Adventist Headlines From Around the World—August 7, 2025

SOLOMON ISLANDS

Evangelistic Series Reaches Populous Island With Hope

From the heart of Malaita Province in the populous island of Malaita, in the Solomon Islands, a wave of revival swept across Namorako village during a recent evangelistic series. Under the theme “Sharing Hope in This Hopeless World,” the Namorako Seventh-day Adventist Church—together with the Redeemed Praise Ministry from Honiara—united to bring a message of hope, love, and end-time truth to neighboring communities.

Held from June 22 to July 5, the campaign was conducted by retired evangelist Kemuel Mauta, whose messages touched hearts not only in Namorako but also in Stoney Ridge village, California village, and several other communities across the river.

“By the close of the campaign on Sabbath, July 5, 25 people publicly surrendered their lives to Jesus through baptism,” organizers reported. “Among them were two individuals from other churches, who have now embraced the Seventh-day Adventist message.”

Organizers said that “despite challenging weather conditions during the two weeks, the campaign became a faith-building experience that ignited the hearts of many—especially youth—and strengthened the entire community’s trust in Jesus.”

ROMANIA

ADRA Romania and Partners Support Vulnerable Children’s Education

Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Romania expressed gratitude to itspartners, HILS Development and Medikali, for their generous support of the Start at School” project, which provided 5,000 backpacks filled with essential supplies for children in need.

The donation marked a historic milestone for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Romania, leaders said. From 2005 to 2024 the I Want to Go to School project supported a total of 5,673 children. However, through this new initiative for the 2025-2026 school year, the number of beneficiaries is set to nearly double. “This achievement serves as a concrete demonstration of the profound impact that solidarity and genuine partnerships can have on the lives of children facing difficulties,” ADRA Romania leaders said.

“Education is one of the most powerful investments in the future of a society,” stated Robert Georgescu, ADRA Romania executive director. “Through our partnership with HILS Development and Medikali, as well as the dedication of our volunteers, ADRA Romania can provide not just school supplies but also hope and motivation for thousands of vulnerable children. . . . The impact of such initiatives is measured not only in numbers but in the lives of each child who receives the support necessary to continue their educational journey.”

NIGERIA

Shepherdess Leaders Retreat Ignites Spirit of Support, Service, and Sisterhood

From June 13 to 14, leaders of the Shepherdess International of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Northern Nigeria Union Conference (NNUC), converged in Abuja for a two-day leadership retreat under the theme “Holding the Prophet’s Hands.”

In her welcome remarks NNUC coordinator Rahab Ishaya said the goal was to foster unity, strengthen their support to pastoral ministry, and learn practical skills for service. “We have encountered Jesus afresh. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, our lives have been transformed by what we have learned here. When we return home, our communities and churches will see the difference,” she said.

Key topics discussed included nurturing healthy relationships between shepherdesses and their husbands, personal hygiene and effective home management, and financial management. Other topics discussed centered on hospitality as a lifestyle of evangelism, self-esteem, mental health, personal development, and spiritual leadership.

Among the participants who found renewed purpose was Elizabeth Anana Yajubu, shepherdess of Kaduna East Nigeria Mission. “It has been a spirit-filled retreat. I have gained so much to enrich my spirituality and calling as a pastor’s wife,” she said. “I pray that God will help us practice all we have learned as we return to our various mission fields.”

GERMANY

Four Years After the Flood in the Ahr Valley, ADRA Keeps Helping Those Affected

Four years after the devastating flood disaster in the Ahr Valley, the need for support remains great, according to Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Germany. An extreme weather event that lasted barely 24 hours continues to have an effect today, the aid organization said in a press release. “Four years after the devastating flood disaster . . . ADRA Germany remains committed to sustainable reconstruction in the affected areas and the strengthening of civil society structures on the ground,” the agency said.

Many nonprofit organizations are still struggling with the long-term consequences of the massive flood disaster of 2021 and are facing complex challenges. Thanks to the extension of the project Flood Relief—Civil Society Initiatives as First Responders, ADRA Germany has launched numerous new projects, established new partnerships, and expanded existing cooperations, the agency said.

Initiatives include a youth center in Sinzig, support to a foundation helping in reconstruction efforts, and preparations to be able to respond better to rescue efforts in a similar situation in the future. ADRA Germany also helped purchase a hall to cater to sport activities for 1,000 students whose school facilities were affected and introduced a family sponsorship program for affected families.

AUSTRALIA

The South Pacific Division Reaffirms Its Commitment to Child Safety

Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the South Pacific Division (SPD) reaffirmed their commitment to protecting children and vulnerable people by signing the Statement of Commitment to the Australian National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

The statement was signed at the SPD headquarters in Wahroonga on July 30, as it seeks to support the creation of safe spaces across all church entities in Australia and the broader South Pacific.

“We want to have a culture that is child-friendly and protects vulnerable people,” said Glenn Townend, SPD president. “Jesus healed those who were vulnerable, and He blessed children. We want to be that kind of people.”

The SPD joins the Australian Union Conference and other Adventist entities in publicly displaying the statement and promoting the national principles. These principles outline practical ways for organizations to ensure child safety, especially in environments involving children and at-risk individuals.

Townend said the SPD aims to lead by example. “We want our office to model care for vulnerable people and children—and we want that to be true for all our unions, conferences, missions, and institutions.”