Adventist Headlines From Around the World—February 11, 2025

PHILIPPINES

Centers of Influence, Congregations Open With the Support of U.S. Church Region

During the Manila for Christ mission trip to the Philip­pines in January 2025, Ted A. Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference (AUC) executive secretary, visited two of three centers of influence funded by financial support from that church region in the United States. His visit encouraged local church members as the projects continued to take shape and serve their communities, AUC leaders reported

One of the highlights of Huskins’ trip was the dedica­tion of the newly renovated building for the Antipolo Hills company. Once a simple garage, the facility has been transformed into a sleek and modern space serving as a center for gathering, fellowship, and prayer. The members of Antipolo Hills company, which began as a church plant in 2015, rejoiced as Huskins officially dedicat­ed their new place of worship.

At a fraction of the cost of building in the United States, these centers of influence, made possible through the support of the AUC, continue to pro­vide vital spaces for worship, community service, and evangelism. AUC church leaders said, “This collabora­tive work between the Atlantic Union Conference and the Northern Lu­zon Philippine Union Mission reflects the on­going mission of the Atlantic Union Conference: United We Go to Grow God’s Kingdom.”

UKRAINE

Children Learn to Give Joy in an Art Therapy Workshop in Kyiv 

On January 29, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Ukraine held a regular meeting of an art therapy workshop for children at its Protection and Support Center in Kyiv. This time the topic was ‘”Giving Joy With Love.” Seven small participants from internally displaced families joined the event. Local ADRA leaders reported that the workshop was held as part of a bigger project of assistance with the support of ADRA Sweden and the Swedish charitable organization Radiohjälpen.

The event was conducted by ADRA Ukraine psychologist Natalia Konopkina and the center facilitator Zhanna Prus. Children learned how to influence their emotional state through behavior. They created cards, and as part of their creativity process, they discussed what feelings arise when you give handmade gifts to other people.

ADRA Ukraine leaders shared that workshops such as the one on January 29 take place once or twice a month. “These initiatives are helping children discover new ways of expressing emotions as we seek ways to warm their hearts,” they said.

UNITED KINGDOM

Trans-European Division Youth Leaders Receive Training in Community Resilience

Nearly two dozen youth leaders and directors from across the Trans-European Division (TED) gathered at the end of January to receive training in the Community Resiliency Model (CRM). The event, held in the Moor Close Chapel at Newbold College of Higher Education, was led by various professors from Loma Linda University, including Bev Buckles, Kimberly Freeman, Winetta Oloo, and David Vermeersch.

The CRM program, designed to develop wellness-based resiliency skills, aims to alleviate symptoms of chronic stress, trauma, and loss. Through practical techniques such as mindfulness, emotional regulation, and peer support, participants not only enhance their own well-being but also gain the skills to support others in their communities, fostering a stronger and more connected network.

TED Youth Ministries director Marcel Ghioalda highlighted the significance of the initiative. The TED “is committed to further developing the skills of youth directors and leaders through initiatives like this,” he said. “This CRM training comes at a crucial time when mental health resources are more important than ever. By collaborating with Newbold College of Higher Education, we are taking a proactive step in preparing leaders to address mental wellness needs effectively, making a real difference in the lives of young people.”

UNITED STATES

New Program Aims to Support Human Trafficking Victims

During January, known in the United States as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, AdventHealth Parker in Colorado took a step to support victims through a new program.

On January 23, emergency department nurses were invited to take part in human trafficking prevention training hosted by the nonprofit From Silenced to Saved. The training focused on educating team members on how to spot and support victims.

“AdventHealth wants to make sure all of their emergency room nurses understand the signs [of human trafficking] and know how to help,” said Jenelle Goodrich, From Silenced to Saved founder and executive director.

This program is already having an impact on other AdventHealth Parker emergency department nurses.

“As nurses, we’re passionate about ensuring that our patients are safe and that we are providing whole-person care,” Kelcie Farnes said. “It’s scary to think that we could be caring for a human trafficking victim and not realize it. That’s why it’s so important to have these tips. . . . The more people who attend this training, the more we can work together to build a really good safety net and make sure we are doing the right thing and getting help to those who need it.”

URUGUAY

More Than 100 Student Colporteurs Meet to Connect and Celebrate

For the third year in a row, more than 100 student colporteurs have come out to share hope through Christian literature in different cities across Uruguay. A recent gathering highlighted that their work is making a difference in the lives of many people and building a spiritual impact on the community, regional church leaders said.

As a direct result of their work, there are already 97 people studying the Bible after the new Southern Hemisphere summer campaign, still ongoing.

Canvassing not only represents an opportunity for spiritual growth and mission but it also allows students to pay their tuition as they share a message of hope, regional church leaders said. “Every book sold is a seed of hope sown in a home, and every conversation opens the door to a new opportunity for change and restoration,” they said. “The dedication and effort of these young people has not gone unnoticed, and we hope more people will join in support of this initiative.”