Southern Tidings

10/25/2025

The Impact Multicultural congregation celebrated its organization into the 189th Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Georgia-Cumberland Conference on Sabbath, August 16, 2025. The Impact Church is a close-knit community of members with a heart for service in the greater Chattanooga, Tenn., area.

The church began as a small group of around 20 young people known as “On Fire for Christ.” The group felt passionate about service and outreach in areas such as prison ministries, nursing home visits, children’s ministries, and general community involvement and presence. As the group grew and started building families, they needed a place to call home. They began meeting in a classroom on the campus of Southern Adventist University. The initial 20 people became 80, and then 100, quickly outgrowing their increasingly larger meeting spaces.

One space they moved into was a renovated dentist office. For the renovation, most of the church members showed up to help paint, knock down walls, and other tasks. The group coming together to get the job done was a testament to the strong sense of community that Impact had built. Eventually, when they needed yet again a bigger home, they prayed for God to provide. Their current space just off of South Lee Highway became available when a previous religious group no longer had need for it, and sold it to Impact with everything that they needed already inside.

“Our pastor told us that our mission is not to be in this building,” said Edmundo Delgado Jr., church elder, during the organization service. “Our mission is to be out in the community. He put us here for a reason because there is someone somewhere that needs to hear about Him, and we are charged with sharing Him.”

In his sermon for the Sabbath morning program, Gary Rustad, Georgia-Cumberland Conference president, challenged Impact Church “to pray and pursue” so that, as it says in 1 Kings 8, “All of the people of the Earth may know that the Lord is God.”

As the congregation begins a new phase of their journey, they invite all to pray that Impact Multicultural Church will remain true to its name, and continue striving to make an impact in their community.

10/24/2025

“When people are hurting, God calls us to be His hands and feet in showing others His love and care in tangible ways,” said Laura Racovita, dean of Southern Adventist University’s School of Social Work, who coordinates disaster relief efforts for the University.

When she learned about the needs of a mobile home community in Prestonsburg, Ky., affected by disastrous flooding last February, she gathered a team to answer the call. “When the opportunity came, we simply responded and left the rest to the Lord’s care to provide for students and sponsors.”

Two groups of Southern Adventist University students and sponsors volunteered to help, joining two organizations on the ground: Light in the Storm Disaster Relief Ministries and 2Serve. In Kentucky, the groups collected and disposed of debris around the mobile homes; removed damaged belongings from inside the homes; and tore out walls, insulation, and floors so the framework could dry out. The Prestonsburg Church graciously opened its doors and housed the group for the duration of the trip.

“I like to think that the benefits are always worth more than the costs,” said Dannika Faith Olea, sophomore nursing major. “I missed almost a week of school but would do it all again in a heartbeat. God always seems to bless me and others in ways that we couldn’t have imagined.”

Sponsor Andrew Richards, Ph.D., professor in the School of Nursing, noted that an important aspect of the trip was its effect on the students. “I saw the ministry value of it, but I also saw how the students were able to grow,” said Richards. “This was an investment in each of these students. As they finish their time in college and start their careers, hopefully the lessons they’ve learned during the experience of service will stay with them the rest of their lives. This one trip might multiply into many more trips and acts of service for them.”

“I received far more benefits from going, compared to the $20 I gave to support the trip,” said Madeleine Miyashiro, junior English major. “I wanted to reconnect with God by serving in a community, and I made new friends, bonded with other people who were working on the site, and received spiritual blessings. The trip definitely impacted my view on serving. Anyone can serve, even someone like me who isn’t very strong!”

Cheryl Craven, director of Southern’s Christian Service program, expanded on the reason Southern sends students on trips like this one, “These trips are a meaningful way for students to live out Southern’s mission of pursuing Spirit- filled lives of service. Each deployment gives students a chance to put their faith into action by showing compassion and support when people need it most.”

10/23/2025

On October 22, 1844, thousands of believers gathered with hearts full of hope, convinced that Jesus would return that very day. When the morning of October 23 came, and their hopes were not fulfilled, history recorded it as the Great Disappointment.

Though painful, that moment became a turning point. Out of disappointment grew a deeper study of Scripture and the birth of the Seventh-day Adventist movement. Instead of giving up, faithful believers clung to the promise of Christ’s return and committed their lives to sharing the good news of His soon coming.

Today, we look back not to dwell on the sorrow, but to remember the courage, faith, and perseverance of those who still believed after the hardest night of their lives.

And we stand in that same hope today: Jesus is coming soon.

