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.

stock photo of grocery bag

What Are We to Do?

Self-preservation is a human instinct. We are wired to take whatever steps seem necessary to ensure our own survival. This is why store shelves have very little toilet paper, non-perishable food, and medicine in stock. Disaster preparation is a good thing, however, we must not confuse responsible preparation with fear-based selfishness.

Luis Allen AdventHealth doctor and marathon runner

Running for Mental Health

Luis Allen, psychiatrist and medical director of AdventHealth’s Center for Behavioral Health,* participated in the World Marathon Challenge on Feb. 6-13, 2020 . Allen ran seven marathons on seven continents in seven days under the banner of one important cause: mental health awareness.

Adventist Christian School

After Tithing, an Adventist School in Georgia Gets Rid of Debt

After accruing debt during more than one year, the board at an Adventist school in Augusta, Georgia, decided to give tithes on all the school's fundraisers for the 2016-2017 year. The school finished the year with $68,000 in the bank.

Darrell Patterson

Although Adventist Pharmacy Worker’s Case Declined by Supreme Court, Case Moves Cause of Religious Liberty in the Workplace Forward

On Monday, February 24, 2020, a nearly nine-year journey came to an end when the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Patterson v. Walgreens. This case came out of Walgreens’ decision to terminate Darrell Patterson because he failed to work on a single Sabbath in 2011. ... While it is disappointing that the court did not take Patterson, the fact is his case moved the cause of religious liberty in the workplace forward immeasurably.

Bible with sunset glow

We Can’t Quit Now

Seventh-day Adventists are indeed a people of destiny. And like the church of Christ’s day, we have a stake in the outcome of the world's situation. We’ve been teaching and preaching this stuff for years. What is Christ waiting for? He is waiting and longing for the manifestation of Himself in His church.

Majuro school picture

A Legacy of Volunteering

I sometimes wonder how my dad would have turned out if he had not been recruited by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Would he have succumbed to a life of crime? If not for those life experiences and lessons, would he have raised a family that now includes ministers, teachers, medical professionals, decorated war veterans and yes, the director of the Office of Volunteer Ministries?

Belinda Ennes

Attention, Retirees: A Micronesia Mission Adventure Awaits!

“I thought God was done using me after teaching for 34 years,” says Belinda Ennes, “but instead He’s given me the greatest adventure of my life!” Ennes, one of a number of retirees in the mission field, is serving as principal at the Adventist school on the tropical island of Yap in the Pacific Ocean.

stock photo of older man in hospital waiting area

Reaching Rich

As Rich was sitting in the hospital, he saw a small GLOW tract called "What Makes Canada Great." As Rich read the tract, he thought about his great need. He broke down and wept. All his money, power, and reputation could not save his grandson. Although Rich was not a believer before this, he made a life-changing decision to turn to God that very day. Whether his grandson lived or died, Rich knew that he needed Jesus.

Southern Adventist University student helps woman

Hope for the Homeless: What We Can Do

In today’s hustle and bustle, it is easy to take for granted the things that are most common to us: our cars, our houses, our jobs. But, imagine being laid off unexpectedly, and the rainy day fund rapidly drying up. For those who are not fortunate to get assistance, the result could inevitably mean a radical life change — homelessness.

Pulse Cafe Front with Tractor edit

Great Food, Unselfish Service, Genuine Care at the Pulse Café

Pulse Cafe and is a place that draws 600 to 800 patrons for Sunday brunch alone, each hungry soul coming to dine on vegan “chicken” and waffles, or breakfast burritos, or sweet corn tamales, and more, all made from as organic and as locally sourced produce as possible. This is evidence of a forward-thinking and sophisticated business plan, but Pulse’s real mission is to use its service, menu, and other offerings to benefit the community. A restaurant as an institution to benefit the community? While this altruistic motivation may astound the general public, it should be a well-known method and standard operating procedure for any well-informed member of the Seventh-day Adventist community of believers. It certainly is for Lance Wilbur and his wife, Evita, managers of Pulse, and the owners, Ted Crooker and Keith Rehbein.