BULDING FOR ETERNITY

As part of the Pentecost 2025 evangelism initiative, the Iglesia Adventista Ebenezer in Cleveland recently hosted a Multicultural Festival – Día de la Diversidad Cultural, an event celebrating the rich cultural diversity within its congregation and community. The festival brought together members and guests for an afternoon of fellowship, worship, and international cuisine. Participants represented various cultural backgrounds, sharing traditional foods and music that reflected the global nature of the Seventh-day Adventist faith community. In addition to the cultural presentations, the program featured a time of worship and reflection on the biblical message of unity in Christ, a powerful reminder that all believers are part of one family in Him. The celebration underscored the church’s ongoing commitment to inclusivity, outreach, and community engagement as part of the Pentecost 2025 initiative.

On October 5, the Mansfield Seventh-day Adventist Church held its traditional Women’s High Tea Party—an annual event that has become a cherished occasion for fellowship, inspiration, and awareness. Organized by the Women’s Ministries Department, this year’s event brought together nearly 80 guests for an afternoon of elegance, reflection, and encouragement. The High Tea serves not only as a joyful social gathering but also as an important opportunity to raise awareness about cancer prevention and promote holistic health within the community. Through this initiative, the church continues to strengthen its connection with women from both the congregation and the surrounding community. The elegant setting made guests feel instantly at ease. Upon arrival, each woman received a hat—a meaningful symbol tied to the event’s theme: “Behind every hat is a woman with a story to tell.” Throughout the program, participants were invited to reflect on their personal journeys, their faith, and God’s grace at work in their lives. In her devotional, Dee Simmering emphasized the importance of relying on God in every circumstance: “We all have a story—some good, and others painful and full of trials. We must lean on our Lord God Almighty to help us navigate life. We can’t do it alone; we all need God. His love, grace, and forgiveness are what carry us through. These are free gifts given to us when we ask for His help.” The beautifully prepared food and tea service added to the atmosphere of joy and celebration. Guests praised the event for its thoughtful organization, inspiring message, and warm hospitality, with many expressing their appreciation and sharing plans to attend again next year.

With a passion for sharing the gospel and strengthening local church outreach, Kojo Twumasi has been appointed to serve as the Ohio Conference’s new Evangelism Department Director. In this role, he will lead initiatives that inspire, equip, and support congregations in fulfilling their evangelistic mission across the conference territory. A Journey of Ministry and Calling Born in Michigan to Ghanaian parents, Twumasi was raised in Michigan, Uganda, and New York City—experiences that gave him a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and faith communities. His early encounters with ministry inspired him to dedicate his life to God’s work. “I chose to become a pastor at the age of 17—a decision shaped by God’s call on my life, my love for people, the example of my father, the encouragement of my community, and the clear direction of my gifts and passions,” he shared. Reflecting on that early decision, he describes how his journey into ministry began with a deep sense of calling that he could not ignore. Growing up in a family and church community devoted to mission and service, he witnessed firsthand the power of the gospel to change lives. That exposure, combined with personal encounters with God and opportunities to serve both locally and abroad, ignited in him a lifelong passion for evangelism and discipleship. Before stepping into this role, Twumasi served as Youth Pastor at the First Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church in New York City, then as Associate Pastor of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cincinnati, and most recently as Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Throughout his ministry, he has also served as a student missionary and international evangelist, leading numerous evangelistic campaigns worldwide through his non-profit organization, Mission Driven Purpose . “Each experience has strengthened my passion for cross-cultural ministry, leadership development, and building systems that help new believers stay connected to Christ and His Church,” he noted. A Vision for Evangelism in Ohio As Evangelism Department Director, Twumasi is eager to strengthen local church outreach across the Ohio Conference. “My vision is to see every church in Ohio become a thriving center of evangelism—where members view themselves as everyday missionaries and where discipleship and compassion are at the heart of outreach,” he said. He believes revival will come as churches unite Spirit-filled preaching with prayer, intentional follow-up, and genuine community care. He desires to see God multiply these efforts so that lives are not only reached but also rooted in faith. Twumasi is especially passionate about empowering congregations to develop a missional culture and strong discipleship systems that help new believers grow and remain active. Faith That Guides His Work For his spiritual foundation, Twumasi draws strength from Scripture, particularly from Ephesians 3:20: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” He says this passage reminds him that ministry is not sustained by human strategy, but by divine power working through people who have surrendered themselves. Beyond the Office Outside of ministry, Twumasi enjoys exercising, playing sports, reading, and spending quality time with family and friends. He believes these moments of rest and recreation help him stay balanced, refreshed, and energized for the work God has called him to do. Looking Ahead As he begins this new role, Twumasi’s message to Ohio Conference members is one of hope and mission: “God is not done with Ohio—the best days of evangelism and growth are still ahead of us.”

