Camping Season 2019 Prayer and Poem

Lord, thank You for walking us through the 2019 camping season. “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.”—Psalm 9:1, KJV. Thank You for holding us safe in Your arms as we traversed the outdoors in Your divine “lesson book.” Thank You for healing and … Read more

Chosen, I am Chosen!

The Oshkosh International Pathfinder Camporee 2019 is reflective of a great movement, a movement of young people from around the world coming to one place to experience the love of God in a collective manner. You may have heard or read about it. It was an amazing experience for the youth of the Seventh-day Adventist … Read more

Upcoming Events

Upcoming events around the Atlantic Union Conference. GODencounters February 14-16, 2020 Leominster, Massachusetts         [divider style=”shadow”]     INFO . . .

Adventist Education in New York City

Adventist education is well represented in New York City with 21 schools and 211 teachers. Thank you to superintendents of schools Marlene Romeo (MR), Greater New York Conference, and Viola Chapman (VC), Northeastern Conference, who agreed to share their thoughts about the vision and mission of Adventist education in the city. JG: When you think … Read more

Strength in Diversity

The fall is one of my favorite seasons of the year. Every year, I take time to go to the mountains of New Hampshire to contemplate the breathtaking and diverse colors of the foliage. I enjoy the spring and summer when every leaf on the trees is green; but the diversity of the fall colors … Read more

Youth Ministry’s Rustic Blessings, Part 2

The Almighty God, the Everlasting Father, has chosen to reveal Himself through general (history, human behavior, conscience, nature) and special (Old and New Testaments; prophets, and Jesus Christ) means of revelation (Seventh-day Adventists Believe). It is heartening to affirm that God has a multitude of ways by which His children may experience His majesty, might, … Read more

Health: Our Best Investment

Living a healthy lifestyle not only benefits individuals, but also those who may be within their sphere of influence. As we get older, our bodies are subject to more and more diseases that can cause devastating impacts on our lives and the lives of our families. It is, therefore, very important that we pay more … Read more

Stay on God’s Path

7 reminders to help build up your faith It is wonderful to realize that we always matter to God. The fact that we are here matters. Even when we struggle to live a Christian life and sometimes don’t know what to do, we matter. Sometimes all we need are some simple reminders that go a … Read more

Bring on the Youth!

It’s a small city. Two of Joshua’s men report to the leader of the nation that God has blessed, that they can easily take the city of Ai with only “two or three thousand men” (Joshua 7:3, KJV). The children of Israel had just conquered Jericho and witnessed the greatest manifestation of divine intervention yet … Read more

Youth Ministry’s Rustic Blessings, Part I

The Oxford English Dictionary is meticulous about defining the word “camp” from the perspectives of noun and verb. According to Oxford, camp, as a noun, is a “temporary overnight lodging out of doors, typically in tents.” As a verb, to camp is to “live for a time in a camp, tent, or camper, as when … Read more

Take Time for Spiritual Self-care

When was the last time you conducted a “spiritual audit” on your life? Spiritual audits provide a great opportunity to determine our growth in various areas of our walk with Christ. It is likely that, for many of us, we just fell in line with the routine of the church after our baptism and it … Read more

Atlantic Union College Constituency Meeting Report

A specially-called constituency meeting of Atlantic Union College (AUC) was held on May 19, 2019, at Machlan Auditorium in Lancaster, Massachusetts. The meeting occurred one year after the college’s academic program was suspended and a specially-called constituency meeting was held. Administrators and delegates from the Atlantic Union and its six local conferences, the General Conference, … Read more

#Childrenmatter

The world has changed. Family structure has changed. Children are maturing physically, mentally, and (sometimes) spiritually faster than previous generations. Parents and other adults in their sphere of influence have open conversations and the children hear and see it all. Children today have more independence and freedom than children of previous generations, with less supervision … Read more

A Legacy of Eternal Value

“There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”—Proverbs 6:16-19 … Read more

On Driving With Oil, Part 2

There is a danger in operating a vehicle with unchanged oil and filter. The oil filter is a paper/fabric cylindrical apparatus that prevents small foreign particles from circulating in the oil. This is of significance to any vehicle, because it increases the oil’s life span. When changing a vehicle’s oil, a simultaneous filter change is … Read more

Empowering Our Youth for Service

The youth are not only our future, but they are impacting the work of the church today. As we reflect on biblical history, many of the outstanding leaders in Israel were young adults. People such as Joseph, who distinguished himself in Egypt by standing firmly for his moral convictions and not accepting Potiphar’s wife’s invitation … Read more

Atlantic Union Schools Awarded Versacare Grants

  Seven schools in the Atlantic Union were recently awarded $55,000 in grant funding to support STEM education. The schools are among the recipients of nearly $1.2 million in grants from the Versacare Foundation earmarked for Adventist education. A total of 118 primary and secondary schools in the North American Division (NAD) will receive $920,000 … Read more

Atlantic Union Schools: Back to Their Roots

“And the Lord God took the man, and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it”—Genesis 2:15, KJV. What a marvelous portion of Scripture! Before sin entered the world, the first work God gave Adam and Eve was gardening. We shouldn’t overlook the significance of this work, then and … Read more

The Way He Did It!

The 21st century church is struggling to find a perfect or fitting method to share Jesus with the world. Social and technological changes are moving at a speed with which religions have not been able to keep up. The advancement in communication, although it has benefited the church in many ways, is still by far … Read more

Faith and Love

God’s Faithfulness and Love Faith in the Bible is associated very closely with love. Much has been written about faith, hope, and love. Faith and love appear together more than twice the number of times as faith and hope. In the Old Testament, the association of faith and love relate mainly to God’s love and … Read more

On Driving With Oil, Part I

A vehicle’s oil is essential to both lubricate the engine and absorb the heat produced while in motion. It collaborates with many parts to perform the varied drive requirements. Over the passage of time, this oil wears, and becomes ineffective in performing these functions. At the lube instant-oil-change stop, the driver is presented with a … Read more

Looking Back . . . Moving Forward

God has been faithful to His promise of being with us and guiding us as we carry out the mission of hope and wholeness. As we look back at 2018, we can identify the progress made by Atlantic Union Conference in spite of its challenges. At the onset of 2018, we were faced with the … Read more

