I haven’t been updating this blog very often because I’ve been putting my efforts into the Adventist Peace Fellowship. Check out our podcast, YouTube videos, blog posts, and more ..read more

NOTE: In addition to this ADRA statement, check out the third episode of the Adventist Peace Radio podcast (episode 3; all episodes). The episode focuses on ADRA and the refugee crisis. Silver Spring, Md.— This World Refugee Day, there are more than 60 million people around the world who are internally displaced, seeking asylum, or living as refugees in other countries. The United Nations has described the Syrian crisis, which has displaced approximately half of the country’s population, as the biggest humanitarian emergency of our era. As an international humanitarian organization, ADRA has a ..read more

I haven’t posted anything for a while. Here are a few articles I’ve missed: The Prophetic Voice and Social Justice – Spring Symposium 2016 (Adventist Theological Society) In Dominica, ADRA Begins Rebuilding After Tropical Storm Erika (Adventist Today/ANN, 17 Feb 2016) Adventist Spokesperson Promotes Human Dignity at African Union Prayer Breakfast (AToday/ANN, 12 Feb 2016) Mexican State Governor pledges support for Adventist efforts in religious liberty and social programs (ANN, 2 Feb 2016) Adventists distribute bottled water in Flint, Michigan, amid water crisis (ANN, 21 Jan 2016) Perspective ..read more

Adventist Today has republished a story about some of the unintended consequences of global volunteerism–“Voluntourism: More Harm than Good” (Heather Ruiz, 19 Aug 2015). The article begins with this explanation: In August, 2013, Heather Ruiz traveled through West Africa as a journalist for ADRA. After working in development for nine months, Ruiz moved to a village in the Western Sahara to find answers for her questions about responsible volunteering and empowering communities. The following article is her insight on constructive service. Read the entire article at Adventist Today (link ..read more

Adventist News Network (ANN): The World Adventist Public Officials Association (WAPOA) aims to connect Adventists around the world who serve their country as elected or appointed officials. July 22, 2015 | Silver Spring, Maryland, USA | Bettina Krause It can be an isolating experience for Seventh-day Adventist Church members who hold high public office: this was one of the key messages to emerge from a unique gathering of Adventist public officials earlier this month in San Antonio, Texas. Some 21 leaders from ten countries—ambassadors, ministers of state, members of parliament, a senator, a d ..read more

José Cortes, Jr., has written a powerful essay for NAD Ministerial on practical community engagement. He begins: “What if our Adventist Churches across North America began a conspiracy? What if we decided in harmony with all the other churches across Bermuda, Canada, United States and the islands of Guam and Micronesia that we are going to love our cities like Jesus did? What do you think would happen if we ventured outside the walls of our churches, asked people about their needs, and did something transformational for individuals and communities? “What if our local churches conspired togethe ..read more

“Lake Region Conference celebrates 70 years of service, Lake Union Conference apologizes for failures of the Church in regard to race, June 20, 2015, Camp Wagner, Cassopolis, MI. In order of appearance: Don Livesay, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Lake Union Headquarters; Clifford Jones, Lake Region Conference.” The video below can also be seen here. <p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/131332874″>LUC Apology</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/lakeunionherald”>Herald</a&gt; on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p> ..read more

I wrote this a couple weeks ago while flying home from a business trip. Now I’m posting it in the context of the recent killing of nine African-American Christians in Charleston, SC. And since I’m sitting at home on a Sabbath morning instead of sitting in church, apparently I should write a follow-up essay, Why I Don’t Go To Church. :) — Church-goers Anonymous: “My name is Jeff, and I go to church.” “Hi, Jeff.” Yes, I am a church member. I attend a local congregation. I was part of a conversation recently about why I go to church. My basic answer was that at church I get connected to the peopl ..read more

Adventist Today reported on ADRA’s response to the devastating earthquake on April 25 (link). Subsequent tremors and quakes in the area have caused additional damage. Regardless of the risks, ADRA continues to work in the area, as seen in this news release: ADRA and GlobalMedic partner to distribute tents to replace health posts KATHMANDU, NEPAL— ADRA and GlobalMedic have partnered to provide large tents that will provide a temporary place for health posts that have been damaged or destroyed by last month’s earthquake. This 36-by-20-foot (10-by-6-meter) tent will increase Scheer Memorial Hosp ..read more

Here is an unsystematic and incomplete listing of some recent Adventist headlines relating to social ethics and action (excerpts included). Click on the titles to access the complete articles. AU to hold Social Justice Summit: Race and Justice in America (Adv Peace Fellowship, 27 Mar 2015) The Social Justice Series presents a conversation on race and justice in America. 51 years later, and still fighting for civil rights. San Antonio to Get $10 Million in Free Adventist Healthcare (McChesney, Adv Review, 27 Mar 2015) Hundreds of healthcare professionals are gearing up to provide more than ..read more