The competition brought together students from various educational institutions across the country and is part of the IRO circuit, which promotes the development of robotics and technology skills through hands-on learning.

GALA-BOT was designed as an interactive guide that provides information on the biodiversity and history of the Galápagos Islands. Students combined programming, electronics, artificial intelligence, and robotic movement systems to develop the prototype.

The robot combines voice recognition and computer vision, technologies that enable GALA-BOT to interact with people and process information from its environment. The robot aims to leverage these tools to bring knowledge of the islands closer to locals and visitors.

After winning first place, the robotics club team plans to improve GALA-BOT's structure and continue developing their technological capabilities.

The team plans to participate in Mostratec Liberato, a science and technology fair held in Brazil.

The original article was published on the South American Division news site.

The 6,200-square-foot laboratory and cleanroom infrastructure will serve as a regional hub for developing advanced treatments to help patients fight cancer and other complex diseases.

Issued through the highly competitive, peer-reviewed NIH C06 Biomedical Research Facilities Program, the grant represents LLUH’s largest infrastructure grant from the NIH to date. The project will also be supported by substantial institutional investment from LLUH.

The new facility will house dedicated research teams focused on researching, developing, and manufacturing advanced therapeutic agents. Key areas of development will include CAR T/NK cells and T-regulatory cells, gene therapy, and regenerative medicine. These innovative modalities will target conditions ranging from cancers and sickle cell disease to various hematological, neurological, and immune disorders, accelerating the transition of discoveries from the lab directly to clinical application.

“This funding is extremely important in helping to bring new clinical trials and new discoveries to patients in our region,” said Travis Losey, vice president for Research Affairs at LLUH.

“This is a validation of the work being done here at Loma Linda University Health that’s being favorably recognized by reviewers at a national level.”

As the only academic center facility of its kind in the area, the new lab will be instrumental in providing advanced cellular therapies to the local population. It will strengthen LLUH’s capacity to advance cellular therapies from bench to bedside. Beyond patient care, the facility is designed to expand LLUH's research infrastructure and footprint, and foster vital collaboration among regional academic, healthcare, and industry partners. 

LLUH representatives said the construction of the cellular therapy lab aligns with one of LLUH’s major institutional goals: achieving designation as a National Cancer Institute cancer center. Mark Reeves, director of Loma Linda University Cancer Center, has led research teams in developing plans for future designation, while Eric Schilt, vice president for Campus Development, has collaborated with leadership to design spaces to serve these teams.

This new grant award arrives within one year of a US$9 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. The state grant funds the Center of Excellence for Cell, Gene, and Regenerative Medicine in the Inland Empire and Desert region, which will be housed inside the new facility. This center is headed by Hisham Abdel-Azim, MD, MS, division chief of Transplant and Cell Therapy/Hematological Malignancies, whom Losey said has been instrumental in leading research for advanced therapies.

“This is synergistic—building a research lab facility to be used in conjunction with the research program that’s receiving funding from the state,” Losey said. “Things are coming together.”

The original article was published on the Loma Linda University news site.

Pastors, lay preachers, Bible teachers, digital missionaries, church elders, and local church members participated in the campaign by leading Bible studies and prayer meetings and engaging in personal outreach and evangelistic activities. Their efforts culminated in simultaneous evangelistic meetings held across the country October 1–3.

In Farooqabad, Northern Section (NPS), Roseller Zamora, AWR360 associate director, delivered messages centered on salvation, hope, and spiritual renewal. Meanwhile, Robert Dulay, AWR360 regional director, led evangelistic meetings in Hyderabad, Southern Section (SPS), encouraging attendees to deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ and make personal decisions of faith. PKU and section administrators, local pastors, church elders, and volunteers supported both meetings.

The baptisms followed months of preparation, personal Bible studies, pastoral ministry, and outreach. Those baptized included individuals and whole families who responded to the gospel and chose to join the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

To support newly baptized members, PKU has developed a four-phase follow-up and discipleship plan that runs from late October through December. The first phase will bring pastoral visits and Bible studies to communities in NPS. In November, the second and third phases will focus on discipleship training, prayer, fellowship, and digital missionary engagement. In the final phase in December, ministry teams will visit Karachi, Hyderabad, and surrounding communities in SPS with further nurturing activities planned alongside local church leaders.

Azmat Emmanuel, PKU Communication director, expressed gratitude to AWR and local church members. "Every baptism is a testimony of God's transforming love," he said. “Our responsibility now is to nurture these new believers and help them grow as faithful disciples of Christ.”

The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.

Held September 30 to October 3, the festival was organized by GEMA Editores in partnership with Mexico's five Seventh-day Adventist Unions and UM. The program featured training for aspiring authors, book and devotional launches, reading initiatives, activities centered on literature evangelism, and a special tribute to veteran author Félix Cortés.

For UM, the emphasis on literature evangelism is closely connected to student life. During winter and summer breaks, hundreds of students participate in campaigns across Mexico, distributing books and using their earnings to help finance their education.

Tomás Torres, vice president of the Inter-American Division (IAD) and the first president of GEMA Editores during its years as a publishing house, told participants that student literature evangelism made his own university education possible.

“If it had not been for student literature evangelism, I would not be here, because it was the only way I could pay for eight years as a boarding student,” Torres said.

Drawing from his experience, Torres described the journey behind every book, from the author and editorial team to the printer, publishing house, and literature evangelist before it finally reaches a reader.

Training future writers

The festival opened with a course for aspiring writers at UM’s School of Theology chapel. Sessions offered practical guidance on overcoming the difficulty of beginning a manuscript; developing arguments; conducting research; organizing ideas; and strengthening cohesion, coherence, and language.

César Sánchez, an editor and author who helped lead the training, emphasized research as essential to providing readers with relevant, accurate, and useful information. He also encouraged writers to adapt their language to the audience they hope to reach.

“The line of argument is a key part of a text,” Sánchez said. “It provides the foundation for the reasoning, while evidence offers useful and verifiable information that directly supports the main point.”

Participants also learned from authors connected with the university community, including Guadalupe Suzunaga, educator and coordinator of education programs and author of Voces silenciosas (Silent Voices); Javier Girarte, author of books for teachers, devotional materials, and children’s publications; and Cortés, a UM graduate whose works have been distributed in Mexico and abroad.

