Who We Are, How We Serve

The Columbia Union Conference, established in 1907 to coordinate the Seventh-day Adventist Church's work in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia, is part of the worldwide Protestant denomination of 23 million members in more than 212 countries. At the union level, we connect and provide administrative leadership, governance and support services to our conferences, schools, health care networks and ministries. Each year, our organizations sponsor programs and projects that address human needs, improve quality of life and introduce people to Jesus. Read our Mission, Values and Priorities.

We Believe

God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.

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ADRA Responds to Growing Ebola Crises in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda

Story by ADRA International Staff

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to the growing Ebola Bundibugyo Disease crisis affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda through prevention, hygiene support, and community education efforts aimed at slowing the spread of the deadly virus.

According to regional reports, 121 Ebola cases have been confirmed, including 18* deaths. Health officials warn that delayed detection of the outbreak has complicated response efforts and increased the risk of wider transmission. Currently there is no vaccine for this strain of the deadly virus.

Let the Children Come: What Jesus Teaches Us About Refugee Children

Photo from ADRA

By Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

There is a moment in the Gospels that I return to often. The disciples, trying to manage the crowd, turn children away from Jesus. And Jesus stops them. He doesn’t simply allow the children to approach. He rebukes those who would keep them at a distance. “Let them come,” He says. “Do not hinder them.”

Kettering Health Team Members Turn Compassion Into Action

Story by Garrett Conti

Kettering Health aspires to recognize the whole patient by supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in every interaction. It’s a value that radiation therapists Jessica Schwab, Zach Gregus and Crystal Bullock have taken to heart.

The trio spearheaded Coats for a Cure, which partners with local hospitals to establish Care Closets. The Dayton-based nonprofit, founded in October 2025, opened its first closet at Kettering Health Main Campus on Jan. 6 and added a second with a ribbon cutting Jan. 21 at Soin Medical Center.