Editorial by Richard Bianco
While 2020 is in our rearview mirror, its aftershock will linger in our collective memories for lifetime. We’ve seen everything from COVID-19 and the death of George Floyd to bitter politics, personal anxiety and fear felt by millions across the country. Through it all, our Seventh-day Adventist educators have shown strength and conviction, helping families and students move forward in their spiritual and educational pursuits.
Soon after celebrating 60 years of ministry, WGTS 91.9, led by Kevin Krueger, president and general manager, purchased its license from WAU and moved into new office space, outfitted to support the needs of this growing media ministry that reaches half a million listeners each week. The enthusiastic team hosts concerts, worship services, a vital prayer ministry and many on-air and in-person events designed to invite listeners “to take one step closer to Christ.”
Story by ADRA International
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is preparing to airlift critical medical supplies and several oxygen generation systems to ease India’s coronavirus health crisis. The humanitarian agency is partnering with the Seventh-day Adventist World Church, including its Health Ministries Department, and Adventist Health International (AHI), to expand relief operations in the South Asian nation.
Story by Jerry Woods
For the second year in a row, WGTS 91.9 has been named a Best Christian Workplace by the Best Christian Workplaces Institute (BCWI). All WGTS staff members took the BCWI workplace survey. This survey covers three core areas, including character, competence, and chemistry. Organizations that score at least a 4.0 or higher on the survey are certified as Best Christian Workplaces. WGTS participated in the workplace survey for the first time last year.
“What an honor it is to work side-by-side with such an amazing team of people at WGTS 91.9! To receive this important certification is another wonderful reminder of God’s blessing upon this media ministry,” said WGTS general manager and president Kevin Krueger.
Story by Salenda Fitzgerald
Emily Lopez (’12), Takoma Academy’s (TA) new art teacher, was born in Takoma Park, Md., at Washington Adventist Hospital. She began her Christian education at the John Nevins Andrews School, continuing at the Sligo Adventist School (now Takoma Academy Preparatory School) and finished high school at TA.
Story by Tamyra Horst
This year, the Harrisburg Eben-Ezer Hispanic church opened their Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs to children in their community. Church members made lists of friends and families in the community who had children. Pathfinder Director Carlos Mosquette and his team contacted people on the list, inviting them to register their kids for Pathfinders and Adventurers.
Story by Fred Manchur
Despite the challenges we’ve faced in 2020, Kettering Health in Ohio has continued to grow these past five years. As we’ve added new facilities and expanded our community reach, we’ve continued to emphasize recruiting Seventh-day Adventist employees to ensure that our mission stays at the forefront of all we do.
“I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full” (John 10:10, NIV).
I was blessed to have parents who always believed in me. I can’t remember a decision I made in which my parents were not there to lend their support. They may not have agreed with every decision I made, but they were alongside me as I moved on from the outcome of my decisions. Their willingness to be there for me meant the world. It gave me strength and confidence to move forward when, at times, I didn’t think I could. Maybe you had parents like that or maybe you had someone else in your life who cheered for you. Whether you did or didn’t, know that in Christ we all have a passionate cheerleader.
Story by Vicki Swetnam
Spring Valley Academy’s (SVA) Stage Band spent the last part of 2019 and the first part of 2020 preparing for their Benny Goodman fundraising concert. Then, the pandemic hit.
Months passed until Donald Huff, SVA band director, finally received clearance for the concert. Staff and students made proper preparations, brought in equipment and obtained professional videographers for a “live recording session.” Huff issued stern orders to the band: “Everyone, stay six feet apart, keep using hand sanitizer and stay heathy!” No one expected that he would be the one with the COVID-19 scare.
Story by LaTasha Hewitt
The Allegheny East Conference (AEC) recently launched its first podcast, The UpSet. The goal of the podcast is to provide conversation about current topics from a Christian perspective, emphasizing the importance of respecting differing opinions. Topics range from politics and social networks to the stock market and church life.