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Piqua Adventist Christian School Students Lead Inspiring Education Day at Lima Church

Wed, 29 Apr 2026 17:10:27 GMT

Led by Elder Mark Mirek and Diana Mirek, teachers at Piqua Adventist Christian School, eight students played a central role in leading Education Day at the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church, highlighting the value of Adventist Christian education. The students actively participated in the worship service, taking part in Scripture reading, prayer, congregational singing, and instrumental music. Their musical contributions featured a variety of instruments, including the keyboard, banjo, double bass, cajón, and castanets.

A highlight of the service was a powerful personal testimony shared by Elder Mark Mirek. He spoke emotionally about his journey from atheism to faith in Jesus Christ, and how that transformation ultimately led him to a calling in Adventist education. His message resonated deeply with the congregation and underscored the life-changing impact of faith-based learning.

The presence and participation of the students were a meaningful blessing to the church community. “It was truly inspiring to see these young people so engaged in worship and ministry,” said First Elder Courtney Simons. “Their involvement is a testament to the strong spiritual foundation being built at Piqua Adventist Christian School.”

Following the service, members expressed appreciation for the students’ contributions and the school’s commitment to nurturing both academic excellence and Christian character. Events like Education Day continue to strengthen the connection between the church and its school, reminding all in attendance of the importance of investing in the next generation.

At Piqua Adventist Christian School, students are provided with an environment that integrates faith and learning, encouraging them to develop spiritually, academically, and socially. Programs like Education Day offer students valuable opportunities to serve, lead, and share their faith within the broader church community.

Alive in Jesus Sabbath School Training

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 13:54:46 GMT

On Sunday, April 26, the Ohio Conference Youth Ministries Department hosted a training event for the Alive in Jesus Sabbath School curriculum at the First SDA Hispanic Church of Columbus. Approximately 65 teachers representing the Baby, Beginner, Kindergarten, and Primary divisions attended, united in their commitment to strengthening children’s ministries. The training was conducted in both English and Spanish, allowing for broader participation and engagement.

Participants took part in practical sessions focused on effective teaching and long-term discipleship. They also received resources to support and strengthen their local Sabbath School programs.

The Ohio Conference Youth Ministries Department acknowledged the North American Division instructors for leading and enriching the training experience.

The department also recognized the strong participation and the commitment to guiding children into a growing relationship with Jesus.

For more information about the curriculum, visit: https://www.aliveinjesus.info

Mansfield Adventist Robotics Team Earns Top Honors, Advances to National Championship

Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:28:26 GMT

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Christian School’s robotics team recently earned top honors at a FIRST Lego League regional competition held at Takoma Academy in Maryland, securing a championship invitation after an outstanding all-around performance.

In preparation for the event, the team dedicated extensive time to building and programming an autonomous LEGO robot designed to complete a series of challenges on the competition field. In addition, students researched a real-world problem, developed a creative solution, and presented their findings to judges.

Competing under the name “Archaeolo-Cows,” the team demonstrated excellence beyond technical performance. They received the Core Values Award for their strong collaboration, positive attitude, and encouragement of fellow competitors. The team also earned second place overall, reflecting high achievement across all areas of judging.

Their success has earned them an invitation to the FIRST Lego League Adventist Robotics Championship, which will take place at Forest Lake Academy in Apopka, Florida.

The team is composed of students in grades 4–8, bringing together a range of experience and enthusiasm. Zedd, a four-year veteran of the robotics team, said, “What I enjoyed about the tournament was meeting new people and seeing different styles of teams.” Felisa, one of the younger team members, added, “It was really fun working with our team.”

Those interested in supporting the team’s journey to the championship may contribute through the Archaeolo-Cows’ GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-archaeolocows-reach-nationals

Delthony Gordon Named Adventist Community Services Director for Ohio Conference

Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:47:18 GMT

A pastor, educator, and community leader brings a passion for service and evangelism to a revitalized ministry.

The Ohio Conference is pleased to welcome Pastor Delthony Gordon as the new Adventist Community Services (ACS) Director, marking an important step forward in revitalizing a ministry that connects compassion with evangelism across the state.

Pastor Gordon brings a lifetime of ministry influence and a diverse professional background to this role. Raised in a family deeply committed to education and church service, both of his parents served as educators and ministry leaders in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. That legacy of service continues within his family today. He and his wife, Esther, have been married for 22 years and are blessed with two children: their eldest son, Jonathan, a young adult, and their youngest daughter, Hadassah. Their second child, Benjamin, was tragically lost due to a car accident during pregnancy at nine months. The Gordons hold firmly to the hope of the resurrection, when they will see him again.

Although he once resisted the idea of pastoral ministry, Pastor Gordon recalls a turning point during his time as an academy teacher. Encouraged by his students and guided through prayer, he recognized God’s calling on his life. “It was unmistakable that God wanted me in pastoral ministry,” he shared.

For the past nine years, Pastor Gordon has served as pastor of the Beavercreek Seventh-day Adventist Church, a role he will continue alongside his new responsibilities. His ministry experience includes pastoral service in Oklahoma, as well as work as an academy chaplain, assistant guidance counselor, and teacher of mathematics, physics, and computer science. He has also directed choir programs at two academies in different countries.

Throughout his career, community engagement has been a consistent thread. At Beavercreek, he helped establish a Community Services department that built strong partnerships with local nonprofits, community leaders, and organizations throughout Greene County and Dayton. His involvement has extended to advisory boards, school districts, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations—experiences that have uniquely prepared him for this new leadership role.

Reflecting on his appointment, Pastor Gordon emphasizes God’s leading at every step. When first approached about the role, he spent more than three weeks in prayer and careful consideration before responding. The opportunity arose again in a separate setting, prompting him to seek further confirmation from the Lord, which he received. He subsequently accepted the call, and the Ohio Conference Executive Committee officially voted on the appointment two months later. He notes that this pattern of prayerful discernment has marked each of his previous ministry assignments. “I am excited to serve in a role that aligns so closely with my passion—helping to meet people’s needs while introducing them to Christ,” he said.

As he steps into leadership, Pastor Gordon recognizes both the challenge and opportunity ahead. With the ACS ministry having been largely dormant for nearly two decades, he sees significant potential for growth and impact across Ohio.

Grounded in the principles of Christ’s method of ministry, his vision centers on building relationships that open doors for the gospel. “Through ACS, we can help prepare the way—by socializing, sympathizing, and serving,” he explained. “This creates opportunities to share hope in meaningful and lasting ways.”

Key priorities for the department include developing a coordinated disaster response system, equipping churches to respond effectively in times of crisis, and fostering ongoing partnerships with community organizations. Initiatives will address a wide range of needs, including health, family support, education, and vocational development.

Pastor Gordon often frames his ministry through the acronym HOPE: Helping Others Prepare for Eternity by Helping Others Pursue Excellence. This philosophy underscores his commitment to holistic ministry—meeting immediate needs while pointing individuals toward eternal hope.

He draws clear direction for leadership from Scripture, particularly Proverbs 3:5–6 and 1 Corinthians 9:27, which emphasize trust in God and personal spiritual discipline. These principles shape both his personal life and his approach to ministry.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Pastor Gordon enjoys spending time with his family through music, games, travel, and shared activities. His interests also include science, languages, apologetics, and community engagement—reflecting a well-rounded approach to life and ministry.

As he begins this new chapter, Pastor Gordon shares a message of encouragement to Ohio Conference members:

“The best days of ministry are yet ahead, so let us FOCUS—Fix Our Concentration Upon the Savior—as He charts new paths for us to tread in serving others and winning souls for His kingdom.”

With renewed vision and leadership, Adventist Community Services in Ohio is stepping forward to connect churches and communities—demonstrating Christ’s love in action and preparing hearts for the message of hope.

Betty Ferrell Named Ohio Conference Women’s Ministries Director

Wed, 01 Apr 2026 19:49:53 GMT

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.”

Ohio Conference Pastors Gather in Dayton to Ignite Evangelism and Strengthen Ministry

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:29:36 GMT

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.

Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church Leads Community in Sending Full Relief Container to Hurricane-Hit Jamaica

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:54:06 GMT

Lima, Ohio — In response to the devastating hurricane that struck Jamaica last year, the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church led a large-scale community relief effort that resulted in the shipment of a full 40-foot container of humanitarian supplies to the island nation. Dr. Courtney Simons, a member of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church and an associate professor at Wright State University–Lake Campus, coordinated the initiative.

The relief shipment included essential food items, clothing, sanitary products, and cleaning supplies. Support for the effort was widespread, with generous donations from the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Piqua Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Bellefontaine Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as from individuals throughout the Lima area and surrounding communities.

The largest contribution came from Beckman & Gast Co., a food company based in St. Henry, Ohio. Under the leadership of Operations Manager Paul Moorman, the company donated a substantial amount of canned food and provided significant financial support to help offset the container's shipping costs.

"The generosity shown by Beckman & Gast Co. was truly instrumental in making this effort possible," said Dr. Courtney Simons.

Wright State University-Lake Campus also played a key role in supporting the initiative. The University's Outreach Department, led by Dr. Dane Daniel, organized a food drive that collected several boxes of non-perishable items for shipment.

"This partnership reflects what can happen when universities and communities work together to serve others," said Dr. Daniel.

One especially moving story from the outreach effort featured Brynn Leyman, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Celina Elementary School. After learning about the hurricane's impact on Jamaica, Brynn remembered that her second-grade teacher was from the country. Motivated by that personal connection, she organized her family and members of her community to donate several boxes of supplies.

"Brynn's initiative reminds us that compassion has no age limit," said Pastor Carl Brooks, pastor of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist district of churches.

Representing the corporate partner that made the largest contribution, Paul Moorman emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to giving back. "Since the founding of our company nearly 100 years ago, the principle of stewardship has been part of who we are," said Moorman. "When Dr. Simons shared this project with me, it was a natural fit. We were able to develop a plan to help people in great need while also promoting the value of stewardship."

Church leaders expressed sincere gratitude for the collective generosity that enabled them to fill and ship an entire 40-foot container of relief supplies. The effort stands as a powerful example of how faith organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals can work together to respond meaningfully to global crises.

Ohio Conference Welcomes Russell Hallman as New Camp Ranger for Camp Mohaven

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 21:18:59 GMT

With more than two decades of experience in youth camp ministry and operations, Russell Hallman has joined the Ohio Conference as the new Camp Ranger for Camp Mohaven. Having lived and worked at multiple Adventist camps across the country, Hallman brings a lifelong passion for outdoor ministry, hands-on service, and creating spaces where people can encounter God and enjoy nature.

The Camp Mohaven Ranger position became vacant following the transition of Elias Esquivel, who faithfully served in the role before accepting a call to the Northern California Conference, where he now serves as Camp Director at Leoni Meadows. Hallman steps into the position eager to continue building on the strong foundation laid by Esquivel and previous leaders.

Hallman’s journey into camp life began early. As a child, he moved frequently, living at three Adventist camps—Camp Berkshire, Camp Kulaqua, and Laurel Lake Camp—before starting high school. He attended Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, for four years, and later continued his education at Southern Adventist University and Southwestern Adventist University, earning a Bachelor of Business Science in Business Management. He also holds an Associate of Science in Automotive Technology from Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio.

Hallman brings over 22 summers of experience at five different camps, including 10 years in full-time camp management and maintenance. He has also worked as an automotive technician for 12 years and served as co-director of facilities for a five-center daycare company. Reflecting on his lifelong connection to camp ministry, Hallman shared, “Camp is in my blood, and when the opportunity opened to return to camp ministry, I jumped on it.” He added that seeing the potential of Camp Mohaven and the strong support from the conference office made the opportunity especially appealing.

In his role as Camp Ranger, Hallman oversees the day-to-day operations of Camp Mohaven, ensuring that all facilities are well-maintained, safe, and continually improving. His responsibilities include managing maintenance projects, coordinating with vendors, welcoming guest groups, and contributing to the creation of a positive experience that encourages visitors to return and share their experiences with others.

During his first year, Hallman plans to focus on learning the full scope of the camp’s operations, evaluating current systems and facility needs, and implementing processes to enhance both efficiency and guest satisfaction. He also hopes to begin making visible upgrades that will further improve the camp experience for all who visit.

Hallman believes that camp is a sacred place where people encounter God in a unique and personal way. His vision is to help Camp Mohaven become a destination where individuals, families, and groups can reconnect with God through the beauty of nature and the power of community. “Nature is God’s first book,” he shared, “and Mohaven has so much beauty that the possibilities are endless.”

Working closely with the Mohaven Operating Committee (MOCOM) and the Ohio Conference, Hallman is excited to help shape a vision that will make Camp Mohaven a premier destination for guests from across Ohio and beyond—a place where people not only enjoy recreation but also experience spiritual renewal. Future plans include upgrading cabins, expanding lodging options, improving infrastructure and kitchen facilities, adding new RV sites, and introducing more activities for guests of all ages.

For Hallman, faith is the foundation of both his life and ministry. He draws daily strength from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” He and his wife, Kristen, have been married for more than 26 years and share a deep passion for camp ministry. He met her while working at Camp Winnekeag in Massachusetts. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in activities such as sports, crafting, and woodworking projects. The Hallmans look forward to seeing how God will use their time at Camp Mohaven to advance His kingdom and inspire others to grow in faith.

As they begin this new chapter, Russell and Kristen Hallman are eager to connect with members across the Ohio Conference. “We want everyone to know that Camp Mohaven is your camp and that you are always welcome,” Hallman shared. He encourages churches, families, and ministries to participate in what Mohaven offers—whether by attending events, utilizing the facilities for ministry, or supporting its mission through prayer and donations. “We’re looking forward to meeting and getting to know as many of you as possible,” he added.

Iglesia Adventista Ebenezer Hosts Multicultural Festival Celebrating Unity in Christ

Mon, 13 Oct 2025 18:36:51 GMT

As part of the Pentecost 2025 evangelism initiative, the Iglesia Adventista Ebenezer in Cleveland recently hosted a Multicultural Festival – Día de la Diversidad Cultural, an event celebrating the rich cultural diversity within its congregation and community.

The festival brought together members and guests for an afternoon of fellowship, worship, and international cuisine. Participants represented various cultural backgrounds, sharing traditional foods and music that reflected the global nature of the Seventh-day Adventist faith community.

In addition to the cultural presentations, the program featured a time of worship and reflection on the biblical message of unity in Christ, a powerful reminder that all believers are part of one family in Him. The celebration underscored the church’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, outreach, and community engagement as part of the Pentecost 2025 initiative.

Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church Hosts Annual Women’s High Tea Party

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 18:32:15 GMT

On October 5, the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church held its traditional Women’s High Tea Party—an annual event that has become a cherished occasion for fellowship, inspiration, and awareness. Organized by the Women’s Ministries Department, this year’s event brought together nearly 80 guests for an afternoon of elegance, reflection, and encouragement.

The High Tea serves not only as a joyful social gathering but also as an important opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention and promote holistic health within the community. Through this initiative, the church continues to strengthen its connection with women from both the congregation and the surrounding community.

The elegant setting made guests feel instantly at ease. Upon arrival, each woman received a hat—a meaningful symbol tied to the event’s theme: “Behind every hat is a woman with a story to tell.” Throughout the program, participants were invited to reflect on their personal journeys, their faith, and God’s grace at work in their lives.

In her devotional, Dee Simmering emphasized the importance of relying on God in every circumstance:

“We all have a story—some good, and others painful and full of trials. We must lean on our Lord God Almighty to help us navigate life. We can’t do it alone; we all need God. His love, grace, and forgiveness are what carry us through. These are free gifts given to us when we ask for His help.”

The beautifully prepared food and tea service added to the atmosphere of joy and celebration. Guests praised the event for its thoughtful organization, inspiring message, and warm hospitality, with many expressing their appreciation and sharing plans to attend again next year.

Kojo Twumasi Appointed as Evangelism Director for the Ohio Conference

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:57:17 GMT

With a passion for sharing the gospel and strengthening local church outreach, Kojo Twumasi has been appointed to serve as the Ohio Conference’s new Evangelism Department Director. In this role, he will lead initiatives that inspire, equip, and support congregations in fulfilling their evangelistic mission across the conference territory.

A Journey of Ministry and Calling

Born in Michigan to Ghanaian parents, Twumasi was raised in Michigan, Uganda, and New York City—experiences that gave him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and faith communities. His early encounters with ministry inspired him to dedicate his life to God’s work. “I chose to become a pastor at the age of 17—a decision shaped by God’s call on my life, my love for people, the example of my father, the encouragement of my community, and the clear direction of my gifts and passions,” he shared.

Reflecting on that early decision, he describes how his journey into ministry began with a deep sense of calling that he could not ignore. Growing up in a family and church community devoted to mission and service, he witnessed firsthand the power of the gospel to change lives. That exposure, combined with personal encounters with God and opportunities to serve both locally and abroad, ignited in him a lifelong passion for evangelism and discipleship.

Before stepping into this role, Twumasi served as Youth Pastor at the First Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City, then as Associate Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, and most recently as Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Throughout his ministry, he has also served as a student missionary and international evangelist, leading numerous evangelistic campaigns worldwide through his non-profit organization, Mission Driven Purpose . “Each experience has strengthened my passion for cross-cultural ministry, leadership development, and building systems that help new believers stay connected to Christ and His Church,” he noted.

