New Translation of Luke’s Gospel

The State Foreign Literature Library in Moscow, Russia, received a copy of “The Gospel According to Luke,” a new Russian translation from the Greek, in a special ceremony on Feb. 18. The publication was sponsored by the Scripture Union of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and scholars at the Institute of Bible translation at Zaokski Adventist Theological seminary carried out the translation from Greek to Russian. Russian Orthodox priest Georgy Chistiakov, called this translation “careful according to the Greek original and absolutely transparent according to the content of the Gospel.” [Valery Ivanov]

Pierre Lanarès, Jurist and Religious Liberty Champion, dies at age 92

Dr. Pierre Lanarès, a jurist and champion of religious liberty, died Feb. 2 in Clapiers, France, at age 92. He worked for more than 44 years in various positions in the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Madagascar, France and Switzerland, including serving as a pastor, school principal, church leader, writer, and producer of radio and TV programs. Ulrich Frikart, regional president of the Adventist Church, expressed his appreciation for Lanarès’ contributions, over many years, on behalf of liberty of religion and conscience. [Christian Schäffler/APD]

Korean Adventist Educator, Church Leader Dies

Dr. Shin Kei-hoon, 64, former president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Korea, died Feb. 13 at Loma Linda Medical Center in California. For nearly 40 years, Dr. Shin served the Adventist Church as a pastor, educator, and administrator in many locations. He planted Korean Adventist churches at Andrews University, as well as in Battle Creek, Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo in Michigan. He became president of Sahmyook University in 1996, and was elected president of the church in Korea four years later. [Song Sub-Sung]