My miracle of Adventist Education
Over the past two years, several fiscal shifts have occurred in our economy. At the beginning of the pandemic, food and normal household items were scarce. Major retail outlets and restaurants struggled to stay open while others closed their doors for good.
Growing up in southern Florida as the youngest of eight children, I remember a lot of large family gatherings. At one gathering in Pennsylvania, I was surrounded by many of my nieces, nephews and cousins, some of which I did not get to see very often.
“Paz a vosotros! Como me envió el Padre, así también yo os envío” (Juan 20:21).
From childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Tim. 3:15, NASB.
I first became aware of Dr. Tomas Geraty when I was attending Andrews University and the AU Student Movement did a story on him and his role as chairman of the Education Department.
I grew up very poor in Kenya. My parents, five siblings and I often didn’t know where our next meal was coming from. My mother, a mighty prayer warrior, would set out in faith to find us food. She never returned home from the market empty-handed.
In the last month’s article (“Living in the Rainy Day”), we discussed the importance of saving, becoming financially prepared for the unexpected.
Todo pastor empleado por la Iglesia Adventista sabe bien que ocurren cambios en el ministerio. En nuestra denominación los pastores no son empleados por la iglesia local sino por la asociación.
If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all. Mark 9:35
Someone once said, “Jesus died to redeem us as individuals but also to re-establish community.” I think he was talking about reconciliation—between God and mankind and also among those who follow Jesus. The Church.
It all started during his sophomore year of college.
God works in mysterious ways. When I boarded an 11-hour flight to travel over 5,000 miles from Ghana, West Africa, to the U.S. in December 2019, I did not know I would soon experience some of the most incredible milestones in my life.
As a resident on the General Management track of AdventHealth’s Emerging Leadership Program, I have the privilege to work with leaders of its four suburban Chicago hospitals. My residency track is a two-to-three-year program that focuses on preparing participants for leadership roles by providing a well-rounded and comprehensive understanding of hospital operations.
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God. He created him; male and female He created them. (Genesis 1:27 RSV)
I have a great friend with whom I would run all the time. During these runs we would talk about life, the good, the bad, the ugly. We were honest with each other, and the runs became therapeutic, getting things off our chests.
“Se le acercó mucha gente que traía consigo cojos, ciegos, mudos, mancos y otros muchos enfermos. Los pusieron a los pies de Jesús, y los sanó; de manera que la multitud se maravillaba al ver que los mudos hablaban, los mancos quedaban sanos, los cojos andaban y los ciegos veían. Y glorificaban al Dios de Israel” (Mateo 15:30-31).
On the morning of April 1, 2022, staff members of AdventHealth’s four suburban Chicago hospitals walked into work on red carpets, many smiling and rejoicing as the hospitals celebrated the start of a new day as AdventHealth Hinsdale, AdventHealth Bolingbrook, AdventHealth La Grange and AdventHealth GlenOaks.
It wasn’t until heading to Wisconsin Academy in Columbus, Wisconsin, that Kassandra Gonzalez’ personal spiritual life took a breath of life.
Angel Pimentel dove headfirst into a relationship he knew was bad news.
“El Señor está deseoso de unir nuestro corazón con su corazón de amor infinito para que nos reconciliemos totalmente con Dios …Cuando creemos en Cristo como nuestro Salvador personal, la paz de Cristo se hace nuestra.” Exaltad a Jesús, p. 326
And do this, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep; for now our salvation is nearer than when we first believed. Romans 13:11 (NKJV)
During the past two decades, we have moved into a society that has the ability to obtain substantial information at our fingertips. By logging onto a computer or merely picking up a smart device, we can quicky find information on any person, place or product in seconds.
And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it: and then, finally the end will come. Matthew 24:14, NLT
It is estimated that more than 75 percent of our Adventist college students are attending non-Adventist institutions of higher learning. (1)
The direct origins of this first Adventist institution of higher learning, its name and current location, are known probably only to some Adventist veterans and history buffs.