Hearing God’s Call

“And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: . . . Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God”—Luke 18:15-16. As Seventh-day Adventist Christians, we have read and heard this text many times. The Bayberry school on Cape Cod experienced … Read more

Youth Ministry Vehicle, Part 2

Fuel. Every car has the capacity to store and utilize fuel as needed for efficient function. Correspondingly, God’s youth leaders are called to be filled with the Holy Spirit, to walk and talk with Him, so that they can ever flow out to others. They embrace the fact that it is “not by might, nor … Read more

Make a Difference

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work or device or knowledge or wisdom in the grave where you are going.”—Ecclesiastes 9:10, NKJV Just when I thought that residents of California were finally getting a break from all the wildfires, I learned of new ones leaving death … Read more

Administrators Reelected at Bermuda Conference Session

Bermuda Conference held its second quadrennial constituency session on Sunday, September 30, at the Hamilton church in Hamilton, Bermuda. The delegates voted overwhelmingly to reelect Kenneth Manders, president; W. DeJaun Tull, executive secretary; and W. Aaron Spencer, treasurer. “Bermuda Conference holds a special place in my heart. Nothing has been more precious in my life … Read more

Youth Ministry Supplement

Youth Ministry Vehicle, Part 1 Standard, manual, or stick-shift cars (as they are commonly referred to) have been almost reduced to an antique status across the U.S. as their automatic counterparts have risen in demand and popularity. Perhaps, the average millennial, Gen-Zer has never seen or driven a manual car! If asked for a quick … Read more

“In Jesus’ Name!”

Often, we hear the words “in Jesus’ name” at church, on the street, at home, after each prayer, and in many other instances in our daily interactions. However, to me, the phrase is a mind-boggling one. Is it only used when we ask God to do something for us? Is it just the cliché we … Read more

A Beacon of Light

Silhouetted against the towering skyscrapers and sandwiched between entrepreneurs whose businesses have contributed to the visibility of this operation, is a beacon of light that is visible to pedestrians who walk the streets in search of a better future. The edifice has captivated the eyes of many parents whose desire is to give their child … Read more

Peace in the Midst of a Storm

On a daily basis we face many storms. Whether it is based on politics, finances, health, or relationships, how we deal with these storms will help to determine whether or not we will survive while in the midst of them. The narrative that is found in Mark 4:35-41 describes an incident that took place when … Read more

God Wants Us to Be Whole

It is well known that Seventh-day Adventists, in general, are healthy people. Recent articles in the National Geographic magazine have focused on the fact that Seventh-day Adventist Church members practice a healthy lifestyle and, on average, live healthier lives than the rest of the population. The health message is a core part of Adventist teachings. … Read more

Work and Education Go Hand in Hand

“And work with your hands”—1 Thessalonians 4:11, NIV. “Stop going to school and go to work!” Those words seem like heresy. For nearly a century, the philosophy has been, “Go to school and make something of yourself.” High schools are rated on their percentage of graduates that are going on to college. Salaries have traditionally … Read more

You Are the Secret Ingredient

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”—Matthew 5:16, NKJV Years ago, a young Christian girl entered the doors of a Seventh-day Adventist Church after two young Adventists whom she knew extended an invitation to her. She was away from her family, her … Read more

All Winners, No Losers

“Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the Lord.”—Psalm 34:11, NIV If you were asked to name eight of the 10 sons of Haman, would you be able to do it? (Esther 9:7-10) This was just one of many areas Pathfinders were expected to answer questions about for this … Read more

Atlantic Union Conference Elects New Youth Ministries Director

The Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee, at its May 9, 2018, regular meeting, elected David McKenzie to serve as the union’s new Youth Ministries department director. His responsibilities include emphasis on youth and young adult ministries, including public campus ministries. He comes to the Atlantic Union from the Northeastern Conference, where he has been serving … Read more

Service, Do It Cheerfully!

Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, one family, under the same roof, sharing common areas. There is not much biographical information about the trio, but one thing is for sure, they were Jesus’ faithful followers and friends (see John 12:1-3). The little we know about them is sufficient to draw an illustration of devout service and unwavering … Read more

Adventist Schools: A Place of Grace

Grace is not only a teaching, but a teacher. Consider what Paul writes in Titus 2:11-13, NKJV. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and … Read more

The Preeminence of Prayer

When God created us, one of His objectives was to have a relationship with us as He had with the angels. The enemy of our soul, Satan, has calculated that if he can keep us from communicating with God, then he can destroy that relationship. The primary way of communicating with God is through prayer. … Read more

Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee and Atlantic Union College Board of Trustees Vote to Suspend the Baccalaureate Program at Atlantic Union College

At the February 2018 committee meetings, both the Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee and the Atlantic Union College Board of Trustees voted to suspend the baccalaureate program at Atlantic Union College at the end of the current academic semester and phase out the certificate programs in a teach-out manner no later than December 2018, due … Read more

Youth and Young Adults: The Driving Force of the Church

Throughout Adventist history, the church has greatly benefited from the involvement and ministry of youth and young adults at all levels of the organization. The younger they are when they get involved, the more years of service they tend to give and the more the church stands to gain. One example was the ministry of … Read more

Reflection and Moving Forward

As we have crossed over the threshold of time into 2018, we must give God thanks for taking us through 2017. For some of us, it was a challenging year, but we must thank God for taking us through. Our officers and departmental directors moved the work along and we were able to accomplish much … Read more

Make Today Count

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”—Matthew 25:40, NIV This year, we have witnessed tragic events around the world at a magnitude that we have not seen before—hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, floods, domestic violence, sex scandals, … Read more

Already Gone

Often we think of the secular college as the turning point where Adventist young people leave the church. Our young adults go off to public university, and when they return home we have a hard time recognizing them as the sweet Christian youth we sent off into the world. Statistically, many of our young people … Read more

Let’s Give Thanks

Thanksgiving is a time for our families to get together and celebrate what God has done for us. Asthe year ends, we have the privilege to reflect on how God has led and blessed us. One of the greatest blessings anyone could ever have is family and supportive people around them. Thanksgiving provides an opportunity … Read more

A Time of Prayer for Atlantic Union College

We invite you to join us for a “Time of Prayer” for Atlantic Union College (AUC) on Sunday, November 12. A special prayer service will take place at Machlan Auditorium on the AUC campus from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.    Please join the Atlantic Union Conference administrators, executive committee, and staff as we lift … Read more

Share What You Have

Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.—Hebrews 13:16, ESV In a world full of pain and disasters, we cannot stand still. We are privileged to be the answer to someone else’s prayer. God is calling us to share what we have for His … Read more

Sand, Rocks, and Forgiveness!

