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Southern Tidings, Atlanta, GA (2026)

01/14/2026

The following is an interview and personal testimony.

Life seldom unfolds as we imagine. For some, the path to purpose winds through loss, surrender, and redemption — a truth Natasha Richards, pastor, knows firsthand.

I first met her about 16 years ago at Mt. Pisgah Seventh-day Adventist Church, when she was still wrestling with her career path. Energetic and determined, it was clear she was open to whatever area of ministry God would call her to.

On a Sunday morning, fresh off an inspiring Sabbath Commissioning Service at Mt. Pisgah Seventh-day Adventist Church in Miami Gardens, Fla., I caught up with Richards at the very place where she first confirmed her call to pastoral ministry. Not much has changed in her pace of life — still zipping between graduate studies at Andrews University and family life in Florida, still balancing multiple demands — but this time something was undeniably different. Things had come full circle.

Now serving as director of chaplaincy and assistant professor of practical and applied theology at Andrews University, within the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary, she graciously paused for a one-on-one interview.

“Something Changes When You’re Honest with God”

INTERVIEWER: It’s Sunday morning, Pastor Richards, and what a Sabbath it has been! So much for you to process: What are you feeling right now?

RICHARDS (sighs): I feel like a weight has been lifted. No one could truly understand the struggle, but now there’s clarity. You know, it’s so important to own our journey. It encourages others to tell theirs. Yesterday took me back to where it all began. After the service, when the sanctuary emptied, I returned alone — just to pour out my private thoughts before God.

INTERVIEWER: That’s powerful. I hope you’re chronicling this journey. It’s one that deserves to be told.

RICHARDS: Is it okay if we start back in 2016?

From Rock Bottom to Rebuilding

RICHARDS: In 2016, I hit my lowest point. I was let go from my job — imagine the embarrassment! That’s when I gave up on myself and wanted nothing more to do with ministry. But God was intentional. He placed Pastor Pierre Francois and Pastor Nikolai Greaves in my life. They, along with others, prayed me back to strength.

One night, sitting alone in my car and thinking about “better” for my children and me, I told God I’d had enough. I confessed my anger, my confusion, my exhaustion — and I surrendered completely. Something changes when you’re honest with God. That was my turning point. I said, “I choose You.” I had run long enough. My way hadn’t worked. It was time to follow His.

INTERVIEWER: Take a break if you need to.

RICHARDS: Rebuilding starts with small steps. I rented a single room to begin again, emotionally and financially. My daughters weren’t with me then, but I stayed grounded and kept growing under mentorship. Eventually, I received the call to attend seminary — perhaps my biggest leap of faith yet.

From evictions and hardship to becoming a university professor, I counted it all joy. I also launched poweredMe, a coaching platform to help women shift their mindset and heal. Every painful experience became the foundation for my purpose. I used my clinical pastoral education training on myself. My gifts made room for me even when I had nothing. Every challenge became a classroom. Every obstacle, a stepping stone.

Today, I no longer fear my story. I embrace it. It is my calling. Nothing worthwhile in life comes easy, but I now have the tools to navigate my purpose with God leading the way.

“Every Pit Has a Purpose”

INTERVIEWER: Any final message for those who’ll read this?

RICHARDS: Every pit has a purpose. Every prison is preparation for your palace. No pain is wasted. It all becomes ammunition for your future. What was meant to break you can build you, if you let God lead.

At her commissioning, Richards was flanked by the Southeastern Conference leadership team and others: Michael Owusu, D.Min., president, who gave the commissioning charge; Pierre Francois, secretariat; Emmanuel Charles, chief financial officer; James Black, pastor; and Roy Gaton, D.Min., associate professor of pastoral care and counseling, Andrews University. Sponsors, friends, and well-wishers filled the sanctuary to hear Richards preach her first sermon as a commissioned pastor: “My Obstacles, My Opportunities.”

