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Southern Tidings, Atlanta, GA (2026)

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Amireh Al-Haddad and Xander Ordinola for their recent wins from the Associated Church Press!

At the Southern Tidings, we are blessed to have great writers and photographers who contribute to our magazine. We are thankful for the recognition of Amireh and Xander and their excellent work.

Please join in celebrating this accomplishment by leaving a congratulatory comment.

05/27/2026

Please take a few minutes to share your honest feedback about Southern Tidings. Your responses will help Southern Tidings better understand what is working, what can be improved, and how the team can more effectively inform, inspire, and connect our church here in the Southern Union. This survey is anonymous.

05/27/2026

The Gulf States Conference once again gathered children’s ministries leaders from across the territory for a special training designed to strengthen and inspire those serving the youngest members of the church.

The Children’s Sabbath School and Vacation Bible School (VBS) Training was held February 14, 2026, at the Conference office in Montgomery, Ala., and was offered in both English and Spanish.

Leaders from the North American Division Children’s Ministries Department traveled to Gulf States Conference to provide workshops, resources, and hands-on instruction aimed at equipping local church volunteers and coordinators.

This annual event provided a valuable opportunity for children’s ministries leaders to receive practical tools and renewed vision for their work. Workshops focused on strengthening Sabbath School programming, planning meaningful Vacation Bible School experiences, sharing Bible stories in engaging ways, and supporting children spiritually and emotionally within the church setting.

Cherri Uhrig, D.Min., North American Division children’s ministries director, highlighted the purpose of the training and the value of empowering local leaders.

“Our goal was to help children’s ministries leaders return home with ideas they could put into action immediately,” said Uhrig. “When we invest in those who teach and guide children, we are building a foundation of faith that can last a lifetime.”

Elizabeth Rodriguez, Gulf States children’s ministries coordinator, emphasized the importance of creating spaces where leaders could grow and feel supported.

“We wanted every children’s ministries leader to leave this day feeling equipped, encouraged, and reminded that their work is sacred,” said Rodriguez. “When we nurture children in faith, we are shaping lifelong disciples, and strengthening the future of the church.”

Participants also had the opportunity to connect with fellow leaders, exchange ideas, and explore creative approaches to teaching spiritual truths in ways children would remember.

For many attendees, the training represented more than learning new techniques — it served as a time of renewal and calling. Miria Paim, a participant, shared how meaningful the experience was. “This training reminded us that children’s ministries is not small — it is one of the most important missions in the Church,” said Paim. “It gave us fresh inspiration and practical ideas to help our children grow closer to Jesus each week.”

The Children’s Sabbath School and VBS Training concluded with leaders leaving empowered and ready to return to their local churches with new resources, renewed passion, and a deeper commitment to guiding children in their walk with Christ.

05/25/2026

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." Revelation 21:4

This Memorial Day we pause to acknowledge the sacrifice and loss of those who served and died in the military. Our prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones.

In honor of Memorial Day, our offices will be closed today. Normal operations will resume tomorrow.

05/24/2026

The Georgia-Cumberland Conference is pleased to announce the appointment of Donald R. Short as northern region education director (associate superintendent of education). Short brings more than three decades of Adventist educational experience — as a classroom teacher, vice principal, and school principal — to the Conference-level leadership role.

Short previously served as a teacher and vice principal at Georgia-Cumberland Academy (GCA) from 1998 to 2014, where he was involved in student life, curriculum, personnel, accreditation, and leading study tours and mission trips.

Currently, Short serves as principal and business manager at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) in New Market, Va., since 2015. In that role he provides comprehensive oversight of campus life, curriculum, facilities, finances, personnel, student services, and strategic planning. He has also served on the Potomac Conference Board of Education and the Columbia Union Secondary Administrators Council.

“Don is coming back to the Georgia- Cumberland Conference where he previously served at GCA, and he is well known in the community,” said Kim Thompson, vice president for education at the Georgia-Cumberland Conference. “I appreciate his soft-spoken spiritual side. I’m looking forward to him taking over the northern region.”

Short holds a master of arts for teachers in social studies from Indiana University and a bachelor of arts in history and religion from Southern Adventist University. He is currently pursuing a doctorate at Liberty University. As a committed Seventh-day Adventist, Short has served his local congregation as a board member, deacon, elder, and Sabbath School superintendent. He has led mission trips to Belize, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and Puerto Rico.

In his new role, Short will supervise and support elementary and secondary schools throughout the northern region, assist with curriculum development and implementation, conduct teacher and principal evaluations, and serve as a member of the Conference Board of Education. He will report to the vice president for education, and is expected to begin midsummer.

