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Early on a Sabbath morning, a young man with his baby strapped to his chest steps into the small Haitian Adventist church, where voices of praise fill the air in Springfield, Ohio. For members of this faith community, the gathering is more than worship—it's a source of solace, a sanctuary from life's hardships. Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church began with just four Haitian members meeting in the basement of Springfield's Hispanic Adventist Church in December 2021. Named 'Emmanuel' to reflect their unflinching faith in God's presence among them, the congregation quickly grew—first to 17, then to 35, to 40, and now to over 70 members, with as many as 80 to 100 joining when visitors come. These immigrants left Haiti, but they did not leave behind their faith. They created a space to grow spiritually, seek God's guidance, and find hope amid their challenges. According to the Migration Policy Institute, many Haitians have recently migrated to the U.S. due to political instability, natural disasters, violence, and economic hardship. Amid these struggles, the members of Emmanuel face difficulties navigating a new environment while holding tightly to their roots. While they left behind some challenges in Haiti, life in a new land has brought hardships. Cleoius Joseph, an Emmanuel Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church elder, explained that members face significant immigration-related difficulties but lack someone to guide them through the process. 'We need help with immigration issues, filling applications, and someone who can assess our needs and connect us to resources,' he shared. The church regularly sees new members and visitors, some of whom are not Adventists, arriving in search of help. Many come with nothing to eat, lacking food, clothing, money, or even a place to stay. The financial strain also prevents the congregation from hosting after-church potlucks, which they would otherwise use to build fellowship and support. Joseph also noted that some members have faced ridicule and harmful stereotypes, with rumors circulating that Haitians are responsible for pet disappearances. This misconception has caused distress within the community, leading some families to relocate to other cities in search of a more understanding environment." Despite facing tough times, the church continually strengthens members' faith in God through prayers, Bible study, sermons, and songs. Worship includes ample time for singing, which they approach with joy and energy. Unlike the Israelites, who questioned how to sing the Lord's song in a foreign land, Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church members lifted their voices together. The congregation participates in singing, not just a few in a praise team, creating a shared sense of unity. Though they may lack potlucks, their fellowship is rich as they sing hymns like What a Friend We Have in Jesus. Faces beam with hope as they sing lines such as, 'Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged; take it to the Lord in prayer! Precious Savior, still our refuge—take it to the Lord in prayer! Do your friends despise, forsake you? Take it to the Lord in prayer!' During Sabbath School, they engage in communal study, led by one person who encourages participation through questions and personal contributions. Together with the sermons, these moments of worship and study continue to strengthen the faith of every member The church, composed mainly of young people and conducted in French, is led by Roger Melendez-Cabrera, a Spanish pastor who provides spiritual guidance with the support of his elders. As Emmanuel Haitian Adventist Church grows, its members hold fast to their faith, drawing strength from one another and finding hope for better days ahead. Within this humble congregation, they have genuinely found a sanctuary.

The Hope For Today city-wide evangelistic campaign was a historic moment of unity, community service, and spiritual revival in the Greater Toledo Area. It occurred at Owens Community College from August 31 to September 14, 2024. It was a testament to the power of collaboration as all five local churches in the city's metro area, including Bowling Green SDA, Toledo First SDA, Swanton SDA, Northwood SDA, and Parkwood SDA, joined forces in a cross-conference collaboration. Also, two Spanish congregations in the city's metro area - Toledo Spanish SDA and Bowling Green Spanish SDA held campaigns simultaneously at a separate venue. The program was also a testament to what could occur when the various levels of the church synergize. While the initiative was grassroots-led, the Ohio Conference, Allegheny West Conference, and the Columbia Union assisted with sponsorship via their presence, prayers, finances, and resources. Impact on Individuals and Families As a result of the event, 87 individuals joined the churches by baptism and profession of faith. These new additions were the culmination of the Holy Spirit working through compassion initiatives, meaningful conversations, one-on-one Bible studies, and powerful messages by the campaign speaker, Pastor Ryan Day of 3ABN. Many of these individuals expressed that the sense of community and compassion drew them in and helped them take this step. In addition to the numerous adults who attended Hope For Today, the event welcomed 40 to 100 children each night into a warm and fun environment. The facilitators taught kids Bible stories, played games, helped with crafts, and blessed the young ones with snacks. This robust children’s program called the Hope Zone effectively motivated parents to attend the nightly meetings. Serving the Community's Practical Needs Understanding the practical needs in the community, Hope For Today offered tangible support for families by distributing groceries, diapers, clothes, laundry supplies, and dinner each evening. These items met essential needs and showed the community the church's commitment to caring for them on multiple levels. Families were deeply grateful, and many expressed that this outreach significantly impacted their lives. One attendee said, "I just wanted to thank you for this event. I recently took custody of an infant and am struggling financially. Not only were the diapers a blessing, but I also won the Meijer gift card!" Preparing Through Prayer, Training, and Unity In preparation for "Hope For Today," the churches engaged in multiple five-day prayer sessions seeking God’s guidance and blessing for the outreach. Additionally, on May 18, 2024, the pastors of the local churches hosted an evangelism boot camp, training members on engaging with the community, sharing their faith effectively, and meeting people where they are. On August 24, a joint rally gathered everyone before the event started, strengthening the spirit of unity and purpose. During the rally, the keynote speaker, Dr. Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, reminded the church members that their spiritual efforts were worthwhile. Moreover, church members noted that their boldness for Jesus increased as they kept inviting others to the campaign. Lasting Impact and Continued Growth The bonds formed among the five churches have only strengthened since "Hope For Today" concluded. The churches continue to grow as new members join them, and existing members remain inspired to stay connected and involved. Pr. Eccles, the Bowling Green & Swanton church pastor, mentioned that "the program gave our church momentum and direction as we prepare for Pentecost 2025." In post-assessment, Pr. Steven Valles of Parkwood SDA Church noted, "Hope For Today was more than an event—it was the beginning of a movement. Our churches are excited to continue building on this momentum, knowing that when we come together, we can make an incredible impact on our community and beyond. Together, we look forward to further opportunities to serve, grow, and bring hope to those around us." Written By: Kojo Twumasi Pastor | Toledo First & Northwood SDA

