SPAIN
Adventists Open a Senior Residence Near Toledo
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Spain has successfully transformed a residence in Magán, Toledo, into the Maranatha Magán Residence. This transformation merges modern infrastructure and the services of a leading geriatric care center with a wholistic approach that emphasizes a strong spiritual component grounded in Adventist Christian values, leaders behind the initiative said. “It is designed to provide a nurturing Christian environment for the elderly,” leaders reported.
“With hope and faith, we expect this new space to become a place of grace, love, and care for a particularly sensitive, vulnerable, and valuable population,” said Óscar López, president of the Spanish Union of Churches.
Joel Moyano, president of the Maranatha Spanish Retirement Home, agreed. “The entire team will give their best for this project, and we place it in the Lord’s hands,” he said.
For residence director Alejandro Giménez, “the challenge is to create an environment where each resident feels valued, heard, and loved.” He added, “I envision a residence that is a true home, where dedicated professionals and a welcoming community work together to ensure that the elderly can live with dignity, joy, and hope in the second coming of our Lord.”
CHILE
Adventist Academy of Astronomy Celebrates 30 Years of Training, Exploration
In 2025 the Academy of Astronomy at Calama Adventist Academy in Chile, founded in 1995, is celebrating three decades since its inception. The organization was born thanks to a group of students passionate about the mysteries of the universe and a teacher who recognized astronomy as a valuable training tool. The first activities consisted of night outings for astronomical observation and visits to specialized centers in the region.
In 2003 a group of professors and students developed a theoretical-practical program based on the scientific method and supported by cutting-edge astronomical instruments. Academy leaders said this approach “strengthened the academic identity of the initiative” and allowed students to participate in research projects that were eventually presented at both national and international science fairs.
The initiative “integrates scientific knowledge with a creationist vision,” leaders said. “Understanding the universe as an ordered creation has allowed hundreds of young people to approach astronomical phenomena from a perspective that balances empirical observation with spiritual reflection.”
The academy has also cultivated close bonds with the local community, promoting open talks and astronomical observation nights. “They have transformed astronomy into an accessible, attractive, and transformative discipline for children, young people, and adults in northern Chile.”
PHILIPPINES
AIIAS Graduation Marks Historic Milestone for Papua New Guinea Region
James Kaingua, EHSM secretary, attended the ceremony and delivered remarks on behalf of the mission. “Coming to AIIAS and reaching the master’s level is a bonus for us,” Kaingua said. “The local mission has never sponsored someone to this academic height before.”
Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:2, Kaingua emphasized the importance of investing in leadership development. “We must select able people to continue the path of leadership,” he said. “Success and planning in leadership are key to keeping the organization functioning.”
Kaingua credited divine providence for guiding Norak’s journey. “God enabled him to walk through this space and graduate in that honor,” Kaingua added. “We thank God, and we thank Kebo.”
Norak was one of seven graduates from the South Pacific Division (SPD), the largest cohort of SPD graduates recorded at what was the institution’s 109th graduation ceremony, school leaders reported. It also included three graduates from Vanuatu, two from the Solomon Islands, and one from Fiji.
POLAND
Andrews University Students Deepen Theological Knowledge During Study Session
Students enrolled in the M.A. in Religious Studies at Andrews University are participating in an intensive academic session held in Podkowa Leśna, Poland. The program features an interdisciplinary track and aims to offer a thorough understanding of Adventist history, beliefs, and practices.
The 2022 cohort is the second to take part in this academic collaboration. “The partnership provides affordable, high-quality Adventist education without requiring students to relocate to the United States, allowing them to remain actively involved in local ministry,” leaders explained.
The group includes 24 students from a variety of countries, including Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Finland, Ukraine, the Philippines, Bulgaria, and Zimbabwe. Because of this international diversity, all classes are conducted in English, with simultaneous translation as needed.
Students have expressed deep appreciation for the opportunity. Kristi Aluko, a student from Finland, reflected on her journey: “It was a leap of faith for me. I felt God’s call to pursue a master’s in theology. Amazingly, God arranged it so I could attend with my two young children.”
“Each session deepened my understanding of God’s love and gave me practical tools to lead and serve in my church,” Aluko continued. “Studying Scripture has completely transformed how I read the Bible.”
FIJI
Four Fulton Academics Achieve Professor Title
Four Fulton Adventist University College (FAUC) staff members have been recognized with the title of professor in a ceremony at the Trans Pacific Union Mission Executive Committee midyear meetings, held in the Fiji Mission conference room. Professor is the highest academic position and requires holding a Ph.D., undertaking research, and exhibiting high-level academic leadership.
Fulton’s new professors include FAUC principal Ronald Stone, deputy principal Tabua Tuima, head of theology Limoni Manu O’uiha, and head of research Elisha Kwabena Marfo.
“FAUC has recently made strategic faculty appointments as part of our preparations to become a full-fledged university,” Stone said. “These appointments directly respond to a major recommendation from the Adventist Accrediting Association [AAA], which emphasized the importance of adhering to the Academic Ranking Policy outlined in our employment handbook.”
The AAA is an educational accreditation body operated by the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists to ensure standards across Adventist education in schools, colleges, and universities around the world.
“By strengthening our academic staff with qualified and experienced educators, we are committed to elevating our standards. This step is crucial in our ongoing journey toward university status, ensuring that we meet the highest benchmarks necessary for full university accreditation,” Stone said.
