Pastors and conference leaders from across the Ohio Conference gathered on March 16–17, 2026, at Integrity Hall in Dayton, Ohio, for a two-day pastors' meeting focused on evangelism, spiritual renewal, and ministry effectiveness. The gathering emphasized equipping leaders to engage their communities, strengthen discipleship, and advance the church's mission across the territory. The meeting opened with a devotional by Shane Hochstetler, senior pastor of the Columbus Eastwood Seventh-day Adventist Church, titled "Called to Build, Invited to Enter." His message laid a spiritual foundation for the gathering, reminding pastors of their dual role in ministry—building the work God has entrusted to them while maintaining a personal, active relationship with Him. Oswaldo Magaña, executive secretary of the Ohio Conference, followed with a presentation on stewardship, framing it as a vital component of spiritual life rather than a mere obligation. He encouraged pastors to teach members that faithfulness to God brings joy and to present the offertory moment in worship as an opportunity for spiritual reflection. Magaña reminded attendees that returning tithe and offerings is not only an act of giving, but also a recognition of God as both Creator and Owner of all things. Ohio Conference President Bob Cundiff offered practical counsel to pastors on maintaining integrity in ministry. He emphasized the importance of ethical conduct, healthy boundaries, and wise decision-making in relationships, finances, and daily interactions. Cundiff underscored that safeguarding personal integrity is essential not only for individual ministry but also for protecting the church's reputation and mission. The spiritual focus continued on the second day with a devotional message by Yuliyan Filipov, senior pastor of the Worthington Seventh-day Adventist Church, who called on pastors to engage in personal reflection and renewal. He reminded attendees that while ministry provides unique opportunities to witness God's work, proximity to spiritual activity does not guarantee personal transformation. Challenging pastors to examine their own spiritual lives, he urged them to ensure that the gospel they preach is actively shaping their hearts. Filipov warned that the greatest danger is not distance from Christ, but remaining unchanged despite being close to Him, encouraging leaders to embrace genuine repentance and ongoing transformation. Evangelism remained central throughout the meeting. Dr. José Espósito, assistant to the president for evangelism at the Columbia Union Conference, reinforced the conference's evangelistic momentum by highlighting measurable impact across the Ohio territory. He reported that collective efforts led more than 1,220 individuals to Christ in 2025. He also commended the enthusiasm demonstrated during Pentecost 2025 and affirmed the Ohio Conference's leadership in member engagement in mission. According to the data presented, it took an average of 18 members in Ohio to lead one person to Jesus—surpassing the Union average of 22. His remarks underscored both the effectiveness of collaborative evangelism and the importance of continued commitment to sharing Christ. Departmental directors also shared updates highlighting ongoing ministry across the Ohio Conference, reflecting a broad and coordinated effort to support local pastors and churches and advance evangelistic outreach. Reports from various ministries demonstrated continued growth, strategic initiatives, and a shared commitment to equipping congregations for effective mission in their communities. A highlight of the gathering was the recognition of Pastor Marius Marton and the Elyria Seventh-day Adventist Church for a significant evangelistic milestone. The congregation celebrated 172 baptisms over the past year, reflecting a strong commitment to outreach and discipleship. Conference leaders acknowledged the collaborative efforts behind this growth, including the support of Evangelism Director Kojo Twumasi and others, and offered prayer for continued impact in leading individuals to Christ. Dr. Bryant Smith, a chaplain at Kettering Health, provided practical training on conducting effective evangelistic meetings. He emphasized that successful outreach is rooted in the work of the Holy Spirit and highlighted the importance of mobilizing church members to participate actively. Encouraging pastors to understand their members' personal faith journeys, he noted that individuals are often most passionate about the ministries that led them to Christ. Smith also underscored the value of building relationships within the community. He encouraged churches to partner with local organizations and participate in community initiatives, noting that such collaboration can expand the church's reach while strengthening trust and visibility. By engaging where people are already gathering, churches can create natural pathways for outreach and ministry. Kojo Twumasi addressed the critical issue of member retention and emphasized the need for intentional discipleship following evangelistic success. Sharing both biblical insight and current data, he noted that while many individuals join the church, a significant number eventually disengage—often not because of conflict but because of gradual spiritual drift. Twumasi stressed that churches must create environments that foster connection, belonging, and spiritual growth. He highlighted the importance of timely follow-up, strong relationships, and small group ministries in helping new members remain engaged. "Retention is not accidental," he emphasized, calling on pastors to invest deeply in discipleship and to ensure that every new believer finds meaningful relationships and a sense of purpose within the church community. He concluded with a reminder that while not every individual will remain, the impact of those who do is significant. Pastors were encouraged to remain committed to evangelism, trusting that God will use their efforts to transform lives and strengthen the church. Throughout the two-day meeting, pastors engaged in prayer, collaboration, and strategic discussion, united by a shared commitment to advance the mission of evangelism across Ohio.

