Story by Eduardo Monteiro

The New Jersey Conference launched 2026 with its annual Regional Ministries Training, held across its three regions: north, central and south.

The excitement was evident from the start as lay leaders gathered with a shared desire to grow and serve more effectively. Departmental leaders and conference staff led seminars designed to provide practical tools, resources and guidance to strengthen ministry in local churches.

Nearly 1,000 church leaders participated in the training, with more than half attending for the first time.

Story by Francis Tuffour

What began as a challenge during Sabbath worship at the Cincinnati Hispanic church ultimately became a powerful ministry that is now shaping the spiritual lives of children and strengthening the entire congregation.

When the church’s pastor, Fredy Funez, first visited the congregation after being assigned there, he immediately noticed the atmosphere inside the sanctuary. Large fans hummed loudly, infants cried, children whispered and moved about and a steady murmur filled the room. The distractions competed with the message he was trying to deliver from the pulpit.

That Sabbath, one question weighed heavily on his mind: How could this situation be addressed?

Story by ADRA International Staff

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is responding to the growing Ebola Bundibugyo Disease crisis affecting parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and neighboring Uganda through prevention, hygiene support, and community education efforts aimed at slowing the spread of the deadly virus.

According to regional reports, 121 Ebola cases have been confirmed, including 18* deaths. Health officials warn that delayed detection of the outbreak has complicated response efforts and increased the risk of wider transmission. Currently there is no vaccine for this strain of the deadly virus.

By Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International

“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” — Matthew 19:14 (NIV)

There is a moment in the Gospels that I return to often. The disciples, trying to manage the crowd, turn children away from Jesus. And Jesus stops them. He doesn’t simply allow the children to approach. He rebukes those who would keep them at a distance. “Let them come,” He says. “Do not hinder them.”

Story by Garrett Conti

Kettering Health aspires to recognize the whole patient by supporting the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being in every interaction. It’s a value that radiation therapists Jessica Schwab, Zach Gregus and Crystal Bullock have taken to heart.

The trio spearheaded Coats for a Cure, which partners with local hospitals to establish Care Closets. The Dayton-based nonprofit, founded in October 2025, opened its first closet at Kettering Health Main Campus on Jan. 6 and added a second with a ribbon cutting Jan. 21 at Soin Medical Center.