Pendleton Warehouse Manages Flood Needs
March 25, 2020
Upper Columbia Conference responds to area flooding
In early February, severe flooding hit several areas in southeastern Washington and northeastern Oregon. Without hesitation, Adventists across the state mobilized along with other disaster relief ministries. Students from Walla Walla University, Walla Walla Valley Academy and elsewhere filled almost 40,000 bags of sand. Adventist volunteers served meals, churches offered a gathering place, and Son-Bridge was on standby as an overnight shelter for survivors.
Adventist Community Services sent a trailer with 146 flood buckets filled last Spring by UCC Pathfinders that were distributed in Waitsburg, Dayton, Walla Walla and Pendleton, OR. In addition, Adventist ministers brought emotional and spiritual care to survivors. WWU’s Center for Humanitarian Engagement, directed by David Lopez coordinated large numbers of university volunteers.
Phil Ruud and his wife, Linda, arranged for a multi-agency donations warehouse to be opened in Pendleton that coordinated the various donations for people in need. The warehouse was able to be leased for only $1 within a few days of the flooding, saving Umatilla county a considerable amount of money. The warehouse provided clothing, food, furniture, and other necessities for community members affected by the flood. The multi-agency warehouse was open every day from February 21 until the stay-at-home order handed down by Oregon’s governor at the end of March.
Patty Marsh, director of Adventist Community Services for Upper Columbia Conference, sitting in multi-agency meetings throughout the disaster recognized how appreciative leaders and responders are to the various ways Adventists have brought support to individuals and communities.
“All glory to God as our local governments have seen how we, as a community, have been able to respond to help out our neighbors,” says Marsh.
Donations are still being accepted to help those affected by these floods. For more information, see our website at uccsda.org. The need is still great in these areas and our Adventist Community Services could use your prayers.
News
This spring, Yakima Valley Adventurers enjoyed an exciting and educational field trip to learn more about bees, honey production, and polination.
Academy Students were selected by their schools for exemplifying the spirit of the Caring Heart — a willingness to serve others.
The final executive committee meeting for the 2021–2025 term met May 12–13 to reflect on the past, nominate new leaders and prepare for NPUC's 30th constituency session.
Sale of Rare, Donated Book Illustrates how Generosity Funds Community Outreach at SonBridge Center for Better Living in College Place, WA.
David Jamieson recent exciting events in Upper Columbia Conference.
After an extensive search, the Upper Columbia Academy board of directors has appointed Twila S. Brown as its new principal starting the 2026-2027 school year.
This spring, members and guests at All Nations Center stepped back into one of the most pivotal religious liberty moments in Adventist history.
Seventy Upper Columbia Conference Teen Pathfinders dedicated their spring break to service, teamwork and spiritual growth during the 2026 Teen Pathfinder Mission Adventure in Northeast Oregon.
On May 9, 2026, Home of Shalom gathered by the Spokane River for the church plant’s first baptism.
When we live out the gospel, it’s attractive. That’s the quiet reality being lived by Pasco Riverview Adventist Church members and their community.
