News reports from Jamaica, Mandan, North Dakota; Columbia, Maryland; Andrews University, Glendale, California; Roseville, California and Loma Linda, California

The Jamaica Observer reports that Pastor Glen Samuels, the head of the Adventist Church in western Jamaica, has challenged members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF) to, in the words of the newspaper, “stand like the brave, build integrity, and treat all people with respect.” Samuels made the remarks to both law enforcement and Adventists attending the 18th Annual Prayer and Thanksgiving Service for the police in the constabulary’s Area Three on Saturday, April 21, on the Mandeville campus of Northern Caribbean University. The comments come in the context of a huge upsurge in crime especially in the St. James parish of Jamaica where a State of Emergency has been declared to tackle the problem.

The Bismark Tribune reported that students in Dakota Adventist Academy’s vocational construction program have built a tiny home which is one of 44 homes on display this weekend at the Bismarck-Mandan Home Builders Association’s Spring Parade of Homes in Mandan, North Dakota. The tiny house is a 221-square-foot home and is built on a tiny house trailer. Ryan Peterson, the school’s vocational teacher had hoped to give students the experience of building a house from scratch but prohibitive land costs meant that the school opted to build a portable tiny house instead.

From Adventist News Network (ANN): The North American Division (NAD) welcomed 225 student and professional filmmakers and guests to the April 5-7 2018 Sonscreen Film Festival held this year at the NAD headquarters in Columbia, Maryland. The three-day festival, run by the NAD, screened 47 official selections from student filmmakers. The event culminated with an awards ceremony and closing reception. The 2018 Sonscreen Official Selections and Award Winners were as follows:
Best in Festival | “Sisterly,” Nina Vallado, Andrews University
Audience Choice Award | “Sisterly,” Nina Vallado
Jury Selection | “Genesis,” Julian Ybarra, Pacific Union College
Best Screenplay | “The Chocolate Shop,” Vester Banner III, La Sierra University
Best Cinematography | “125 Pounds,” Joshua Martin, Andrews University
2018 Sonscreen Vision Award | Debra Brill, NAD vice president

Andrews University was subjected to a lockdown lasting over an hour on the afternoon of April 25. An AU Facebook post said that the lockdown was “requested by law enforcement as they responded to a student who reported a possible threat to self.” The post clarifies that the incident did not involve an active shooter and law enforcement was successful in making contact with the student without incident. The post said that “School and law enforcement officials will now work to ensure that our student receives the help and support he needs.”

The Glendale News-Press reported that Adventist Health Glendale scored high in a safety-care study conducted by the Leapfrog Group hospital-safety organization which evaluates hospitals across the United States. For the seventh year running, the hospital made an “A” grade in its spring results released Tuesday. Safety grades are awarded twice a year.

Becker’s Hospital Review reported that Roseville, California-based Adventist Health recorded net income of $229.8 million in 2017, 36 percent more than the $169.1 million it made in 2016. The system of 20 hospitals which also owns hundreds of health clinics, brought in revenue of $4.1 billion in the fiscal year that ended Dec. 31, 2017. This figure was up 5.8 percent from $3.9 billion in fiscal year 2016.

Online Schools Center, a site focused on non traditional students, rated Loma Linda University’s online Doctor of Occupational Therapy program in the top 20 of online programs offered by universities nationwide. The site created a comprehensive index of the top distance education institutions offering doctoral degrees to online students. Loma Linda’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program is regionally accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) Accrediting Commission for Senior Colleges and Universities.

John Howard Weeks, Ellen G. White’s great-great-grandson has written a book titled “The Healthiest People on Earth.” The book published by BenBella Books offers an inside look at Adventists and specifically explores why they live longer than other people. Weeks is a career journalist. In the new book he shares family stories, secrets and recipes including (for the first time in print) many of White’s favorite dishes. For early reviews, plus excerpts from the book, a chapter list, an author profile and more, visit thehealthiestpeopleonearth.com. Book order link: https://www.amazon.com/Healthiest-People-Earth-Adventist-Plant-Based/dp/1944648860

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