Helping Those That Help Others
April 15, 2020
Newport Church Opens Building for Medical Personnel During Health Crisis
Newport Adventist Church in Newport, Washington, has found a new purpose for its fellowship hall, now offering it to local medical workers for temporary respite during the COVID-19 crisis.
When the church first opened its Adventist Community Services building more than 10 years ago as a thrift store, the dream was that it would be a blessing to the local community and its neighbors. The dream soon faded when the store was closed down about three years ago.
Now utilized as a much-needed fellowship hall, the thrift store has found a new purpose in providing a place to rest for doctors and other health care staff in between shifts.
“We are allowing local health workers to stage a sleep and rest area at our Newport Adventist Community Services building,” says Becky Anderson, Newport Church member. “If workers don’t want to go home and risk infecting family or live too far away, our building is available for them. We are equipped with a kitchen, showers, laundry and internet.”
Church members are bringing in beds and sofas to prepare rooms for these frontline workers. Several members have also been stocking the refrigerator with frozen soup and snacks for the workers. The parking lot has been made available for parking, as well.
The offer was presented to Angelika Kraus, a Newport Church member and a doctor who practices at the Newport hospital. Kraus extended the invitation to the COVID-19 incident commander at the hospital and hospital administration were very receptive.
“The local hospital administration was thrilled to have this option available to them,” adds Anderson.
A space that was once dedicated to serve others has now experienced a repurposing from God. When it seems that doors may have been closed, never underestimate how God has a plan in repurposing — even temporarily during a COVID-19 crisis!
News
Twenty-one men attended the retreat at Camp Touchet.
After nearly thirty years of prayer, sacrifice, volunteer labor, and unwavering faith, the Grangeville Church celebrated the dedication of its new sanctuary on June 6, 2026
More than 800 families were left without homes following the fires this summer in the Spokane area.
God continues to bless UCC in unexpected ways!
While each UCC regional camp meeting had its own distinct flavor, one message echoed through them all: Jesus.
Wildfire — Being the Hands and Feet of Jesus
From April 26 to May 3, 2026, a group of 82 Maranatha volunteers, ranging from 8–87 years old, repaired, restored and renovated Camp MiVoden in preparation for summer ministry.
“Try with Jesus” was the rallying cry of the evangelistic caravan, which took place in nine different locations across Upper Columbia Conference from April 17–25, 2026.
During a meeting of the Upper Columbia Conference executive committee held May 7, 2026, Richie Brower was appointed as director of the recently formed community engagement department.
During a meeting of the Upper Columbia Conference executive committee held May 7, 2026, Tim Shafer was appointed as director of Information and Technology Services.
