PERU
Mission Caleb and ADRA Benefit Vulnerable Families With 12 Tons of Food
Volunteers from the Caleb Mission Project of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) made possible a day of solidarity of great impact in the south of Peru. Working together, they delivered more than 12 tons of food to vulnerable families in the regions of Arequipa and Apurimac.
Adventist young volunteers accepted the call of ADRA Peru to be the workforce in this mobilization of compassion to assist people in need, organizers said. Across the region more than 200 volunteers from the Caleb Mission Project also visited families, prayed with them, supported blood drives, distributed Christian literature, and supported evangelism in local churches.
The Caleb Mission Project is a volunteer-based movement promoted by the Adventist Church that seeks to mobilize thousands of young people throughout the continent to live an experience of service, mission, and spiritual transformation. “This is a generation that not only preaches but lives the gospel through service,” leaders behind the initiative said. “In the midst of a society in need of hope, Caleb Mission volunteers chose to bring light and comfort, demonstrating that to imitate Christ is to love, help, and act.”
LITHUANIA
Youth Camp Inspires Service and Faith
The 2025 Christian Youth Camp took place July 23-27, drawing more than 30 young Seventh-day Adventists from across Lithuania to explore the theme ”What More Can I Give?” inspired by the Bible book of Acts (see Acts 20:35). This year’s event was organized by the youth leadership team and took place in Ažpurvinė, near Klaipėda.
The program offered a balanced mix of fun activities and spiritual growth, organizers said. One of the main goals was to teach young people about evangelism through practical service and literature evangelism. Participants were divided into groups and helped elderly residents in a nearby city. They showed real dedication, chopping and stacking wood, fixing window frames, and having warm, thoughtful conversations about life and faith.
The literature evangelism activity proved to be both creative and effective. Alongside distributing Vilties Šaltinis (Source of Hope) magazines, the participants handed out handmade bookmarks and postcards featuring Bible verses. “These simple crafts offered a powerful way to connect with strangers, brighten their day, and share God’s Word,” organizers said.
Participants also enjoyed sports and group games, swimming, a trip to the seashore, and the natural beauty of the green surroundings. “It was a meaningful and memorable experience,” leaders said.
BANGLADESH
Central Adventist Church in the Country Celebrates Children’s Sabbath
The Dhaka Seventh-day Adventist Church, the central church in Bangladesh, celebrated Children’s Sabbath on July 26. The event aligned with the global Adventist community. It showcased the children’s talents, leadership, and spiritual growth. More than 400 worshippers attended in person, with many more joining online from across the country.
This year’s celebration highlighted the theme “Rock Solid With God,” reinforcing God’s unshakable presence and strength as central to the event. The message, grounded in Isaiah 41:10, encouraged both children and adults to rely on God’s promise of His presence and help, organizers said.
The Children’s Ministries Department at the Dhaka church is one of its most dynamic ministries, local church leaders said. “In 2025, led by one coordinator and seven coleaders, is serving more than 210 children,” they reported. During the special day, children led every part of the church services and worship, they said.
Leaders of the Bangladesh Union Mission praised the children’s presentation and encouraged them to continue their spiritual journey. Anand Chowdhury, elder of the Dhaka church, expressed his joy at the closing of the program. “This Sabbath is one of the best days of my life,” he said.
UNITED STATES
AdventHealth University Unveils Degree That Blends Art, Science, and Society
AdventHealth University unveiled a new Bachelor of Science degree in health humanities and social sciences, the first of several new degrees and certificates debuting in the fall 2025 and spring 2026 terms.
The health humanities degree provides a foundation for students preparing to do graduate work in medicine, physical therapy, health-care law, chaplaincy, health-care administration, counseling, and psychology. The degree teaches them to examine health and illness from a variety of perspectives, including those of the humanities, communication, psychology, sociology, and religion. This new degree also allows students to take the prerequisite courses they need to gain admission into graduate or professional schools of their choice.
“Our degree equips students to become wholistic practitioners,” said Julie Cook, chair of the Health Humanities and Social Sciences Department at AdventHealth University. “We want our students to see their future patients or clients in the context of their lives.”
This four-year degree allows students to choose a minor in health-care administration, language, or religion, and students are encouraged to take summer breaks for volunteer work, study abroad, or research activities.
The program aims to grow to 50 students at maximum capacity.
BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
First Balkan Camporee Encourages Participants to Embrace Their “Faith on Fire”
From July 21 to 27 a vibrant gathering of young adventurers took place at a campsite near Boračko Lake, as the first Balkan Pathfinders Camporee unfolded under the theme “Faith on Fire.”
This exceptional camp brought together Pathfinders from Serbia, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Albania, uniting about 150 participants, including Pathfinders, master guides, and dedicated volunteers. With a shared vision to enrich the spiritual and cultural lives of children aged 11 to 15, the camp became a melting pot of languages, traditions, and friendships, organizers said.
Eleonora Vrag served as the keynote speaker, guiding the Pathfinders through the inspiring story of the prophet Daniel, exemplifying what it means to have “faith on fire” in God.
The camp included a fun secret game to connect with the organizers, a night track around the lake, and opportunities to apply scouting skills. Pathfinders also enjoyed learning about traditional folk songs and national dances, deepening their appreciation for the diverse cultures represented. “The First Balkan Pathfinders Camporee became a testament to the power of unity, faith, and shared experiences,” organizers said. “It ignited a flame of inspiration in the hearts of all who participated.”
