Mexico: Adventist University Recognized for Recycling Program

Montemorelos University, a Seventh-day Adventist institution, was recognized at a recycling fair Nov. 14 for its active work in recycling waste products. The university was the only school to receive this honor in the event, which included five other schools and five businesses. [Libna Stevens]

Iraq: Clothing for Christmas

Locals in the greater Baghdad district will soon receive clothing donated by Adventist churches and other donors in the United States. Volunteers from the Baghdad Adventist Church’s women’s ministries group will sort the clothing into family-sized packages and begin distribution in time for the winter season. They will cooperate with non-governmental agencies to ensure that the clothes reach street children and displaced people who are in urgent need. [Alex Elmadjian]

Noted Conductor Honored

Herbert Blomstedt, 76, conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra in Leipzig, Germany, has been given the “Order of Merit” by Dr. Johannes Rau, president of the republic. Rau praised Blomstedt for his work in representing Germany on overseas tours and for enhancing the reputation of the orchestra, which he took over in 1996 from predecessor Kurt Mazur. Blomstedt, a Seventh-day Adventist, has more than 40 years of conducting experience worldwide, including a 10-year engagement as music director of the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra. He makes his home in Lucerne, Switzerland. [Holger Teubert]

Mexico: Church Sponsors Communication Summit

The First International Summit of Communicators brought some 800 ministers, journalists, students, and professionals to Mexico City Nov. 25 to 27. The event was organized by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the central region of Mexico, and was attended by various denominations, as well as Adventist professionals and ministers, from throughout the country. Baruc Lagos, communication director for the church in the Inter-Oceanic Mexican region, said contacts were made with the media about Adventists and the peaceful message the church has to share with people. [Libna Stevens]