NEWS
Latest News & Updates
Wellness Week of Prayer held at Mount Calvary Junior Academy
- March 26, 2026
On March 9-13, 2026, an extraordinary, informative, interactive, and inspiring Wellness Week of Prayer was held at the Mount Calvary S.D.A. Junior Academy under the leadership of Principal Francine Brown. The purpose was to strengthen the relationship between the teachers and students with Jesus. The students in kindergarten through eighth grade confidently led out in the opening preliminaries – prayer, song service, scripture, Bible & American flag pledges, and the introduction of the speaker. The speaker for the week was Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D., Health and Disability Ministry Director for the Southeastern Conference. She centered each devotional around the theme, Jesus – Like, Follow, Share, with an emphasis on the power of prayer and the importance of living healthy, happy, holy, and being inclusive like Jesus, encouraging the students to share what they learn about Jesus with others.
Dr. Sankey-Battles engaged the 78 students and teachers by enthusiastically presenting the Bible lessons, followed by involving them in thought-provoking real-life scenarios: a water-drinking challenge, an exercise demonstration, colorful food displays, and a simulation of disabilities. The teachers who participated in the simulation of blindness (using eye shields) and hearing loss (using ear plugs) shared their experiences, describing feeling vulnerable in spaces that were ordinarily familiar to them. Their comments reinforced the need to provide an inclusive environment where all feel welcome, safe, and able to trust the people around them. Pastor Parham gave a special prayer on behalf of the students.
The closing session focused on being like Jesus through being born again, symbolized by water baptism. In response to the appeal, resoundingly, the students affirmed their desire to like, follow, and share Jesus. A special thank you to Ms. Brown for scheduling and reinforcing the value of hosting the Wellness Week of Prayer. We are never too young or too old to learn about health and wellness, and to be reminded that our bodies are the temple of God. If interested in hosting a Wellness Week of Prayer at your school or church, contact Jennifer Sankey-Battles @jennifer.sankey@secsda.org or 352-735-3142.
North Orlando Health Symposium
- March 24, 2026
The health message is the right hand of the gospel, demonstrating our commitment to caring for the health and soul of others. On Sunday, March 15, 2026, at the North Orlando Seventh-Day Adventist Church – Orlando, this concept was realized at the Community Health Symposium. At the start of this FREE ministry event, there was excitement and enthusiasm in the room as community residents and church members gathered and signed in for the opening session.
Participants learned valuable information about self-care, brain health, stroke prevention, men’s health, and eye care. Each presenter provided useful information, including how to care for our health and souls (3 John 2). Vendors from various organizations with attractive displays were set up around the fellowship halls; they offered education and services such as blood pressure and blood sugar checks, heart health assessments, and financial health literature. The taste buds of the attendees were satisfied with the nutritious and delicious food served.
This well-attended ministry event, along with the variety of relevant services offered is an example and testament of how to reach and share the gospel of Jesus Christ with people of varying ages, genders, ethnicities, and various backgrounds. A special acknowledgement to Olga Satchel, Health Ministry Leader at North Orlando, and her team for organizing this ministry event and for their commitment to providing year-round health activities aimed at winning souls for Christ. All churches are encouraged to use the health message in conjunction with in reach and outreach programs. If you desire to host a Health Fair or Symposium and need support contact Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Possibilities Ministry, Director of the Southeastern Conference at Jennifer.Sankey@secsda.org or 352-720-5206.
Statement Regarding Petition Circulating Online About Pastoral Assignment
- March 15, 2026
Dear Southeastern Conference Family,
Christian greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
It has come to the attention of the Southeastern Conference Administration that a petition has recently been circulating online regarding the pastoral reassignment of Pastor Carl Ware from the Mount Olive Seventh-day Adventist Church. Because this petition appears to speak broadly on behalf of churches and members across our Conference, we believe it is important to provide clarification for our Conference family. We recognize that in today’s digital environment, information can sometimes circulate without the benefit of full context, and for this reason we believe it is helpful to provide clarity when questions arise.