In September, eight students from Spring Valley Academy traveled to Andrews University to take part in this year’s annual SciFest competition. Before the event began, the group enjoyed a meal at Baguette de France and then spent time bonding with students from other schools at the Natural History Museum and during a game night. On Friday, the students divided into two teams and engaged in a series of STEM challenges in Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Mathematics, Agriculture, and Engineering—all centered around the theme of space. The competitions tested their creativity and problem-solving skills, as students designed prototype batteries, identified star contents, explored water ecosystems, programmed human “robots,” solved mathematical space-related problems, and planned outdoor agricultural spaces. Through these activities, they not only gained knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for the spaces God has entrusted to us. The weekend concluded with the quiz bowl, where both SVA teams demonstrated what they had learned. Their dedication and teamwork paid off, as the teams placed first and second in the competition. Students reflected that while they discovered personal strengths in certain areas, they also recognized the value of relying on their teammates in others—showing the power of collaboration. For several students, this was their first time encountering specific areas of science, sparking new excitement and curiosity. The experience was both rewarding and inspiring, and the SVA community celebrates the achievements of these students. Faculty and students alike look forward to seeing how God continues to nurture the seeds of curiosity, teamwork, and discovery planted during the weekend.

The Ohio Conference is pleased to announce that Esther Gordon, who has faithfully served as Treasury Administrative Assistant, has transitioned into the role of Human Resources Generalist. With a strong background in administration and a deep commitment to supporting the mission of the Conference, Esther looks forward to continuing her service in a new capacity. Born and raised in Nassau, Bahamas, Esther grew up in a family deeply committed to service. As a pastor’s kid and the youngest of five children, she witnessed firsthand her parents’ lifelong dedication to church ministry. Today, Esther continues that legacy alongside her husband, Pastor Delthony Gordon, and together they are blessed with two children. Esther joined the Ohio Conference on September 1, 2021, serving as Administrative Assistant in the Treasury Department. In this role, she carried a wide range of responsibilities, including receipting, remittances, accounts payable, and service as a treasurer for the Ohio Conference Church. She also managed check processing, departmental correspondence, and assisted with calls and inquiries, ensuring that the Treasury office operated efficiently and with care. When reflecting on her work, Esther shared that her greatest passion lies in connecting with people and offering help wherever it is needed. She sees these moments of service as opportunities to make a meaningful impact and to live out her calling in a practical way. Outside of her professional role, Esther enjoys singing, reading, traveling, and spending time playing games with her family. In her new role as Human Resources Generalist, Esther will oversee key responsibilities, including employee onboarding and offboarding, open enrollment and benefits administration, maintaining service records, and processing vacation requests. She will also manage employee communications and assist in developing and implementing HR policies to support the Ohio Conference team. When reflecting on her most rewarding experience at the Ohio Conference, Esther shared a touching memory: “There was an Ohio constituent who would often reach out to me for help. She would send little notes tucked inside her tithe envelope. One of those notes read, ‘Thank you, Esther. Looking forward to meeting you in Heaven someday.’ That simple message brought me such joy! I taped the note to my calculator as a daily reminder of why I do what I do—and I still have it to this day.” Esther finds encouragement in Isaiah 41:10, which reminds her of God’s constant presence and strength: “Fear thou not; for I am with you: be not dismayed; for I am your God. I will strengthen you; yes, I will help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” When it comes to her work, however, the verse that guides her most is Deuteronomy 28:8: “Blessings on all that you set your hand to do!” She includes this verse at the end of her emails as a way to share encouragement with others. As she steps into this new chapter, Esther shared a simple yet meaningful message: “I count it a privilege to serve the members of the Ohio Conference.”