A Vision for Evangelism in Ohio

As Evangelism Department Director, Twumasi is eager to strengthen local church outreach across the Ohio Conference. “My vision is to see every church in Ohio become a thriving center of evangelism—where members view themselves as everyday missionaries and where discipleship and compassion are at the heart of outreach,” he said.

He believes revival will come as churches unite Spirit-filled preaching with prayer, intentional follow-up, and genuine community care. He desires to see God multiply these efforts so that lives are not only reached but also rooted in faith. Twumasi is especially passionate about empowering congregations to develop a missional culture and strong discipleship systems that help new believers grow and remain active.

Faith That Guides His Work

For his spiritual foundation, Twumasi draws strength from Scripture, particularly from Ephesians 3:20:

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” He says this passage reminds him that ministry is not sustained by human strategy, but by divine power working through people who have surrendered themselves.

Beyond the Office

Outside of ministry, Twumasi enjoys exercising, playing sports, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. He believes these moments of rest and recreation help him stay balanced, refreshed, and energized for the work God has called him to do.

Looking Ahead

As he begins this new role, Twumasi’s message to Ohio Conference members is one of hope and mission:

“God is not done with Ohio—the best days of evangelism and growth are still ahead of us.”

SVA Students Excel at Andrews University SciFest Competition

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 15:20:17 GMT

In September, eight students from Spring Valley Academy traveled to Andrews University to take part in this year’s annual SciFest competition. Before the event began, the group enjoyed a meal at Baguette de France and then spent time bonding with students from other schools at the Natural History Museum and during a game night.

On Friday, the students divided into two teams and engaged in a series of STEM challenges in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Agriculture, and Engineering—all centered around the theme of space. The competitions tested their creativity and problem-solving skills, as students designed prototype batteries, identified star contents, explored water ecosystems, programmed human “robots,” solved mathematical space-related problems, and planned outdoor agricultural spaces. Through these activities, they not only gained knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for the spaces God has entrusted to us.

The weekend concluded with the quiz bowl, where both SVA teams demonstrated what they had learned. Their dedication and teamwork paid off, as the teams placed first and second in the competition.

Students reflected that while they discovered personal strengths in certain areas, they also recognized the value of relying on their teammates in others—showing the power of collaboration. For several students, this was their first time encountering specific areas of science, sparking new excitement and curiosity.

The experience was both rewarding and inspiring, and the SVA community celebrates the achievements of these students. Faculty and students alike look forward to seeing how God continues to nurture the seeds of curiosity, teamwork, and discovery planted during the weekend.

Ohio Conference Announces Esther Gordon as New HR Generalist

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 14:05:16 GMT

The Ohio Conference is pleased to announce that Esther Gordon, who has faithfully served as Treasury Administrative Assistant, has transitioned into the role of Human Resources Generalist. With a strong background in administration and a deep commitment to supporting the mission of the Conference, Esther looks forward to continuing her service in a new capacity.

Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Esther grew up in a family deeply committed to service. As a pastor’s kid and the youngest of five children, she witnessed firsthand her parents’ lifelong dedication to church ministry. Today, Esther continues that legacy alongside her husband, Pastor Delthony Gordon, and together they are blessed with two children.

Esther joined the Ohio Conference on September 1, 2021, serving as Administrative Assistant in the Treasury Department. In this role, she carried a wide range of responsibilities, including receipting, remittances, accounts payable, and service as a treasurer for the Ohio Conference Church. She also managed check processing, departmental correspondence, and assisted with calls and inquiries, ensuring that the Treasury office operated efficiently and with care.

When reflecting on her work, Esther shared that her greatest passion lies in connecting with people and offering help wherever it is needed. She sees these moments of service as opportunities to make a meaningful impact and to live out her calling in a practical way.

Outside of her professional role, Esther enjoys singing, reading, traveling, and spending time playing games with her family.

In her new role as Human Resources Generalist, Esther will oversee key responsibilities, including employee onboarding and offboarding, open enrollment and benefits administration, maintaining service records, and processing vacation requests. She will also manage employee communications and assist in developing and implementing HR policies to support the Ohio Conference team.

When reflecting on her most rewarding experience at the Ohio Conference, Esther shared a touching memory: “There was an Ohio constituent who would often reach out to me for help. She would send little notes tucked inside her tithe envelope. One of those notes read, ‘Thank you, Esther. Looking forward to meeting you in Heaven someday.’ That simple message brought me such joy! I taped the note to my calculator as a daily reminder of why I do what I do—and I still have it to this day.”

Esther finds encouragement in Isaiah 41:10, which reminds her of God’s constant presence and strength: “Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When it comes to her work, however, the verse that guides her most is Deuteronomy 28:8: “Blessings on all that you set your hand to do!” She includes this verse at the end of her emails as a way to share encouragement with others.

As she steps into this new chapter, Esther shared a simple yet meaningful message: “I count it a privilege to serve the members of the Ohio Conference.”

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

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 19:56:24 GMT

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.

In a profoundly symbolic gesture, Pastor Sampah—who plans to retire later this year—gifted his ministerial robe to Pastor Adjei, his son-in-law, passing on the mantle of ministry.

The Ordination Charge

Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, delivered the ordination charge, speaking directly to Pastor Adjei about the sacred responsibilities of pastoral ministry.

“In the name of God’s Church, I charge you to minister as a servant,” Pastor Magaña said. “Make the Master your lifelong study. Know what you teach, but first of all, know the One you teach for. 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. He thanked the leadership of the Ohio Conference, his wife, mentors, family, and the many church leaders and members who had supported him along the way.

As part of the day’s celebration, Pastor Adjei and his wife, Patience, renewed their wedding vows in honor of their 10th anniversary. Pastor Twumasi officiated the renewal ceremony and offered a prayer of blessing over their marriage and family.

A Memorable Baptism

The celebration concluded with a baptism of special significance. Fulfilling a personal request, Pastor Adjei baptized Precious Owusu, who had asked to be the first person he would baptize following his ordination. Her wish was honored, and she joyfully entered the waters of baptism under his ministry.

Pentecost 2025 Evangelism in Elyria: 161 Join the Church, More Than Doubling Membership and Worship Attendance

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 16:31:30 GMT

The Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio concluded its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series, held August 2–9, with the addition of 161 new members—surpassing the congregation’s previous membership and worship attendance before the campaign.

Before the series began, Elyria Church had a membership of 100. Andrew Sutton, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, emphasized that in God’s eyes every soul is precious and that even a small number of baptisms makes an evangelistic effort worthwhile. However, he noted that what took place in Elyria was unprecedented in the Ohio Conference’s history, at least as far as he could remember. “We praise God for such a great harvest,” Sutton said, reflecting on the remarkable growth.

Pastor Marius Marton, who leads the Elyria congregation, recalled telling the church board that he was praying for 150 new souls. “One board member said, ‘150-plus,’” Marton shared with excitement. “God blessed us with 161 precious souls. Imagine if we had bigger faith—God would have given us more.” He credited the remarkable results to the church’s wholehearted participation in Total Member Involvement (TMI), which united the congregation in harmony and mission. “Now the praises are being shouted from the rooftops, and the church is eager to do it again! Soli Deo Gloria!”

The guest speaker for the series was Pastor Kojo Twumasi, who preached under the theme Summer BLAST—Building Lives Around Solid Truth. This innovative evangelism model blends acts of service with the Gospel by meeting the community’s basic needs while sharing a Bible-centered message. Pastor Kojo commended the Elyria members for being filled with the Holy Spirit, noting their passion for soul winning and their determination to do even more for the Lord. He emphasized that members bathed the series in prayer from start to finish, and he underscored the importance of the congregation’s retention program, which began immediately after the campaign concluded. “Last Sabbath morning, the church was filled with both old and new members,” he said with joy.

Pastor Twumasi currently serves as senior pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist churches in Ohio. This summer alone, he has spoken for five evangelistic campaigns—Elyria being the fifth—which together have resulted in 400 baptisms. He continually gives glory to God for leading in each effort and for touching the hearts of those who choose to follow Him.

Elyria’s Summer BLAST was part of Pentecost 2025, a North American Division initiative designed to launch more than 3,000 proclamation events across the division’s territory throughout the year. The initiative seeks to fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come.” Through its prayer-filled preparation, Spirit-led preaching, and united service, the Elyria Church stands as a powerful example of how local congregations can join a continent-wide movement to share the hope of the Gospel and hasten the soon return of Christ.

Ohio Conference Educators Gather for 2025–2026 School Year In-Service

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:11:01 GMT

Today, the Ohio Conference Education Department hosted its annual in-service to launch the 2025–2026 school year.

Held at the Conference’s Integrity Hall in Dayton, the gathering brought together educators from all 11 Ohio Conference schools for a day of professional growth, inspiration, and collaboration.

Guest presenters included Adam Brown, Dean of Student Success, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs, and Lynal A. Ingham, Associate Director for Elementary Education at the Pacific Union Conference. The program began with a devotional led by Zoe Alvarez, a recent graduate and former Student Chaplain of Spring Valley Academy.

Richard Bianco, Education Superintendent, and Esther Barton, Education Administrative Assistant, organized the event to prepare teachers for the 2025–2026 school year and reinforce the mission of nurturing students in faith and learning.

Midway Through Pentecost 2025 “Summer BLAST” Series, Elyria Church Celebrates 65 Baptisms

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 20:20:26 GMT

The Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio launched its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series, titled “Summer BLAST,” on August 2. The series is scheduled to conclude on August 9. At the halfway point, the church has already celebrated the baptism of 65 individuals.

Pastor Marius Marton, who is hosting the series and conducting all the baptisms, shared that nightly attendance has ranged between 175 and 250 participants. “We had a record number of children on opening night—over 300 in attendance,” he reported. “Since then, the children’s attendance has averaged between 100 and 150 each night.”

Many nights, there is an overflow, requiring attendees to sit in the fellowship hall to watch the presentation.

The speaker for the campaign is Pastor Kojo Twumasi.

"We Still Believe": Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church Celebrates 25 Years of Faith and Fellowship

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:17:15 GMT

COLUMBUS, OHIO — On June 21, members and guests of the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered to commemorate a significant milestone: 25 years of ministry, mission, and community rooted in unwavering faith. Under the theme "After 25 Years—We Still Believe," the celebration was a joyful reflection on the church's journey and an inspiring look toward its future.

A Legacy of Faith

Recounting the church's early history, Kusi Odomse Akuoko, a pioneer elder, explained that in March 1998, a group of 11 Ghanaian immigrants came together with a common mission—to worship, study, and fellowship in a culturally familiar environment. They adopted the Twi language as their medium of expression, fostering a more profound sense of identity and community. "The group began meeting at Kwabena Okyere Ababio's apartment on Sabbath afternoons, studying the Bible and fellowshipping together," said Elder Akuoko. He also acknowledged the strong and consistent support the congregation has received from the Ohio Conference since its inception, crediting that partnership as vital to the church's establishment and growth.

The Ohio Conference officially organized the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2000. In its early years, many founding members held humble, entry-level jobs yet gave sacrificially to support the church financially. These pioneers were mission-focused, engaging in house-to-house visitations and distributing Christian literature throughout their community.

Today, the church's influence extends far beyond its physical walls. It maintains a vibrant digital presence, sharing the gospel through social media. One notable outreach is a weekly Sabbath School discussion program aired on Hope TV Ghana, co-hosted by Pastor Samuel Adjei, leader of the church's English service, and Elder Kwabena Okyere Ababio.

Since the church's organization, four pastors have served the congregation: Pastor Isaac B. Boateng, the founding pastor; Dr. Derick Adu, who served as associate pastor; and currently, Dr. Samuel K. Twumasi as senior pastor, alongside Pastor Samuel Adjei as associate pastor.

Driven by a passion for evangelism, the Columbus Ghanaian Church has played a pivotal role in planting sister congregations, including the Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, and Prince of Peace Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Churches.

Atmosphere & Attire

The sanctuary radiated both celebration and reverence, adorned with vibrant blue and gold drapery, traditional Ghanaian fabrics, and a bold banner displaying the 25th-anniversary theme. Members arrived in coordinated, custom-made attire—brilliant blue prints emblazoned with the "25th" logo—symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and collective gratitude.

Adding to the atmosphere, the Columbus Ghanaian Church Adehyeɛ Pathfinder Club Marching Band made a grand entrance, parading through the aisles with rhythmic drums, blaring trumpets, joyful songs, and well-coordinated drills. Their performance brought youthful energy and deep emotion, drawing admiration from the congregation.

Leadership in Attendance

Several distinguished leaders from across the Adventist Church, both locally and internationally, attended the celebration. From the Ohio Conference, attendees included:

Bob Cundiff, President

Andrew Sutton, Treasurer

Francis Tuffour, Digital Media and Communication Director

Representing the Mid-Ghana Union Conference were:

Dr. Kwame Annor-Boahen, President

Pastor Richard Armah Tandoh, Publishing Ministries Director

Also present were:

Dr. Isaac B. Boateng, founding pastor, is now serving as senior pastor of First Ghana Adventist Church in New York.

Dr. Derick Adu, President of North America Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist (NAGSDA) and pastor of Washington Ghanaian Adventist Church, former associate pastor of the Columbus Ghanaian Church

Additional pastors in attendance included:

Pastor Michael Opuni Asiedu, Greater Cleveland Adventist Church

Pastor Michael Adomako, Prince of Peace Adventist Church, Columbus

Pastor Emmanuel Kusi Yeboah, Cincinnati Ghanaian Adventist Church

Pastor Kwesi Gyimah, Toronto Ghanaian Adventist Church, Canada

Pastor Emmanuel Kwasi Sarpong, Chicago Ghanaian Adventist Church

Pastor Jonas K. Asante, Greater Indianapolis Ghanaian Adventist Church

Pastor Opoku Acheampong, retired minister

Professor Owusu Mensah, historian and educator

Also present were lay leaders, members of sister congregations, and representatives from the broader Adventist community.

Spiritual Highlights

The worship climaxed with a powerful sermon titled "We Still Believe" by Pastor Isaac B. Boateng. Preaching from Hebrews 10:23—"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised"—he challenged the church to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ.

Pastor Boateng recalled that the Ohio Conference organized the church in August 2000 with just 70 members. Within two years, the congregation had grown to 320, a testimony to both evangelistic zeal and God's faithfulness.

He praised God for enabling the church to purchase land for $150,000 and construct a building within six months—a rare accomplishment. Notably, the Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church remains the only Ghanaian Adventist church in North America to have purchased its land and built from the ground up. Most others acquired existing buildings or renovated commercial spaces.

He also commended Pastor Twumasi's visionary leadership, his passion for evangelism, and his commitment to nurturing the church's growth. Emphasizing the urgency of the hour, he reminded members, "Jesus is coming soon," and urged them to equip the next generation: "We must pass the baton to our young people so they are equipped and ready to continue this journey of faith."

Music enriched the worship service with spirited performances by PPC, Christ the King, Faith Factor, choir, and other singing groups, blending traditional hymns and contemporary praise to uplift hearts and voices.

Special Messages and Reflections

Pastor Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, commended the congregation: "I talk about you when I go around Ohio, and I hold you up as a model of a healthy, well-functioning church—one that's taking care of its members, nurturing its children, sharing the gospel, and inviting people in." He assured members of the Conference of their continued support, affirming their role in advancing the church's mission in Ohio.

In a recorded message, Dr. Paul Yeboah, a prominent Ghanaian Adventist leader and church planter in Europe and North America, congratulated the church and praised its media ministry, youth engagement, and success in church planting. Quoting Colossians 4:18—"Do not forget my chains"—he urged members not to forget the sacrifices and hardships that laid the foundation of the church. He encouraged youth to remain active in the church and to consider starting impactful projects in Ghana as a way to give back and strengthen their heritage.

Dr. Derick Adu, President of NAGSDA, shared: "I extend greetings from the sisterhood of Ghanaian churches across North America." He expressed appreciation to the Columbus leadership for their commitment and service. Reflecting on a vision cast 37 years ago to plant Ghanaian churches across North America, he added: "Columbus is a fulfillment of that vision."

Vision for the Future

As part of the anniversary celebration, the church raised funds to support key areas of ongoing development, including its online ministry, the mortgage for the English congregation, and parking lot improvements.

Pastor Samuel K. Twumasi outlined a forward-looking vision that enhances the church's hybrid ministry, effectively combining online and in-person worship, strengthens community impact, reaches out to former members, plants new churches, and fosters stronger intergenerational connections.

He reaffirmed the church's commitment to being a beacon of hope, both locally and globally, and to advancing the gospel through innovation, outreach, and faithfulness.

Pentecost in Lima

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 19:59:07 GMT

Lima, OH — June 17, 2025 — A wave of spiritual renewal swept through Lima this past week as the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church concluded its dynamic evangelistic series, Summer BLAST—an acronym for Building Lives Around Solid Truth. The program, held from June 8 to June 15, drew hundreds from the local community and resulted in 44 baptisms, as well as 10 additional individuals joining the church through profession of faith.

