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OCTOBER 2026

FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY CHAPTER

WHEN SMALL VOICES LEAD BIG FAITH

AFTER 35 YEARS SUPPORTING PATIENTS, AN ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN LEADER BECOMES ONE

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When Heaven Invades Earth

Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D. President of the Southern Union Conference

“Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done in Earth, as it is in Heaven,” Matthew 6:10 KJV. My beloved Southern Union Constituents, there is a difference between saying a prayer and living a prayer. Many people recite the Lord’s Prayer from memory, but Jesus never intended these words to become merely a religious recital. He intended them to become the believer’s daily reality. When Jesus taught His disciples to pray, He did not begin with their needs. He began with God’s name. He did not begin with their problems; He began with God’s purpose. Before He said, “Give us this day our daily bread,” He said, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done.” That is because until God’s rule reigns in us, His blessings cannot fully rest upon us. There is a kingdom in this text. Not a kingdom built with bricks and mortar. Not a kingdom defended by armies and weapons. Not a kingdom established by constituency meetings and election processes or political power. The Kingdom of God is God’s sovereign reign breaking into human hearts. Wherever God rules, His Kingdom has arrived. Wherever Christ is obeyed, Heaven has gained another foothold on Earth. The tragedy of our generation is that many people want the benefits of God’s Kingdom without submitting to the King. We want His peace without His principles. We want His promises without His precepts. We want His blessings without His authority. But Jesus said, “Pray for the Kingdom.” Because when the King arrives, everything changes. Blind eyes begin to see. Broken hearts begin to heal. Families begin to reconcile. Communities begin to hope. Lives begin to reflect the character of Christ. The Kingdom changes the atmosphere because it changes the people who live in it. Then Jesus said, “Thy will be done.” That may be the hardest sentence a believer ever prays. It is easy to say, “Lord bless my plans.” It is harder to say, “Lord replace my plans with yours.” It is easy to ask God to open the doors we have selected. It is harder to trust Him when He closes the doors we wanted to walk through. Every believer eventually comes to Gethsemane. Every disciple reaches a place where faith must bow before God’s wisdom. Jesus Himself stood beneath the olive trees with the shadow of Calvary before Him. The weight of humanity’s sin rested upon His shoulders, yet He prayed, “Not my will, but Thine be done.” His will may include tears, but joy comes in the morning, and certainly when the New Jerusalem is established on this planet after the second resurrection. His will may require waiting, but those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength. Then one day the prayer Jesus taught will become the promise John saw. The kingdoms of this world shall become the Kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ. I am looking forward to the Kingdom that God will set up which will never be destroyed. Until that glorious day, the Church must keep praying. Keep serving. Keep believing. Keep surrendering. Keep declaring with confidence, “He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry.” –RCS

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

contents Volume 120, No. 10, October 2026 The Southern Tidings is the official house organ of the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE 302 Research Drive Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30092 Mail Address P.O. Box 923868 Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30010-3868 Telephone 770-408-1800 www.southernunion.com

EDITOR Bryant Taylor, D.Min. MANAGING EDITOR Irisene Douce CIRCULATION Yaime Cordova ADVERTISING Yaime Cordova LAYOUT Nakeil Reid SOCIAL MEDIA Christina Norris PRODUCTION College Press CONTRIBUTING EDITORS ADVENTHEALTH Andrea Cardenas ADVENTHEALTH UNIVERSITY Jennifer Audette CAROLINA Rebecca Carpenter FLORIDA Raquel Levy Gonzalez GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND Richard Ramont GULF STATES Daniel Claudet KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE Paola Kosaka Mora OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY Richard Hodnett SOUTH ATLANTIC James Lamb, Ph.D. SOUTH CENTRAL Avrey Anderson SOUTHEASTERN Arnaldo Cruz SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY Rebecca Brooks CONFERENCE/ INSTITUTION DIRECTORY CAROLINA 704-596-3200 P.O. Box 44270, Charlotte, NC 28215 FLORIDA 407-644-5000 351 S. State Road 434, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714-3824 GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND 706-629-7951 P.O. Box 12000, Calhoun, GA 30703-7001 GULF STATES 334-272-7493 P.O. Box 240249, Montgomery, AL 36117 KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE 615-859-1391 P.O. Box 1088, Goodlettsville, TN 37070-1088 SOUTH ATLANTIC 404-792-0535 P.O. Box 1688, Decatur, GA 30031-1688 SOUTH CENTRAL 615-226-6500 P.O. Box 24936, Nashville, TN 37202 SOUTHEASTERN 352-735-3142 P.O. Box 1016, Mt. Dora, FL 32756-0056 ADVENTHEALTH 407-357-2083 900 Hope Way, Altamonte Springs, FL 32714 ADVENTHEALTH UNIVERSITY 800-500-7747 671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803 OAKWOOD UNIVERSITY 256-726-7000 7000 Adventist Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35896 SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY 800-SOUTHERN P.O. Box 370, Collegedale, TN 37315-0370

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | Volume 120 Number 10 | October 2026 Published monthly by the Southern Union. Free to all members. POSTMASTER: Send changes of address to Southern Tidings P.O. Box 923868 Peachtree Corners, Georgia 30010-3868 EMAIL: ycordova@southernunion.com

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october 2026

CELEBRATING 250 YEARS OF AMERICA AND RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

FAITHFULNESS IN EVERY CHAPTER

WHEN SMALL VOICES LEAD BIG FAITH

AFTER 35 YEARS SUPPORTING PATIENTS, AN ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN LEADER BECOMES ONE

KICKOFF WITH THE KING: 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

LOCAL CHURCHES PARTNER IN COMMUNITY

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CAROLINA FLORIDA GEORGIA-CUMBERLAND GULF STATES KENTUCKY-TENNESSEE SOUTH ATLANTIC SOUTH CENTRAL SOUTHEASTERN SOUTHERN ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY

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OBITUARIES CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING SUNSET SCHEDULE EVENTS CALENDAR/ANNOUNCEMENTS

10 OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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BY CHRISTINA NORRIS

hortly after the official founding of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, some of its members faced persecution for breaking blue laws, laws which restricted certain activities on Sundays and other specially designated days. In several states, according to an article in an 1886 The Review and Herald, Saturday Sabbath keepers were imprisoned or fined for working on Sunday. Many early Adventists worked on Sunday out of necessity and following the “six days you shall labor” wording of Exodus 20:9. Some of these persecutions happened within what is now the Southern Union territory, including the well-documented cases of Robert M. King, W.A. McCutchen, and E.C. Keck. King, a farmer in Tennessee with crops like corn and potatoes, was arrested and fined on more than one occasion for working in his fields on Sunday. According to Adventist Encyclopedia, King was targeted because of his faith. Around that same time, Ellen White

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

“This event was an important occasion to be informed and reminded of the danger to religious liberty, and America’s role in Revelation 13 prophecy.” Amireh Al-Haddad

wrote in The Review and Herald on the threat to religious liberty. She encouraged members to oppose what would “restrict liberty of conscience.” As a result, Adventists began forming groups that advocated for religious freedom and the separation of church and state. One such group aided King by making appeals, eventually getting his case on the Supreme Court docket, though he died

before his case could be heard. In Gainesville, Georgia, McCutchen and Keck were charged with breaking a blue law. The two were arrested for building benches on Sunday for a soonto-open church school. In support of the two men, a group of Adventists attended the trial, according to an 1894 issue of The Gainesville Eagle. Eventually, the case was dismissed. These past examples of religious freedom infringement are often forgotten. However, it is important for Adventists to remember their religious liberty heritage as the Church continues to advocate for those whose religious freedom is violated. In celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary, and of the religious freedoms this country bestows, the Southern Union Department of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty hosted two events in historic Williamsburg, Virginia. Adventist Attorneys Retreat The Southern Society of Adventist Attorneys (SSAA) comprises Adventist

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA NORRIS

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Dwight Nelson, keynote speaker for the Attorneys Retreat, presents on the book of Revelation.

gether .... Our Adventist attorneys have unique perspectives on the practice of law, and the messages brought by speakers like Pastor Dwight Nelson help us all to refine and sharpen those perspectives.” Celebrating America’s 250th The Southern Union Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Department generally

