located in Laurel, Md., and she is accepting new patients. Call (240) 917-2770 for appointments. MARYLAND ADVENTIST DENTIST, DAVID LEE, DDS, FAGD, AFAAID, FICOI, FAACP, has practices located in Silver Spring and Columbia, Md. He is extensively trained in implant, cosmetic, TMD/TMJ, sleep apnea treatment, sedation and laser dentistry. Dr. Lee is an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry, as well as having many other certifications. For appointments, call (301) 649-5001 or (410) 461-6655. Mention this ad

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 45

Bulletin Board and receive a 10 percent discount on all services, excluding third-party payers. We welcome new patients! TEACH SERVICES: Helping authors make their book a reality. Call (800) 367-1844 for your free manuscript evaluation. We publish all book formats and provide worldwide distribution. View new books at TEACHServices.com or ask your local ABC. View used Adventist books at LNFbooks.com.

ANNOUNCEMENTS THE “YE OLDE” CEDAR LAKE ACADEMY REUNION at Great Lakes Academy, Cedar Lake, Mich., scheduled for June 5–7, has been cancelled due to the coronavirus. Honor classes will be honored in 2021.

LEGAL NOTICE POTOMAC CONFERENCE CORPORATION THIRD QUINQUENNIAL MEETING Legal notice is hereby given, that the Third Quinquennial Meeting of the Potomac Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists will convene at 10 a.m., Sunday,

September 27, 2020, at Takoma Academy, 8120 Carroll Ave., Takoma Park, MD 20912. The purpose of this meeting is to receive the corporation’s 2015–2019 report, elect executive officers, vice presidents, and members of the Executive Committee and other board and committee members; consider recommendations for amendments and revisions to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Potomac Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists as well as Board of Education, Shenandoah Valley Academy and Takoma Academy Bylaws; and to transact such other business as may come before the delegates. The Organizing Committee will meet Sunday, August 23, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Richmond Evangelistic Center located at 5300 Walmsley Blvd, Richmond, VA 23224. The Nominating Committee will meet Sunday, September 13, 2020, at 10 a.m. at the Potomac Conference Corporation office located at 606 Greenville Ave, Staunton, VA 24401.

Sligo by the Sea 2020 WORSHIP SERIES

St. Peter’s Lutheran Church

10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 218422 SABBATH SCHOOL 10 A.M. I WORSHIP 11 A.M.

JUNE 6/27 JULY 7/4

7/11 7/18 7/25

AUGUST 8/1

8/8 8/15 8/22 8/29

SEPTEMBER 9/5

9/12 9/19

William K. Miller, President Jose L. Vazquez, Secretary

Pastor Kermit Netteburg Pastor Charles Tapp Pastor Nathan Krause Pastor Therezinha Barbalho Chaplain Dan PaBon Pastor Anthony Kent Pastor Andrea Jakobsons Pastor Bonita J. Shields Pastor Richard Castillo Pastor Mike Speegle Pastor Rick Remmers Pastor Don McFarlane Pastor Gerald A. Klingbeil

sligochurch.org/sligobythesea

301-270-6777

Sunset Calendar Baltimore

May 1

May 8

May 15

May 22

7:59

8:06

8:13

8:19

May 29 June 5 8:25

8:29

June 12

June 19

June 26

8:33

8:36

8:37

Cincinnati 8:31 8:37 8:44 8:50 8:56 9:01 9:04 9:07 9:08 Cleveland 8:24 8:31 8:39 8:45 8:51 8:57 9:01 9:03 9:05 Columbus 8:26 8:33 8:40 8:46 8:52 8:57 9:01 9:04 9:05 Jersey City

7:52

7:59

8:06

8:13

8:19

8:24

8:28

8:30

8:32

Norfolk

7:59 8:06 8:12 8:18 8:23 8:21 8:25 8:27 8:28

Parkersburg 8:19 8:26 8:32 8:39 8:44 8:49 8:53 8:56 8:57 Philadelphia 7:55 8:02 8:09 8:15 8:21 8:26 8:30 8:32 8:33 Pittsburgh 8:15 8:22 8:29 8:36 8:41 8:46 8:50 8:53 8:54 Reading

7:59 8:06 8:13 8:19 8:25 8:30 8:34 8:37 8:38

Richmond 7:59 8:06 8:12 8:18 8:23 8:28 8:31 8:34 8:35 Roanoke

8:09 8:15 8:21 8:27 8:32 8:37 8:40 8:43 8:44

Toledo

8:32 8:39 8:47 8:53 9:00 9:05 9:09 9:12 9:13

Trenton

7:54 8:01 8:08 8:14 8:20 8:25 8:29 8:32 8:33

Wash., D.C.

8:00

46 | VISITOR May/June 2020

8:07

8:13

8:20

8:25

8:30

8:34

8:36

8:38

columbiaunionvisitor.com VISITOR | 47

Visitor Magazine Columbia Union Conference 5427 Twin Knolls Rd. Columbia, MD 21045

Non Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Nampa, ID Permit No. 66

do not be afraid,

FOR I AM WITH YOU. Isaiah 43:5 (NIV)

Adventist HealthCare

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K E T T E R I N G H E A LT H N E T W O R K

Kettering • Grandview • Sycamore • Southview • Greene • Fort Hamilton • Soin • Troy • Kettering Behavioral