Her message, drawn from Genesis 50:20, explored how Joseph’s trials, from the pit to the palace, were used by God for good. Her sermon stirred hearts and brought the congregation to its feet.

A single mother, author, and life and business coach, Richards draws strength from her favorite Scripture, Isaiah 43:1: “But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, Jacob, and formed you, Israel: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are mine.”

Watching Richards step into her divine assignment is a reminder that God’s timing is never late. Every detour, every delay, and every disappointment was part of His design — preparing her not just for the pulpit, but for purpose.

01/13/2026

A mother and son duo at the Raleigh Church in Memphis, Tenn., turned Halloween night into a celebration of faith and history by leading a Reformation Day program that offered children a Christ-centered alternative to Halloween traditions. Meghan Smith and her 16-year-old son, Jackson Smith, organized and led the interactive event, which drew more than 40 attendees.

For the Smith family, the inspiration to celebrate Reformation Day began at home. Jackson Smith recalls that when he was younger, he sometimes felt left out during Halloween because their family chose not to participate. Then in 2022 he read The Great Controversy and learned about Martin Luther.

“I looked up what day Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door, and I had to blink twice when I saw it was October 31,” said Smith. “I just ran to tell my dad. It felt like God was showing us something special.”

This year, their personal tradition grew into a full church event supported by six additional volunteers, including fellow member Aneesha Williams, who helped initiate the program.

The Reformation-themed program featured multiple hands-on stations that taught children about the life and faith of Martin Luther and other reformers. Activities included pinning “95 Theses” on a church door, building Lego fortresses based on Psalm 46, searching for rubber ducks labeled with the Five Solas, and playing a reformer-themed “Cake Walk.” Smith also produced a stop-motion Lego film depicting Luther’s life, which was shown during the event.

Meghan Smith said their goal was to educate and to inspire.

“We wanted to provide awareness of our church’s history, how it came about, and how we received our doctrines,” she said. “It was wonderful to see both kids and adults learning together and having fun.”

Both mother and son said they hope the event inspires other churches to follow suit.

“It’s really about the kids,” said Jackson Smith. “They need to know their faith and history, and they need to see that learning about God’s work in the past can be fun.”

01/12/2026

The Kentucky-Tennessee Conference held its first-ever Master Guide Retreat November 7-9, 2025, drawing more than 50 participants from across the region to Indian Creek Camp for a weekend of leadership training under the theme “Here I am, Send Me.”

“This is the first time our Conference has ever hosted a Master Guide retreat,” said Shelina Bonjour, Conference youth director for club ministries and summer camp. “We were inspired by the North American Division’s (NAD) Master Guide Retreat, but we wanted to create something local that would serve our members and build community here, since many of our Master Guides were not able to travel [to the NAD retreat].”

The retreat featured three tracks designed to meet the needs of Master Guides at different stages. Participants could choose between completing their Master Guide portfolios, taking advanced leadership courses, or joining hands-on honors workshops that offered opportunities for learning and practical skills.

“Master Guides are often the ones teaching and leading,” said Bonjour. “This time, we wanted to give them the opportunity to learn, grow, and refresh their own skills.”

Activities included outdoor demonstrations such as knot-tying, hatchet safety, and a fire-building race. All activities emphasized teamwork, creativity, and leadership development through hands-on experience. The weekend’s theme highlighted the retreat’s focus on service.

“Sometimes people want to serve but don’t know where to start,” said Bonjour. “Becoming a Master Guide gives them the tools and confidence to lead and to say, ‘God has equipped me, and I’m ready to serve.’”

Most attendees are still working toward completing their Master Guide certification, which typically takes two to three years. Although no graduation was planned for this retreat, many participants are aiming to finish by the Southern Union’s Master Guide Investiture at the 2026 Camporee.

01/11/2026

On the last Sabbath of August 2025, spouses Frank Niranjan and Zhouping Zhang took a life-changing step as they were baptized and officially welcomed into membership at Restoration Church in Orlando, Florida.

