WORLD NEWS

Newbold Student Dies in Accident

eung-Won Han, 20, a student at Newbold College, Binfield, England, died in a car accident March 18 near the college.

Han, a native of South Korea, had been studying English as a Foreign Language since January 2003. He was riding in the back seat of the vehicle and died due to the injuries he sustained. The driver, also a Newbold student, was detained by the police for questioning, but has since been released. Other passengers required minimal medical treatment. The police are continuing to investigate the incident.

"His teachers, classmates, and other fellow students are devastated by his loss," said Ursula Lewis, English language teacher for the college.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Seung-Won," said David Penner, principal of Newbold College. "We have been deeply saddened by this incident but are supporting each other in this time of grief. The college chaplain held a service of reflection for the students, [and] counseling is available to students and staff who are trying to come to terms with the tragedy." Korean students at Newbold held a concert to raise funds for the Han family and to express their gratitude to the college community for its support at this difficult time.

Adventists in Baghdad Worship on Sabbath
Following "Shock and Awe" Attack
In spite of the heavy bombing during the Sabbath hours of March 21 and 22, Seventh-day Adventists met as usual for worship in Baghdad. The church members, while unsure of the future, are of good courage and expressed special thanks to the world church for the many prayers ascending on their behalf, says Michael Porter, president for the Middle East Union Mission. They add their prayers to those of the rest of the church that God will intervene in the ongoing conflict. There are more than 200 Seventh-day Adventist members in Iraq, most of whom live in Baghdad.

Porter spoke with one woman who had contacted her sister in Baghdad by phone. "We're getting used to the bombing," she said, "and know that God is in control. Don't worry too much about us." Her faith is strong that God will care for their needs even in this most difficult time.

Union office personnel, based in Cyprus, include several staff members whose families live in Baghdad. Since the war began, the staff has prayed for God's intervention and protection in this most difficult time.

"We thank God for His protection and for the dozens of e-mails from around the world, assuring us of prayers on our behalf," said Homer Trecartin, secretary-treasurer for the Middle East Union.
                                                          --Adventist News Review

Ben Carson Receives Prestigious Visionary Award
Ben Carson, noted pediatric neurosurgeon and committed philanthropist, received the prestigious "Visionary Award" from a high-level executive organization in Washington on March 19.

Dr. Carson (left) is the first recipient of the Visionary Award of the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), a 25,000-member group of leaders and executive officers of a wide range of national organizations.

Presenting the award at the 40th anniversary meeting, ASAE Foundation chair Ginger Nichols identified Carson as "someone who exemplifies the highest in community service." Introducing Carson, Tonya Muse, member of the ASAE board, spoke of her appreciation for his philosophy as outlined in his book, Think Big.

"Dr. Carson believes in giving back to society," said Muse, "and tonight we honor him with this Visionary Award for his philanthropic efforts through the Carson Scholars Fund. Through this program of annual scholarships Dr. Carson is helping others strive for excellence and to truly "Think Big."

In his acceptance speech Carson said he was "honored and deeply humbled" to receive the award. He pointed out that though the scholarship program had achieved much, more needed to be done.

"It's not enough to sit back and rest on your laurels," he said. "You need to do something with the position you find yourself in, and change society for the better. Other great civilizations of the past--like Greece and Rome--failed because of the loss of moral principles. Are we destined to repeat the mistakes of the past?"

Making reference to God several times in his speech, Carson clearly identified his faith and convictions, and explained that the reason for the Carson Scholars Fund was to place the emphasis in the right place--care and concern for others as well as academic excellence.

"Programs like these make a difference," he concluded. "I can affect one life in the operating room, but through such programs we can make a much greater impact through the platform that God provides. I want people to realize that it's OK to look to God--that's what the "g" in "Think Big" stands for--and to recognize the importance of values and principles, of really standing for something!"

More details on the Scholars Fund can be found at www.carsonscholars.org.

News Notes

Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) books have now been translated into 157 languages. Steps to Christ, currently in 150 languages, is believed to be the most translated book of any in the world after the Bible. SOP books have been translated into Spanish and Portuguese frequently, followed by Korean, Chinese, and Indonesian. Recent language additions are Arabic, Hindi, and Greek.

Correction: The January 23, 2003 Adventist Review Newsbreak featured an article on the opening of the first Ghanian Church in North America. While the church, located in Columbus, Ohio, is the first within the United States, it is not the first in North America. A Ghanian church was begun in Toronto, Canada in the early 1990s. We extend our apologies to our Canadian members and readers.

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