Read Articles from the May-June 2026 Visitor:
News
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
When Heather Lunsford, a member of Chesapeake Conference’s New Hope church in Fulton, Md., was a child, complex topics such as adoption, bullying and surrogacy were not commonly addressed in children’s books. Now, as an adult who has experienced all three situations, Lunsford has authored and illustrated books she hopes will help others.
Story by Amanda Blake
In 2022, OpenAI’s release of ChatGPT sparked an ongoing surge in generative artificialm intelligence (AI), a technology that has triggered both excitement and anxiety. Many Seventh-day Adventists are embracing AI, intent on harnessing this new tool to spread the gospel.
Story by V. Michelle Bernard
The Columbia Union Conference Office of Education honors four educators with the 2025–26 Outstanding Educator Awards.
“Our Columbia Union educators are living out a sacred calling as, day after day, their dedication prevails in the quiet, unseen moments when extra time is given, care for each student is shown and the love of Jesus is expressed,” says Ruth Nino, associate director at Columbia Union’s Office of Education. “They go beyond a career by investing their hearts and creating spaces where students feel seen, valued and empowered.”
Story by Cerise Woodard
As greeting time approached during a recent Sabbath service, I braced myself. You know the moment. A well-meaning church member smiles warmly while at the pulpit and asks, “Do we have any visitors? Please stand and introduce yourself!” Then comes the invitation to “show God’s love” with enthusiastic hugs and handshakes.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Seventh-day Adventist camps in the North American Division. This summer, conferences within the Columbia Union will host six camps, in addition to many church-run day camps.
Washington Adventist University incoming freshman Franklin Diaz and Jennifer Perez (’29) have been selected to receive this year’s Next Generation Hispanic Pastor scholarships, provided by the Columbia Union and North American Division.
“There is a lack of pastors,” said Rubén A. Ramos, who recently retired as union vice president for Multilingual Ministries. “We need to encourage our young people who are considering ministry.”
Photos by Melvin Donadelle/Chesapeake Conference and Nicol Belvedere/North American Division
Forty-six Pathfinder Bible Experience (PBE) teams participated in the 2026 North American Division level event last weekend at Camp Hawthorne in Florida.
Here are the placements:
First Place
Allegheny East Conference
Community SDAC of Englewood Falcons Thrivin 5
Filipino-American Oxon Hill Oxen Warriors
Genesis Jaguars
Miracle City Knights 1
Muungano Shining Lions Zion Redeemed
Story by Jerry Woods
Thousands of people from Washington, D.C., to countries around the world came together to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus at the 46th annual Easter Sunrise Service at the Lincoln Memorial with National Community Church. From 1979, when 127 people gathered on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with Capital Church, to today, when thousands gathered for this service, it has become one of D.C.’s foremost traditions. Several years ago, National Community Church took up the mantle of running the service.
Story by Kettering College Staff
Kettering College is pleased to announce the appointment of Beth Schultz, PhD, DNP, RN, as its next Dean of Nursing & Academic Excellence. Dr. Schultz will officially begin her role on July 6, 2026.
Schultz was selected following a comprehensive national search that included input from faculty, staff, healthcare partners, and community members. She emerged as the top candidate due to her clear communication, collaborative leadership style, and strong alignment with the mission and values of Kettering College.