Press Releases

On August 20, 2020, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference Executive Committee met virtually to receive the name of Kyoshin Ahn, the recommendation for division secretary, from both the North American Division’s standing nominating committee and executive committee.

On August 18, 2020, Synchronous Health, a behavioral health company that combines the strength of human empathy with artificial intelligence (AI) to increase access and quality of behavioral health services, and Adventist Health, a faith-based nonprofit integrated multi-state health system serving more than 10 million people in more than 80 communities on the West Coast and Hawaii, announced a strategic partnership that provides customized behavioral healthcare and well-being solutions to key populations.

The Executive Committee of the North American Division (NAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted on August 18, 2020, to recommend the name of Kyoshin Ahn for the position of NAD executive secretary. Ahn’s name was presented to the executive committee by the nominating committee, which met on Aug. 17.

It Is Written invites churches to participate in ACTS 20:21, a new evangelistic initiative offering six virtual series over the next year. Churches that subscribe will receive direct social media advertising, Bible training, and resources. It Is Written evangelists will present the first five series online, with local pastors presenting the sixth series to connect viewers to their churches. The deadline to sign up for ACTS 20:21 is September 15, 2020.

The NAD leadership has identified the process to elect a new executive secretary. G. Alexander Bryant, NAD president, notified the members of the standing NAD Nominating Committee that they will meet on Aug. 17 to select a name to be recommended to the NAD Executive Committee, which will then vote on the recommendation on Aug. 18.

Kari Firestone, Walla Walla University (WWU) professor of nursing and associate dean of the School of Nursing, has been appointed to the role of WWU COVID-19 response director by WWU president John McVay. In this new role, Firestone will lead a task force that will detail and implement plans related to COVID-19 on the WWU campus for fall quarter and beyond.

​​​​​​​With more than 650 named skeletal muscles in the human body, it is clear that humans were “Made to Move!” And as part of its Adventist HealthyYOU initiative, the North American Division (NAD) is continuing to encourage members, congregations, and organizations to plan physical activity events for their communities. "Made to Move Week" has been designated as Sept. 19-26, 2020.

From weekly episodes to daily devotionals to shows in Spanish, eight original It Is Written programs are now available as podcasts on Apple and Google podcasts. "It Is Written," "Sabbath School," "Every Word," "Line Upon Line," "Conversations," "Escrito Está," and "Una Mejor Manera de Vivir" join "In the Word" to provide uplifting content on the go.

The North American Division Office of Education (NADOE) is pleased to announce the publication of its By Design Biology: The Scientific Study of Life textbook for secondary school students. This textbook represents a continuation of the By Design Science textbooks used in Adventist elementary schools across the division.

April Summitt, who has served as La Sierra’s College of Arts and Sciences dean since 2016 assumed the role of provost effective July 1, 2020. She was among 11 candidates for the position that Fehr held prior to her selection as president last May. Fehr was tapped to lead the university after Randal Wisbey stepped down following a 12-year tenure.