10/21/2025

The Southeastern Conference Adventist Community Services leaders and volunteers, along with local, regional, and state partners, collaborated on strategic initiatives to address social and economic barriers in Putnam County, Fla., during their Camp Meeting this past June. Putnam County is where the Southeastern Conference campground is located. The cities of Interlachen, Palatka (county seat), and the northern portion of Hawthorne were the focus. Based on the 2024 County Health and Wellness Coalition County Needs Assessment, Putnam County has historically poor socioeconomic conditions that place them in the worse rankings among their surrounding counties and the state of Florida. Additionally, an underlying “drug and substance use culture” and increased homelessness add to the challenges.

Months prior to the outreach events, meetings were held, data was reviewed, and local social services organizations, nonprofits, faith-based partners, businesses, and government officials were engaged to ensure efforts were in alignment with community needs.

Most importantly, the stories of those with lived experience were heard, immediate needs met, and positive relationships initiated.

On Friday of Camp Meeting, a minimum of 465 families were served, almost 40,000 (39,340) pounds of food, from the campground in Hawthorne, Fla.

During the targeted outreach initiatives in the cities of Interlachen and Palatka on the following day, they were able to offer showers to individuals experiencing housing insecurities. Hygiene kits, bags of fruits, vegetables, and non-perishable items were offered to families with economic insecurities in those selected communities.

Major partners for the outreach events included community services volunteers; SALT (Service and Love Together) Outreach; Daily Bread Distribution Center; Farm Share; Bethany Church in Palatka, Florida; Department of Health; Interlachen Church of Latter-day Saints; Palatka Christian Service Center; and Heart of Putnam. Funding was made possible in part through a grant from the Versacare Foundation.

Eric Camarillo, CEO and founder of SALT Outreach, stated, “We were honored to take part in this outreach alongside the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. What we value most is participating in outreach efforts that create a lasting impact in the community — beyond a single event — and this was certainly one of those moments. Just across the street (from the Church of Latter-day Saints where we offered showers), there was an organization that serves 100 meals a day, five days a week. In their parking lot sat a fully finished shower trailer that they’ve been working to activate, but have faced significant roadblocks with local officials. They were excited to hear we were coming, and one of their board members even attended the outreach to ask for advice on operations and overcoming their current challenges. I had the opportunity to visit and speak with the organization’s director. We prayed together, [I] encouraged him, and I offered to help advocate alongside him to local government officials if needed. Operating our trailer across the street served as a live ‘proof of concept,’ demonstrating that mobile hygiene services can be effective, beneficial to the community, and non-disruptive to surrounding neighbors.”

Frank Yapp, Ed.D., pastor of Bethany Church in Palatka, trained chaplain, mental health professional, and a retired U.S. Army combat veteran, is passionate about the people of Palatka. He stated, “We have begun a process with the hope to answer the proverbial inquiry, ‘Can these bones live?’ (Ezekiel 37:3) …. the end results will take time, endurance, patience, and a whole lot of prayerful intercessions.”

As a part of the ongoing efforts in building community capacity to serve, one month after Southeastern Camp Meeting, A Season of Service (SOS) Virtual Seminar was conducted by SALT Outreach. More than 20 volunteers and ministry leaders participated in the engaging two-hour session. Materials from the seminar were also shared with more than 170 churches in the Southeastern Conference. The seminar was designed to inspire and empower volunteers to support current or future outreach efforts for people experiencing homelessness, and demonstrate practical steps to better equip communities with sustainable solutions that lead to Hope and Wholeness.

10/19/2025

Last night, Kentucky Tennessee Conference of Seventh-day Adventists Media Specialist Xander Ordinola, and former KYTN summer intern Katie McConnell both received awards for their excellent work. Congratulations! Becky Carpenter, Carolina Conference of Seventh-day Adventists communication director, also received an award. We are so thankful for all our amazing conference communicators and their dedication to ministry.

Congratulations to Xander Ordinola, our media specialist, and Katie McConnell, a Highland alumna and our former summer intern, for being recognized at this year’s Society of Adventist Communicators!

Xander took home Best Journalistic Photography, and Katie, now a Southern Adventist University student, won Best Fine Art Photography in the student category.

We’re so proud of them! ❤️

10/18/2025

On a warm evening filled with gratitude and celebration, the Asheville Pisgah Christian School (APCS) community gathered August 7, 2025, for a long-anticipated open house and gymnasium dedication.

The event began at 6 p.m. with families, students, and church members gathering under a festive balloon arch to take photos before entering the new gymnasium. For many, it was their first time seeing the completed space, and the excitement was tangible.