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA NORRIS

attorneys and legal professionals in the Southern Union. The group meets annually for a retreat. During this year’s retreat, the group gathered for continuing education, meals, worship, and recreation. Dwight Nelson, pastor, was the keynote speaker for the event. He gave three presentations on the “American Apocalypse.” Nelson used Revelation 13 prophecy to discuss America and religious liberty. Nelson warned against using the government to establish Christian values, and warned of the dangers of Christian nationalism. He emphasized that part of the Church’s mission, with help from the Holy Spirit, is to win people to Christ through truth, love, and relationships. While Nelson acknowledged that those in the legal field may be unable to share the Gospel with clients, he encouraged them to live lives of love and share their faith with colleagues. William Cochran, former SSAA president and general counsel for Florida Conference, reflected on the importance of the annual gathering: “This event provides an important opportunity for our Adventist lawyers in the Southern Union to network with other member practitioners, share the special challenges and lessons from our work, and worship to-

hosts meetings every three years. With the United States’ significant 250th anniversary, Amireh Al-Haddad, director of the department, wanted to hold a special celebration to commemorate the milestone. For this significant event, the department wanted to host the gathering in a place with important American history and ties to several early American religious liberty advocates. During scheduled free time, attendees could visit the historic area of Colonial Williamsburg. Attendees were able to explore historically accurate buildings, interact with historical interpreters, view periodaccurate demonstrations, and see artifacts from the time. The event, which spanned four days, had several guest speakers, including three historical interpreters. These interpreters, also known as Nation Builders, are actors who study a historical figure in depth and accurately portray that person’s character through monologues and interactions. Interpreters of Patrick Henry, Gowan Pamphlet, and Thomas Jefferson all visited the event and spoke about their perspectives on religious liberty. Each morning, the event began with worship. Attendees sang and prayed to-

A historical interpreter of Gowan Pamphlet shows his Bible to an attendee.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA NORRIS

gether before listening to the morning devotional by Joseph Reeves, assistant director of Sabbath School and personal ministries for the General Conference. “At the heart of the religious liberty debate is a question about who God is and how we understand His character. Religious liberty battles in America today are being shaped by how preachers portray God,” said Reeves. Reeves used biblical examples to show how Christians today, regardless of their political affiliation, can unite through the love of Christ. He also used biblical and prophetic examples to address the way Christians should advocate for religious liberty. Bettina Krause, editor of Liberty magazine, presented on Adventists’ long history of defending religious liberty. Krause urged attendees to remember past persecutions in America and see how far religious protections have come, even as new challenges to religious liberty arise.

A historical interpreter of Patrick Henry monologues about religious liberty.

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Other guest speakers included American historian Randall Balmer, professor of law Steven Green, and author Brian Kaylor. These speakers presented their research on the history of the nation’s founding while addressing pervasive myths about America being founded as a Christian nation. The speakers included several examples to support their findings. One such example is that most founding fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, were not Christian but deists. (Deism is the belief that God created the world but is no longer involved in it.) Even founding fathers who were “Christian” do not meet the definition of conventional Christianity today. Many of these founding fathers did not believe in Christian ideals like the resurrection and the virgin birth, to name a couple. While most individuals during the founding period identified as Christian, only about 1015% were members of churches, according to Law and Liberty. The presenters spoke on the religious atmosphere during America’s founding years. They shared that while many countries during this period had a state religion, an official government-supported religion, the colonies collectively did not. In fact, one presenter asserted that, at the time, America was one of the most religiously diverse countries. However, individuals in nine of the 13 colonies in 1776 were still required to make religious oaths to hold office, sometimes oaths specific to denomination. But by 1791, the number of colonies requiring these oaths had dropped from nine to three after the implementation of America’s new constitution. While drafting documents for this new nation, the founding fathers intentionally wrote in a secular tone. The Declaration of Independence does not include mention of any deity, except the phrase “in the year of our Lord.” Similarly, the United States was one of the first modern nations to exclude God or any deity from its Constitution.

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Brian Kaylor, author, presents on Christian Nationalism throughout American history.

Religion was only introduced into founding documents through the First Amendment, which addresses the freedom of religion, speech, press, assembly, and petition. This amendment does not specifically support Christianity, but instead protects the free exercise of religion while prohibiting the government from establishing or favoring a religion. While many today believe the inclusion of religious wording was included in several areas of government near the inception of the country, history shows that much of it was added more recently. The motto “In God We Trust” officially became America’s motto in the 1950s. Alterations made to include this phrasing on paper currency and adding the phrase “under God” to the Pledge of Allegiance were also added in the 1950s. The presenters explained that this was primarily a response to communist ideals which

PHOTO BY: CHRISTINA NORRI

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A group of women pray for one another on the second day of the Celebrating America and Religious Liberty Conference.

were considered “godless.” The presenters suggested that Christians today are misguided in pointing to these phrases as evidence that America was founded specifically as a Christian nation. Overall, the speakers reiterated the secular nature of how America was founded, and the benefit this provides religious freedom. They also reviewed how our nation, before independence, shows a different story of religious persecution and the infringement on the rights of conscience for those who did not join the colony religion. These stories held great sway over our founders’ decisions to keep church and state separate and not have the state’s interference in establishment of religion. The event also featured two movie nights that showcased documentaries on religious liberty. The first documentary examined the history of religious liberty in America and the founding fathers’ faiths. The second documentary showed the rise of Christian nationalism

in America and its impact on democracy and Christianity. The concluding event was a birthday party for America. The occasion included patriotic songs sung by Karla Rivera, American history games with prizes for attendees, and an Americanthemed birthday cake. In reflection of the event, Al-Haddad said, “This event was an important occasion to be informed and reminded of the danger to religious liberty, and America’s role in Revelation 13 prophecy. Together we learned relevant history of our Church and country, affirming the ever-present need for the separation between them. We are grateful to be part of a wonderful country that provides religious freedom. This event allowed us to celebrate our country’s founding and our rights which grant us the liberty we so highly value.” This event is just one effort in the Church’s continued commitment to advocating for and educating others about religious freedom. Religious liberty has

been an important value of the Church throughout its history, shaped in part by the religious persecution experienced by early Adventists. As the Church continues this advocacy today, it is critical to uphold the founding fathers’ intention to separate church and state while remembering the Church’s own history. In The Great Controversy, Ellen White wrote about the danger of joining church and state. Her writing still provides guidance for the Church’s view of religious liberty today: “The union of the church with the state, be the degree never so slight, while it may appear to bring the world nearer to the church, does in reality but bring the Church nearer to the world.”

Christina Norris is the associate communication director for the Southern Union Conference.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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FAITHFULLNESS IN EVERY CHAPTER BY CHRISTINA NORRIS

oberto Johnson and his family were living in New Jersey when he got a call from a friend. “You should move to Georgia,” the friend encouraged. At first, Roberto was hesitant, but after extensive prayer, he believed God was calling his family to move. He gave a two weeks’ notice at his job as a principal liaison. He and his wife stepped forward in faith with no funds to move, no jobs lined up, and no place to live. His extended family, all living in the New Jersey area, thought he was crazy. But God began opening doors. During a farewell party at work, Roberto received a gift of collected money that covered the family’s moving expenses. Then the same friend who encouraged the move offered Roberto and his family a room to stay in temporarily. With their immediate concerns covered, they relocated to north Georgia. Roberto’s wife found a job first, followed by Roberto. He worked for a family-owned computer tech company installing computers for public schools. After a few years, the company’s owner passed away, and the business was sold, leaving Roberto unemployed once again. The setback tested his faith. “A lot of the things I proclaimed in church started to become reality. I had to decide whether or not I wanted to practice my faith or just survive. I’m grateful for those moments when God surrounded me with people that were very encouraging,” recounted Roberto. God continued to provide. Roberto’s wife received a pay raise that helped cover more of the family’s living expenses.

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Roberto Johnson

Roberto began doing food delivery driving, earning more than he would have through unemployment benefits. Later, he partnered with a friend in a box truck delivery start up. Although the venture initially showed promise, rising expenses eventually led Roberto to step away. He returned to food delivery driving and eventually rideshare driving. While the job provided a good income, a couple automobile accidents prompted him to begin job hunting. Years earlier, Roberto had considered working for the Church, but no opportunities were available at the time. However, as he was finishing his rideshare driving job, a friend mentioned that the Southern Union education department was hiring an administrative

assistant. He interviewed for the role and was hired. Working in the Education Department, Roberto heard story after story about the positive impact of Adventist education. At the time, his two children were enrolled in public school and were having a poor experience. Roberto wanted them to attend Adventist schools but wasn’t sure how his family could afford the tuition. He prayed God would provide. In faith, Roberto enrolled both his children in Adventist education. One of his children had participated in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in public school. Roberto learned that the state would provide funding for private school tuition since the child was no longer enrolled in the IEP. The funding completely covered the child’s tuition. Since enrolling both children in Adventist schools, Roberto has seen significant improvement in their academic experience. Looking back, Roberto sees God’s faithfulness in every chapter of his life. Though rarely easy, Roberto chose to remain faithful and trust that God would provide.

Christina Norris is the associate communication director for the Southern Union Conference.

