Carolina Hosts North American Division Ministries Convention

Henrique Gomes

The North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists recently hosted the Adventist Ministries Convention in Greensboro, North Carolina, January 8-11, 2023. Instead of focusing solely on networking and replenishing their own strength, the attendees chose to make a difference in the lives of those in need by volunteering their time to prepare 3,000 kits for families in the region.

The Adventist Community Service Department of the North American Division decided to use the convention as an opportunity to give back to the community in a unique way. They collaborated with the Carolina Conference, the South Atlantic Conference, the Volunteer Center of Triad, and the Servant Center to assemble 3,000 kits for families in need. The attendees worked together to prepare the kits which included basic necessities like toothbrushes, toothpaste, and snacks.

Ben Rueda, pastor, who leads three Spanish churches in the area, highlighted the significance of the kits. He said that they not only provide for families in need, but also serve as a way for the Church to connect and support the community. The kits allow the Church to reach out and make known to the families in the community that they are there to help.

Barbie Patterson from the Volunteer Center of Triad, also shared her organization’s efforts through the Corporate Caring project, which partners with companies to fund organizations that benefit the local community. The project allows companies to make a positive impact on the community while also promoting corporate responsibility.

Adventist Community Services leader David Graham, who received more than 750 kits for the Greensboro area, shared his goal of ensuring that every single kit reaches a family in need within the region. He said, “Our goal is to split the kits among each church in the region so they can make the distribution in the following weeks. We want to make sure that every single kit goes to a family in need.”

This initiative by Adventist Community Services is a remarkable example of how small acts of kindness can make a big difference in the lives of those in need. While 3,000 kits may not be enough to fully address the needs of the area, it is a powerful start, and serves as a reminder of the impact that can be made through the collaboration and generosity of individuals and organizations. It’s crucial to remember that a little effort goes a long way in making a difference in the lives of those around us. We all have the ability to make a positive impact in our communities, whether it’s through volunteering, donating, or simply being a kind and supportive presence.

Carolina | March 2023