
Congress on the vulnerable and oppressed
Siem Reap, Cambodia
Delegates from the Orphans and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) Ministries Global Congress in Siem Reap, Cambodia, embarked on a meaningful visit to the campus of SALT (Seventh-day Adventist Lay Training) Ministry, immersing themselves in enriching interactions with the children and gaining valuable insights to enhance and replicate similar initiatives in their respective regions.
The congress brought together Train Them 2 Fish (a ministry dedicated to nurturing communities in French-speaking countries in Central Africa) and Three Angels Nepal (serving as guardians for vulnerable women and children at the borders, in communities, and in prisons).
Present at the congress were representatives from Adventist regional offices and supporting ministries worldwide, including ADRA International, Christian Record Services (a ministry in North America with services globally to blind or physically impaired individuals), and Adventist Possibility Ministries (a General Conference initiative dedicated to supporting caregivers, orphans, vulnerable children, and individuals facing various challenges, including deafness, blindness, physical immobility, mental health struggles, and spousal loss).
The congress advocated for the acknowledgment of the dignity and respect owed to every individual, striving to facilitate the discovery of untapped abilities despite the societal stigmas attached to disabilities or loss. Attendees were enriched as they listened to inspiring insights. Together, workers and laypeople united in a shared movement dedicated to extending support to the vulnerable and oppressed, thereby embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity. [Edward Rodriguez/Cambodia]

Evangelism congress supports youth gospel outreach initiatives
Chicago, Illinois, United States
More than 300 delegates recently attended the Now Is the Time biannual event in a suburb of Chicago. The weekend was geared toward equipping a generation of youth in their evangelistic endeavors within their respective churches and communities.
Through the years, the Lake Union Conference has witnessed remarkable evangelistic outcomes, with young-adult leaders using a total of $515,872 from a collaborative evangelism fund established by the union, local conferences, and local churches to initiate various evangelism projects. The aim of these initiatives has consistently been to spread the message of the gospel throughout their local communities. Notably, this year’s evangelism fund reached an all-time high with a generous contribution of $85,000 from the Lake Union.
KhaiKhai Cin, the organizer of this year’s congress, saw his own evangelism initiative take flight back in 2016 thanks to the Lake Union Youth Evangelism Congress, and he was determined to extend the same opportunity to others. KhaiKhai and his sister, Cady, along with youth members of the Grand Rapids Myanmar Company and Battle Creek Zomi Group, launched Myanmar Community Services (MCS), a ministry designed to assist their fellow refugee communities in Grand Rapids, Michigan. “I’ve seen the impact this event had on myself and many young people, and I wanted to make sure others could experience that as well,” KhaiKhai explained. [Cassidy Miranda-Chavez/Lake Union Herald]

Prayer and pre-evangelism in Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea
The Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) has launched a 100-day prayer journey ahead of the PNG for Christ evangelistic initiative.
“[The 100 days of prayer] is a strategy to mobilize the whole country in seeking the Lord’s protection and guidance in the delivery of the PNG for Christ and mega health clinic initiatives,” said PNGUM president Malachi Yani.
Yani said more than 200 preachers from the South Pacific Division and around the world are participating in PNG for Christ, which runs from April 26 to May 11. In the lead-up to the campaign, a health clinic will be held on April 16–19, supported by Adventist World Radio, 10,000 Toes, and ELIA Wellness.
A pre-evangelism week for PNG for Christ held in Gogo attracted more than 100 attendees each night, including members from multiple denominations, and culminated in baptisms and a series of commitments.
Themed Bible i Tok (The Bible Says), the event featured Pastor Sam Kepa Waine, district director of Elimbari, as the evening guest speaker. Pastor Waine focused on clarifying biblical truths and addressing common misunderstandings. He emphasized the importance of personal faith, urging attendees to believe in what is written in the Bible.
Morning sessions were led by Minister Kiagi Abel, who conducted a 10 Days of Prayer program, drawing participation from both church members and the wider community.
On Sabbath, the Ministerial secretary of the Eastern Highlands Simbu Mission, Pastor Paul Lipu, led the divine service, culminating in the baptism of a Baptist pastor and his wife, who had attended the Adventist church for the previous seven Sabbaths.
As a result of the appeals made during the weeklong program, many expressed their wish to be baptized. Four members from other Sunday keeping churches publicly committed during the week, and another 70 individuals answered the appeal after the baptism on Sabbath. The baptisms are expected to take place at the upcoming PNG for Christ event in April. [Tracey Bridcutt/Adventist Record]