Venezuela: Auto Accident Claims Five Lives, One Left Critical

Barquisimeto, Venezuela ... [Libna Stevens/IAD] The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Venezuela and the Inter-America region mourns the loss of five of its members after a tragic automobile accident June 3. Three women and two children were killed, while another woman remains in critical condition.

The accident happened when hundreds of church leaders and their children were traveling by bus and car from Barquisimeto to Barinas for a children’s ministry leadership event sponsored by the church in West Central Venezuela. According to eyewitness reports, the victims were hit head-on by an out-of-control Toyota Camry.

“Our [region] suffers because of this tragic loss, especially the faithful workers on the road on their way to do their duty. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the church in Venezuela and especially the ministerial families who have suffered great loss,” says Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America.

The victims were identified as Gloria de Linarez, who was Children’s and Women’s ministry director in the west central region, and her daughter Maribel Linarez; Celilia Rojas Manrique, former Women’s Ministry director; and Laura Fernandez, age 10, and brother Jesus Gabriel Fernandez, age 4. The only survivor was Lorena Fernandez, mother of the two children who were killed. Fernandez underwent surgery after the crash.

Church leaders in Venezuela declared June 6 and 7 national mourning days for the nearly 600 Adventist churches and congregations throughout Venezuela.

ADRA Launches New Web Site

Silver Spring, Maryland, United States ... [ADRA/ANN Staff] The Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA) launched its new interactive Web site June 1, www.adra.org, giving Internet users an opportunity to make a difference and stay informed with the click of a button.

ADRA’s new Web site also allows people to make online donations, download and view photos from ADRA’s extensive photo library, and read current news updates of ADRA’s work around the world. The site offers free resources for individuals, schools and churches.

Adventist World Radio to Give Free Radios in St. Louis

Adventist World Radio (AWR) will provide free, digital AM/FM/SW radios for delegates, special guests and protocol guests at the church’s world Session in St. Louis, Missouri this summer. The radios may be used during the quinquennial business meeting to hear the various language translations. The morning devotionals, business meetings and evening programs will be translated into nine languages.

Those who do not qualify for a free radio may purchase them for U.S. $20 at the Session.