The educators and specialists at UM make it an ideal setting for identifying and mentoring prospective authors, said José Antonio Gil, vice president for sales and literature evangelism at GEMA Editores.

“We believe there can be a good seedbed here for potential authors of the books the church needs,” he said.

Gil said organizers hope to hold the festival annually at UM and eventually involve the other Adventist higher education institutions in Mexico.

Encouraging a culture of reading

Festival activities extended beyond UM's campus to the Soledad Acevedo de los Reyes Institute, where Girarte presented his children’s book De paseo con las hormigas (A Walk with the Ants).

The presentation was part of “Bienaventurado el que lee” ("Blessed is the One Who Reads"), an initiative of the Northern Mexican Union designed to encourage reading among students.

The festival introduced new publications and devotionals for 2027 and recognized UM employees who support students in literature evangelism.

Honoring a legacy in Adventist publishing

The festival paid special tribute to Cortés, an author and UM alum whose 15 books have reached readers across generations.

Cortés began participating in literature evangelism as a teenager and later served as a pastor, editor, administrator, and educator. The tribute highlighted his book, Un sitio en la cumbre (A Place at the Summit), which is about perseverance in the face of adversity among young people.

Isaías Espinoza, IAD Publishing Ministries director, reported that the book’s various editions, reprints, and translations total approximately 820,000 copies distributed throughout Inter-America, Africa, the Philippines, and other territories.

“This is the best-selling book of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division,” Espinoza said. “God bless this legacy that will transcend this generation and the generations to come.”

The tribute was presented by IAD, GEMA Editores, Mexico's five Unions, and UM.

“As a university, we want to say that we thank God, because He is the one who chooses and inspires people to write messages that are so important to us,” said José Luis Olmos, UM president, as he presented Cortés with a gift on behalf of the institution.

The program also introduced Más allá de la cumbre (Beyond the Summit), Cortés’ latest work, a collection of reflections on individuals who faced adversity and moved beyond their circumstances.

Publications and student literature evangelism

The festival’s final day included a historical overview of the role of publications in sharing the Christian faith, followed by a forum with Adventist institutional and publishing leaders on the development of GEMA Editores in Mexico, editorial production, and the current state of literature evangelism. The discussion also highlighted students from Mexico’s four Adventist universities who distribute publications during school breaks.

“Literature evangelism is a vibrant and growing movement,” said Jorman Méndez, who works in publishing in Mexico City. “Every year, hundreds of students go out during the summer and winter to share the gospel; while financing their university education, they are also developing leadership skills.”

Abdiel Juárez, director of GEMA Editores bookstores, described books as a means of opening doors to relationships with people.

“Students know that books do not have life on their own, but they can become a bridge to reach people and share a message of hope,” Juárez said.

Bringing print and digital together

As the festival concluded, GEMA Editores president Ignacio Navarro urged participants to integrate print publications with digital tools.

“It is not literature versus technology; it is literature plus technology,” Navarro said.

He emphasized that the festival’s impact would depend on what participants put into practice after returning to their churches, classrooms, and publishing ministries.

Organizers hope to expand future Publishing Festivals to include all Adventist universities in Mexico and develop the festival at UM into a national gathering focused on publishing and literature evangelism.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.

Professionals residing in the area treated children, young people, adults, and families, facilitating access to medical care and promoting healthy living.

In addition to providing medical care, the event enabled participating institutions to better understand the community's needs and create spaces for guidance and accompaniment.

For organizers, these actions represent an opportunity to put into practice their commitment to serving people comprehensively, making healthcare a concrete means of contributing to families' well-being and hope.

The health event also strengthened the relationship between participating institutions and the local community.

Organizers said the Seventh-day Adventist Church seeks to bring attention and care directly to communities and reaffirm its commitment to serving people.

The original article was published on the South American Division news site.

The Irpin Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Kyiv region of Ukraine was damaged during a 6am airstrike on October 19. The Kyiv Regional Military Administration has reported 17 people were injured, and one woman was killed during the attacks.

Damages to the church include broken windows and window frames and cracks in the walls.

Members of the local Baptist and Pentecostal Church assisted the Irpin Adventist Church in cleaning and clearing debris. City authorities provided special equipment to remove building debris and broken glass.

The Izium Seventh-day Adventist Church building in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region was destroyed during shelling on the night of October 18. The Main Directorate of the National Police said three people were injured.

Church leaders said a significant part of the walls and roof collapsed, though the front facade survived.

The Adventist community in Izium was founded in 1947 and purchased the building in 2006.

A day earlier, the Khersonu Seventh-day Adventist Church building was damaged in an airstrike on the morning of October 17. The Khersonu Regional Military Administration said eight bombs were dropped over the course of an hour, injuring 22 people. An emergency medical driver was killed in the second strike, the administration said.

Church leaders said many of the church’s windows were broken and its frames and doors were partially damaged.

The building had remained in use until the strike. It previously housed the Adventist DieSlovo Secondary School, which moved online for student safety.

Content for this article was sourced from three articles published on the Ukrainian Union Conference news site.

В Ірпені внаслідок російського удару пошкоджено будівлю Адвентистської церкви

As a result of Russian shelling of Izyum, the building of the Adventist Church was destroyed - Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine

Russian airstrike damaged Adventist church building in Kherson - Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ukraine

After French translations were paused temporarily due to resource constraints, the French-language ANN page is once again up to date.

"Making ANN articles available in French will help increase the impact of the fascinating stories we wish to share with our contemporaries,” said Philippe Leduc, general secretary of the Franco-Belgian Union. “Since not everyone has a sufficient knowledge of English, the world church fully accomplishes its mission by providing its articles beyond the English language, and I rejoice in this."

The Franco-Belgian Union has been instrumental in helping with translation, as has the use of Web Engine, a General Conference (GC) content management system.

Web Engine allows users to syndicate and translate articles hosted on other sites within the platform, making sharing news easier.

“We have been working on a syndication system to make it easier to share news across the world Church,” said Alyssa Truman, GC communication director. “It’s amazing to see that this solution has helped to provide news in a major language again.”

French is an official language in countries of the East-Central Africa, Inter-European, Inter-American, North American, South Pacific, and West-Central Africa Divisions, and is used in other regions, such as the Middle East and North Africa Union.

