Stories & Commentaries

Two lives have been changed. Joanne discovered she was not too old to make a difference. Joseph went from being an orphan — who was never touched — to a young man whose life has been touched for the better.

“Lord, I’d like students at the mission school to get Guide magazine,” prayed Laura Sámano, managing editor of Guide magazine. She longed to send the weekly magazine to Calexico Mission School middle schoolers. It seemed impossible: the dollar amount needed for 52 subscriptions discouraged her. “Jesus, I can’t afford to do this on my own, and I don’t think I can fundraise that much either,” Sámano prayed. "Please provide.”

What do you do when you go to a church where people don't trust each other and don’t welcome others? Where church leaders are in disagreements most of the time over theological views and don’t invite visitors for potluck? As the pastor, how can you bring healing to that church? 

This year, National Volunteer Week is April 17-23. While this week serves to both spotlight the impact volunteers make on their communities and encourage people to help light up their corner of the word by volunteering, for AdventHealth team members, volunteering is year-round — as evidenced by the volume and variety of projects occurring throughout the organization, including at corporate headquarters in Altamonte Springs, Florida.

We are living in very dynamic and challenging times. Wars and tragedy on every hand. Heartache and pain all around us—a time when many have lost their ability to hope. But this resurrection season is a season of hope. It is a time for people to know that we can hope again.

Collaboration is not only a buzzword these days, but it is also a necessity to a successful ministry in today’s world. We live in a world with many challenges, where everyone is looking to see how the church will respond. The truth is that community problems and issues are far too complex for any church, agency, or organization to tackle alone. It is imperative that the church work in partnership with others in bringing solutions to the issues the communities we serve are facing.

In Glendale, California, SCC’s Russian-American congregation of almost 100 members is embracing community and unity amid these especially challenging times. Within this diverse church family exists 15 nationalities, including Russian, Ukrainian, Armenian, Georgian, Belarusian, and more, worshiping together each week.

​​​​​​​For the past 30 years, LifeTalk Radio has been a powerful and practical resource helping to change hearts by sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and connecting people with Christ. Kimberly Luste Maran, an associate director of the North American Division Office of Communication, recently talked with LifeTalk Radio manager and director John Geli about the station’s launch of a children’s streaming channel.

“Don’t worry, it is on the other side of the world. It doesn’t affect you. Don’t think about it. Don’t worry about it.” Are these the best answers you can give your child when talking about the war in Ukraine? Absolutely not. This is the subject of news sources worldwide and is the topic of conversations everywhere. Children are asking about this war. How does one talk to their child about such a dreadful global event?

All through the Bible we see evidence in which God has used people to do His bidding and to carry His message. The Seventh-day Adventist Church is no different. And we are more than a denomination. We are a prophetic movement.