Story by Amanda Blake

The United States’ recent immigration crackdown has impacted hundreds of congregations across the Columbia Union Conference. Earlier this year, church administrators and legal advisors met to discuss the realities unfolding in local churches.

The Department of Homeland Security reported that in 2025, close to 3 million undocumented immigrants departed the United States, including “more than 675,000 deportations.” In a similar timeframe, more than 1.6 million immigrants lost their legal status.

Story by the Visitor Staff / Photos by Ruth Anan and Kylie Kajiura

Story by ADRA International Staff

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is on the ground in Venezuela assessing humanitarian needs after a powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the country on June 24 at 6:05 p.m. local time. The earthquake, centered near Morón in Carabobo state, affected some of the country’s most populated areas, including Carabobo and Yaracuy, with millions of people experiencing strong to severe shaking.

As emergency response efforts continue, ADRA Venezuela is working alongside local authorities, OCHA, and the Seventh-day Adventist Church network to assess the situation and identify the communities with the greatest needs. Initial assessments indicate urgent needs for food, safe water, hygiene supplies, emergency shelter, and medical assistance.

Historia de V. Michelle Bernard / Traducción de Domitila Rosette

La Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union Conference anunció recientemente a los Educadores del Año 2025-26.

Ruth Nino, directora asociada de la Oficina de Educación de la Columbia Union y organiza-dora del programa, afirma: “La labor del maestro es el cum-plimiento de la Gran Comisión a través de la enseñanza. Es ministerio en acción”.

Administradora del Año:

Miya Kim, Directora, Atholton Adventist Academy

Educadora de Primaria del Año:

Historia de Ricardo Bacchus / Traducción para Domitila Rosette