Paul Conneff, an Adventist pastor and marriage and family therapist, has developed a ministry dedicated to praying people free from guilt, anger and addictive behaviors. Spectrum asked Paul what makes his ministry both unique and effective.

RD: What is at the heart of "Straight to the Heart Ministries"? What is your spiritual and theological philosophy, and how do you embody it practically?

In February, Southern Adventist University president Gordon Bietz became likely the first university president in the history of Adventist education to undergo an extreme makeover for a school event. Video of the event, which included a flash mob during convocation, spread quickly around the Internet, generating significant buzz. Below, President Bietz shares some thoughts on the event and its significance.

Rachel Davies: You completed your dissertation this year at the University of Helsinki on the spirituality of Ellen White. Since spirituality is a relatively new field of study, what drew you to it? What was your university's response to your research on Ellen White?

In Kenya, one Adventist entrepreneur is helping victims of HIV/AIDS and other rural villagers to stand on their own two feet. Spectrum asked Common Ground Project and Pathfinder Academy founder Joshua Machinga how lives are being changed through innovative farming techniques.
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RD: What is “Common Ground” and how did it begin? What kinds of people do you serve and how is the organization staffed?