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WHEN SMALL VOICES LEAD BIG FAITH:

HOW AN EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER BECAME A MISSION FIELD BY LORI THIEME, M.ED.

n one of the smallest classrooms on campus, tiny hands fold in prayer and young voices learn to say, “Dear Jesus.” It is a simple moment, but its influence can reach far beyond the classroom. The Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center at Meadows Academy offers the warm classrooms, caring teachers, and age-appropriate learning families expect. Yet, its purpose goes deeper. Faith is woven naturally into each day through prayer, chapel, songs, and the steady example of adults who love and serve the children. Chandrani Sirigampola, the Center’s spiritual director and liaison between the church and the ECE program, helps keep that purpose at the Center. Working with director Dimarys Cardero, teachers, families, and church leaders, she leads chapel for every age group, from infants learning the rhythms of worship to 4-year-olds who pray with remarkable confidence. Brian Cassell, pastor, recently shared how one child’s faith followed the child home. The 4-year-old began asking the family to worship and pray together, something they had not practiced before. They listened. Their child led with songs, prayers, and the kind of trust that does not make faith complicated. At the Christmas program in December 2025, the family approached Cassell. They wanted to learn more about the Bible and the Church, and they planned to enroll their child at Forest Lake Education Center for next year. What began with a small voice in a classroom had opened a door for an entire family.

That is the quiet strength of early childhood ministry. A prayer before snack, a chapel song carried home, or a child’s honest question can become a first step toward Christ. The work may look ordinary, but God often uses ordinary moments to plant lasting seeds. Meadows Academy’s recent Adventist Accreditation affirmed the Center’s strong communication with parents and church leadership. That trust matters. Families come to see the Center not only as a place for learning and care, but also as a community where their children are

known and spiritually nurtured. Many early childhood centers sit on church campuses. With prayer and intention, those classrooms can become one of the church’s most meaningful mission fields. Sometimes ministry sounds like a sermon. Sometimes it sounds like a 4-year-old whispering a prayer and inviting everyone else to join in.

Lori Thieme, M.Ed., is the associate di-

rector for early childhood education for the Southern Union Conference.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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AFTER 35 YEARS SUPPORTING PATIENTS, AN ADVENTHEALTH WATERMAN LEADER BECOMES ONE BY ROBERT CHANNELL

or 35 years, Karen Ivison has helped others through uncertain moments. As manager of volunteer services at AdventHealth Waterman, she leads more than 200 volunteers who assist patients and families each day, offering directions, comfort, and a steady presence inside the hospital. Last year, she found herself in the role she had long supported: as a patient facing her own diagnosis. It started with a routine mammogram. In the weeks leading up to it, Ivison had already been thinking about how quickly life can shift. During a summer trip to Hawaii to celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary, a tsunami warning forced her and her husband to evacuate their hotel. “We were trying to get to the 19th floor, just praying,” said Ivison. “You don’t expect something like that. It comes out of nowhere.” Not long after returning home, she faced another moment she hadn’t expected. After her screening mammogram, Patricia Geraghty, M.D., a diagnostic radiologist at AdventHealth Waterman, recommended further evaluation. “When we see something that isn’t clearly normal, it’s important to follow it through,” said Geraghty. “That extra imaging can help us catch cancer before it has a chance to grow or spread.” The follow-up led to a diagnosis: ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, also known as Stage 0 breast cancer. This meant her cancer was caught very early, before the abnormal cells had spread beyond the milk duct.

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Karen Ivison, manager of volunteer services at AdventHealth Waterman, standing outside the AdventHealth Cancer Institute Waterman.

For Ivison, the hardest part came in the days between tests and answers. “The waiting game was just so difficult,” she said. “You are anxious and nervous. You try to stay strong for everyone else, but inside, you’re asking yourself questions you don’t have answers to.” Once she had her diagnosis, things moved quickly.

General surgeon Christopher Keeler, D.O., performed her lumpectomy, and Shivam Kharod, M.D., her radiation oncologist, prepared Ivison for 30 rounds of radiation treatment with clarity and care. In just a few months, she went from routine screening to completing treatment; a timeline made possible by early detection. Geraghty said that’s exactly why

adventhealthfeature screening matters. “Staying up to date on mammograms is one of the most important steps women can take for their health,” she said. “When we find cancer early, it’s often highly treatable and outcomes are much better.” Throughout her treatment, Ivison was surrounded not only by her care team, but also by the community she has long served.

Ivison formed a team, “KK Strong,” to take part in the AdventHealth Waterman Foundation’s Shades of Hope 5K, an annual event that brings together patients, families, and caregivers to support one another and raise funds for local cancer programs. In 2025, 450 participants came together and raised $48,000 to support cancer care in the community. Today, Ivison is back at AdventHealth Waterman, continuing the work she has

done for decades with a deeper understanding of those she serves. “I used to help people through moments like this,” said Ivison. “Now I know what it feels like to be on the other side of that care.” ROBERT CHANNELL is the external communications manager for AdventHealth East Florida Division.

Team members and volunteers came together to honor Karen Ivison’s 35 years of service at AdventHealth Waterman, celebrating the compassion and care she has shared with so many.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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KICKOFF WITH THE KING: 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OUTREACH BY RACQUEL RICHARDS, ESQ.

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

PHOTO PROVIDED BY RACQUEL RICHARDS

he Interlink Young Adult Ministry, Inc., network descended upon downtown Atlanta, Georgia, with hopes of evangelizing to the 1 million people who arrived in Atlanta for the global 2026 FIFA World Cup games. “We wanted to take advantage of this opportunity to tell a dying world that God loves them,” said Racquel Richards, attorney and founder and director of the Interlink Young Adult Ministry, Inc. More than 100 young professionals participated in this at the World Cup on June 27. Support came from the local church to the General Conference (GC). During the planning process, the local pastor and elders from Duluth, Georgia, Church provided advice and guidance on how to safely execute this plan. The Georgia-Cumberland Conference Evangelism Department provided QR codes for Bible study interests and sponsorship. The Southern Union Publishing Department provided 100,000 tracks to distribute, as well as Marta train cards to ride into the city for ministry outreach. Additionally, the GC world youth director sent videos of encouragement and sponsorship to support the effort. The evanglism attendees shared at several locations for outreach: Mercedes Benz Stadium, Underground Atlanta, Five Points Marta Station, Centennial Olympic Park, and the Beltline. Once each group arrived at their location, they distributed tracks, water, and clothing. The young professionals conducted street preaching on the street corners of downtown Atlanta as people approached them with testimonies of suicidal ideation and self harm. Hands were laid on passersby and prayers were provided.

Later, the network arrived back at the LifeSpace Center, a local Adventist wellness center, to share testimonies. The energy was high and the testimonies were given with such passion by various evangelism leaders and volunteers. “There was this man there that I shared tracks with. He said, ‘Wow, thank you so much.’ He wanted better health, because last Monday he had a heart attack. ‘I’ve really been looking for a church to connect with ... to find community.’ I prayed with him and it was really touching,” said Preston McDonald, volunteer. Another evangelism volunteer, Ike Moore, shared, “Two Mormons approached us on the train platform. After praying with them and giving tracks, three minutes later they were gone. I can’t tell if there was some conviction going on ... but the message I want to share is, don’t write Atlanta off. There are some souls here, there are people here, and the more we come out here, the more opportunity there is for Jesus to call his children home.” Kody Fly, Underground Atlanta outreach leader, explained, “After I handed the gentleman a GLOW tract entitled the ‘Promise of Peace,’ the FIFA attendee

shared his testimony of murder on the streets of downtown Atlanta. He said that he had taken other people’s lives, and he told me very bluntly about that. He read the entire pack of tracts cover to cover in one sitting and decided to accept the invitation to receive Bible studies for baptism.” “I need this in my life. This has given me a different picture of who Jesus is,” shared the FIFA attendee. One of Interlink’s leaders gave his observation of the event at its conclusion: “We saw this in Atlanta, with flags from every corner of the world, strangers embracing over a single goal. It was a glimpse of something bigger. As Revelation tells us, every nation and tongue will stand together before the Lamb, and so we went to evangelize because we had to feed the flock and share the Gospel. Where the world gathers, the Church should show up. We brought Scripture, music, and joy, not to perform, but to prepare hearts for the One who made them,” said Damani Gordon, Interlink communications coordinator. Interlink will conduct additional young adult evangelism outreach during their “Patience in the Waiting Room” Young Professionals Conference in Atlanta, October 24, 2026. The GC world youth director will be in attendance. Interlink leaders look forward to seeing how the Lord will use their young professionals/young adult network to complete His work. For details, see http:// www.interlinkyoungadultministry.org/ events/patience-in-the-waiting-room.

Racquel Richards is the founder of Interlink Young Adult Ministry, Inc.

