Ohio Conference | Seventh-day Adventist Church

161 Join Elyria Church, More than Doubling Membership

Marius Marton, pastor of the Elyria church, baptizes a new member.

The Elyria church concluded its Pentecost 2025 evangelistic series earlier this year, adding 161 new individuals to its membership—surpassing the congregation’s previous membership and worship attendance before the campaign.

Before the series began, Elyria had a membership of 100. Andrew Sutton, treasurer of the Ohio Conference, emphasized that in God’s eyes every soul is precious and that even a small number of baptisms makes an evangelistic effort worthwhile.

The Family of Christ

By Robert Becay

Robert Becay, a newly baptized member from Ohio Conference's Medina church, shares what being part of Christ's family means to him.

Being part of the family of Christ means more than sharing a name or a creed. It is an invitation into a new kind of kinship built not on bloodlines or social status, but on grace, trust and a common journey toward wholeness. In this family, belonging is rooted in the radical idea that every person is seen, cherished and invited to participate in the divine promise of love transforming the ordinary into something holy.

Columbus Ghanaian Celebrates 25 Years of Faith

Bob Cundiff, Ohio Conference president, and his wife, Tanique (center), join Columbus Ghanaian church pastors and guests during its 25th year celebration.

Story by Francis Tuffour

Members and guests of the Columbus (Ohio) Ghanaian church recently gathered to celebrate a significant milestone: 25 years of ministry, mission and community rooted in unwavering faith. Under the theme, “After 25 Years—We Still Believe,” the celebration reflected on the church’s journey and looked forward with hope.

Spring Valley Academy Staff Change positions

Story by Angela Peach

This summer, Vice Principal Ken Knudsen accepted a call to serve as principal of the Hinsdale Adventist Academy (Ill.). To address this new vacancy, Trevor Ross accepted the position of vice principal for junior high and high school.

Ross is no stranger to Spring Valley Academy (SVA), having served as a teacher at SVA for 20 years. During his long tenure, he has taught classes, from biology and environmental science to health and Bible. He’s also been the driving force behind

SVA’s strong participation in four yearly blood drives as coordinator of that initiative.

Leaving the Classroom

Senior Aisha Hernandez and junior Keza Niyonsenga remove key organs from a local fish specimen as part of the citizen science service program.

Editorial by Dillon C. Zimmerman

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