LAOS
Adventist Church Holds First Marriage Enrichment Program for Pastoral Couples
The one-day seminar, held in Vang Vieng city, gathered 16 full-time pastors and their spouses following the annual workers’ training. Themed “Love Takes Time,” the seminar was led by SEAUM Family Ministries director Phouangmala Khongsengphengphet. Through interactive sessions couples explored three foundational principles for a healthy marriage: love God, love your spouse and children, and love yourself.
Organizers said the program aimed to help pastoral couples grow in their relationship with God and each other, enabling them to lead by example and strengthen families in their respective church communities.
“This initiative not only supports our leaders but also equips them to better serve the growing needs of families in our churches and their communities,” LAM president Keophetsamone Somphou said. He also officiated a vow renewal ceremony during the event.
SOLOMON ISLANDS
Adventist School Receives Hygiene Upgrade
The facility will directly benefit the 64 students enrolled in the school—located on Kolombangara Island in Western Province—as well as members of the surrounding communities who attend meetings and church services in Ghatere.
A handover ceremony took place on March 18 at the school compound. A large number of community members attended, leaders reported. The project was funded by ADRA Australia and implemented by ADRA Solomon Islands through the Turn on the Tap (TOTT) Project. The new facility includes one shower room, toilet facilities for both boys and girls, and a water tank.
Speaking at the ceremony, ADRA Australia Communication and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning officer Denver Newter urged the community and school to take good care of the facility. “We also encourage you to allocate some funds from your school grant for its maintenance, ensuring that it continues to support students and staff in maintaining proper health and sanitation,” he said.
ARGENTINA
River Plate Adventist Sanitarium Opens Nuevo Tiempo Space on the Facilities
River Plate Adventist Sanitarium and Nuevo Tiempo Argentina Bible School established a strategic collaboration that culminated in the inauguration of the Espacio Nuevo Tiempo at the facilities of the medical center, located in Libertador San Martín, Entre Ríos, Argentina.
This partnership will allow connecting patients to educational and spiritual resources, which promote physical, emotional, and spiritual health, leaders behind the initiative said.
On February 28 Gabriel Darrichón, director of the Bible school of Nuevo Tiempo Argentina, shared his excitement for this cooperation. “We are very happy for this partnership with the sanitarium. It is a beautiful opportunity to work together. Nuevo Tiempo has resources that focus on what patients need—prevention and wholistic health treatments,” he said.
Resources that will now be available to patients include materials on physical and emotional health, family education and financial management, as well as Bible studies. “God has something to tell patients, as God has a life plan for all of us,” Darrichón said. “It is important that we make this known.”
MONGOLIA
A Variety of Faith Programs Empower Children and Young People
The Children’s Ministries Department of the Mongolia Mission has taken a new step in nurturing the spiritual growth of young believers by launching a children’s baptism class. The program started with 13 enthusiastic participants. Five children have made the decision to be baptized.
The ministry also introduced a weekly youth club called Go Get. This club is a safe and welcoming space where children and young people come together to pray, study the Bible, and support one another through life’s challenges.
The department is also strengthening the faith of children and teens through various engaging programs. From interactive Bible games and Bible verse challenges to baptism preparation classes and youth gatherings focused on self-esteem and identity in Christ, these events provide meaningful spiritual growth and connection opportunities.
“These initiatives are making a significant impact on the children of Mongolia,” said Raquel Arrais, Children’s Ministries director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division. Through these creative and faith-centered programs, children and teens in Mongolia are learning what it means to follow Jesus.
MEXICO
Young Adventists Come Across the Country’s President During Global Youth Day
As part of the annual Global Youth Day (GYD) on March 15, a group of Seventh-day Adventist young people in Mexico took to the streets to march, share hope, and distribute more than 3 million copies of this year’s missionary book, Living With Hope, by Marcello Niek and Bruno Raso. The book highlights keys to improving mental health and emotional intelligence.
A group of young people from the Cosmos Pathfinder Club in Huixtla, Chiapas, came across the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, as she was supervising the construction of the interoceanic railroad. They gave her a book and even took a photo together.
Many in Chiapas found creative ways to highlight healthy lifestyle activities, such as promoting the eight natural remedies—water, rest, exercise, healthy foods, and more—while marching and distributing the missionary book, following a caravan of floats decorated with banners, posters, and balloons.
GYD mobilized thousands of children and young Adventists across the Inter-American Division to serve and share love in their cities and communities. This year’s theme, “ACT: A Community Transformed,” emphasized the importance of young people taking active steps in serving and making a difference.