The World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020, declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak a global pandemic. Since then, life as we have known it has changed in many ways.

Tragically, millions have suffered from the disease and the death toll is nearing three million. COVID, however, is only one kind of suffering faced by many. Families around the world have suffered the loss of loved ones. Regardless of one’s country, race, or socioeconomic standing, such losses are painful.

“The loss of a spouse, a family member, or a good friend has made grief a common denominator regardless of one’s race, religion, or social standing,” says Larry Evans, Adventist Possibility Ministries (APM) global director. He adds, “We are one humanity. We are together in this.”

In the midst of these challenging times, APM is reaching out with love, support, and hope. 

“A webinar will not erase the hurt, but we can learn to press together and find that which will bring us a lasting hope and perhaps a unique kind of ‘joy.’” says Evans.

APM invites all to join this webinar as those with special expertise and those who have suffered their own loss share how they have learned to face the future without a loved one.

Dr. Ann Hamel is the featured speaker. Hamel received her Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Andrews University (Michigan, U.S.), and a Doctor of Ministry degree in formational counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary (Ohio, U.S.). She served as a missionary on the African continent for 11 years and practices psychology at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She also provides care and support for missionaries serving globally for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly during times of crisis.

The webinar will be in English, but soon it will be available in other languages, Deaf language included. It will be presented in three global time zones:

• ASIA & OCEANIA: Manila 3 p.m., Sydney 5 p.m.

• EUROPE & AFRICA: London 4 p.m., Johannesburg 5 p.m.

• AMERICAS: Washington D.C. 7:30 p.m., Brasilia 8:30 p.m. 

The webinar is the first series dealing with paramount issues related to the seven branches of APM.

About Adventist Possibility Ministries

In order to meet their mission for the underprivileged, the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has established Adventist Possibility Ministries. This is a ministry focused on caring through promoting attitudes and practices of inclusiveness. It is about helping individuals, regardless of physical, emotional, or mental limitations, discover their untapped possibilities.

Please join this free webinar on April 24, 2021. More information may be found here.

This article was originally published on the Inter-European Division’s news site.