Introduction: Last month we published the final chapter of George Knight’s book, Lest We Forget. We now introduce a new column brought to you by the Center for Adventist Research. The name of the column, HIStory, is emblematic of the fact that we firmly believe that the story of the Adventist denomination and its people is a segment of the everlasting gospel. So our history is included in His story of redemption and love. —Editor
From the very beginning of earth’s history (Gen 4 and 14:20), the Bible provides insights into tithes and offerings, considered a demonstration of one’s faith and complete dependences on God.
Tyler Kern’s passion for filmmaking began when he was just three years old. He recalls, “My mother would always record me with her camcorder, and I loved being in front of and behind the camera.” His early years of life were filled with creativity and discovery as he pieced together home movies, commercials and music videos.
My name is Delilah Drew and I’m a senior at Andrews University studying Medical Laboratory Science. My five siblings and I attended all of the Adventist schools in Berrien Springs prior to college. You could say our family supports Christian education very well. My older sister, who did student missions in Kosrae, Micronesia, encouraged me to get out of my comfort zone by giving God a year of service.
“El Señor usará a muchos hombres y mujeres con habilidades comunes. Al trabajar de manera humilde alcanzarán el corazón de la gente. . . . La cantidad de bien que estos portadores de luz en realidad logran no puede ser jamás comprendida en este mundo” (EUM Ms 34, 1902, pár. 8).
Have you ever heard of Victory Jones? Well, I had not until a few years ago. Initially, I was unable to identify the person that Ellen White addressed in two documents in the early 1860s.
La organización cristiana de investigaciones demográficas llamada Barna Group (Grupo Barna) realizó un estudio acerca de jóvenes que se identifican como cristianos. Parte del estudio consistió en una encuesta con cientos de jóvenes entre las edades de 18 a 29 años.
My siblings, grandmother and I were on our annual trip from Michigan to New York. We looked forward all year to this adventure. But this trip would be different. Suddenly, with no explanation, we were headed back home. I kept asking why we had to return, but nobody would answer me. I was just eleven years old.
It was the end of the first full high school basketball season since the start of the pandemic and Hinsdale Adventist Academy (HAA) Lady Hurricanes and their coach were celebrating another championship season. This scene was not one that Joshua Alabata saw coming.
The holidays are a special time of the year for families to come together and surround each other with joy, love and laughter, all while indulging in food you have been craving all year long.
He is mostly known for his vehement opposition to the decision of the church to choose the name “Seventh-day Adventists” rather than “Church of God” and to adopt a legal form of organization.
Pero vosotros sois linaje escogido, real sacerdocio, nación santa, pueblo adquirido por Dios, para que anunciéis las virtudes de aquel que os llamó de las tinieblas a su luz admirable. (1Pedro 2:9)
When it comes to caring for his neighbor, my colleague in the Lake Union office, Elder Elden Ramirez, practices what he preaches.
“I’ve been struggling with an addiction to pornography since I was 11.” These words, spoken to me by Nathaniel (not his real name), the guy I was ‘talking to’, were my first real encounter with pornography.
It is reported that electronic/digital media takes up as much as four hours of our day and television slurps another four hours from our diurnal existence.
ólo el método de Cristo será el que dará éxito para llegar a la gente. El Salvador trataba con los hombres como quien deseaba hacerles bien. Les mostraba simpatía, atendía sus necesidades y se ganaba su confianza. Entonces, les pedía: ´Sígueme´” (MC 102).
“Por la transgresión el hombre fue separado de Dios, la comunión entre ellos se rompió; pero Jesucristo murió en la cruz del Calvario, llevando en Su cuerpo los pecados del mundo entero, y el abismo entre el cielo y la tierra fue salvado por esa cruz.
The crowd shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” Jesus had been assailed for 33 years by many, if not most, for His sinless character. A life of toil and exaction, He and grief became lifelong friends.
The simple thought is, What is our response when prayers do not result in our desired request, being answered like we expected?
“A medida que nos acerquemos al fin del tiempo, la línea de separación entre los hijos de la luz y los de las tinieblas será más y más definida. Estarán más y más en desacuerdo.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. Rev. 3:22, RSV.
Lake Union Conference President, Maurice Valentine, encourages us to be Christ-centered and keep our eyes on Jesus.
It is written in the prophets: “They will all be taught by God.” Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. John 6:45, NIV.