“As French is one of the languages spoken in multiple divisions across the globe,” said Jarrod Stackelroth, GC assistant communication director, “it is important to have it, and we are grateful for the help of the Franco-Belgian Union. If other languages would like to be represented on ANN, we would be happy to talk with Divisions or Unions to see how we can get it done and how it can be distributed.”

French joins English, Spanish, and Portuguese as a language option on ANN’s homepage.

The five-year grant will support SAU’s Accelerating Career and Workforce Readiness in Applied Technology project, including the development of two new non-degree certificate programs in welding and mechatronics. Current project timelines call for the welding certificate program to begin in fall 2027 and the mechatronics certificate program in fall 2028.

More than US$1.2 million of the grant funding is designated for new equipment, and more than US$1.4 million will support staffing needed to establish and operate the programs. The short-term certificate programs are intended to prepare students for employment in high-demand technical fields, expand connections with workforce partners, and strengthen pathways for low-income and first-generation students. The concept builds on previous university strategic planning and an extensive review of institutional data, student input, labor market information, workforce trends, and other research.

The project is designed to expand SAU's ability to prepare students with practical technical skills while responding to workforce needs in the region.

The original article was published on the Southern Adventist University news site.

The program opened with a short devotional message and prayer led by Leroy Pakpahan, JBC Adventist Church pastor, and a group warm-up exercise before the races began.

The 7K started at 6:14am, followed by the 5K at 6:21am. Runners followed designated routes around the Ancol area before returning to the start/finish line.

Participants aged 18–35 represented the largest age bracket. Roughly 57 per cent of registered participants were first-time runners. Of the approximately 1,300 runners, 432 were not connected to a church, which event organizers said demonstrated the event's ability to reach local community members.

Participants said the gathering offered an opportunity to begin developing healthier habits in a supportive community environment.

Event organizers stated that the JCB Fun Run reflected the Adventist Church's emphasis on holistic well-being—recognizing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health as important aspects of Christian living—and demonstrated how simple, community-centered initiatives can bring people together to create meaningful connections beyond church walls.

The original article was published on the Hope Channel Indonesia news site.

All 58 graduates in the college’s Physician Assistant (PA) Class of 2026 passed the Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE) on their first attempt. The college’s Radiologic Technology Class of 2026, made up of 27 graduates, also achieved a 100 per cent first-time pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification examination.

In total, 85 graduates passed their certification examinations on the first attempt.

“These accomplishments reflect what we strive to provide every student at Kettering College: a supportive learning environment, rigorous academic preparation, and the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in healthcare,” said Dr. Lamata Mitchell, president of Kettering College.

College representatives said the results underscore the college's commitment to supporting students throughout their education. Through dedicated faculty, collaborative campus support, and demanding curricula, the college helps students move from the classroom to clinical practice and into the healthcare workforce, according to the college.

“This achievement is a testament to our supportive campus culture and our PA students’ dedication and hard work. We are so proud of them for achieving this 100 per cent first-time PANCE pass rate,” said Jill-Renae Gulczinski, PA-C, interim program director and associate professor for the PA program.

The original article was published on the Kettering College news site.

Church leaders emphasized the importance of religious freedom, particularly as it relates to Sabbath observance. Delegates told the Ministry that Church members are Angolan citizens committed to the country’s development and asked that authorities take their religious convictions into account.

The delegation also received clarification on the national voter registration update.

The Ministry of Territorial Administration is responsible for the voter registration process, which opened on June 15 and runs until March 31, 2027. The government expects more than 16 million citizens to register or update their details and has been expanding the network of service counters nationwide.

Discussions also covered the Adventist Church’s social initiatives and contributions to Angolan society. Church leaders said they intend to continue cooperating with the State on projects that support community well-being and family life, and to maintain dialogue with the authorities on religious freedom.

The original article was published on the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division news site.

From October 6–12, more than 20 students and alumni from Union Adventist University's International Rescue and Relief (IRR) program took time away from classes to lend a helping hand. In conjunction with the American Red Cross, which is providing free meals for residents, students went door-to-door to assess damage and work alongside homeowners as they salvage belongings, clear out mud, and remove damaged drywall and carpet.

“This type of flood is definitely no joke to anybody who lives there,” said Aiden Grierson, a sophomore from Lincoln, Nebraska. “It can definitely take a toll on anybody. . . . people lost everything.”

For many of the students, this is not only an opportunity to serve, but to grow. “This is my first disaster response, and I’ve been put in the position of team lead,” said Megan Eckhart, a junior from Angwin, California, United States. “I’ve been trying to figure out how to be a good leader while also understanding the larger context of the disaster response. It’s been really nice having such a great team and learning through the experiences we are having together.”

For Jacob Sauser, a senior from Battleground, Washington, United States, the most meaningful part of the deployment was seeing a community come together. “I love how seeing that amidst the pain and suffering in the situation people are fostering community and love both within IRR and within the neighborhood. Everyone’s actually having a great time and doing all they can to help, but also the residents who have been affected by the disaster are coming together and helping us out, bringing us food, bringing drinks, and working with us.”

Created in 2004, the IRR major remains a one-of-a-kind degree combining rescue certifications, emergency management, global development, and medical training to prepare students to serve in times of crisis. Some students plan to be first responders, while others work in emergency management and international development. Approximately a third of students continue on to medical school. The IRR program’s five-year average for medical school acceptance is currently 100%.

The program’s Disaster Response Team deploys to natural disasters near and far every year, and their work is fully funded by donations.

The original article was published on Union Adventist University's news site.

All week, attendees had watched video reports from the 13 divisions and the attached fields on the progress of the OneVoice27 initiative.

On the final morning, leaders from the GC and others representing its institutions, as well as the local church, shared strategic direction and appealed for involvement and commitment. This will be the final annual council before the initiative’s culmination in September 2027.  

“We cannot leave without having a final closing emphasis on OneVoice27,” said Paul H. Douglas, GC treasurer.

Rick McEdward, GC secretary, praised the way the global church had come together, while encouraging them to be prepared to move into the outward messaging of the campaign, All Things New.

“We’ve seen the world come together, and we’ve seen local churches begin to get involved,” he said. “It has been remarkable to see how we have been emphasizing OneVoice27, but today, while we celebrate the emphasis, we’re moving from Old Testament to New Testament, from One Voice27 to All Things New, from internal branding to external branding—so more people, more local churches, can get involved in the life change Jesus offers every person.”

