WELCOME TO OHIO CONFERENCE

The Ohio Conference has announced a new date for this year's camp meeting at Camp Mohaven, as detailed in a letter sent by Elder Bob Cundiff to pastors and church members yesterday. Due to construction delays, the rescheduled gathering is now set for September 27-28. The camp meeting will feature a joint celebration for both the Hispanic and English-speaking churches and will include the dedication of the new building. Please refer to the letter below for details. Dear Pastors and Members, On April 16, 2024, the Ohio Conference Executive Committee voted to reschedule our 2024 camp meeting to September 27 and 28 due to construction delays with our new building at Camp Mohaven. These delays will prohibit us from dedicating the building during our previously scheduled camp meeting dates. The Committee felt that an adjusted schedule allowing us to dedicate the new building would be a more rewarding experience for our members than conducting camp meetings in a tent next to a large construction project. This year marks a significant milestone for our constituency as we celebrate the completion of the new building at Camp Mohaven. In line with our theme of “Building for Eternity,” we are excited to announce that we will hold a joint camp meeting for our Hispanic and English-speaking congregations for the first time. This occasion will also serve as the dedication ceremony for our new facility, symbolizing a new chapter in our ministry. This historic event will undoubtedly fill the new building and position our territory for a high Sabbath. It will provide an opportunity for members throughout our territory to come together, worship, and celebrate the "Building for Eternity" campaign. We deeply appreciate your understanding and flexibility regarding the change. Please adjust your calendars accordingly, make plans now to attend, and invite others. We value your presence and look forward to sharing this significant event with you. May God bless you as you prepare for this significant event, and I eagerly anticipate celebrating with each of you. Yours in service, Bob Cundiff President, Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists

Peter Simpson has accepted a call to join the North Pacific Union Conference as a vice president for Hispanic ministries and ministerial director. He joined the Ohio Conference 12 years ago as a district pastor in the Greater Cleveland area. His journey was fueled by a passion for ministry inherited from his missionary parents. Simpson later became the director of Hispanic Ministries and Church Planting. This role highlighted his exceptional leadership skills and underscored his deep-seated drive for evangelism, which helped the Ohio Conference to new heights in baptisms and church plantings. In 2023, Simpson was appointed Director for Multilingual Ministries, Church Planting, and Evangelism at the Ohio Conference. Peter Simpson's journey in ministry, spanning over 33 years across various countries, embodies a life dedicated to the service of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. From his early days as a district pastor to other roles at both conference and union levels and even as a conference president, Simpson's work has been a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change. His academic pursuits, culminating in a doctorate in pastoral ministry, have further enriched his ministry, equipping him with the knowledge and insight to lead effectively and with compassion. Alongside him, his wife, Carolina Simpson, has been a pillar of support and an active participant in ministry, leaving an indelible mark on the Ohio Conference community. As Peter and Carolina Simpson embark on this new chapter, their absence will be profoundly felt within the Ohio Conference. Their legacy of faithfulness, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the mission will continue to inspire those they have led and served. The Ohio Conference extends its heartfelt prayers and best wishes to Peter and Carolina Simpson as they answer this new call.

Today, Columbus Ghanaian Church hosted two officers from the city's Police Department to educate members on cyber crimes and how to avoid them. The cops' talk was part of the church's audio-visual and communication day activities to celebrate media ministries and honor their dedicated volunteers. Officers Kofi Owusu-Ansah and Aldolph Adu-Owusu shared invaluable insights on how to stay safe in the digital world. They emphasized the importance of being cautious when using the Internet, email, and social media. Owusu-Ansah highlighted a common tactic used by cybercriminals: initiating communication under the pretense of offering something positive, only to turn it into a negative experience. He advised that should someone make contact, offering to sell a Mercedes Benz for $5,000 in 2024, with features like a sunroof and leather seats as part of a complete package, yet asking for payment through gift cards, the scenario should raise suspicions because the proposition doesn't seem legitimate. He also shared how to detect online romance scams and the need to prevent them. The officers advised that young people should be mindful of what they post online because their digital footprints could impact their careers or hurt them when looking for jobs. They recommended that parents monitor what their kids do online and check their minors' usage of messaging apps to prevent potential risks. A question and answer session allowed members to ask cyber and general questions. Responding to traffic laws concerns, Aldolph Adu-Owusu said one should not run when police pull them over because the officer has a weapon for a reason. He added that drivers should show respect even when they do not understand something. The officers cautioned members to refrain from arguing with the police when they issue citations since that won't change their decisions. They suggested the need to provide information when asked for. The church leaders commended the officers for their presentation. Sampson K. Twumasi, the church's senior pastor, offered special prayers for the officers and asked for God's protection and blessings as they served the community. The church presented Certificates of honor to some members for their dedication and commitment to the church's audio-visual and communication department. Francis Tuffour, Digital Media and Communication director of the Ohio Conference preached a sermon titled: "Digital Discipleship: Spreading Faith in the Modern World" and commended the church for its robust media ministries, which has led to over 10,000 YouTube subscribers and regular programs on Hope TV and 3ABN in Ghana. He encouraged the church to harness digital tools to reach people where they are. He urged the church to integrate artificial intelligence strategically and ethically. He stressed the call to "make disciples of all nations" includes online because that is where most people are.

