News
Unearthing History: The Dino Dig Experience at Southwestern Adventist University
For many, the pull of uncovering ancient relics and the mysteries of the past is an irresistible draw. Southwestern Adventist University (SWAU) offers a unique opportunity to step back in time with its Dino Dig Experience, a dinosaur excavation research project in the Lance Formation of eastern Wyoming, United States. This program, held annually in June, brings together students, families, and international participants to uncover and study dinosaur fossil remains.
Gillette Residents to Be Welcomed to “Night at the Camporee”
In just five weeks, the International Pathfinder Camporee will have moved west to Gillette, Wyoming. From August 5-11, 2024, roughly 60,000 young people from 100 countries will transform the Gillette Cam-Plex Facilities into a tent and RV city. Over numerous site visits since 2020, camporee officials have found significant interest among community members in attending the nighttime mainstage events. However, because minors attend the camporee, background checks would be necessary for these additional guests. Thus, camporee leaders decided to host a “night at the camporee” on August 4, which will offer community members a 90-minute sneak peek of the "Believe the Promise" evening program.
It is Written Wins 14 Telly Awards
It Is Written is pleased to announce that it has won 14 Telly Awards this year. The awards received highlight It is Written’s versatility and excellence in media production, with several programs earning multiple honors.
Common Ground
On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, North American Division leaders met with student leaders from universities across the division. The goal was to determine what young people are concerned with and discuss what they might want church leadership to know. “We really want to know what you have to say,” stated Tracy Wood, director for youth and young adult ministries at the NAD, at the start of the online meeting. “The voices of students from your campuses can and do have a significant impact across North America.” In addition to five church leaders from both union and division levels, eight students were also present, representing Adventist and non-Adventist campuses across the country.
General Sessions Uplift and Edify Teachers at North American Division Educators' Convention in Phoenix
Within the three full days of North American Division Educators’ Convention, which ran from Aug. 7-10, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona, were dozens of breakout sessions hosted by experts and educators, each with specific topics for dedicated teachers to enjoy. The five general sessions, however, gathered all 6,000 attendees in one room to listen to dedicated speakers and to worship.
“The Good Life”: ACFI 2023 Unlocks Life’s Cheat Code
“I’ve found the cheat code, the thing that makes life worth living – I have Jesus. And I’m privileged to live this life in service to others,” said Akehil Johnson, the North American Division’s Adventist Christian Fellowship (ACF) student association president at the 2023 Adventist Christian Fellowship Institute (ACFI). He continued, “Living in this joy is living like heaven is today.” The institute, held July 25-29, 2023, at the University of Ottawa, brought together 75 campus ministry leaders, pastors, youth and young adult ministry directors, and supporters. Themed “The Good Life; Heaven Now,” as described by Johnson, ACFI encouraged participants to embrace and share the abundant life promised in John 10:10.
ADRA Canada and Local Churches Rally in Support of Canadian Wildfire Crisis
With roughly 40 percent of its land covered in forests, Canada is no stranger to annual wildfires, particularly in its western regions. However, 2023 has marked the most devastating wildfire season in recorded Canadian history, spanning east to west and causing significant air quality issues and hazy skies across Canada and the United States. Wildfires have scorched more than 133,000 square kilometers (51,351 square miles) of land, and 200,000 Canadians have had to evacuate their homes. Presently, there are more than 1,000 active fires across Canada. Amid these natural disasters, ADRA Canada has been collaborating with local churches to provide supplies and funding as needed.
“Why We Teach”
On the morning of the fourth and final day of the 2023 NAD Educators' Convention, teachers who would step into classrooms that following week felt anticipation, exhilaration, and appreciation. Nicole C. Mullen set the tone through her music. Then G. Alexander Bryant, president of the NAD, rose to speak. He addressed the teachers, recognizing their oft-overlooked efforts to invest in their students and uphold the tenets of Adventist Education.