Summer BLAST is based on an innovative evangelism model taught to the Lima church by Pastor Kojo Twumasi, Senior Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist churches in Ohio. This model uniquely integrates service with spiritual outreach by meeting the community's basic needs while sharing the gospel message.

Each evening began with an encouraging and motivational message, followed by generous giveaways of essential items, including groceries, diapers, laundry supplies, and toys. Of all the distribution nights, the laundry products day was a standout, attracting over 250 attendees—remarkable for a church that typically welcomes 50 to 60 people on a good day.

"We're not just preaching sermons; we're building trust, building relationships, and showing that Jesus cares about every aspect of people's lives," said Pastor Kojo Twumasi, campaign speaker. "The gospel is most powerful when it is lived and experienced, not just heard."

Pastor Carl Brooks, who currently serves the Lima church, shared his deep gratitude and awe at the response: "team, though small in size, was a formidable force to reckon with; they gave their best effort. By God's power, we were able to meet the demands and challenges with a heart of care mingled with grace. We also want to thank the Ohio conference for their prayers and financial support towards the effort. Likewise, for the visit of our president whose presence did excite and energized the series".

Guests responded with enthusiasm and sincerity to nightly altar calls, with many saying "to Jesus and choosing to take the next step in their spiritual journey. The church is now preparing for continued discipleship and follow-up with the new believers, affirming its commitment to ongoing community engagement and faith-building.

The Summer BLAST series has not only revitalized the Lima church but also set a powerful example of what can happen when faith and compassion walk hand in hand.

Lima Church’s Summer BLAST Evangelism Campaign Impacts Lives and Serves Community

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:52:46 GMT

The Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio launched a week-long evangelism campaign titled Summer BLAST, drawing hundreds of attendees and providing both spiritual and practical support to the local community.

Under the leadership of Pastor Carl Brooks, who serves as the campaign host, the church has distributed groceries, hot meals, toiletries, laundry supplies, diapers, and other essential items to individuals and families in need. As a result of the outreach and nightly meetings, 31 individuals have made decisions for Christ so far.

Pastor Kojo Twumasi serves as the campaign speaker, delivering nightly messages focused on hope, transformation, and the love of God. The church continues to experience strong attendance as the event enters its final four days.

Local leadership has taken notice of the church’s efforts. Jeannine Jordan, Fourth Ward Councilor for the City of Lima, attended one of the meetings, underscoring the campaign’s positive community impact.

The Ohio Conference encourages continued prayer for Pastor Brooks and his team as they conclude the Summer BLAST campaign and seek to follow up with those who have responded to the gospel.

Ohio Conference Launches New Studio

Mon, 05 May 2025 17:12:20 GMT

The Ohio Conference has opened its new studio, designed to serve as the creative engine for its digital outreach. This space is a hub for producing high-quality multimedia content to support the Conference's ministry and mission.

Located at the Conference headquarters in Dayton, the studio features three themed sets, each equipped with dedicated fixed lighting. In addition to background lighting that illuminates each set, the studio includes backlights—hair lights—to light presenters from behind. To minimize the need for repositioning lighting for every shoot, the studio maintains a balance of fixed and mobile lighting. Mobile key and fill lights allow for flexibility across different set designs.

The studio includes a panel interview set for discussions and interview-style productions. Along another wall sits a contemporary podcast set, outfitted with nearly 16 feet of faux brick paneling and customized neon signage featuring the podcast title Ohio Heartbeat. Additionally, a presenter set features wooden slats and a vertical drywall section adorned with the Ohio Conference logo.

To ensure efficient and professional production, the studio team equipped it with three professional-grade cameras and all essential peripherals, including monitors, tripods, batteries, and other gear. A production switcher enables both live recordings and live streaming. When needed, each camera feed can be recorded individually as a file. A full editing suite supports post-production and content development.

Discussing the podcast's title, Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, shared: "The new podcast is called Ohio Heartbeat. It will be a weekly podcast featuring news, updates, interviews, and reports from the territory. You know, the state of Ohio is shaped like a heart. So we're entitling this podcast Ohio Heartbeat, highlighting the heartbeat of our mission, our outreach, our evangelism, and everything happening across the great territory of Ohio."

Reflecting on the studio's potential impact, Cundiff added, "From this little piece of real estate, we can literally reach the entire world. There will be people in heaven because of the work we are going to do right here in the Ohio Conference Media Center."

In the recording of the studio's inaugural podcast episode, Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, expressed his enthusiasm: "It fills my heart with emotion to know that we now have this tool to communicate not only with our people in the Ohio Conference but also with the entire world."

Bob Cundiff also appreciated Kettering Health's partial financial support in establishing the studio.

The Ohio Conference Studio, operating under the Digital Media and Communication Department, seeks passionate individuals—young and old, creatives, hosts, video editors, and storytellers—who want to serve, learn, and grow. Whether you're experienced or just starting out, there is a place for you.

Messiah’s Mansion Coming to Millersburg, OH

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:30:07 GMT

The Millersburg Seventh-day Adventist Church is planning a unique approach to evangelism this summer. Why tell someone about God’s love when you can show them? They are hosting Messiah’s Manson, a life-size traveling replica of the Sanctuary.

It is a novel approach to evangelism but one they throw all their energies behind. Eva Durbin, the church’s director of this project, explains, “The mission of this project is to introduce people to the sanctuary message. People who would not come to an evangelistic meeting will come to see the Sanctuary. We are widely advertising this and have an ambitious goal of 2,000 visitors. Located in Amish Country, we are in the center of one of Ohio’s major tourist destinations. So not only will we be attracting locals to come see the Sanctuary, but we very likely will have visitors from further away. We are praying for the Holy Spirit to prepare people’s hearts to be receptive to the sanctuary message and gain a desire for a personal relationship with God as a result of visiting Messiah’s Mansion.”

After Messiah’s Mansion heads to its next location, the work isn’t over. Millersburg SDA Church will hold in-depth Bible studies of the Sanctuary over the following six weeks in three locations throughout Holmes County. During this time, a Bible worker will follow up on Bible study requests generated by visitors to Messiah’s Mansion.

Millersburg Church is a small rural church that has moved forward in faith, trusting the Lord will provide its needs. Durbin shares, “We praise God for answered prayers. We need help setting up the Sanctuary and a cook to prepare food for the volunteers; church members from West Salem Mission have volunteered to help us with those needs! Answers to prayers like this affirm for us that God is leading this project.”

This project requires many volunteers. On tour days, they need volunteers to help with the welcome, prayer, survey, and parking tent. On set up and take down days, they need able-bodied men and women to help assemble and disassemble the Sanctuary. Millersburg Church is accepting volunteers aged 13 and older. Do you have a heart for the sanctuary message? Is your youth group looking for a chance to apply their faith? Or do you have a desire to be a missionary but can’t travel far away? Come be a missionary for a day in Millersburg by volunteering to help with Messiah’s Mansion. Dates needed are June 25-July 8, 2025. Contact the Millersburg SDA Church at: millersburgsda@gmail.com.

Messiah’s Mansion will be at Harvest Ridge Fairgrounds 8880 State Route 39, Millersburg, Ohio 44654. It will be open for free guided tours from June 28-July 6, 2025, 1 pm-6:30 pm daily. Tours are 1 hour 15 minutes long and appropriate for all ages. Walk-ups are welcome, but reservations are encouraged for large groups. https://www.messiahsmansion.com/millersburg. If you haven’t had a chance to tour a sanctuary replica before, take advantage of this opportunity to see it yourself. Bring your friends, family, and church family with you.

"Garden of Prayer: Rooted in Jesus" – Women's Spiritual Retreat

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 18:09:45 GMT

On Sunday, April 6, the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed approximately 30 women for a spiritually enriching Women's Retreat Themed "Garden of Prayer—Rooted in Jesus." Organized by Women's Ministries Director Dee Simmering, the event offered a day filled with heartfelt worship, inspiring messages, and meaningful fellowship, all centered on deepening each attendee's connection with Christ.

The retreat began with a delicious breakfast, setting a warm and welcoming tone for the day. This was followed by a powerful time of worship, during which hearts were lifted in praise and reflection.

The first devotional was presented by Terry Hellinger, the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, who shared a heartfelt message on how women can remain "Rooted and Grounded in Jesus." Following this, Nancy Bittner from the Galion Seventh-day Adventist Church delivered a unique and insightful message titled "What Succulents Taught Me About Faith."

A memorable planting session invited each woman to reflect on the importance of nurturing a life of faith—rooted deeply in Christ. Participants then enjoyed a healthy and flavorful lunch filled with laughter, fellowship, and meaningful conversations.

The afternoon continued with interactive group activities that fostered a deeper sense of community and spiritual purpose. The retreat concluded with Terry Hellinger's powerful final message, "Prayer is the Key—Praying the Promises," encouraging attendees to hold onto God's promises and seek Him daily through prayer.

Overall, the retreat was a truly uplifting experience, leaving each woman refreshed, inspired, and more deeply connected to Jesus—and to one another.

Ohio Conference Concludes Two-Day Pastors' Meeting Focused on Evangelism and Ministry Support

Tue, 04 Mar 2025 03:06:31 GMT

The Ohio Conference concluded a two-day pastors’ meeting in Dayton from Monday, March 3, to Tuesday, March 4. The event, held at the conference headquarters, Integrity Hall, brought together pastors from churches across the conference territory for spiritual renewal, training, and evangelistic retooling.

The meeting began with a welcome and opening prayer from Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary. In his devotional message, Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, affirmed the importance of pastoral ministry and expressed appreciation for pastors' dedication. He acknowledged the challenges of ministry, particularly the sense of isolation some pastors experience.

"I know sometimes it feels that way because you are geographically separated from other colleagues. That is why meetings like this are so important—to come together and be reminded of the high, holy, and sacred calling of the work God has given us to do," Cundiff said. "You are here today, you are loved, you are with friends, and we celebrate you. We thank you—we say it all the time because we mean it and feel it so deeply and genuinely."

Training on Preventing Abuse and Protecting the Vulnerable

Phil Swartley of GuideOne Insurance led a seminar titled "Sexual Misconduct: Abuse and Molestation Guidance." His presentation emphasized the importance of thorough screening for employees and volunteers, training on working with youth and vulnerable individuals, identifying and preventing abuse, reporting procedures, and cooperation with authorities during investigations. He also discussed how organizations can evaluate incidents and update policies or procedures to enhance safety measures and prevent future occurrences.

Stewardship

Rudy Salazar, the North American Division's stewardship director, presented stewardship principles and concluded with the spiritual dangers of neglecting prayer and Bible study.

Evangelism and Pentecost 2025 Initiative

A major focus of the meeting was evangelism and the Pentecost 2025 initiative. Conference administrators announced that $675,000 has been allocated this year to support evangelism efforts. Through the initiative, 101 churches and schools across the Ohio Conference will participate in public evangelism, with pastors expecting to baptize more than 1,000 new members.

Attendees prayed for the upcoming evangelistic efforts and other ministry needs. Reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelism, Cundiff emphasized the necessity of spiritual preparation.

"The Holy Spirit comes where hearts desire Him, where they invite Him, and where they have properly prepared to receive Him," Cundiff stated. "The Holy Spirit is not going to impose Himself."

Magaña added, "Pentecost is about receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to preach the Gospel. It is not power that comes from us, but power that comes from on high, granted to us by the Holy Spirit."

Innovative Evangelism: The BLAST Model

Pastor Kojo Twumasi presented two sessions on creative approaches to evangelism in the 21st century under the theme "MAKE EVANGELISM A BLAST." He introduced BLAST as an acronym for "Building Lives Around Solid Truth."

Twumasi emphasized that successful evangelism requires careful preparation and the formation of teams with diverse roles. Recognizing the challenge of attracting people to evangelistic meetings, he shared his approach to digital outreach through Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns. He explained that he begins by defining his target audience within a six-mile radius, ensuring his message reaches the right people. He then creates engaging advertisements with incentives and a clear call to action. To secure attendance, he requires participants to register in advance through an online form, which also facilitates effective follow-up. Additionally, he utilizes registrants' contact information to send reminder text messages, increasing the likelihood of attendance.

Twumasi highlighted that the BLAST model has proven effective, leading to strong attendance, numerous baptisms, and a retention strategy to integrate new members into the church community.

Human Resources Updates

Oswaldo Magaña and Karen Alvarez from the Human Resources Department provided an updated overview of the Ohio Conference Employee Handbook. They outlined various policies, procedures, and guidelines to help employees understand their rights and responsibilities.

Pastoral Reflections

Reflecting on the meetings, Pastor Ron Anderson, who serves the Chillicothe, Jackson, Portsmouth, and Portsmouth Hispanic churches, shared his enthusiasm.

"It was very inspiring—almost overwhelming—because there are so many things I would love to do," Anderson said. "We will see what we can implement in our churches because there are many wonderful things the Holy Spirit has for us."

His key takeaway? "To do more of the BLAST approach—something that engages both adults and children while meeting the community's needs."

The two-day gathering provided Ohio Conference pastors with practical training, spiritual encouragement, and a renewed vision for evangelism.

Ohio Conference Schools Compete in 2025 Geography Challenge

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 03:34:17 GMT

Today, students from Adventist schools across Ohio participated in the 2025 Geography Challenge in Toledo, an event organized by the Ohio Conference Education Department. The competition, hosted by Toledo Junior Academy, brought together young learners eager to test their geographical knowledge in a fun and challenging setting.

Opening Ceremony & Competition Format

In his welcome remarks, Shaun Lazarus, principal of Toledo Junior Academy, expressed his gratitude on behalf of the Ohio Conference. He thanked the participants for accepting the invitation and shared his joy in seeing so many young minds gather for the event.

Following an opening prayer by Kojo Twumasi, pastor of Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, explained the ground rules and format of the challenge. The organizers divided the competition into two main groups. Students in grades 1-4 answered questions focused on U.S. geography, while those in grades 5-8 tackled questions about Asia.

The challenge featured 10 rounds, with contestants taking turns on stage to answer questions. After responding, each student moved to the back of the line and continued until the judges eliminated a contestant who received three strikes, a rule Bianco called “the old baseball rule.”

This process continued until the first, second, and third-place winners were determined. Contestants had 20 seconds to answer each question.

Key Roles & Conference Support

Each year, the Ohio Conference office staff play essential roles in making the Geography Challenge a success, and this year was no exception. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff attended the event to show his support. Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, and Andrew Sutton, Treasurer, served as judges, carefully overseeing the competition. Zachary Sharpe, Associate Treasurer, took on the role of emcee, keeping the event engaging and well-paced. Meanwhile, Esther Barton, Administrative Assistant for the Education Department, ensured the smooth running of the challenge as the official timekeeper. Bianco, who prepared the questions, was in charge of the slides. Their collective contributions helped create a well-organized and exciting experience for all participants.

Participating Schools & Attendees

Nine of the 11 Ohio Conference-owned schools participated in the contest, including Eastwood Junior Academy, Mayfair Christian Academy, Mount Vernon Elementary School, Northern Ohio Adventist Academy, Piqua Elementary School, Spring Valley Academy, Toledo Junior Academy, Worthington Adventist Academy, and Zanesville Adventist Academy.

Additionally, Columbus Adventist Academy from the Allegheny West Conference joined for their second consecutive year.

Parents, teachers, and friends attended to support the contestants, offering cheers and applause for the winners and those who were eliminated. The students demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship, encouraging one another throughout the competition.

Winners & Awards

At the end of the event, the following students earned top honors:

Grades 1-4:

• First Place: Andrew – Spring Valley Academy

• Second Place: Stevie – Mount Vernon Elementary

• Third Place: Noah – Eastwood Junior Academy

Grades 5-8:

• First Place: Ajak – Spring Valley Academy

• Second Place: Guy – Spring Valley Academy

• Third Place: Wesley – Zanesville Adventist Academy

First and second-place winners in each group received trophies and cash prizes of $100 and $50, respectively. Third-place winners were awarded medals and $25 each.

Student Reflections

After the competition, Ajak, the grades 5-8 champion, shared his thoughts: “I feel good, praise God.” Judges noted that throughout the 10 rounds, he answered all but one question correctly. Andrew, the grades 1-4 winner, also expressed his excitement. When asked about the most challenging question he faced, he said, “The one on the Delaware River, it really messed me up.”

Watch it here

Columbus Ghanaian Church Dedicates Media Center to President Bob Cundiff

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 13 Feb 2025 15:46:41 GMT

On February 1, 2025, the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomed Ohio Conference President Pastor Bob Cundiff to honor him with a special gift. President Cundiff has been a steadfast supporter of the church, and through his efforts, the congregation has been able to upgrade and enhance its Media Center, which it uses weekly to spread the Gospel. His wife, Tanique Cundiff, was accompanying him on this visit.

During his visit, President Cundiff delivered a Sabbath message titled “Blessed is the Man,” an exploration of Psalm 1 that highlighted God’s power and love for His children.

As a token of appreciation, the church unveiled the Bob Cundiff Media Center, marking the occasion with prayer and celebration. This dedication signifies a significant step in the church’s mission to share the Message through technology. The Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church recognizes God’s blessings in advancing its media ministry and expresses gratitude for President Cundiff’s continued support. His commitment to the church and his embrace of the diversity within the Ohio Adventist community remain deeply appreciated.

