ADRA's Godfather Passes Away

Last weekend on 14 November, John Arthur OBE passed away. John held numerous leadership positions in the Seventh-day Adventist church but the one we, at ADRA, remember him for the most is his role as ADRA Director for the Trans European Division. Under his leadership ADRA, in the UK, starting shipping aid to war-torn countries thus laying the foundation for the charity to develop into a full-fledged aid agency.

John was an inspiration for all of us that have carried the ADRA banner after him. His energy and ability to push forward was unrelenting, even well into his retirement.

In recent years his role in ADRA was limited to being an honorary trustee. Not long before he passed away, I wrote to Ruth and him and confessed that sometimes, when faced with a challenging matter, I would ask myself: "What would John do?". And I know he would bring a light- spirited remark to the table and put his shoulders under the issue and move forward. And so, will we.

Thanks John, for all your vision and inspiration over the years.

We offer condolences to his wife, Ruth, his children, Christine and Andrew and the extended family.

May he rest in peace.

To honour John, Ruth and the family are inviting donations towards a cause close to his heart: children in Albania. John had a great love for Albania and at one point there was even a 'John Arthur' school.

With your help we want to honour John's memory by supporting children's education in Albania. Thank you for your help.

Bert Smit, ADRA CEO

More information about the 'John Arthur' school project is available here!