Chicago native Jazmin Martinez has been a member of the Little Village Hispanic Church for her entire life, but she admits she didn’t understand the “big picture” about God until she was older.
The day of my graduation from flight school last September is one I won’t soon forget.
. . . . In the world ye shall have tribulation (trouble); but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. (John 16:33 KJV)
He peleado la buena batalla, he acabado la carrera, he guardado la fe. Por lo demás, me está reservada la corona de justicia, la cual me dará el Señor, juez justo, en aquel día; y no sólo a mí, sino también a todos los que aman su venida (2 Timoteo 4:7,8).
As we noted yesterday,* Ellen White spent a great deal of her time during the 1890s working closely with the development of the Avondale school in Australia as a pattern, whose principles the Church could apply to other institutions.
I am excited for the future! I cannot wait for a return to parts of my work that I love: seeing each other smile other than on a computer screen, gathering together in worship, and times of warm collegiality, especially over some amazing food prepared at the Andrews University Dining Services!
All shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest. Heb 8:11, RSV
Ken Denslow starts his first week as the Lake Union Conference President
When I was a boy, our family lived in a small city in the mountains of southern Peru. I would occasionally go with my friends to visit the prison on the edge of the city.
El pastor Evelio Miranda, Coordinador de Ministerios Hispanos de la Asociación de Wisconsin nos informa cómo Dios bendijo el Campestre Hispano de Wisconsin 2021.
We have rich promises in the Word of God. In Scripture there are many passages that speak to financial matters; however, the text that serves as a north star for me in the area of financial counsel is, Honor the Lord with your possessions, and with the first fruits of all your increase; so your barns will be filled with plenty and your vats will overflow with new wine (Proverbs 3: 9–10 NKJV). A proverb is a commonplace truth, wise saying or precept.
“No miréis el sepulcro vacío. No lloréis como los que están sin esperanza ni ayuda. Jesús vive, y porque vive, viviremos también." Brote de los corazones agradecidos y de los labios tocados por el fuego santo el alegre canto: ¡Cristo ha resucitado! Vive para interceder por nosotros. Aceptad esta esperanza, y dará firmeza al alma como un ancla segura y probada. Creed y veréis la gloria de Dios” (El deseado de todas las gentes, p. 737).
“Jesus has been delivering His goods to His servants age after age. One generation after another has been gathering up the hereditary trust; the talents have increased largely by use and have descended to us."
Even though the Bible has no problem calling Jesus God, the early Adventists did, undoubtedly from an anti-Middle Ages bias that held that the doctrine of the Trinity was a product of a church in apostasy.
Jesus is the Alpha and Omega. He sees tomorrow and a thousand years from now with as great a clarity as we see today. He stated with prophetic voice, I must work the works of Him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. And speaking of the future He says, . . . when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?
I have spent my entire school career, beginning in pre-school, in the Illinois Conference Seventh-day Adventist school system. My family and I have attended...
Para este mes le he pedido al pastor Roger Hernández, Director de Evangelismo de la Unión del Sur, que explique en qué consiste un nuevo programa que la División Norteamericana está lanzando para los jóvenes hispanos.
Pentecost didn’t begin with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; Pentecost began with a prayer meeting.
For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder, and His name will be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God . . .” (Isa. 9:6 RSV)
Massive layoffs, skyrocketing unemployment, and a roller-coaster stock market would be enough to upset the stomach of even the experienced thrill-seeker. But add a deadly virus to the mix and suddenly it seems like someone hit the fast-forward button on time left for this old world of ours.
I can remember when I first heard about the deadly coronavirus. It was a few months into my Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) program at Villa Aurora...
“Ahora bien, sabemos que Dios dispone todas las cosas para el bien de los que lo aman, es decir, de los que él ha llamado de acuerdo a su propósito”...
It is amazing how often we come to the Father, praying for loved ones, pleading for answers and seeking relief from various problems. Yet, we forget to — or seldom — offer real praise to the God of the universe and the Author of amazing answered prayers.
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen (2 Corinthians 13:14 NKJV).
In normal circumstances, the senior year of high school culminates on a high note. But as the usual milestones, such as mission trips, music tours and graduation have evaporated because of the coronavirus, we turned to our senior class pastors for some words of encouragement for the Class of 2020.
