Adventist Headlines From Around the World—September 9, 2025

ALBANIA

Summer Camps Bring Joy to Albanian Children

Adventist churches in Tirana and Korçë welcomed children aged 6-12 in July and August for summer camps with the support of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in Albania and local volunteers. The camp programs combined games, stories, and music with faith-based learning, planting seeds of hope in young hearts.

In Korçë the Adventist Church organized a one-week summer camp for approximately 25 children from a nearby neighborhood. None came from Adventist families, and many heard about Jesus for the first time through the camp activities.

Edlira Zissi, a volunteer, reflected: “Being with the children makes us feel young again! And above all, it’s wonderful to be used by God to work with them,” she said.

For some years the church has also run a Sunday children’s program, led by Fatjon File and his wife, Anxhela Rakollari. File explained how the summer camps help children to explore faith in practical ways. “For many this is their first encounter with Jesus. Some have been coming longer, and now new children will join as well! It’s such a blessing to work with kids, because through them we can do beautiful things for God,” he said.

UNITED STATES

Loma Linda University Health Advances Clean Energy With Major Solar Project

A renewable microgrid energy system is now supporting the electricity needs of Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Clinics (FMC). The new system generates two megawatts of clean, reliable solar energy onsite, and includes a battery storage system. Fully operational since August 22, the project delivers significant energy cost savings and operating resilience while also reducing the FMC’s power-related environmental impact.

The new system comes online after three years of planning and 18 months of construction. Cost savings with the microgrid system are achieved as the FMC more efficiently manages its energy source, allowing for more precise budget planning for energy costs in both the short and long term. The solar panels will achieve US$500,000 in annual savings and with power projected to reach 30 cents per kilowatt hour during the contract, annual savings could reach as much as $1.5 million.

“Our solar panel infrastructure strengthens our ability to care for the community, even during emergencies,” said Ricardo Peverini, president of the Loma Linda University Faculty Medical Group. “It reduces our environmental footprint, makes our operations more resilient, and saves resources that we can reinvest into patient care. It’s a healthier future for our patients, our staff, and our region.” 

AUSTRALIA

Australian Union Conference Will Broaden Ordination Conversation

The Australian Union Conference (AUC) will continue to explore the practice of ordination after extended discussion at this week’s constituency meeting.

Ordination was one of four special focus areas on the agenda. Delegates were given a historical overview on the topic by Darius Jankiewicz, South Pacific Division theologian, followed by a question-and-answer session.

Brendan Pratt, newly elected AUC president, noted that while conversations on the nature of ordination have progressed in some local conferences, others have yet to start. “There are different perspectives—some calling for ordination without regard to gender, others seeking to review the biblical basis of ordination,” Pratt explained. “Whatever path is taken, each option carries implications that require further consideration.”

Delegates were invited to consider the question “In shaping our ordination conversation process, what factors does the AUC Executive Board need to consider?” Contributions from the floor highlighted the need for grassroots communication, accountability, timelines, educational resources, and opportunities for every church member to engage.

In 2021 the AUC affirmed its desire for equal recognition of all pastors—male and female—while maintaining unity with the global Seventh-day Adventist Church. More recently four conferences called for a special session to discuss the practice of ordination.

MALAYSIA

Adventist Advocacy Group Brings Autism Awareness to National Celebration

During Malaysia’s sixty-eighth Independence Day celebration, Building C.A.R.E. (Children. Autism. Resilience. Empowered), an Adventist-led autism advocacy group, joined the national parade in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

The 1-year-old organization, created under the umbrella of Adventist Possibility Ministries, marched alongside 169 contingents on August 31, representing government agencies, private institutions, and nongovernmental organizations. Building C.A.R.E. was the first nongovernmental organization (NGO) group to step forward in the parade.

Thirty-six participants—including parents of autistic children, mentors, teachers, and Adventist leaders—carried their message of hope through their advocacy slogan “Everyone is needed, gifted, and treasured.” Their presence was greeted with cheers and applause as they passed dignitaries and spectators along the parade route.

Launched in July 2024, Building C.A.R.E. has grown to nearly 200 members, offering social support, community connections, and encouragement for families raising autistic children in Sabah. The initiative is directed by Jane Botabara-Yap for the Malaysia Union Mission, with Doreen Lim leading in Sabah Mission.

“I never dreamed that I would be marching on a national day parade advocating for a cause that is close to my heart, as my child has autism,” said Sue, the group’s president-elect.

SRI LANKA

Mission President Calls Churches, Members to Work Together in Mission

Hyosu Jung, president of the Sri Lanka Mission, has appealed to churches and members to become “fellow companions on the journey.”In a recent interview Jung said, “We deeply feel the strength that comes from the prayers and support of churches and members. Though we are far apart, I sincerely express my gratitude as coworkers in the mission of God, united in the same faith.”

Since taking over as mission president in June 2024, Jung has focused on visiting churches and institutions nationwide to assess the current situation, while also restructuring mission initiatives, training leaders, and motivating members.

At the center of these efforts is the Arise Sri Lanka 2025 project, which seeks to rekindle lost passion and reignite the missionary spirit in church members. “This is not merely a onetime evangelistic campaign or baptismal event,” Jung said, “but a united effort in which both pastors and members grow together through spiritual reeducation, leadership training, and discipleship.”

He added, “Sri Lanka may seem like a small and poor country, but God has never forgotten this land. . . . The longing for the gospel and the hunger to know Jesus Christ remain alive.”