STORY
A Church Called Evergreen
September 13, 2023
Bob Dunn
We are a small church located in Boardman, Ohio. Some say this church is unique because God calls its members Evergreen.
Years ago, a senior member, Betty, was called by God to come and attend Evergreen even though she didn’t really want to do that. But Betty obeyed God’s voice and became a regular attendee. Every Sabbath, she walked through the church praying for the Holy Spirit to fill the church with His presence and to lead people who needed Jesus to come and visit us.
I don’t think there is a member here who wasn’t called to be here at Evergreen. Everyone here has a testimony of their calling by the Holy Spirit and how they are here at Evergreen because they obeyed the Spirit’s calling. On May 27, 2023, Pastor Oswaldo Magana came to our church to speak and baptized six people.
All the people have diverse experiences in their spiritual journeys; one is Grace, who waited almost two years before getting baptized at Evergreen. She had not stepped inside a church since 2008 until she came to Evergreen in 2021. Grace heard the Holy Spirit calling her to return to God through this church. A couple of the oldest members remembered her from way back as she had attended the old church in Youngstown before this current building opened as the New Evergreen SDA Church. Despite all the setbacks, Grace became increasingly active. She is involved in many activities in the church. She holds a couple of Bible studies a week.
Two young people, Amartisan and Arailena, got baptized later. They are from 2 different God-fearing families and two different cultures.
Amartisan said, "Jesus gives us a treasure in Heaven,” while Arailena shared, “This church is a Christian Church, and it’s a good idea to be here.” “Evergreen has more missionaries and other activities than most small churches.” These children give credit to God because of the church's friendship and support, which significantly impacted their decision for baptism.
Jayme began studying the Bible with her Grandmother in Washington State. After moving here, she felt God calling her through the Holy Spirit. She thought it was best to be a baptized member of a church that felt like home, a church that is active, caring, and loving.
She listened to the calling of the Holy Spirit and is active with the children’s class. The last person got baptized on the 27th of May. As a youngster, his aunt introduced him to God, and he later received an invitation to Evergreen as an adult. Jesse reported, ”I’ve been to many churches. I feel that this Adventist church makes the most sense to me; it teaches what the Bible says! The Holy Spirit is alive, growing, and leads others back to God here at Evergreen.”
On June 10th, there were an additional five new members who joined the church through baptism. Among the five, Peggy and Michael moved to Ohio from Mesa, Arizona. They were attending a church here in Ohio that unfortunately closed. They found Evergreen via our website. Even though they travel 40 minutes in each direction, they regularly come to church and have become some of the most loved in our church family. We are so blessed that they were brought here by the Holy Spirit.
Two brothers, Luis and Leo, also got baptized. During their pre-baptism Bible studies, these young men almost recited the 28 fundamental Beliefs. Luis said, "I like to hear the good sermons and the missionary activities that this church is doing." Leo described Evergreen as “A church that shares your love with God.”
The Eleventh newest member is Sameer. He is a dedicated student of the Bible. He noted, "This is the only place I wish to be baptized.” He appreciates that we teach from the Bible.
The Holy Spirit led all 11 of these most recent Members to study the Bible diligently and guided their decisions. Step inside, and you will feel the Holy Spirit working in every member. Our motto is: "One People, One Vision, and One Mission." The diversity within our membership reminds us of what heaven will be like.
Pastor Oswaldo Magaña baptizing Jayme Bacon
Pastor Oswaldo Magaña baptizing Amartisan Dessalegn Negeri
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Church members and leaders from across the United States gathered at the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church last Sabbath in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving as Samuel Adjei was ordained to the gospel ministry. The day carried special significance as the ordination coincided with his tenth wedding anniversary—a celebration of both calling and commitment. Pastor Adjei's Ministry Journey During the service, Sampson Twumasi, lead pastor of the Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church, formally presented Pastor Samuel Adjei for ordination based on the recommendation of the ordination committee and the action of the Ohio Conference Executive Committee, affirmed by the Columbia Union Conference. Born in Ghana, Pastor Adjei was raised in a faithful, second-generation Adventist family. From an early age, his life reflected a strong commitment to God. Although his academic background began in business and accounting, he ultimately followed God’s call to ministry, completing theological training at Babcock University in Nigeria and later earning a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in Michigan in 2021. His ministry experience includes service with the South Central Ghana Conference, associate pastor for both the Columbus Ghanaian and Eastwood Adventist churches, chaplain at Eastwood Junior Academy, Executive Secretary of the Midwest Zone of the North American Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventists (NAGSDA), and host of the Twi Sabbath School discussion program on Hope TV-Ghana. Together with his wife, Patience, and their three daughters, he has dedicated himself to serving God’s people with passion and faith. The Homily Delivering the ordination homily, Pastor John Boston II, a renowned humanitarian and faith leader, emphasized that faithful ministry cannot be measured by material abundance. Drawing from Acts 8:26, he stressed that God often calls His servants to “desert places,” where quiet, one-on-one encounters can yield eternal results. “You will find success in the difficult places,” Pastor Boston declared. “If you don’t ruffle some feathers, it is very likely you’re not following the Holy Spirit.” He reminded Pastor Adjei that ministry is not defined by a paycheck but by the ability to inspire and mobilize volunteers for God’s mission. “A call to ministry is not an easy path,” he added, “but you must face it knowing that you are where God has called you to be.” T he Ordination Prayer The service reached its most sacred moment when Pastor Paul Adu Sampah, Stewardship Ministries director for the West-Central Africa Division and father-in-law of Pastor Adjei, offered the ordination prayer. Surrounded by more than 20 ordained ministers, hands were laid upon him in a powerful act of consecration, symbolizing the church’s recognition of his divine calling. 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For this to happen, you need to spend time with Jesus.” He further encouraged him to live a Christ-centered life of simplicity and faithfulness, reminding him of Jesus’ words: “The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep… Be a shepherd and a pastor, not a hireling.” Welcome to the Ministry Representing the Columbia Union Conference, Pastor Emmanuel Asiedu, Union treasurer, officially welcomed Pastor Adjei into the worldwide family of ordained Seventh-day Adventist ministers. In his remarks, he urged him to embrace his calling with humility and service. “You are called to serve, not to be served,” Pastor Asiedu said. He encouraged him to be God’s hand extended—preaching hope, comforting the afflicted, uplifting the marginalized, and standing firm in his calling at all times. A Response of Gratitude In his response, Pastor Adjei expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for bringing the day to fulfillment, acknowledging the challenges he had overcome along his journey into ministry. 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