El siguiente artículo acerca de la ansiedad fue escrito por la Dra. Melissa Rodas-Ponce, profesora de sicología en la Universidad Andrews.
I don’t know about you, but with all the changes in our world, I’ve got an insatiable appetite for God’s Word. There are just too many other voices out there vying for recognition, yet have no eternal value.
And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled . . . by raising Jesus. (Acts 13:32, 33 RSV)
As a college student, I knew it was a privilege to attend the NAD Year-end meetings as a voting member when others, more qualified than I, did not have that opportunity. In spite of my insecurities, I knew God would give me guidance and wisdom to represent Andrews well.
As we have seen, by 1888 the disjunction between Adventism and the evangelical understanding of salvation had become problematic.
God desires for everyone to be saved, thus He sent His Son to make the greatest sacrifice the universe has ever known. Today, Adventists are being called and equipped globally to prepare people for the Kingdom that awaits.
As I wrote this article, we were approaching the Thanksgiving season, anticipating the arrival of our family. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday, primarily because of its spiritual dimension that calls us to reconnect with our Creator in gratitude.
“Los que, destacándose en el frente del conflicto, se ven impelidos por el Espíritu de Dios a hacer una obra especial, experimentarán con frecuencia una...
“Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and try Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it” (Malachi 3:10 NKJV).
Early Adventists were great doers of the commandments — sometimes for good reasons and sometimes for not so good. The doing aspect of the Adventist belief...
And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to Him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be His servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant — these I will bring to My holy mountain and give them joy in My house of prayer . . . for My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (Isaiah 56:6,7 NIV).
“Let’s just say, I have my doubts. God might look out for you and everyone else, but when it comes to my life, He either doesn’t love me or is too busy...
Our team from the Lake Union, along with two from the NAD, had a wonderful time visiting “our island,” the federated island country called Kosrae (Koo-she-rai). We appreciate that the NAD graciously covered most of our travel expenses for this initial visit.
One Woman's Experience Becoming Woke
“Se me ha pedido que presente a nuestro pueblo el mensaje que sigue: Trabajad sin tardanza en las ciudades, porque queda poco tiempo. …Nuestras ciudades...
I am one of the reluctant people who have not embraced newer songs or different kinds of music. I am stuck in the ’70s, listening to songs that remind me of academy and college years. I decided to record songs I enjoyed on a thumb drive so I could listen to them while traveling.
Here is the perseverance of the saints who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Revelation 14:12, NASB).
The year 1844 lives in infamy for Seventh-day Adventists — we call it “The Great Disappointment.” Yet it was a bittersweet year as from the ashes of that experience there arose new life, a beautiful plant called the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
“La formación de pequeños grupos como base del esfuerzo cristiano me ha sido presentada por Uno que no puede errar” (Servicio Cristiano, p. 92).
Have you ever said that when struggling over a concern with your Heavenly Father in prayer? You just can’t see a way around or through your mountain of problems.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: it is the power of God for salvation to every one who has faith (Romans 1:16, RSV).
The Bible states we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1 NKJV). Surrounded implies there is a host of others watching us! In 2014, my wife and I visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the invitation of a pastor-friend who now leads the Gulf States Field in the Middle East. Our travel assignment included preaching at the Abu Dhabi church, and pastor-mentoring sessions. During our visit, we noticed security monitors in malls, hotels, grocery stores and parking garages, just like here at home.
When I signed up to work at Camp Wakonda, I couldn’t have imagined the experiences I’d have, perhaps fortunately, for if I had, I never in my wildest...
“La abnegada labor de los cristianos del pasado debería ser para nosotros una lección objetiva y una inspiración. Los miembros de la iglesia de Dios...
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us — for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who hangs on a tree” (Gal. 3:13 NIV).
Some call it a whisper. Some call it a nudge. You may have sensed it as a prompt. Whatever the definition, I'm sure you have felt it, too. It's not an audible sound, but it's as real as though it were. A familiar Scripture term is a still, small voice.
He was prepared to leave the Seventh-day Adventist Church for good. But he went to a Pathfinder event called “Oshkosh,” and now he’s a leader in God’s last day remnant church.
