NIGERIA
University Teachers From Germany Visit Babcock University
In summer 2024 Friedensau Adventist University and Babcock University in Nigeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the aim of facilitating cooperation and exchange in various areas. With approximately 13,000 students, Babcock University is the largest Adventist university in the world. The cooperation was initiated by the School of Social Sciences, particularly in connection with the establishment of the bachelor’s degree program in international social work at Friedensau Adventist University.
From March 3-9 Annette Witherspoon, head of the international social work program, and Thomas Spiegler, dean of the School of Social Sciences, visited Babcock University to deepen the contact and prepare details for further cooperation. Witherspoon and Spiegler held talks with representatives of Babcock University management, met with the faculty of the Institute for Social Work, visited social work institutions in Lagos that could be potential internship placements for Friedensau’s students, and gave guest lectures at the school.
The visit was characterized by a collegial, friendly, and open exchange, participants reported. “Now colleagues from Babcock University are expected to visit Friedensau [Adventist University] with a group of students in June 2025 to take part in lectures and workshops and to explore how social work is practiced in Germany,” they said.
CZECH REPULIC
Children Ministries Instructors Host a Training Seminar in Moravia
Two years after their latest gathering, teachers of the children’s Sabbath School met again at a motivational and educational seminar in Strážovice, in southern Moravia. The 2025 motto for the seminar was “Bridges of Understanding.”
Participants reflected on children and their emotional world, and defined paths to mutual understanding. The seminar’s main guest was Julia Wanitschek, who traveled from Nürnberg, Germany. Julia is dedicated to pedagogical practice, and, in the form of a podcast, she regularly discusses the theories in this field. Wanitschek’s lectures focused on children’s attachment and the meaning of children’s emotions.
The whole atmosphere was complemented by a very pleasant environment, good food, and inspirational singing, ministry leaders reported. Among the nearly 150 participants were also 20 children. To the joy of parents attending the training, a dedicated team catered for them.
“Thanks go to the heads of the children’s department—Lýdia Grešová, Lukáš Jureček, and Tomáš Špác,” said Ingrid Škábová, a church leader from the Strážovice Adventist Church. “It was a successful and beneficial meeting for those who serve children in their local churches within the framework of children’s Sabbath Schools.”
AUSTRALIA
Prayer Conference Reaches Record Attendance in North New South Wales
The 2025 North New South Wales (NNSW) Prayer Conference saw record attendance, with more than 900 delegates gathering at Yarra Holiday and Adventure parks in Stuarts Point, Australia, from February 27-March 2. Since launching in 2016 with 120 attendees, the event has grown significantly, with this year’s program attracting more than 400 first-time participants.
NNSW prayer coordinator Charissa Torossian noted the increasing engagement in the conference. “It’s encouraging to see so many people hungry for a deeper connection with Jesus and a revival of prayer,” she said.
Themed “Power Unlimited,” the conference featured guest speakers Pavel Goia, editor of Ministry magazine, and Melody Mason, a prayer coordinator at the General Conference in Maryland, United States. They emphasized the importance of prayer, surrender, and “seeking the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.”
Many delegates shared testimonies about the challenges they faced in attending the conference. According to Torossian, health issues, car troubles, and financial difficulties created obstacles, “but God’s providence was evident throughout.”
While plans for next year’s conference are yet to be announced, Torossian said the team is already preparing. “We are praying that God will continue to grow this movement of prayer and revival,” she said.
PHILIPPINES
Adventist Hospitals in the Philippines Unveil Major Expansion Plans
Several Seventh-day Adventist hospitals in the Philippines recently announced their commitment to enhancing their services. Their ongoing development plans include acquiring state-of-the-art medical equipment, expanding facilities, and improving health-care accessibility for underserved populations, institutional leaders reported.
The Adventist Medical Center in Iligan City recently broke ground on a new hemodialysis center in Baroy, Lanao Del Norte, southern Philippines.
In Puerto Princesa, Palawan, the leadership of Adventist Hospital Palawan has approved an expansion plan to enhance its services and administrative operations. On February 3 the hospital broke ground on a new laboratory and blood bank expansion to accommodate more patients.
As part of its commitment to comprehensive health care, the hospital also launched the Konsulta (Consultation) Clinic, an outpatient service aligned with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law. UHC guarantees all Filipinos equitable access to quality and affordable health-care services while providing financial protection.
Adventist Hospital Davao is embarking on a major facility expansion to enhance health-care services and meet the growing needs of the community. Hospital leaders recently held a dedication ceremony for newly acquired equipment and facilities, including a state-of-the-art generator and a new CT scanner, among other specialized devices.
PERU
Adventist Youth Provide Aid and Hope to Lima Fire Victims
Lima, the capital of Peru, faced a devastating fire in early March. The fire consumed several downtown buildings, leaving dozens of families homeless. In the face of this emergency, more than 100 Adventist youth responded to the call for solidarity and service and mobilized through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Peru to assist those affected.
For five days several teams of 20 volunteers delivered food, water, and emotional assistance to the victims. In addition, they organized recreational activities for children displaced by the fire.
ADRA Peru set up a special support booth in a downtown location, while a second group served at the Grau Adventist Church, preparing lunches and groceries that were distributed in nearby care centers.
According to government officials, the fire started in a warehouse, but then moved to affect several homes and buildings, which eventually collapsed.
Regional church leaders commended the Adventist young volunteers’ willingness to help. “As firefighters continue to work to extinguish the flames at the foundations of the buildings,” they said, “Adventist youth have become a reflection of Christ’s love by bringing hope and help to those who need it most.”