Mansfield Elementary School's team, the Cooking Cows, won the ultimate prize in the Ohio Conference's fifth Robotics Competition today at Spring Valley Academy. Two other schools that took the second and third spots were Sparks of Toledo Junior Academy and the Ascent team of Spring Valley Academy, respectively. All three qualified to advance to the Adventist Robotics Championship at the national level in Florida. The Core Values Award went to Star Bots (Worthington Adventist Academy) for their remarkable enthusiasm, belief in teamwork over individual effort, and consistent respect for each other and competitors. Ascent of Spring Valley Academy picked the Innovation Project Award for harnessing various resources for their project, enabling them to dig deeper to understand the problem they found and use creativity to resolve it. The Robotics Masterpiece team from Spring Valley Academy, who exhibited excellence in programming and engineering principles to create an efficient and durable robot to complete their challenge missions, took the Robot Design Award. The Cooking Cows also won the Robot Performance Award. They got the highest score in the robot game; all other teams had 2 minutes and 30 seconds, and the judges chose the best score count. The Masterminds of Collegedale Academy Elementary, who traveled from Tennessee, did not leave Ohio empty-handed; they garnered the Rising- All-Star Award, which was dedicated to a team that the judges saw something unique in them and expected outstanding accomplishments from in the future. Besides the team awards, everyone who participated in the competition received medals. Local organizations that sponsored the event were Kettering College, Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Spring Valley Academy, and supported by Wright Patterson Airforce Base Education Outreach. Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, preceded the event, thanked teachers, Pathfinder drum corps, chaperones, sponsors, volunteers, and the participating teams, and offered the closing prayer.

Toledo Junior Academy held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open its new gymnasium today in Toledo officially. Shaun Lazarus, the school's principal, in his welcome address, acknowledged some guests and introduced his team of co-workers. Kojo Twumasi, church pastor for Toledo First Seventh-day Adventist Church, welcomed the guests, including pastors from the nearby churches who attended the event. President Bob Cundiff Oswaldo Magaña, Executive Secretary, and Roy Simpson, Treasurer from the Ohio Conference, graced the dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony. Dr. Gerald Marsa shared a vision for the academy and expressed an appreciation for the school's support so far. Still, he encouraged people to continue to give so that needed additions could be made to the facility. Rick Bianco, Education Superintendent of the Ohio Conference, emphasized the importance of education that goes beyond academics. He said, "Today is the day we can celebrate the whole child Toledo Junior Academy that gives them the experience of what's to truly be educated fully on a daily basis, not only spiritually, which is first and foremost, not only academically, not only social but also physically." He also commended each person who contributed to the project. On behalf of the Ohio Conference administration, Roy Simpson presented a check of $100,000 to Toledo Junior Academy for its expansion project. Katie and Gary Swackhamer appreciated the school board, building committee, and others for their immense contribution to the building project. Dave Pate was honored for his exceptional leadership and dedication to overseeing the construction of the building. There was a slideshow of visual moments from the ceremonial groundbreaking, with people digging with shovels, structural framework, and roofing to the facility's completion. Pastor Mike Fortune delivered the dedication message and focused on the foundation of Christian education. He stressed, "It's the cross of Christ and the love of God that is on full display that forms the foundation of Christian education. So more and more students, parents, members, and guests will be drawn closer to Jesus because it's Jesus and the teachings of Jesus that matter, that are foundational and still worth sharing." Following the ribbon cutting, Pastor Bob Cundiff invited all the children at the ceremony to join him and offered the dedication prayer. Guests toured the new facility with a gym, classrooms, offices, a warming kitchen, and restrooms.

Danville, Ohio - The Multilingual Ministries Department of the Ohio Conference successfully conducted its first Elders' Meeting of 2024 from February 9th to 11th at Camp Mohaven. This annual event, aimed at strengthening and training church elders and leaders, saw an impressive turnout of over 100 participants, including 30 newly named elders, marking a significant milestone for them. Dr. Roger Ruiz enriched the weekend with his insightful presentation on theological issues. Pr. Ruben Ramos, Vice President for Multilingual Ministries from the Columbia Union, graced the event with his presence, supporting and encouraging the gathering. Pastor Peter Simpson, director of multilingual ministries of Ohio Conference, unveiled new plans, initiatives, and projects for 2024 and beyond, setting a visionary path for the department's future endeavors. Attendees left the meeting inspired, with many expressing their gratitude for the spiritual nourishment they received. "Hallelujah! We were so blessed this weekend," shared one of the leaders, reflecting the overall sentiment. "We praise the name of the Lord, who strengthens us to continue lighting the world with the gospel," another added.

On Sunday January 21, the Stereo Adventista Internacional team, Ohio Conference Officers, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate a significant milestone - the sixth anniversary of the radio station's journey through virtual space. Commencing its broadcast on January 26, 2018, Stereo Adventista Internacional has steadfastly delivered a message of hope uninterrupted for six years. Stereo Adventista Internacional, comprising four stations across major Ohio cities, operates thanks to the dedication of over 50 volunteers from various Hispanic churches within the Ohio Conference. The heart of this endeavor lies in its volunteer staff, whose commitment and effort drive the station's success. Under the leadership of Pastor Peter Simpson of the Multilingual Ministries Department, and with the support of the Ohio Conference Administration - Elder Bob Cundiff, President; Elder Oswaldo Magaña, Secretary; and Mr. Roy Simpson, Treasurer - a special gala dinner was organized. This event served as a celebration and an expression of gratitude towards the volunteers who have contributed tirelessly to the station's mission. The evening's program highlighted the crucial roles of live program presenters, radio controllers, correspondents, and editors, acknowledging their voluntary yet meticulous contribution to Stereo Adventista. Following the awards ceremony, attendees were treated to a sumptuous banquet, reflecting the appreciation and respect held for these dedicated individuals. Stereo Adventista Internacional extended heartfelt thanks to God for His unwavering guidance, the Ohio Conference administration, the director of Multilingual Ministries, each volunteer, and the global audience. Their collective support has been instrumental in enabling the station to be a "Voice of Hope" reaching the world's farthest corners.