Ministerial associate Crystal E. Ward reminded delegates of the importance of prayer, as each attendee was gifted the prayer journal that has been provided to GC staff. There is a PDF version that can be downloaded and used to pray for the campaign. Every week has a different prayer focus.

Associate treasurer Richard Stephenson, who also leads Digital Strategy for Mission, outlined three priorities for readiness: for leaders to ask whether pastors and church members know about All Things New and the transition to the external campaign; whether resources are being shared, rather than duplicated; and finally, what failure can look like. He said some things may not be ready in time or may be ready in 2028. “Brothers and sisters, now is the time to do all we can to make sure we are ready, prepared, and positioned.”

Hope Channel International director Vyatcheslav Demyan shared seven dimensions that make up the strategic pillars of the initiative, including training creators, contextualization, marketing campaigns, and follow-up.

“We can produce all the content we want,” said Alyssa Truman, GC Communication director. “But we can only finish the work when we partner as members, not institutions.”

She encouraged the leaders to share themselves, a call echoed by Ginger Ketting-Weller, Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) vice-chancellor.

OneVoice27 at AIIAS

AIIAS is a GC institution in the Philippines that provides postgraduate studies for church leaders from 73 countries worldwide.

Ketting-Weller quoted an observation her dad would always make and received a round of applause.  

“Any man who washes feet at communion and doesn’t wash the dishes at home is a hypocrite,” she said.

She told delegates how she had fallen in love with the idea of OneVoice27. “Elder [Erton] Köhler [GC president] stood on stage one year ago [at Annual Council] and said, ‘Tell them about Jesus,’” she recalled. “I caught fire.”

She shared how they had mobilized the AIIAS faculty and students to be involved, how the campus wears purple on Wednesdays, and how the AIIAS leaders, including herself, are finding ways to share and create content, even if it’s not natural for them.

“I am a leader; I cannot simply tell people what to do.” She shared how a young man, who is now a frontline missionary in Cambodia, had come into her office and offered to help her create content she was passionate about but did not know how to do. Now, they continue to work together, even though he has moved. The channel has 2,000 followers.

“If I invite them to participate, I have to be willing to take the risk, to learn, to model, to do what I’m willing to do,” she said. “In my own heart, there is a fire and an excitement about it. How can we as leaders invite institutions and not model our own commitment?” she asked.

Local church

The final speaker in the segment was local church pastor, Chad Stuart.

He shared how his local church, Spencerville Seventh-day Adventist Church located in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, was an institutional church, made up of many employees of the GC office.

“A church is only healthy when a church is focused on mission,” he said. “Spencerville is not satisfied with simply being the GC church; we want to be intentional about mission.”

The team made a plan and, as a result of intentional outreach, has shared 146 copies of Ellen White's The Desire of Ages, including one with a local businessman who, after starting to read, visited the Adventist website to read about Fundamental Belief 18, which discusses the gift of prophecy.

“OneVoice27 will work if we get local and connect people to Jesus and communities,” Stuart concluded. “Because Jesus is the one who makes All Things New, and Jesus is the one who is attractive.”

The event brought together students for presentations and discussions on disciple-making, church planting, digital ministry, and engaging people with little connection to organized religion.

The symposium was organized collaboratively by the South Pacific Division (SPD) Adventist Mission department, Avondale University Seminary, Avondale University Church, the Australian Union Conference (AUC), and the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference.

Presenters included SPD Global Mission director Dr. Wayne Krause, AUC Adventist Mission director Roy Kim, church planting pioneer Amy Leposa, Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission associate director Jonathan Contero, SPD Adventist Mission director Wayne Boehm, and content creator SJ Foaga.

Sessions explored the connection between disciple-making and church planting, approaches to reaching secular and post-Christian communities, relationship-based ministry, and the use of digital platforms to connect with new audiences. Participants also heard practical experiences from existing church planting initiatives.

For Avondale Master of Ministry student Lindsey Birch, the symposium demonstrated how principles associated with church planting could be applied across different areas of ministry.

Although she does not currently feel called to establish a new church, Birch said hearing about The Table, a church-planting initiative in Victoria, was particularly inspiring. “I certainly see a lot more of how God is moving, and I’m curious about how I can apply some of the principles I’ve learnt in the types of ministry I’ve been called to,” Birch said.

“There was more than just the church planting topic discussed,” she added, highlighting sessions on social media ministry and understanding different cultural contexts.

For Birch, events such as the symposium are important for helping current and future church leaders stay informed about research and approaches relevant to contemporary communities. “It’s really important for ongoing professional development, and for leaders in the church, whether they’re lay leaders or whether they are employed or planning to be employed church leaders,” she said.

She highlighted the importance of understanding current research on the demographics churches are seeking to reach and learning from approaches that have proved effective in different ministry settings.

Throughout the weekend, participants had opportunities to interact with presenters, ask questions, and reflect on how the principles discussed could be applied in their own ministry contexts. 

“On the Friday night and over lunch on Sabbath, quite a number of us got to sit and just talk directly with the speakers and discuss some of the ideas or some of the stories that they shared. So that was really valuable as well,” she said.

The original article was published on the South Pacific Division news site.

Participants included members of the Muslim community, Full Gospel Church, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, reflecting a broader effort to foster interfaith dialogue and cooperation on religious liberty in Guatemala.

The congress, themed “Integrated in Mission with Freedom,” brought together 160 professionals on September 26 at the La Aurora Officers Club in Guatemala City. Organized by the Public Affairs and Religious Liberty (PARL) Department of the Guatemala Union Mission, the event was designed especially for professionals and attorneys interested in becoming more involved in religious liberty and mission.

Guenther García, Guatemala Union Mission president, said the gathering was important because it strengthened relationships with government and civil society representatives while opening dialogue with other faith communities.

The church promoted the forum on the premise that religious freedom must be defended universally, García said. By advocating for freedom of conscience for people of all faiths, the church also helps safeguard the right of Adventists to live and share their faith without restrictions, he explained.

Similar religious liberty congresses have previously been held at the regional and national levels in Guatemala, church leaders said.

Government officials join the conversation

Government officials and members of Guatemala’s legal community participated in a panel discussion chaired by attorney Magda Urizar de López, Guatemala Union Mission PARL director.

The discussion explored the meaning and role of religious freedom in Guatemala, ways in which that right can be violated, and how institutions can better respect the religious convictions of the people they serve.