  Out of the many stories one of my college professors told us, I remember one in particular. Attempting to provide an illustration for the very important biblical topic of forgiveness, he told us the story of two brothers. Each time there was a fight between the two, they would go down to the river … Read more

Church School News

What are we doing to give our students an advantage? Three things you need to know about your church school: 1. Science Curriculum STEM is coming. What is STEM? STEM is a curriculum emphasis that stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. As the world of work has shifted to get- ting jobs that involve … Read more

A Joint Statement from the Atlantic Union Conference and Atlantic Union College Administrations Regarding Atlantic Union College

A letter citing several concerns about Atlantic Union College (AUC) was recently circulated by students who choose to remain anonymous. No doubt this has caused students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Atlantic Union constituents, and the community at large to be concerned regarding the state of AUC at this time. Atlantic Union College is open, and … Read more

Dare to Be Like the Eagle

The imagery of the eagle is one of my favorite Bible illustrations because of the characteristics that portray such a graceful soar, strength, keen eyesight, and the ability to empower its offspring with great care in the art of flying. In Exodus 19:4 and Deuteronomy 32:11 the eagle is used figuratively to depict God’s protection … Read more

Jesus Calls Us to Do More

The church must intentionally develop strategies to seek and serve the blind, the widows, publicans, the feeble, and those who are institutionalized in various facilities. Church members in these categories are often in the background, out of the power circles, and out of sight, but must not be forgotten. In fact, we should make sure … Read more

Atlantic Union College — The Way Forward

Atlantic Union College (AUC), founded in 1882, is one of the oldest Seventh-day Adventist institutions of higher learning. For more than 100 years, AUC has produced graduates who have made a significant impact on the work of the church at every level. We can only pray that it is within God’s plan that this institution … Read more

Three Steps to Making Your Dream a Reality

Whoever has stopped dreaming has started to die. No matter how old or young you are, never stop dreaming. Les Brown, motivational speaker and author, puts it this way, “You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” Dreams keep you energized, hopeful, and give you a reason to move … Read more

The Choice Is Yours!

“Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left”—2 Chronicles 34:1-2 When … Read more

Southern New England Conference 37th Constituency Session Report

The Southern New England Conference held its 37th Constituency Session on May 21 in the pavilion on the campground in Lancaster, Massachusetts. The delegates reelected David Dennis, president; and José Alarcón, executive secretary to serve for the next quadrennial. The position of treasurer was referred to the newly-voted executive committee. The former treasurer, Joel Tompkins, … Read more

Embracing Diversity

Bermuda Institute (BI) embraced its senior community through an innovative initiative of its librarian, Patricia Fulton. She started an outreach program—a senior book club in the school library. The club operates outside of the regular school day. The seniors meet every fourth Sunday of the month from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. to hear classic … Read more

Three Keys to Young Adult Retention

I love young adults; they are spiritual, intelligent, and caring people. They love the church wholeheartedly and they are looking to serve the church earnestly. However, many are leaving the pews while others are disengaged. What can we do to alleviate this problem? I’ve learned three key components to young adult retention through my interactions … Read more

Preparing Leaders for the Challenges Ahead

In an attempt to forge a united path going forward, the administration of the Atlantic Union Conference organized a retreat and strategic planning session for its boards, committees, and directors, under the leadership of Paul Brantley, North American Division vice president for strategic planning, and Calvin Rock, former General Conference vice president. They were assisted … Read more

A Debt of Gratitude

Debt in America continues to be a growing phenomenon. Mortgages, cars, student loans, credit cards, and discretionary purchases have surged, similar to the times just before the greatest financial crisis. It seems as if a large percentage of the U.S. population lives in debt, but that is nothing new. The concept of owing and repaying … Read more

God Has Been Forever Faithful!

Wow! Have you ever noticed how time passes by so quickly? School starts—then it ends; and another year is over. For me, that cycle has continued for almost 42 years; but this year that cycle ends, as I have retired from denominational work. Oh, at the time of this writing I’m still working three-quarter time, … Read more

What in the World Is Going On?

When one observes the assortment of news that comes at us each day from all sides, especially in recent weeks, one may wonder, What in the world is going on? Is the world about to spin out of control? Are we approaching the end of time? Are the events we are witnessing a precursor to … Read more

God’s Enduring Presence in the Church

The omnipresence of God throughout the history of humanity and in the life of the church is the overarching theological theme that has led the church over the years. All human leaders come and go, whether it was Abraham, Moses, Joshua, Peter, Paul, James, or John in the Bible, or any leader of our time, … Read more

The Biblical Mandate

The Master Teacher shows us by example that training is necessary to effect change, growth, and development, and we are also admonished to train up our children in the way that they should go. Throughout the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, God has provided various symbols, methods, and lessons to develop our character into one … Read more

Reflections and Forecasting

The 73rd Psalm begins with the statement, “Truly, God is good to Israel, to such that are pure in heart” (NKJV). As we reflect on the year 2016 and how God has led us through turmoil, distress, and fears, through hills and valleys, hopes and hopelessness, we can truly say that God has been good … Read more

Journey to Forgiveness

Throughout my ministry, I have seen many youth, young adults, and adults struggling with various battles in their lives. One of the most difficult battles is to be unforgiving. A young girl came up to me and said, “Pastor Peralta, I cannot forgive my mother; she hates me and she abandoned me.” A youth from … Read more

Stay Focused on the Mission

In just a few weeks 2016 will be history. It will be a year to remember for many people because of a number of reasons. However, it is important to remember that with each new moment, each new day, and each new year comes the unknown with its challenges, opportunities, joys, sorrows, and a host … Read more

