News

Erton C. Köhler Elected as General Conference President
Erton C. Köhler was elected to the office of the president of the General Conference (GC) on July 4, 2025, during the 62nd GC Session in St. Louis, Missouri. Köhler’s election marks the beginning of his first term as the spiritual and administrative leader of a worldwide movement that spans more than 200 countries and includes more than 23 million members.

Rooted in the Word: Scripture Comes Alive at the 2025 NAD Pathfinder Bible Experience
From April 25 to 26, more than 3,000 Pathfinders, supporters, and volunteers packed the arena in historic Battle Creek, Michigan, for a weekend of worship, Bible knowledge testing, and celebration. And on Sabbath, April 26, 185 teams — the second highest number ever — gathered in person from across North America and beyond. Four teams joined virtually.

Lessons for the Living
I have a confession to make. I have a habit, some might call it a morbid one, but wherever I go, whatever city I’m visiting, I will find myself in the oldest cemetery in town, walking among the dead. I can go to a cemetery, and stay for two hours, three hours, and I walk up and down reading the tombstones. I like to ponder: Who was this person? What was their life?

Help Provided in St. Louis After Tornado Strike
On May 16, 2025, a powerful EF-3 tornado tore through St. Louis, Missouri, and continued into Madison County, Illinois, reaching wind speeds of up to 152 mph and spanning 22.8 miles. NAD Adventist Community Services (ACS) is partnering with the Mid-America Union Conference, local churches, civic leaders, and other Adventist entities to provide ongoing disaster relief.

Andrews University Shifts Focus of Its Farm Operations
The Andrews University Board of Trustees voted in its June 4 meeting to shift the focus of its overall Andrews University Farm operations, including a decision to formally close the farm’s dairy operations by summer 2019. With this decision, the university's farm will expand its focus on the food crops grown on its 750 acres of land.

ADRA and Sligo Adventist Church Empower Community Members to Serve Local and International Refugees
To help raise awareness of the refugee crisis, which involves more than 65 million people worldwide, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) collaborated with Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Takoma Park, Maryland, to co-host an information fair and film screening on May 20.

Religious Liberty Advocates Gather to Champion Freedom of Conscience at Annual Dinner
On May 22, 2018, in Washington, D.C., more than 80 diplomats, religious liberty advocates, government officials, and guests gathered at the Organization of American States building for the 16th annual Religious Liberty Dinner. The event, themed this year “Championing Freedom of Conscience for All,” is held to celebrate and bring attention to a central human right: the freedom of religion or belief.

ACS Disaster Response Advisory Inspires Collaboration Among Unions and Addresses Need for Certified Leaders
The Adventist Community Services (ACS) Disaster Response (DR) Advisory drew 50 coordinators and directors to Rhode Island on May 6-7 to deliver reports on projects taking place around the division and beyond. The event took place at the Providence Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church just before the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD) conference.