News
Providing Encouragement and Assessment
NAD Administrators Affirm Work and Assess Needs During Visit to the Guam-Micronesia Mission
Beginning January 4, 2024, a North American Division administrative team visited several islands within the Guam-Micronesia Mission for two weeks. “We wanted to provide encouragement and do an assessment of needs and see how we could better support the work there,” said NAD president G. Alexander Bryant.
Overwhelmed and Empowered: A New Delegate’s Experience
The moment I stepped into America’s Center Convention Complex for the 62nd General Conference Session, I was swept into a current of humanity — so many people from so many places filling the facility. But this crowd felt different.
Adventist Churches Support Local Refugee Families at GC Session
Members of Potomac Conference’s Sligo church in Takoma Park, Md., often distribute food to refugees who have been relocated within their local community near Washington, D.C.
Practical Resources Available at GC Session
Visitors to the North American Division exhibit at the General Conference Session found practical resources aimed at meeting the needs of local churches. From grief support to financial literacy, and from Sabbath School curriculum to evangelistic campaign planning, ministries showcased tools designed to equip leaders and members to share biblical principles in their communities.
Like a Well-Oiled Machine: Media Ministries in Motion for Christ
The North American Division’s five media ministries exhibit a striking paradox: unity built through personal vision, and spiritual impact through tangible, earthly tools. The ministries have carved out their own legacy, occasionally joining forces. Each has embraced the use of modern technology to augment its mission. Individually and collectively, they have accomplished impressive feats extending Christ’s invitation to life eternal across the globe.
God’s Call to Live in Healing and Harmony
The North American Division stands in support of the principles outlined in the General Conference statement, “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism.” This document offers a biblical response to the issues specific to the NAD, contextualizes the “One Humanity” document into the North American setting, and faithfully reflects the biblical understanding of social justice and Christian responsibility.
The Church’s Needed Witness
The political and social events of the year 2020 have once again pushed unresolved issues around race relations in the United States to center stage in our national and international conversations. The video-recorded murder of George Floyd by a police officer on May 25, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, represented for millions a tipping point, one that elicited an outcry by leaders who highlighted historical inequity and called for social justice across a diverse range of political, commercial, academic, and ecclesiastical institutions.
Historically Diverse Administration Elected to Lead Pacific Union Conference
Bradford C. Newton has been elected president of the Pacific Union Conference, replacing Ricardo B. Graham, who is retiring after 14 years of service as president and more than 46 years of ministry. Elected to fill the role of executive secretary that Newton has held since 2008, Sandra E. Roberts, president of the Southeastern California Conference, is the first woman to be elected to serve in the administration of the Pacific Union Conference and within the North American Division. Delegates returned Stephen V. Mayer to the position of treasurer.
A Scam, a Service, and Many Smiles
At the beginning of May 2021, LifeBridge Seventh-day Adventist Church provided the Tacoma, Washington, community with more than $90,000 worth of free dental care over a period of two days. Clinic director and local dentist Jed de la Paz and the LifeBridge team recruited more than 75 volunteers who gave selflessly of their time and expertise.