In this edition, stories from Ecuador, Sri Lanka, United States, Nepal, and Belarus.
Published on: 19 hours ago
ECUADOR
Quito Adventist Clinic and AdventHealth Provide Free Medical Care in Galapagos
Ecuador’s Quito Adventist Clinic (QAC), in collaboration with AdventHealth from the United States, carried out a successful day of medical brigades in Santa Cruz, in the Galapagos Islands. The initiative took place at Loma Linda Adventist School in Santa Cruz, Ecuador. The group of volunteer professionals provided free care to 906 people, organizers reported.
For several days, doctors, nurses, and volunteers from both institutions worked, with the support of the local Adventist congregation, to offer everything from general consultations to free specialized care to the residents. Medical professionals also offered to pray with each person served, and provided words of encouragement, organizers said.
At the end of the initiative, participating QAC and AdventHealth leaders shared their gratitude to all the volunteers, medical professionals, and God for making this project possible. “Let us pray for medical-missionary work!” one of the QAC leaders said. “May the Lord continue to use teams like this one to bring relief, health, and a message of salvation to every corner of the world.”
SRI LANKA
Women’s Ministries Launch Sinhala and Tamil Devotional Book
On January 7 the Women’s Ministries Department of the Sri Lanka Mission (SLM) celebrated a historic milestone with the launch of the women’s devotional, produced by the General Conference Women’s Ministries Department. For the first time, this devotional book has been translated into both Sinhala and Tamil, ensuring that it is accessible to women throughout Sri Lanka.
Alice Emerson, SLM Women’s Ministries director, led this project, relying on prayer and faith to see it through, she said. With the regional church leaders’ support, Emerson “ensured the successful printing and distribution of the new resource, which is poised to inspire and uplift women from diverse backgrounds,” Women’s Ministries leaders explained.
“Through its pages, women are invited to reflect on God’s Word, find encouragement in daily challenges, and extend blessings to others,” they said. “The book offers practical insights and spiritual inspiration, making it an invaluable tool for personal devotion and small-group study.”
UNITED STATES
How an AdventHealth Leader Found His Inner Ironman
Darin Santangelo—AdventHealth Orlando’s executive director of procedural services in Orlando, Florida, United States—said that he couldn’t run to his mailbox when he began training for an Ironman Triathlon.
He now competes in one of the world’s most difficult single-day athletic events.
Santangelo said that his motivation was sparked by an organizational culture committed to health and wellness, but his drive comes from his family.
“I have a disabled daughter, so it keeps me in shape to care for her,” Santangelo said. “For me, the pursuit of sport performance, the pursuit of healthy, active living, comes from a place of having deep love and deep care for my family.”
In a recent episode of the Inspiring Wholeness podcast, produced by AdventHealth, he joined Russell Gaither, AdventHealth sports performance program manager, to discuss his motivation, training, and advice to others like him.
NEPAL
Women Uplift Communities in the Far Corners of Nepal
From December 1 to 7 the Women’s and Children’s Ministries departments of the Nepal Section visited East Rukum, a remote and impoverished area in Nepal’s far western region.
East Rukum’s geographical isolation presents numerous challenges. Most residents live in poverty, lacking basic human needs. The community is heavily influenced by ancestral religious practices and superstitions, with nature, deities, and idols playing a central role in daily life. Despite their hardships, the people maintain vibrant cultural traditions and celebrate various festivals.
The region’s harsh climate and barren steppe terrain significantly hinder agricultural productivity. Families rely on a single annual harvest and heavily depend on livestock for sustenance. With no medical facilities in the area, residents often suffer from untreated illnesses, and minor health issues can become life-threatening because of a lack of awareness and resources.
During the December 2024 visit, the Women’s Ministries Department organized Bible studies and women’s meetings, teaching vital literacy, hygiene, and health skills. Children gathered to learn about cleanliness, Bible stories, and faithfulness. They also sang songs and received their Bibles.
BELARUS
Health and Spiritual Outreach Initiative Draws Hundreds in Minsk
Seventh-day Adventists in Minsk, the capital city of Belarus, held an evangelistic event for adults and children in the city January 25. Among the invitees were relatives, acquaintances and friends of church members, as well as large families of the Leninsky district.
About 300 children enjoyed Bible lessons and a class on making postcards. Adults learned about healthy living principles. They also got free advice from physicians and information about the Breathe Free initiative to help them quit smoking, and tasted healthy food dishes.
Later they attended a musical and dramatic performance at the local church sanctuary titled “Pictures From the Sacred Pages.” Stories from the Holy Scriptures came to life as the audience was invited to join such Bible characters as Joseph and Mary, John the Baptist, and Nicodemus.
At the end of the drama performances, the local church pastor appealed attendees to appreciate God’s gift of love and embrace the truth of the crucified and resurrected Savior.
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