JAPAN
Training Focuses on Empowering Children Ministries Leaders and Volunteers
In May 2025 Children’s Ministries leaders of the Japan Union Conference (JUC) hosted three Vacation Bible School (VBS) seminars to equip leaders and volunteers from across the country. The seminars welcomed pastors, VBS staff, parents, and Children’s Ministries leaders, offering them practical tools and spiritual encouragement as they prepare their summer programs.
The seminars included reports from the 2024 VBS season, hands-on demonstrations of crafts and songs, and the introduction of new Sabbath School materials. “These sessions aimed to empower local churches to run vibrant, Christ-centered programs,” organizers said.
Despite the nation’s demographic challenges—a rapidly aging population and a Christian demographic of less than 1 percent—the atmosphere of the seminars was filled with optimism. In 2024, 905 children participated in VBS programs across Japan, representing a 60 percent increase from the previous year. More than half of these children came from non-Christian families, leaders reported.
“The heart of these seminars was the shared belief that even in a society with few Christians and declining birthrates, God is still at work,” said Mie Morita, JUC Children’s Ministries director. “Whether through prayer, service, or simple acts of love, each VBS becomes a seed of hope.”
AUSTRALIA
Special Celebration Honors Centenarians
The centenarians were joined by family, friends, staff, and special guests for a morning tea on June 18, complete with cake and tributes.
Brian Swanepoel, CEO of Adventist Aged Care (Sydney), described it as a very special occasion. “It is a very special privilege to have so many people over the age of 100 in our facility,” he said. “It’s unique, and we thoroughly appreciate the residents and the lives they have had.”
Special guests included Alister Henskens, state member for Wahroonga, and Nicolette Boele, federal member for Bradfield, who both shared their warm wishes. “The change in the world during your lifetime has truly been magnificent, and you’ve obviously been incredibly resilient,” Henskens said. Boele added, “Thank you for your contribution to our communities. It’s such a privilege to be here to celebrate with you. Happy birthday.”
The celebration began with an opening prayer from Greater Sydney Conference general secretary Cheonneth Strickland before a photo presentation, morning tea, and birthday cake.
ROMANIA
Charity Run “I Run for My Mom” Mobilizes 12 Cities Against Domestic Violence
The fourth edition of the charity cross-country race “I Run for My Mom,” organized by the AMiCUS Romania Student Federation in collaboration with the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Romania, occurred simultaneously in 12 cities to support the fight against domestic violence. Participants donated funds to assist mothers and children affected by domestic abuse, organizers said.
For ADRA Romania, the charity run resulted in an impressive donation of Romanian leu 122,057 (about US$28,000), with 2,958 runners—739 of whom were children—joining to support victims of domestic violence. Additionally, 350 AMiCUS volunteers contributed their efforts across the participating cities.
All funds raised during this event were directed to ADRA Romania to support victims, leaders reported. “The primary objective of the event was to promote a healthy lifestyle through running while simultaneously assisting in the social reintegration of domestic violence victims and raising public awareness about the issue,” they said.
“During the past 16 years the ADRA project Emergency Reception Center for Victims of Domestic Violence has assisted more than 3,817 victims, including mothers and children,” ADRA leaders reported. “More than 1,100 of them were housed at the ADRA house.”
VIETNAM
Adventist Church in Vietnam Joins Harvest 2025 Initiative
A joint evangelistic effort led by the Phu Nhuan Seventh-day Adventist Church and the Ho Chi Minh International Seventh-day Adventist Church resulted in the baptism of 20 individuals June 6-7. The two-day series, held on Friday and Sabbath, was part of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s Harvest 2025 initiative, a yearlong campaign that mobilizes local churches across the region to engage in intentional evangelism and community outreach.
Vietnam, situated within the 10/40 window—a region where access to the gospel remains limited for many—continues to offer meaningful opportunities for spiritual growth and outreach, regional church leaders reported. “Holding these evangelistic meetings within church premises is a significant blessing, both for the local congregation and for individuals seeking hope and healing through the message of God’s Word,” they said.
Volunteers played key roles in preparation, logistics, and outreach. Participants included both longtime Bible students and first-time attendees who had been introduced to the faith through friends and local church initiatives. “Each baptism was conducted with the support of local elders and witnessed by fellow members who gathered to celebrate the milestone,” leaders said. “Thank everyone for making this event a success.”
GERMANY
Festival of Adventist Youth Draws 500 Participants
From June 6 to 9 approximately 500 young individuals converged at the Friedensau campsite for the Connected festival. Hosted by the Adventist Youth departments of North German Union Conference, Berlin-Central German Conference, and Northern Rhenish-Westphalian Conference church regions, the festival celebrated unity and faith, organizers reported.
“The weekend was filled with uplifting music, inspiring encounters, heartfelt prayers, delicious food, and a vibrant sense of community,” they reported. “The participants’ eagerness to grow spiritually and deepen their personal relationship with God was palpable, culminating in the baptism of six individuals and several others expressing their desire to prepare for baptism.”
The main speaker was Dejan Stojkovic, the current Youth Ministries director of the Adventist Church in Greater Sydney, Australia. His messages inspired and encouraged participants to engage thoughtfully with spiritual themes, organizers said.
In addition to the worship service, featuring baptisms that attracted an additional 100 to 150 visitors each day, festival highlights included a concert by a renowned worship band, 60 workshops covering a diverse array of topics, and an open stage for showcasing personal talents. “The occasional high winds at the campsite served as a fitting metaphor for the profound impact of the Connected festival,” organizers said. “Participants returned home inspired, rejuvenated, and motivated.”