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Peru
Thousands Attend Religious Freedom Festival
Several of Peru’s national leaders praised the country’s commitment to religious freedom during the world religious liberty festival in June. A majority of the 40,000 supporters were Seventh-day Adventists. The event in Lima was part of a series of religious freedom festivals sponsored by the Adventist Church and the International Religious Liberty Association.
Source: Adventist News Network
Nigeria
Adventist University Excels
During a recent visit to Nigeria, Jan Paulsen, Seventh-day Adventist world church president, participated in the 50th anniversary celebration of Babcock University, where he once served as principal. Paulsen received numerous commendations on the social, medical and educational impact of the Adventist church from the nation’s leaders, including both Nigeria’s vice president and a former president. Approximately 60 percent of Babcock University’s students are not members of the Adventist church.
Source: Adventist News Network
Bangladesh/Sri Lanka
ADRA Aids Cyclone and War Survivors
In May, a cyclone swept through Bangladesh, killing nearly 200 people and leaving hundreds of thousands homeless. The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is distributing emergency supplies to survivors. In addition, ADRA is providing food aid and water purification tablets for 1,200 families. According to local officials, ADRA was the first aid organization to distribute relief supplies in the region after the cyclone hit.
ADRA is also among the aid organizations providing assistance to thousands of Sri Lankans who were displaced by Tamil rebels and the nation’s government. According to the United Nations, the conflict has forced 280,000 people to flee their homes and seek shelter in temporary camps.
Source: Adventist News Network
Jamaica
Former Church President Knighted
The first Seventh-day Adventist pastor to serve as governor-general of Jamaica has been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Sir Patrick Allen served as president of the Inter-American Division before accepting the post of governor-general in February. Allen is now a Knight Commander of the Order of St. Michael and St. George. The Order is “awarded to men and women of high office, or who render extraordinary or important non-military service in a foreign country,” according to the British monarchy’s official Web site.
Source: Adventist News Network
Romania
Family Center Receives Accreditation
The Romanian government has authorized an ADRA-sponsored safe house for victims of gender violence in the nation’s capitol. Women and children will be given housing for 60 days and access to legal resources. “This shelter is a first step in helping victims of family violence,” says Cornel Roman, director of ADRA in Romania. Last year, more than 11,000 cases of domestic violence were reported in Romania, with at least one woman killed by a male family member per week, according to national statistics.
Source: Adventist News Network