The moment marked the culmination of a 12-year journey that began when the couple first met Keith and Claudette Harding at Beryl Wisdom Adventist School, where Niranjan’s and Zhang’s son was a student. Their connection soon grew into a lasting friendship that shaped their spiritual path for over a decade and led to their baptism. Keith Harding, pastor at Restoration, was filled with joy when baptizing them. “Over the years, we never lost contact and always encouraged them,” said Harding. “It was a friendship that brought them to Jesus.”

Their baptism also marked a significant milestone for Florida Conference, as their names were among the last ones entered into membership records before the Conference membership reached 75,000.

As membership coordinator for Florida Conference, I am privileged to witness each new name joining our family. Behind every number is a story of faith, hope, and love, a person whose life was transformed. Looking back, we stand in awe of how God has led and blessed us.

From Humble Beginnings to a Thriving Conference

Florida Conference’s journey began in 1885, when 22 believers near Tampa formed the first Seventh-day Adventist church in Florida after evangelistic meetings led by E.G. Rupert, an evangelist and church planter from the General Conference. This first congregation was the forerunner of today’s Palmetto Church.

In 1892, members in Barberville and DeLeon Springs built the first church structure dedicated to Adventist worship. A year later, in 1893, the Florida Conference was officially organized with six churches, three ordained ministers, two licentiates, and 139 faithful members. They likely could not have imagined how their small gatherings would blossom into a vibrant Conference spanning most of the state. But, they stepped out in faith, trusting God’s leading, and He has been faithful.

Growing Through Every Season

In the decades that followed, the Conference grew steadily. By 1903, membership doubled, and 27 churches were organized by 1913. Important ministries were born to serve our growing field: the Florida Sanitarium (today Advent- Health) was founded in 1908; Forest Lake Academy opened in 1918; and the first Book and Bible House (ABC) launched in 1928.

In 1953, a group of members established Camp Kulaqua, which has grown into a year-round ministry hub and retreat center for all Florida Conference members and many others.

By the 1970s, the Conference reached 100 congregations and launched a Spanish-language Ministries Department to serve our expanding Hispanic community. Today, we are blessed to have congregations representing many nationalities and communities, including African American, Caucasian, Romanian, Vietnamese, Korean, Luso-Brazilian, Haitian, Hispanic, Filipino, Slavic, and many more. This diversity reflects the nature of the Gospel, and gives us a glimpse of the heavenly family God is gathering from every nation, tribe, and people.

Membership grew rapidly from 20,000 in 1980 to 40,000 by 1996, reaching 50,000 in 2001. By 2010, we celebrated 60,000 members, and we moved into our Altamonte Springs headquarters in 2014. By God’s grace, we grew to 75,000 by September 2025, with 237 churches, 51 companies, 20 mission groups, and 38 schools and early childhood education centers.

Lee Bennett, who has served in Florida Conference his entire career since joining as an intern in 1992, remembers seeing this rapid growth. “In the 33 years I’ve worked at Florida Conference, I’ve had a front row seat to three different office locations, large advances in technology and procedures such as eAdventist, church congregations growing from fewer than 200 to more than 300, and membership growth from slightly more than 30,000 to 75,000! There can be no question of God’s hand in the tremendous and impressive growth in Florida Conference.”

Every Ministry Working Together

This milestone is also the result of the tireless work of our pastors, lay pastors, educators, leaders, faithful members, and every ministry across the Conference. I am especially grateful for our dedicated church clerks, whose behind-the-scenes work ensures that every member is seen, celebrated, and supported. Their quiet, faithful work ensures every baptism, profession of faith, and transfer is recorded and acclaimed.

Together, these ministries help our churches stay strong and keep Florida Conference moving forward in sharing the Gospel.

Looking Ahead with Faith, Hope, and Love

We continue to share the Gospel, just like those early believers in Palmetto, who gathered in homes, planted churches, and dreamed of reaching Florida with the message of Christ. Today, our churches are places of hope, our schools shape the next generation of disciples, and our ministries bring healing and encouragement to our communities. As we move forward, our focus remains the same: walking together in faith, hope, and love, until His second coming.