“I’m grateful to join the team of dedicated administrators, teachers, parents, and church members in the northern region,” said Short. “I look forward to supporting, encouraging, and laboring alongside those who are on the front lines. By God’s grace we can achieve extraordinary results in the work of Christ-centered Adventist education — work that is so vital at this time in the history of our church and nation.” Short is married to Laura, and they have three daughters, Emma, Anna, and Ella.

05/24/2026

In the parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus illustrated the power of compassion in action. In Apopka, Fla., that story is being lived out in a very practical way.

Five years ago, the Apopka Spanish Church launched a clinic with the vision to serve uninsured and underserved people in the community. What began as a small ministry has grown into a significant outreach.

A few months into the ministry, the church pastor and the clinic director connected with Vicmael Arroyo, director of Faith Strategy & External Collaboration for AdventHealth’s Central Florida Division. Through Arroyo, the church established a working relationship with the American Muslim Community Clinics, a nonprofit organization that provides free medical services in collaboration with AdventHealth hospitals.

Today, the Apopka Spanish Community Health Center functions as an Advent- Health Community Resource Spot, offering free services such as adult primary care, disease screening and prevention, and chronic condition management. The clinic also provides mental health counseling, chaplaincy support, prayer, and health education.

This educational outreach includes seminars on mental health, nutrition, and general wellness, led by professionals such as physicians, psychologists, nutritionists, and other health specialists.

Through its network, the Apopka clinic connects patients to additional medical services, including diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing, and prescription medications. All services are provided free of charge to people without access to health insurance. The clinic operates entirely through the effort and dedication of volunteers.

Johanny Gonzalez, the church’s Health and Temperance director, has served as the clinic’s director since its inception. Currently, she leads a team of 38 committed volunteers. Aileen Treto-Cabrera, M.D., is the volunteer medical director. She coordinates and schedules physicians from the community who generously donate their time and expertise. The clinic opens once a month on Sabbath afternoon, serving about 30 patients each session.

The Apopka Spanish Church also runs a food bank twice a month that helps more than 70 families. Noel Gonzalez, Apopka Spanish pastor, provides support and leadership, noting that these ministries demonstrate the church’s commitment to meeting both the physical and spiritual needs of the community.

Brian Adams, president and CEO of the AdventHealth Central Florida Division, recently visited the clinic along with Vicmael Arroyo and other members of the AdventHealth team. Reflecting on the partnership, he recently shared in a post: “I’m grateful for partners such as American Muslim Community Clinics and the Apopka Spanish Community Health Center, whose collaboration brings health care and faith-based organizations together to expand access to care.”

05/23/2026

The sound of hammers and ladders filled the grounds of Nosoca Pines Ranch in Liberty Hill, S.C., as a team of Maranatha Volunteers International participants worked to improve the camp’s facilities.

Sixty-one volunteers traveled from Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and South Carolina to participate in the project. Over two weeks, the group addressed a list of repairs and improvements designed to help the ranch continue serving campers, retreat groups, and ministry programs.

For many volunteers, the experience combined practical labor with fellowship and service.

One of the largest projects was replacing the roof on one of the ranch’s houses. A crew of seven to eight volunteers spent six days removing the old roof and installing a new one. As work began, the team discovered two layers of shingles and significant rafter damage beneath the surface. Despite the unexpected repairs, the roof was completed Sunday evening, with cleanup finished the following day.

Across the property, other volunteers tackled additional projects. Teams repaired fencing at three homes, completed maintenance work in several areas of the camp, and repainted the interiors of five cabins used for guest housing.

The painting project required an adjustment when volunteers discovered the cabins needed a specialized KILZ primer before painting could begin. The change required respirators and additional safety preparations, adding extra time to the project.

Logistics in the rural location also created delays. Replacement parts expected to arrive overnight took four days to reach the camp. In another case, fencing built with salvaged materials had to be dismantled and rebuilt after proper supplies arrived, adding two additional days of work.

Despite the challenges, volunteers continued their work with enthusiasm and cooperation.

Thirteen participants were serving on their first Maranatha project, joining others who have volunteered for years.

Jeanice Riles, project team leader and a member of the Carolina Conference, who has previously served at locations including Indian Creek Camp, Uchee Pines, and Blue Mountain Academy, said returning volunteers are common in Maranatha projects. Over the years, teams have built churches, homes, duplexes, and other facilities that support the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

While the work can be demanding, the volunteer group represents a wide range of ages and backgrounds.

The median age for Maranatha’s domestic projects in the United States is about 71. Many younger volunteers often choose international projects, while older participants prefer serving closer to home.

Families are also welcomed on the projects. One family attending the Nosoca project brought two children, ages 9 and 12, who assisted with preparation work for painting and other tasks around the camp. Safety guidelines were carefully followed throughout the project; for instance, a pregnant volunteer participated in other activities but avoided work involving paint or primer.

Project leaders for Maranatha sites are volunteers themselves, helping coordinate work teams and daily assignments while maintaining communication with Maranatha headquarters.

