New General Conference Session set for January 2022; and other world news

Here are inspiring updates from the Adventist News Network: During the virtual 2021 Spring Meeting on April 13, the General Conference (GC) Executive Committee of the Seventh-day Adventist Church voted to hold a Special General Conference Session on January 18, 2022. The special one-day, one-item GC Session was agreed upon to amend the GC Constitution that provides for a virtual or hybrid GC Session. The motion allows delegates to participate by digital means in a future GC Session if unforeseen and unavoidable circumstances arise. The plan is timely as the global COVID-19 pandemic continues to challenge large gatherings and travel. The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists’ finances are not spared by the global economic turmoil caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. But by God’s provision and leading, the world headquarters continue to work and serve. Through prayers and prudent actions by church leadership, the GC’s Net Assets without Donor Restrictions grew by USD 67,816. The lower expense level was not achieved without pain, though. The General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists needed to reduce personnel, eliminate services, and cut unnecessary costs. You can read the full Treasury report here. Juan Rafael Prestol-Puesán, treasurer of the Adventist Church since 2015, formally announced his retirement on August 1, 2021. His denomination service spanned almost 50 years, beginning in 1969 when he worked as an accountant in the Dominican Conference. He has served in three world divisions. In 1972, he became Treasurer of the North Dominican Mission. After graduating with his MBA at Andrews University in 1980, he served as treasurer of the Greater New York Conference, Atlantic Union Conference, Euro-Asian Division, and North American Division before joining the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists as an Undertreasurer in 2007. He thanks his colleagues for their trust and support over the years. Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, La Soufrière, the highest mountain peak on St. Vincent and the Grenadines island, erupted on April 9, affecting more than 20,000 people. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) works with local authorities to coordinate relief efforts such as shelters and meals. At least 10 Adventist schools and churches are designated as official shelters to house evacuees. To assist with ADRA’s emergency response in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, visit ADRA.org/Disasters. Keep updated on more uplifting reports on mission, health, and history here. Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=STugK_m6YDI