Allegheny West Conference

Story by Bryant Smith

Allegheny West Conference recently held its 17th Annual Constituency Meeting with 300+ delegates from the following states of Ohio, West Virginia, Western Pennsylvania, and Virginia.

In favor with the majority, William T. Cox (President), Marvin C. Brown (Secretary), and H. Candance Nurse (Treasurer) were re-elected for another term. President Cox mentioned how blessed he was to have formed a bond with his team and thanked every delegate who attended and made this possible. 

Story by Bryant Smith

One hundred years ago, the world was much different than it is today. The Temple Emmanuel church in Youngstown, Ohio, however, remains a constant force for good. The church was organized in 1917, first meeting in homes, later at a YMCA, then at a rented facility and finally in their own church building. The members of Temple Emmanuel enjoy a rich history of God’s faithfulness and blessings.

To launch their 100th anniversary month, special guest speakers were scheduled each Sabbath in January, including William T. Cox Sr., Allegheny West Conference president, and former presidents James Lewis and Henry Wright, who concluded the series and commemorated this milestone. “One hundred years is something to be incredibly proud of,” preached Wright.

"Some of the tension that exists, exists because the peacemakers aren't providing the platforms for the conversations," said John T. Boston, II, lead pastor at Allegheny West Conference's Central church in Columbus, Ohio.

Watch Boston's entire talk on racism and religion at Ohio Conference's Kettering church in Dayton.

Taboo2Tuesday: Racism from Kettering SDA Church on Vimeo.

Story by Tamaria Kulemeka

Large Doses of Love

Natisha Hughes (pictured) used to spend a lot of time on the corner of Sullivant and Burgess avenues outside the Hilltop Community Worship Center in Columbus. 

“I used to prostitute in front of the church because that’s the corner the girls stand at—either this corner or a block or two away,” she says.

Hughes knows all too well the struggles and effects of living on the street. The 31-year-old mother of five says she not only prostituted, but also used “a lot of drugs,” including heroine.