Academy Connect, an annual event uniting student leaders from academies across the Atlantic Union, took place March 12-15 at Camp Winnekeag. The gathering brought together 64 students representing all six senior academies in the Atlantic Union and one junior academy. The event’s primary focus was to strengthen students’ connection with God while providing training in various areas, including art, leadership, music, social media writing, and spiritual growth. Morning and evening worship sessions were a central highlight, offering students opportunities for reflection and inspiration. On Sabbath, participants engaged in a community service project, packing 10,000 rice and bean meals. These meals were distributed to food pantries throughout Southern New England, demonstrating the students’ commitment to service and outreach. Students received action cards during one of the final worship services to express their spiritual commitments. The responses were inspiring: 23 students committed to serving in their churches, 15 requested Bible studies, four expressed interest in preparing for baptism, nine indicated a desire to learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and several asked for special prayer. One clinician expressed joy after participating in the event and praised the program’s impact. “The spirit and atmosphere were heavenly. It was like a perfect program […]
Kyle McDonald is known for his famous paperclip trading project. In 2005, he started with a single red paperclip and set out to trade it up for something better through a series of online barter exchanges. Over a year later and 14 trades, he eventually acquired a house. Kyle’s project became a viral sensation, inspiring people about the power of creative trading. His story showcases resourcefulness, the power of networking, and how small things can lead to big opportunities. Change is inevitable. God-ordained transformation, which is true and lasting, requires faith, perseverance, and surrender. Many of us feel trapped by limitations, whether external or internal. We look at our skills, resources, and past failures and convince ourselves that we are not enough. Yet, the Bible reminds us that we are not called to remain as we are but to grow into the person God has destined us to be. Philippians 4:13 boldly declares, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse is not just a motivational slogan; it is a divine truth that calls us to a bigger and better life in Christ. God never intended for us to stay stagnant. From the beginning, He designed […]
To help students reach their full potential, Oakview Preparatory School in Yonkers, New York, offers engaging opportunities to challenge and inspire them through healthy competitions, such as a multiplication challenge and a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fair. A common challenge for math teachers is ensuring students master their multiplication facts. To address this, Oakview organized a three-round multiplication/division competition for students in grades 2-8. The first round was a written test, with students scoring 80% or higher advancing to the oral second round. The top two participants from each grade moved to the final round, where winners received trophies to celebrate their achievements. The school’s annual science fair evolved into a dynamic STEM exposition this year. Students chose to conduct experiments, create inventions, or perform demonstrations. While some students were eager to present, others felt nervous about sharing their projects with the judges. Karen Austin, science teacher for grades 5-8, equipped judges with detailed rubrics and evaluation forms. Two judges reviewed each project, questioned the students, deliberated on their findings, and selected winners for each grade. First-, second-, and third-place winners and honorable mentions were announced, with first-place winners receiving trophies for their exceptional work. In her book […]
A deaconess quietly approached and leaned in. “Can you make him be quiet?” she whispered. The words stung. The stares deepened. And at that moment, Matthew knew they weren’t welcome here.
