Adventist Headlines From Around the World—February 6, 2025

KENYA

Hope Channel Kenya Reaches 100,000 Subscribers on YouTube

Hope Channel International celebrated a momentous milestone after Hope Channel Kenya (HCK) recently reached 100,000 subscribers on YouTube. This achievement is a testament to the working of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Kenyans, moving them to embrace the message of eternal hope shared by the Hope Channel Global Network of 84 affiliates, network leaders said.

“We can only praise God for how He has worked with and through us. This milestone isn’t just about the numbers. It shows the countless lives touched, healed, and transformed by the good news of salvation,” said Catherine Ontita, director of Hope Channel Kenya, as she reflected on the journey.

She also credits the network’s success to divine guidance and dedicated teamwork. 

“Our subscribers represent people who are not just viewing content for entertainment but seeking a deeper spiritual connection,” she said. “We’ve seen families united through the programs, individuals uplifted during dark moments, and lives transformed by the good news of Jesus Christ. For us, reaching 100,000 subscribers shows that God is using Hope Channel to fulfill His mission in Kenya.”

SOLOMON ISLANDS

ADRA’s Cocoa Training Grows Hope in Local Farmers

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), through its Soul Cocoa Livelihood Project (SCLP), has successfully completed a cocoa training program at Aroaro Community in Central Guadalcanal, Solomon Islands.

Held on January 22-23 at the community’s request, the training aimed to equip local cocoa farmers with essential skills. Participants learned key aspects of cocoa farming, including pruning and grafting techniques, site and seed selection, identification of high-quality seedlings, and integrated pest and disease management. About 45 cocoa farmers attended.

During the closing ceremony ADRA Solomon Islands country director Leyn Elizer Gantare expressed his gratitude to the local government and participants for their commitment to the initiative.

“ADRA staff are happy to be here, and their hearts are with you—the cocoa farmers in this community,” Gantare said. “Our team will continue visiting you and working alongside you as you apply what you’ve learned today.”

Participant Mary Filotea expressed her appreciation for the training. “I now understand better techniques, and I thank ADRA for bringing this training to our community for free,” she said.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Inter-American Technology Summit Sparks Innovation and Collaboration

More than 100 accountants and technologists from across the Inter-American Division (IAD) recently gathered for the first territory-wide Technology Summit to focus on the new digital strategies for mission launched by the General Conference. This summit aimed to integrate union accountants and IT professionals into the global church initiative, positioning technology as a powerful ally in advancing the church’s mission.

Antonio De la Mota, chief information officer of the IAD and organizer of the summit, shared the vision behind the initiative. “Technology is constantly evolving, and we must ensure our approach is aligned with the mission,” De la Mota said. “This event has been a significant step toward that goal.”

The summit concluded with a call to work with excellence and innovation. IAD treasurer Ivelisse Herrera reminded participants that each action—from implementing technological solutions to strengthening cybersecurity—has an eternal impact.

“Every tool we implement should be like a piece of the tabernacle: small but essential for fulfilling our purpose,” she said.

INDIA

Pastor’s Family Fulfills Mission Call

Before members from the First Seventh-day Adventist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States, were to embark on a mission trip to India in 2025, Rusty Williams, pastor, along with his family and family friend Christopher Munive, set out on a journey of their own.

“I saw the great need in what has been called the 10/40 window, that region of the world that is largely unreached by the gospel,” Williams said. This trip provided an opportunity for the pastor’s family team to be immersed in service.

The purpose of the outreach was to minister and serve the people in six villages in southeast India. Evangelistic-style meetings were conducted at two sites, and all members of Williams’ team participated, either in preaching, giving health talks, or telling children’s stories. A video on the life of Christ was presented in the native Telugu language.

“The whole undertaking was a blessing for the young people, as well as those they were there to serve,” Williams said. Sixty-four people were baptized.

RUSSIA

Women’s Club Supports Mothers of Children With Disabilities

The local Adventist church in the city of Cherkessk, Karachay-Cherkess Republic, in the southwest part of the Russian Federation, recently hosted the long-awaited opening of the local women’s club to support mothers of special children with disabilities.

The club’s motto is “Don’t Live With Sadness and Regret; Together We Are Strong!”

The event took place in a friendly atmosphere, which included tables with treats. The program included songs, poems, and various competitions, organizers Evgenia Krivenkova and Arkady Sabady said.

Twenty-six special invitees attended the event, including Igor Atoyants, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic director of the rehabilitation center “Happy Childhood”; center representatives; mothers of special children; and TV and printed press reporters.

“We thank the Lord for such a blessed opportunity to testify to the world about God’s mercy!” organizers said. “Please support this important social project in your prayers!”