A Time to Recommit

“And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man”—Luke 2:52. It is an incredible thought that Jesus not only grew physically, but mentally, as well. He didn’t come to earth pre-programmed with knowledge of the scriptures and His rescue mission. He learned, just as we do. Mary and Joseph had … Read more

A Culture of Thanksgiving

We are living in a world where self and selfishness has taken center stage. Mankind would rather look to themselves for answers rather than look to God, not realizing that all good things come from God. As the Source of everything good and wonderful, it is incumbent upon all of us to ascribe thanksgiving and … Read more

Adventist Pastor Assists Woman in Sinking Car

While enjoying the scenery at a local pond, Cesar Perozo’s afternoon took a shocking turn when he made a split-second decision to assist a woman whose SUV plunged into the cold waters on Friday, October 14. Perozo, who is pastor of the Stoneham church in Stoneham, Massachusetts, was with a friend at Spy Pond in … Read more

Today, More than Ever!

News broadcasting was never as busy as it is today. Media cannot keep up with the number of catastrophic events happening in the world on a daily basis; and, as you know, not everything is newsworthy. Political violence, social commotions, natural disasters, economic unrest, religious intolerance, global and public health issues, climate changes, and a … Read more

God’s Plans — Our Hands for USA!

From July 24-29, Union Springs Academy (USA) was truly blessed by volunteers who came and worked during the third annual Campus Renovation Week. These volunteers included USA faculty and staff, students, parents, alumni from near and far, New York Conference church members, and other friends with willing hearts. Thanks to the vision and leadership of … Read more

AUC Students Graduate from Professional Certificate Program

Atlantic Union College (AUC) students, past and present, as well as faculty, staff, and supporters gathered on August 28 in Machlan Auditorium for a convocation to kick off the 2016-2017 school year, and for the graduation of six students from the college’s professional certificate program. Avis Hendrickson, AUC president, welcomed the attendees and introduced the … Read more

She Was Just a Little Child

At the beginning of his reign Solomon’s response to the Lord was, “I am but a little child.” There are three types of professionals that can make an eternal impact on a child’s life: doctors, policemen, and teachers. Students are like wet cement, whatever imprints are left on their molds, will stay with them for … Read more

In Praise of Educators

One of the teachers who had a major impact on my daughter’s life was her high school English teacher, Ms. Wright*. She was young, involved, and very interested in making sure her students did well. Ms. Wright was impressed with Aiyana’s writing and her commitment to her studies. She shared with me on several occasions … Read more

Change

God never changes — “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever” Hebrews 13:8. In our world we experience changes. This is also true in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. On June 19, 2016, at the Atlantic Union Conference Quinquennial Session in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, we experienced major changes in the elected leadership of our … Read more

Educators, and Ministerial and Youth Directors Dialogue About How to Nurture Youth

In 2009, the Atlantic Union Conference ministerial and education departments led a Pastors and Teachers Convention in Providence Rhode Island. To plan this event, union and conference ministerial directors met with their counterparts in education, including the academy principals. These joint planning sessions became part of the spring education council for two years prior to … Read more

The Power of Youth Mentoring

The Atlantic Union Conference union-wide “Finish Faithful” Pathfinder Camporee is now history (see cover story). I, for one, was the recipient of a massive amount of inspiration from more than 3,700 youth, young adults, and adult chaperones congregated at Burlingame State Park in Rhode Island. The experience was a moving expression of thanks to God … Read more

Atlantic Union Constituency Session Brief Update

The 30th constituency session of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 19, in Machlan Auditorium on the campus of Atlantic Union College in Lancaster, Massachusetts. The theme for the constituency session was “Faithful to the End.”       The delegates voted the following officers, vice president, … Read more

Defying the Odds

“I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus”—Philippians 3:13, 14 (NKJV). I recently watched a video of a … Read more

Have You Caught the Mission?

Ask any person involved in Seventh-day Adventist education and they will tell you the simple truth: shrinking schools is a common theme in our denomination. Not only are many of the schools shrinking in size, but most conferences have notably fewer schools now than they did a decade ago. Why is this? Why are people,  … Read more

Faithful to the End

In a few weeks, chosen delegates from around the northeast United States will be converging on South Lancaster, Massachusetts, to participate in the 30th Quinquennial Session of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Missional reports will be shared. Officers and departmental leaders, along with an executive committee, will be elected. Statistical growth and financial … Read more

New York Bible Series Concludes with 21 Baptisms

“Cure for a Broken World,” a revival and relationships series, was held at the Community Worship Center (CWC) in Springfield Gardens, New York, February 7-13. Guest presenters were Donald King, Atlantic Union Conference president, who spoke on last-day prophetic events; and Lois King, Atlantic Union Conference Women’s Ministries and Ministerial Spouses Association director, who spoke … Read more

Money Management

The average person does not have a good idea about how to manage money. The consumer debt in America has tripled; the average person in America has more debt than they can handle. Most American families spend more than they earn in a year or just break even. Personal bankruptcies have increased in the last … Read more

How Can I Help You? (Jesus on Customer Service)

Some time ago, I heard a family tell about how they wanted to send their child to an Adventist Christian school. The family started planning in the spring, making a spreadsheet listing the schools and visiting each school. After reviewing the positives and negatives, one school was chosen. They sent an application and deposit to … Read more

The Cornerstone Who Makes Living Stone

In ancient biblical times the cornerstone was the stone at the corner of two walls that united them. It was the visible corner and most important stone of the foundation of the building. It set the level, angle, and outer dimensions of the building. It had to be level and squared true (vertical) so that … Read more

Building Effective Student-Teacher Relationships

Teaching is undoubtedly one of the most essential tasks with which Christians were entrusted by God. It is upon this commission that our church founded the ministry of Christian education. Oftentimes, as Christian educators in Seventh-day Adventist schools, while we are diligent in teaching our students about God, our primary focus becomes academic performance and … Read more

A Hard Nut Cracked

After two dreams and witnessing God’s actual presence in the fiery furnace, Nebuchadnezzar was still resistant to fully acknowledging God’s divine sovereignty. It wasn’t until after God stripped him of his kingdom and caused him to live as a wild beast for seven years, that the Bible records the once proud king, now humbly saying, … Read more