Panelists also addressed challenges faced by students when academic requirements conflict with their religious practices and discussed ways to increase public awareness of religious liberty protections.

Congressman Ronald Portillo, a member of the Congress of the Republic’s Parliament for Religious Freedom, emphasized the importance of safeguarding people's rights to practice and express their beliefs without discrimination.

“Religious freedom is an essential part of a truly free society,” Portillo said. “Every person should be able to live and express their faith according to their convictions, with respect for others and without fear of being discriminated against because of their beliefs.”

“I believe in a Guatemala where faith is respected, convictions can be lived out, and freedom is always protected,” he added.

Patricia Gámez, president of the Guatemalan Bar and Notaries Association, emphasized the right of every person to profess his or her faith.

Also participating in the discussion was Guatemala’s Minister of Environment, Edwin Castellanos, who spoke about faith and the responsibility to care for God’s creation.

For García, bringing together public officials, attorneys, Adventist professionals, and representatives of other religions provided an opportunity not only to strengthen relationships but also to break down misconceptions.

He said dialogue with Muslim and Latter-day Saint representatives, among others, helped demonstrate that protecting religious freedom is a shared concern that extends beyond denominational boundaries.

Remaining firm in their convictions

International Adventist leaders participating in the congress included Elie Henry, General Conference PARL associate director, and Balvin Braham, vice president of the Inter-American Division.

Henry challenged professionals to remain faithful to their convictions even when they find themselves in environments where their beliefs are tested.

“You are in Babylon, but you are not of Babylon,” Henry told participants, urging them to remain firm in their convictions.

In his seminar, “Adventist Professionals and Religious Freedom Integrated in the Proclamation of the Gospel,” Braham challenged professionals to make religious freedom an integral part of the church’s mission by defending the right of individuals to seek, embrace, and express their beliefs.

Students share Sabbath challenges

The challenges surrounding religious freedom became personal as university students Paulina Pérez and José Manuel Torres Tumax shared that observing the biblical Sabbath from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset conflicted with academic requirements.

To complete their studies without compromising their Sabbath convictions, Pérez had to change universities, while Torres Tumax moved to another part of the country to find an academic environment more accommodating of his religious beliefs, church leaders said.

Attorney Leslie Tzicap also shared how she resigned from a position rather than compromise her faith and principles.

The experiences were intended to encourage young professionals and university students to recognize that they can remain faithful to their religious convictions while pursuing their education and careers, García said.

The congress sought to raise awareness of religious liberty issues among students and young professionals and encourage them to seek appropriate solutions when their convictions conflict with institutional requirements.

Attorney returns to active church membership

The congress also became a personal turning point for attorney Ana Cristina González, who responded to a spiritual appeal and renewed her commitment to the Adventist Church through profession of faith.

González, who grew up Adventist but had been away from the church for several years, said the testimonies of professionals who remained faithful through difficult circumstances led her to reflect on her own spiritual journey.

“I responded to the call that God had been making to me for some time—to be courageous and continue through life knowing that He will never abandon me and that He is always with me,” she said.

Her decision marked a return to active church membership and, she said, a renewed determination to live out her faith in her personal and professional life.

Seeking greater religious liberty protections

The congress also highlighted steps taken to protect students’ religious practices in Guatemala.

Ministry of Education Circular VDEEA-01-2024 instructs education authorities to respect students’ practice of their religion. The directive was signed by Edna Leticia Portales de Núñez, vice minister of Extracurricular and Alternative Education, and Annelisse Lainfiesta Soto de Zepeda, vice minister of Technical Education, with the approval of then-Education Minister Claudia Ruiz Casasola de Estrada.

The measure is particularly significant for Adventist students who may encounter conflicts involving Saturday classes, examinations, or other academic requirements during Sabbath hours.

Urizar de López said additional protections are still needed beyond the school system.

“The effort for religious freedom continues in order to achieve a similar agreement for university education and in the workplace,” she said.

Church leaders said the congress strengthened connections among Adventist professionals, public officials, and other faith communities while opening opportunities for continued dialogue on religious liberty in Guatemala.

Organizers said those conversations will continue as the Church seeks greater awareness and accommodation of religious observance in universities and workplaces.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.

The meetings were organized by SID's Personal Ministries, Communication, and Information Technology departments, a collaboration that highlighted the skills necessary to move the gospel online.

Harrington Akombwa, SID president, addressed the delegates via video link to applaud the departments collaboration and deliver a devotional about finding joy in service based on Psalm 68.

“When the Lord rises to take control, He initiates means,” Akombwa said. “We should attract the attention of people and direct them to Jesus.”

Honorable Dr. Jean Mathanga, Malawi's Minister of Energy, welcomed delegates to the country. As an Adventist herself, Dr. Mathanga said she was pleased to see the church evangelizing on digital platforms, but cautioned that well-done content means nothing without spiritual transformation.

“The message that has not changed the messenger is not worth sharing,” she said. “Prayer is the key to all things new.”

Zanele Zama, SID Media marketing manager and Adventist World Radio (AWR) programming manager, led attendees through Adventist Inbox—the official companion app for AWR—and digital advertising. Her presentation focused on how to generate interest on social media platforms and direct users to a local church.

Dr. Dennis Matekenya, SID Personal Ministries director, highlighted the five Es of evangelism—Evangelism rooted in Revival, Evangelism through Education/Training, Evangelism through Engagement/Community Outreach, Evangelism through Public Proclamation, and Evangelism through Encouragement/Nurturing—describing attendees as the engine of the OneVoice27 campaign across SID.

Dr. Pako Mokgwane, SID Communication director, addressed integration and how the Communication, Personal Ministries, and Information Technology departments are working together on one campaign rather than three separate campaigns.

Michelo Mulambo, SID Information Technology director, discussed cybersecurity and the tools available for mission work. Otieno Mkandawire, SID technical assistant, followed up by introducing the General Conference All Things New—the public-facing initiative of OneVoice27—branding and discussed storytelling techniques.

John Matekenya Jr. addressed the ethics of AI use. He demonstrated how to collect data to build strategy around evidence rather than instinct. Kirk Nugget and Victor Bejota ended the seminar by discussing content creation and using resources already available to attendees.

Attendees expressed plans to utilize what they learned.

“Absolutely fantastic training and initiative from the Division,” said Esther Chantala Mungalaba from Zambia.