Dozens of dedicated volunteers from the Atlantic Union traveled to Manila, Philippines, to participate in the “Manila for Christ” evangelism series. This collaborative effort between the Northern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (formerly the North Philippine Union Conference) (NLPUM), the Central Luzon Philippine Conference (CLPC), and the Atlantic Union Conference launched on January 17 with evangelistic meetings held at 60 locations across Metro Manila, aiming to reach the area’s more than 15 million residents. Atlantic Union servant-leaders served as guest speakers at 20 of these locations for nine days. Driven by missionary zeal, they stepped out in faith each evening, with some traveling hours to their host sites. Whether in churches, garages, or makeshift outdoor sanctuaries, every venue became a sacred space where the Holy Spirit touched the hearts of attendees of all ages. Troubled by problems at work, Ruel Ayala was walking by a meeting site on his way to go drinking with some friends. He stopped as he “saw people singing heavenly songs,” he later told Hope Channel North Philippines. Transfixed, Ayala kept listening. “I realized that the anger I was feeling was slowly disappearing; even my mind suddenly became clear. That’s when I realized that I had been […]
During the Manila for Christ mission trip to the Philippines in January 2025, Ted A. Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary, visited two of three centers of influence funded by financial support from the Atlantic Union Conference. His visit encouraged the members as the projects continued to take shape and serve their communities. One of the highlights of Huskins’ trip was the dedication of the newly renovated building for the Antipolo Hills company. Once a simple garage, the facility has been transformed into a sleek and modern space serving as a center for gathering, fellowship, and prayer. The members of Antipolo Hills company, which began as a church plant in 2015, rejoiced as Huskins officially dedicated their new place of worship. Now recognized as a company under the leadership of district pastor James Ferry, the congregation remains committed to expanding its ministry. Additional work is still needed to develop a space for children’s ministries and to renovate the bathrooms, but the members are steadfast in completing the project. During the dedication ceremony, Jose Zabat, Jr., Northern Luzon Philippine Union Mission (NLPUM) executive secretary, expressed gratitude for the sacrifices made to establish these centers of influence. He acknowledged the willingness of […]
The Northeastern Conference (NEC), in collaboration with the Northeast Conference in the Caribbean region, organized an evangelistic mission trip to the Dominican Republic, November 16-23, 2024. The delegation included NEC leaders, such as Eldeen C. King, president; Nicardo Delahaye, executive secretary; Dedrick Blue, ministerial secretary; and Ainsworth Morris, assistant to the president. Héctor Ramos, NEC pastor and Hispanic Ministries coordinator, led a team of eight pastors and four elders who formed the ministering team for a series of meetings on the island. The group conducted 12 evangelistic campaigns across the region, featuring dynamic preaching, personalized Bible studies, and inspiring music. Partnering with pastors in local church districts, visiting preachers delivered heartfelt sermons that resonated deeply with attendees. Their efforts resulted in 157 baptisms, with many others expressing their commitment to Christ and preparing for follow-up baptismal services. King reflected on the mission trip, saying, “The Northeastern Conference’s mission trip to the Dominican Republic is just a sample of our evangelistic vision of spreading the love of Christ even across borders. We are thankful to our Hispanic Ministries coordinator, Pastor Héctor Ramos, and his team for planning this initiative, which reminded us of the immense potential of collaborative ministry and the […]
Dear Friends and Members, Some of you have reached out to us with questions and concerns about recent changes to U.S. immigration policy and enforcement. These changes are troubling to many because they represent a departure from past immigration policy, which allowed the church to be a haven for worship free from government intervention. The church is a community of believers apart from national or ethnic boundaries or other man-made designations (Galatians 3:28). The church is God’s house, a place where all are welcomed without restriction. The Atlantic Union Conference is committed to protecting our schools and churches from outside entities who would disrupt worship or the peaceful pursuit of education. While we wish to be good citizens, and we encourage compliance with the legal law of the countries in which we reside, we also understand that everyone has certain rights under the law regardless of their national citizenship or country of origin. We strongly advocate for the right to worship without harassment. We want to reassure you that our churches and schools are places of worship and learning, and service is extended to all without discrimination. We strive to create safe spaces where God’s children can grow into the […]
Bermuda welcomed a wave of spiritual revival as Roger Hernandez, an evangelist from the Southern Union Conference in the United States, brought his unique and transformative evangelistic series to the island. Known for his engaging style and heartfelt messages, Hernandez has ministered around the globe, and his island-wide “Hope” evangelism series proved to be a breath of fresh air for Bermudians. The eight-night series, which ran October 12-19, 2024, on the theme “We All Have Problems: Hope,” delivered much-needed spiritual renewal to the island. Hernandez shared a total of 10 powerful messages, weaving humor, relatable stories, and profound biblical truths to keep attendees captivated. His compassionate and personable approach resonated with individuals from all walks of life. A Holistic Ministry What set this series apart was Hernandez’s dedication to addressing both spiritual and physical needs. Those in need received “compassion gifts,” including vouchers for groceries, cell phones, free gasoline, utilities, footwear, and baby supplies. These thoughtful gestures showcased the love of Christ in action, ensuring attendees felt cared for beyond the spiritual realm. Additionally, volunteers served dinner each night before the meetings. Attendees also received health and wellness tips, empowering them to lead healthier lifestyles. This holistic approach demonstrated the […]
From the beginning of recorded history, there has been a constant and inescapable theme in the relationship between governments and those being governed—the desire of those in power to set the boundaries of acceptable religious expression.
