Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee Votes to Revert Back $550,000 to Conferences, Washington Adventist University

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

“We believe in sharing God’s blessings with our entities,” said Columbia Union Conference Treasurer Emmanuel Asiedu. “[We] want to give $550,000 back to our entities to support the mission. [We’re] giving the money now so we can share the blessings now.”

During the March 5 Columbia Union Conference Executive Committee meeting, members voted to revert $50,000 back to each of the conferences and Washington Adventist University. The entities may use the money for whatever projects they find suitable. Some conference presidents, like Potomac’s Bill Miller, say they’ll use the money for one of their ministries, like education, camp or church planting. New Jersey Conference president Jorge Aguero says they’re planning on using the funds for evangelism training and programs to reach people.

Asiedu also shared that the union had a 1.57 percent tithe increase in 2019—the largest within the North American Division.

He additionally shared that the union is operating with:

·      Overall expenses under budget
·      A net asset increase of 10.4 percent
·      148 days of cash; and
·      A working capital of 153 percent