Lima, Ohio — In response to the devastating hurricane that struck Jamaica last year, the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church led a large-scale community relief effort that resulted in the shipment of a full 40-foot container of humanitarian supplies to the island nation. Dr. Courtney Simons, a member of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church and an associate professor at Wright State University–Lake Campus, coordinated the initiative. The relief shipment included essential food items, clothing, sanitary products, and cleaning supplies. Support for the effort was widespread, with generous donations from the Lima Seventh-day Adventist Church, the Piqua Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the Bellefontaine Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as from individuals throughout the Lima area and surrounding communities. The largest contribution came from Beckman & Gast Co., a food company based in St. Henry, Ohio. Under the leadership of Operations Manager Paul Moorman, the company donated a substantial amount of canned food and provided significant financial support to help offset the container's shipping costs. "The generosity shown by Beckman & Gast Co. was truly instrumental in making this effort possible," said Dr. Courtney Simons. Wright State University-Lake Campus also played a key role in supporting the initiative. The University's Outreach Department, led by Dr. Dane Daniel, organized a food drive that collected several boxes of non-perishable items for shipment. "This partnership reflects what can happen when universities and communities work together to serve others," said Dr. Daniel. One especially moving story from the outreach effort featured Brynn Leyman, an 11-year-old sixth-grader at Celina Elementary School. After learning about the hurricane's impact on Jamaica, Brynn remembered that her second-grade teacher was from the country. Motivated by that personal connection, she organized her family and members of her community to donate several boxes of supplies. "Brynn's initiative reminds us that compassion has no age limit," said Pastor Carl Brooks, pastor of the Lima Seventh-day Adventist district of churches. Representing the corporate partner that made the largest contribution, Paul Moorman emphasized the company's long-standing commitment to giving back. "Since the founding of our company nearly 100 years ago, the principle of stewardship has been part of who we are," said Moorman. "When Dr. Simons shared this project with me, it was a natural fit. We were able to develop a plan to help people in great need while also promoting the value of stewardship." Church leaders expressed sincere gratitude for the collective generosity that enabled them to fill and ship an entire 40-foot container of relief supplies. The effort stands as a powerful example of how faith organizations, educational institutions, businesses, and individuals can work together to respond meaningfully to global crises.

With more than two decades of experience in youth camp ministry and operations, Russell Hallman has joined the Ohio Conference as the new Camp Ranger for Camp Mohaven. Having lived and worked at multiple Adventist camps across the country, Hallman brings a lifelong passion for outdoor ministry, hands-on service, and creating spaces where people can encounter God and enjoy nature. The Camp Mohaven Ranger position became vacant following the transition of Elias Esquivel, who faithfully served in the role before accepting a call to the Northern California Conference, where he now serves as Camp Director at Leoni Meadows. Hallman steps into the position eager to continue building on the strong foundation laid by Esquivel and previous leaders. Hallman’s journey into camp life began early. As a child, he moved frequently, living at three Adventist camps—Camp Berkshire, Camp Kulaqua, and Laurel Lake Camp—before starting high school. He attended Blue Mountain Academy in Hamburg, Pennsylvania, for four years, and later continued his education at Southern Adventist University and Southwestern Adventist University, earning a Bachelor of Business Science in Business Management. He also holds an Associate of Science in Automotive Technology from Owens Community College in Toledo, Ohio. Hallman brings over 22 summers of experience at five different camps, including 10 years in full-time camp management and maintenance. He has also worked as an automotive technician for 12 years and served as co-director of facilities for a five-center daycare company. Reflecting on his lifelong connection to camp ministry, Hallman shared, “Camp is in my blood, and when the opportunity opened to return to camp ministry, I jumped on it.” He added that seeing the potential of Camp Mohaven and the strong support from the conference office made the opportunity especially appealing. In his role as Camp Ranger, Hallman oversees the day-to-day operations of Camp Mohaven, ensuring that all facilities are well-maintained, safe, and continually improving. His responsibilities include managing maintenance projects, coordinating with vendors, welcoming guest groups, and contributing to the creation of a positive experience that encourages visitors to return and share their experiences with others. During his first year, Hallman plans to focus on learning the full scope of the camp’s operations, evaluating current systems and facility needs, and implementing processes to enhance both efficiency and guest satisfaction. He also hopes to begin making visible upgrades that will further improve the camp experience for all who visit. Hallman believes that camp is a sacred place where people encounter God in a unique and personal way. His vision is to help Camp Mohaven become a destination where individuals, families, and groups can reconnect with God through the beauty of nature and the power of community. “Nature is God’s first book,” he shared, “and Mohaven has so much beauty that the possibilities are endless.” Working closely with the Mohaven Operating Committee (MOCOM) and the Ohio Conference, Hallman is excited to help shape a vision that will make Camp Mohaven a premier destination for guests from across Ohio and beyond—a place where people not only enjoy recreation but also experience spiritual renewal. Future plans include upgrading cabins, expanding lodging options, improving infrastructure and kitchen facilities, adding new RV sites, and introducing more activities for guests of all ages. For Hallman, faith is the foundation of both his life and ministry. He draws daily strength from Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” He and his wife, Kristen, have been married for more than 26 years and share a deep passion for camp ministry. He met her while working at Camp Winnekeag in Massachusetts. Together, they enjoy spending time outdoors, connecting with friends and family, and engaging in activities such as sports, crafting, and woodworking projects. The Hallmans look forward to seeing how God will use their time at Camp Mohaven to advance His kingdom and inspire others to grow in faith. As they begin this new chapter, Russell and Kristen Hallman are eager to connect with members across the Ohio Conference. “We want everyone to know that Camp Mohaven is your camp and that you are always welcome,” Hallman shared. He encourages churches, families, and ministries to participate in what Mohaven offers—whether by attending events, utilizing the facilities for ministry, or supporting its mission through prayer and donations. “We’re looking forward to meeting and getting to know as many of you as possible,” he added.

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.