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Articles by Maryellen Hacko
ADRA Celebrates 40 Years with Introduction of New $1M Training Program
Reflecting on a legacy of justice, compassion, and love, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), commemorated their 40th anniversary during their member meeting at Annual Council 2023 on October 9, 2023.. “October 10, 1983, was the day this body voted to form ADRA and establish the bylaws of an organization that has grown in scale from very humble beginnings to one with a global footprint,” stated Michael Kruger, president of ADRA International as he introduced a video report.
Asia-Pacific Territorial Realignment Approved by Executive Committee at Annual Council 2023
The North Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will expand to receive four new territories, effective immediately, after Executive Committee members voted to support the change on October 9, 2023 during the Annual Council meetings, with a majority of 202 (96.16%) voting “yes” to 8 (3.81%) “no”. This expansion places three territories previously within the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan, now within the NSD.
Global Church to Celebrate World Pathfinder Day this Sabbath
Seventh-day Adventist Churches around the world will join together this Sabbath, September 17, to celebrate World Pathfinder Day (WPD). This year’s theme is “Go With Jesus”, which aligns with the Adventist Church’s “I Will Go” strategic plan, emphasizing the call to mission and service.
ANN International to Increase Viewership by 200 Million Thanks to Novo Tempo Partnership
Weekly episodes of ANN are now being streamed on the Novo Tempo Network in South America Brazil, marking a significant milestone for the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. While episodes have been available in both Spanish and Portuguese for over a year on the ANN YouTube channel, this new avenue of distribution allows ANN International to reach a new audience of up to 200 million people across South America. “It’s been a goal for a long time to expand ANN in terms of distribution.
Opera Singer Praises God at GC Session Despite Being Unable to Speak.
The 61st General Conference (GC) Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, held June 6–11 this year, featured singers, choirs, and musicians from around the world who shared worship performances, both in-person and online.
AdventistHelp Clinic in Moldova Helps Ukrainian Refugees and Locals Get Necessary Medical Care
With residents of Ukraine and surrounding countries continuing to be affected by the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has been ongoing for about five months, a team of Adventist volunteers are helping refugees and their local community by offering free health care as well as meals and shelter to those in need. AdventistHelp is a medical nonprofit that has been operating clinics for refugees and vulnerable communities in and around conflict areas since 2015.
Worldwide Adventist church emphasizes inclusivity by appointing Possibility Ministries leaders in local churches
In a world-first for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Church Manual has been updated to cater to members who are deaf, blind and have other special physical, mental or emotional needs, thanks to a decision made at the General Conference (GC) Session this year.
Churches can now appoint a Spirit of Prophecy coordinator-here’s what you need to know.
To watch Wednesday afternoon’s business Session, you can watch the YouTube replay here. One of the most significant decisions to come out of General Conference (GC) Session 2022 was made at Wednesday afternoon’s business session (June 8), with delegates voting in favor of adding a Spirit of Prophecy Coordinator position to the Church Manual. Now, local churches have the opportunity to appoint an individual to this role.
What Actually Happened At GC Session? Voting On Statements On The Holy Bible And Ellen G White.
The 61st General Conference (GC) Session of Seventh-day Adventists drew to a close on Sabbath, June 11, 2022, marking the end of historical decision-making that will affect the future of the global Church body. Two of the most debated items on the agenda were official statements of belief—one on the significance of the Holy Scriptures, and another on the significance of the writings of Ellen G White.
Sabbath afternoon and closing ceremony unites worldwide Adventist church in mission focus
Capping off the 61st General Conference (GC) Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, leaders, delegates, and visitors gathered in St. Louis and online to enjoy a Sabbath afternoon program, followed by a final “Mission on the Move” program, which together celebrated the multicultural nature of the Adventist Church and encouraged members to say, “I Will Go”.
Church celebrates more than 240K baptisms worldwide since 2015 thanks to Total Member Involvement
Total Member Involvement (TMI) is a core focus of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s strategy, and the cornerstone of this quinquennium’s theme “I Will Go”. The TMI Report presented around 8:30 pm on Friday at this year’s 61st General Conference (GC) Session highlighted the incredible work of missionaries, leaders, and laypeople in bringing people to Jesus over the past seven years and showed how effective the TMI strategy has been for the global church.
3AM Report emphasizes importance of young people in finishing God’s work on earth
Featuring leaders from various departments of the General Conference (GC), the Three Angels’ Messages Report presented at about 2:30 pm on Thursday at this year’s 61st GC Session inspired Adventists across the globe to get involved in sharing God’s final-day message with the world.