Dayton and Cincinnati Brazilian Adventist Community Launches Free Healthy Cooking Course

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 06 Feb 2025 19:32:33 GMT

On the first Saturday of February 2025, the Dayton and Cincinnati Brazilian Adventist Community launched a free healthy cooking course called Saúde no Prato (Health on the Plate).

Rafael da Veiga Sengik, volunteer pastor, conceived the project to welcome people into the church community, foster friendships, and create opportunities for evangelism.

Dr. Ana Keepke led the inaugural class and demonstrated three simple and practical recipes. Approximately 20 participants joined the session.

The community will host classes on the first Saturday of each month, welcoming everyone to participate.

From the North American Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church: An Appeal for Human Dignity and Decency

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Fri, 31 Jan 2025 00:58:49 GMT

There are many in the United States who are afraid for their futures, and for the lives of family members. As a Christian denomination in the U.S., the Seventh-day Adventist Church supports the rights of all persons, no matter their country of origin — the equal rights provided in the U.S. Constitution and fair treatment as immigrants and refugees in this country.

As members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, we believe that “we are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with one another; we are to serve and be served without partiality or reservation” (Fundamental Belief No. 14).

“We maintain our allegiance to the biblical principles of equality and dignity of all human beings in the face of historic and continuing attempts to use skin color, place of origin, caste, or perceived lineage as a pretext for oppressive and dominating behavior. These attempts are a denial of our shared humanity and we deplore all such aggression and prejudice as an offense to God” (Seventh-day Adventist Church statement “One Humanity: A Human Relations Statement Addressing Racism, Casteism, Tribalism, and Ethnocentrism”).

The Bible declares that in Christ there is neither Jew nor gentile, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female — all are one in Christ Jesus (Gal. 3:28). We are one humanity. Dehumanization and margination by law or the implementation of the laws or policies are diametrically opposed to the Bible. Therefore, it is inhumane and robs people of their God-given dignity in Christ to have policies that make them afraid to go to church and school because of the threat of being deported.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in North America encourages its churches and schools to be warm and welcoming places for all people. All are created by God and deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.

In light of the fact that we have a shared humanity, in light of the fact we all are created equal, in light of the fact we should love our neighbor as ourselves, and in light of the fact that Jesus said, “whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matt. 25:40, NIV), our appeal is for us, as Adventists, to show our immigrant families that we love them by lifting up our voices and standing by their side in these times of uncertainty.

Our appeal to our policymakers and government leaders is found in The Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual (p. 92): “All are in search of wholeness. All are gifted, needed, and treasured. All are created in the image of God with an inherent dignity regardless of any limitation they may have.” Therefore, let our laws and the implementation of our laws treat all of God’s children, who are created in His image, with the dignity and decency they deserve.

G. Alexander Bryant, President

Kyoshin Ahn, Executive Secretary

Judy R. Glass, Treasurer/CFO

***

Guidelines for pastors and school leaders, through the document "Guidance on Immigration Enforcement Activity on Church and School Property," from the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists Office of General Counsel, can be found by clicking here .

Stereo Adventista Internacional Celebrates 7th Anniversary

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 23:43:20 GMT

Today, Stereo Adventista Internacional, the online Hispanic Christian radio station led by the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists' Multilingual Ministries Department, celebrated its 7th Anniversary in Columbus, Ohio.

Pastor Fredy Funez, Director of the radio ministry's Southern area, welcomed in-person guests and online viewers to the event and asked for God's blessings upon everyone present.

Pastor Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, delivered the sermon, using water as a metaphor to highlight spiritual discernment. "Not all water is safe to drink," he noted. "The stuff that you watch, listen to, and stream on your device—it's not always safe to consume. It's not always good for you or your family." Referring to John 4:14, Cundiff emphasized Jesus' promise: "Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." He likened Stereo Adventista's ministry to a spring of living water that offers eternal life. He added, "When I drink from it, it gives me eternal life. And when I am a part of helping this ministry succeed, I am giving eternal life—not just to my church, my family, the Hispanic ministry of Ohio, and the entire world."

A Growing Ministry with Global Impact

With its motto, "A Voice of Hope," Stereo Adventista Internacional operates four radio stations in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, reaching 108 countries; the ministry averages 103,000 connections and has garnered thousands of followers on digital platforms.

As part of the celebration, ten individuals participated in baptism. Pastor Edwina Monterroza praised God for their decisions, stating, "Praise be to the name of God—a pure and clear manifestation that the Holy Spirit is still working among His people."

Pre-recorded messages from listeners highlighted the ministry's global reach. Rut Ester Sandoval shared, "I am happy. I congratulate you, and I ask God to continue blessing us with His power and grace so that Stereo Adventista Internacional continues on the air, carrying the message of hope and salvation to the world." Nilken Ortiz, a loyal listener from Colombia, added, "Today, with gratitude and admiration, I celebrate with you the seventh Anniversary of this incredible radio station. From the fertile land of Colombia, I send you my most heartfelt congratulations. May the tune of Stereo Adventista continue to illuminate our days and soothe our nights. Congratulations!"

Supporting the Ministry

In a video message, Bob Cundiff shared a personal note: "You may not know that I listen to Stereo Adventista every Saturday morning when I prepare for church and many times while driving to my preaching appointments. So I want to thank you for listening, supporting, calling, and giving financially to Stereo Adventista. The work we do here is important—it's mission work, it's evangelism. And here's a powerful thought: because of the work we do, new people will go to heaven because they heard the message of Jesus for the first time on Stereo Adventista."

Andrew Sutton, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, commended the radio ministry's supporters. He explained how their donations fund essential operations, including purchasing equipment and software and hosting events. "We know that many people are coming to the Lord through the ministry of Stereo Adventista," Sutton stated. On behalf of the Ohio Conference administration, he presented a $15,000 check to support the ministry.

Pastor Edwina Monterroza also expressed gratitude by presenting gifts to conference officers, volunteers, and other supporters who have contributed to Stereo Adventista's success.

Looking Ahead with Faith and Hope

Before offering the benediction, Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, gave thanks to God for His past and present blessings. He expressed optimism about the ministry's future, particularly its role in the upcoming Pentecost 2025 initiative. "The radio will play an extraordinary role in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, resulting in many souls being won for the kingdom of heaven," he stated.

War Divides Their Homelands; Christ Unites Them in Cleveland

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 21:09:04 GMT

In a small Cleveland church, where worshippers from Russia and Ukraine kneel side by side, peace reigns, defying the war that divides their homelands. This unique congregation sings, prays, studies and fellowships together, with no trace of the painful divisions or hatred that mark their nations' conflict.

The church's story began after Pastor Gennadii Kasap arrived in Cleveland at a challenging time. Before his arrival, there was just a handful of Slavic members in the area—mainly a Ukrainian family who attended a church with only American members. "I arrived in Cleveland on March 10, 2022, just weeks after the war began on February 24," he shares. "Of course, the beginning of the war created certain problems from the very start of my ministry." Having come from Moscow, Russia, Gennadii faced initial resistance to forming Ohio Conference’s Slavic Mission church, however, he believed the congregation's closeness to God would overcome negativity.

Andriy Skitsko, now one of the Ukrainian members at the church, candidly admits, "At first, I was categorically against being part of a church with a Russian-speaking pastor, especially one from Moscow. I had a bad experience being in the same church with Russians. I envisioned myself either as a member of an American church since I live in America or a Ukrainian church since I am Ukrainian." However, his perspective changed after a conversation with Gennadii. "I saw that the pastor is a truly spiritual person with no imperial superiority," Skitsko shares. After consulting with his wife, they made a pivotal decision: "We decided to support him in his ministry. If this is a human project, it will not succeed, and there will be no Slavic church. But if it is from God, we have no right to refuse to support the pastor. And we were not mistaken." Andriy highlighted Gennadii's selfless ministry and its profound impact on the congregation. Despite not knowing Ukrainian, the pastor tries to learn and sing Ukrainian songs, ensuring that worship services are conducted in both Ukrainian and Russian. For Skitsko, these gestures of inclusion have made him feel welcome and valued. With just a few core members at the start, the church has since grown to more than 40 believers.

Karina Kolotilina, a Russian church member, consciously maintains a cordial relationship with her Ukrainian fellow worshippers. Acknowledging the language barrier, she shares, "I always try not to hurt the feelings of Ukrainians and show respect for their language, even though I don't understand it very well. I serve in the music ministry, and we regularly sing songs in Ukrainian—a vision of our pastor that I fully support. This ensures that all church members can worship in the language closest to their hearts."

The church has remained a place of unity despite the conflict abroad, a testament to their unwavering focus on Jesus.

With roughly 50 percent of the congregation being Russian-speaking and the other 50 percent Ukrainian-speaking, the church intentionally fosters inclusivity. Services, slides and congregational songs are conducted in both languages. Remarkably, none of the praise team members speak Ukrainian fluently, yet they try to learn and sing Ukrainian hymns. This effort reflects their shared belief that "heaven is for all." Kristina Kasap, Gennadii's daughter and a praise team member, explains, "Half of the songs we sing are in Russian, and half are in Ukrainian."

Tatiana Druzhenkova, whose family recently arrived in the United States from Russia, expresses deep gratitude for how the church has supported them. Reflecting on the church's unity, she shares that what is happening in this church is an opportunity to show the world that "God has no nationalities."

The Christian bond between Russian and Ukrainian members extends beyond the church walls. Gennadii states, "They not only worship together in church but also help each other. Considering that some of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters have been here longer, they often assist the Russian brothers and sisters more. They provide help with food, furniture, jobs and even invite each other into their homes." This sense of unity is further strengthened through the church's initiatives. One such project is a picnic program where members invite friends to socialize over shared meals, aiming to rebuild friendships and foster connections. The church also actively helps newcomers to America adapt to their surroundings, regardless of whether they come from Ukraine or Russia.

In addition to these efforts, Gennadii leads a personal project called "Learning to Drive a Car," which has helped him connect with many individuals while practically showing God's care. The congregation embodies their commitment to unity and compassion through these acts of service and fellowship.

When Vladislav Kolotilin and his family, Russian Seventh-day Adventists, fled their country, they experienced mixed emotions. Reflecting on their journey, Kolotilin shares, "At the end of August 2023, we were forced to leave our beloved city of St. Petersburg due to persecution by the authorities for publicly expressing our religious views and open anti-war stance. We had to abandon our property and business. Despite the uncertainty, we had no doubt that we would be free in America."

Gennadii invited the family to join the Slavic congregation in Cleveland. Kolotilin recalls their initial apprehension: "We felt excitement and anxiety about how we would be received by our spiritual brothers from Ukraine in this congregation. We realized it was hard for some of them to hear Russian speech." However, their fears quickly subsided. "Our acquaintance with the Ukrainian church members exceeded all our expectations. They welcomed us warmly, helped us with food and clothes, and supported us in all our needs." Kolotilin emphasizes the shared history and bonds between Russians and Ukrainians, noting how their countries once co-existed peacefully as neighbors with "similar languages, culture, cuisine and way of life." While the terrible war has divided their nations, he reflects, "It has not divided us in the church. We have the most important thing in common—our heavenly Father."

Sofiia Zaviriukha, a Ukrainian member, speaks passionately about her homeland. "I love my country, and, of course, I want to contribute to its prosperity. The war has affected me deeply, and life feels as though it has been divided into 'before' and 'after.' Terrible things are happening in our country," she says, unable to hide her patriotism and the pain caused by the conflict. Lidiya Zabrecky, another Ukrainian member, reflects with a positive attitude on her experience with the church: "In my church, there are people who came from Russia, but I know they didn't start the war, and they are not supporting it. These people are my brothers and sisters in Christ, children of God in God's big family. I believe that God is the Creator of all people, and He died for everyone."

Vladimir Druzhenkov, a Russian member, believes that his faith has been instrumental in helping him cope with the challenges and emotions brought on by the war. He understands that the Bible foretold that before the second coming of Jesus, there would be wars and rumors of wars. Still, Druzhenkov expresses deep sorrow over the current situation. "Of course, we are very sorry to see that there are full-scale military operations in Ukraine now, and we pray that it will soon stop," he says.

For Druzhenkov, the church family's motto, "Heaven for All," has been a source of inspiration. He credits this unifying message with helping members foster an atmosphere of "friendliness, kindness and a prayerful spirit" within the church.

Gregory Arutyunyan, a retired Adventist pastor from Russia and now a church member, expresses his joy at witnessing the unity among the congregation. "It's amazing to see that all members—Ukrainians, Russians and others—are so united, peaceful and loving toward one another as if there was never a war," he says. He commends Gennadii for his leadership and the good spirit of the members, adding, "I am truly proud to be part of this congregation."

The original version of this story was posted by the Columbia Union Visitor

Ohio Conference Treasury Department Announces Leadership Changes

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:47:47 GMT

The Ohio Conference Treasury Department has announced two major leadership transitions: Zachary Sharpe has moved from Assistant Treasurer to Associate Treasurer, and Karen Alvarez has been appointed Assistant Treasurer.

Zachary’s parents, who are Adventist church employees, served in various locations, allowing him to move with them several times during childhood. He was born in Newark, Ohio, while his father worked at Mount Vernon Academy. Throughout his education, Zachary attended Adventist schools—from kindergarten through his master’s degree.

Karen, the oldest of three children, was born in El Salvador to an Adventist family. She loves nature and spends much of the summer hiking. Karen also enjoys reading and listening to music. She joined the Ohio Conference in May 2023 as a Human Resources Assistant. Her primary responsibilities included managing the onboarding and offboarding processes, explaining benefits to new employees, and overseeing Open Enrollment. She assisted with employee retirement processes, service records, and working policy updates.

As the new Associate Treasurer, Zachary’s responsibilities include managing the conference’s Non-Operating and Trust funds. He will also oversee Endowment funds and participate in various committees to foster collaboration among staff as they further the Lord’s work. Zachary joined the Ohio Conference on November 1, 2018, as an Assistant Treasurer, where he primarily oversaw payroll and accounts receivable. Reflecting on his work, Zachary shared, “The most rewarding part about working with the Ohio Conference is hearing the stories about how God is working in Ohio and seeing the incredible things that He is doing.” His favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

Karen expressed that the most rewarding part of working with the Ohio Conference is knowing she is working for God. “And helping employees with their benefits and retirement process,” she added. Her favorite Bible verses are Psalms 23 and 91. Beaming with hope, Karen said, “I will keep doing my best to do the work that God has called me to do.”

Echoing that hope, Zachary said, “I look forward to continuing to serve the Ohio Conference as we continue the work the Lord has given us in taking the message of Christ to the people of Ohio.”

Springfield, Ohio's Haitian Church: A Sanctuary of Faith in Tough Times

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 15:56:14 GMT

Early on a Sabbath morning, a young man with his baby strapped to his chest steps into the small Haitian Adventist church, where voices of praise fill the air in Springfield, Ohio. For members of this faith community, the gathering is more than worship—it's a source of solace, a sanctuary from life's hardships.

Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church began with just four Haitian members meeting in the basement of Springfield's Hispanic Adventist Church in December 2021. Named 'Emmanuel' to reflect their unflinching faith in God's presence among them, the congregation quickly grew—first to 17, then to 35, to 40, and now to over 70 members, with as many as 80 to 100 joining when visitors come. These immigrants left Haiti, but they did not leave behind their faith. They created a space to grow spiritually, seek God's guidance, and find hope amid their challenges. According to the Migration Policy Institute, many Haitians have recently migrated to the U.S. due to political instability, natural disasters, violence, and economic hardship. Amid these struggles, the members of Emmanuel face difficulties navigating a new environment while holding tightly to their roots.

While they left behind some challenges in Haiti, life in a new land has brought hardships. Cleoius Joseph, an Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, explained that members face significant immigration-related difficulties but lack someone to guide them through the process. 'We need help with immigration issues, filling applications, and someone who can assess our needs and connect us to resources,' he shared.

The church regularly sees new members and visitors, some of whom are not Adventists, arriving in search of help. Many come with nothing to eat, lacking food, clothing, money, or even a place to stay. The financial strain also prevents the congregation from hosting after-church potlucks, which they would otherwise use to build fellowship and support.

Joseph also noted that some members have faced ridicule and harmful stereotypes, with rumors circulating that Haitians are responsible for pet disappearances. This misconception has caused distress within the community, leading some families to relocate to other cities in search of a more understanding environment."

Despite facing tough times, the church continually strengthens members' faith in God through prayers, Bible study, sermons, and songs. Worship includes ample time for singing, which they approach with joy and energy. Unlike the Israelites, who questioned how to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church members lifted their voices together. The congregation participates in singing, not just a few in a praise team, creating a shared sense of unity.

Though they may lack potlucks, their fellowship is rich as they sing hymns like What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Faces beam with hope as they sing lines such as, 'Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Precious Savior, still our refuge—take it to the Lord in prayer! Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!'

During Sabbath School, they engage in communal study, led by one person who encourages participation through questions and personal contributions. Together with the sermons, these moments of worship and study continue to strengthen the faith of every member

The church, composed mainly of young people and conducted in French, is led by Roger Melendez-Cabrera, a Spanish pastor who provides spiritual guidance with the support of his elders.

As Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church grows, its members hold fast to their faith, drawing strength from one another and finding hope for better days ahead. Within this humble congregation, they have genuinely found a sanctuary.

Hope For Today: A United Effort in the Greater Toledo Area

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 20:35:41 GMT

The Hope For Today city-wide evangelistic campaign was a historic moment of unity, community

service, and spiritual revival in the Greater Toledo Area. It occurred at Owens Community

College from August 31 to September 14, 2024.

It was a testament to the power of collaboration as all five local churches in the city's metro

area, including Bowling Green SDA, Toledo First SDA, Swanton SDA, Northwood SDA, and

Parkwood SDA, joined forces in a cross-conference collaboration. Also, two Spanish

congregations in the city's metro area - Toledo Spanish SDA and Bowling Green Spanish SDA

held campaigns simultaneously at a separate venue.

The program was also a testament to what could occur when the various levels of the church

synergize. While the initiative was grassroots-led, the Ohio Conference, Allegheny West

Conference, and the Columbia Union assisted with sponsorship via their presence, prayers,

finances, and resources.

Impact on Individuals and Families

As a result of the event, 87 individuals joined the churches by baptism and profession of faith.

These new additions were the culmination of the Holy Spirit working through compassion

initiatives, meaningful conversations, one-on-one Bible studies, and powerful messages by the

campaign speaker, Pastor Ryan Day of 3ABN. Many of these individuals expressed that the

sense of community and compassion drew them in and helped them take this step.

In addition to the numerous adults who attended Hope For Today, the event welcomed 40 to 100

children each night into a warm and fun environment. The facilitators taught kids Bible stories,

played games, helped with crafts, and blessed the young ones with snacks. This robust

children’s program called the Hope Zone effectively motivated parents to attend the nightly

meetings.

Serving the Community's Practical Needs

Understanding the practical needs in the community, Hope For Today offered tangible support

for families by distributing groceries, diapers, clothes, laundry supplies, and dinner each

evening. These items met essential needs and showed the community the church's commitment

to caring for them on multiple levels. Families were deeply grateful, and many expressed that

this outreach significantly impacted their lives.

One attendee said, "I just wanted to thank you for this event. I recently took custody of an infant

and am struggling financially. Not only were the diapers a blessing, but I also won the Meijer gift

card!"

Preparing Through Prayer, Training, and Unity

In preparation for "Hope For Today," the churches engaged in multiple five-day prayer sessions

seeking God’s guidance and blessing for the outreach.

Additionally, on May 18, 2024, the pastors of the local churches hosted an evangelism boot

camp, training members on engaging with the community, sharing their faith effectively, and

meeting people where they are.

On August 24, a joint rally gathered everyone before the event started, strengthening the spirit

of unity and purpose. During the rally, the keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Cundiff, president of the

Ohio Conference, reminded the church members that their spiritual efforts were worthwhile.

Moreover, church members noted that their boldness for Jesus increased as they kept inviting

others to the campaign.

Lasting Impact and Continued Growth

The bonds formed among the five churches have only strengthened since "Hope For Today"

concluded. The churches continue to grow as new members join them, and existing members

remain inspired to stay connected and involved.

Pr. Eccles, the Bowling Green & Swanton church pastor, mentioned that "the program gave our

church momentum and direction as we prepare for Pentecost 2025."

In post-assessment, Pr. Steven Valles of Parkwood SDA Church noted, "Hope For Today was

more than an event—it was the beginning of a movement. Our churches are excited to continue

building on this momentum, knowing that when we come together, we can make an incredible

impact on our community and beyond. Together, we look forward to further opportunities to

serve, grow, and bring hope to those around us."

Written By: Kojo Twumasi

Pastor | Toledo First & Northwood SDA

Cleveland Launches Youth Movement C.O.R.E. for Spiritual Unity and Fellowship

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 19:33:32 GMT

On Saturday, October 19, we witnessed the launch of an exciting new youth movement in Cleveland, Ohio, called C.O.R.E. This movement was created by a group of young people seeking more: more praise for God, more time spent with Him, more friendships, and more fellowship. This movement aims to unite young adults aged 16 to 35 across Cleveland and the surrounding area.

The evening was a success, with over 30 attendees. The praise team led us into worship, and God's presence was palpable as we sang in unity. Following this, we heard an inspiring sermon from Alina Simmons, a theology student at Andrews University. She reminded us of the importance of being part of a Christ-centered community where individuals can support and uplift one another—this is the essence of C.O.R.E.

The event concluded with a focus on fellowship, allowing young adults from various churches to connect and build relationships. Sharing a meal together provided a wonderful opportunity for deeper conversation and connection. This event was truly a blessing, and I believe it will continue to bless the Cleveland area in the future. This is just the beginning, and it's clear that God will continue to bless this ministry.

The next event is scheduled for December 21 at 6 PM. Follow @core.sda on Instagram for more details. I'm excited to witness the growth and blessings this youth movement will bring.

Reported by Gennadii Kasap, Pastor, Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cleveland

Ohio Conference Executive Committee Appoints Andrew Sutton as New Treasurer

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 16 Oct 2024 01:56:31 GMT

On October 15, 2024, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee voted to appoint Andrew Sutton as the new Treasurer. The position became vacant after Roy Simpson, the former Treasurer, accepted a call to serve as the Under Treasurer of the Mid-America Union Conference earlier in October.

Andrew Sutton is no stranger to the Ohio Conference. As a business intern, he first joined the Conference on April 1, 1999. Three months later, the Conference promoted him to Associate Treasurer, a role Sutton held from July 1999 until 2006. On September 1, 2006, The Conference appointed Sutton as Treasurer, serving faithfully until 2010, when he stepped down to spend more time with his young children. During this period, Sutton continued to work within the Treasury Department, focusing on Non-Operating Accounting as an Associate Treasurer.

A native of Newark, Ohio, Sutton has deep roots in the Adventist community. He attended Mount Vernon Academy and spent many summers at Camp Mohaven. He has been married for 41 years to his wife, Margaret, and they have three children—Valerie, Lindsay, and Christopher—and three grandchildren. Outside of his work in the Treasury Department, Sutton enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, hiking, and golf. Recently, he became a certified open-water scuba diver, exploring the ocean's wonders.

Sutton's dedication to the mission is unwavering. He has always enjoyed serving God in the Treasury Department, particularly in helping staff and local church treasurers understand the Conference's financial operations. Reflecting on his appointment, Sutton shared, "God has called us to finish the work, bringing as many as we can to the feet of Jesus. My prayer is that we do our part here in Ohio to support this calling so that soon we may go home to be with the Lord forever." His commitment to this mission is a source of inspiration and reassurance for the Ohio Conference.

As Sutton steps into this new role, the Ohio Conference looks forward to his continued leadership and dedication to the mission of the Conference.

104 People Baptized After a Week of Evangelistic Outreach in Cincinnati

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 14:12:41 GMT

Clifton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently organized a week-long evangelistic initiative titled "Summer BLAST." The event was a community-driven effort focused on addressing local needs, engaging children with fun activities, and spreading the gospel. By the end of the week, the event led to the baptism of 104 individuals.

Throughout the week, the church actively engaged with the community, providing essential resources to needy families. Each day, they distributed groceries to families facing food insecurity, backpacks filled with supplies for school children, diapers and laundry pods for households with young children, and toys to bring joy to the kids.

The children's activities were a highlight of Summer BLAST. These fun, family-friendly features included bouncy houses, a shaved ice truck, and Bible lessons designed to engage children in an age-appropriate and meaningful way. These activities not only entertained but also shared the love of Christ with the families who participated.

The event's success was made possible by the dedication of numerous church members, who tirelessly worked to haul supplies, pack bags, register attendees, and prepare baptismal candidates. Their commitment was crucial in ensuring the week's activities ran smoothly.

Each evening, Pastor Kojo Twumasi delivered powerful messages of hope, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ. His sermons were well received, and many from the community opened their hearts to the gospel message.

The event culminated in the baptism of 104 individuals, a testimony to the gospel's transforming power and the church's unity in its mission to reach the lost. The Clifton SDA Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jeba Moses had spent significant time in prayer, planning, and training in preparation for this outreach. Following the campaign, the church has focused on weekly Bible studies, mentorship teams, and one-on-one visits with the new believers to help solidify their faith.

The "Summer BLAST" outreach was a remarkable success, illustrating the impact of a dedicated, mission-driven community on both spiritual and practical levels.

Dayton and Cincinnati Adventist Brazilian Community Holds Inaugural Worship Service at Ohio Conference Integrity Hall

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Sat, 05 Oct 2024 19:03:25 GMT

Today, the Dayton and Cincinnati Adventist Brazilian Community gathered for their first Sabbath worship at the Ohio Conference Integrity Hall. The service, which marked a significant milestone for the group, was led by volunteer pastor Rafael da Veiga Sengik. During his sermon, Sengik shared his experience as an immigrant, highlighting the unique challenges many face in similar situations. Despite these challenges, he encouraged the group, reminding them that each member had a distinct journey to the United States, yet all could serve and bring light to their local community.

In a brief interview after the service, Pastor Sengik shared the group’s vision for outreach to the Portuguese-speaking community in the Dayton-Cincinnati area. He expressed the desire to develop evangelistic programs aimed at Brazilian families and announced plans to launch Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs for youth. “Our plan is to develop evangelism programs for Brazilian families in our community. We also want to start Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs to engage our young people,” Sengik said.

The maiden service drew a group of 22 participants, including 16 adults and 6 children. The group’s mother church is Kettering Adventist Church, which has supported the formation and growth of the new congregation.

Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff affirmed the group’s presence, stating that the Integrity Hall would serve as their worship space until they transition to a permanent location. “The conference hall is meant to help new groups and church plants that don’t have a place to worship. When the Brazilian group moves to a permanent building, we plan to offer the space to other new groups in the area,” Cundiff said.

Ohio Conference Dedicates Multi-Purpose Pavilion at Camp Mohaven, Celebrates 34 Baptisms

Mon, 30 Sep 2024 14:42:31 GMT

Last Sabbath, during a joint English and Spanish camp meeting, the Ohio Conference dedicated its new multi-purpose pavilion at Camp Mohaven. The event was one of the key highlights of the 2024 camp meeting, celebrating the new facility and the baptism of 34 individuals. The Conference constructed the building under the theme "Building for Eternity," designed to support youth's physical and spiritual development and serve as an evangelistic training center for the Ohio Conference.

The Ohio Conference had the groundbreaking ceremony of the building during the 2023 camp meeting and crowned it with its dedication during this year's gathering. Pastor Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, reflected on last year's camp meeting, where he had promised the pavilion would be ready by 2024 when the camp meeting was in tents. "And here we are today, praise God," Pastor Cundiff remarked. "We thank each of you who pressed together around this vision to help make this dream a reality. Today is a truly historic day for our Conference. It is historic because of our new home, but also because it is our first multi-ethnic camp meeting. We wanted the entire family to be together for this momentous occasion."

Vivo Worship and the Tucker Trio, a Costa Rican group, complemented the dedication ceremony with beautiful music and stirring performances throughout the event. The Tucker Trio, in particular, continued their performance in the Sabbath afternoon concert, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of the day and uplifting the spirits of all present.

Dr. Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference, praised the Ohio Conference for its commitment to building for God's kingdom. "You are serious about kingdom-building for God here in Ohio Conference," he stated. "You have a beautiful theme, "Building for Eternity," which reflects the visionary leadership of your president, Dr. Cundiff."

In his sermon, Pastor Cundiff compared the pavilion's dedication to Solomon's dedication to the temple in 1 Kings 5 and 6, calling on attendees to support the building project. Following the sermon, Pastor Cundiff invited 200 people to the ribbon-cutting. Pastors Cundiff and Wiston Zuniga led the dedicatory prayer, praising and asking for God's blessing on the building and its future use.

To commemorate the day, the attendees gathered for a large group photo in front of the new building, captured with the help of a drone and photographers using a mechanical lift for elevated shots; the day marked the dedication of a new facility and the coming together of a diverse conference family unified in celebration and mission.

Pastor Bob Cundiff Updates Building Progress, Invites to Camp Meeting

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 04:11:57 GMT

Ohio Conference Ordains Pastor Anthony Infante in Toledo

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Fri, 23 Aug 2024 13:56:42 GMT

Last Sabbath, the Ohio Conference officially ordained Pastor Anthony Infante into the Gospel ministry during a solemn service at Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, Ohio. Profound messages, prayers, and the presence of esteemed leaders from the Ohio Conference marked the ordination ceremony.

Pastor Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, delivered the ordination sermon, drawing inspiration from 1 Corinthians 4:1. He reminded Pastor Infante of his immense responsibility as a servant of the "Master of the Universe." Pastor Cundiff emphasized the importance of teamwork in ministry, highlighting that Pastor Infante is not alone in his journey. "You have friends, colleagues, and an administration that deeply loves and cares for you and your family," Pastor Cundiff assured. He also acknowledged the loneliness that pastors often experience, encouraging Pastor Infante to rely on the support system around him.

Key officers of the Ohio Conference, including Executive Secretary Pastor Oswaldo Magaña and Treasurer Roy Simpson, attended the ceremony and witnessed this significant milestone in Pastor Infante's ministry.

Following the sermon, Pastor Cundiff invited all the ministers present to join him on stage. In a powerful moment of unity and spiritual solidarity, they surrounded Pastor Infante and his wife, laying hands on him as Pastor Cundiff led the ordination prayer.

Pastor Anthony Infante's ordination marks the beginning of a new chapter in his ministry, blessed by the guidance, prayers, and support of the Ohio Conference family.

Building for Eternity Update: A Glimpse of the Future at Camp Mohaven!

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 22:30:01 GMT

Join Elder Bob as he takes you on a tour of our nearly completed pavilion, the centerpiece of our 2024 Camp Meeting. This new space is more than just a building—it's a testament to our community's faith and dedication.

Attend Camp Meeting 2024!

Mark your calendars and get ready to gather in this beautiful new pavilion. Experience inspiring worship, fellowship, and spiritual renewal in the heart of nature. We can't wait to see you there!

Roy Simpson to Transition to New Role at Mid-America Union Conference

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 21:10:47 GMT

Roy Simpson, who has served as the dedicated Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, is set to transition to his new role as Under Treasurer of the Mid-America Union Conference in October 2024. Roy Simpson marked his tenure at the Ohio Conference with significant achievements in financial leadership, strengthening the foundation for continued success through his commitment and expertise. As Simpson prepares for his new responsibilities, the conference administration has appointed Andrew Sutton, Associate Treasurer, to serve as interim Treasurer while the search process is underway to appoint a new treasurer for the Conference.

Simpson joined the Ohio Conference on August 10, 2015, as an Assistant Treasurer. In April 2019, the Conference named him interim Treasurer and officially appointed him as Treasurer on December 19, 2019. Throughout his tenure, Simpson has been instrumental in guiding the Conference through various financial milestones, including the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and a period of unprecedented tithe growth.

Reflecting on his time with the Ohio Conference, Simpson said, "I feel amazingly blessed by the opportunity to serve here. I feel like God gave me a great opportunity, and even though I'm serving here, I feel like I have received so much more than what I have given."

Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, shared his thoughts on Simpson's transition: "We celebrate the nine years that Roy has served in our territory. He has been a joy to work with and has provided financial leadership through a significant time in the history of our Conference. His guidance through COVID and a period of unprecedented tithe growth has helped keep the organization focused on mission and outreach. He will be dearly missed."

As the Ohio Conference looks forward to the next chapter, Simpson's legacy of dedicated service and financial stewardship will continue to inspire its commitment to its mission.

Pastor Winston Zuñiga Ordained into Gospel Ministry at Ebenezer Hispanic Adventist Church

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:09:18 GMT

Last Sabbath, the Ohio Conference joyfully ordained Pastor Winston Zuñiga into the Gospel ministry at the Ebenezer Hispanic Adventist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. This significant event saw the presence of conference leaders, including President Bob Cundiff, Executive Secretary Oswaldo Magaña, and Treasurer Roy Simpson, alongside numerous pastors and church members.

Cundiff, who delivered the sermon, emphasized the importance of faithfulness to God and the power of prayer. Following the sermon, all ordained ministers surrounded Pastor Zuñiga, and Pastor Bob led the ordination prayer.

Ohio Conference Hosts Virtual Meeting to Launch Pentecost 2025 Initiative

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Tue, 09 Jul 2024 15:28:36 GMT

This morning, the Ohio Conference held a virtual meeting with its pastors to discuss Pentecost 2025, an initiative led by the North American Division. The primary goal of Pentecost 2025 is to implement over 3,000 proclamation initiatives across the NAD territory throughout 2025, in alignment with the mandate given by Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14: "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come."

During the meeting, Bob Cundiff, president, and Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, emphasized the importance of participation from all churches and schools within the Ohio Conference territory. A dedicated Q&A session allowed pastors to engage directly, addressing their questions and concerns. The conference and NAD committed to subsidizing financial support to every church and school, embarking on this evangelistic campaign in 2025.

By encouraging widespread involvement, the Ohio Conference aims to foster a unified effort in spreading the gospel message, thus contributing to the overarching mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Notably, the Ohio Conference has witnessed significant success this year, with 671 baptisms by the end of the first half of 2024.