01/10/2026

Sweet sounds emanate from the stage, accompanied by giant smiles from the musicians.

In the center of it all are Glexey Caraballo and Cathy Garrett.

A casual bystander would never know the musicians are an eclectic group of stroke survivors, each with their own abilities and story.

For Caraballo, this is his first time performing with STROKESTRA®, a stroke rehabilitation program directed by Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and AdventHealth.

STROKESTRA® is a rehabilitation program utilizing creative music-making as part of a formal clinical recovery program that drives patient-led recovery through creative music-making group workshops. The performance was a prescription from Caraballo’s occupational therapist at AdventHealth University’s Hope Clinic.

Caraballo was paying bills online in his room one evening in 2018 when he began vomiting and having convulsions. He was having a brain hemorrhage that would leave him with severe aphasia (language impairment), the inability to walk and one arm distorted. After emergency surgery to drain the hemorrhage, he spent several weeks at the hospital in rehabilitation therapy.

Following discharge, Glexey used at-home therapists for several weeks, but insurance was eventually suspended.

Around five years ago, Caraballo’s father learned about Hope Clinic and Caraballo began receiving treatment there two to three days a week.

Hope Clinic provides free physical therapy, occupational therapy, and cardiac rehabilitation to those who are uninsured and underinsured. Clinicians, professors, and supervised students in AdventHealth University’s physical therapy and occupational therapy programs treat clients.

“Everyone here has given him encouragement and support. They work with a lot of love and patience,” said Caraballo’s mother, Elena “Meibol” Caraballo.

Caraballo can now walk independently, his arm has become extended and he can speak a couple of words. Olga Melnik, OTR/L, director of Hope Clinic utilized Caraballo’s love of music to challenge his brain, introducing him to the adaptive flute. He can play for three to five minutes before needing to rest.

“He was a musician since he was little,” said Caraballo’s mother. “This is something for him to feel more involved and included.”

Caraballo is not alone in this feeling of inclusion. This year’s performance at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts is Garrett’s second stint with STROKESTRA®.

Overdue to deliver her second daughter, Garrett suffered an extremely rare amniotic fluid embolism in 2019. She fell into a coma and endured seven surgical procedures. Garrett’s baby, named Chloe, was delivered by emergency Cesarean section and spent time in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Babies born to mothers who’ve had an amniotic embolism have an 80% chance of surviving, and mothers have only a 40% chance of survival after an embolism like this. Chloe beat the odds. Garrett, however, was still struggling.

After her second surgery and a process called extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, commonly known as ECMO, there was nothing more the doctors could do.

Garrett suffered a basal ganglia stroke as well as compartment syndrome, clots causing blockages and swelling. Clinicians even discussed a possible leg amputation.

“My husband could see I was really tired and ready to give up, so he brought Chloe in,” said Garrett, who ended up waking from her coma on Day 9.

Alert and grateful to be alive, Garrett had a long journey ahead. She had trouble walking and speaking, and had retrograde amnesia — causing her to not remember anything from the month leading up to her embolism.

After recovering for 25 days at AdventHealth Orlando, she was transferred to AdventHealth Winter Park for eight days of rehabilitation.

Her discharge from the hospital seemed like the freedom she so badly desired. That’s when her doctor told her this would be a lifelong illness. Following inpatient rehabilitation, she actively participated in at-home rehabilitation.

In 2021, after Medicaid was limiting the amount of therapy Garrett could receive, she discovered Hope Clinic and began cardiac rehabilitation five days a week.

“The Hope Clinic is really a family. They see me as a person, not a patient,” said Garrett.

Today, Garrett can drive a car for about 35 minutes without resting and can focus on reading a book for about 20 minutes. She is tremendously grateful for the progress she has made and for the opportunity to perform with Caraballo in STROKESTRA®.