Adventist Church enjoys positive financial outlook despite turbulent times
On Tuesday afternoon at the 61st General Conference Session, GC CFO/Treasurer Paul Douglas delivered his Treasurer’s Report, giving an overview of the financial position and performance of the global Seventh-day Adventist Church over the past seven years. Douglas began his presentation by recognizing how the present financial position of the Church would not be possible without God’s constant leading and providence—not only over the past seven years, but since the Adventist Church began in 1863.
Mission a strong focus of Secretariat’s Report at GC Session
On Tuesday morning at just about 9:30 am at the 61st General Conference Session, GC Secretary Erton Köhler, accompanied by Undersecretary Hensley Moorooven, GC associate secretaries Claude Richli, Gerson Santos, Karen Porter, Gary Krause and Elbert Kuhn, alongside Director of the office of Archives, Statistics and Research (ASTR) David Trim, and VividFaith manager Fylvia Kline, presented the Secretariat Report, which celebrated the mission work executed across the global Adventist Church over...
World Church President Delivers Ministry Highlights and Significant Achievements Over Past Seven Years
Delivered at 10:13 am on the first day (June 6) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 61st General Conference (GC) Session, Adventist world president Elder Ted Wilson delivered his widely anticipated President’s Report, which provided a comprehensive overview of the significant events and achievements of the world Church over the past seven years.
Postponing and changing GC Session reflects historical trends, according to expert Dr David Trim
Scheduled to be held from June 6 to 11, the 61st Session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists will bring together thousands of church members from across the globe—both in-person in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as virtually—for the most important business meeting of the world Church. This year, the event is occurring after a two-year postponement due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.
61st GC Session to celebrate musical world-firsts, due to unique hybrid structure
One of the most widely anticipated highlights of every General Conference Session is the world-class musical performances from artists across the globe. This year, the 61st Session of the Seventh-day Adventist Church will be held in St. Louis, as well as online. This hybrid format has presented both opportunities and challenges for organizers, and music is no exception.
How Session Works: Nominating Committee
Deciding who the next leaders of the worldwide Seventh-day Adventist Church will be is a process that occurs every five years at the General Conference Session. Maintaining transparency and following due procedure is paramount to ensuring that decisions are made objectively, and that the needs and interests of the worldwide church and its members are upheld. As electing leaders is something that most Adventists are interested in, it’s important that this process is understood.
General Conference Executes Detailed Communications Plan For Upcoming Session
With the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s 61st General Conference (GC) Session just less than four weeks away, GC administration is ramping up communications and finalizing details in time for the official launch on June 6, 2022. Specifically, the GC Communication Department is focused on ensuring this first-ever hybrid Session—held locally in St. Louis, Missouri, as well as online—is accessible for Adventists across the globe.
How Session Works: Selecting Delegates
General Conference (GC) leaders, directors and staff are busy finalizing preparations for the upcoming 61st General Conference Session, which will be held from June 6-11 in the Americas Center in St. Louis, Missouri. Approximately 60,000 people are expected to attend this year, although not all of those will participate in making decisions that affect the future of the Adventist Church.
How Did We Get Here? Behind The Scenes Of GC Session 2022: Postponement, Relocation And Unique Challenges
General Conference Session is the largest, most complex, and arguably most significant event held by the global Seventh-day Adventist Church every quinquennium. Postponed for two years due to Covid, it is scheduled to be hosted this year from June 6-11 at America’s Center in St Louis, Missouri. This two-year postponement has resulted in complications that have required unique solutions, as well as new initiatives that will benefit Adventists across the globe.
Digital Nomad pastor inspires thousands with mission work in Ukraine and around the globe
With a camera in hand and big smile on his face, Jasper Ivan Iturriaga is not like your regular Pastor. Born and raised in the Philippines, Jasper has been living out of his suitcase for the past five years, traveling to more than 50 countries to make films and take photos for Adventist supporting ministries. Recently, ANN sat down with Jasper to talk about his recent visit to Ukraine, and talk outreach, discipleship and being a Christian creative.
General Conference’s virtual session to increase accessibility for members with special needs
Operating under the theme “Think Differently. Think Possibilities.”, the team at Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) is organizing new initiatives to make this year’s General Conference (GC) Session more accessible to special needs communities than ever before.
Exciting new events and initiatives to feature at General Conference Session 2022
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is hosting its 61st General Conference Session in St Louis, Missouri, from June 6-11 this year. Postponed since 2020 due to the global COVID-19 crisis, this year’s event will look different to previous Sessions. Instead of hosting ancillary meetings and featuring an in-person exhibition hall, the event will be hosted on a virtual platform to make attendance possible for Adventists across all Divisions and time-zones.
