10 November, 2017

Montemorelos University Awarded Silver Medal by the French National Academy of Medicine

Montemorelos University, an institution operated by the Seventh-day Adventist in Inter-America, was granted a special Silver Medal from the French National Academy of Medicine last week. The medal was presented to Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University, during the institution’s first Healthy Lifestyle Summit on Nov. 2-4, 2017, in Montemorelos, Nuevo Leon, Mexico. “This Silver Medal represents special recognition to the institution for its contribution to the advancement of medicine and marks a further step in the relationship that we share,” said André Parodi, honorary president of the French National Academy of Medicine.

9 November, 2017

ADRA Assists Families After Tropical Storm Nate Hit Costa Rica

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency in Costa Rica is providing assistance to hundreds of affected families after Tropical Storm Nate hit the Central American country. The storm, which hit on Oct. 5, 2017, took the lives of more than two dozen people. It also caused widespread flooding, resulting in mudslides and the destruction of roads, bridges, and homes. Thousands of people were displaced. The government reported that 42 roads were damaged across seven provinces, and more than 7,200 persons stayed in shelters. Nate hit the country after two straight weeks of heavy rainfall.

7 November, 2017

Florida Hospital, Florida Conference and Local Media Group Host Second Collection Drive for Puerto Rico

Florida Hospital, in partnership with Cox Media Group Orlando and the Florida Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, hosted a second “Blessings for Puerto Rico” collection drive in the US state of Florida, where Central Floridians showed their generous support for the ongoing Puerto Rico relief efforts by filling a total of eight 24-foot box trucks with dozens of pallets of donated items.

7 November, 2017

In Jamaica, Adventist Blind Senator Achieves Doctor of Philosophy Degree

It is said that “Perfection is an unattainable goal, but it is in striving for it that makes us achieve greater levels of excellence.” This statement is true and reflective of the life of Senator Floyd Morris who received the Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) from the University of the West Indies in Kingston, Jamaica, Nov. 3, 2017. Senator Morris, the second blind person to achieve the highest level of academia at the university in its 69-year history, was one of eight visually impaired individuals who earned their degrees in the 2017 graduation exercises.

5 November, 2017

Adventist Attorneys Admitted to the Bar of US Supreme Court

On November 1, a group of eight Seventh-day Adventist attorneys from across the United States were admitted as members to the bar of the United States Supreme Court. The event was organized by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Office of General Counsel. General Counsel, Karnik Doukmetzian sponsored their admission and officially moved the names during the ceremony and Chief Justice John Roberts admitted the attorneys. Those admitted were Harold Cleveland Jr., Allison Dichoso, Theodore Flo, Meredith Jobe, Maria McPhaull, Josue Pierre, Leesa Thomas, Jesus Uriarte.

2 November, 2017

Adventists Mark Reformation’s 500th Anniversary with Launch of New Book

Exactly 500 years to the day after Martin Luther is said to have posted his 95 theses at the door of Wittenberg Castle church, Seventh-day Adventists have published a new book that explores the profound—and complicated—legacy of the Protestant Reformation. The book, A Conversation on the Reformation, Christian Identity, and Freedom of Conscience, was launched October 31 at the church’s General Conference world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, by Ganoune Diop, director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL). In introducing the publication, Diop said the goal was to study the impact of the Reformation on a core Adventist value—the freedom of religion and belief.

31 October, 2017

In Inter-America, Business Meetings Focus on Discipleship, Evangelism and Mission Initiatives

The Executive Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America concluded its year-end annual business meetings on Oct. 22 with a renewed commitment to motivating church leaders and members to continue pursuing a spiritual transformation in Jesus for total involvement in the church’s mission activities. The more than 100 committee members met in Mérida, Mexico, to review core strategies of the “Lord Transform Me” initiative, established in 2015: (1) transform and live through spiritual growth; (2) explore and learn through training; (3) connect and share through social ministries; (4) proclaim and reap through soul winning; and (5) conserve and disciple others in their communities.

30 October, 2017

Adventist Communicators “Build Bridges” at Annual Convention

Although a cool fall rain streamed outside for most of the event, spirits were bright, minds were eager, and conversations were lively at the 2017 Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) convention held in Portland, Oregon, United States, on Oct. 19-21. A blend of more than 250 professionals and students, mostly from North America, attended communication workshops, expert panel discussions, area media tours, special worship services, and an Adventist film screening — all geared toward “Building Bridges” of communication with other Adventists and within the community.

29 October, 2017

Inter-American Division Connects with the Community During Breast Cancer Awareness

Seventh-day Adventist employees at the Inter-American Division (IAD) Headquarters in Miami, Florida, took time away from their desks to wave in drivers and onlookers nearby in celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness month. The two dozen women wore special t-shirts and passed out gift bags with treats, brochures on breast cancer information and offered prayers on Oct. 18, 2017. The activity was part of showing solidarity for one of the staff members at the office who has been undergoing treatment with the disease, said Jainie Pita, human resources director at the IAD and one of the organizers of the initiative.

27 October, 2017

Florida Hospital Team Serves St. Thomas Community after Hurricanes

A ten-member medical team from Florida Hospital, located in Orlando, Florida, provided free medical services on the island of St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, which began on Oct. 8, 2017. Reports indicate that 178 individuals were served in the first day and a half. Hundreds more were seen in the days that followed. Hurricane Irma, which struck the island last month, caused extensive damage to the healthcare infrastructure on St. Thomas and disrupted treatments for those who are most vulnerable.