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LOCAL CHURCHES PARTNER IN COMMUNITY CONSULAR OUTREACH FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES BY PAOLA KOSAKA MORA

Angeles Escalante, a notary and member of the Owensboro Hispanic Church in Kentucky, poses for a photo. Escalante partnered with Guatemalan consulate officials to organize a twoday consular outreach event.

ments, make photocopies, and navigate the process throughout the day. The Bowling Green Hispanic Church additionally sold snacks and drinks for attendees as a way to fundraise for their new temple, and they handed out free Christian literature. Escalante said she hoped the outreach would reflect the church’s mission of service and compassion. “I think [community service] is a powerful way to share the Gospel through giving,” said Escalante. “Not because we expect something in return, but simply because we want to help others.” For Escalante, the project was also deeply personal. “I’ve been someone who was helped a lot when I was a kid,” said Escalante. “Now, I’m just grateful to be able to give back to

PHOTO BY: PAOLA KOSAKA MORA

wensboro Hispanic Church member and local notary Angeles Escalante organized a two-day consular outreach, May 14-15, 2026, designed to bring critical legal services closer to Hispanic communities in Kentucky, with Bowling Green Hispanic Church opening its doors to host the large-scale community event. The event, called “Guatemala Cerca de Ti” (“Guatemala Near You”), was led by Escalante in collaboration with Guatemalan consulate officials. The outreach allowed immigrant families to renew passports, obtain birth certificates, and process dual citizenship paperwork without traveling long distances to larger cities. Members from both the Owensboro Hispanic Church and Bowling Green Hispanic Church assisted by promoting the event, preparing the facility, and volunteering throughout the outreach. More than 500 community members attended the two-day initiative, coming from Bowling Green, Owensboro, Hopkinsville, Morgantown, Louisville, Glascow, Columbia, and more. For many immigrant families, accessing consular services often requires traveling several hours to cities such as Nashville or Indianapolis, or even to North Carolina, making the process both difficult and expensive. “Bringing the consulate closer removes a big burden for many people,” said Escalante. “So, the goal was serving our community and helping families access resources that are often difficult to reach.” While the event focused on practical assistance, volunteers from both churches also helped families organize docu-

Community members have their passport photos taken during “Guatemala Cerca de Ti” (“Guatemala Near You”), an outreach program that allowed immigrant families to renew passports, obtain birth certificates, and process dual citizenship documents without traveling to larger cities.

the community in the same way my mom, my sister, and I were helped when we first moved [to the United States].” In the future, Escalante hopes to continue partnering with other consulates to help more Hispanic families in the region access important documentation services closer to home.

Paola Kosaka Mora is the media ministries director for Kentucky-Tennessee Conference.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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Student Learns, Leads, Shares

Hope LifeGroup

ope Griffin, a member of Denton, N.C., Church, and a junior education major at Southern Adventist University, has always enjoyed being connected to her church community. As a young teenager, Griffin participated in the Carolina Conference’s weekly prayer call, where members across the Conference shared prayer requests and prayed together. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Griffin was 15, she was invited to lead a version of the call for teenagers called “YouthPray.” Launched during the General Conference’s 100 Days of Prayer initiative, YouthPray began as a 15-minute phone call for youth but soon grew into a halfhour Zoom gathering every Tuesday. Unsure whether she wanted to attend college, Griffin took a gap year to attend CORE Evangelism School, a Pennsylvania Conference program designed to equip students for ministry and outreach. “At CORE, the biggest thing I learned is that God’s heart toward His kids is only one of love,” said Griffin. “It radiates from every Adventist belief and every

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

doctrine. I also realized God was calling me to become an elementary school teacher, so that I could share His love with children who might not receive it at home.” Griffin chose Southern Adventist University because of its Christ-centered spiritual environment. She soon immersed herself in campus life, leading a LifeGroup centered on junk journaling, a form of scrapbooking using magazines and other found materials. Griffin wanted the small group to provide a safe place where students could rest and connect with God and one another through creativity. She opened each session with a devotional thought to inspire the group’s work. During her sophomore year, Griffin co-led a Bible-based LifeGroup focused on the different facets of God’s character. Her favorite session centered on Daniel 2 and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the statue made of different materials. “I loved how God was so intentional to show Nebuchadnezzar that He cared about him by giving him this revelation,”

said Griffin. “He could have given the vision directly to Daniel, but He shared the message with Nebuchadnezzar because He wanted to save him.” This coming school year, Griffin is looking forward to serving as a LifeGroup coach, guiding new leaders of Bible study groups. She hopes to share knowledge and strategies she learned at CORE while encouraging leaders to care for their own spiritual lives and make time to personally connect with God. “I am so grateful for the many kind people and caring communities in my life, the Carolina Conference, Denton Church, and Southern,” said Griffin. “It feels like we are a family.” For Griffin, each of those communities has helped strengthen her relationship with God, and prepared her to create the same sense of belonging for others — both as a LifeGroup leader and, one day, as an elementary school teacher.

BY ANGELA BAERG

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Fuquay-Varina Spanish Congregation Celebrates Church Status Organization

PHOTO BY: REBECCA CARPENTER

hat began as a small gathering of believers took a significant step forward on June 13, 2026, as the Fuquay-Varina Spanish congregation was officially recognized as the Fuquay-Varina Spanish Seventh-day Adventist Church. The organization ceremony, led by Brad Cauley, Carolina Conference vice president for administration, marked the celebratory culmination of a journey that commenced nearly a decade ago. In 2016, the Raleigh, N.C., Spanish Church relocated from its home of more than 10 years on Sunset Lake Road in Fuquay-Varina to Raleigh. While one portion of the congregation followed the church’s move, another remained in Fuquay-Varina. For almost a year and a half, both groups continued to meet under the Raleigh Spanish Church name until, after prayerful conversation and planning, members agreed to form a new congregation in Fuquay-Varina. Following the final evangelistic series held at the Raleigh Spanish Church on May 13, 2017, on Sunset Lake Road by Domingo Paulino, pastor, members bade him farewell. They then formed the Fuquay-Varina Spanish group with approximately 27 families and 79 members. Just weeks later in July 2017, Jhonny F. Castro, pastor, and his family arrived to serve the district. The church also hosted its first Vacation Bible School (VBS), themed “Peru,” and launched its Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs. Andres Hernandez, director, and Erick Ortiz, assistant director, led the Voyage Pathfinder Club, and Jessica Ortiz, director, and Monica Cols, assistant director, led the Los 300 de Gedeón Adventurer Club. As the congregation continued to grow,

the group moved from the Sunset Lake Road Church to its current church building in 2019. Like other churches worldwide, however, the COVID-19 pandemic brought a difficult season. Members continued to worship via Zoom, but when in-person services resumed in 2021, attendance declined as some members did not return. But, the congregation stayed committed to its mission. That commitment was demonstrated in 2022, when members held their first evangelistic series outside the church in a mobile home community. Together they set up tents, chairs, and tables, while providing gifts for adults and children in the community. As a result of the series, one family began attending the church and was baptized a few months later. As the group became recognized as a company in 2023, they continued to expand their ministry opportunities. In 2025, the church launched Guerreras

de la Oración women’s ministries, led by Talucielo Perez, director, and Los Vaqueros de Fuquay-Varina men’s ministries, led by directors Erick Ortiz and Moises Mayorga. Through baptisms, professions of faith, transfers, and growing families, the congregation has continued to flourish, and today numbers more than 145 members. The organization ceremony this past June was a celebration of God’s faithfulness through every stage of the church’s journey. As the Fuquay-Varina Spanish Church begins this next chapter, members give thanks for God’s leading, and look forward to continuing their mission of sharing Christ with the Fuquay-Varina community.

BY ALEJANDRO BARRIOS

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

floridanews

Plantation Church Turns Tree Giveaway into Community Outreach

early 300 Broward County residents received free trees on July 19, 2026, as Plantation, Fla., Church partnered with BOLD Justice, Broward County, and NatureScape Broward for a community giveaway that also created opportunities for church members to connect with their neighbors. The event was inspired by a simple question: What if a tree giveaway could become more than a distribution event? Rather than simply handing out trees, the congregation came together to create a welcoming experience for every guest. Volunteers from multiple ministries greeted residents, assisted them in selecting and loading their trees, and distributed community gift bags filled with information about the church’s ministries, upcoming events, and resources. Each bag was designed to help guests learn more about the church and Jesus, and provided an easy way to stay connected after leaving the church campus. “Our mission is to share God’s love through service,” said Noel Rose, Plantation Church pastor. “This event allowed us to meet a practical need while showing our neighbors that Plantation Seventh-day Adventist is a church that genuinely cares about its community. Sometimes the most meaningful ministry begins with a simple act of kindness.” The project reflected the church’s commitment to collaboration, bringing together volunteers from various ministries, including greeters, parking, hospitality, men’s, children’s, youth, prayer, family life, and MERGE young adults. Volunteers served side by side throughout the event. “The trees were important,” said Addy Lubin, justice ministries leader. “But our greater hope was to plant seeds in the hearts of people: seeds of trust, connection, community, and hope. We believe

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Volunteers from Plantation Church served Broward County residents during a free tree giveaway, helping distribute approximately 300 trees.

Plantation Church volunteers from multiple ministries served side by side during the July 19, 2026, community tree giveaway in Plantation, Fla.

