Story by V. Michelle Bernard
This week, 25 Columbia Union Conference elementary and four secondary teachers (including Elandya Howell from Sharon Temple Adventist School in North Wilmington, Del., pictured) gathered for an Encounter Bible curriculum training at Chesapeake Conference’s Spencerville Adventist Academy in Spencerville, Md.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
Monica Esperante has recently joined the Columbia Union Conference staff as an assistant treasurer, where she will oversee day-to-day accounting functions, prepare financial reports and support the payroll processes, among other tasks.
"Monica is an excellent CPA (Certified Public Accountant) with a deep heart for mission and is committed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church,” says Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer. “With her skill set and welcoming attitude, the union treasury is well-positioned to continue to be a resource to the field."
Story by Amanda Blake
The United States’ recent immigration crackdown has impacted hundreds of congregations across the Columbia Union Conference. Earlier this year, church administrators and legal advisors met to discuss the realities unfolding in local churches.
The Department of Homeland Security reported that in 2025, close to 3 million undocumented immigrants departed the United States, including “more than 675,000 deportations.” In a similar timeframe, more than 1.6 million immigrants lost their legal status.
Story by the Visitor Staff / Photos by Ruth Anan and Kylie Kajiura
Historia de Ricardo Bacchus / Traducción para Domitila Rosette