New Jersey Conference

Events like the Pathfinder Bible Experience prepare young Seventh-Day Adventist members for being leaders not only in the church, but in their communities and in the world. Read more about the 2026 Columbia Union Conference Pathfinder Bible Experience here. | Video by Jorge Pillco, New Jersey Conference

 

Student missionary Nathan Moravetz hangs out with three church friends in Yap.

Story by Nathan Moravetz

Teaching has always been a big part of my life. My mom, grandma and sister were teachers, so, growing up, I wanted to model after them. Later, I spent five summers working at summer camp and came to realize that the most rewarding part for me was being a positive influence on young people.

After my first two years of college, I took a year off to be a student missionary, working as a boys’ dean in Michigan. But I yearned to serve overseas. One day, my friends and I started a conversation about being teachers on the island of Yap, and before we knew it, we were serving on the small island in the Pacific Ocean.

Dan Kiefer/Unsplash

Editorial by Carl Rodriguez

Many gift-giving traditions occur during Christmas in North America. Each family that celebrates the event has their own historical and cultural basis for the exchange of presents.

Even the Magi in the time of Christ’s birth gave gifts to show appreciation for the bountiful blessings God had bestowed on them. Matthew 2:11 records this event: “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh” (NIV).