She continued, “The range of material shared here and the conversations we’ve started are exactly what was needed to light the fire required to move this great work forward. I can’t wait to go back home and talk my pastors’ ears off with all the ideas for our OneVoice27 digital strategy."

Sonkie Leymanni from Malawi said, “The training has effectively helped me personally, and it will benefit the mission."

“I have understood how the Communication department should work with the Personal Ministries department, as well as the relationship between the two departments," she finished.

The original article was published on the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division news site.

Photographs from years past took participants down memory lane, recalling places where missionaries had served and communities where the Adventist presence had taken root. But the annual Middle East gathering was as much about looking ahead as remembering the past, with updates on new church plants, mission opportunities, and the continued development of Middle East University.

Denis Sand, president of the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission (MENAUM), told participants that the challenges facing the territory have also opened opportunities to find new ways to connect with people and share Jesus Christ.

Across the union’s 19 countries, less than 7,000 Seventh-day Adventists are working to reach a region that includes major population centers and communities with little or no Adventist presence. Sand said MENAUM is focusing on four areas: mission expansion, leadership development, Adventist discipleship, and the next generation.

That work currently includes more than 50 church-planting projects, training church-planting teams, and acquiring property for new congregations.

“Mission is expanding in many ways,” Sand said.

Yet the need for workers remains. Pointing to Jesus’ words in Luke 10:2 about the plentiful harvest and the need for laborers, Sand encouraged participants to pray each day at 10:02am for more people willing to serve in the Middle East.

The gathering also offered a glimpse of changes taking place at Middle East University, where close to 150 students are enrolled. Updates included plans involving land leasing, farming and agriculture, as well as the addition of more solar panels. Participants were encouraged to use their influence to invite young people to consider studying at the university.

A Kahoot quiz brought a lighter moment to the gathering, while participants were also given an opportunity to financially support the continued work of MENAUM and Middle East University.

The gathering ended with a special meal as former missionaries, retirees, and church leaders continued to share memories and reconnect with one another.

Led by Shohag Toton Boidya, BAUM director for Youth Ministries, and Krysthyann Zeferino, BAUM associate director for Youth Ministries, the advisory offered practical training on effective Pathfinder club management. Additional presentations discussing the responsibilities of Youth directors and OneVoice27 support were presented by BAUM administrators.

Ildo Sohn, Northern Asia-Pacific Division director for Youth Ministries, presented BAUM’s future plans for youth ministry and stressed the importance of nurturing young people to become missionaries. He highlighted ERRANDS, a strategic initiative of the General Conference Youth Ministries Department, along with its slogan, “Disciple Making for Mission.”

Sohn encouraged attendees to work together as part of the worldwide Adventist Church to share the Adventist message with today’s generation and carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.

Following the advisory, the Bangladesh Adventist Seminary and College hosted two days of seminars. More than 150 students from each institution participated in the seminars.

Seminar speakers emphasized God's power to call individuals and work through them to accomplish his purposes. They urged students to respond to God's call, prepare themselves for His mission, and dedicate their lives to sharing the love of Jesus throughout Bangladesh.

During the seminars, students declared "I am a missionary" and "disciple-making for mission," expressing their commitment to dedicate their lives to God and actively participate in his mission.

The original article was published on the Northern Asia-Pacific Division news site.

The training focused on the value of Children's Ministry and the responsibility of Children's Ministry leaders in preparation for OneVoice27.

The training program covered various aspects of a leader's work.

Speakers included Ivan Romaniuk, (“Creativity on a Budget”), Valerii Glushchenko, (“Mission Through Events”), Yevhen Alokhin, (“Building a Team That Avoids Burnout”), Valentyna Holoskevych, (“A Club Where Everyone Wants to Stay”), and Yurii Zhebet, (“A Year Without Last-Minute Rushes”).

The workshops "Discipline Without Humiliation" by Pylyp Shubert, "Speak so They Listen" by Stepan Kumchak, "Understanding Each Child" by Nelia Perepylytsia, and "Worship Without Boredom" by Oleksandr Pecherskyi covered issues related to discipline, communication, and working with children.

Beyond the classroom, participants took part in activities designed to strengthen teamwork and build connections among leaders from different regions.

Attendees participated in "History of Faith," a walk through the streets of Kamianets-Podilskyi. Working in teams, attendees completed tasks and solved puzzles as they got acquainted with the city's historical sites.

After several days of intensive training, attendees went to Bakota to kayak the Dniester Reservoir for rest and informal discussion.

Participants said the combination of practical workshops, shared activities, and recreation helped them discover new approaches to ministry, exchange ideas, and build relationships with fellow Pathfinder leaders.

The original article was published on the Ukrainian Union Conference news site.

Participants walked or ran in tribute to loved ones affected by breast cancer, celebrated survivors, honored those undergoing treatment, and remembered those whose legacies live on through family and friends.

The event also featured a pre-race parade of breast cancer survivors and patients who are battling the disease.

“Every dollar raised helps fund early detection screenings and lifesaving equipment, ensuring that our community has access to high-quality, whole-person care,” said Jessica Carlson, director of the AdventHealth Heartland Foundation.

Katie Kochanski, a 44-year-old mother and grandmother, said an evaluation of a lump in her breast led doctors to uncover a devastating diagnosis: stage 4 breast cancer that had spread to other parts of her body.

“My world literally turned upside down, immediately. Your whole mortality literally flashes in front of your eyes,” she said. “At the time, our oldest daughter was pregnant, and it was, you know, am I going to see my grandchild grow up?”

That was more than a year ago.

Since then, Kochanski has undergone surgeries, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and other treatments. She has also welcomed a granddaughter and learned that another grandchild is on the way.

Kochanski said she now has no evidence of active disease, though she said she will continue treatment for the rest of her life. She is also scheduled for surgery to repair a fractured vertebra in her back, where the cancer had spread. Throughout her care, her family has been her greatest motivation.

“It’s my kids, it’s my husband, it’s my granddaughter, it’s my grandbaby to be. I have a whole life in front of me,” she said.

For Kochanski, participating in the Pink on Parade was an opportunity to advocate for more research to advance breast cancer treatment, especially for people diagnosed with stage 4 disease.

“There is a whole population of us that get a stage 4 diagnosis, and some women, depending on where it spread to, they’ve got weeks. Others, you know, maybe the oncologist says they have like five years. Now, it’s up to us to fight,” Kochanski said. “I told my oncologist, you’re going to be writing a paper about me in 20 years, because I’m still going to be here, and I’m still going to be seeing you.”