Compassion and the Gospel

Recently, my wife and I had the delightful opportunity to attend an evangelistic rally at The Waymark Seventh-day Adventist Church in Boston. Hundreds of members, along with many leaders and pastors from the more than 44 churches in metro Boston, came together to prepare the way for Compassion Boston—a major evangelistic initiative to be held … Read more

We’ve Got Something to Talk About

“How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, ‘Your God reigns!’ ”—Isaiah 52:7, NIV My daughter, Aiyana, tells me that I talk to everybody I meet. That’s not true, of course, but that’s her perception. … Read more

Woman’s Place in the Church

Second-class status has often been accorded to women in both Judaism and Christianity. To a large extent this has been mainly due to the influence of other religious and social cultures, which have given women a position of social inferiority. Unfortunately, it was the customs and traditional teachings of the rabbis and other leaders in … Read more

Younger Church, Aging Leadership (Part Two)

I do not support the popular notion that “the old people should abdicate and hand over the church to the young people.” I think that is tantamount to saying that wisdom and experience should surrender to the inexperience and the not too wise. There is no wisdom in such postulations. However, I equally disagree with … Read more

You Can Serve as an Ambassador for Adventist Christian Education

The Center for Research on K-12 Adventist Education (CRAE) launched a brand new initiative in February 2015 called Ambassadors for Adventist Christian Education (AACE), an organization created to recruit, organize, and support volunteers for the K-12 Adventist educational system. The catalyst for AACE was the number of people who would approach me after my presentations … Read more

Younger Church, Aging Leadership (Part One)

I sat almost in the nosebleed section of the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, the morning of July 4. There for the 60th General Conference Session, I listened to the newly-elected treasurer of the General Conference, Juan Prestol-Puesán, make a very passionate appeal to the more than 50,000 attendees and delegates there for that first … Read more

The Crown Without the Cross

Jesus is confronted with three major temptations (Luke 4:1-13). These are the most basic temptations in life and they form the foundation for all other temptations (1 John 2:15-17). The first temptation was “Stone into Bread.” Satan addressed Jesus by saying, “If you are the son of God.” Satan was trying to get Jesus to … Read more

Salvation is of the Lord

The delegates and visitors have returned home from the 60th General Conference Session in San Antonio, Texas. What a wondrous and inspiring experience to share in a world-wide convocation of Adventists from all parts of the globe. The music, the spirit-filled preaching, the seasons of prayer all draped around doing the business of the church … Read more

Children — Their Safety, Our Responsibility

Solomon says, “Sons are a heritage from the LORD, children a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior are sons born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them. They will not be put to shame when they contend with their enemies in the gate”—Psalm 127:3-5, … Read more

Strange Things

“Amazement took hold on all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.”—Luke 5:26, River Bible The world is weary and longs for something novel. The greatest stranger in the world is Jesus, but He is the least seen and the least spoken of by most people … Read more

Sharing the Loaves and Fishes

“There’s a little boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But that’s a drop in the bucket for a crowd like this. . . . Then Jesus took the bread and, having given thanks, gave it to those who were seated. He did the same with the fish. All ate as much … Read more

Statement on the Charleston Shooting

Donald G. King, president of the Atlantic Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, issued the following statement in response to shooting death of nine people at the Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Charleston, South, Carolina: Last Wednesday night in Charleston, hate took the lives of nine innocent people. Hate that was symbolized by a … Read more

Atlantic Union Conference Votes New Youth Ministries Director

The Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee, at its May 14, 2015 meeting, voted to ask Pastor Ryan Simpson to serve as the union’s new youth ministries director. His responsibilities include emphasis on youth and young adult ministries, including public campus ministries. Simpson succeeds José Cortés, Jr., who is now serving in the North American Division … Read more

Why Choose a Seventh-day Adventist Summer Camp?

Hints of spring are all around us and our thoughts turn to sunshine and warmer days. Summer is just around the corner, and if you are a parent, guardian, or grandparent, you are probably wondering how your child will spend their vacation once school is out. Camps are a viable cost-effective solution that many turn … Read more

Serving Others at the Edge of the Cliff

“When they heard this, the people in the synagogue were furious. Jumping up, they mobbed him and forced him to the edge of the hill on which the town was built. They intended to push him over the cliff, but he passed right through the crowd and went on his way.”—Luke 4:28-30, NLT Jesus, upon … Read more

That’s Not Fair!

It is considered by some to be the oldest argument on earth since the world was created, “That’s not fair.” Adam and Eve’s two boys, Cain and Abel, brought their offerings to God. God accepted Abel’s offering and rejected Cain’s offering. Cain said, “That is not fair,” and it resulted in the first murder in … Read more

The Odd Couple

Scores of educators boarded buses, vans, and cars as they wended their way last fall to Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, New York. This was the first time in the history of the Northeastern Conference that teachers and pastors convened for workers meeting. As they disembarked, cemented smiles glowed from the faces of friends … Read more

The Rain of Grace

Who has cut a channel for the flood water, or the path for the thunderstorm; to cause it to rain on a land where no man is; on the wilderness, in which there is no man; to satisfy the waste and desolate ground, to cause the tender grass to spring forth?”—Job 38:25-27, River Bible God … Read more

Engaging Youth and Young Adults in Evangelism

Many years ago in the church a theme was heard: If you are old enough to be baptized, then you are old enough to win souls. Who better to reach one youth or young adult for the Lord than another youth or young adult? There is no higher work than this. “The work above all … Read more

Compassion More Than a Word

Matthew 9:36, NIV, says that on Jesus’ third Galilean tour, “When He ( Jesus) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” The previous verse of Matthew 9:35 lets us know what Jesus did on His second Galilean tour. The Bible says Jesus was … Read more

Calling on the Lord in Prayer

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known”—Jeremiah 33:3, ESV. The Lord came to Jeremiah while in prison and encouraged him to call to Him in prayer. Jeremiah’s dungeon is symbolic of the dungeon of life. God does not leave His people, … Read more

