By Lydia Parris http://www.columbiaunion.org (Visitor Magazine)

Adventist HealthCare has been awarded a $500,000 grant over two years to fund the Adventist HealthCare Navigate to Health Program designed to ensure the most vulnerable populations in the Washington metropolitan area are not lost unnecessarily to breast cancer. The grant was one of several announced at the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer Closing Ceremony in Washington, D.C.

City street demonstration in wake of 16 teenage slayings in London this year
June 10, 2008 London, England Victor Hulbert/ANN Staff

 Mark Prince, whose teenage son was stabbed to death in 2006, spoke of forgiveness while addressing some 5,000 young people marching June 7 against a recent spate of violence in London.

Alternative to paper-, computer-based Bible studies; especially welcomed in Africa
June 10, 2008 Simi Valley, California, United States ANN Staff

 The Voice of Prophecy's Discover Bible Guides are now accessible by cell phone Web browsers. Upcoming versions are slated to feature graphics and interactive grading. [photo: courtesy VOP]

Twenty years ago, Vincent discovered witnessing method for members that worked better than bribery
June 5, 2008 Orlando, Florida, United States Ansel Oliver/ANN
Patrick Vincent's SWAT, or Soul Winning Action Teams, will do almost anything to get people to church for the first time. The Adventist pastor with a passion for evangelism then caters Sabbath services to those first-time churchgoers, many of whom end up joining his Florida congregation. [photo: Mark August/ANN]

Chase used 22,719 words creating portrait; now museum centerpiece
June 4, 2008 Far Hills, New Jersey, United States
Ansel Oliver/ANN

 James Chase shows Arnold Palmer his 14-year work of admiration for the golf icon's character. What appears as a sketch comprised of lines is, on closer look, a portrait made entirely of quotes from and about Palmer. [photo: Ansel Oliver/ANN]

Country set to host full-scale freedom of religion conference next year
June 2, 2008 Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia ANN Staff

 From left, Khamba Lama of the Dashjoilin Buddhist Monastery; Eugene Hsu, a Seventh-day Adventist world church vice president; Samdan Tsedendamba, secretary of Monglia's Council on Religious Affairs; and John Graz, secretary-general of the International Religious Liberty Association. The group was among more than 50 government and religious liberty leaders who met last week to plan a forthcoming freedom of religion conference. [photos: courtesy NSD]

Members still endure religious persecution; beatings since January May 30, 2008 Plan de Ayala, Chiapas, Mexico Ansel Oliver/ANN

The Adventist congregation in Yasha meets on a concrete foundation covered with a corrugated tin roof. The surrounding community in Chiapas won't allow them to complete their nearby church building. [photos: Ansel Oliver/ANN]

Church statement deplores violence; youth plan June 7 march against xenophobia
May 28, 2008 Bloemfontein, South Africa Ansel Oliver/ANN

 Refugees in South Africa receive food and shelter at the Kraaifontein Adventist Church Saturday May 24. [photos: Megan Govendor]

Gave nearly 70 years of service to Adventist ministry, chaired White Estate Board
May 27, 2008 Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Mark A. Kellner, Adventist Review/ANN

Kenneth H. Wood served for 16 years as editor-in-chief of Adventist Review. [photo courtesy Adventist Review]

First Executive Committee in closed country in more than 50 years; farm might be inroad

 Officers for the church in Northern Asia, from left: Akeri Suzuki, secretary; Jairyong Lee, president; and Clyde M. Iverson Jr., treasurer.