New initiative to tackle social media addiction and increase personal and family devotions
According to the most recent survey conducted by the General Conference’s (GC) Office of Archives, Statistics and Research, only 37% of Seventh-day Adventist church members across the globe engage in morning and evening devotions with their families.
Generous Donor funding now available to fuel creative, grass-roots ministry ideas
Local churches with a creative and evangelistic spirit will soon be able to access millions of dollars of funding thanks to the General Conference’s (GC) new “Mission Impact Fund”. Established through a partnership between GC Treasury and the Planned Giving & Trust Services (PGTS) Department, the fund will exist to support I Will Go initiatives, with special preference given to those being administered by local churches.
Adventist Church develops new “Armor of God” app for children with engaging games and activities
Developed as a resource for parents, Sabbath school teachers and children’s ministry leaders, the General Conference (GC) Children’s Ministries department has created a new app entitled “Armor of God” to help children learn and live out the principles taught in Ephesians Chapter 6.
New matrix to redistribute missionary funding to territories unreached by the gospel
During a special report presented at the Spring Meetings held virtually on April 12, the General Conference of Seventh-day Advetnists (GC) unveiled its plan to reset the Church’s global mission focus. With a lack of emphasis on unreached territories and people groups over the past 50 years, the GC hopes that its new focus and matrix will help divisions and other Adventist institutions prioritize sending missionary families into areas where the gospel message is needed most.
Adventist Church Bounces Back Financially in 2021 Following Pandemic Uncertainty
Just over six months after delivering his inaugural Treasury Report at the General Conference’s Annual Council in October last year, Paul Douglas, treasurer General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, delivered his second Treasury Report during the 2022 Spring Meetings, this year held virtually from April 12-13. Overall, the report revealed how the Church is bouncing back from financial uncertainty—largely thanks to members faithfully returning tithes and offerings.
Team Of Seven Help Thousands Of Refugees Access Medical Care Across The World
When all that most of the world can do is watch, pray or donate money, a small team of hands-on Adventist volunteers are saving lives on the ground in regions like Iraq, Ukraine, and aiding other humanitarian crises by giving refugees and victims of war access to free medical care. They proudly call themselves “Adventist Help”.
Heroes Players Get Baptized, Thousands of Others Undertake Bible Studies
Developed by the global Adventist Church’s communications department in partnership with Hope Channel, the popular Heroes: The Bible Trivia Game will celebrate its one-year anniversary on March 25. Since its release, the game has not only improved the biblical knowledge of more than 120,000 people—most of them aged between 18-24—but also inspired many to undertake Bible studies and be baptized.
Official Adventist Church YouTube channel restored following five-day termination
The official Seventh-day Adventist Church YouTube account was restored over the weekend thanks to petitioning by Church administration and members, after hackers seized the platform to promote a cryptocurrency scam on February 27. The scam, which has been reported by multiple YouTube accounts globally—including the Adventist Church in both Poland and Jamaica—hijacks large YouTube accounts and impersonates Elon Musk’s SpaceX channel, offering fake giveaways to earn money from viewers.
How to charge the right price for your creative work
The biggest mistakes I made as a new freelancer—part 2/5 Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash When I first started freelancing back in 2019, I made some tragic mistakes. The biggest (by far) was not managing my finances correctly. You can get the low-down on that in this article. But there were some other big mistakes I made, too. One of them was having the wrong price point.
Heroes The Game Exceeds 100k Downloads, Engages Young People In Bible Studies
In the closing hours of 2021, Hope Channel reached a new milestone when Heroes: The Bible Trivia Game exceeded 100,000 downloads globally. “We certainly hoped it would be downloaded and played many times, but you never know with games,” explains associate director of communication for the global Adventist Church, Sam Neves.
Global Bible reading plan and 10 Days of Prayer event encourage Adventists to start 2022 with a spiritual focus
Commencing January 5, thousands of Seventh-day Adventists from around the globe are starting 2022 with a strong spiritual focus, by gathering for the Church’s annual 10 Days of Prayer event to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. This year’s focus is the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14, with daily readings written by Pastor Mark Finley available to download in multiple languages to help guide groups through important concepts and spiritual lessons.
Youth Alive Program Equips Young People To Reach New Communities Around The World
Reflecting a powerful partnership between Adventist Health Ministries and Youth Ministries, as well as other stakeholders including Family Ministries, Public Campus Ministries, Adventist Education and Global Mission, “Youth Alive” is a program that is being adopted around the world to transform the lives of young people and reach new communities.
