Ohio Churches Combine Efforts in the Greater Toledo Area

Story by Kojo Twumasi, Toledo First Church and Northwood Church Pastor

The recent Hope for Today city-wide evangelistic campaign, held at Owens Community College, was a historic moment of unity, community service and spiritual revival in the Greater Toledo Area.

It was a collaboration of five local churches in the city’s metro area, including Bowling Green, Toledo First, Swanton, Northwood and Parkwood.

While the initiative was grassroots-led, the Ohio Conference, the Allegheny West Conference and the Columbia Union Conference assisted with sponsorship via their presence, prayers, finances and resources.

As a result of the event, 87 individuals joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church through baptism and profession of faith. These new additions were the culmination of the Holy Spirit working through compassion initiatives, meaningful conversations, one-on-one Bible studies and powerful messages by the campaign speaker, Pastor Ryan Day of 3ABN. Many of these individuals expressed that the sense of community and compassion drew them in and helped them take this step.

In addition to the numerous adults who attended Hope for Today, the event welcomed 40 to 100 children each night into a warm and fun environment. The facilitators taught Bible stories, played games and helped with crafts. The robust children’s program, called the Hope Zone, motivated parents to attend the nightly meetings.

Understanding the practical needs in the community, Hope for Today offered tangible support for families by distributing groceries, diapers, clothes, laundry supplies and dinner each evening. These items met essential needs and showed to the community the church’s commitment to caring for them on multiple levels. Families were deeply grateful, and many expressed that this outreach significantly impacted their lives.

One attendee says, “I recently took custody of an infant and am struggling financially. Not only were the diapers a blessing, but I also won a gift card!”

In preparing for Hope for Today, the churches engaged in multiple five-day prayer sessions seeking God’s guidance and blessing for the outreach. Additionally, the pastors of the local churches hosted an evangelism boot camp, training members on engaging with the community, sharing their faith effectively and meeting people where they are.

A joint rally gathered everyone before the event started, strengthening the spirit of unity and purpose. During the rally, the keynote speaker, Bob Cundiff, president of the Ohio Conference, reminded the church members that their spiritual efforts were worthwhile.

The bonds formed among the five churches have only strengthened since Hope for Today concluded. The churches continue to grow as new members join them, and existing members remain inspired to stay connected and involved.

John Eccles, pastor of the Bowling Green and Swanton churches, mentioned that “the program gave our church momentum and direction as we prepared for Pentecost 2025.”

In post-assessment, Steven Valles, Parkwood church pastor, notes, “Hope for Today was more than an event; it was the beginning of a movement. Our churches are excited to continue building on this momentum, knowing that when we come together, we can make an incredible impact on our community and beyond.”