News Briefs for January 28, 2021
News reports from Washington Adventist University, Mozambique, Loma Linda University Health, Adventist Community Services and the Center For Youth Evangelism:
Victory Sports Network reported that the Takoma Park, Maryland-based Washington Adventist University Athletics Department, has decided that it will not have intercollegiate athletics competitions in spring sports during the 2021 season. The university cited health and safety concerns related to COVID-19 and a steady increase in cases in Montgomery County as reasons for the decision. Sports impacted will be Acro-Airs, Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Softball, and Volleyball.
From ADRA (edited for length) – On January 23, tropical cyclone Eloise made landfall in Beira, Mozambique’s fourth largest city by population.
Eloise made landfall as a category one storm, followed by heavy rainfall of 200 mm (7 inches) within a 24-hour span. Local weather reports forecast that the rains will continue for a week, affecting Manica and parts of Inhambane and Zambezia.
“Nine injuries have been reported with one in critical condition in the Sofala province. No fatalities have been reported,” says Rumbidzai Musengi, emergency response coordinator in Mozambique for the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). “Property has been destroyed, including over 20,000 hectares (49,000 acres) of agricultural produce and thousands of homes by the heavy rains and floods. Those affected have been evacuated by authorities to temporary accommodation centers.”
ADRA deployed relief aid teams in the Chibuto, Guija and Massangena districts of Gaza. Two districts in Inhambane, including Panda and Funhalouro, are already receiving help from ADRA through a Lean Season Assistance Project in partnership with the World Food Programme. In Mozambique, the project provides critical food assistance to farmers who experience low food supplies before the next planting and harvesting seasons.
“ADRA is also coordinating with the Seventh-day Adventist church in Vilanculos and other partners to participate in a rapid needs assessment that would be carried out as soon as the cyclone and the rains have subsided,” says David Masinde, ADRA’s country director in Mozambique. “ADRA in Mozambique is also looking to a bigger response as we put resources together with the support of the global ADRA network.”
From ADRA (edited for length): The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has donated 1.6 million medical-grade masks to Loma Linda University Health (LLUH) in California, to support the hospital’s continued battle against COVID-19. LLUH plans to use ADRA’s donation to protect frontline workers during COVID-19 vaccine operations.
California state officials report the state remains among the highest U.S. regions for coronavirus with more than 3 million confirmed positive cases and 21,400 hospitalizations since the beginning of the year. (These numbers are likely to change as more cases are reported.)
The 3-ply-mask stockpile will be used at the COVID-19 vaccine clinic soon to open on the campus of Loma Linda University. LLUH also intends to utilize the protective supplies at international mission hospital sites around the world.
From the Loma Linda University Health Facebook page: For the first time, ever, we’re offering our annual Open House event virtually. Join us next week, Sunday, Jan. 31 at 10 a.m. PST. Anyone, from anywhere is welcome to attend—no traveling required. Find your purpose, here.
From NAD Newspoints: Adventist Community Services presents a FREE Zoom webinar discussing principles of financial empowerment and practical tools for your ministry. ACS volunteers and anyone interested in community outreach ministry are invited to tune in Feb. 4 at 2 p.m. EST to hear presenter Colette Newer, ACS Director of Washington Conference, address why many of those who access ACS services are struggling in a cycle of poverty. LEARN MORE
The Andrews University-based Center For Youth Evangelism (CYE) has announced dates for the upcoming Cruise With A Mission 2021. The Christian young adult cruise will take place on the Mexican Riviera from December 12-19, 2021. It will be sailing out of San Diego, California. Ports include: Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta.
CYE Notice: If the 2021 Cruise With A Mission is canceled, your registration fee will either be refunded, or you may choose to apply it towards the next year’s Cruise.
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