Noel Rose (front left), pastor, encourages Plantation Church volunteers before they begin serving community residents at the tree giveaway.

relationships often begin with simple acts of service, and this event allowed us to demonstrate God’s love practically.” By partnering with local organizations and focusing first on serving the community, Plantation Church members sought to introduce their neighbors to a congregation committed to compassionate

action. The event reflected the congregation’s mission to connect with its community and share Christ’s love in practical, tangible ways, one tree, one conversation, and one act of kindness at a time. BY PLANTATION CHURCH TEAM

floridanews

Early Morning Evangelism Leads to 21 Baptisms at Palm Springs Church

n evangelistic series that began each morning at 5 a.m. resulted in 21 baptisms, two professions of faith, and two couples uniting in marriage at Palm Springs Church in Lake Worth Beach, Fla. “Establish Life,” held August 1-15, 2026, invited attendees and volunteers to begin their day with God first. The unusual schedule opened the door for both church members and community residents to participate. Some arrived before beginning their workdays, while others came as they finished overnight shifts. After each meeting, attendees gathered for breakfast and fellowship before leaving by 7 a.m. for work or school. Children and youth played a significant role in the effort. Some arrived as early as 4:30 a.m. to help prepare, already dressed for school and ready to participate in the program before heading to class. For church members, their involvement represented a generation learning that before school and before the pressures of life, there is time for God. One particularly memorable response to the series came from a woman who watched the meetings online. Deeply moved by the experience, she contacted the church and asked them not to close the meeting until she could arrive. She came to the church and was baptized that afternoon. Omar Palmer, Palm Springs pastor, described the experience as a lesson in trusting God’s leading. “We thought we were changing the time of evangelism. God was changing the priority of a church,” he said. “We came early in the morning looking for Him, and discovered that He had already gone ahead of us.” What the church originally viewed as a challenge — the early start time — they came to see as one of the greatest blessings. Participants asked that the

Omar Palmer (right), Palm Springs pastor, baptizes a participant of the “Established Life” evangelistic series, which began each morning at 5 a.m.

Participants gather following an early-morning meeting during “Established Life,” a two-week evangelistic series that resulted in 21 baptisms and two professions of faith.

meetings be extended and that the series become an annual event. The series concluded August 15, but its influence continues through follow-up contacts and planned baptisms. For Palm Springs Church, the early morning meetings demonstrated the power of putting God first even in times of crisis or doubt. “God’s greatest movements often be-

gin,” said Palmer, “beyond the boundaries of human comprehension — where our plans end and His providence reveals a purpose only eternity can fully explain.”

BY PALM SPRINGS CHURCH TEAM

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

georgiacumberlandnews

he benefits of a boarding school education are substantial according to parents and students who call Georgia-Cumberland Academy (GCA) home, especially the mentoring relationships, life-skill development, and leadership opportunities built into life on campus. Of course, compared to day schools, a boarding school education has the unique responsibility of housing students. GCA’s dormitories were built in 1965 and updated in the late ’90s. After decades of daily use, the dorms were due for a refresh. This summer the renovation began three days after graduation,

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

when GCA faculty and staff joined forces with Maranatha volunteers to remove the cabinets, bunk beds, carpet, and drop ceiling. The project saw many ups and downs, but was completed right before school started, thanks to countless prayers and volunteers. The renovation of the 53 rooms in the women’s residence has provided a safe, inviting space for the girls to worship, relax, study, laugh, and belong together. The transformation has been made possible thanks to a myriad of donors. Fundraising efforts are now focused on the guys’ dorm, which will be renovat-

PHOTO BY: KALIE KELCH

Georgia-Cumberland Academy Completes Summer Renovation of 53-Room Women’s Dorm

ed next summer. There are also plans to build new bathrooms and lobbies for both dorms. A gift to the Forward Together Campaign is an investment in the life of a GCA student and their future. If you would be interested in impacting the next generation of students by ensuring they have a home away from home in a Christ-centered environment, please visit www.gcasda.org/campaign.

BY KALIE KELCH

georgiacumberlandnews

PHOTO BY: LUELLA DIETRICH

Brayton Vacation Bible School Reaches Beyond Children

Luella Dietrich shares her personal testimony.

ocated in rural Tennessee, the Brayton Adventist Church is small, but has a heart for reaching out to the community. With dedicated members and friends and the power of the Holy Spirit, they had a successful Vacation Bible School (VBS) program this summer. The theme of the VBS was “Jesus My Trailblazer.” The children learned about God’s love for us, repentance, how to trust and grow in Jesus, and how to keep walking with Him all the way to Heaven. Beautiful crafts, engaging nature lessons, fun activities, and interesting Bible stories supported the topic each evening. A total of 17 children/young adults attended over the course of the week, some of them from families who were not Adventists. As I was praying for this VBS program,

I was asking God to lead at least one child to make a decision to follow Him as a result of this program. Truly that would make all our efforts worthwhile — and God is already answering our prayer! While passing out VBS invitations in our community, I met a young woman in her mid-20s. She showed interest in coming to our house to learn about gardening and sewing. She came over one day, and, as we got to know her better, we learned that she was from an atheist background. But, she seemed to enjoy spending time with our family, and my mother invited her to come to VBS with us. On the first night she came, my mother made a young adult group to visit the different stations with her. She seemed to enjoy being there. When we dropped her off at her house, she asked us if we had an extra Bible. We were happy to give

her the one we had in our van. She said she had not really been around someone to explain the Bible to her, but now she had an interest in reading it for herself. Two days later, after coming to VBS another evening, the young woman told us that she had been reading her Bible. She had started in Genesis and read past chapter 11 already. We encouraged her to continue reading. It was encouraging to see how God could use a VBS program designed for younger children to reach one of His older children and inspire an interest in His Word. We are looking forward to seeing how God will continue to guide this young woman as she gets to know Him better. BY LUELLA DIETRICH

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

gulfstatesnews

ADET 2026 Equips Members to Share Gospel in Digital World

astors, communication leaders, and ministry volunteers gathered August 22-23, 2026, at the Gulf States Conference office in Montgomery, Ala., for Adventist Digital Evangelism Training (ADET), a two-day event designed to help churches use digital media more intentionally to reach people for Christ. Organized by the Gulf States Conference Communication Department, ADET combined spiritual emphasis with practical instruction. The training addressed a growing ministry reality: Social media, video, websites, and other digital platforms are often the first places people encounter a church, hear a biblical message, or begin searching for spiritual answers. Rather than treating technology as the center of ministry, presenters encouraged participants to view digital communication as another avenue through which the Church can build relationships, meet needs, and proclaim the Gospel. Brian Danese, Conference president, opened the event by emphasizing the Church’s mission and the importance of using every available method to connect people with Jesus. Throughout the weekend, presenters explored subjects including social media, storytelling, branding, online engagement, media production, and the development of practical digital ministry strategies. Guest presenters included Jochy Jamel, Adventist Connect pastor for digital media; Art Brondo, North American Division (NAD) media producer; Neat Randriamialison, NAD professional services director; Ruben Casabona, Lake Union Conference associate communication director; Henrique Gomes, Carolina Conference associate communication director; Christopher Feldmann, Southern Nuclear electronic media specialist; Bryant Taylor, D.Min., Southern Union Conference communication director; Evelyn Tomkelski,

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Attendees gathered during the 2026 Adventist Digital Evangelism Training (ADET), a two-day event designed to help churches use digital media more intentionally to reach people for Christ.

Conference digital church creative coordinator; Edwin Quijada, pastor; and Christian Espejo, webmaster. The variety of presenters reflected the broad nature of digital evangelism. Effective online ministry requires more than posting announcements or purchasing new equipment. It involves understanding an audience, communicating a clear message, creating meaningful content, and intentionally guiding people from online interaction toward a relationship with Christ and His Church. ADET was structured as a practical, hands-on experience for participants at different stages of digital ministry. Whether representing a congregation with an established media team, or a local church beginning with only a smartphone and a social media account, attendees were encouraged to work with the tools and resources already available to them. The training also emphasized the value of collaboration. Participants had opportunities to connect with others serving in communication and media ministry,

exchange ideas, and learn from professionals working in church, conference, union, and division settings. These connections helped reinforce the understanding that digital evangelism is not an isolated technical responsibility, but part of the Church’s shared mission. As communication methods continue to change, the Gospel commission remains the same. ADET 2026 challenged churches to approach the digital mission field with prayer, creativity, excellence, and purpose — recognizing that behind every screen is a person who can be reached with a message of hope. By the conclusion of the weekend, participants left with practical strategies and renewed confidence to strengthen their churches’ digital presence. More importantly, they were reminded that digital ministry is ultimately people ministry — using today’s communication tools to share the timeless story of Jesus. BY COMMUNICATION TEAM

gulfstatesnews

Prayer Summit Invites Members to Live “UNLEASHED”

Attendees to the 2026 Prayer Summit

embers from across the Gulf States Conference gathered August 7-9, 2026, at Camp Alamisco for the 22nd Annual Prayer Summit, a weekend devoted to prayer, worship, Scripture, and a renewed dependence on the Holy Spirit. Centered on the theme “UNLEASHED,” the summit drew from Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit in John 14:16-17, and invited participants to move beyond simply knowing about God’s power to allowing the Spirit to work freely in their lives. Throughout the weekend, prayer was woven into every part of the experience. Participants gathered for early morning

prayer encounters, worship, testimonies, messages, prayer walks, and interactive prayer stations addressing families, children, youth, healing and restoration, confession and renewal, and communities and the nation. Roger Hernandez, Southern Union ministerial and evangelism director, and Booker Joseph, Alabama Securities Commission senior securities analyst, served as the summit’s main speakers, with Emily Delancey and Cheryl M. Palmour contributing through music and worship. Mary Nelson, Conference Prayer Summit coordinator, said, “Prayer Summit is more than a weekend on the calendar. It is an invitation to make room

for the Holy Spirit to move without restraint in our hearts, our families, and our churches. My prayer is that we leave Camp Alamisco not simply inspired but surrendered, ready for God to unleash His purpose through us.” The weekend concluded Sunday morning with worship, a final message, and a circle of prayer, sending participants home with a renewed call to seek God, and carry a life of prayer into their churches and communities.

