Russell, Kathy Sue (Pots), 65,  born April 10, 1959, in Takoma Park, M.D., died July 15, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. Russell joined the Carolina Conference in 2007 and served nearly 20 years as children’s ministries director. Prior to that role, she taught in seven schools across the Potomac, Chesapeake, and Carolina Conferences. She held degrees in music education and a Master of Education in music. Her ministry extended across classrooms, churches, and camp meetings, where she

Butler, Richard Allen II, 58,  born November 10, 1966, in Fort Lauderdale, FL, died June 19, 2025, in Fayetteville, NC. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in September 1985 as a motor transport operator and deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. In 1992, he completed the Special Forces Assessment and Selection and graduated from the Special Forces Qualification Course as a Special Forces communications sergeant. He served in Charlie Company, 3rd

Albarelli, Carolyn Lou Bischoff, 80,  born April 21, 1945, in Richmond, V.A., died August 23, 2025, in Largo, F.L. She was a member of the Fletcher Church. Albarelli expressed her artistic talents through photography, cosmetology, and floral design. She was preceded in death by her brother, Fred Bischoff. She is survived by her brother, Tom Bischoff, of California; sons, Damien and David (Vicky), both of Largo, FL.

With this issue, we mark the final chapter of Carolina Action in its printed form. This closes a rich tradition that has served the Carolina Conference family since the 1980s. The magazine was first launched under the leadership of Ron Quick, former Communication Director, and it has been a trusted source of stories, inspiration, and updates from our churches, schools, and ministries. Its legacy is an important part of the history of our conference. As we move forward, our mi

“It is my desire, my resolve, my pledge that I want to spend my life giving to our children, letting them know Jesus.” With hearts full of sorrow yet overflowing with gratitude for a life well lived, we celebrate the memory of Kathy Russell, beloved Children’s Ministries Director for the Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Kathy fell asleep in Jesus on Tuesday, July 15 after a life given in service to God. Kathy joined the Carolina Conference on May 1, 2007, and fo

I’ve always joked that someday I want a pair of glasses powered by artificial intelligence that can put a bubble over someone’s head reminding me of their name. For someone like me who meets a lot of people but doesn’t always remember names instantly, that would be a dream come true. And as funny as that idea sounds, technology like that isn’t nearly as far away as it once seemed. Another moment recently reminded me just how powerful and personal technology can become. I atte

In an inspiring display of youthful faith and leadership, middle and high school students at Adventist Christian Academy (ACA) Raleigh recently preached a full evangelistic series, drawing guests from across the community, opening doors for Bible studies, and leading classmates and even adults to decisions for baptism. The idea began to take shape in July 2024 when the Carolina Conference launched its Pentecost 2025 initiative. Ross Knight, pastor of the Raleigh Church, recal

When the idea was introduced—an evangelistic series led entirely by children—some church members were uncertain. Vacation Bible School? Certainly. But preaching, giving altar calls, and sharing Bible truths? “I was hesitant,” said Pastor Domingo Paulino of the Bluffton and Hardeeville Spanish Churches. “They’re great for songs and crafts, but how could they preach an entire message?” But the Holy Spirit had greater plans. In March, the Bluffton Church in South Carolina was on

Two couples, once trapped in addiction, violence, and despair, are now vibrant members of the Forest City Seventh-day Adventist Church in North Carolina—living proof of God’s power to restore and transform. Through divine appointments, Bible study, and a shared hunger for truth, Cliff and Angela Ivey and Jordan and Stephanie Hayes have not only found new life in Christ, but have also led each other toward the everlasting gospel. Cliff Ivey’s early life was marred by abuse and

Evangelism Impact, hosted by the Carolina Conference, continues to inspire and mobilize pastors, lay members, and ministry leaders in their shared mission to reach communities with the message of Jesus’ love and soon return. Held annually for the past decade, the event has become the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventist members in the Carolina Conference, drawing attendees from across the region for a weekend of spiritual growth, encouragement, and practical training. F

When Rick Russell, treasurer and vice president for finance at the Carolina Conference, agreed to preach an evangelistic series in 2004, he had no idea that his “yes” would plant a seed that would blossom into a church two decades later. “I didn’t know what I was doing,” Russell recalls. “It was my first time preaching a full public campaign. But I was persuaded by my colleagues, and thankfully, we had the Holy Spirit with us.” The series took place in Fayetteville, North Car

For Dylan and Jaycee, the book of Revelation once felt overwhelming, filled with beasts, symbols, and end-time prophecies they didn’t understand. But curiosity turned into a spiritual journey that led to a call to ministry. “I always thought Revelation was scary,” Dylan said. “But I was curious. I wanted to know what it really meant.” In high school, Dylan’s faith was shaken when a close friend expressed disbelief in God. “I took on that same title,” he said. Still, deep ques

In Matthew 28, Jesus gives us the exact time of His soon return. He says that “When the Gospel is preached in all the world, then the end will come.” What’s more, Jesus is looking forward to coming and gathering us together and transforming us as He takes us to heaven to live for eternity with Him. To live in eternity, in a world free of all of the pain and problems of this life, together with our loved ones. As we are looking at the closing of the year 2025 and the division-

When did it dawn on us? It was in the fall of 2020 during the height of COVID-19, when life almost seemed to come to a grinding halt. Gary Moyer, Rick Russell, Chad Grundy, and I met at my house as God’s called leaders for the Carolina Conference to strategically plan the priorities for the next quinquennial term. As we were sitting in the stillness of my screened-in porch on that crisp October morning, we spent time in earnest prayer for God’s direction and discernment to gu

On October 12, 2025, church members from the tri-state area gathered for a scenic and spiritually enriching train ride through the Doe River Gorge in Hampton, Tennessee. Located about 90 minutes north of Asheville, North Carolina, Doe River Gorge is known for its towering cliffs, vibrant fall foliage, and unique rock formations—making it a memorable setting for this annual excursion. The event was organized by the Mountain City Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tennessee, and w

Hollifield, John , 77, born October 19, 1947, in McDowell County, NC, died September 12, 2025, in Charlotte, NC. He was a member of the Conference church in Charlotte. He awaits the call of the Life-giver at Turkey Cove Cemetery near Marion, NC.

The Salem Church in North Carolina welcomed the Carolina Conference Trust Services team for a meaningful weekend of worship, fellowship, and ministry this fall. Carlton Robinson, Trust Services director, delivered the Sabbath morning message, “Who Holds Your Heart?” inviting members to reflect on their spiritual priorities and eternal values. Ingrid Robinson provided special music, “Written in Red,” preparing hearts for the message through a moving expression of faith. Follow

Lee, Tommie, 86, born April 2, 1938, in Lumberton, NC, died February 22, 2025, in Hendersonville, NC. He served in the United States Navy...

Harrison, Noreen Ann, 90, was born January 11, 1935, in Joliet, IL, and died April 11, 2025, in Hendersonville, NC. She graduated from...

Canosa, Lila Irene, 92, born November 17, 1932, in Bainville, MT, died October 22, 2024, in Candler, NC. The daughter of Russian...