On Saturday, October 19, we witnessed the launch of an exciting new youth movement in Cleveland, Ohio, called C.O.R.E. This movement was created by a group of young people seeking more: more praise for God, more time spent with Him, more friendships, and more fellowship. This movement aims to unite young adults aged 16 to 35 across Cleveland and the surrounding area. The evening was a success, with over 30 attendees. The praise team led us into worship, and God's presence was palpable as we sang in unity. Following this, we heard an inspiring sermon from Alina Simmons, a theology student at Andrews University. She reminded us of the importance of being part of a Christ-centered community where individuals can support and uplift one another—this is the essence of C.O.R.E. The event concluded with a focus on fellowship, allowing young adults from various churches to connect and build relationships. Sharing a meal together provided a wonderful opportunity for deeper conversation and connection. This event was truly a blessing, and I believe it will continue to bless the Cleveland area in the future. This is just the beginning, and it's clear that God will continue to bless this ministry. The next event is scheduled for December 21 at 6 PM. Follow @core.sda on Instagram for more details. I'm excited to witness the growth and blessings this youth movement will bring. Reported by Gennadii Kasap, Pastor, Slavic Seventh-day Adventist Church, Cleveland

On October 15, 2024, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee voted to appoint Andrew Sutton as the new Treasurer. The position became vacant after Roy Simpson, the former Treasurer, accepted a call to serve as the Under Treasurer of the Mid-America Union Conference earlier in October. Andrew Sutton is no stranger to the Ohio Conference. As a business intern, he first joined the Conference on April 1, 1999. Three months later, the Conference promoted him to Associate Treasurer, a role Sutton held from July 1999 until 2006. On September 1, 2006, The Conference appointed Sutton as Treasurer, serving faithfully until 2010, when he stepped down to spend more time with his young children. During this period, Sutton continued to work within the Treasury Department, focusing on Non-Operating Accounting as an Associate Treasurer. A native of Newark, Ohio, Sutton has deep roots in the Adventist community. He attended Mount Vernon Academy and spent many summers at Camp Mohaven. He has been married for 41 years to his wife, Margaret, and they have three children—Valerie, Lindsay, and Christopher—and three grandchildren. Outside of his work in the Treasury Department, Sutton enjoys outdoor activities such as boating, skiing, hiking, and golf. Recently, he became a certified open-water scuba diver, exploring the ocean's wonders. Sutton's dedication to the mission is unwavering. He has always enjoyed serving God in the Treasury Department, particularly in helping staff and local church treasurers understand the Conference's financial operations. Reflecting on his appointment, Sutton shared, "God has called us to finish the work, bringing as many as we can to the feet of Jesus. My prayer is that we do our part here in Ohio to support this calling so that soon we may go home to be with the Lord forever." His commitment to this mission is a source of inspiration and reassurance for the Ohio Conference. As Sutton steps into this new role, the Ohio Conference looks forward to his continued leadership and dedication to the mission of the Conference.

