In Philippians 3:14, the apostle Paul writes, “Forgetting those things which are behind” (NKJV), a concept that can be applied to us spiritually and also by looking at the occurrences of the past year.
New Jersey Conference
Story by Cinthia Portonova
The New Jersey Conference welcomes Carl Rodriguez to serve as the new youth director. With many years of Youth Ministries experience under his belt, Rodriguez has worked as a teacher, pastor, camporee director and conference youth and young adult director. He most recently served as the Youth and Young Adult Ministries director for the Chesapeake Conference.
Rodriguez is currently a candidate for a Doctorate in Ministry in Urban Ministries from the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary (Mich.), and already holds a Master of Divinity from the same institution. He also has a Master of Business Administration from Frostburg State University (Md.).
Editorial by Catherine Osorio
When the pandemic hit, I witnessed a decrease in youth attending church and a lack of leaders available to minister to those who remained. This afforded me the opportunity to step up and make a difference. God used Daniel and his friends to stand for their beliefs and be a powerful witness; Esther became queen and saved her people; David defeated the giant when everyone doubted him. So, why couldn’t He use me—an anxious 17-year-old—to be a Pathfinder director?
Story by Mario Thorp
Aubrey N. Richards was a farmer, butcher and a man of God who sold beef and chicken at the central market of Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. He loved his church and was passionate about sharing Jesus. Richards and his wife, Ella, had seven children. They both shared a burning desire to see the young grow and thrive in their walk with Jesus.
Story by Ashley Boggess
Toward the end of last school year, the focus of the academic fair at New Jersey Conference's Lake Nelson Adventist Academy (LNAA) was environmental stewardship. Students from kindergarten through 11th grade researched and created dynamic projects focused on reducing, reusing and recycling in a variety of contexts.