Adventist Headlines From Around the World—February 24, 2025

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

Discipleship Retention Training Is Strengthening Churches, Leaders Say

The New Britain New Ireland Mission (NBNIM) in Papua New Guinea conducted a New Disciple Retention Training program from February 9 to 13 in Kimbe, Rabaul and Kavieng. The training focused on nurturing and retaining new disciples, equipping church leaders with strategies for effective disciple-making.

A total of 209 participants, including field pastors, ministers, Volunteer in Action (VIA) workers, and local church leaders attended the training facilitated by NBNIM administrators and departmental directors, using materials developed by the South Pacific Division (SPD) Discipleship Ministry team.

The training covered key topics such as the importance of nurturing new disciples, the role of the local church in disciple-making and effective methods for retention and spiritual growth. Facilitators adapted content to the local context, training participants in strategies for strengthening new members in their faith.

NBNIM Stewardship director Tangis Kurae emphasised that nurturing should be a long-term commitment. “When we nurture individuals before baptism, we can continue supporting them afterward, keeping our focus on their spiritual growth,” he said.

The training concluded with the distribution of discipleship materials, equipping participants with resources to implement what they learned in their local churches.

UNITED STATES

AdventHealth Parker in Colorado Breaks Ground on Major Expansion

AdventHealth Parker unveiled a US$300 million expansion project on January 7. Currently a 179-bed hospital, AdventHealth Parker has served the southeast Denver metro area in Colorado and beyond for nearly 21 years.

The new 186,000 square-foot (17,300 square-meter) tower will include four operating rooms (and two additional rooms that will be shelled for future use), 16 pre- and postoperative rooms, 60 new medical/surgical beds, two cardiac catheterization labs, two interventional radiology labs, and a new sterile processing department. Construction is expected to begin in February 2025, with plans to care for the first patient by February 2027.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to support our community by providing outstanding and accessible care, close to home,” said AdventHealth Parker CEO Michael Goebel. “This strategic investment will not only elevate our services but ensure we are meeting the health-care needs of our patients for years to come.”

“Our goal within AdventHealth is to be a preeminent health-care system known for whole-person care,” said AdventHealth Rocky Mountain Region CEO Brett Spenst. “It’s our sacred duty to expand our services and continue to grow so that more people can achieve wholeness.”

BELGIUM

New Ecclesiastical Year Dinner

On February 2 the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference (BLC) team invited active and retired employees, department heads, members of the BLC board, and pastors and their families to share a meal. More than 100 people enjoyed reconnecting with old acquaintances, meeting new leaders, exchanging news, discussing the world and the church, and sharing the special meal.

The International Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brussels hosted the group in its new hall. Twenty volunteers set up and decorated the tables, prepared a meal, and organized all the logistics.

BLC president Yves Pierre addressed attendees, emphasizing three Bible verses: “For Christ’s love compels us” (2 Cor. 5:14, NIV), “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35, NIV), and “Jesus looked at him and loved him” (Mark 10:21, NIV). These three passages share a common theme, a central value: love, Pierre said. “It’s a love that gives before it receives, that commits before reaping its rewards, that looks kindly upon others while allowing them the freedom to make their own choices.”

With this mission in mind, and with gratitude for the work accomplished and the commitment of all, Pierre marked the start of this new ecclesiastical year.

BRAZIL

Adventist Hospital Expands Access to Quality Health Care

The Adventist Health Network of Pará (RAS/PA) reaffirmed its commitment to innovation and quality of care with the inauguration of Belem Adventist Hospital Integrated Medicine Center on February 7. Designed to offer patient-centered care, the new space represents a breakthrough in the provision of excellent health-care services to the community, its leaders said.

The symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony included RAS/PA board of directors and representatives of the South American Division, Adventist Health Brazil, the North Brazil Union Mission (UNB) and the North Pará Conference (ANPA). Cipriano Ferraz, assistant health secretary of Pará, also attended.

UNB president André Dantas emphasized the purpose of the new center’s mission. “Jesus healed so that people would be healthy. The Bible teaches principles for a fulfilling life, and we follow that example by promoting health in a wholistic way—caring for our body, mind, and spirit,” he said.

After the official opening, guests visited the facilities, designed to combine state-of-the-art technology and specialized service. The new center, located in downtown Belem in northern Brazil, has three MRI machines, three CT scanners, and 10 ultrasound machines, hospital leaders reported.

INDONESIA

Interdenominational Seminar Connects Christian Leaders

More than 80 Christian pastors, including 62 from non-Adventist denominations, participated in the PREACH (Project for Reaching Every Active Clergy Home) Seminar on February 3. The event in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, sought to provide spiritual enrichment and theological insights for pastors across various Christian faith communities.

The seminar was officially opened by a representative of the Ministry of Religion of Balikpapan City, who recognized the event’s role in promoting cooperation among Christian leaders. Leaders of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) led the sessions, offering messages of encouragement and practical guidance for ministers.

SSD Ministerial Association secretary Rudi Situmorang emphasized the importance of personal devotion, warning that pastors must remain spiritually grounded. “Spiritual leaders are not immune; if they do not come to the altar, they will become primary targets of Satan,” he said. Presentations by Felixian Felicitas, SSD field secretary, reflected on historical theological movements and their relevance to contemporary Christian ministry.

The seminar received high praise from Balikpapan’s Religious Department. Officials acknowledged that the program aligned with the government’s goal of promoting unity and collaboration among religious leaders. Non-Adventist pastors also expressed gratitude, noting the relevance of the topics and the spiritual encouragement they received.