Kochanski said another reason she participated was that all proceeds from the event go directly to the AdventHealth Sebring Breast Care Center to help patients like her.

“The staff at the breast care center are amazing,” she said.

She also emphasized the importance of breast cancer screening, including mammograms, and encouraged people to speak up when something does not feel right with their bodies.

According to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, one in eight women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.

The American College of Radiology and Society of Breast Imaging have recommended annual mammography screening for all women, beginning at age 40, which they’ve said provides the greatest mortality reduction, diagnosis at an earlier stage, better surgical options, and more effective chemotherapy.

Along with advocating for screening, Kochanski wants other patients to know they can acknowledge difficult emotions throughout treatment.

“Feel what you need to feel on any given day. You don’t have to feel happy and positive 24/7, because that’s not realistic. Want to have a meltdown one day? Have a meltdown. If you’re going to go out and celebrate because you had a good scan, go out and celebrate,” she said.

“Unpack it, let it out, but do not live there. Have your moment and then pick yourself back up and move on, because the next day is a new day," Kochanski added.

The original article was published on the AdventHealth news site.

Adrián Fritzler, chief of the Libertador San Martín Volunteer Fire Department, acknowledged the support received from the institutions and recognized the volunteers' work.

"Feeling truly recognized by society and institutions and having our needs acknowledged is very important to us," he said.

Fritzler explained that purchasing the new fire engine was only possible through financial contributions made by UAP, the Adventist Sanatorium of the Plata, and others.

"They provided us assistance that allowed us to cover an expense we wouldn't have been able to afford on our own," Fritzler said. He thanked UAP, the Adventist Sanatorium of the Plata, the municipality, and the community for their support.

Church leaders said the acquisition of the fire engine complements the ongoing cooperative initiatives between UAP and other institutions in Libertador San Martín.

Horacio Rizzo, UAP rector, emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional ties, noting that preparedness and coordination are essential in the face of potential severe weather events.

To support institutional ties, UAP participates in Emergency Operations Committee (COE) activities with the municipality, the local fire department, the police, and other institutions.

UAP's Social Responsibility department promotes disaster-prevention materials with the assistance of students in the Social Communication program.

The original article was published on the South American Division news site.

OneVoice27 is intended to bring together the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s diverse activities around one shared message of hope. To align with the movement, the Polish Union Conference is creating spaces where local initiatives and missionary, educational, social, health, and media activities can complement and strengthen one another.

One tool supporting the initiative is a web application developed by Marek Micyk, Polish Union Mission Global Mission director. Its purpose is to integrate individual initiatives and assist local churches and leaders in planning activities and preparing spiritually for their implementation.

The Church Elders' Conference and Pastors' Conference, held September 19–23 on the Polish College of Theology and Humanities campus, provided an opportunity for spiritual reflections, discussions of the contemporary challenges facing the church, planning for 2027, and preparation for joint mission initiatives.

Both conferences opened with a devotional message by Jarosław Dzięgielewski, Polish Union Conference president. He reflected on how the differences in religious practice, spirituality, and individual experience can become a source of judgment and division. Referring to the biblical story of Cain and Abel and the experience of the early Church at Pentecost, he pointed to the contrast between spirituality focused primarily on oneself and a community united around God and His presence.

His message focused on a single question: Is Christ truly the perspective through which we look at one another, the Church, and its mission?

The main speaker at both conferences was Dr. Tihomir Lazic, and the central theme was “Different, Yet Together.” In his presentations, he highlighted the growing diversity within contemporary Adventism, the need for shared discernment of God’s activity, and the importance of building community despite differences in experience, perspective, and ways of thinking.

The #JestNadzieja/OneVoice27 initiative was presented in detail during the conferences by Micyk. He explained the project's main assumptions, visual identity, and how different Church initiatives can come together in 2027 around a shared direction.

During the conferences, selected Church departments and institutions also presented their work and plans for the coming year.

Karolina Wójcik-Kozłowska, ADRA Poland president, outlined the organization’s broad range of social and humanitarian activities—from supporting children, young people, adults, and seniors to offering vocational and language courses, providing psychological assistance, and initiatives for migrants.

Beata Śleszyńska, representing the Health Department, presented the “Blue Zones” project, designed as an exhibition promoting the principles of a healthy lifestyle. The initiative has been developed in a form that can also be used by local churches and communities as a practical tool for health education and outreach.

Dr. Adam Grześkowiak presented the plans of the Polish College of Theology and Humanities, which is entering its centennial anniversary year. The institution is developing new academic programs and international cooperation, including master’s degree studies in partnership with Andrews University and planned postgraduate studies entitled “Media in the Mission of the Church,” to be carried out in cooperation with Southern Adventist University.

Also aligned with this shared direction is Hope Media Polska, a newly established organization that integrates a wide range of media activities. Its plans were presented by Tadeusz Niewolik and Daniel Kluska, together with Tomasz Szydłowski, representing the Media Department, and Piotr Żyziński, representing the Publishing Department.

Hope Media Polska presented an extensive plan for 2027 directly connected with the #JestNadzieja initiative. The strategy includes developing content for a variety of audiences.

Existing projects such as Hope Biblia, Hope Kościół, Hope Archiwum, KomPas, and Sensoholik will continue to be developed, while new formats are also planned, including Hope Radio, ReMindEd, 180 Stories, 28.church, Survival Lessons, an influencer-focused channel, and an institutional Hope Media Polska channel. Development will also include publishing activities, new missionary publications, further expansion of the online course offering, and the transfer of courses to a new platform.

Hope Media Academy, developed in cooperation with Kompas High School, has also been developed. The program includes practical classes in video production, podcasting, social media, and online journalism. Together, these activities are intended to help Hope Media Polska connect media, publishing, education, and mission while supporting the shared direction of the #JestNadzieja initiative.

The presentations showed OneVoice27 as a way to harmonize existing church ministries by connecting what has already been planned and carried out by individual departments, institutions, and local communities around a shared mission and message.

Polish Union Mission leaders said #JestNadzieja is just the beginning of the OneVoice27 initiative, but it has already demonstrated that its strengths lie in the diversity of activities moving in the shared message of the gospel.

This article was provided by the Polish Union Mission.

