BULDING FOR ETERNITY

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.

Today, the Ohio Conference Education Department hosted its annual in-service to launch the 2025–2026 school year. Held at the Conference’s Integrity Hall in Dayton, the gathering brought together educators from all 11 Ohio Conference schools for a day of professional growth, inspiration, and collaboration. Guest presenters included Adam Brown, Dean of Student Success, Enrollment Management, and Student Affairs, and Lynal A. Ingham, Associate Director for Elementary Education at the Pacific Union Conference. The program began with a devotional led by Zoe Alvarez, a recent graduate and former Student Chaplain of Spring Valley Academy. Richard Bianco, Education Superintendent, and Esther Barton, Education Administrative Assistant, organized the event to prepare teachers for the 2025–2026 school year and reinforce the mission of nurturing students in faith and learning.

The Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio launched its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series, titled “Summer BLAST,” on August 2. The series is scheduled to conclude on August 9. At the halfway point, the church has already celebrated the baptism of 65 individuals. Pastor Marius Marton, who is hosting the series and conducting all the baptisms, shared that nightly attendance has ranged between 175 and 250 participants. “We had a record number of children on opening night—over 300 in attendance,” he reported. “Since then, the children’s attendance has averaged between 100 and 150 each night.” Many nights, there is an overflow, requiring attendees to sit in the fellowship hall to watch the presentation. The speaker for the campaign is Pastor Kojo Twumasi.

COLUMBUS, OHIO — On June 21, members and guests of the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church gathered to commemorate a significant milestone: 25 years of ministry, mission, and community rooted in unwavering faith. Under the theme "After 25 Years—We Still Believe," the celebration was a joyful reflection on the church's journey and an inspiring look toward its future. A Legacy of Faith Recounting the church's early history, Kusi Odomse Akuoko, a pioneer elder, explained that in March 1998, a group of 11 Ghanaian immigrants came together with a common mission—to worship, study, and fellowship in a culturally familiar environment. They adopted the Twi language as their medium of expression, fostering a more profound sense of identity and community. "The group began meeting at Kwabena Okyere Ababio's apartment on Sabbath afternoons, studying the Bible and fellowshipping together," said Elder Akuoko. He also acknowledged the strong and consistent support the congregation has received from the Ohio Conference since its inception, crediting that partnership as vital to the church's establishment and growth. The Ohio Conference officially organized the Columbus Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2000. In its early years, many founding members held humble, entry-level jobs yet gave sacrificially to support the church financially. These pioneers were mission-focused, engaging in house-to-house visitations and distributing Christian literature throughout their community. Today, the church's influence extends far beyond its physical walls. It maintains a vibrant digital presence, sharing the gospel through social media. One notable outreach is a weekly Sabbath School discussion program aired on Hope TV Ghana, co-hosted by Pastor Samuel Adjei, leader of the church's English service, and Elder Kwabena Okyere Ababio. Since the church's organization, four pastors have served the congregation: Pastor Isaac B. Boateng, the founding pastor; Dr. Derick Adu, who served as associate pastor; and currently, Dr. Samuel K. Twumasi as senior pastor, alongside Pastor Samuel Adjei as associate pastor. Driven by a passion for evangelism, the Columbus Ghanaian Church has played a pivotal role in planting sister congregations, including the Cincinnati, Greater Cleveland, and Prince of Peace Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist Churches. Atmosphere & Attire The sanctuary radiated both celebration and reverence, adorned with vibrant blue and gold drapery, traditional Ghanaian fabrics, and a bold banner displaying the 25th-anniversary theme. Members arrived in coordinated, custom-made attire—brilliant blue prints emblazoned with the "25th" logo—symbolizing unity, cultural pride, and collective gratitude. Adding to the atmosphere, the Columbus Ghanaian Church Adehyeɛ Pathfinder Club Marching Band made a grand entrance, parading through the aisles with rhythmic drums, blaring trumpets, joyful songs, and well-coordinated drills. Their performance brought youthful energy and deep emotion, drawing admiration from the congregation. Leadership in Attendance Several distinguished leaders from across the Adventist Church, both locally and internationally, attended the celebration. From the Ohio Conference, attendees included: Bob Cundiff, President Andrew Sutton, Treasurer Francis Tuffour, Digital Media and Communication Director Representing the Mid-Ghana Union Conference were: Dr. Kwame Annor-Boahen, President Pastor Richard Armah Tandoh, Publishing Ministries Director Also present were: Dr. Isaac B. Boateng, founding pastor, is now serving as senior pastor of First Ghana Adventist Church in New York. Dr. Derick Adu, President of North America Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventist (NAGSDA) and pastor of Washington Ghanaian Adventist Church, former associate pastor of the Columbus Ghanaian Church Additional pastors in attendance included: Pastor Michael Opuni Asiedu, Greater Cleveland Adventist Church Pastor Michael Adomako, Prince of Peace Adventist Church, Columbus Pastor Emmanuel Kusi Yeboah, Cincinnati Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Kwesi Gyimah, Toronto Ghanaian Adventist Church, Canada Pastor Emmanuel Kwasi Sarpong, Chicago Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Jonas K. Asante, Greater Indianapolis Ghanaian Adventist Church Pastor Opoku Acheampong, retired minister Professor Owusu Mensah, historian and educator Also present were lay leaders, members of sister congregations, and representatives from the broader Adventist community. Spiritual Highlights The worship climaxed with a powerful sermon titled "We Still Believe" by Pastor Isaac B. Boateng. Preaching from Hebrews 10:23—"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised"—he challenged the church to remain steadfast in their faith in Christ. Pastor Boateng recalled that the Ohio Conference organized the church in August 2000 with just 70 members. Within two years, the congregation had grown to 320, a testimony to both evangelistic zeal and God's faithfulness. He praised God for enabling the church to purchase land for $150,000 and construct a building within six months—a rare accomplishment. Notably, the Columbus Ghanaian Adventist Church remains the only Ghanaian Adventist church in North America to have purchased its land and built from the ground up. Most others acquired existing buildings or renovated commercial spaces. He also commended Pastor Twumasi's visionary leadership, his passion for evangelism, and his commitment to nurturing the church's growth. Emphasizing the urgency of the hour, he reminded members, "Jesus is coming soon," and urged them to equip the next generation: "We must pass the baton to our young people so they are equipped and ready to continue this journey of faith." Music enriched the worship service with spirited performances by PPC, Christ the King, Faith Factor, choir, and other singing groups, blending traditional hymns and contemporary praise to uplift hearts and voices. Special Messages and Reflections Pastor Bob Cundiff, President of the Ohio Conference, commended the congregation: "I talk about you when I go around Ohio, and I hold you up as a model of a healthy, well-functioning church—one that's taking care of its members, nurturing its children, sharing the gospel, and inviting people in." He assured members of the Conference of their continued support, affirming their role in advancing the church's mission in Ohio. In a recorded message, Dr. Paul Yeboah, a prominent Ghanaian Adventist leader and church planter in Europe and North America, congratulated the church and praised its media ministry, youth engagement, and success in church planting. Quoting Colossians 4:18—"Do not forget my chains"—he urged members not to forget the sacrifices and hardships that laid the foundation of the church. He encouraged youth to remain active in the church and to consider starting impactful projects in Ghana as a way to give back and strengthen their heritage. Dr. Derick Adu, President of NAGSDA, shared: "I extend greetings from the sisterhood of Ghanaian churches across North America." He expressed appreciation to the Columbus leadership for their commitment and service. Reflecting on a vision cast 37 years ago to plant Ghanaian churches across North America, he added: "Columbus is a fulfillment of that vision." Vision for the Future As part of the anniversary celebration, the church raised funds to support key areas of ongoing development, including its online ministry, the mortgage for the English congregation, and parking lot improvements. Pastor Samuel K. Twumasi outlined a forward-looking vision that enhances the church's hybrid ministry, effectively combining online and in-person worship, strengthens community impact, reaches out to former members, plants new churches, and fosters stronger intergenerational connections. He reaffirmed the church's commitment to being a beacon of hope, both locally and globally, and to advancing the gospel through innovation, outreach, and faithfulness.