Faithful Service Honored: Ohio Conference Celebrates Retirement of Janice and Harold Straub

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:29:44 GMT

Today, the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists celebrated the retirement of Janice Straub, Education Administrative Assistant, and Harold Straub, Director of Planned Giving, Properties, and Trust Services. After 17 years of dedicated service, the couple was honored at a heartfelt retirement party attended by conference staff and administrators.

Harold Straub, who joined the Ohio Conference in September 2007 after serving as an associate treasurer at the Nevada-Utah Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, has been a pivotal figure in the conference's financial and property management. Janice Straub began her service with the Ohio Conference in October 2007, contributing significantly to the administration of the Education Department.

During the event, staff members expressed gratitude for the Straubs' unwavering dedication and service. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff said, "I wish you Godspeed in your journey. Transitions are difficult, with adjustments and community loss, but we hope it will go well with you. I hope you get to play lots of golf."

The couple received a citation, cards, and framed signatures from all the office staff. Roy Simpson, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, presented the citation, stating, "With deep appreciation for 17 years of faithful service with the Ohio Conference, we recognize your work, nights away from home, thousands of miles driven, hundreds of visits, the growth of the Trust Services department, and complex contributions to the cause of God. Your ministry has helped advance God's kingdom here in the territory of Ohio and beyond. Thank you from your friends and colleagues at the Ohio Conference office."

Janice Straub reminisced about the great times and appreciated the support and camaraderie over the years. Harold recounted his journey, sharing how selling Christian books as a child helped him develop the skills to connect with people, which later proved invaluable in his ministry. He confidently acknowledged his successor, Bill Largo, saying, "He is going to take the work to the next level."

The conference staff gathered around the Straub family as Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, prayed for their future endeavors.

Their retirement leaves a legacy of commitment, faith, and service that will continue to inspire us.

We are deeply grateful for their contributions and wish them a fulfilling and joyous retirement.

Bill Largo Joins Ohio Conference as Planned Giving and Trust Services Director

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Fri, 07 Jun 2024 15:31:55 GMT

The Ohio Conference is pleased to announce that William J. Largo will immediately assume the Planned Giving, Properties, and Trust Services director role. Bill will succeed Harold Straub, who will retire at the end of next month after 17 years of dedicated service.

Bill Largo brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served in various leadership roles within the Adventist community. Born in Hollywood, Florida, and raised in Syracuse, New York, Bill initially pursued a career in hospitality management and sales, achieving significant success. After receiving the call to ministry, he earned a BA in Theology and a minor in Biblical Languages. Bill graduated with a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews Theological Seminary. He later led congregations of 11,000 members as a senior pastor in New York and Florida.

Bill’s career also includes significant roles in the healthcare ministry. He served as Senior Chaplain and Director of Mission and Ministry for AdventHealth, where he integrated spiritual care into healthcare services. Most recently, he served as Network Director of Mission and Ministry for Kettering Health in Ohio, overseeing spiritual services across multiple medical centers.

Bill is married to his soulmate Christine, a CRNA, and is proud of his children, Hannah (17) and Joshua (15). Besides his professional responsibilities, Bill enjoys CrossFit, cycling, backpacking, playing guitar, and spending time with his family. He is also currently writing his doctoral dissertation in leadership.

Please join us in welcoming Bill Largo and expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Harold Straub for his years of faithful service.

Greater Cleveland Church Dedicates New Building, Hosts Fundraising Event

Sat, 11 May 2024 03:36:15 GMT

Today, Greater Cleveland Church in Cleveland, Ohio, joyously celebrated the dedication of its new building with a fundraising event. This historic occasion attracted attendees from several states and Canada.

The scene was markedly different on a morning graced with showers, reminiscent of the church's early years of worship in a gymnasium with a leaking roof. Despite the morning downpour, the congregation could now worship peacefully within their new, secure building. Michael Opuni-Asiedu, the church's pastor, welcomed everyone to the dedication of the new building, expressing gratitude for the countless prayers, faith, and community efforts that made it possible.

The Greater Cleveland Church's journey began in 2005 in the Cleveland-Akron area, founded by Ghanaian families with a vision to create a community-centric place of worship. Starting from humble beginnings in home settings, the church experienced growth and challenges alike, eventually moving services from homes to a gymnasium. By 2011, the church expanded significantly, acquiring a dedicated church building on Addison Road with the support of the Ohio Conference. This site enabled the church to conduct extensive community outreach and evangelistic activities. In 2022, the church moved to a new location on Ford Road in Highland Heights, continuing its mission, which was driven by strong community and spiritual leadership. Throughout history, the church has been marked by resilience, community support, and an unwavering faith in its mission.

The fundraising event, integral to the day's activities, was dedicated to meeting the financial needs associated with the new building. Elder Frederick Opuni-Mensah, a Senior Program Manager at ADRA International, chaired the event and, along with supporters, contributed $20,000. Dr. Osei Agyena and Elder Michael Somuah, representing the North America Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist (NAGSDA), generously added $10,000. Additionally, sister Ghanaian churches from the US and Canada provided further support with their donations.

Pastor Bob Cundiff, the president of Ohio Conference, was the guest speaker for the event and preached on the theme: "Building on Christ: A Legacy of Faith." He shared that a life in Christ is transformational. He stressed, 'When we build our life on Christ. It changes our lives. It changes our identities. This knowledge changes the way that I view myself. For me, it changes the way that I feel about myself." Drawing people's attention to the deeper meaning of the building's dedication, he explained that what truly defines a sanctuary is not its steep roof, pipe organ, pulpit, stained glass, or even a cross but God's presence. "Folks, we dedicate sanctuary today. That's important. Congratulations! And good on you for all of the effort and work that has taken place to come to this day. But you know what makes the sanctuary meaningful? It's this: It's when the sanctuary of your heart is also a place God inhabits. Amen! For God to be in this sanctuary, He must be in you. When you walk into this place, it becomes a holy place because you are here. After all, you bring the presence of Christ with you." During the dedication ceremony, he prayed and dedicated the "sanctuary of hearts" before presenting the new building to God's hands.

Following a heartfelt prayer, Pastor Cundiff stepped forward for the ceremonial ribbon-cutting. Flanked by pastors and elders, with church members and guests gathered in eager anticipation, he gracefully snipped the ribbon, which was met with resounding amens and applause.

Other Ohio Conference staff who attended the event were Harold Straub, Director of Planned Giving, Properties, and Trusts, who played a crucial role in helping the church buy the new building; Andrew Stutton, Associate Treasurer; and Francis Tuffour, Digital Media, and Communication Director, Sampson Twumasi, lead pastor for Columbus Ghanaian church, and Michael Adomako, pastor at Prince of Peace Ghanaian church in Columbus.

President Cundiff Reports Progress on New Building at Camp Mohaven

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Mon, 06 May 2024 23:08:40 GMT

The Ohio Conference is thrilled to announce significant progress on the new building at Camp Mohaven, a pivotal part of its Building for Eternity campaign. According to Bob Cundiff, the conference president who toured the site today with the Camp Mohaven Board, the new facility is designed to enhance the camp's capacity and versatility.

The building, a marvel of design and functionality, encompasses a 100-foot width framed by expansive 80-foot hangar-style doors, promising a transformative open-air pavilion experience. These doors, a unique feature, facilitate large gatherings, offering shelter and open-air access to the lush surroundings, including the picturesque horse pasture and barn areas. The structure also features multiple 30-foot doors that streamline storage and vehicle maintenance, shielding valuable equipment from inclement weather.

Strategically positioned near the top of a hill, the building will serve as a focal point during camp meetings, expected to draw thousands, including both Hispanic and English-speaking communities, for a historic joint camp meeting scheduled for September 27-28. This prime location not only offers breathtaking views but also symbolizes the importance of the new facility in the camp's future. The facility is poised to become a crown jewel at Camp Mohaven, further enriched by envisioned RV and tent camping expansions along the adjacent tree lines.

This development is more than a building; it's a step forward in nurturing our community's spiritual and recreational needs, ensuring that Camp Mohaven remains a beacon of fellowship and spiritual growth.

Stay connected with the Ohio Conference's digital platforms for continuous updates on this project and more.

Ohio Conference Hosts Inaugural Elders Retreat to Empower Evangelistic Leadership

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Sat, 27 Apr 2024 02:41:12 GMT

On April 26th and 27th, 2024, the Ohio Conference hosted its inaugural Elders Retreat at Camp Mohaven in Danville, Ohio. The retreat, designed to foster spiritual leadership among church elders, featured Pastor David M. Klinedinst as the guest speaker, who focused on "Living an Evangelistic Life."

The event, which began with check-in at 4 PM on the 26th, convened elders from across the conference's territory. Throughout the two-day retreat, presentations and activities centered on integrating evangelism into daily life, aiming to enrich the participants' ministry skills.

The three Ohio Conference officers, Bob Cundiff, Executive Secretary Oswaldo Magaña, and Treasurer Roy M. Simpson, were not only present but actively engaged in the retreat, underscoring its significance for the church's leadership and evangelistic initiatives.

The Elders Retreat reflects the Ohio Conference's ongoing efforts to support and develop church leadership in alignment with the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission of community service and global outreach. As the event concluded, the gathered elders were expected to return to their communities, equipped with enhanced insights and strategies for evangelistic engagement.

Ohio Conference Announces New Camp Meeting Date

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 17:54:32 GMT

The Ohio Conference has announced a new date for this year's camp meeting at Camp Mohaven, as detailed in a letter sent by Elder Bob Cundiff to pastors and church members yesterday. Due to construction delays, the rescheduled gathering is now set for September 27-28. The camp meeting will feature a joint celebration for both the Hispanic and English-speaking churches and will include the dedication of the new building.

Please refer to the letter below for details.

Dear Pastors and Members,

On April 16, 2024, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee voted to reschedule our 2024 camp meeting to September 27 and 28 due to construction delays with our new building at Camp Mohaven. These delays will prohibit us from dedicating the building during our previously scheduled camp meeting dates. The Committee felt that an adjusted schedule allowing us to dedicate the new building would be a more rewarding experience for our members than conducting camp meetings in a tent next to a large construction project.

This year marks a significant milestone for our constituency as we celebrate the completion of the new building at Camp Mohaven. In line with our theme of “Building for Eternity,” we are excited to announce that we will hold a joint camp meeting for our Hispanic and English-speaking congregations for the first time. This occasion will also serve as the dedication ceremony for our new facility, symbolizing a new chapter in our ministry. This historic event will undoubtedly fill the new building and position our territory for a high Sabbath. It will provide an opportunity for members throughout our territory to come together, worship, and celebrate the "Building for Eternity" campaign.

We deeply appreciate your understanding and flexibility regarding the change. Please adjust your calendars accordingly, make plans now to attend, and invite others. We value your presence and look forward to sharing this significant event with you.

May God bless you as you prepare for this significant event, and I eagerly anticipate celebrating with each of you.

Yours in service,

Bob Cundiff

President, Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Peter Simpson Accepts Call at North Pacific Union Conference

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Fri, 29 Mar 2024 13:54:50 GMT

Peter Simpson has accepted a call to join the North Pacific Union Conference as a vice president for Hispanic ministries and ministerial director.

He joined the Ohio Conference 12 years ago as a district pastor in the Greater Cleveland area. His journey was fueled by a passion for ministry inherited from his missionary parents. Simpson later became the director of Hispanic Ministries and Church Planting.

This role highlighted his exceptional leadership skills and underscored his deep-seated drive for evangelism, which helped the Ohio Conference to new heights in baptisms and church plantings. In 2023, Simpson was appointed Director for Multilingual Ministries, Church Planting, and Evangelism at the Ohio Conference.

Peter Simpson's journey in ministry, spanning over 33 years across various countries, embodies a life dedicated to the service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. From his early days as a district pastor to other roles at both conference and union levels and even as a conference president, Simpson's work has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change.

His academic pursuits, culminating in a doctorate in pastoral ministry, have further enriched his ministry, equipping him with the knowledge and insight to lead effectively and with compassion. Alongside him, his wife, Carolina Simpson, has been a pillar of support and an active participant in ministry, leaving an indelible mark on the Ohio Conference community. As Peter and Carolina Simpson embark on this new chapter, their absence will be profoundly felt within the Ohio Conference. Their legacy of faithfulness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the mission will continue to inspire those they have led and served.

The Ohio Conference extends its heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Peter and Carolina Simpson as they answer this new call.

Columbus Ghanaian Church Hosts Police Officers For Digital Safety Talk

Sat, 23 Mar 2024 03:28:04 GMT

Today, Columbus Ghanaian Church hosted two officers from the city's Police Department to educate members on cyber crimes and how to avoid them. The cops' talk was part of the church's audio-visual and communication day activities to celebrate media ministries and honor their dedicated volunteers.

Officers Kofi Owusu-Ansah and Aldolph Adu-Owusu shared invaluable insights on how to stay safe in the digital world. They emphasized the importance of being cautious when using the Internet, email, and social media. Owusu-Ansah highlighted a common tactic used by cybercriminals: initiating communication under the pretense of offering something positive, only to turn it into a negative experience.

He advised that should someone make contact, offering to sell a Mercedes Benz for $5,000 in 2024, with features like a sunroof and leather seats as part of a complete package, yet asking for payment through gift cards, the scenario should raise suspicions because the proposition doesn't seem legitimate. He also shared how to detect online romance scams and the need to prevent them.

The officers advised that young people should be mindful of what they post online because their digital footprints could impact their careers or hurt them when looking for jobs. They recommended that parents monitor what their kids do online and check their minors' usage of messaging apps to prevent potential risks.

A question and answer session allowed members to ask cyber and general questions. Responding to traffic laws concerns, Aldolph Adu-Owusu said one should not run when police pull them over because the officer has a weapon for a reason. He added that drivers should show respect even when they do not understand something. The officers cautioned members to refrain from arguing with the police when they issue citations since that won't change their decisions. They suggested the need to provide information when asked for.

The church leaders commended the officers for their presentation. Sampson K. Twumasi, the church's senior pastor, offered special prayers for the officers and asked for God's protection and blessings as they served the community. The church presented Certificates of honor to some members for their dedication and commitment to the church's audio-visual and communication department.

Francis Tuffour, Digital Media and Communication director of the Ohio Conference preached a sermon titled: "Digital Discipleship: Spreading Faith in the Modern World" and commended the church for its robust media ministries, which has led to over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and regular programs on Hope TV and 3ABN in Ghana. He encouraged the church to harness digital tools to reach people where they are. He urged the church to integrate artificial intelligence strategically and ethically. He stressed the call to "make disciples of all nations" includes online because that is where most people are.

Mansfield Adventist School Wins Robotics Competition

Sun, 17 Mar 2024 00:22:12 GMT

Mansfield Elementary School's team, the Cooking Cows, won the ultimate prize in the Ohio Conference's fifth Robotics Competition today at Spring Valley Academy.

Two other schools that took the second and third spots were Sparks of Toledo Junior Academy and the Ascent team of Spring Valley Academy, respectively. All three qualified to advance to the Adventist Robotics Championship at the national level in Florida.

The Core Values Award went to Star Bots (Worthington Adventist Academy) for their remarkable enthusiasm, belief in teamwork over individual effort, and consistent respect for each other and competitors. Ascent of Spring Valley Academy picked the Innovation Project Award for harnessing various resources for their project, enabling them to dig deeper to understand the problem they found and use creativity to resolve it. The Robotics Masterpiece team from Spring Valley Academy, who exhibited excellence in programming and engineering principles to create an efficient and durable robot to complete their challenge missions, took the Robot Design Award. The Cooking Cows also won the Robot Performance Award. They got the highest score in the robot game; all other teams had 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the judges chose the best score count. The Masterminds of Collegedale Academy Elementary, who traveled from Tennessee, did not leave Ohio empty-handed; they garnered the Rising- All-Star Award, which was dedicated to a team that the judges saw something unique in them and expected outstanding accomplishments from in the future. Besides the team awards, everyone who participated in the competition received medals.

Local organizations that sponsored the event were Kettering College, Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Spring Valley Academy,

and supported by Wright Patterson Airforce Base Education Outreach.

Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, preceded the event, thanked teachers, Pathfinder drum corps, chaperones, sponsors, volunteers, and the participating teams, and offered the closing prayer.

Toledo Junior Academy Opens New Gym

Sat, 17 Feb 2024 04:54:08 GMT

Toledo Junior Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new gymnasium today in Toledo officially.

Shaun Lazarus, the school's principal, in his welcome address, acknowledged some guests and introduced his team of co-workers. Kojo Twumasi, church pastor for Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, welcomed the guests, including pastors from the nearby churches who attended the event. President Bob Cundiff Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, and Roy Simpson, Treasurer from the Ohio Conference, graced the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Dr. Gerald Marsa shared a vision for the academy and expressed an appreciation for the school's support so far. Still, he encouraged people to continue to give so that needed additions could be made to the facility.

Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, emphasized the importance of education that goes beyond academics. He said, "Today is the day we can celebrate the whole child Toledo Junior Academy that gives them the experience of what's to truly be educated fully on a daily basis, not only spiritually, which is first and foremost, not only academically, not only social but also physically." He also commended each person who contributed to the project.