A "Speaking Together" poster greeted guests at the entrance to the meeting, encouraging all attendees to sign it and proclaim their commitment to participate in missionary work.

Organizers also prepared a personalized OneVoice27 lamp and seed called "For Him," symbolizing renewal and the hope that the light of the truth and the seed of life will be passed from one person to another.

During the morning worship service, Mo Luwen delivered the sermon. Drawing on Romans 1-10, he reminded attendees that "Some people need to know the Lord Jesus."

Mo also discussed the three parables found in Luke 14. He emphasized that people's sense of being lost takes many forms: some are lost and cannot find their Master, some are lost within the Church but are unaware, and others return home after being lost.

Regardless of each person's situation, "someone needs to know the Lord Jesus," he said, and everyone needs the Lord's salvation.

Organizers said this is the purpose of OneVoice27—to bring Jesus to everyone and bring them home.

To help attendees turn their inspiration into action, various workshops were available in the afternoon. Attendees said the workshops equipped them with tools for ministry, encouragement, and a renewed sense of mission.

The original article was published on the Chinese Union Mission news site.

Before the new borehole was opened, residents of Mhene Village walked to the Msengenzi River. Residents have reported that four women were killed in crocodile attacks at the river between January and April of this year.

Church leaders said the new borehole and garden will help keep residents safer, as the dangerous trek is no longer necessary.

The borehole and garden project, driven by the Seventh-day Adventist community with donor support, was formally handed over to the community at a ceremony attended by local leaders, church officials, and residents.

The borehole and garden project began after Dr. Alaisa Mbiriri was invited to the Guruve District as a guest speaker for an evangelistic campaign. While speaking with residents, she identified the village's water shortage and felt called to seek funding to address it.

“When I went to Muzarabani for the campaign, I had a desire to do more than just preach but meet the needs of the community. So, I asked the community and the local pastor as to what challenges were in the community, and it was when I learnt of this water challenge,” Dr. Mbiriri said.

“I then took it upon myself to look for sponsors who can help finish the project and make sure the community has access to clean and safe water to drink.”

The sponsorship she secured paid for the borehole to be drilled and for the establishment of the Anouya Garden Project alongside it.

Conlet Musiiwa, North Zimbabwe Conference Ministerial director, gave the keynote address at the ceremony and described the project as central to the Church’s work.

“The Church finds joy in satisfying people’s needs and is glad to share the little we have,” he said. “God is looking for those who are concerned about other people’s problems.”

Guruve District pastor Ruston Chigonero said the Church was following Christ’s method of meeting physical needs directly, and the borehole and garden could transform livelihoods across Mhene Village.

Local leaders urged residents to protect the new infrastructure. Councillor ALD A. Chiwashira thanked the Church and asked residents to “guard the borehole and garden projects jealously.”

A village leader said the project had lifted a significant burden from the community.

“It is my prayer that this borehole never dries up,” the leader said, adding that residents of neighboring Chawarura and Mapfumo villages, who face the same water shortage, are welcome to draw water from the installation.

The original article was published on the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division news site.

The Creative Disciples Online Meetup, set for October 22, will bring Adventists together for a live-streamed program from Miami, Florida, United States, designed to identify, connect, and strengthen a growing network of content creators as the church prepares for coordinated evangelistic outreach in 2027.

Jointly organized by the IAD Communication and Youth Ministries departments, the gathering is part of a broader strategy to equip church members already using creative and digital platforms and encourage others to discover how their talents can contribute to mission.

The online meetup is one of a series of activities planned in the months leading up to the September 2027 evangelistic emphasis. The broader strategy includes monthly digital challenges, additional online training, and more, aimed at equipping and connecting creators across the territory to increase participation in digital mission.

The concept of a creative disciple goes beyond traditional forms of evangelism, said Abel Márquez, Communication director for IAD. Church members can use art, writing, software design, social media, the internet, and other creative tools to share the gospel.

“They may not necessarily preach from a platform or go door-to-door, but they can use other tools and other means to share that in Jesus all things are made new,” Márquez said.

While the program is being organized in partnership with youth ministries, Márquez emphasized that participation is not limited to young people.

“It is open to any church member of any age who wants to get involved,” he said.

Building a movement

For Youth Ministries leaders, the online gathering is an opportunity to expand that network and prepare more young people to participate in OneVoice27. Daniel Torreblanca, Youth Ministries director for the IAD, said the goal is to develop a core group of 1,000 creative disciples who can help engage as many as 10,000 young people willing to share Jesus through their social media platforms.

“We want to mobilize an army of young people who are ready and prepared to become involved in this worldwide initiative,” Torreblanca said.

The 1,000 creative disciples will serve as a foundation for the effort, encouraging and supporting a wider network of content creators throughout the IAD territory. Beginning in January, organizers plan to introduce monthly digital challenges that will give young people practical opportunities to create and share faith-based content.

“We want to see a movement of 10,000 content creators,” Torreblanca said. “We want them to understand that the church needs them and that they can be part of it.”

The vision extends beyond OneVoice27, Torreblanca said. Leaders hope to establish an ongoing network of young people who regularly use their digital platforms to share their faith, collaborate with others, and encourage more young Adventists to become involved in mission.

Connecting creativity with mission

During the October 22 livestream, Adventist content creators from several unions will share their experiences and offer practical insights to encourage others to become involved. The program will also introduce participants to the role creative disciples can play in OneVoice27 and its “All Things New” emphasis.

Márquez said the strategy is not simply about teaching people to produce content. Organizers want participants to understand how their creative abilities can support mission, acquire practical tools, and form relationships with other creators.

The goal, he said, is “to build community, establish networks, expand possibilities, share with one another, get to know each other, and collaborate,” so participants can take what they learn back to their churches and local fields to inspire others to become involved.

The Creative Disciples Online Meetup will also help identify and connect creators for continued training, including an in-person Content Creator Summit planned for spring 2027 at the IAD headquarters in Miami. Nearly 200 of the territory’s most active content creators and social media influencers are expected to gather for specialized training and collaboration. A follow-up training in June will offer practical tools to help creators support the evangelistic campaigns planned for September.

For Márquez, the broader strategy is about helping church members recognize that creativity can become a powerful avenue for mission and connecting those creators so they can learn from one another, collaborate, and strengthen evangelistic efforts in their local churches and communities.

The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.