INDONESIA
East and West Indonesia Couples Unite to “Cherish the Love”
Adventist Family Ministries (AFM) of two Indonesia unions, West Indonesia Union Mission (WIUM) and East Indonesia Union Conference (EIUC), organized a biunion couple’s convention from May 25 to 28 in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. With the theme “Cherish the Love,” the event brought together 203 couples. The convention served as a meaningful platform to affirm God as the foundation of marriage, and the workshops focused on increasing intimacy and communication between spouses and learning from other Christian couples, organizers said.
Featuring a lineup of long-married speaker couples, the convention was opened by Virginia Baloyo, Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) AFM director. The title of Baloyo’s presentation was “Why Christian Marriage Is Very Good,” in which she emphasized the importance of God’s presence in the hearts of the couples. She also encouraged them to embrace and appreciate their differences, as well as to understand each other’s unique needs. Baloyo’s husband, Rudy, who served as the SSD executive secretary before he retired, spoke on “Keeping the Love Alive Even in a Long Marriage.”
Highlighting the event was the marriage vow reaffirmation ceremony, which included a video message of commitment from General Conference AFM directors Willie and Elaine Oliver. The Olivers reminded every couple to be personally dedicated and committed to each other for life.
GERMANY
Israel Field Team Records Series at Hope Media Europe Studios
Hope Media Europe recently hosted a dynamic two-day production marathon themed “Building Bridges,” welcoming a distinguished delegation from the Israel Field (IF). This collaborative effort was designed to cultivate understanding, faith, and outreach, media leaders said.
Coordinated by IF president Dragan Stojanovic, the event featured an array of presenters and leaders, including Reinaldo Siqueira, director for Jewish-Adventist Relations at the General Conference; Gerardo Farias, IF Youth Ministries director; and Sergey Greg, IF Communication director.
Throughout the two day-event the team produced approximately 7.5 hours of content, exploring a variety of faith-centered themes, including “Building Bridges,” “Covenant Blessings,” “Leadership From the Book of Proverbs,” “Encounters With Yeshua HaMashiach [Jesus the Messiah],” and “Spiritual Giants From the Old Testament.”
The Israel Field, representing a rich tapestry of diversity with 860 members, 21 congregations, and nine official languages—Hebrew, Arabic, English, Russian, Spanish, Romanian, Akan, Amharic, and Azerbaijani—infused the production with a unique cultural and spiritual vibrancy, media leaders said.
Paulin Giurgi, vice president for programming and communication for Hope Media Europe, reflected on the event’s significance. “It was our privilege to serve in the mission of sharing life and faith. By working together, we witnessed real impact and meaningful synergy,” he said.
BANGLADESH
Bangladesh Celebrates Women’s Emphasis Day Nationwide
The Women’s Ministries Department of the Bangladesh Union Mission (BAUM) celebrated Women’s Emphasis Day on June 14 across all four regional missions—East, North, South, and West Bangladesh. This special day marked a spiritual highlight for congregations nationwide as women united in worship, service, and outreach, organizers said.
Women led every part of the worship in various churches, sharing special messages and testimonies. The central theme of the day was “Craving of the Soul.” Throughout the programs speakers emphasized the importance of spiritual hunger, prayer, and renewal in the lives of women and their families. Guest presenters inspired attendees to strengthen their relationship with Christ and embrace a life of purposeful discipleship.
In the East Bangladesh Mission, Women’s Ministries leaders extended the celebration beyond church walls. They organized a community outreach program, visiting underprivileged neighborhoods and distributing care packages. Smiles, tears, and words of gratitude revealed how deeply these simple acts of kindness touched lives, organizers said.
“This year’s Women’s Emphasis Day did more than commemorate a calendar event—it showcased the transformative power of women in ministry,” leaders said. “When women lead with compassion, the church moves with power.”
ITALY
In Parma a Park Is Named After Adventist Conscientious Objector Desmond Doss
Nestled in a tranquil corner of Parma, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, lies a park that tells a remarkable story. This green space is dedicated to a man who chose to forgo firearms in a time of war: Desmond Thomas Doss. Adjacent to the Seventh-day Adventist church in Parma, this new park honors the legacy of that Adventist American soldier who, during World War II on the island of Okinawa, saved countless lives under enemy fire. For his unwavering principles he received the United States’ highest military honor: the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Doss’s remarkable story has gained wider recognition through the film Hacksaw Ridge (2016), directed by Mel Gibson, which brought his incredible journey to a global audience.
The initiative to name the park after Doss was inspired by the local Adventist community, who secured the official recognition from the Municipality of Parma. Government officers, representatives from Christian churches, Pathfinder Club members, and people from the community attended.
“Doss teaches us that one can be a hero without resorting to violence,” said local church pastor Giovanni Caccamo. Parma councillor Daria Jacopozzi agreed. “Doss’s life is a significant testament to authentic faith and active peace,” she said.
PHILIPPINES
Mountain View College Breaks Ground for Hemodialysis Building
On May 30 Mountain View College (MVC) held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming hemodialysis building on its annex campus. The event marked a significant step in the school’s effort to serve the community through quality health care and Christ-centered compassion, regional church leaders said.
Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Health Ministries director Ma. Rizaline Alfanoso attended as a guest of honor, along with Central Mindanao Mission president Porferio Lagunday, Jr. Both expressed their support for MVC’s expansion of its health-care services. “This building represents more than just bricks and mortar,” Alfanoso said. “It reflects our belief in Jesus as the Master Healer and our duty to extend His healing ministry in practical, tangible ways.”
The planned facility aims to provide accessible dialysis care, especially for patients in remote areas of Bukidnon and surrounding provinces, where such medical services remain limited. Once completed, the center will serve as a learning hub for student nurses while offering life-sustaining treatment for the community.
Several MVC leaders and stakeholders pointed to the institution’s mission to promote hope, health, and happiness. “All glory and honor belong to Jesus Christ,” an MVC representative said. “This new chapter is a testament to our calling to serve with compassion and excellence.”