On behalf of the Ohio Conference administration, Roy Simpson presented a check of $100,000 to Toledo Junior Academy for its expansion project.

Katie and Gary Swackhamer appreciated the school board, building committee, and others for their immense contribution to the building project. Dave Pate was honored for his exceptional leadership and dedication to overseeing the construction of the building.

There was a slideshow of visual moments from the ceremonial groundbreaking, with people digging with shovels, structural framework, and roofing to the facility's completion.

Pastor Mike Fortune delivered the dedication message and focused on the foundation of Christian education. He stressed, "It's the cross of Christ and the love of God that is on full display that forms the foundation of Christian education. So more and more students, parents, members, and guests will be drawn closer to Jesus because it's Jesus and the teachings of Jesus that matter, that are foundational and still worth sharing."

Following the ribbon cutting, Pastor Bob Cundiff invited all the children at the ceremony to join him and offered the dedication prayer. Guests toured the new facility with a gym, classrooms, offices, a warming kitchen, and restrooms.

Multilingual Ministries Department Holds Annual Elders' Meeting

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 19:20:13 GMT

Danville, Ohio - The Multilingual Ministries Department of the Ohio Conference successfully conducted its first Elders' Meeting of 2024 from February 9th to 11th at Camp Mohaven. This annual event, aimed at strengthening and training church elders and leaders, saw an impressive turnout of over 100 participants, including 30 newly named elders, marking a significant milestone for them.

Dr. Roger Ruiz enriched the weekend with his insightful presentation on theological issues. Pr. Ruben Ramos, Vice President for Multilingual Ministries from the Columbia Union, graced the event with his presence, supporting and encouraging the gathering.

Pastor Peter Simpson, director of multilingual ministries of Ohio Conference, unveiled new plans, initiatives, and projects for 2024 and beyond, setting a visionary path for the department's future endeavors.

Attendees left the meeting inspired, with many expressing their gratitude for the spiritual nourishment they received. "Hallelujah! We were so blessed this weekend," shared one of the leaders, reflecting the overall sentiment. "We praise the name of the Lord, who strengthens us to continue lighting the world with the gospel," another added.

Celebrating Six Years of Hope: Stereo Adventista Internacional Honors Its Volunteers

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 24 Jan 2024 21:35:42 GMT

On Sunday January 21, the Stereo Adventista Internacional team, Ohio Conference Officers, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate a significant milestone - the sixth anniversary of the radio station's journey through virtual space. Commencing its broadcast on January 26, 2018, Stereo Adventista Internacional has steadfastly delivered a message of hope uninterrupted for six years.

Stereo Adventista Internacional, comprising four stations across major Ohio cities, operates thanks to the dedication of over 50 volunteers from various Hispanic churches within the Ohio Conference. The heart of this endeavor lies in its volunteer staff, whose commitment and effort drive the station's success.

Under the leadership of Pastor Peter Simpson of the Multilingual Ministries Department, and with the support of the Ohio Conference Administration - Elder Bob Cundiff, President; Elder Oswaldo Magaña, Secretary; and Mr. Roy Simpson, Treasurer - a special gala dinner was organized. This event served as a celebration and an expression of gratitude towards the volunteers who have contributed tirelessly to the station's mission.

The evening's program highlighted the crucial roles of live program presenters, radio controllers, correspondents, and editors, acknowledging their voluntary yet meticulous contribution to Stereo Adventista. Following the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to a sumptuous banquet, reflecting the appreciation and respect held for these dedicated individuals.

Stereo Adventista Internacional extended heartfelt thanks to God for His unwavering guidance, the Ohio Conference administration, the director of Multilingual Ministries, each volunteer, and the global audience. Their collective support has been instrumental in enabling the station to be a "Voice of Hope" reaching the world's farthest corners.

Centerville Church Celebrates Installation of New Youth Pastor

Sat, 16 Dec 2023 23:54:56 GMT

Today, the Centerville Church held an installation ceremony for a new youth and children pastor, José L. Medina Jr., and his family. Micheal Goetz, the church's lead pastor, expressed gladness for the presence of the new pastoral family.

Goetz stated that when the search committee met, they claimed Ephesians 4:11, "So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers," he read out. He continued, "And so we claim, Lord, we don't want to pick our own pastor. We want you to pick our pastor. You promised Christ himself gave. And so we claimed it for the Centerville Church. Christ, will you give us the right pastor? Look at this name. Look at this family." When it came to José's family, they asked, "What about this? And God opened the door, and we stepped in." Centerville Church was looking for a pastor with a passion for mobilizing members to share Jesus and, at the same time, "looking for an opportunity to serve in a church family with a vibrant youth ministry."

Goetz shared that José had his bachelor's degree in Theology and minors in public evangelism and biblical languages from Union College, Nebraska, and his Master's of Divinity (M.Div.) with an emphasis in youth and adult ministry and preaching. José's primary responsibilities include the youth, children, young adults, and media ministry.

Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, the Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, presented a ministerial credential to the new pastor. He said. "It is a privilege and a pleasure to grant you your credential, to be able to be authorized, to fulfill your duties as an ordained pastor here in the Centerville Church and throughout Ohio and the entire world." Pastor Oswaldo later prayed for José and his family.

Ohio Conference Celebrates Church Planting Festival

Sat, 14 Oct 2023 23:38:59 GMT

Today, Ohio Conference celebrated its first church planting festival at Spring Valley Academy in Centerville, Ohio, in recognition of the new status of 25 churches. Following a welcome address from Peter Simpson, who doubles as Multilingual Ministries and Church Planting Director of the Ohio Conference, there was a series of songs from the praise team and sisters Harline and Denia Tucker.

There was a colorful congregation parade where all the 25 churches with their representative that took part in the event lined up and walked through the middle aisle of Fritzsche Center for Worship and Performing Arts. The churches, with a leader holding specially designed banners with the name of the church boldly inscribed on the banner, marched majestically to the main stage when Javier Santana and Wanda Lugo, who emceed and served as English and Spanish interpreters took turns to call the churches.

Today's event was the crowning celebration of a church planting caravan held on October 6 and 7, 2023, when a conference-wide mass of church plants and organization ceremonies for 25 churches were held simultaneously. During the caravan ceremony, six new groups officially became church plants, five churches attained mission church status, and 14 churches became organized churches.

The church planting festival drew special guests from the North American Division, Columbia Union Conference, and Ohio Conference.

José Cortes Jr., Associate Director of the North American Division Ministerial Association, said, "The Division has 1.2 million members. North American division is the largest division when it comes to geographic territory. Now, out of all this big territory, there is not one place where the church is multiplying faster than in Ohio Conference." On behalf of the North American Division, he thanked the members and the Ohio Conference leadership for contributing to church growth. He also commended Peter Simpson for his remarkable role in church planting.

Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president, delivered a sermon titled "You Will See Greater Things Than These" and shared how the conference exceeded its evangelism goal through God's leading. He reported that in 2021, the conference recorded 830 baptisms. The baptisms jumped to 907 in 2022; the current baptism was 944. He was optimistic that in 2023, the conference would witness its first 1,000 baptisms in a single year. He stressed, "When we rest in Jesus, when we commit our lives to Him, when we are faithful to Him, we have great things, but we will see greater things than these." He noted the conference's mission, "I believe this is only the beginning. As wonderful things as we have seen, there is more blessing, and there is more joy. We have 14,500 members in the Ohio Conference. So, there are many people around us who still need to experience salvation. They still need to have their hearts connected with their Heavenly Father."

There were short video testimonies and historical overviews of how some of the 25 churches started and the roles of key people. Some churches, lay church planters, mother churches, and pastors received certificates of recognition, medals, pins, and other awards for their unique contributions to church planting in the territory of the Ohio Conference.

In his speech, Frank Bondurant, vice president for Ministries Development of the Columbia Union Conference, thanked the Ohio Conference administration and Peter Simpson for their vision and what God has been doing through them. "Brothers and sisters in Ohio, this has been a great day, but the best is yet to come. Stay faithful. Keep moving forward. Jesus is coming soon," he added.

Pastor Rubén A. Ramos, Multilingual Ministries Director at Columbia Union Conference, talked about the need for a church on every corner, appealed, and invited people who would like to plant new churches. Those who responded to the appeal received replica church buildings.

Camp Mohaven Building Update

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Thu, 12 Oct 2023 16:25:05 GMT

The Camp Mohaven project, Building for Eternity, got significant momentum this morning with foundation concrete footers pouring. Please continue to pray for the campaign as we build together.

Here are some of the pictures.

Ohio Conference Postpones Holy Land Trip

ftuffour@ohioadventist.org (Ohio Conference) — Wed, 11 Oct 2023 18:46:23 GMT

The Ohio Conference has postponed its planned trip to Israel due to the ongoing conflict in the region. Read the complete statement here:

Beavercreek Church Celebrates Community Guest Day

Sat, 16 Sep 2023 22:26:06 GMT

Today, Beavercreek Seventh-day Adventist Church held a community guest day that brought officials from the city council, education, healthcare, and human and social service providers. The community leaders who attended today’s event were Daniel Tryon, president of Soin Medical Center and Greene Memorial of Kettering Health, Spencer Hannah, principal of Spring Valley Academy, Dr. Alex Johnson, president of Central State University, Sharon Fulcher, Director of Feed the Creek, Michelle Collier, Executive Director, Good Neighbor House, Dr. Paul Hoover, Senior Ambassador, Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), Councilman Don Adams, Council Member, City of Beavercreek, and Bob Stone, Mayor of Beavercreek.

In his welcome address, Delthony Gordon, lead pastor of Beavercreek church, described the collaborative relationship between the church and community leaders, “It’s a privilege to be in a community, a vibrant community, which we engage each other, support each other and serve together for that improvement that we have here in Beavercreek.” Daniel Tyron, who represented Kettering Health, expressed gratitude and commended the church for its presence in the community. He thanked the church members for their support to hospital staff and patients. He said, “Time you put in prayer for the people that are in need and hurting and in pain across the community. We see the blessing of that prayer and blessing of God's presence.” Mayor Stone shared that Beavercreek is known for different types of churches. “We're blessed to have a real variety in this community, and it is the variety of the people and the different experiences that they bring that make this community great,” he added. He praised the church for its contribution to the city. Other leaders took turns to deliver their greetings and messages.

To show its appreciation, the church presented gifts to all the guests. Joel Halladay, an elder of the church, led the special prayer for community leaders following an invitation for them to come to the front of the sanctuary.

Preaching the “Cornerstones of Our Faith” sermon, Delthony shared 5 Bible-based truths on creation, God’s commandments, Jesus Christ, His death on the cross, and His Second Coming. He then stressed that the Seventh-day Adventist Church got its name because members believe in God as a Creator, His unchanging laws, and His First and Second Coming.

The service ended with Adventist Hymnal 213, "Jesus Is Coming Again," and scriptural benediction from Joe Gilford. Guests and members had a fellowship meal together after the service.

Columbus Ghanaian Church Launches Young Ladies Ministries

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:24:02 GMT

Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church recently launched Young Ladies Ministries. Before the inauguration, the church conducted a week-long prayer service and Bible studies led by Abigail Nuro, Jolien Kusi, and Mercy Acheampong. The event, culminating in a Sabbath service with songs from Melodians, Explorers, and Kyla Abban singing groups, had six ladies leading the Sabbath School who took turns facilitating each day's lesson from Saturday to Sunday.

The young ladies followed the youth band in a beautiful processional march to the front of the sanctuary. Some sister Adventist churches sent their solidarity messages in person and virtually.

In her sermon, the guest speaker, Diana Frimpong, Women’s Ministries Director of North America Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventists (NAGSDA), emphasized women's uniqueness. She said, “God made you in His image, designed you for His purpose and glory. God created you and created you for a purpose. God has called you to be different.”

Recounting the history of the young ladies' ministries, Dr. Patricia Serwaa Afrifa, the Women’s Ministries leader of the Columbus Ghanaian church, praised the past leaders of the department, church pastor, and elders for their immense contributions to the ministry's success. She further commended all the ladies for their roles in setting up the group and prayed for its sustenance.

Sampson Twumasi, church pastor, and Diana, the guest speaker who officiated the inaugural service, presented 55 young ladies as initial group members. The young ladies sang two special songs following the inauguration: “Vessel of Honor” and “ Ebenezer.” Hanna Acheampong and Phillis Okyere serve as the new ministry's president and secretary, respectively.

A Church Called Evergreen

Wed, 13 Sep 2023 16:04:00 GMT

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

Ohio Conference Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony at Camp Mohaven

Sat, 09 Sep 2023 03:05:49 GMT

The leadership and members of the Ohio Conference held a groundbreaking ceremony today to mark the beginning of constructing a multi-purpose pavilion for young people within its territory. The event, which was part of the 2023 camp meeting, took place at Mohaven, the conference’s destination for camp and retreat.

The building project under the theme “Building For Eternity” is to erect a facility to support the youth's physical and spiritual development, which is in line with the vision of the past officials of Ohio Conference who purchased the 700-acre property in 1961. Bob Cundiff, president of the conference who recently chaired a virtual meeting and shared campaign vision with constituents, disclosed that one of the most common questions people ask him as he visited churches has been what leaders were doing to keep the youth in the church. To him, what the conference has started would go beyond concrete and steel. He said, “Yes, we are raising money to build a building, but the erection of a facility is not the end goal. Rather, the end goal is to create an environment that provides meaningful spiritual experiences for our children. Raising our children to know and experience Christ is the single most important task of the Ohio Conference.” During today’s Sabbath worship, he retreated that the building would serve as an avenue for kids to deepen their spiritual experience and to help them with mentorship, encouragement, and training.

Ted Huskins, the campaign consultant from Coleman Stewardship Services Inc., made a brief presentation today about the project, “We build buildings because they're tools to accomplish a purpose. And the purpose is to lead young people to Jesus Christ so that they are in heaven with us for all eternity.” He appealed that every member of the Ohio Conference make a “faith-based sacrificial commitment” to achieve the project's goal. All camp meeting attendees received the building campaign brochures with commitment cards with varied giving options that emphasized that each member should consider an amount they could give because it is not equal giving but equal sacrifice.

According to Jo Ottinger, Youth Ministries director for the Ohio Conference, Camp Mohaven has become a center of influence for members who make decisions for Jesus and enhance their commitment. These campers reported how Camp Mohaven impacted their lives: Natalie Reid testified, “If it were not for Camp Mohaven, I wouldn’t be a Christian today. It was there that a youth pastor sat with me and talked me through my faith when I was at my lowest." Virginia Johnson considered Camp Mohaven as her second home, “I have made so many memories there, and I feel connected to God through Mohaven's beautiful nature. My fondest memory is when my sons were baptized there,” she added. Abigael Isoe said, “ I made memories and bonded with other staff and campers.”

However, Camp Mohave has facility challenges. Since there is no building with over 300 seating capacity, it makes indoor events during rainy days impossible. The new pavilion with a gymnasium will provide a multi-functional space for large-scale events and other activities. The building, expected to be completed early next year, would be used for the 2024 camp meeting.

Spring Valley Academy Holds Convocation

Sat, 19 Aug 2023 23:41:12 GMT

Spring Valley Academy began its school year this week and has held a convocation Sabbath service today for staff, families, and students at Fritzsche Center for Worship and Performing Arts on campus in Centerville, Ohio. This year’s convocation theme was “Awe of God.”

During the Sabbath School, Nico Chaij, an alumnus of SVA, shared a testimony about how his great-grandfather named, Nicholas Chaij, who prayed for him as a baby. When Nico was born, his great-grandpa was 91 years old. Both of them were born on January 19. He was a pastor, and he dedicated Nico when he was born. When Nico was nine years old, he was 100 years old, and it was during that time he gave Nico a Spanish Bible with his handwritten message, but he could not read it in Spanish at the time. So the Bible sat on a shelf and collected dust. Some few months after receiving the Bible, his great-grandfather died. After Nico completed high school, he got some impressions to go into ministry. He kept ignoring the prompts until he decided to go to Andrews University to study Theology. Nico saw his great-grandpa’s Bible on his shelf while packing for Andrews. Since he took some high school Spanish classes, he could read then. He found this message on the front cover:

"Dear Nicholas,

Your name has a beautiful meaning. It means a conqueror. I trust that you'll be victorious. Jesus is gonna help you. So I'll see you in heaven with the rest of the family. If the Lord calls you to be a pastor, accept.

Your great grandpapa,

Nicholas." Nico ended his testimony today: "When you say yes to that tug from the Lord in whatever form it might come, I promise you won't regret it.”

In his welcome address, Ken Knudson, High School Vice Principal of SVA, reported it had been an exciting beginning with 64 staff members and a record enrollment of nearly 530 students this year.

In his testimony during the service, the principal, Spencer Hannah, emphasized that God is unpredictable, but he encouraged worshippers to put their trust in God. “You may not always know how it’s gonna work out, but He will make you work out,” Hannah added.

Before offering a special prayer for teachers, the school's Board Chair, Ron Connovich, asked them to hold hands as a gesture of oneness in Christ.

Mark Finley, a renowned Adventist televangelist, and pastor, was a guest speaker. Through his sermon, he pointed out three key things that the worshippers should remember at all times about God:

1. He stressed that “He is the God who cares for you. He will take your little and make something out of it.” He continued and said God’s blessing is beyond imagination because He cares.

