Andrew McChesney has been appointed as editor of the Mission quarterlies by the Administrative Committee of the General Conference. McChesney will fill the position vacated by Gina Wahlen, who is moving to a new role in General Conference presidential.

McChesney comes with wide experience as a journalist and editor having served most recently as news editor for the Adventist Review and Adventist World. Before that he served as editor-in-chief of The Moscow Times, a daily newspaper in Russia. In addition to his international employment experience as an adult, McChesney lived internationally with his missionary parents in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Indonesia, and Singapore.

“Andrew is a highly gifted writer, but even more important, mission is in his blood,” said Gary Krause, director of the Office of Adventist Mission. “We’re delighted he’ll be joining our team and focusing 100 percent on telling the story of mission—highlighting challenges, opportunities, and life-changing stories from around the world.”

McChesney is coming into the role in a critical time, said Rick Kajiura, Adventist Mission Communication director. Since 1912, the Mission quarterlies have highlighted special mission needs and projects. For years, these have been printed and translated into a variety of languages. These stories and the global support of projects in rotating world locations has helped church members feel a part of the Global Seventh-day Adventist church

In today’s increasingly digital world, Adventist Mission is looking at new ways to distribute mission information. McChesney will develop its online presence with a steady stream of soul-winning stories that seek to nurture mission spirit and encourage mission offerings and Sabbath School attendance

Mission the official name of what are affectionately known as the quarterlies, comes in two forms—one for children and another for youth and adults.

McChesney will join Adventist Mission in November, and his articles will start appearing online almost immediately. Those interested in mission can also follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/missionquarterlies and facebook.com/AdventistMission. His impact on print versions of the magazine will only be seen in September 2017 because print production begins more than a year in advance.

“The quarterlies help put a face on mission,” says Krause. “We want church members to have confidence that when they give their mission offerings, and when they support Global Mission, these funds are supporting health care, education, church planting, urban centers of influence, humanitarian care, and a long list of other vital mission activities that are changing lives now and for eternity.”