“I think finding other stroke survivors and finding community is what makes STROKESTRA® so special. Recovery can be lonely. The orchestra opened a whole new world to me,” said Garrett.

Caraballo plays the drums and Garret plays the vibraphone. The musicians, with the help of AdventHealth clinicians, practice twice a week for three months, culminating in a show for the community. The program, started in 2022 with about 15 stroke survivors, has grown to about 30. One highlight of the 2025 concert was a song titled “Si Si Mejor,” specially created for the only two words Caraballo is able to speak.

Si means “yes” and mejor means “better” or “best” — symbols of the endless optimism, strength, and purpose that stroke and embolism survivors display each day.

01/09/2026

Nosoca Pines Ranch in South Carolina became a sanctuary of peace and prayer for approximately 40 individuals who gathered October 23-25, 2025, for the annual Carolina Conference Prayer Retreat. Attendees came from across North and South Carolina, with a few traveling from as far as Alabama, seeking a deeper connection with God and renewal in their spiritual walk.

What began as a typical retreat turned into a life-changing experience for many. Originally forecasted to be a rainy weekend, the weather transformed into warm days with breathtaking sunrises and golden sunsets by the lake, a reminder to many of God’s faithfulness and presence.

Chaplain Paul Anderson from Largo, Maryland, delivered powerful messages centered on biblical prayers and personal testimonies. Through stories of transformation, he emphasized how prayer not only brings peace to the believer, but also honors God. His convicting messages and compassionate spirit deeply resonated with attendees.

Kristina McFeeters led music throughout the weekend, accompanied by piano, recorders, violin, and flute, creating a worshipful atmosphere that enhanced the prayer focus of the retreat. Participants had multiple opportunities to pray together and share testimonies of answered prayer.

Beth Grissom, Carolina Conference prayer ministries coordinator, facilitated sessions of group prayer and reflection. The retreat left many participants refreshed and recommitted to maintaining a vibrant personal prayer life.

“This retreat changed the way I view prayer. It became personal again,” one attendee shared.

Plans are already in motion for next year’s retreat as the Carolina Conference continues to prioritize prayer as the foundation of mission and ministry.

01/08/2026

More than 60 teens from across Gulf States Conference gathered at Camp Alamisco in Dadeville, Ala., for Epic Encounter, November 7-9, 2025, a weekend filled with worship, fellowship, and powerful spiritual encounters.

The serene lakefront camp became a sacred space as teens unplugged from their everyday lives to engage in moments of prayer, reflection, and revival. From spirited worship sessions to late-night campfire conversations, each part of the program was designed to deepen faith and foster lasting friendships.

“This weekend reminded us that God still moves mightily in the hearts of our youth,” said Michel Rodriguez, Gulf States Conference youth director. “Our young people are hungry for a real connection with Jesus, and this weekend gave them a safe place to experience Him authentically.”

The weekend featured a series of worship where participants explored the character and calling of God through music, messages, and small group discussions. The Friday night Afterglow and campfire s’mores created a warm, inviting atmosphere, setting the tone for Sabbath’s spiritual focus and Saturday evening’s vibrant games, and the daring midnight polar plunge.

A Passionate Young Messenger

The keynote speaker, Jonathan Navarro, a sophomore theology major at Southern Adventist University, captivated hearts with his authenticity and zeal. Hailing from southern California, Navarro brought his personal testimony of transformation, shaped through years of ministry in literature evangelism, homeless outreach, and Bible work across the west coast and Hawaii.

“My prayer is that when people see me, they don’t really see me, but Jesus,” Navarro shared during one of the sessions. “The most epic encounter any of us can ever have is the one where we realize how much God loves us.”

Voices That Uplift

Engage Worship, a ministry team from Southern Adventist University, returned once again to lead praise and worship. Known for their heartfelt musical ministry, Engage has become a beloved staple at Epic Encounter.