BY COMMUNICATION TEAM

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

kentuckytennesseenews

PHOTO BY: ROMONE GIBBS

Winchester Church Celebrates 50 Years of Faith, Ministry

Members and friends of Winchester Church pose in front of the church following its 50th anniversary celebration, which welcomed more than 120 people.

embers and friends of the Winchester, Ky., Church gathered on August 8, 2026, to celebrate the congregation’s 50th anniversary, marking five decades since the church was officially organized on August 21, 1976. The history of Winchester Church stretches further back than its founding. For approximately two decades, Adventists made several attempts to establish a Branch Sabbath School in Winchester, a small outreach group with the potential to develop into an organized church. Although those efforts ended, members continued praying for a permanent congregation. In 1976, a group connected with the Lexington, Ky., Church, tried again, under the leadership of Volker Schmidt, elder. The Branch Sabbath School held its first service April 3, 1976, with 29 people, and just weeks later purchased 10 acres on Mount Sterling Road for a future church. The group officially organized as the Winchester Church on August 21, 1976, with 25 charter members, including Lillian Berryman as its first member. The congregation broke ground for its

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

church building in 1978, and worshipped there for the first time on May 19, 1979. The building was unfinished, with a bare concrete floor, no heat or lights, and makeshift pews made from boards and buckets, but members finally had a church home of their own. Christa Schmidt, one of the original founding members, remembers that establishing the congregation required commitment from the small group. She was initially hesitant to leave the Lexington Church, where she had friends and was involved in children’s ministries, but eventually joined her husband in the new church plant. The couple thought they might remain in Winchester for two or three years before helping establish a church elsewhere. Instead, Winchester became home. “To me, the Winchester Church is my family, my church family,” said Schmidt. “Sometimes you give credit to so-and-so and so-and-so, and I don’t really want to get any credit for anything because we are the body of Christ. He is the head, some of us were the feet, some of us were His hands, and some of us His eyes, and some of us His mouth — but we are

all together as a family.” The anniversary celebration brought together current members, former members, and friends of the congregation to recognize the milestone. Today, Winchester Church has 88 members, along with 22 nonmembers who attend regularly. For the 50th anniversary celebration, the congregation welcomed more than 120 people. As Winchester Church enters its next chapter, that same commitment to faith and community continues to shape the congregation. “We believe the best days of Winchester Church are still ahead of us,” said Romone Gibbs, pastor. “Our desire is not simply to preserve what has been built over the past 50 years, but to carry the Gospel forward with even greater faithfulness, reaching our community, discipling our young people, strengthening families, and preparing for the soon return of Jesus. It is my prayer that we will be a part of the fishing work and hasten the soon coming of our Lord.” BY PAOLA KOSAKA MORA

kentuckytennesseenews

Somerset Church Encourages Healthy Living Through Inaugural Community Fun Run

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLEY MCCARTY

Participants pose for a group photo during Somerset Church’s inaugural Spring Fling Fun Run. The church plans to host a larger community 5K on October 11, 2026, to benefit Help the Homeless.

The May event served as a trial run for a larger community race. Somerset Church now plans to host a larger fun run on October 11, 2026. Organizers intend to advertise throughout the community and make it a fundraiser benefiting Help the Homeless, a local organization that provides food, clothing, showers, and other services for people experiencing homelessness. McCarty said the church hopes the event will attract significantly more community participants and become an annual tradition.

BY PAOLA KOSAKA MORA

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHELLEY MCCARTY

embers of Somerset, Ky., Church took steps toward healthier living this past spring by hosting their first-ever Spring Fling Fun Run, a churchwide initiative designed to encourage physical activity, and lay the groundwork for future community outreach. The 5K attracted approximately 15 participants on May 17, 2026. The event was organized by the church’s Health Ministries Department as part of its yearlong “Let’s Move” initiative, which encourages members to incorporate more movement into their daily routines. “I just told the congregation this year, ‘We’re going to move,’” said Shelley McCarty, health ministries leader. “I’m interested in you just moving. Those small steps are what’s important.” McCarty said the church, whose congregation is primarily made up of older adults, wanted to promote attainable lifestyle changes rather than intense fitness goals. Members were encouraged to take simple steps, such as parking farther away from store entrances, choosing stairs over elevators, or taking extra walks throughout the day. McCarty said health-focused events create opportunities for churches to build meaningful relationships within their communities. “I think health ministry is the right arm of the Gospel,” said McCarty. “When you reach out to the community, you can talk to them about health and become their friend first, and then you can talk to them about the Gospel.” Each participant received a commemorative medal, and organizers used the event to establish race times and identify ways to improve future races.

Charles Thompson, 90, participated in Somerset Church’s inaugural Spring Fling Fun Run after training by walking daily.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

southatlanticnews

Members Celebrate God’s Work in Children, Families

season of spiritual growth, outreach, and celebration brought children and adults together as Ephesus Church in Gastonia, N.C., recently concluded its Cactusville Vacation Bible School (VBS) and continued its “Restoring Brokenness” series, culminating in the baptism of 27 individuals. During VBS, Ephesus Church welcomed children for a week filled with Bible lessons, music, crafts, games, and activities designed to teach them about the love of Jesus. Volunteers worked together to create an environment where children could learn biblical lessons while building lasting memories. At the heart of Cactusville was a message organizers hoped children would carry with them long after VBS ended. Through each lesson, song, craft, and activity, volunteers demonstrated Christian love while encouraging children to develop a personal and lasting relationship with Jesus. The lessons of Cactusville complemented the church’s ongoing “Restoring Brokenness” series, which focused on the biblical message that God does not abandon people when their lives are broken. Instead, He offers healing, restoration, and the opportunity to become whole again. The series, led by Demar Felix Fearon, D.Min., Ephesus Church pastor, emphasized that restoration is not simply a message for adults but a biblical promise that children and families can embrace as they face challenges throughout life. The church witnessed that message of transformation in a tangible way as 27 individuals made decisions to publicly express their faith through baptism. Church members celebrated each baptism as a testimony of lives changed by the Gospel, and individuals taking another step in their relationship with Christ. Together, the two ministries demon-

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Demar Fearon, D.Min., Ephesus Church pastor, ended the “Restoring Brokenness” series with 27 baptisms.

The children who attended the Vacation Bible School program presented the lessons they had learned to the congregation.

strated a shared mission. Cactusville focused on planting seeds of faith in the hearts of the next generation, while “Restoring Brokenness” reminded the congregation that God continues working in lives at every stage. From children discovering that they can remain rooted in Christ to individuals entering the baptismal waters, the events offered the congregation an opportunity to celebrate a God who plants, heals, restores, and transforms. For church members and ministry

leaders, the season served as another reminder that the work begun through a Vacation Bible School lesson, a worship service or a simple act of Christian kindness can continue long after an event has ended — producing spiritual growth and changed lives.

BY CHRISTINA FLOYD

southatlanticnews

South Atlantic Holds Hispanic Youth, Young Adults Federation

The two-day event was filled with worship, music, prayer, seminars, interactive activities, fellowship, and sporting events.

Youth and Young Adult Congress took place August 14-15, 2026, in Jonesboro, Ga. The theme was “Be Transformed.” It was two days filled with worship, music, prayer, seminars, messages from the Word of God, interactive activities, fellowship, sports, and opportunities for spiritual growth. From Friday evening through the closing program on Saturday, the members witnessed young people from different churches coming together with one purpose: to seek God, strengthen

their faith, and accept the challenge of being transformed so they can transform others. José Vicente Rojas, an international speaker, shared inspiring and spiritually challenging messages with the young people. The event was organized by Carmen Silva, local youth director, with support from Daniel Nagel, Joel Mayen, local church youth leaders, and youth directors. Raquel Reyes prepared and presented special programs for children who attended, and Primera Fe and Saúl Heras

provided inspirational music. The event was supported by South Atlantic leaders: Calvin B. Preston, president; David A. Smith, executive vice president; and Aaron Abernathy, youth and young adults director. Julio Chazarreta, Hispanic ministries director for the Southern Union Conference, also attended.