“Según la providencia de Dios, los que han estado soportando la carga de su obra se han estado esforzando por poner nueva vida en métodos antiguos de trabajo, y también por inventar nuevos planes y nuevos métodos para despertar el interés de los miembros de la iglesia para que realicen un esfuerzo unido a fin de alcanzar el mundo” (Consejos sobre Mayordomía Cristiana, p. 199).
And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of Man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle (Revelation 14:14 KJV).
Although raised as a Seventh-day Adventist, as time went along, I stopped practicing my faith. There was no time for God. I was a busy wife and owner of a successful farrier business where I traveled from farm to farm, trimming and shoeing horses. I eventually came to the place where I knew something was missing.
Have you ever wondered if God wants you to do something different than what you currently do to occupy your day? Is it possible that, at least for the time being, God wants you to stay put and make a deeper commitment to what you currently are engaged, but now for His glory?
As we prepare for the 2020 General Conference Session in Indianapolis, we are urging that all make prayer a primary focus. In fact, we invite you to join us for a pre-GC Prayer Conference in Indianapolis, March 6‒7, 2020. Registration is available at ourunitedcry.org.
Pastor’s appreciation month is fraught with perils as people often don’t believe the hours that pastors work, yet they and their families are held to high standards that are hard to reach for the best among us
“Vestíos de toda la armadura de Dios, para que podáis estar firmes contra las asechanzas del diablo, porque no tenemos lucha contra sangre y carne, sino contra principados, contra potestades, contra los gobernadores de las tinieblas de este mundo, contra huestes espirituales de maldad en las regiones celestes.” Efesios 6:11-12
I’ve always been curious about Ellen White’s comment about this statement Jesus made to the priests and rabbis. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He seeth the Father do (John 5:19 KJV).
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19, NASB).
Hearing the voice of God can happen in some of the most unlikely places. Let me explain. While conducting an outreach session at one of the local abuse...
The humble, loving Jesus. An example worthy of following, but not one that “normal” humans are tempted to emulate. That’s where transforming grace and...
El congreso de jóvenes conocido como Conéctate, patrocinado por la Unión del Lago, se llevó a cabo en la Universidad Andrews del 1 al 3 de junio. El...
Courtesy of Bolingbrook Church Years ago, while serving as a pastor in a city that boarders this union, I could not believe my ears when my conference...
Marriage began in Eden where everything was perfect — complete and perfect unity between Adam and Eve and their Creator. Can you imagine what that perfect...
If there is one thing about the leaders of the early church, they never left the world as they found it. That is really not surprising in that their mentor,...
El matrimonio fue creado en el Edén, una relación perfecta entre los esposos y Dios. ¡Qué bello sería andar con Dios como lo hicieron Eva y Adán! ...
It was a busy day at Andrews University during the 1974 fall registration. I found myself in the administration building for the final step of making...
I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you (John 13:15, KJV). The humble, loving Jesus. An example worthy of following, but not...
Confidence in Jesus, and yes, confidence in expressing truth in these last days is what we’ve all been called to do.
As my sister and I returned from our hike, we saw from afar that all of our car doors were wide open. We quickly realized our car had been broken into and my...
“En medio del gran desaliento, Nehemías puso su confianza en Dios, e hizo de él su segura defensa. Y el que sostuvo entonces a su siervo ha sido el apoyo...
Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, and make holiness perfect in the fear of God (2...
It was a time in history that brings chills to our spines and a knot to our stomachs even today. There was a madman on the loose and his name was Adolph...
We are in the midst of such deep political divides today, not only in our country and our world, but our worldwide church also is facing serious tensions and divisions.
In the Beginning, God created the heavens and the Earth (Genesis 1:1) God is an artist — that isn’t difficult to see. The Psalmist constantly is...
En el mes de mayo recibí una noticia que me tomó de sorpresa. El pastor Antonio Rosario, coordinador de la obra hispana en el estado de...
A man is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, . . . by works of the law shall no one be justified (Galatians 2:16 RSV).
Virtually everything, over time, tends to run down. Trees sprout, grow, produce fruit, then begin to decay.
