A Double Blessing: Samuel Adjei Ordained to Gospel Ministry and Celebrates 10 Years of Marriage

The Ohio Conference welcomes Betty J. Ferrell as its new Women’s Ministries Director, bringing with her a deep commitment to service, spiritual growth, and leadership shaped by decades of professional and ministry experience. Ferrell began her journey of faith in a small town in central Illinois, where she grew up in a Lutheran home and later attended a Baptist church. After losing her father at a young age, her family joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church—an experience that shaped her faith and deepened her understanding of the Sabbath. Her path into ministry developed over time through her work in healthcare. As a registered nurse for more than 32 years, Ferrell served in various areas of cardiac care and leadership. Her academic background, including an MSN and MBA, further strengthened her ability to lead with both compassion and organizational effectiveness. Through these experiences, she came to recognize that true healing encompasses both physical and spiritual care. “I felt a clear calling from God to go beyond clinical care and minister to the whole person,” Ferrell said. “Through prayer and life experiences, that calling became undeniable.” In her new role, Ferrell is especially passionate about empowering women across Ohio. She sees Women’s Ministries as a vital space for fostering growth, connection, and transformation within diverse communities. “What excites me most is the opportunity to uplift women and help them discover their God-given purpose,” she said. “I want to strengthen ministries at the local church level and support women as they grow in their faith and leadership.” Looking ahead, Ferrell envisions a vibrant and connected ministry that engages women of all generations. Her goal is to cultivate environments where women are spiritually nurtured, equipped for service, and actively involved in sharing Christ. “I hope to see God move powerfully across Ohio by fostering authentic relationships and creating spaces where lives are truly transformed,” she said. “It’s about walking alongside women as they deepen their personal relationship with Him.” A guiding scripture in Ferrell’s life and ministry is Psalm 25:5: “Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation.” She says this verse serves as a daily reminder to seek God’s direction, remain teachable, and trust His leading. Outside of ministry, Ferrell enjoys spending time with her family—including her husband, two children, daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren—as well as traveling, kayaking, and reading. She shares a message of unity and faith with members across the Ohio Conference: “Together in Christ, we will grow stronger, reach further, and witness God do exceeding abundantly above all we ask or think.”

Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference gathered on March 16–17, 2026, at Integrity Hall in Dayton, Ohio, for a two-day pastors' meeting focused on evangelism, spiritual renewal, and ministry effectiveness. The gathering emphasized equipping leaders to engage their communities, strengthen discipleship, and advance the church's mission across the territory. The meeting opened with a devotional by Shane Hochstetler, senior pastor of the Columbus Eastwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, titled "Called to Build, Invited to Enter." His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—building the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him. Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary of the Ohio Conference, followed with a presentation on stewardship, framing it as a vital component of spiritual life rather than a mere obligation. He encouraged pastors to teach members that faithfulness to God brings joy and to present the offertory moment in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Magaña reminded attendees that returning tithe and offerings is not only an act of giving, but also a recognition of God as both Creator and Owner of all things. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff offered practical counsel to pastors on maintaining integrity in ministry. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, healthy boundaries, and wise decision-making in relationships, finances, and daily interactions. Cundiff underscored that safeguarding personal integrity is essential not only for individual ministry but also for protecting the church's reputation and mission. The spiritual focus continued on the second day with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, who called on pastors to engage in personal reflection and renewal. He reminded attendees that while ministry provides unique opportunities to witness God's work, proximity to spiritual activity does not guarantee personal transformation. Challenging pastors to examine their own spiritual lives, he urged them to ensure that the gospel they preach is actively shaping their hearts. Filipov warned that the greatest danger is not distance from Christ, but remaining unchanged despite being close to Him, encouraging leaders to embrace genuine repentance and ongoing transformation. Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. Dr. José Espósito, assistant to the president for evangelism at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced the conference's evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory. He reported that collective efforts led more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He also commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference's leadership in member engagement in mission. According to the data presented, it took an average of 18 members in Ohio to lead one person to Jesus—surpassing the Union average of 22. His remarks underscored both the effectiveness of collaborative evangelism and the importance of continued commitment to sharing Christ. Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across the Ohio Conference, reflecting a broad and coordinated effort to support local pastors and churches and advance evangelistic outreach. Reports from various ministries demonstrated continued growth, strategic initiatives, and a shared commitment to equipping congregations for effective mission in their communities. A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church for a significant evangelistic milestone. The congregation celebrated 172 baptisms over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to outreach and discipleship. Conference leaders acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind this growth, including the support of Evangelism Director Kojo Twumasi and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ. Dr. Bryant Smith, a chaplain at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings. He emphasized that successful outreach is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit and highlighted the importance of mobilizing church members to participate actively. Encouraging pastors to understand their members' personal faith journeys, he noted that individuals are often most passionate about the ministries that led them to Christ. Smith also underscored the value of building relationships within the community. He encouraged churches to partner with local organizations and participate in community initiatives, noting that such collaboration can expand the church's reach while strengthening trust and visibility. By engaging where people are already gathering, churches can create natural pathways for outreach and ministry. Kojo Twumasi addressed the critical issue of member retention and emphasized the need for intentional discipleship following evangelistic success. Sharing both biblical insight and current data, he noted that while many individuals join the church, a significant number eventually disengage—often not because of conflict but because of gradual spiritual drift. Twumasi stressed that churches must create environments that foster connection, belonging, and spiritual growth. He highlighted the importance of timely follow-up, strong relationships, and small group ministries in helping new members remain engaged. "Retention is not accidental," he emphasized, calling on pastors to invest deeply in discipleship and to ensure that every new believer finds meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose within the church community. He concluded with a reminder that while not every individual will remain, the impact of those who do is significant. Pastors were encouraged to remain committed to evangelism, trusting that God will use their efforts to transform lives and strengthen the church. Throughout the two-day meeting, pastors engaged in prayer, collaboration, and strategic discussion, united by a shared commitment to advance the mission of evangelism across Ohio.