Clifton Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, Ohio, recently organized a week-long evangelistic initiative titled "Summer BLAST." The event was a community-driven effort focused on addressing local needs, engaging children with fun activities, and spreading the gospel. By the end of the week, the event led to the baptism of 104 individuals. Throughout the week, the church actively engaged with the community, providing essential resources to needy families. Each day, they distributed groceries to families facing food insecurity, backpacks filled with supplies for school children, diapers and laundry pods for households with young children, and toys to bring joy to the kids. The children's activities were a highlight of Summer BLAST. These fun, family-friendly features included bouncy houses, a shaved ice truck, and Bible lessons designed to engage children in an age-appropriate and meaningful way. These activities not only entertained but also shared the love of Christ with the families who participated. The event's success was made possible by the dedication of numerous church members, who tirelessly worked to haul supplies, pack bags, register attendees, and prepare baptismal candidates. Their commitment was crucial in ensuring the week's activities ran smoothly. Each evening, Pastor Kojo Twumasi delivered powerful messages of hope, redemption, and salvation through Jesus Christ. His sermons were well received, and many from the community opened their hearts to the gospel message. The event culminated in the baptism of 104 individuals, a testimony to the gospel's transforming power and the church's unity in its mission to reach the lost. The Clifton SDA Church, under the leadership of Pastor Jeba Moses had spent significant time in prayer, planning, and training in preparation for this outreach. Following the campaign, the church has focused on weekly Bible studies, mentorship teams, and one-on-one visits with the new believers to help solidify their faith. The "Summer BLAST" outreach was a remarkable success, illustrating the impact of a dedicated, mission-driven community on both spiritual and practical levels.

Today, the Dayton and Cincinnati Adventist Brazilian Community gathered for their first Sabbath worship at the Ohio Conference Integrity Hall. The service, which marked a significant milestone for the group, was led by volunteer pastor Rafael da Veiga Sengik. During his sermon, Sengik shared his experience as an immigrant, highlighting the unique challenges many face in similar situations. Despite these challenges, he encouraged the group, reminding them that each member had a distinct journey to the United States, yet all could serve and bring light to their local community. In a brief interview after the service, Pastor Sengik shared the group’s vision for outreach to the Portuguese-speaking community in the Dayton-Cincinnati area. He expressed the desire to develop evangelistic programs aimed at Brazilian families and announced plans to launch Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs for youth. “Our plan is to develop evangelism programs for Brazilian families in our community. We also want to start Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs to engage our young people,” Sengik said. The maiden service drew a group of 22 participants, including 16 adults and 6 children. The group’s mother church is Kettering Adventist Church, which has supported the formation and growth of the new congregation. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff affirmed the group’s presence, stating that the Integrity Hall would serve as their worship space until they transition to a permanent location. “The conference hall is meant to help new groups and church plants that don’t have a place to worship. When the Brazilian group moves to a permanent building, we plan to offer the space to other new groups in the area,” Cundiff said.

Last Sabbath, during a joint English and Spanish camp meeting, the Ohio Conference dedicated its new multi-purpose pavilion at Camp Mohaven. The event was one of the key highlights of the 2024 camp meeting, celebrating the new facility and the baptism of 34 individuals. The Conference constructed the building under the theme "Building for Eternity," designed to support youth's physical and spiritual development and serve as an evangelistic training center for the Ohio Conference. The Ohio Conference had the groundbreaking ceremony of the building during the 2023 camp meeting and crowned it with its dedication during this year's gathering. Pastor Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, reflected on last year's camp meeting, where he had promised the pavilion would be ready by 2024 when the camp meeting was in tents. "And here we are today, praise God," Pastor Cundiff remarked. "We thank each of you who pressed together around this vision to help make this dream a reality. Today is a truly historic day for our Conference. It is historic because of our new home, but also because it is our first multi-ethnic camp meeting. We wanted the entire family to be together for this momentous occasion." Vivo Worship and the Tucker Trio, a Costa Rican group, complemented the dedication ceremony with beautiful music and stirring performances throughout the event. The Tucker Trio, in particular, continued their performance in the Sabbath afternoon concert, contributing to the spiritual atmosphere of the day and uplifting the spirits of all present. Dr. Marcellus T. Robinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference, praised the Ohio Conference for its commitment to building for God's kingdom. "You are serious about kingdom-building for God here in Ohio Conference," he stated. "You have a beautiful theme, "Building for Eternity," which reflects the visionary leadership of your president, Dr. Cundiff." In his sermon, Pastor Cundiff compared the pavilion's dedication to Solomon's dedication to the temple in 1 Kings 5 and 6, calling on attendees to support the building project. Following the sermon, Pastor Cundiff invited 200 people to the ribbon-cutting. Pastors Cundiff and Wiston Zuniga led the dedicatory prayer, praising and asking for God's blessing on the building and its future use. To commemorate the day, the attendees gathered for a large group photo in front of the new building, captured with the help of a drone and photographers using a mechanical lift for elevated shots; the day marked the dedication of a new facility and the coming together of a diverse conference family unified in celebration and mission.