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

southcentralnews

Maranatha Church Holds Youth Day Program

aranatha Church in Jackson, Tenn., held a spiritually invigorating Youth Day program under the theme “War Cry,” on Sabbath, August 15, 2026. The program commenced during the Sabbath School hour with a dynamic message delivered by Summer Wood, Ph.D., former principal of F.H. Jenkins Nashville Adventist Academy. Wood presented a compelling and Spirit filled lesson that immediately engaged the congregation. Her message emphasized spiritual readiness, personal accountability, and the urgency of standing firm in faith. The congregation responded with visible enthusiasm, rising to the occasion, affirming to be in Duty status of Active, Reserve, Deployment, or Individual Ready Reserve. Throughout the service, the youth presented a creative radio style skit that aired periodically between segments. This ongoing feature served as a thematic thread, reinforcing the “War Cry” message and encouraging the congregation to reflect on the spiritual battles faced by today’s young people. The skit demonstrated the youth’s dedication,

Christian Stepney encourages the youth to be spiritually vigilant.

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

Summer Wood, Ph.D., sounds the “War Cry.”

preparation, and desire to communicate biblical truth in innovative ways. The worship experience was further enriched by Strings of Praise, whose musical selections elevated the congregation into a deeper atmosphere of reverence and praise. Their performance provided a moment of reflection and spiritual uplift, seamlessly complementing the day’s emphasis on spiritual strength and perseverance. During divine worship, the church paused to honor the achievements of its youth. Acknowledgment and words of affirmation were shared, highlighting academic accomplishments, ministry involvement, and personal growth. This segment underscored Maranatha’s commitment to nurturing young leaders and celebrating their contributions to the life of the Church. The second featured speaker, Christian Stepney, a junior theology major at Oakwood University, delivered a powerful sermon drawn from the first chapter of Jude. His message was marked by clarity, boldness, and deep biblical conviction. Stepney’s presentation resonated strongly with the congregation, prompting vocal responses of agreement

Youth were affirmed in the areas of academic accomplishments, ministry involvement, and personal growth.

and encouragement. His call to spiritual vigilance and doctrinal faithfulness aligned seamlessly with the “War Cry” theme, leaving a lasting impression on all in attendance. The presence and ministry of both Wood and Stepney demonstrated the value of empowering young leaders within the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and affirmed the importance of providing platforms for emerging voices who are committed to preaching the Word with clarity and conviction. In conclusion, the 2026 Youth Day was a meaningful and spiritually energizing event. Through preaching, music, drama, and recognition, the youth boldly declared their “War Cry,” calling the congregation to renewed commitment, spiritual readiness, and unwavering faith in Christ. The day stands as a testament to the power of youth ministry and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit within the Church.

BY MIRA JACKSON, B.S., CCS-P

southcentralnews

“Ten Days of Prayer Plus 3” Shows How Church Can Have Robust Virtual Prayer Ministry

he Athens Trinity Church Prayer Ministries Department launched a “10 Days of Prayer Plus 3” initiative on March 18, 2026, on the heels of the “Unleased 10 Days of Prayer” project sponsored by the General Conference January 7-17, 2026. Circumstances prevented the members from starting in January, but they were able to start in the first quarter. The prayer committee concurred that they wanted to do something similar but different that would meet the needs of their congregation, enhancing their spirituality and preparing them for the second coming of Christ. There were so many important subjects that they could not stop at 10 days, so three more days were added. The extra three days were done without the Zoom meeting; members did it on their own. Under the leadership of Roy Rugless, retired pastor, 10 Days of Prayer Plus 3 was planned and launched March 18-28, 2026. The first part of the project was completely virtual, using the Zoom platform which offers online access or a dial-in option. Virtual services had already been a part of their weekly norm, because Wednesday and Friday night prayer services are online. Deshon Juzang, senior pastor, presented “Oil Crisis,” and the church aligned through striving to have a closer walk with God. This 10 days of prayer was also coupled with fasting for a richer experience with the Lord. Rugless and his team prepared booklets of selected readings from the Spirit of Prophecy series. Each reading had a title, date, key verse, and a short devotion. The presenters were instructed to summarize the key points from the reading, followed

by a discussion and closing prayer. Each session strove to not go longer than 30 minutes. The subjects were “Redemption through Christ,” “The Power of the Will,” “Right Thinking,” “Gossip,” “Sanctification,” “Family Worship,” “The Holy Spirit,” “The Investigative Judgment,” “Witnessing,” “Unity,” “Heart Cleansing,” “The Cross,” and “Consecration.” The booklet included the following instructions for each member: 1. Read the enclosed devotional every day as noted, preferably in the morning. 2. Join the Wednesday night Zoom line to share reflections and pray. 3. Fast in the following ways for 10 days, refraining from sugar, flesh foods, overeating, and snacking, and decrease the amount of food normally eaten. Additional instructions in the fasting category of number 3 included to fast earnestly for things the participants were trying to overcome in their lives, and to ask God in sincerity to show them their areas of need, according to Psalm 139:23-24. Lastly, they were asked to fast a half day on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, from sunrise to noon, and at noon to pray for personal concerns as well as for the church. This 10 Days of Prayer was also special because two young people, Chris Smith and Aniyah Crummie, were given an opportunity to present. On Sabbath, March 28, Roy Rugless, prayer ministries leader, spoke for the divine hour. A fellowship meal was prepared, and after lunch an activity was designed to promote unity, which involved interacting with and getting to know the young people in church. In Steps to Christ, p. 64, Ellen G. White reminds all that, “When Jesus was upon

the Earth, He taught His disciples how to pray. He directed them to present their daily needs before God, and to cast all their care upon Him. And the assurance He gave them that their petitions should be heard, is assurance also to us.”

BY SHIRNA GULLO, D.N.P., AND ROY RUGLESS

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

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Apopka Honors James R. Doggette, D.Min., With Key to the City

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

campus]. I probably took every conceivable class that he taught. One year, I took three or four classes from him in one semester. But, it’s not just what he taught — it is what he modeled and the way he led.” Shea Crockett, recently appointed as Patmos’ interim lead pastor, thanked Doggette for the help he gave when Crockett was a sophomore at Oakwood

PHOTO BY: CURTIS WALTERS

A Special Day Among the many highlights of the event was Nicholas Nesta, Apopka mayor, who presented Doggette and his wife, Erin, with a proclamation honoring their ministry and their service to the community. The proclamation recognized his long service as pastor in Louisiana, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Louisiana, Ohio, and Texas, and for his teaching ministry at Oakwood University. The proclamation highlighted Patmos’ work in community engagement, including the church’s mobile food giveaway and community pantry, which started in 2020. These services provided help to more than 1,200 households each month, assisting more than 8,000 households in the first seven months of 2026. “Dr. Doggette has left an enduring legacy within the City of Apopka by enriching the spiritual, educational, and physical well-being of its residents,” said Nesta. “His lifelong commitment to serving others has strengthened families,

inspired future leaders, fostered hope, and demonstrated the transformative power of faith in action, leaving a positive impact on the Apopka community that will be remembered for generations to come.” Nesta also proclaimed Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Dr. James R. Doggette Sr. Recognition Day, and gave Doggette Apopka’s Key to the City. The worship service contained many tributes and affirmations for Doggette’s visionary leadership, teaching excellence, and community service. In one of many video tributes, MyRon Edmonds, a former student currently serving as a men’s life coach, said his former teacher was a role model for a generation of pastors. “I don’t know if there are enough words in the English language to express Dr. Doggette’s impact on me,” said Debleaire Snell, Oakwood University Church pastor and Breath of Life Ministries speaker/ director. “As I embraced my call to ministry, Dr. Doggette was one of the most influential people [on

Nicholas L. Nesta (right), Apopka mayor, presents the Doggettes with the Key to the City.

PHOTO BY: CARLOS MEDLEY

hen James R. Doggette, D.Min., senior pastor of Patmos Chapel Church, Apopka, Fla., stepped into the pulpit to preach his last sermon as Patmos’ pastor on August 22, 2026, the Well Activity Center auditorium overflowed with nearly 1,000 parishioners, pastors, former students, colleagues, public servants, family members, and well-wishers. The celebration culminated 44 years of pastoral ministry and academic leadership. After serving 10 years as senior pastor, Doggette will exit pastoral leadership and join the School of Theology at Oakwood University in Huntsville, Ala., where he previously served for 20 years. Among other duties, Doggette will be tasked with setting up a Doctorate of Ministry program curriculum.

Patmos ministry leaders prepared a time capsule loaded with memorabilia from the Doggette era. The capsule will be sealed, stowed away, and reopened in 2036.

PHOTO BY: CURTIS WALTERS

“This church was not called to be normal; we’re called to be supernatural,” Doggette shared in his sermon. “We’re called to do things others are not brave enough to try.”

The Doggettes’ sons, Austin (left), and James Jr., gave their tribute to their father.

University, and for the ministry opportunities he provided Crockett at Patmos. Savoring the Memories To commemorate Doggette’s ministry, Andrew Lampkin, Ph.D., head elder, announced that the church loaded a time capsule with memorabilia. “We absolutely appreciate your leadership that you’ve provided for the last decade,” he said.

