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ADM Changes Name to 3ADM
New Name Focuses on Ministry’s Mission
Adventist Deaf Ministries (ADM) has a new name! This ministry is now named Three Angels Deaf Ministries (3ADM). This name demonstrates the focus of this ministry. We do not only reach out to Deaf SDA members, but to all Deaf. This new name goes hand in hand with our mission statement: Sharing the Three Angels’ Messages with the Deaf.
The board has long discussed a new name for ADM. Because the word Adventist made ADM’s work seem limiting, board members had concerns. The term Adventist has caused some people to think that we minister to only those Deaf who happen to be Adventists. Of course, our ministry is far more than that! We also have a large emphasis on outreach, sowing seeds of truth to all Deaf.
Also, we found that some non-members were hesitant with us because of the word Adventist in our name. So, we began using a different name when we create books, tracts, and DVDs. We began using the
Then some months ago, we faced a legal issue with the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church over the trademark name—Adventist—in which we used since the establishment of the organization in 1998. At that time, we had thought and believed that we had the right to use Adventist in our name (Adventist Deaf Ministries) because we are faithful and loyal members. Also a number of church leaders were aware of the ADM name and they did not express any concerns.
The legal department of the Seventh-day Adventist church notified us that the words Seventh-day Adventist, Adventist, and SDA have trademark protection by the federal government. No one else can use those words in their name. However, the General Conference offered us a trademark license agreement which would allow us to use Adventist in our name. The Church had some conditions if we wished to keep the trademarked name.
The Board of Directors prayed and discussed at great length for months about this name issue, wanting to do what would be best for this organization that is for, of, and by Deaf Adventists. The Board of Directors felt that it would be best to decline the trademark license agreement due to many reasons. It is prudent and practical for us to have our own new name that defines our true mission for the Deaf. Three Angels Deaf Ministries (3ADM) is our new name because it follows the mission statement well.
This change is in name only; nothing else changes. Our mission, our goals, our attitudes, and beliefs are the same. In other words, we are still ADM but with a different name. We are absolutely supportive of the
Our new mission statement, Sharing the Three Angels’ Messages with the Deaf, was voted last August during the annual Board of Directors meeting. We wanted to clearly show that we are making a difference in the lives of Deaf people based on Revelation 14:6-11, with an emphasis on verses 6 and 7: “Then I saw another angel flying in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth—to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people—saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come; and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” This is our vision, which is God’s last-day call. We feel that the new name Three Angels’ Deaf Ministries also clearly shows our vision. We are excited about the new name!
3ADM is the same as before. Our bylaws will have to have a new name, but the principles of the governing body of the organization is still the same. The Board of Directors must be Seventh-day Adventists in good standing. Most of the board members are Deaf. We continue to work with the Church in preaching the Three Angels’ Messages so that Deaf people will be baptized in our church.
Please pray for your organization, 3ADM, that it will fulfill its mission. 3ADM is here for you and your fellow Deaf people in your community. We need 3ADM to keep Deaf members together and to bring other Deaf people in through evangelism. We need your prayers and generous support in order for us to have a final thrust in the Gospel work among the Deaf to finish God’s work. May God bless you as you trust in Him who provides you His grace and strength to be faithful to Him forever.