Each One Reach One

It was on an ordinary day at an ordinary chapel where Lisa* learned about the importance of sharing. Several Oakwood University students, who volunteer with NAPS (National Association for the Prevention of Starvation), stopped by the Berea Academy in Mattapan, Massachusetts, to share stories with the children about their mission trips. They spoke about their … Read more

Reclaiming Young Adults: Be Like the Father

In previous articles we saw how Jesus provided some key insights through the Parable of the Prodigal Son on why young adults leave the church. Let’s explore Luke 15:25-30 and draw some practical solutions on how to reclaim them: • Pray for them. I imagine the father praying for his son, at morning and evening … Read more

Precious Moments With Jesus

I am sitting in the stillness of the early morning. The sun is not up yet. There is definitely a chill in the air. All the lights in the house are still off, except in the room where I am sitting. No electronic devices have been turned on yet. There is peace and quiet all … Read more

Atlantic Union College Board of Trustees Votes New President

On Sunday, November 16, 2014, the Atlantic Union College Board of Trustees voted to invite Avis Hendrickson, Ed.D., to serve as the new president of Atlantic Union College. She will begin her role as president as soon as possible. “We’re very pleased to welcome Dr. Hendrickson to join the long history of service at Atlantic … Read more

New York Conference Hosts Outdoor School

The concept of outdoor school is one that many school systems have adopted in recent years. We love the idea of spending time outdoors with our students, especially when we read about the schools of the prophets and Ellen White’s counsel regarding such venues for education. Outdoor school is perhaps one of the greatest gifts … Read more

One of the Biggest Sins

During this Thanksgiving season, it is appropriate to highlight an anonymous quote that goes like this: “If you can’t find anything for which to be thankful, then make up your mind that there is something wrong with you.” Ingratitude is considered one of the biggest sins, not because it’s bigger, really, but because it’s so … Read more

Retaining Young Adults: Do We Really Want to Keep Them?

In our last article of this series, “Retaining Young Adults,” we asked hard questions. (See Gleaner, June 2014, p. 18.) Some of us arrived at the conclusion that perhaps our young adults are falling away because the “boardwalk,” meaning the church, is broken. We touched on the parable of the Prodigal Son that provides guidance … Read more

Turn Failures into Achievements

Someone once said, “There is dignity in suffering; nobility in pain; but failure is a salted wound, that burns and burns again.” The truth is, no one is exempt from failure. Failure and success, most of the time, go hand in hand. It is believed that most successes have been built on failures, not one … Read more

Making Your Mark One Step at a Time

Most of us rarely stop to think about the many places our feet take us on a daily basis. It’s even more rare for us to think about the footprints we leave behind. Depending on the terrain, there may or may not be evidence that we even walked a particular path. On our spiritual journey, … Read more

Veteran Superintendents Retire

2014 will be remembered as the year in which three experienced educators serving in the capacity of superintendent of schools retired from Atlantic Union Conference education team. In addition to their length of service in their respective conference offices, they will always be remembered for their dedication and commitment to improving Adventist education. Their legacy … Read more

Serving — Not Just Consuming

In Scripture, we are called away from merely viewing life as a consumer. Life is more than achieving, attaining, and acquiring. It’s not about my gaining and getting. Instead, it’s about my giving and getting involved. We are called toward this beautiful reality that when we belong to Christ, we’ve been rewired to not merely … Read more

Behind the Scenes of AUAM

Let’s face it, many people often take for granted what goes on behind the scenes of any program they attend or watch. It is a world behind the scenes that often goes unrecognized. One such program is Atlantic Union Adventist Media (AUAM) ministry. What do you really know about the ministry and the people behind … Read more

The Blessings of God’s Presence

Have you recently or in the past ever carefully considered the blessings and joy of God’s presence, or for that matter, what it really means to be in His presence? Journey with me through Psalms 84 written by the sons of Korah. The first two verses express a deep yearning for God’s presence and a … Read more

Adventist Education: Our Task

The education leaders in the Atlantic Union Conference and the North American Division are concerned about declining enrollment in Seventh-day Adventist schools. Despite numerous brainstorming and marketing summits, enrollment continues to plummet. Last January, the Atlantic Union Conference Office of Education was selected by the Center for Research in K-12 Education at La Sierra University … Read more

Hang in There

If you ever felt like quitting, remember that the Apostle Paul felt that way also. In a very personal letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 1:1-11), he bares his soul about certain things. Things like hardships, deprivation, imprisonment, the unremitting opposition he faced—so much so, that he concluded what he was going through wasn’t just … Read more

Young Adults: Why Do They Leave?

Imagine you are a lifeguard at a populated beach, encircled by a beautiful boardwalk that ventures deep into the water with a great spot for people to congregate and look at the ocean. Suddenly, you notice that someone in the water is in trouble. You dive in with your rescue equipment and bring him to … Read more

Who Are You and Your Church Mingling With?

While Jesus was on earth, He “mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’—The Ministry of Healing, p. 143. During His ministry, Jesus chose 12 men to be His disciples; He trained them, and … Read more

The Future is Ours

As we wind our way down the corridors of time, we are always made cognizant that the future is never guaranteed to anyone. The tragedy of Malaysian Airlines Flight 370 starkly reminds us of that fact. Nevertheless, for those who trust in the Lord with all their hearts (Psalm 9:10), there is another kind of … Read more

Are We the Light of the World?