As attendees formed a circle around the gym, Danny Collins and Megan Robertson led the group in singing last year’s school theme song, “Christ Is Our Firm Foundation,” setting a spiritual tone for the evening. Artim (Art) Dmytriyev, pastor, followed with a bilingual welcome and heartfelt prayer, offering words of unity and thanks.

Patrick Williams, pastor, shared a message highlighting the gym’s purpose — not just as a place to play, but as a sanctuary to build relationships and worship God. Marco Quarteroli, pastor, then offered a powerful prayer of dedication, inviting God’s blessing over the space and all who would gather there.

Following the dedication, students led attendees on a tour through the school, showcasing both updated and original classrooms. Each guest received a coupon for a New Moon Donut, a special treat provided by Ronnie and Courtney Jimenez’s donut truck.

The evening served as more than just a building dedication. It was a joyful opportunity to reconnect, make new friends, and celebrate God’s continued blessings over APCS.

“This building is more than brick and mortar,” said one parent. “It’s a symbol of what God is doing through this school and this community.”

With hearts full of praise, the APCS family looks forward to the many memories and ministries that will take place in their new space.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ,” 1 Corinthians 3:11 NIV.

10/17/2025

Choral director Gissela Kroll shares reflections from the General Conference Session.

For one unforgettable weekend in St. Louis, Mo., I stood on stage with 50 young voices and players — ages 3 to 17 — leading worship at the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s General Conference. This global gathering happens only once every five years, drawing more than 68,000 believers from every nation, tribe, and language.

Our choir, Kids in Tune, represented the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference for the third consecutive General Conference — San Antonio in 2015, a virtual appearance in 2022, and now, finally, back in person in 2025. Each time has been special, but this year felt different. After years of distance and separation, to stand side by side with believers from around the world felt like a taste of Heaven.

The highlight came when we joined the world choir and orchestra to sing “Jesus Is Coming Again.” In that moment, I looked out and saw faces from every continent, heard accents from every corner of the globe, and felt the Dome at America’s Center filled with one united voice. It was as if God gave us a small preview of eternity.

These children — many untravelled — stepped into a much bigger world. They sang with skill, joy, and conviction, understanding that they were part of something eternal. Between rehearsals, they met choirs from other countries, shared songs in different languages, and discovered the beauty of a faith family that spans the world.

I often tell them that worship isn’t just what happens on stage; it’s also the friendships formed, the prayers whispered, and the hearts opened along the way. In St. Louis, they saw that truth come alive.

We are deeply thankful and honored for the support we’ve received — from the General Conference leadership, the Kentucky-Tennessee Conference, our home church Madison Campus, and each family who sacrificed time, resources, and energy to make this possible. Without that support, we could not have lifted our voices on that stage.

When we returned home, the music still echoed in my heart. My prayer is that years from now, they will remember the sound of thousands singing together — and know they belong to a God whose family knows no borders, and whose return is certain, because … we have seen a glimpse of it. And. it is beautiful.

10/16/2025

From preaching underground on a powder keg in the coal mines of Illinois to leading massive evangelistic meetings worldwide, Elder J. L. Shuler dedicated more than 70 years to ministry.

His first “congregation?" Eleven coal miners, listening during their lunch break, 150 feet beneath the earth. Over the years, Shuler faced storms, threats, and even guns pointed his way — but his fearless preaching brought countless lives to Christ.

He went on to serve as president of four conferences in the Southern Union, founded evangelism field schools across the globe, authored 25 books, and taught at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary.

10/14/2025

When Otto Del Toro Jr. first looked at the uneven backyard of the Madison, Tenn., Spanish Church, he saw both potential and a significant challenge. The churchyard was far from ideal for recreation. It contained only a small volleyball court and a steep slope with a deep trench, making it unsafe and impractical for most activities.

Rather than accepting those limitations, Del Toro envisioned something bigger: to transform the rugged terrain into a soccer field that the young people of the church could enjoy for years to come. What started as a simple idea to create more space for youth fellowship has since evolved into a powerful ministry tool.

The Vision

The idea wasn’t just about sports. Del Toro, now a theology student at Southern Adventist University, said the vision was clear from the beginning.

“In Hispanic culture, soccer is more than just a sport, it’s a way for young people to come together,” said Del Toro. “It makes it easier to make friends and invite others. People may not want to come to church, but they will come for a [soccer] game.”

The Work

Turning that vision into reality wasn’t easy. The church’s backyard sloped dramatically, with a deep trench cutting through part of the land. Buying enough dirt to level the area was too costly, so Del Toro came up with another plan.