New animated film on Great Controversy wins multiple awards
Winning Best Animation at the 10th Delhi Shorts International Film Festival 2021, a new animated film created by Hope Discovery—a project between Hope Channel Romania and the Seventh-day Adventist Church—explores the Great Controversy in narrative form, in an effort to make the Adventist worldview and end-time message accessible to seekers and members alike.
A Small Glimpse of the Richness of Life that God Has Provided
December 4, 2021 In Australia, Adventist artist discusses art, life, and transcendence. By Maryellen Hacko, Adventist Record Having lectured in visual arts at Avondale University for 25 years, and with an internationally acclaimed body of work spanning decades, Andy Collis is a fine artist and art academic well-loved by the Adventist community in Australia and beyond.
Creative Corner: Andy Collis
Having lectured in Visual Arts at Avondale University for 25 years, and with an internationally acclaimed body of work spanning decades, Andy Collis (Ph.D.) is a fine artist and art academic who is well-loved by the Adventist community both in Australia and beyond. With experience painting everything from portraits to abstract expressionism, Andy usually creates artworks from his home studio in Saratoga, NSW, but says he also likes to get out and about to paint “Plein air” landscapes.
When you can’t pray the depression away: new General Conference initiative to reduce stigma around mental health
In response to the mental health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the global Seventh-day Adventist Church has created a mental health initiative and developed resources as part of their “Youth Alive” program, to help young people around the world.
Creative Corner: Andy Collis
Having lectured in Visual Arts at Avondale University for 25 years, and with an internationally acclaimed body of work spanning decades, Andy Collis (PhD) is a fine artist and art academic who is well-loved by the Adventist community in Australia and beyond. With experience painting everything from portraits to abstract expressionism, Andy usually creates artworks from his home studio in Saratoga, NSW, but says he also likes to get out and about to paint “plein air” landscapes.
Why Pastors Need to Audit Their Membership Records: A Closer Look at Church Membership Statistics for 2020.
Despite reporting a significant drop in accessions and losses, and an increase in deaths across the global Seventh-day Adventist Church during 2020, Dr David Trim, director of Archives, Statistics and Research for the General Conference (GC), says we shouldn’t feel discouraged, but empowered.
Improving Mental Health An Important Focus Of Adventist Health Ministries
In a year like 2021 with so many unprecedented struggles, mental health has been a focus of the General Conference’s (GC) Health Ministries department, as emphasised at the recent Leadership, Education and Development (LEAD) conference on Friday, October 8.
In Australia, Adventist Artist Excels in Creating Images for Bible Studies
October 30, 2021 “My art is a modern take on traditional Bible imagery,” Phil McKay says. By: Maryellen Hacko, Adventist Record From art exhibitions to Bible study guides, fine art creator Phil McKay has seen his work used in a wide variety of contexts to share the good news of Jesus. “I guess I would describe my style as a modern take on traditional Bible imagery,” he said.
Creative Corner: Phil McKay
From art exhibitions to Bible study guides, fine artist Phil McKay has seen his work used in a wide variety of contexts to share the good news of Jesus. “I guess I would describe my style as a modern take on traditional Bible imagery,” he says.
The great divide
During my time at Adventist Record, I’ve noticed a problem brewing at the core of our denomination. You may think I’m referring to the women’s ordination debate, growing tensions around sexuality, or the loss of Adventist “identity”. These are salient dilemmas, but I believe they’re only symptoms of a deeper issue: A widespread disconnect between Adventist belief and practice. We hold beautiful theology about Sabbath rest (Mark 2:27,28), yet spend our Sabbaths burnt out by countless jobs at church.
Church Planting Symposium equips Adventists to plant churches across major cities
With a desire to equip and nurture a church planting movement across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, more than 250 individuals registered for an online Church Planting Symposium organized by Avondale University and the South Pacific Division (SPD) on October 15th and 16th.
Leaders call for prayer over religious freedom concerns throughout SPD
In light of current legislation threatening religious freedoms in Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and the Solomon Islands, leaders from the South Pacific Division (SPD) are inviting church members to attend a Religious Freedom Prayer Gathering on Friday, November 12, from 7pm to 8:30pm (AEDT).
Church Planting Symposium equips Adventists to plant churches across major cities
From Pastor Wayne Krause's presentation. With a desire to equip and nurture a church planting movement across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, more than 250 individuals registered for an online Church Planting Symposium organised by Avondale University and the South Pacific Division (SPD) on Friday night and Sabbath October 15 and 16.
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