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Center for Youth Evangelism Appoints Pedro Perez as Pathfinder Camporee Director

The Center for Youth Evangelism has officially appointed Pedro Perez as the new Pathfinder Camporee director. Perez steps into the role succeeding Ron Whitehead, who provided visionary leadership as both the CYE executive director and International Pathfinder Camporee director for 29 years.

Perez brings to the CYE a wealth of experience, most recently serving as the Pathfinder and Adventurer director for the Florida Conference since 2017. His extensive background in youth ministry also includes leading in the Florida Conference as Youth Ministries director (2010–2017) and previously serving as youth director for the Southern New England Conference.

New Jersey Conference Hosts Ministries Training in Three Regions

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.

The Birth of the Cincinnati Hispanic Children's Church

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?

ADRA Responds to Growing Ebola Crises in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda

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.

Let the Children Come: What Jesus Teaches Us About Refugee Children

Photo from ADRA

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.”

Kettering Health Team Members Turn Compassion Into Action

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.

Finding Hope in the Midst of Loss

Potomac Conference, Finding Hope in the Midst of Loss, Grief, Mental Health Manna, Paul Graham, Garry Graham and Patrick Graham

Story by Debra C. Anderson

Just two weeks after his installation at the Renewed church in Aspen Hill, Md., Pastor Paul Graham found himself leading his new congregation through an unexpected season of grief. Within 14 days, four members passed away, leaving the church family navigating what many described as compounded loss.

Washington Adventist University President to Transition to New Role

Washington Adventist University (WAU) today announced that President Weymouth Spence, Ed.D., will conclude his tenure as president, effective June 30, 2026, and will transition to a new role, effective July 1, 2026.

In this new role, Dr. Spence will devote his attention to advancing critical campus infrastructure initiatives central to WAU's long-term success. He will build on the momentum of the university’s Vision 2030 plan to drive academic innovation, strengthen partnerships and increase institutional visibility to enhance the learning environment for student success.