Personal Impact

For Gregorio Flores Jr., who traveled from Hattiesburg, Miss., shared his appreciation for the setting and the experience. “I love Camp Alamisco, and Epic Encounter was an amazing event, filled with worship, laughter, and moments where you could really feel God’s presence,” he said.

As the weekend concluded, youth and leaders alike left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared desire to live boldly for Christ. The echoes of worship, the warmth of community, and the quiet moments of prayer around the campfire lingered in their hearts, a testament to the truth that when young people seek Him, God shows up in epic ways.

01/07/2026

Laughter, joyful conversation, and shouts of “Yay” filled the Camp Kulaqua cafeteria during the Young at Heart camp. A group of eight strangers sat around a table with as much excitement as the young campers who had filled those same seats during summer camp.

“I never thought about taking the time to come,” said Lillie Gaskins of White Oak, Ga. For several months, her husband, Harold Gaskins, had been working on their new home. “We need a good break, and I’m sure it’s going to be fun,” she told him.

Fun is exactly what the Gaskins experienced, including horseback riding, bumper cars, and pickleball. They even made some activities more challenging than originally planned. During chair volleyball, several players felt the chairs held them back. “I kept telling the coaches we need to get rid of these chairs because we’re not getting enough exercise. And so we did, and we had more fun,” she said with an energetic chuckle.

“We love our Young at Heart camp,” said Phil Younts, Camp Kulaqua executive director. “Camp is no longer just for the youth. We like to joke and say that camp is for those 9 to 99, but truthfully, older generations are enjoying the amenities of camp. It’s a great place to walk with God.”

For Charlene Mitchell, another attendee seated at the self-described “newbie” table, being away from the chaos of the world was a blessing. “I didn’t hear the news, I didn’t see the news: I took a mental break.” Mitchell originally planned to rest at home after many days of travel, but when her sister, Carlene Moody, mentioned Young at Heart, her plans changed. “If I can get her out of the house,” said Mitchell, referring to Moody, “Yeah, let’s go. I didn’t know I was doing this for me, too.”

Moody said she appreciated the wholistic approach of the programming, enjoying morning walks that engaged her physically, presentations that challenged her mentally, and devotionals that encouraged her spiritually. One of her highlights was the zip line, which she had never experienced before. As she was harnessed and climbed the steps, she said the staff made her feel secure. “The process was encouraging, and I loved it,” she said. “And I’m gonna do it again! Oh, yeah, and at 60,” she added with another gleeful laugh.

Sitting in a different area of the cafeteria were what some might call camp veterans. Courtney and Sheila Pindling have been coming to camp for years. They come to see friends, participate in crafts, and dress up for the banquet. When the banquet’s Kentucky Derby theme was announced, “we started planning what we were going to wear, what color it was going to be, how big the hat was going to be,” said Sheila Pindling. “This is real excitement for us!”

Camp also serves a deeper purpose for the Pindlings. They are active in youth initiatives across the country, including a school in New York, a youth church in Valdosta, Ga., and their local church in Ocala, Fla., where Courtney Pindling, known to youth as “Dr. P,” leads the youth ministry program. Young at Heart “is an opportunity to rejuvenate and be inspired,” he said.

“When we come here, all the folks that we engage with inspire us, minister to us. We laugh, and you meet new friends.” It’s similar to summer camp for the youth, he said, where youth minister to other young people. “Summer camp, with the youth, is a peer-to-peer ministry. Young at Heart is peer-to-peer.”

Theresa Stride, year-round programming director at Camp Kulaqua, recognized the impact camp has on people in all stages of life. “Whether you’re an elementary kid here for learning outdoor education or 80 years old here for spiritual renewal, people find community at Camp Kulaqua.”

For Moody, the sister who rarely leaves her comfort zone, it’s this community that motivates her. “We’re all coming back, God willing,” she said, as others sitting around the table cheer with enthusiasm.