Church members and leaders from across the United States gathered at the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church last Sabbath in a spirit of joy and thanksgiving as Samuel Adjei was ordained to the gospel ministry. The day carried special significance as the ordination coincided with his tenth wedding anniversary—a celebration of both calling and commitment. Pastor Adjei's Ministry Journey During the service, Sampson Twumasi, lead pastor of the Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church, formally presented Pastor Samuel Adjei for ordination based on the recommendation of the ordination committee and the action of the Ohio Conference Executive Committee, affirmed by the Columbia Union Conference. Born in Ghana, Pastor Adjei was raised in a faithful, second-generation Adventist family. From an early age, his life reflected a strong commitment to God. Although his academic background began in business and accounting, he ultimately followed God’s call to ministry, completing theological training at Babcock University in Nigeria and later earning a Master of Divinity degree from Andrews University in Michigan in 2021. His ministry experience includes service with the South Central Ghana Conference, associate pastor for both the Columbus Ghanaian and Eastwood Adventist churches, chaplain at Eastwood Junior Academy, Executive Secretary of the Midwest Zone of the North American Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventists (NAGSDA), and host of the Twi Sabbath School discussion program on Hope TV-Ghana. Together with his wife, Patience, and their three daughters, he has dedicated himself to serving God’s people with passion and faith. The Homily Delivering the ordination homily, Pastor John Boston II, a renowned humanitarian and faith leader, emphasized that faithful ministry cannot be measured by material abundance. Drawing from Acts 8:26, he stressed that God often calls His servants to “desert places,” where quiet, one-on-one encounters can yield eternal results. “You will find success in the difficult places,” Pastor Boston declared. “If you don’t ruffle some feathers, it is very likely you’re not following the Holy Spirit.” He reminded Pastor Adjei that ministry is not defined by a paycheck but by the ability to inspire and mobilize volunteers for God’s mission. “A call to ministry is not an easy path,” he added, “but you must face it knowing that you are where God has called you to be.” T he Ordination Prayer The service reached its most sacred moment when Pastor Paul Adu Sampah, Stewardship Ministries director for the West-Central Africa Division and father-in-law of Pastor Adjei, offered the ordination prayer. Surrounded by more than 20 ordained ministers, hands were laid upon him in a powerful act of consecration, symbolizing the church’s recognition of his divine calling. In a profoundly symbolic gesture, Pastor Sampah—who plans to retire later this year—gifted his ministerial robe to Pastor Adjei, his son-in-law, passing on the mantle of ministry. The Ordination Charge Pastor Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary of the Ohio Conference, delivered the ordination charge, speaking directly to Pastor Adjei about the sacred responsibilities of pastoral ministry. “In the name of God’s Church, I charge you to minister as a servant,” Pastor Magaña said. “Make the Master your lifelong study. Know what you teach, but first of all, know the One you teach for. For this to happen, you need to spend time with Jesus.” He further encouraged him to live a Christ-centered life of simplicity and faithfulness, reminding him of Jesus’ words: “The good shepherd gives his life for his sheep… Be a shepherd and a pastor, not a hireling.” Welcome to the Ministry Representing the Columbia Union Conference, Pastor Emmanuel Asiedu, Union treasurer, officially welcomed Pastor Adjei into the worldwide family of ordained Seventh-day Adventist ministers. In his remarks, he urged him to embrace his calling with humility and service. “You are called to serve, not to be served,” Pastor Asiedu said. He encouraged him to be God’s hand extended—preaching hope, comforting the afflicted, uplifting the marginalized, and standing firm in his calling at all times. A Response of Gratitude In his response, Pastor Adjei expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for bringing the day to fulfillment, acknowledging the challenges he had overcome along his journey into ministry. He thanked the leadership of the Ohio Conference, his wife, mentors, family, and the many church leaders and members who had supported him along the way. As part of the day’s celebration, Pastor Adjei and his wife, Patience, renewed their wedding vows in honor of their 10th anniversary. Pastor Twumasi officiated the renewal ceremony and offered a prayer of blessing over their marriage and family. A Memorable Baptism The celebration concluded with a baptism of special significance. Fulfilling a personal request, Pastor Adjei baptized Precious Owusu, who had asked to be the first person he would baptize following his ordination. Her wish was honored, and she joyfully entered the waters of baptism under his ministry.

The Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio concluded its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series, held August 2–9, with the addition of 161 new members—surpassing the congregation’s previous membership and worship attendance before the campaign. Before the series began, Elyria Church had a membership of 100. Andrew Sutton, Treasurer of the Ohio Conference, emphasized that in God’s eyes every soul is precious and that even a small number of baptisms makes an evangelistic effort worthwhile. However, he noted that what took place in Elyria was unprecedented in the Ohio Conference’s history, at least as far as he could remember. “We praise God for such a great harvest,” Sutton said, reflecting on the remarkable growth. Pastor Marius Marton, who leads the Elyria congregation, recalled telling the church board that he was praying for 150 new souls. “One board member said, ‘150-plus,’” Marton shared with excitement. “God blessed us with 161 precious souls. Imagine if we had bigger faith—God would have given us more.” He credited the remarkable results to the church’s wholehearted participation in Total Member Involvement (TMI), which united the congregation in harmony and mission. “Now the praises are being shouted from the rooftops, and the church is eager to do it again! Soli Deo Gloria!” The guest speaker for the series was Pastor Kojo Twumasi, who preached under the theme Summer BLAST—Building Lives Around Solid Truth. This innovative evangelism model blends acts of service with the Gospel by meeting the community’s basic needs while sharing a Bible-centered message. Pastor Kojo commended the Elyria members for being filled with the Holy Spirit, noting their passion for soul winning and their determination to do even more for the Lord. He emphasized that members bathed the series in prayer from start to finish, and he underscored the importance of the congregation’s retention program, which began immediately after the campaign concluded. “Last Sabbath morning, the church was filled with both old and new members,” he said with joy. Pastor Twumasi currently serves as senior pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist churches in Ohio. This summer alone, he has spoken for five evangelistic campaigns—Elyria being the fifth—which together have resulted in 400 baptisms. He continually gives glory to God for leading in each effort and for touching the hearts of those who choose to follow Him. Elyria’s Summer BLAST was part of Pentecost 2025, a North American Division initiative designed to launch more than 3,000 proclamation events across the division’s territory throughout the year. The initiative seeks to fulfill the mandate of Jesus Christ in Matthew 24:14: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come.” Through its prayer-filled preparation, Spirit-led preaching, and united service, the Elyria Church stands as a powerful example of how local congregations can join a continent-wide movement to share the hope of the Gospel and hasten the soon return of Christ.