Lima, OH — June 17, 2025 — A wave of spiritual renewal swept through Lima this past week as the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church concluded its dynamic evangelistic series, Summer BLAST—an acronym for Building Lives Around Solid Truth. The program, held from June 8 to June 15, drew hundreds from the local community and resulted in 44 baptisms, as well as 10 additional individuals joining the church through profession of faith. Summer BLAST is based on an innovative evangelism model taught to the Lima church by Pastor Kojo Twumasi, Senior Pastor of the Toledo First and Northwood Seventh-day Adventist churches in Ohio. This model uniquely integrates service with spiritual outreach by meeting the community's basic needs while sharing the gospel message. Each evening began with an encouraging and motivational message, followed by generous giveaways of essential items, including groceries, diapers, laundry supplies, and toys. Of all the distribution nights, the laundry products day was a standout, attracting over 250 attendees—remarkable for a church that typically welcomes 50 to 60 people on a good day. "We're not just preaching sermons; we're building trust, building relationships, and showing that Jesus cares about every aspect of people's lives," said Pastor Kojo Twumasi, campaign speaker. "The gospel is most powerful when it is lived and experienced, not just heard." Pastor Carl Brooks, who currently serves the Lima church, shared his deep gratitude and awe at the response: "team, though small in size, was a formidable force to reckon with; they gave their best effort. By God's power, we were able to meet the demands and challenges with a heart of care mingled with grace. We also want to thank the Ohio conference for their prayers and financial support towards the effort. Likewise, for the visit of our president whose presence did excite and energized the series". Guests responded with enthusiasm and sincerity to nightly altar calls, with many saying "to Jesus and choosing to take the next step in their spiritual journey. The church is now preparing for continued discipleship and follow-up with the new believers, affirming its commitment to ongoing community engagement and faith-building. The Summer BLAST series has not only revitalized the Lima church but also set a powerful example of what can happen when faith and compassion walk hand in hand.

The Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church in Ohio launched a week-long evangelism campaign titled Summer BLAST, drawing hundreds of attendees and providing both spiritual and practical support to the local community. Under the leadership of Pastor Carl Brooks, who serves as the campaign host, the church has distributed groceries, hot meals, toiletries, laundry supplies, diapers, and other essential items to individuals and families in need. As a result of the outreach and nightly meetings, 31 individuals have made decisions for Christ so far. Pastor Kojo Twumasi serves as the campaign speaker, delivering nightly messages focused on hope, transformation, and the love of God. The church continues to experience strong attendance as the event enters its final four days. Local leadership has taken notice of the church’s efforts. Jeannine Jordan, Fourth Ward Councilor for the City of Lima, attended one of the meetings, underscoring the campaign’s positive community impact. The Ohio Conference encourages continued prayer for Pastor Brooks and his team as they conclude the Summer BLAST campaign and seek to follow up with those who have responded to the gospel.