2. Finley stated that "He is the God who forgives," and a sinner could have a life devoid of guilt and condemnation through His grace.

3. "He is the God who empowers" believers, and since Jesus is a winner, Christians would win with Him.

“Students, when you're going through some challenges this year, when you're going through some problems this year, when the journey is long in school, when the valley is dark, when the mountain is high, Jesus caress and He knows the solution to the problem, even before that solution manifests to you,” he admonished.

After the service, there was an outdoor bring-your-own family picnic where people gathered and shared their meals.

Miracle of Multiplication: Small Northwood Church Baptizes 54 People

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:59:11 GMT

Families brought their babies for blessing

It is nearly impossible for a church to double or triple its membership after an evangelistic series. But a tiny Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Church in Northwood, a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, with about 15-20 members in average attendance, welcomed 54 new members through baptism following its gospel outreach a few days ago. The event, themed “Summer Blast: Building Lives Around Solid Truth,” had the church's pastor, Kojo Twumasi as host and speaker.

Besides the nightly messages from the speaker, the church provided free clothes, school supplies, food, transportation, music, vacation Bible classes, snow cones, prizes, inflatable bouncy house games, and other giveaways.

Kojo posted on his Facebook page, praised God, and described his congregation as “a small yet determined” that shared the Good News and met the physical and spiritual needs of the people in his community. “As a result, the Lord blessed us with 54 new souls (all non-Adventist). The Lord blessed us in a seemingly impossible place (Northwest Ohio) amongst a seemingly impossible people group (Anglo-Americans), he added.

Kojo commended the immense contribution of about 40 volunteers from Northwood, Toledo, and Parkwood churches. He also expressed appreciation to Bible counselors, In His Word Ministries, and others who supported the campaign through prayers.

Responding to the post, Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, wrote: "What a blessing and joy this series was to these churches and their community. Good strong work Northwood, Toledo, and Parkwood!" During the campaign, Kojo prayed for the sick, and when he invited them for anointing, over 75 people lined up for the service.

Kojo also led a community baby blessing service. The church leaders earlier told the community members to bring their babies to be dedicated, and he blessed seven babies. While the campaign touched the lives of many children and youth, the adults were not left out; adults came along with their young ones. Among the 54 people was a couple; the husband is 95 years old, and his wife is 82, who could not hide their joy about their new lives and kissed each other.

According to Kojo, when they organized the vacation Bible school, they expected 55 kids, but it ballooned to about 100 kids. About seven vacation Bible school students were baptized. All the children who participated were given certificates after completion and awards.

Kojo’s dad, Sampson Twumasi, senior pastor of Columbus Ghanaian church, came to support his son during the baptismal service. Immediately after the campaign, Kojo began new believers’ Bible study and is looking forward to starting the children's Bible study classes shortly.

A 95-year-old husband and his 82-year-old wife kissing after baptism

Ohio Conference Baptizes 13 Young People at Summer Camp

Wed, 16 Aug 2023 19:24:09 GMT

The Ohio Conference ended its 2023 summer youth camp at Camp Mohaven, celebrating young people giving their lives to Jesus and expressing their decisions publicly through baptisms. The camp, organized on different dates for diverse age groups, began with the Cub Camp for the kids between 6-9 years on June 11-17, followed by the Junior Camp on June 18-24 for ages 9-12. The Tween campers also had their turn on June 25-July 1. Between July 2-9, a family camp was scheduled for all ages, and the Teen campers attended on July 9-15.

This year’s camp, themed: “The Ultimate Promise,” had four pastors who came to speak to the attendees as follows: Cub Camp: Quentin Purvis, Junior Camp: Dale Sheridan, Tween Camp: Johnny Villamil, Family Camp, and Teen Camp: Jeff Akenberger. A week before the arrival of the campers, the camp staff came to the venue to ensure everything was lined up for successful camping. Apart from their physical preparation, the staff crowned their meeting with an agape meal and the Lord’s supper.

Joseph Ottinger, the new Youth Ministries Director of Ohio Conference, who started his role in January this year, noted, “This year has been a unique experience for me as the first year that I've been directly involved with summer Camp Ministry. I've been very excited about the staff that we've had. It's a group of young people who are committed to Jesus and developing a relationship on their own with him, as well as helping campers have a fun experience at Camp Mohaven, but also deepen their relationship with Jesus.” He complimented his administrative staff and managers of Camp Mohaven for their unique contributions.

Elias Esquivel, Camp Mohaven Ranger, emphasized the blessings of camping, “It always amazes me that summer camp is such a powerful tool for young people, for adults, and everybody, and anyone that comes through the summer camp program. When you leave, you leave blessed. And I think one of the main reasons is because you learn how to become a blessing to others.”

The campers received spiritual messages, performed group activities, and socialized with others. One of the key highlights was the baptism ceremonies held on different days for the 13 people who got baptized. “What I like about camp is working in a group and as a team. That has given me vibe and environment, and also being able to minister to campers and seeing one of my campers got baptized,” reports Patrick Niyonzima, camp staff member. While some campers were frequent attendees, others had it for the first time. Sharing her experience, Shania Mamarimbing, a first-time camper, said, “The teamwork among the staff and everyone has really impressed me. Everyone is always willing to help each other no matter what.”

Kim Myers, Assistant Director for the summer camp who could not hide her joy, shared: “I always enjoy watching the many ways God works at summer camp. His blessings and miracles have continued throughout this summer as well. It has been a pleasure to work with our staff and interact with our campers this summer.” Ottinger also expressed his excitement about the young people who gave their lives to Jesus in baptisms.

Marietta Church, in Partnership, Initiates Homeless Services

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 03:03:58 GMT

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Marietta Seventh-day Adventist Church collaborated with Team God Foundation and Parkersburg SDA Church in an initiative for the homeless in Mid-Ohio Valley.

The partnership to support the homeless was led by Israel Okyere, associate pastor for Marietta Seventh-day Adventist Church, and Stewart Pepper, lead pastor of Parkersburg SDA Church. The members of the churches who took part in the event offered prayers, counseling services, food, Steps to Christ, and Key to Happiness books to the homeless.

Okyere shared that the collaboration would allow them to pull the needed resources together and positively impact the lives of people without housing. “Our mission is to provide not just immediate relief but also long-term solutions that empower individuals to regain stability and rebuild their lives,” he added. Other services the churches will offer in the future include providing meals, clothing, access to shelter, and hygiene items. They also look forward to joining like-minded organizations to facilitate job training and educational opportunities that can best address homelessness.

The initial outreach saw widespread support and interest from the community members willing to participate in the initiative.

Columbus Ghanaian Church-English Service Celebrates Baptisms

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 02:49:01 GMT

On June 17, 2023, Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church (English Service) ended its eagerly anticipated 2023 summer revival in Columbus with a baptism celebration, a transformative event hosted by Sampson Twumasi and Samuel Adjei, church pastors.

The church was filled every evening as members and guests gathered to listen to powerful messages. The revival, with the theme “Watch Out!” was led by Pastor Kenneth Appiah Kubi, a guest speaker from Canada.

At the end of the event, seven people took a bold step by publicly declaring their faith through baptism. In addition to the baptisms, the revival sparked interest in other attendees. “We also have about five more people signed up for Bible studies. Glory be to God!” Pastor Adjei said.

Hispanic Ministries Camp Meeting Focuses on Church Planting

Sat, 17 Jun 2023 02:54:59 GMT

The Hispanic Ministries held its regional camp meeting at Spring Valley Academy today, Sabbath, June 17, 2023, in Dayton. This year's camp meeting for Hispanic churches was organized regionally, unlike the past years, where all had a single camp meeting. Ruth Sandoval, followed by the praise team, led the attendees in a series of inspiring songs.

The camp meeting, under the theme “Planting Churches, Harvesting Salvation,” focused on starting new congregations. Four newly-planted company churches from Cincinnati, Vandalia, Middletown, and a Haitian community within the Ohio Conference were presented and recognized. Pastor Peter Simpson, the Hispanics Ministries director, thanked God for what He is doing in soul-winning. He emphasized the mission of a church, “The church is to reach out to those who have not been reached.” Pastor Simpson invited Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary and Elder Roy M. Simpson, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, to lead in the presentation of certificates of recognition to church planting leaders. Nubia Mejia, secretary of Hispanic Ministries, shared that the four groups have met the requirements to become mission churches due to their numerical and financial strengths. Pastor Oswaldo assured that the four new churches would be organized later this year.

Peter Simpson reported on Hispanic Ministries what God has done for the past five years. One thousand six hundred seventy-five people were baptized, membership of Hispanic churches grew from 1,313 to 2,718, and churches increased from 18 to 34 during the period under review. Tithe saw an increase of 126%. On media ministry, Pastor Simpson reported that the Spanish Ministries' online radio, Stereo Adventista, with four locations in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Toledo, reaches more than 100,000 people in 20 US states and over 100 countries.

Pastor Oswaldo commended Pastor Simpson for his excellent leadership in the Hispanic Ministries. He also disclosed that the Ohio Conference had reconfigured the department, now called multilingual ministries, a move to reach other non-English speaking communities in the Ohio Conference.

Pastor José Espositó delivered the sermon centered his message on Joshua chapter 2, a story of the spies and how Rahab hid them. He pointed out that Rahab wanted salvation not for herself only but for her entire family. Pastor Espositó stated that when the spies kept their promise Rahab and her household were saved, meaning when one is saved, a whole family or house is blessed and impacted.

Pastor Espositó stressed Rahab was the black sheep in her family but brought salvation to her mother, father, and the entire family. “Jesus comes from the lineage of a harlot, Rahab. Because God forgives, don’t stick to the past, there will be no sinners in heaven, but forgiven sinners,” he added. Following his appeal, several people gave their lives to Jesus.

Woman Receives Instant Baptism at Beach

Sun, 11 Jun 2023 02:40:21 GMT

When a group of pastors led by Peter Simpson, Hispanic Ministries, Evangelism, and Church Planting Director of the Ohio Conference, went to inspect a site for a mass baptism in late May 2023, they met a woman by the name Valerie at Delaware State Park beach, a destination to boaters, swimmers, nature lovers, and hikers.

Pastor Simpson asked one of the pastors to enter the water to try the ground and check if sand or rocks were in the bottom, and Valerie came to them. Valerie, who saw these men were not at the beach for fun, boldly asked them what they were looking for. Pastor Simpson told her that they would be conducting a baptism at the beach in a few days and were looking for the right spot. She immediately jumped into the water, saying: “Will you practice baptism? Can you practice with me?” Then Pastor Simpson asked her, “Do you really want to be baptized today? It’s something you really want to do today?” And she gave a quick-smiling answer saying: “Yes, I really want to do it today.”

Pastor Simpson asked her if she believed the Word of God and wanted to be baptized to accept Jesus, and she answered in the affirmative. He then called one of the pastors to baptize her based on her faith. “Praise the Lord. This is a good day. Praise the Lord. Amen. God is wonderful. Amen. Hallelujah. One more person for the kingdom of God,” Pastor Simpson said joyfully. After a prayer for her, Valerie was baptized instantly on that day.

Valerie asked for the nearest Seventh-day Adventist Church she could join and was given church addresses. She was full of joy after her baptism

Ohio Conference Re-elects Officers in 43rd Constituency Meeting

Sun, 04 Jun 2023 02:29:27 GMT

This is a subtitle for your new post

On Sunday, June 4, 2023, the Ohio Conference held its 43rd regular constituency meeting, voting in officers for the next five-year term.

Over 300 delegates across the conference attended the session, held at the Worthington church in Columbus.

The delegates received reports from conference leadership, re-elected officers and voted in executive committee members for the next five years. They also received seven new congregations into the sisterhood of churches:

1. Dublin Hispanic, established in Sept. 21, 2019

2. West Columbus Hispanic, Sept. 21, 2019

3. Massillon Connections, May 15, 2021

4. Willard Hispanic, July 31, 2021

5. La Gran Esperanza Hispanic in Columbus, Oct. 1, 2022

6. Dayton African, Oct. 23, 2021

7. Advent Hope International in Worthington, May 6, 2023

Before the commencement of the day's agenda, a delegate initiated a motion to add women's ordination to the agenda created by the executive committee. This led to a discussion on the floor for those who supported and opposed it. The motion failed because it did not get the needed two-thirds vote to pass.

n the president’s report, Bob Cundiff revealed that the total tithe from 2018 to 2022 was $68,286,279, an increase of 34.4 percent compared to the previous quinquennium. The report showed leadership’s prudent financial measures, including balancing the budget, controlled expenses—including at Camp Mohaven—and decreased administrative expenses.

In addition, the leadership implemented the school budget review process, resumed annual treasury training and increased the number of church audits. During the period under review, the conference’s operating net assets increased by 240 percent.

On evangelism, Cundiff reported how the conference surpassed its goal through the 2023 Initiative, a conference-wide drive to baptize 2,023 new members between 2021 and 2023, in comparison to the conference’s yearly historical baptisms of around 300 to 400. On May 27, 2023, the Ohio Conference exceeded its target when it held a mass baptism of 82 people at Delaware Beach Park, marking 2,088 baptisms and surpassing the goal of 2023 decisions by 65.

"We purchased portable baptistries for a campaign [proceeding the baptism] that ended up traveling all over the conference to tents, hotels, schools and rented halls where people were giving their lives to Christ," Cundiff added. Four more people were also baptized on Sunday, making it the first time in history that the Ohio Conference constituency had baptisms.

Cundiff shared that the schools’ enrollment in the conference increased from 850 to 1,000 between 2018 and 2023. "This is the first time in five constituency cycles that the Ohio Conference has not had to close a school," he pointed out.

Woman Receives Instant Baptism at Beach

Valerie asked for the nearest Seventh-day Adventist Church she could join and was given church addresses. She was full of joy after her baptism

Centerville Welcomes New Senior Pastor

Sat, 03 Jun 2023 02:20:29 GMT

Installation of pastor goETZ

Today, the Centerville Seventh-day Adventist Church in Dayton, Ohio, held an installation service to welcome a new senior pastor.

Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, Clergy Care, & Leadership Development director of the Ohio Conference, who led the installation, introduced Pastor Micheal Goetz and his family to the Centerville Church family and said, “It has been a long journey to the Centerville Church, I should say, one year and four months that you lost your pastor, but God in His mercy, after much prayer, asking Him to lead, asking Him to guide, asking Him to open doors, God has said yes, I have that person.”

Centerville church's senior pastor position became vacant when Pastor Baldwin Winston passed away on January 30, 2022. Pastor Magaña emphasized how God has guided the replacement process. "Have the assurance that when the church prays and commits to God's will, He will always lead us to the person He has already selected,” he added.

Pastor Goetz started his pastoral ministry in Pennsylvania. He also served as a police chaplain in the same state following his undergraduate studies in theology at Montemorelos University in Mexico. He later joined the Pioneer Memorial Church pastoral team located on the campus of Andrews University as associate pastor. Goetz also ministered as lead pastor for Campion Adventist church and Campion Academy in Loveland, Colorado. He earned his Master of Divinity (MDiv.) and a Doctorate in Ministry (DMin, emphasis in homiletics) degrees from Seventh-day AdventistTheological Seminary at Andrews University. His hobbies include running and reading. His wife, Melanie, who is gifted in music, also enjoys running. In addition, she is a dental hygienist. They have two children, a boy, and a girl.

In his sermon "Give Me That Mountain," Goetz called his new church members to open their hearts to God’s promises. “By the Living Word, beloved, I shall prevail, you shall prevail, the church of God will prevail. Because I am standing on the promises of God, nothing more, nothing less. You want to know what I care about as a pastor (lifting his Bible), the promises. Let’s go, Let’s go,” he added. He then invited the congregation to sing Seventh-day Adventist Hymn 518, "Standing on the Promises," to end his sermon.

Ohio Conference Baptizes Over 70 People

Sat, 27 May 2023 01:36:06 GMT

Ohio Conference Welcomes Over Seventy People Through Baptism

Today, the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church held mass baptism at Delaware Beach Park to climax its 2023 initiative. Most people who got baptized during the ceremony came from the Hispanic churches.

In 2021, the leadership began a conference-wide evangelistic drive dubbed: “2023 Initiative” to baptize 2,023 new members by the year 2023. Before today’s ceremony, the conference needed 17 baptisms to meet its goal, but more than 70 people were baptized, exceeding the target before the end of the year. “In the Ohio Conference, historically, we baptize between 300 and 400 people a year. The highest year of baptism we’ve ever had in our conference’s history was 2016. We baptized about 530,” Dr. Bob Cundiff (D.Min), president of the Ohio Conference, shared.

Church members who attended the event showed joy through applause when the 2,023rd person was presented for baptism. Dr. Cundiff gave him a family bible as a gift. He welcomed the new members into the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. He also thanked the leaders and church members for their roles in leading souls to Christ.

Pastor Peter Simpson, Hispanic Ministries Coordinator, sharing his experience on the event, praised God. He stressed that evangelism would continue in the Ohio territory. “This is just the conclusion of the initiative, but not the conclusion of the Gospel. We are pushing the Gospel. We are still calling people to be part of this Church,” he added.