Adventist Headlines From Around the World—July 23, 2025

SPAIN

Spanish Adventist Professor Honored With Excellence in Nutrition Award

Joan Sabaté—a distinguished professor at the School of Public Health at Loma Linda University (LLU), in the United States, and director of the Center for Nutrition, Healthy Lifestyle, and Disease Prevention—has been honored with the prestigious Excellence in Nutrition Award by the Institut d’Estudis Catalans (Institute of Catalan Studies), one of Catalonia’s most esteemed scientific institutions in Spain.

The award ceremony was held in the historic former hospital building in Barcelona, where Sabaté delivered an insightful address titled “Nutritional Paradigm Shifts in My Professional Life.” In his speech he reflected on his lifelong commitment to the study of nutrition and its profound impact on public health, emphasizing the scientific advancements and paradigm shifts that have defined his career.

This recognition highlights Sabaté’s decades of pioneering contributions to the field of nutritional science, as well as his leadership in advocating for healthy lifestyles as a crucial strategy in the prevention of chronic diseases.

LLU’s School of Public Health community expressed immense pride in having such an eminent figure among its faculty. “We are incredibly proud to have a distinguished leader driving innovation in public health nutrition,” it stated.

CAMBODIA

A Singapore Team Supports Cambodian Adventist Schools and Churches

A mission team from Singapore led by Corinna Cheang (CM) through education, humanitarian assistance, and church development efforts.

Adventist volunteers Lilian Lim, Clare Chew, and Rosie Ng joined Cheang in providing English classes to teachers in several Adventist schools across Phnom Penh. The initiative aimed to equip educators with improved language skills, enhancing instruction, and communication within the school system.

In addition to their educational work, the team visited churches and worship groups in surrounding communities. They distributed chickens, vegetable seeds, and financial aid to support church members and their neighbors. Contributions were also made toward the construction of a new church building and the installation of a perimeter fence at another site.

This outreach marks the group’s third mission trip to Cambodia, trip organizers reported. Although all four women are retired, they keep actively involved in overseas service.

“The team’s energy and dedication were clearly seen not only in the English classes they provided but also in their interactions with church members and nonmembers alike,” said Hang Dara, CM president. “Their work has made a meaningful impact across multiple communities.”

CZECHIA

In Their Annual Report ADRA Czechia Celebrates Key Moments of Humanitarian Aid

Radomír Špinka, director of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in the Czech Republic, recently addressed the agency’s “friends, supporters, and collaborators” to share with them the key moments of humanitarian aid in the past year.

Špinka shared how ADRA Czechia provided assistance to people in more than 15 countries, where it implemented humanitarian projects supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic. “A significant part of our assistance was also a project funded by the Czech Development Agency, focused on supporting children with autism spectrum disorder in Moldova,” he wrote. “We continue to engage in helping Ukraine; people there need not only material but also psychological and social support.”

He also reported about long-term efforts to make education accessible to children in Bangladesh. “Thanks to our donors, 1,300 children today have a better chance for quality education and hope for a better future,” Špinka wrote.

In the Czech Republic, ADRA has volunteered in health-care and social facilities as well as in households. “During the past year more than 3,200 volunteers regularly visited lonely seniors and long-term patients, bringing them joy and welcome company.”

PARAGUAY

Nuevo Tiempo Paraguay Shares Audio Bible Study for the Visually Impaired

Radio Nuevo Tiempo Paraguay joined the South American launch of the new Bible course The God Who Speaks, a study series entirely in audio, created especially for the blind, those with reading and writing challenges, or for those who prefer to learn from the Bible orally. Esperanza, Nuevo Tiempo’s virtual Bible instructor has already accompanied thousands of people on their spiritual journey. Now, Esperanza is also in charge of guiding each person in the study of the Bible through this project.

As part of the launch, the Nuevo Tiempo Paraguay team left the booth and began a tour of strategic points in the capital city of Asunción, personally bringing the course closer to communities with special needs. They stopped, for instance, at the Stella Goiburú Center for Rehabilitation and Support for People With Visual Impairment. There are young people and adults who are blind or are visually impaired learned about the Bible study option and how to engage with it.

“This form of study is very interactive, as we can listen and answer,” said Cristian Domínguez, who is visually impaired. “I really wish to get to know God more.”

MALAYSIA

Adventist Retirees Help Build Church in Malaysian Village

A group of Australian retirees traveled to Kahubu village in Sarawak, Malaysia, in July to help construct a new church building as part of a fly ’n’ build mission trip led by Calvyn Townend and his wife, Dawn.

During 12 days the team worked alongside local villagers and church members to build brick walls for the church. Western Australian volunteer Ron Weir served as the building leader, overseeing construction to ensure safety and quality standards were met. Local contractors handled the flooring and roof construction.

“In every way, this journey was a testament to the truth that servant hearts don’t come with age limits,” said Mary Fedorow, Hillview church member and trip participant.

Despite language barriers and the challenges of heat and limited infrastructure, volunteers collaborated closely with the local community. “Mission trips like this one leave lasting memories—and build more than just walls,” said another participant.

The trip was the fourteenth fly ’n’ build initiative led by Townend, who first began visiting Sarawak in 2008 to run evangelistic programs.

Located in a remote region of Borneo, Kahubu has limited access to church infrastructure. At 86, Townend remains actively involved in supporting mission initiatives across Sarawak.