Jesus made this point to His disciples during the Sermon on the Mount. He said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a [bushel]. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to … Read more

Recognizing Teachers in One-room Schools

Within the boundaries of the Southern New England Conference four one-teacher schools are thriving. These schools are staffed by teachers who are on the front line of Christian education every day, basically by themselves. It’s hard to imagine being the only adult at school day by day, having no other adults to talk with about … Read more

A Man Named Matthew

“As Jesus passed on from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax office. And He said to him, ‘Follow Me.’ So he arose and followed Him.”—Matthew 9:9 (NKJV). Matthew is here writing about himself. But note the modesty of his expression: “a man, named Matthew.” He even omitted the fact that … Read more

Faith and Prayer in Action

In Matthew 5:13, 14, Jesus uses two metaphors to describe the function and activity of Christians. In verse 13, Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth.” In verse 14, Jesus says, “You are the light of the world.” Both metaphors are action words that denote some function and activity. Salt is essential for … Read more

Atlantic Union Churches Lead in Massive Global Outreach

This is a story about a guy who had never read a book in his whole life, and the couple who sent him a 384-page volume about Bible prophecy. The book, of course, is The Great Controversy. Ellen White’s book is part of a worldwide outreach movement that has gathered so much momentum in the … Read more

Eight Graduate at NETS Fall 2013 Graduation

Eight students graduated from the Northeast Evangelism Training School’s (NETS) fall 2013 program. The event was held on December 8 at the Chan Shun Dining Commons on the campus of Atlantic Union College. The ceremony, attended by about 120 people, signaled the completion of the second NETS four-month program and the first one to be … Read more

My Holiday Prayer List

“The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in … Read more

Compassion, One Year After Sandy

It has been a year since Superstorm Sandy hit the New York City coastline packed with high waves and strong winds that resulted in displacement, destruction, and death. Disasters are followed by a surge in giving, volunteering, and charity. Everyone wants to help as long as the pictures remain on our television screens. It happened … Read more

Delegates Vote Two New Administrators at Constituency Session

Delegates attending the 36th Constituency Session of the Southern New England Conference on July 14 voted to elect a new president and secretary to serve the conference for the next four years. David Dennis, pastor of the Village church in South Lancaster, was elected to serve as president, and José Alarcón, Hispanic Ministries coordinator for … Read more

Math Clinic Reveals Christ Through Numbers

Fifty-four students participated in a Math Clinic at the Brooklyn school on June 24-28. It was one of several clinics scheduled this year in conjunction with the NY13 evangelistic meetings. For the entire week math skills were taught using the Bible as a textbook. Adventist as well as non-Adventist students from the neighborhood were challenged … Read more

NETS Conducts First Graduation

Nine students graduated during the Northeast Evangelism Training School’s (NETS) first graduation program at the Spanish Broadway church in New York City on June 30. Two additional students received certificates of participation. The ceremony signaled the completion of the first NETS four-month program held in conjunction with the NY13 evangelistic meetings at the Manhattan church … Read more

Adventist Youth Participate in Compassion Projects

Hundreds of youth, young adults, and adults participated in several compassion initiatives during the joint camp meeting of the Greater New York and Northeastern conferences on June 29 at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. The projects included a shoe drive with Soles4Souls and a Rose with a Promise, along with a visit to … Read more

Joint Camp Meeting a Success

More than 12,000 people attended the Joint Camp Meeting of the Greater New York and Northeastern conferences at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York, on June 29. It was the first time these two conferences opted to forgo camp meeting at their usual locations and unite in one location. The event marked … Read more

Update Regarding Degree Granting Authority at Atlantic Union College

The Board of Higher Education of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Mass BHE) has accorded Atlantic Union College the authority to award the degrees of Bachelor of Arts in Theology/Religion and Bachelor of Science in Health Science/Biology. We are delighted with this decision and will be working over the coming months to develop faculty and staff, … Read more

Statement from the Atlantic Union Conference President

Remembering those affected by the Explosions in Boston Our hearts are torn because of the sad news of the explosions that occurred during the Boston Marathon. We pain for the families of those who lost their lives in this tragic incident and the many who were severely hurt. Our hearts go out to all in … Read more

There is Hope: Compassion

We were sitting on the Lido Deck of the cruise ship ms Nieuw Amsterdam with a group of young adults participating in “Cruise with a Mission” when a man in his 80s, by the name of Monroe, approached our table and started talking with me. He said he was an atheist and added that people … Read more

NY13 — A Time to Shine the Glory of the Lord

The prophet Isaiah says, in chapter 60:1-3, “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His Glory appears over you. Nations will come to your light, and kings … Read more

Scatter, Water, and Wait

In John chapter 3, Jesus, speaking to Nicodemus, said that the Holy Spirit is like the wind—He is not One who can be controlled. We see the effect of the wind on the trees when the wind blows, but where it comes from or where it goes, we do not know. Jesus was making an … Read more

Purpose-driven Parenting

“Children are a heritage of the Lord”—Psalm 127:3, NIV. He owns them because He created them and He redeemed them through His death on Calvary. They are His offspring, and through them He expects His legacy to continue. He has made us stewards of His heritage so that we can teach them and give them … Read more

A Call for Worldwide Prayer, January 9-19, 2013

SILVER SPRING, MD (October 22, 2012) – Church members around the world are invited to participate in the upcoming 10 Days of Prayer initiative (formerly called Operation Global Rain), January 9-19, 2013. The theme for the 10 Days of Prayer is taken from 2 Peter 1:1-11, where Peter sets forth the divine plan for the … Read more

Adventists Help Make a Difference

When disaster strikes anywhere in the United States, the first responders we usually hear about are FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) and the American Red Cross. Depending on the severity of the damage, actors and artists from the entertainment industry are sometimes next in line to dominate the spotlight, holding benefits and supporting causes to … Read more

The Bible Bullying Story

School is the one place that many students feel safe. Unfortunately, Joseph did not have a school to protect him from bullying. Bullying nearly cost him his life. A safe learning environment is the highest priority of every Adventist school and teacher. Schools in the Atlantic Union have policies to prevent bullying and ensure the … Read more

Compassion and the Christmas Season

It is clear that Jesus was not born on December 25. That does not mean Adventists cannot practice compassion during the Christmas season. Compassion must be a lifestyle that permeates every waking hour, every day of the year, including the holiday season. Compassion was a priority of Jesus daily, even during the holidays: “But when … Read more

Atlantic Union College Board Appoints New Interim President

On November 11, 2012, the Atlantic Union College (AUC) Board of Trustees appointed Duane M. Cady, M.D. as interim president. Cady is a general surgeon of more than 30 years in upstate New York, an immediate past chair of the American Medical Association Board of Trustees, and a graduate of Atlantic Union College, Lancaster, Massachusetts, … Read more

Be Not Weary in Well-doing

When things are done with a sense of duty, with dependence on God, faith in His Word, and with love and goodwill to all, ordinary acts become holy unto the Lord. Yet, Scripture warns us that we can become weary in well-doing. The Apostle Paul entreats us in 2 Thessalonians 3 to beware of unreasonable … Read more

