Peru: Student Dies While On Mission Trip

Justin Spencer, a 17-year-old senior from Pleasant Hill Adventist Academy in California, United States, died March 23 in a hiking accident outside a village near Cascas, Peru. Spencer was in Peru with 30 students and 10 adult sponsors on a mission trip sponsored by the Pleasant Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church. They were assisting in laying foundation for four churches. One of the churches has been named in his memory. [Stephanie Kinsey]

Puerto Rico: Adventist Hospital Celebrates 50 Years  

Bella Vista Hospital recently celebrated 50 years as an Adventist institution serving the community in Mayaguez and the island of Puerto Rico. Descendants of the hospital’s pioneers, as well as some of its first patients, attended the half-century celebration March 12 to 14. Attendees included children and grandchildren of Dr. William Colby Dunscombe, founder of the hospital, as well as several children of some of the first missionary physicians. Also present was the first patient who entered the hospital its first day of operation, Juan Rodriguez, a World War II veteran, as well as the first twins born at the hospital. Ornan Martinez, executive director of BVH, was presented with an official commendation from a Puerto Rican senator. Established Jan. 4, 1954, Bella Vista Hospital has treated thousands of patients and currently has 157 beds. [Libna Stevens]

New Ellen White Research Center in Texas

Southwestern Adventist University officially opened the Ellen G. White Research and Study Center in a dedication ceremony March 26 in the Chan Shun Centennial Library. There are currently 17 White Estate Research and Study Centers worldwide on the campuses of Adventist universities and colleges, and three White Estate branch offices in the United States with the main office at the church’s world headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The estate is charged with maintaining records and preserving the writings of Ellen G. White, one of the founders of the Adventist Church. [Wendi Rogers]

Netherlands Youth Baptized in North Sea

On March 20, a new life in Christ was symbolized not only by baptism for Daniella Kruik, but also by the beginning of spring. Daniella, who had been very ill with little hope of healing, chose to commit her life to God as an acknowledgement of His healing. Because the 17-year-old feels closer to God when she is in nature, rather than in a baptistery, the baptism took place in the 45-degrees Fahrenheit (7 Celsius) waters of the North Sea at Katwijk where she lives. More than 100 people witnessed her confession of faith in the stormy weather and at a joyful indoor service afterward. [Wim Altink]