01/04/2026

This year is a momentous year for the United States. We celebrate a milestone when as a nation we turn 250. This undertaking by our nation’s builders pitted sheer tenacity against the British empire. Within three months of the first shots ringing out in Concord, Massachusetts, the Second Continental Congress had drafted and passed the Declaration of Independence. Its infamous preamble we still hold dear today.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

So begins eight long years of battles, both won and lost — fathers, sons, and brothers, were divided by family loyalty between the new nation and the old Empire. But, within the chaos of war, this nation was still able to show clarity in what they were trying to achieve. The reason they found clarity in chaos was because they were unified in spirit and in goals.

We scratch our heads as we look out over the last 250 years to examine how “self-evident,” “created equal,” and “unalienable rights” have floated and changed down the river of time. We know that such lofty words hold inconsistencies, and these words continue to challenge our nation even today. We should also acknowledge that these nation builders were starting out on an experiment in self-governing that had never been attempted before. That experiment also continues today. And, our experiment and the words of the preamble in the Declaration of Independence have inspired many nations and people throughout the world to aim for a better system of governance.

In celebrating this year, we want to take time to see what makes us great as a nation. We will reflect on those times when we failed to be really great, and use these history lessons as teachable moments for those who will come after us.

As Christians this is also a moment to remember what we are celebrating and how to balance loyalty to God and loyalty to country. Patriotism is not wrong or evil, but we must remember that as a worldwide body of believers, we as a church operate and have members in almost all countries of the world who may take a different view from our nationalistic stand. Our concern in the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department is that we identity first and foremost as Seventh-day Adventist Christians.

Statistically speaking, the opposite is true! We identify more quickly and on a more daily basis with our political party preferences than we do as Christians. And, we tend to identify our party preference alone as the “righteous” party. This is troubling to our department, and it explains why we as Adventists no longer agree as a unified body of believers on religious liberty issues. Religious liberty has become (and always has been) more than merely protecting the Sabbath and members’ jobs in the workplace. What lies deeper in the religious liberty realm, where we as a ministry live and work, is a reality where members do not act and believe as one body in many religious liberty areas. Just as important to our public witness and effectiveness, as pointed out by Liberty Magazine editor Bettina Krause, is that we are losing our partners in defending religious liberty in the public realm as more and more of them also become politicized. Religious liberty is a precious right. It should never be politicized or aligned with one group over another; it is for believers and non-believers alike. As we celebrate this year, we must remember not to wrap the cross in the flag. To do so desecrates the symbol of Christ’s sacrifice, not just to Americans, but to all humanity here on Earth.

Adventist history is full of portentous understanding of America and its role in prophecy. While there were 11 years between the Declaration of Independence and the ratification of the U.S. Constitution (Bill of Rights), our nation builders created a country that had no official church. They intended to refrain from helping to establish religion in the nation, instead allowing religion to thrive — or flounder — without state interference.

Understanding the Earth beast with two separate horns, religious and political, our early church leaders saw America as the nation represented by that beast of Revelation 13. In 1863, our Adventist forebearers believed they would see America step into the role of Babylon to fulfill prophecy. Because of this, the early Church had a greatly diminished attitude toward national pride and patriotism.

Just as we should not wrap the cross in the flag, we also need to not prioritize politics over proselytizing. Neither do we need to put politicians on pedestals. We should also remember that Seventh-day Adventist Christians exist all over the world, and live and work under many different forms of governments and governing bodies, not all of whom have the religious freedom we so enjoy here at home.

Despite our many differences as believers around the world, we can still find clarity in the chaos around us, because, just as with the founding fathers of this nation, we are united in spirit and a common goal — but ours is to lead others to Christ.

As Adventists in this celebratory year, we can find balance in celebrating the birth of a nation that struck out on a different experiment of religious liberty that we have so long enjoyed here at home. We know that the liberty we have now will not always be available. We should protect it while we can and thank God for His purest gift of freedom ever given.

Southern Tidings

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