PHOTO BY: CURTIS WALTERS

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The praise team wore Los Angeles Lakers gear, a nod to Doggette’s favorite basketball team.

“You’ve inspired us, you’ve encouraged us, you pushed us, and you’ve developed us. We thank you for what you have done. We’re going to find a place for [the capsule]. We’ll open a wall for it. In a decade we’ll come back and break it open and remember what God has done.” Responding for the family, Erin Doggette, Ph.D., said, “We want to thank you for the past 10 years: for the friends that we’ve made, for the loving relationships that we’ve garnered, for so many laughs, so many giggles. Even through the ups and downs, we’ve had a beautiful experience in Florida. We are going to miss Orlando. I cried when we moved here. Now I am crying when we’re leaving. We just want to sincerely say, ‘Thank you.’” A Final Thought In his last message as Patmos’ pastor, Doggette stressed the importance of reflecting God’s love as members go about their life. He noted that love is the foundation of the Christian’s walk with Jesus. He also explained, “We [followers of Jesus Christ] are not normal, and we need not strive to be regular. That’s not a goal to be reached. Peculiar means different. And if you read the text [1 Peter

2:9, KJV] fully, you are called of God, a special people, a royal people, a holy nation. You’re supposed to be the blessed of God. You cannot strive to be normal. “Normal is comfortable. Regular is comfortable, but when you’re going to be great in what God called you to, He’s going to make you a little bit different. My biggest fear is that when you step out on faith, and have seen God move, that you’ll let others pull you back into normalcy, looking like everybody else. If you want to be normal, this is not the place for you. “This church was not called to be normal; we’re called to be supernatural. We’re called to do things others are not brave enough to try. Don’t adopt systems designed to keep you normal and relegate your ability to thrive, grow, and spread your wings. Be wise in the decisions you make moving forward.” The Road Less Traveled The Doggettes began their ministry at Patmos in 2016 when the church was located in Winter Park, Fla. Doggette succeeded Samuel Dade, pastor. Not long afterward, it became clear that the church building was deteriorating and repairs were impractical. By 2018 the

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

PHOTO BY: CURTIS WALTERS

southeasternnews

At the request of Doggette, Patmos organized a community block party that featured drum corps from local churches, musical artists, and picnic cuisine.

congregation relocated, first to a high school in Orlando, and then to Orlando West Ministries, a church in the Pine Hills neighborhood. In August 2019, the congregation took possession of an active community athletics center. The 107,000-square-foot structure housed basketball, volleyball, indoor soccer, and gymnastics programs. As soon as Patmos assumed ownership, the church became a landlord, and its doors were now open seven days a week. Doggette named the facility the Well Activity Center, a nod to the biblical story of the woman at the well recorded in John 4. The idea behind the name was that the Well would bring physical and spiritual renewal to the 25,000 people who passed

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026

through its doors every month. The congregation held its first worship service inside the Well, but then COVID hit and the services went exclusively online. Fortunately, it wasn’t long before Patmos began holding live services in the parking lot, while the worship space was being renovated. In 2022, after COVID, church services finally moved indoors, with meetings held in the gym. And in March 2023, the church held grand opening services in the newly renovated sanctuary, called the Worship Hub. Among the many highlights of Doggette’s ministry was the start of the mobile food giveaway and open food pantry in 2020. The initiative grew rap-

idly and became one of the larger distribution centers in Orange County. The “Kids at the Well” summer camp, started in June 2024, expanded and reached 160 campers in 2026. “Patmos en Español,” which started in April 2025, has led to 16 baptisms thus far in 2026. What’s next for Patmos? Where does the church go from here? Only God knows. But as Doggette explained, “This church has not reached its apex yet. There are heights to be scaled. And, it’s going to require boldness that needs people who are full of faith — because God wants to take you places others have not been!” BY CARLOS MEDLEY, PATMOS CHAPEL COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR

southernadventistuniversitynews

Engineering Program Earns ABET Accreditation

outhern’s Bachelor of Science in engineering program has earned accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, an internationally recognized accreditor of college and university programs in applied and natural science, computing, engineering, and engineering technology. “Reaching this important milestone is another evidence of God’s abundant blessing on Southern’s engineering program,” said Tyson Hall, Ph.D., dean of Southern’s School of Engineering and Physics. “ABET accreditation recognizes the strong foundation our faculty have built, and gives our students additional confidence that their education meets rigorous standards for the engineering profession. We’re excited to continue preparing grad-

uates who use their skills with excellence, integrity, and a desire to serve.” The August 2026 accreditation follows another significant milestone for the program: Southern’s first engineering graduates in this program completed their degrees in May 2025. Guided by the School of Engineering and Physics motto — “Think. Design. Serve.” — the program combines technical preparation with hands-on problem-solving, and an emphasis on using engineering skills to serve others. ABET accreditation assures that a program meets established standards designed to prepare graduates to enter innovative technical fields where quality, precision, and public safety are important. For more information about Southern’s

Southern Adventist University’s engineering program teaches technical skills and hands-on problem-solving with an emphasis on using practical skills to serve others.

engineering program, visit southern.edu/ engineering.

BY BECKY BROOKS, EDITORIAL MANAGER

Conference Explores Ministry of Generosity

hat is missional philanthropy, and how can fundraisers encourage it? That’s what more than 100 fundraising professionals from across the country learned at Southern’s Missional Philanthropy Conference held July 14-16, 2026. Participants explored how fundraising can serve as a ministry that strengthens relationships, encourages generosity, and helps donors align their giving with their values and faith. Planned and organized by the Advancement team at Southern with support from fundraising consultants David Burghart and David Earles of D2 Fundraising, the Conference brought together participants from churches, schools, and supporting ministry organizations. Sponsored by the Milton Murray Fund

Arthur Criscillis, managing partner at Alexander Haas Fundraising Counsel, leads a plenary session at Southern’s Missional Philanthropy Conference.

for Philanthropy, the event offered 13.25 Certified Fund Raising Executive continuing education credits. Thirteen speakers led five plenary sessions and a dozen breakout sessions covering topics ranging from making an effective fundraising request to using artificial intelligence to strengthen

donor engagement. Post-conference survey responses indicated that participants gained new perspectives on working with donors, aligning fundraising requests with donor values, and strengthening relationships between donors, fundraisers, and God. Those lessons reinforced one of the Conference’s central themes: Fundraising can be a ministry that fosters gratitude, encourages generosity, and helps donors accomplish their goals for giving while experiencing the blessings that come from generosity. A similar Missional Philanthropy Conference is being planned for 2028 at Union Adventist University in Lincoln, Neb. BY ELLEN HOSTETLER, VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADVANCEMENT

OCTOBER 2026 | SOUTHERN TIDINGS

obituaries SHANKO, PASTOR NOEL, died August 4, 2026. For more than 40 years, Shanko faithfully served the Lord in the Georgia-Cumberland, Potomac, Carolina, and Florida Conferences. Throughout his ministry, he served in many roles, including pastor, ministerial director, and assistant to the president. No matter the title, his calling remained the same — to faithfully shepherd God’s people, and lead others into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Shanko‘s life was a testimony of humble service, unwavering faith, and a genuine love for people. He had a remarkable way of encouraging those around him, caring deeply for fellow workers and church members alike, and reminding us that our greatest work is preparing people for the soon return of Jesus. While only eternity will reveal the full impact of his ministry, we know that countless lives were touched because he answered God’s call with faithfulness. As we remember Pastor Shanko, may we honor his legacy by continuing the mission that defined his life: loving people, serving faithfully, and pointing others to Jesus until that glorious day when our faith becomes sight. THOMPSON, DR. RONALD CHARLES LLOYD, 94, born February 8, 1932, died July 18, 2026. He earned a Ph.D. in ecclesiastical history from Rhodes University, and served for 38 years as an ordained Adventist minister. His denominational service began with five years as a missionary at Bugema Missionary College in Uganda. He later served as a pastor and evangelist in Zimbabwe, South Africa, and the USA, including service in the Ohio and Texas conferences. During his ministry, he pastored and conducted evangelistic campaigns in 17 churches. He immigrated from South Africa to the USA, where his sons later attend-ed Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Following retirement to Myrtle Beach, SC, he continued his scholarly and religious work as an author. He published three books: Champions of Christianity in Search of Truth, Restoration of the Apostolic Church, and God-Forsaken Trends in Sub-Saharan Africa. His Adventist faith and belief in the resurrection and second coming of Jesus remained central to his ministry. Survivors include his sons: Glynn Mark Thompson and Lester Daron Robert Thompson; daughtersin-law: Sandy Thompson and Pam Thompson; three grandchildren: Mark Alexander Thompson, Shelly Michaela Thompson Oyenusei, and Matthew Daron Thompson; nine nieces; nephews; two cousins; and two sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Dawn Ansley Thompson; and his sister, Avril Hudson-Lamb. His life and ministry reflected his hope in Christ and His return.

SOUTHERN TIDINGS | OCTOBER 2026