Connecting Columbia Union Seventh-day Adventists

Potomac Conference

Paolo Moyani joins Pastor Junnie Pagunsan outside the Far West End church.

For a several years, Paolo Moyani experienced double vision and headaches. Doctors told him he simply needed glasses. Upon moving to the United States, Moyani says an ophthalmologist was alarmed at his description of his vision problems and ordered him to go to the hospital. After an MRI, they made a shocking discovery—a brain tumor the size of a tennis ball.

Restore a Child, a nonprofit organization founded by Potomac Conference member Norma Nashed in 1999, was recently selected to participate in a special task force that will recognize and defend orphans and others with special needs as a new global outreach by the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

The Emotional Wellness Summit, held January 13-17 in Orlando, Fla., was designed for health professionals and leaders, pastors and those who want to know more about prevention, treatment and recovery strategies for better mental health. Two union attendees answer our question about the event, sponsored by the North American Division Adventist Health Ministries, the South American Division and General Conference.

Jerrod and Jennifer Gabel

After prayerful consideration, Jerrod and Jennifer Gabel, directors of Camp Blue Ridge (Montebello, Va.) have decided to return to Washington State to work on his family’s long-standing farm. The farm has encountered significant challenges over the years and they feel a strong calling to return and support the family in this time of need. Their last day with the Potomac Conference will be Feb. 29.

The largest freshman class in 15 years—54 of them—recently enrolled at Shenandoah Valley Academy (SVA) for the 2015-16 school year. The Class of 2019 is comprised of 32 girls and 22 boys. Eight are children of 10 loyal SVA alumni.

Story by Janel Haas-Ware, Shenandoah Valley Academy