Fall Treasurer’s Council Goes ‘Beyond the Numbers’

Story by V. Michelle Bernard

On Monday, staff members from various Treasury departments across the Columbia Union Conference gathered for the 2025 Fall Treasurer’s Council in Columbia, Md. 

“Treasurers are known for the numbers, but we go beyond the numbers,” said Emmanuel Asiedu, Columbia Union treasurer, as he welcomed the 80 attendees. “Every number should have a connection to soul winning.” 

Judy Glass, North American Division (NAD) treasurer, shared a worship thought, encouraging attendees to remember that “little things add up to big things,” noting that little things do make an impact. “I am always amazed at how God will prepare us for the future in a way we don’t expect,” said Glass, adding, “When we understand how we work as an organization, how we work together, it makes life easier.” 

Speaking on the meeting theme, “Beyond the Ledger,” Seth Bardu, principal at Bardu & Associates Consulting and a former Columbia Union treasurer, encouraged attendees to redefine financial leadership beyond numbers by recruiting and investing in the best young professionals so that they will want to work for the denomination. He also spoke on the importance of making time for creative thinking, caring for others, building trust and transparency in work, and taking care of one’s health.  

“Keep on doing what you do, but remember that there is more to life,” said Bardu. “There is more to life than the ledger—[it’s all about] God.”  

Attendees also listened to the following reports and presentations:

• AASI Payroll—Robert Chandler, director of ITS, Columbia Union Conference 
• HR Compliance—Ruben Gandia, associate general counsel, General Conference 
• Plant Fund—Tabita Martinez, undertreasurer, Columbia Union 
• General Conference Auditing Service (GCAS) Annual Report—Sable Grant Serrant, regional manager at Columbia, Md., office, GCAS  
• Adventist Risk Management—Daisy Taruc, client care manager, Adventist Risk Management 
• NAD—Judy Glass