News Articles

Largest Cohort in Years Successfully Completes North American Division Planned Giving and Trust Services Certification Program

A cohort of 40 Adventists successfully completed 13 weeks of training.

December 13, 2023 | Scottsdale, Ariz. | Tony Reyes

Trust Services cohort — *The 40 individuals part of the recent NAD Planned Giving and Trust Services training cohort pose for a photo.*

The North American Division (NAD) Planned Giving and Trust Services (PGTS) ministry recently celebrated the successful conclusion of its largest cohort in years. The 13-week certification program, held at the Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists from November 28 to 30, brought together a record-breaking cohort of 40 individuals. These participants, representing various Seventh-day Adventist organizations from across the NAD territory, engaged in a comprehensive program that included material reviews and a culminating 200-question exam.

The diverse cohort, comprised of professionals from different Adventist organizations, created a dynamic and collaborative learning environment. This record-breaking attendance underscores the growing interest and commitment to advancing planned giving and trust services within the Seventh-day Adventist community.

"We are excited to announce that this cohort has been the largest in recent years, showcasing a remarkable dedication to professional development within the field of planned giving and trust services," said Tony Reyes, associate director at the General Conference Planned Giving and Trust Services ministry. "The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants reflect the increasing importance placed on these vital services within the Seventh-day Adventist community."

In addition to this accomplishment, it is noteworthy that in 2022, North American Division organizations, including conferences, media, healthcare, ministries, and higher education, collectively received $55,784,314.00 through planned giving and trust services efforts.

Following the rigorous examination on Thursday, all 40 participants successfully completed the program, meeting the stringent certification requirements set by the NAD PGTS ministry. This achievement not only highlights the commitment of individuals to excellence but also marks a significant milestone for the ministry and its impact on the North American Division.

"We believe that this accomplishment will have a positive ripple effect on the quality of planned giving and trust services across the NAD territory and will help our constituents experience the joy of giving, but most importantly, it will allow the mission to move forward,” added Dennis Carlson, PGTS director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland.

— Tony Reyes, associate director for Planned Giving and Trust Services at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has responsibilities in the North American Division.

Breath of Life Ministries Celebrates 50 Years of Media, Music, and Evangelism

On Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, Breath of Life Ministries celebrated 50 years with its Legacy Night, held at Oakwood University Church (OUC) in Huntsville, Alabama — its home since 2012. The evening reflected on the ministry’s evolution and honored key contributors. It also featured performances by 10-time Grammy winners Take 6 and the current Breath of Life Quartet, as well as a message by former speaker/director Carlton P. Byrd, now president of the Southwest Region Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.

NAD President and First Lady Share Holiday Video Message for 2024

"To all of our family: To our brothers and sisters in Canada, our brothers and sisters in Bermuda, our brothers and sisters in Guam-Micronesia, and certainly our brothers and sisters here in the United States. We would like to say to you, on behalf of our North American Division office and leadership team, we thank God for your faithfulness for another year, for how you have served your communities, how you have engaged your communities, and how you have spread the love of Jesus Christ abroad," says NAD president G. Alexander Bryant, in the 2024 holiday message he shares with wife, Desiree Bryant, who is the NAD Ministerial Spouses director.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada Announces New Contract with Christian Record Services

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) is pleased to announce a new three-year contract with Christian Record Services (CRS) to provide services to members who are blind and visually impaired. This partnership, effective from 2025 to 2027, will enhance the quality of life for many individuals across Canada.

Southern Adventist University Trains AI Model to Classify Dinosaur Teeth

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Society of Adventist Communicators Recognizes Southern Adventist University with Nine Awards

Once again taking home the most awards, Southern Adventist University applauds the nine students, alumni, and faculty members who earned accolades at the creative competition held during the Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention, just outside of Chicago, Illinois, in October.