Update Report Regarding the Mass DHE Site Visit September 30 – October 2, 2012

The site visit by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (Mass DHE) team to conduct an assessment for the reestablishment of degree granting authority at Atlantic Union College was completed on October 2. The team took a tour of the campus and expressed appreciation for the hospitality and warm reception they received from the time … Read more

Randee Reynolds Appointed President of Parkview Adventist Medical Center

Randee Reynolds, secretary/treasurer of Northern New England Conference (NNEC) and interim president of Parkview Adventist Medical Center (Parkview), has accepted the invitation of the Parkview Adventist Medical Center Board and Membership Committee and the Central Maine Medical Center of Lewiston, Maine, to become president of the Adventist owned and operated 55-bed hospital in Brunswick, Maine. … Read more

NY13 Evangelism and Prayer Rally Highlights

The weekend of September 21-23 was packed with activities surrounding NY13, the evangelistic initiative scheduled for the metropolitan area of New York City in 2013. It began on Friday afternoon with a brief visit with the mayor’s senior advisor to share information about the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s health message, the events planned for New York … Read more

Highlights of the NY13 Evangelism and Prayer Rally – Photos

The weekend of September 21-23 was packed with activities surrounding NY13, the evangelistic initiative scheduled for the metropolitan area of New York City in 2013. Here are a few photo highlights of the event. Friday Afternoon: [divider style=”dashed”] Friday Night: [divider style=”dashed”] Sabbath: [divider style=”dashed”] [divider style=”dashed”] Sunday – Let’s Move Day

Reflections on New York Conference Camp Meeting 2012

Camp Meeting 2012 in the New York Conference not only made memories, but reflected on many memories from the past. The 150th anniversary of the conference was celebrated this year. In honor of this occasion, many of the meetings featured the “appearances” of several pioneers of the church, including Martha Byington, the first Adventist school … Read more

Medical Missionaries Advocate Health and Happiness for 2013 and Beyond

An estimated 87 church members from 38 churches in the three conferences—Allegheny East, Greater New York, and Northeastern—graduated from the 10-day Medical Missionary Training Program held on July 22. The training program, which began on July 13, was spearheaded by the Northeastern Conference Health Ministries Department, under the leadership of Leroy Daley, the conference’s health … Read more

Three Great Themes — Three Great Emphases!

During the week of June 22-30, my wife, Marilyn, and I had the opportunity to visit three different camp meetings. What a blessing and inspiration we received! The first visit was to the New York Conference campgrounds at Union Springs Academy. This camp meeting was unique in that they were celebrating the 150th anniversary of … Read more

Review and Herald Votes Woman as Editor of Message Magazine

The Review and Herald Publishing Association board has voted Carmela Monk Crawford as editor of Message, the church’s urban-flavored sharing magazine. Crawford served as associate editor of Message in the early 90s, but her connection to the ministry goes back to childhood. Her father, Paul Monk, took on the role of editor 32 years ago. … Read more

Northeastern Conference Delegates Elect New Officers at Session

The Northeastern Conference convened its twenty-sixth regular constituency session on Sunday, June 10 at Camp Victory Lake in Hyde Park, New York. When all was said and done, a change in leadership was voted by the delegates. The new officers elected for the next four years are Daniel Honore, president; Oswald Euell, executive secretary; and … Read more

More Ways to Tell the Story

I recall several years ago trying to convince my late mother to use Skype so that we could see each other when we talk instead of just hearing our voices on the phone. Well, that conversation didn’t go very far. My mother made it clear that computers and other technology were not for her generation … Read more

AUC Nursing Teach-out Update

Atlantic Union College (AUC), in its teach-out agreement last year with Mount Wachusett Community College (WMCC), continued to assist the last AUC nursing class in completing their life-long goal of becoming nurses. On May 17, 2012, 28 AUC students graduated with their associate degree in nursing from WMCC. The pinning ceremony was held on Friday … Read more

Atlantic Union Conference Statement on Women in Ministry

May 14, 2012 At its regularly scheduled quarterly meeting on May 10, 2012, the Atlantic Union Conference Executive Committee voted the following statement regarding women in ministry. ATLANTIC UNION CONFERENCE STATEMENT ON WOMEN IN MINISTRY Recognizing the current discussions and the value of women in ministry within the North American Division, the Atlantic Union Conference … Read more

Sowing the Best Seeds

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap”—Galatians 6:7. Recently, a Festival of the Laity SEEDS Conference was held in the Atlantic Union, sponsored by the Atlantic Union Conference Personal Ministries Department. The purpose of the conference was to train, inspire, and encourage the faithful in … Read more

Getting Ready for Camp Meeting 2012

In just a few weeks, the 2012 camp meeting season will begin. Members from around the Atlantic Union and beyond, along with their family, friends, and first-time visitors will be heading to camp meeting. It’s a time when people are renewed, refreshed, and revived by the sermons, seminars, and other events and activities. The camp … Read more

Can You Take a Risk?

I am amazed at some of the risks people take with their lives, investment, retirement, health, and even family. Jesus told a parable of a man who was going on a long journey (Matthew 25:14-30). The man called his servants and entrusted his wealth to them. To one servant he gave five talents, to another … Read more

NY13—An Adventure in Soul-Winning

For the first time in the history of our church, an evangelistic initiative has been launched that will encompass all levels of the church, from the local church to the General Conference. Never has there been such collaboration between all levels for a soul-winning experience (not just an event) that will impact a major city … Read more

Beginnings — Asking for Holy Boldness

On January 1 this year, two major initiatives were launched. Firstly, the North American Division Prayer Initiative, designed to encourage daily prayer for the power of the Holy Spirit and a spirit of unity in the nine unions and 58 conferences this year. The goal is to “Reach North America”—a plan that embraces and promotes … Read more

Anniversaries are Wonderful

Ten years ago, in 2002, the Atlantic Union Gleaner commemorated 100 years of service as a faithful chronicle of work and progress of the Adventist Church in the Atlantic Union territory. This month, we celebrate 110 years. The following is an excerpt taken from the very first issue of the Gleaner, dated January 1, 1902, … Read more