“We decided to scrape the mountain and bring the dirt down,” he explained. “We used what we had.”

Construction began in November 2024. Volunteers from the church spent months hauling soil, leveling the ground, and preparing the site for grass. Students from Highland Academy, where Del Toro was a senior at the time, also came to help. The final cost of the project came to about $3,000, all raised through the donations of church members who shared Del Toro’s vision.

“One brother gave the grass seed, another paid for grading,” said Del Toro. “Everyone gave from their own pocket to make this a reality. Without the church’s support, this would have been impossible.”

The Kickoff

By May 2025, the field was ready, and the group wasted no time putting it to use. The first celebration was a youth program held outdoors, followed by a soccer game that stretched into the evening.

For Del Toro, the project was as much physical as it was spiritual. Balancing school responsibilities with construction work was challenging, but the experience strengthened his faith.

“I learned that nothing is impossible if you put it in God’s hands,” said Del Toro. “If the purpose goes beyond yourself, God will provide the resources and the people.”

Since games began on the new field, three young men begun attending the Madison Hispanic Church after being invited to play.

Although the church plans additional improvements, such as reseeding the field after a harsh summer and installing bleachers, Del Toro is grateful for the blessings the project has already brought. Now in college, he hopes the church will keep the ministry alive.

“My prayer is that they don’t let it die,” he said. “That in the future, we’ll see even more young people in our church because of what started with this field.”

10/13/2025

Nothing brightens a day like seeing Southern Tidings peeking out of the mailbox. 💌
News, inspiration, and connection for our Southern Union family.

10/12/2025

The Holy Spirit is working at Martin Correctional Institution (MCI) in Indiantown, Fla., which houses approximately 1,500 inmates, including 250 at Martin Work Camp prior to release.

In 2017, God spoke to David Rivera, a member of Midport Church in Port St. Lucie, Fla., during an announcement by Skipp Shimek, then Fort Pierce Church prison ministries director. As Shimek asked for support for the work at Martin Correctional Institution, Rivera turned to his wife, Samady, and said, “I believe God is calling me to be in prison ministries.”

Rivera began holding services at Martin Correctional Institution in September 2020, with just five men attending. Within a year, attendance grew to 80. Today, a lively group gathers every Sabbath, with an average of 100 men participating in worship. A congregation has been planted in the facility, with a functioning church board, 12 elders, and a dedicated music team.

Beyond worship services held each Sabbath, inmates attend discipleship classes on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Additional discipleship classes and worship services are also conducted in the Work Camp chapel on Friday evenings.

Rivera shares enthusiastically about the evident work of the Holy Spirit at MCI, particularly regarding the calling and training of 12 inmate lay pastors. “The Holy Spirit is using these lay pastors powerfully,” Rivera said. A team of more than 20 volunteers from area churches supports this growing ministry, with additional support from Florida prison ministries.

John Mills, Florida Conference prison ministries director, baptized 11 inmates in the prison chapel’s baptistry on Sabbath, April 5, 2025. Later, on July 5, he baptized 12 more. With these baptisms, the total number of baptisms in the prison congregation this year has reached 32.

Testimonies continue to be shared of what the Lord is doing in prisons across the state. Truly, “the harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few” (Matthew 9:37). This mission field must be reached, and the Lord is calling workers.

Today, Rivera serves as a volunteer chaplain at Martin Correctional Institution, faithfully continuing the work God began in his heart that Sabbath morning in 2017.

10/11/2025

“We are gathered here — leaders, stewards, believers — not just to hold the mission, but to extend it.” With the thought- provoking question, “How do you extend?” David Banks, president and CEO of AdventHealth, opened his keynote address at the 35th annual Conference on Mission. He challenged AdventHealth leaders, board members, advisory members and Seventh-day Adventist church leaders to reflect on what intentional, mission-driven growth looks like in today’s evolving landscape.

Under the inspiring theme “Growing on Purpose,” attendees gathered in Orlando, Florida, for a dynamic three-day conference focused on staying rooted in mission while embracing growth.

The event kicked off with an awards ceremony hosted by Olesea Azevedo, chief culture and transformation officer at AdventHealth. In recognition of their selfless service, Christian Service Awards were presented to Abby Wirick, mental health consultant at AdventHealth Winter Garden, Apopka, Clermont, and Millenia OSEDs; Leann Starkovich, regional director for HIM at AdventHealth central Texas; and Teri Fisher, practice manager, Primary Care Ocala.

