News reports from ADRA worldwide, Loma Linda University Health, a Psychic Expo in Australia, Oakwood University and the North American Division:

From an ADRA news release: A year ago, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) stepped up its emergency response to serve nearly 20 million people around the world in 96 countries impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

At the time, 422 projects were launched by ADRA in response to the ongoing health crisis, and 70 percent of those projects were in partnership with the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Earlier this year, ADRA pivoted its efforts to further help 21 countries heavily impacted by COVID-19 and find much needed relief.

“ADRA has been closely monitoring our aid as we serve millions worldwide through this pandemic, and we’re finding that many people globally aren’t informed about COVID-19 prevention or [don’t] have access to getting tested or being vaccinated, which leading health experts indicate helps decrease the likelihood of contracting the virus and ending up in a hospital,” says Mario Oliveira, ADRA’s emergency response director. “Our goal between now into 2022 is to use the trust of people we work with, and who are likely to be impacted by the coronavirus. We want people to receive accurate information to help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing and help them stay safe for themselves and among their families.”

From a Loma Linda University Health news story:

Loma Linda University Medical Center has been ranked by U.S. News & World Report as the No. 1 hospital in the Riverside and San Bernardino metro area for 2021-2022.

The Medical Center was also nationally ranked in gastroenterology & gastrointestinal surgery and was recognized as “High Performing” in 18 other areas.

“We are honored and grateful for this distinction, which is a true testament to each of our employees’ commitment and delivery of exceptional care to patients throughout our region,” said Kerry Heinrich, CEO of Loma Linda University Health Hospitals.

From an Adventist Record news story:

A group of literature evangelists from the South Australian Conference recently manned a stall at the Body Mind And Psychic Expo, held at the Adelaide Showground.

It’s not the usual type of place you’d expect to find divine appointments, but Sue Wilson, co-leader for literature evangelism in South Australia, says they encountered many.

“Being familiar with the New Age lifestyle, I know that many of them are actually seeking truth,” said Wilson. “These people often explore an interest in the supernatural because they are looking for answers to their questions in life, especially in relation to spirituality and health. As Adventists, we have more common ground with these people than we think.”

Hundreds of free leaflets and other pieces of literature were distributed by the group on Sabbath. On Sunday, the stall offered books for sale, and many people purchased them.

From an Oakwood University press release:

In the morning on July 19, 2021, Oakwood University, located in Huntsville, Alabama, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completion of the Peterson Hall renovation. The building has been completely renovated to include residential use, as well as offering a full conference center.

Oakwood University president Leslie Pollard was on hand to cut the ribbon for the Peterson Hall and University Conference Center, surrounded by Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Mark Massey, president of Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering (ASCTE), and members of the Oakwood University and ASCTE administrative teams.

Constructed in 1955, Peterson Hall is named for Oakwood’s second African American president, Frank L. Peterson (1945-1954).

From a North American Division announcement:

The Do It Together Sabbath School Leadership Convention is described as training for Sabbath School superintendents, secretaries, creatives, youth pastors, pastors, teachers, and those interested in growing their Sabbath School attendance and engagement. The convention will be held virtually on September 9-11, 2021.

Learn more/register at https://oneteamplaybook.org/2021-nad-ssc/; register before Aug. 9 to receive a resource “swag box.”

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