Grab your copy of the Sabbath Bible Lesson for the first quarter of 2026 themed, "Highlights from the Minor Prophets".
February 8, 2026— The Welfare Department of the Cape Field Conference in South Africa hosted a second community outreach event this year in Ncera Skweyiya Village.
Ncera Skweyiya is based a short distance from the town, Dikeni, formerly known as Alice, in the Eastern Cape Province. The village has a population of about 1,000 people who enjoy the country lifestyle that the area has to offer. Thanks to God, the message of the gospel reached this community around 1972, and today we have a church building where the members gather for weekly service.
Due to the low economic situation of the community, we saw it as an opportunity for the Welfare Department to make an impact with the support of the church members. After a beautiful Sabbath together, before sunset, the Field Missionary and Welfare Departments visited the elderly and sick who were unable to attend the services. Everyone spent the evening in KwaSawu, and on Sunday morning, made the needed preparations to host a soup kitchen by midday.
We praise the Lord that, despite the rain, many people from the village came to get some soup, bread, and clothing donated by church members. This was the first of many initiatives in the community, and it is our hope that more interested souls will receive the beautiful message of the gospel and Sabbath in the Eastern Cape. We humbly ask you to continue to pray for the work in the Cape Field Conference (CFC).
The Welfare Department of the CFC.
Chimoio, Mozambique— From January 7 to 15, 2026, the Serving to Save Mozambique Mission was held in Chimoio, under the coordination of the General Conference Welfare Department. The mission focused on holistic service, combining physical care, social support, and spiritual ministry to meet the needs of the local community.
Volunteers from multiple countries and professional backgrounds came together to demonstrate the love of Christ through practical service. A structured network of teams operated throughout the mission, providing services in general medicine, dentistry, nursing, physiotherapy, psychology, natural therapies, nutrition, social assistance, children’s evangelism, oral health education, construction, logistics, kitchen services, and a sewing and tailoring course, among other initiatives.
Over the course of the mission, 2,249 services were officially registered, reaching thousands of individuals. Medical and health-related services included:
In addition, oral health education reached 1,050 individuals, and 1,200 hygiene kits were distributed.
The mission’s social assistance efforts reached 1,272 families, representing approximately 7,632 people, through the distribution of 17,234 items of clothing and footwear. Food assistance totaled 3,348 kilograms, including staple food baskets containing rice, corn flour (chima), beans, and cooking oil.
Children’s outreach activities served approximately 2,414 children, while family counseling services recorded 1,054 individuals requesting follow-up support and home visits.
A sewing and tailoring course was also conducted, serving 32 participants, with 17 sewing machines acquired to support skills development and long-term sustainability.
Throughout the mission, the kitchen team prepared and served at least 8,000 meals, ensuring adequate nutrition for both community members and volunteers. Logistical and construction teams supported the overall operation and support for the local church, contributing to the mission’s efficiency and outreach capacity.
Beyond the measurable results, the 2026 Mozambique Mission was marked by strong collaboration between volunteers and the local brethren. Trust was built and encouragement offered alongside the consultations, conversations, prayers, and daily interactions that shared the gospel through action.
This mission reinforced the principle that service is an integral part of Christian witness, demonstrating how holistic care can open doors to hope and faith.
We concluded with gratitude to God for the outcomes achieved and with confidence in the promise: “He shall see the fruit of the travail of His soul, and shall be satisfied” (Isaiah 53:11).
Victoria, Australia—The Missionary Training Program in Melbourne has successfully completed its first two weeks, marking a strong and encouraging start to an intensive period of spiritual and practical preparation for the missionary students.
The training program is being conducted through a structured daily schedule, with five hours of instruction each morning and afternoon. Morning sessions have focused on equipping students to present home Bible studies, using Treasures of Truth, a series of 40 Bible studies designed especially for those unfamiliar with Adventism. Afternoon classes, taught by Brother Nathan Tyler, have emphasized the preparation and presentation of Bible studies, with students delivering weekly presentations as part of their practical training.
Throughout the first two weeks, students have actively participated in hands-on learning. Each one has presented nearly one Bible study per day, gaining valuable experience in clear communication, confidence, and faithfulness to Scripture.
During this time, a significant development took place for one of the program participants. Sister Hannah Lausevic was elected as the Australasian Union Conference (AUC) Youth and Children’s Director. She will serve full-time in this responsibility as a Bible Worker, a role that aligns closely with the missionary training she is currently receiving.
As the program continues, six weeks of instruction and practical experience still lie ahead. The faculty request the prayers of the worldwide church family for both the students and instructors, that the Lord may continue to guide, strengthen, and bless all involved in this important work of preparation for service.
