Adventist Headlines Around the World – January 9, 2025

MALAWI

Water in Malawi

Adventist supporting ministry Maranatha Volunteers International recently began an effort to drill water wells in the Sub-Saharan nation of Malawi. The impetus for this wave of projects is the poor distribution of clean water among Malawi’s rural communities.

“Water scarcity affects more than just thirst,” said Maranatha’s country director for Zambia, David Woods. “These wells let kids go to school and women work more on enterprise instead of spending time hauling water long distances. Plenty of water supports food sources like gardens and livestock. All these things will transform the quality of life for people tremendously.”

VENEZUELA

Film Festival in Venezuela

For the third time, a film festival in the East Venezuela Union Mission gathered hundreds of viewers in Caracas on November 30 for an evening of screening audiovisual productions. The 2024 UVOFILMS gala, which followed the theme, “Family,” didn’t hide its ultimate Christian-faith-based focus.

“Just as Jesus declared that when He was lifted up from the earth, He would attract everyone to Him, the goal of our audiovisual productions will always be to exalt Jesus,” said Lenny Hernández, regional church communication director.

In total, 17 productions were screened in four categories: fiction, video clip, documentary, and podcast.

PHILIPPINES

Graduate Tops Philippine Dentistry Board Examination

The Professional Regulation Commission in the Philippines has announced the results of the recently concluded Dentistry Board Examination, with Beamor Dante Carranza from the Adventist University of the Philippines earning the top spot with a remarkable 84.40 percent score. The exam, held in November and December 2024, saw 873 passers out of 1,287 examinees, marking another milestone for Adventist education in the country.

Carranza’s parents, Nerio and Arlene Carranza, expressed their immense gratitude for their daughter’s success, attributing it to God’s leading and guidance. “This is not just her achievement but a testament to God’s faithfulness,” they shared.

SWITZERLAND

Management Changes at Adventist Clinic

After nearly five years leading Clinique La Lignière in Gland, Vaud, Switzerland, Mattia Benini has decided to step down from his role as CEO for personal reasons. Under Benini’s leadership and in collaboration with the executive team, La Lignière successfully navigated the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic while continually adapting its health-care services to meet the needs of a dynamic environment.

The selection process to appoint a new CEO is already underway. In the interim, the Board of Directors has named Philippe Monnard, previously chief financial officer and deputy CEO, as acting CEO, effective immediately. Benini will collaborate closely with Monnard to ensure a seamless continuation of operations across the Clinique and its affiliated entities.

CANADA

More Support to the Visually Impaired

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) recently announced a new three-year contract with Christian Record Services to provide services to members who are blind and visually impaired. This partnership, effective from 2025 to 2027, will enhance the quality of life for many individuals across Canada.

Under this agreement, funding from the Adventist Church in Canada will ensure that members from all conferences within their territory continue to receive essential resources without added costs to the conferences or SDACC during the contract period.

The services provided include access to an online library and app, various formats of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, and subscriptions to Christian Record magazines in multiple accessible formats.