The Trustee of the Year Award recognized Anne Kelly, vice president of Mainstreet Community Band of Florida, and Dallas Owens, member of the Burleson Independent School District Board, for their exceptional leadership and commitment to service. The Crystal Angel Award, AdventHealth’s highest recognition for outstanding Christian leadership, was presented to Cathy Stankiewicz, chief nursing officer for the central Florida Division, and Vicki White, senior vice president and chief brand and consumer officer. These distinguished executives were celebrated for their mission-related achievements, impactful projects, and transformative programs.

Following the awards ceremony, the Benjamin F. Reaves Keynote address was delivered by Banks, offering a powerful message centered on theme of “extending.” Through personal stories and reflections, Banks highlighted the enduring significance of AdventHealth’s mission, Extending the Healing Ministry of Christ, while drawing on the rich history of the organization and of health care.

“Our mission is fully expressed when we combine our clinical capabilities and our professional proficiencies inside our divine appointments, respecting and acknowledging the value and humanity of those we serve,” shared Banks. “Why? Because that’s exactly how Jesus saw people.”

Banks’ keynote set a thoughtful tone for the following day’s business session where attendees were invited to explore what it really means to remain rooted in mission during a season of growth. Keynote speaker Peter Greer, president and CEO of HOPE International and co- author of Mission Drift, emphasized the critical importance of keeping mission at the heart of an organization, a principle many have struggled to uphold. To ensure mission remains central, Greer stressed the need for consistent reminders, clear communication, and the discipline to “repeat, repeat, repeat.”

Greer shared a powerful insight: “The mission is not just in the architecture; it’s in the people.” With dedicated team members who live the mission, intentional growth can flourish without compromising purpose. Events like Conference on Mission offer a vital opportunity for individuals across AdventHealth to recommit to the organization’s calling, ensuring the mission remains vibrant, alive, and central to AdventHealth’s work.

In alignment with the message of staying true to mission, six missional pillars were reinforced by regional AdventHealth leaders. David Ottati, executive vice president and CEO for Advent- Health west Florida Division, shared a story about Jayson Sack, M.D., a resident neurosurgeon at Advent Health Wesley Chapel, who began wearing distinctive black-and-white checkered Vans shoes.

The shoes were more than a fashion statement. They were a heartfelt tribute to his uncle who had recently passed away due to a brain aneurysm. For Sack, the checkered shoes became a personal symbol of purpose and mission. He began gifting pairs to patients, staff, and leaders, turning a simple gesture into a powerful reminder of compassion and connection. His story later gained more support across the organization and even drew interest from news media.

“This story is not about footwear. It’s about footing,” said Ottati. “It’s about surrounding yourself with people who will grab your story and make it their story. It’s about understanding your purpose so profoundly and sharing that with the team around you that you start creating a culture of engagement.”

That evening marked the return of a special tradition — Friday Vespers. Jeff Bromme, executive vice president and chief legal officer at AdventHealth, delivered a reflective message on “The Vesper Hour,” encouraging attendees to seek out spaces where they can inspire and uplift others.

Music played a key role in both the Friday Vespers program and the Sabbath morning service at Calvary Orlando Church. The AdventHealth Orchestra, led by Richard Hickam, corporate director of music and the arts at AdventHealth, returned with a stirring performance, joined for the first time by the newly formed AdventHealth Choir. Under the direction of Vivian Cook, learning partner for learning innovation and strategy at AdventHealth, the choir made a memorable debut that added depth and inspiration to the worship experience. These moments of music paved the way for powerful team member and patient testimonials, accompanied by images from the Illuminations of Faith art gallery, a curated collection of personal artwork created by AdventHealth team members from across the system, displayed just outside of the sanctuary.

Gary Thurber, president of the Mid-America Union Conference and AdventHealth board chair, delivered the Sabbath message. Centering his reflection on God’s remedy for mission drift, Thurber drew from Micah 6:8: “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”

Thurber concluded his sermon by reflecting on how this passage captures the essence of God’s saving relationship with us and how AdventHealth’s mission and service standards reflect that divine calling. “Not only did [Jesus] ‘Own It,’ he said, “but He loved us, and by doing so He kept us safe. And by the way, He made it simple.”

This connection between AdventHealth’s service standards and its mission was also emphasized earlier in the conference by Banks. “I have heard people describe our organization in many different ways. Some reference our services, our geographic reach, or our financials,” said Banks. “But, I believe it’s our mission statement that best describes who Advent- Health is and what we are seeking to do. Extending the ministry of Christ simply means going to where the people are.”