Although the work can involve long days and unexpected challenges, volunteers say the opportunity to support ministries like Nosoca Pines Ranch makes the effort worthwhile.

When the tools are put away and the last tasks are finished, the improvements will help the ranch continue hosting retreats, youth programs, and spiritual gatherings for years to come, extending the impact of the volunteers’ service far beyond the two weeks they spent on site.

05/20/2026

Fedoras, zoot suits, fascinators, and designer stockings set the tone as AdventHealth University (AHU) made history with its very first homecoming celebration, welcoming alumni, friends, students, faculty, and community partners for an unforgettable evening of connection and purpose.

More than 270 guests gathered for the 1940s-themed Harmony & Heritage Homecoming, marking the inaugural homecoming event in the university’s 34-year history. Hosted beneath a tent along the shore of Lake Winyah on the Orlando campus, the event blended nostalgia with mission-driven celebrations, honoring the past while investing in the future of health care through fund raising for student scholarships.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to reconnect with graduates and supporters of AdventHealth University, all in the name of raising funds for student scholarships,” said C. Josef Ghosn, Ed.D., FACHE, president of AdventHealth University. “This evening was a powerful reminder that our mission is timeless, across decades, to develop leaders who will practice health care as a ministry.”

Funds raised from homecoming go directly toward student scholarships through the Alumni Scholarship Fund. With $45,000 currently raised for that fund, AHU is almost halfway toward making its goal of $100,000. More than 73 percent of students at AdventHealth University receive some sort of financial aid toward tuition.

“We want to remove any financial barriers to those who want access to high-quality education in the health care field,” said Erin Simmons, chief development officer for AdventHealth University. “Thanks to the generosity of so many wonderful families and community partners, endowed scholarships are set aside each year for students in need.”

From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere echoed the elegance and optimism of the Big Band era from the late 1930s and early 1940s. Live music filled the evening air, allowing attendees to reminisce across generations.

Attendees also participated in a live handprint art installation, symbolizing the collective impact of staff, faculty, alumni and friends.

A highlight of the evening was a moving presentation by Alyssa Luna, a 2019 biomedical sciences graduate who has become the third generation in her family to practice health care. “I had heard so many great things about AHU,” said Luna. “When I came here, I immediately felt welcomed. I honestly had a fantastic experience while I was here.”

“We look forward to [this event] becoming a much-anticipated annual tradition for AdventHealth University,” said Kathleen Haz, MHA, alumni relations manager for AdventHealth University and a member of the Classes of 2017 and 2020. “Alumni are already calling to find out the date for the next one. Word of mouth travels fast when the event is so special.”

05/20/2026

When Southern Adventist University students graduate, their achievements extend far beyond receiving diplomas. They leave equipped to impact their chosen fields. Whether in hospitals, boardrooms, or research labs, Southern graduates consistently stand out for their knowledge, skill, and commitment to excellence.

Last school year, students studying biology, business, and physics scored above the 90th percentile on comprehensive Major Field Tests (MFTs), which assess the effectiveness of education programs across the country by measuring students’ critical knowledge, performance, and problem-solving skills. Southern’s nursing graduates also excelled, with the 2024 graduating class achieving a 99% pass rate for associate degrees, and a 95% pass rate for bachelor’s degrees on the National Council Licensure Examination, well above national averages.

These outstanding academic outcomes are part of a broader story of growth and momentum at Southern, where enrollment has reached a record high of 3,360 students — the largest in the University’s 134-year history. Undergraduate enrollment alone climbed to 2,991 this year, setting another milestone.

The results don’t happen by chance. For instance, in the Biology and Allied Health Department, faculty analyze test results to guide course improvements. For several years, biology professors noticed that their students were performing at lower levels in one section of the national test. These outcomes prompted more intentional application of ecology principles, such as population genetics, within Southern courses. As a result, students’ MFT scores have risen in the past five years, now placing Southern in the 97th percentile nationwide.

“This field test helps us evaluate ourselves,” explains Keith Snyder, Ph.D., chair of the Biology and Allied Health Department. “We use the scores to guide improvements in our courses to better cover knowledge gaps.”

Strong results extend beyond test scores. Over the past four years, campus-wide rates of discipline-related employment and graduate school acceptance have remained strong at 95%. For business and nursing majors, the numbers rise to 98% and 99%, respectively.

Holly Gadd, Ph.D., dean of the School of Nursing, credits strong nursing employment rates to the program’s excellent reputation and its partnerships with healthcare organizations. Students are exposed to many potential employers through recruitment events and clinical rotations at local hospitals in the greater Chattanooga area. “Healthcare partners, including AdventHealth and Kettering Health, regularly come to our campus, meet with students, and discuss residency programs and employment benefits,” explains Gadd, noting that networking opportunities often translate directly into jobs in the region as well as beyond.

