Adventist Headlines Around the World—January 23, 2025

MALAYSIA

Hospital Performs First Robotic-assisted Total Knee Replacement Surgery

Penang Adventist Hospital (PAH) achieved a significant milestone in medical innovation with the successful completion of its first robotic-assisted total knee replacement surgery. The groundbreaking procedure, led by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Ho Shu Chien, utilized the advanced ROSA® (Robotic Surgical Assistant) Knee System, a cutting-edge healthcare solution, hospital leaders reported.

“The state-of-the-art ROSA® Knee System enhances surgical precision by enabling accurate bone resections and providing objective soft tissue feedback,” they said. “This innovative system collects and analyzes intraoperative data, empowering surgeons with real-time insights to make precise adjustments that restore the natural movement of the knee. These advancements aim to improve recovery times and ensure optimal outcomes tailored to each patient’s unique needs.”

This milestone reflects PAH’s dedication to a wholistic approach to health care, where technology and compassion converge to offer comprehensive care, hospital leaders explained. “By integrating advanced medical innovations with a focus on the overall health and well-being of each patient, the hospital continues to set new standards in specialized health care in the Asia-Pacific region,” they said.

AUSTRALIA

Storm Disrupts Operations at Adventist Radio in Australia

The North New South Wales (NNSW) Conference office in Cooranbong has been left without power and temporarily closed after a severe storm swept through the area on Wednesday evening, January 15.

The storm, which caused significant damage across Sydney and other parts of the New South Wales east coast, uprooted trees, brought down power lines, and left more than 100,000 homes and businesses without electricity.

According to the NNSW Conference work, health, and safety coordinator Melinda Mason, two trees were uprooted during the storm, falling on the conference office car park and limiting access. No damage was reported. “Thankfully there was no damage done to any cars or fences in the vicinity. During the storm, staff were safe at home,” Mason explained.

Faith FM’s Breakfast Show, which has been broadcast live from the NNSW office since 2015, was also impacted. With no power and internet access, the show wasn’t broadcast on Thursday, and an old episode replaced the usual program.

CAMBODIA

Adventists Bring the Church Closer to Communities Through Van Ministry

The Adventist Church in Cambodia (CAM), in partnership with dedicated local members, has taken a creative approach to bring the church closer to the people. Through an innovative van ministry, church members visit local communities, fostering connections through fellowship and outreach. This initiative allows them to share the love of Christ in a more personal and accessible way, meeting people where they are and introducing the gospel to those who may have never encountered it before, local leaders reported.

CAM launched this new ministry to expand its outreach efforts at the start of 2025. Despite not yet owning a dedicated vehicle, CAM partnered with the local Adventist church of Toul Kork to utilize their church van to bring this initiative to life.

In the first two weeks since its inception, the van ministry traveled to the provinces of Battambang and Takéo, bringing hope and inspiration to communities there. Six students from CAM have actively participated in this initiative, dedicating their time and energy to making the ministry a success.

VANUATU

More Than 1,200 Attend First Combined Welfare Congress in Vanuatu

More than 1,200 Adventists from Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, and New Caledonia came together in Port Vila for the Vanuatu National Welfare Congress from December 6 to 15. The 2024 event, themed “Chosen and Inspired to Go Reach My World,” was the first to unite both men and women in a shared congress, breaking away from the tradition of separate gatherings.

Opening with a parade through Port Vila, the congress featured cultural performances from Nguna Island and an official ceremony at Independence Park.

Workshops throughout the congress covered practical and spiritual topics, including Bible study techniques, country living, the health benefits of local fruits, and natural remedies using water. Keynote messages included a sermon on spiritual gifts by Vanuatu Mission president Charley Jimmy. Women’s ministries director Cindy Joel spoke to women about prioritizing their well-being alongside caring for their families.

The congress also gave participants the opportunity to take part in community outreach, including singing and praying at Port Vila Market.

PARAGUAY

Paraguay Couple Baptized After Transcribing Adventist Radio Sermons for Seven Years

José and Doris Argüello, from Paraguay, recently became Seventh-day Adventists after seven years of studying the Bible privately with the help of Radio Nuevo Tiempo radio station.

At their recent baptism José shared how he woke up one morning at 4:00 a.m. and couldn’t get back to sleep. In the solitude of that early morning he began to look for a radio that would keep him company. After a few minutes he tuned in to Radio Nuevo Tiempo Paraguay and listened, without knowing it, to a sermon by an Adventist preacher.

After his first “encounter with God,” José made it a point to wake up every morning at 4:00 am, turn on the radio, and learn by listening to Bible messages. He later shared what he had found with Doris. She was “moved by the Word of God” and began to also listen every day.

For seven years José would listen to the radio, open a notebook, and write down all the Bible verses the pastor mentioned and the spiritual lessons shared. After studying God’s Word by themselves for several years, José and Doris contacted an Adventist congregation and have since become church members.