If you've ever built anything—a house, a business, even a model plane—you know that building takes time, energy and commitment. Sometimes things go exactly as planned but, more often than not, plans get tweaked.

At Adventist Health, there has been a lot of building and tweaking over the years. In the last century, health care has evolved into a complex business where regulations and reimbursement issues often seem to impede what the medical community is all about—taking care of patients.

As vice chair of Adventist Health's Board of Directors, I'm all too aware of how difficult it is to be in the health care business today. However, I am happy to report that at Adventist Health people are committed to getting things right—not just for policy makers and insurance carriers but, first and foremost, for patients. And at Adventist Health, getting it right involves ministering to the whole person—body, mind and spirit.

Once again, this special issue of the GLEANER will focus on Adventist health care, specifically Adventist Health's Northwest hospitals. As you read through the collection of stories you'll learn about how the system is building and changing—even as new construction projects are taking shape and long-standing leaders are bidding the organization farewell. You'll also discover that at Adventist Health many people find more than just physical healing—they find new ways to live life. Such is the story of Deanne Porchowsky, a nurse at Walla Walla General Hospital who became a Seventh-day Adventist because she couldn't help but notice something special about her co-workers.

As you read through this issue, I know you'll be reminded—once again—that Adventist Health builds more than hospitals, clinics and retirement centers. It is an organization that builds people and inspires them to share the wonderful message of Jesus Christ with those they come in contact with.