Southern’s academic excellence, with a focus on real-world application of skills and professional connections, equips students to thrive as they share their skills with the world beyond graduation.

05/19/2026

The addiction crisis continues to affect individuals, families, communities, and church members in profound ways. To address this problem, Les McCoy, Florida Conference health ministries and publishing director, and Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., R.N., Southeastern Conference health and disability ministries director, hosted a Journey to Wholeness Facilitator Workshop, February 7-8, 2026, designed to train individuals to establish and lead addiction recovery groups. The training marked the first Journey to Wholeness Facilitator Workshop co-hosted by both conferences. This initiative reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to wholistic health and compassionate community outreach.

The workshop was facilitated by David Sedlacek, Ph.D., and Beverly Sedlacek, D.N.P., representatives from the North American Division. Their presentations were informative, interactive, and inspiring. Approximately 70 participants were in attendance, including pastors, church leaders, and members representing various churches and community organizations, with a large number of participants from Beree Church in Miami, Fla.

Throughout the training, participants engaged in periods of reflection, meaningful discussion, and shared experiences, creating both uplifting and solemn moments. Attendees expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity to gain new knowledge and practical skills, equipping them with greater empathy and understanding to support individuals seeking recovery from addiction. One participant shared that the training “provided practical tools and renewed confidence to minister to individuals seeking recovery.”

Many participants indicated plans to launch addiction recovery programs within the next 6 to 12 months. The significant impact of the ministry event highlights the urgent need to continue offering Journey to Wholeness Facilitator Programs, and to establish ongoing addiction recovery programs within the churches and communities. Victor Maddox, D.Min., director of health ministries for the Southern Union Conference, gave closing remarks with a charge for the attendees to use a Christ-centered method to meet the needs of those struggling with addiction.

Churches and ministries interested in spreading the Gospel by helping individuals recovery from addictions are encouraged to schedule the Journey to Wholeness Facilitator training.

05/17/2026

The Tennessee River Federation of the South Central Conference hosted Super Youth Day on Sabbath, March 14, 2026. Themed “Fearless Faith” and held at First Church in Huntsville, Ala., the event brought together clubs and youth from more than a dozen churches for a morning of worship, preaching, and community, capping a long season of planning and preparation by youth leaders at every level.

The service opened with a full processional led by the drum corps, followed by the color guard presentation, the formal posting of colors, and the recitation of club pledges by Adventurers, Pathfinders, TLTs, and Master Guides. Roll call confirmed representation from Athens Trinity, New Life Chattanooga, Orchard Park, Haitian Adventist, New Life Huntsville, Oakwood University Church (OUC), Saman Adventist, Madison Mission, Triana, Mount Calvary, and First Church Huntsville — a visible testament to the strength of federation-wide youth ministries in the Conference.

“Fear doesn’t disqualify you. It just means you’re human. God can work with ‘nervous,’” said William D. Given Jr., Oakwood Adventist Academy (OAA) ninth-grade chaplain.

Perhaps most striking about the morning was the decision to place the pulpit entirely in the hands of young people. Three youth speakers — each with distinct theological emphases — delivered complete sermons. Zion Sims, 14, of New Life Church, wove together the call of Gideon and the story of Moana to preach that identity in God is larger than any environment or limitation. Her five-point message moved through Scripture, humor, and an altar call with the confidence of a seasoned evangelist. Given Jr., class chaplain and member of OUC’s Uptown youth ministries, challenged the congregation to identify and eliminate the unseen evils of worldliness, overconfidence, and fear — drawing personal testimonies and vivid illustrations that resonated with peers and adults alike. Christopher Lee Smith of Athens Trinity Church closed the morning ministry with an expository sermon on Abraham and Isaac, anchoring his “Declarations Under Pressure” message in the truth that God provides the sacrifice — and that trials prepare many for testimony.

Beyond the preaching, the day embodied the federation’s commitment to outreach and service. Following the morning service, youth traveled to the Adventist Tower to distribute flowers and deliver handmade cards to residents, with parents and leaders accompanying clubs. An afternoon rally was held on the grounds of First Church, with AYM programming at 4:30 p.m., and an evening social at Madison Mission Church.

William J. Lee Sr., D.Min., First Church senior pastor, whose congregation served as gracious hosts throughout the day, was also recognized during the service for his fourth anniversary of pastoral leadership at First Church — a milestone the congregation celebrated with birthday cards and expressions of gratitude.

The day’s closing prayer offered by a Pathfinder youth leader captured what the morning was meant to produce: young people who know who they are, who they serve, and what they are called to do. “Help us to walk with faith, courage, and kindness every day,” she prayed. The Tennessee River Federation confirmed that the young people are already doing exactly that.

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