Stories & Commentaries

About Stories & Commentaries

From time to time, the North American Division shares commentaries on issues and/or events important to Adventists in this division. We also publish stories, which sometimes include interviews and features, to inspire our leaders and members.

Coopwood Family

Aiding Hospitality, Service Workers Amid COVID-19 Pandemic

When the Shelby County, Tennessee, Health Department placed significant restrictions on area restaurants and other businesses in December 2020 because of the coronavirus, Adventist Reginald Coopwood, M.D., and his family decided to do something to help those impacted. The Coopwoods set up the “Pay It Forward Mid-South” campaign, which ran through Jan. 31, 2021. By the end of the campaign, close to $500,000 had been raised. 

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Of Hallelujahs and Hope Vendors

Pain comes in all shapes and sizes. Think about all the businesses that have been forced to close. How will the hundreds of thousands who’ve lost work pay their rent? How will they explain to their families that they might soon be living on the street? You and I can both extend the list of the agonies that plague our fractured planet and the people who live here. But there is always hope, healing hope.

Palau presidential inauguration

Adventist Inaugurated President in Palau

On November 21, 2020, Adventist Surangel Whipps Jr. won the presidential election in Palau, becoming the 10th president of this beautiful Pacific nation. Whipps was sworn in as president on January 21, 2021, during the inauguration ceremony at the Palau National Capitol.

Brittany Winkfield

Online Impact and Inspiration Through God’s Grace

With a mother who is a professional radio personality and a father who is a disc jockey, communication is in Brittany Winkfield’s blood. It should come as no surprise that the young adult entrepreneur is successfully managing a career as a magazine editor and publisher of her own start-up, as well as balancing the roles of communication professional, wife, and mother.

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Remembering John Lewis, Honoring the Past

Rockefeller "Rocky" Twyman was a guest the NewsPoints ON THE AIR Podcast in February 2021. Inspired by the Civil Rights Movement and molded by Adventist education, Tywman has led a life of service for decades. In addition, he is also a classically trained musician and prayer warrior. His “can-do” attitude has sustained the 72-year-old’s drive to do all he can to help others.

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Something Better in Education

“‘Something better’ is the watchword of education, the law of all true living. …To honor Christ, to become like Him, to work for Him, is the life’s highest ambition and its greatest joy” (Ellen G. White, Education, p. 296). "Something Better" was the theme for the 2021 Association of Seventh-day Adventist School Administrators conference, which went virtual for the first time.

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When We Pray

She was strong, committed, and determined to live for and be like Jesus. She read and studied her Bible daily. She cared for others—fed, clothed, nursed, housed, visited, taught about Jesus, and sang/prayed for and with others. Her purpose in life and her greatest joy, she often said, was to tell everyone about Jesus Christ. She was my "G" — and we called her a prayer warrior.

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Stones of Remembrance

Much like the example in Joshua 3-5 where the Israelites placed stones to remember the spot the Jordan River dried up for crossing, each year during the month of February in the U.S. some African Americans celebrate their history by focusing on historical milestones or “stones of remembrance” that have led to progress on their journey from slavery to freedom.

Walla Walla woman gets COVID-19 vaccination

Walla Walla University Church Hosts Coronavirus Vaccination Clinic in Partnership with Local Hospital and County Health Department

It was Monday morning, Jan. 18, 2021, in College Place, Washington, a year into the coronavirus pandemic, and “As far as the eye could see, there were cars. The mood was one of anticipation and gratitude,” said Alareece Collie, executive pastor for the Walla Walla University (WWU) Church. While most of the world’s population has suffered from social isolation, unease, and painful losses during the past year, it was the promise of hope that brought the Walla Walla Valley community together.

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Every Encounter Matters — Digital Encounters Included

You’ve read the social media posts before — the ones that make you cringe, angry, hurt, sad, depressed, or simply numb. By the way some "Christians" post online, you might think they don’t realize there is a real person(s) somewhere in the world reading and contemplating their potentially destructive words. Every encounter we have with one another matters.