Currently serving more than 1,500 facilities and approximately 60 percent of the incarcerated population, Edovo provides potential access to more than 1.2 million individuals. Amazing Facts content went live on the platform on May 18, which significantly expanded our ability to share biblical resources with inmates nationwide, especially in facilities that heavily restrict physical mail.

Incarcerated individuals can now access a variety of faith-building resources, including Bible Answers Live programs, the Kingdoms in Time documentary, and Pastor Doug’s “Cold Confession” and “Five Steps to Eternity” sermons. Each resource includes contact information for our correspondence team and encourages viewers to reach out with questions or requests for additional resources.

Grateful inmates are already reporting spiritual blessings from the materials on Edovo. An inmate in Tennessee said this after viewing our Cosmic Conflict documentary: “This kind of content is EXACTLY what’s been missing and needed on Edovo. We need way more documentary-type courses such as this to stay engaged and continue on a path of growth.”

Accredited Bible Lessons

Edovo has a rigorous screening process before programs can receive accreditation on its platform. We are thrilled that our Introductory Bible Course, the first 14 lessons of the Amazing Facts Study Guides, has been accredited.

“The approval of Amazing Facts Bible courses as accredited educational content provides inmates with documented evidence of their learning and achievement,” explains Cathy Bauer, Amazing Facts Bible School director.

Inmates who complete our lessons will earn an Edovo-issued certificate of completion. Available to attorneys, judges, correctional personnel, family members, and friends, these records may serve as valuable resources during parole hearings and other rehabilitative evaluations.

An Important Move for Access

Due to recent nationwide correctional regulations on physical mail, it is increasingly important to make Amazing Facts’ materials available to inmates online.

“There are currently about 465 facilities where we are not allowed to send physical copies of our Bible lessons,” explains Daniel Raullerson, Amazing Facts Prison Ministry coordinator. “Getting approval to send materials is a lengthy process. Though we have received permission to send materials to prisoners in several states in the past couple of years, it is obvious that we need to make our materials available online to reach as many inmates as possible. This is a big reason we have been working so hard to get our materials on Edovo.”

Amazing Facts plans to grow its presence on Edovo by providing additional Bible lessons and video content. Future resources will also include digital books, magazines, and booklets, as well as standalone content such as weekly sermons, documentaries, and personal testimonies.

“Our goal is to give inmates access to rich, well-balanced biblical content produced by Amazing Facts, especially those who cannot receive physical mail,” explains Daniel.

Rescuing Inmates with Truth

Amazing Facts has been actively sharing truth with prisoners for decades. Ever since the Bible School began in 1969, there has been a significant percentage of students who were incarcerated. Today, about 24 percent of our students are inmates.

In 2000, Amazing Facts’ prison ministry began offering inmates four free items per month. Many took advantage of this offer while completing the Amazing Facts Study Guides. In 2022, Amazing Facts further expanded its prison ministry by partnering with Pando TV, a non-profit ministry that reaches over 600,000 inmates in the United States. That ministry has been fruitful; over 15,500 prisoners have expressed their desire to become Christians!

If you would like to learn more about Amazing Facts’ prison ministry or get involved with reaching inmates in your area, please visit: amazingfacts.org/prison-ministry or contact us at prisonministry@amazingfacts.org.

Yet that is what more than 200 young people faithfully chose to do on Thursday afternoon during the sixth annual Amazing Facts Youth Conference (June 17–20). The four-day event hosted at the W.O.R.D. Center in Granite Bay, Calif., was devoted to the theme: “Send Me: Here I Am, Lord!”

Over and over again, the 600-plus youth in attendance were encouraged to dedicate their lives to Christ and devote themselves to His service. Guest speaker Cami Oetman, vice president of Adventist World Radio, shared, “God chose you to be born at this time in Earth’s history. He needs you to share the three angels’ messages with the world. God started this church with young adults who believed God had called them to share a special end-time message with this world, and He is going to finish it with young people.”

Other speakers included Doug Batchelor, president of Amazing Facts International; Carlos Muñoz, director of AFCOE; Daniel Hudgens, assistant director of AFCOE; and Justin and Charissa Totossian from Australia.

The young people responded eagerly to appeals to follow Jesus and work for Him. “Regardless of what their full-time calling might be, God has big plans for each young person,” says Pastor Doug. “He has a place for each of them in outreach, and even as full-time missionaries. The young people I talked with over the weekend had caught that vision.”

A Simple Way to Share

After a brief training on how to share their faith, young people and the adults accompanying them prepared to go into the community to pass out literature and pray for those who needed it. Drivers and riders coordinated into outreach groups, and pairs of young people picked up their allotment of books. After a special prayer, the young people filed out of the Granite Bay Hilltop Church and into a world in need of the Savior.

Teams of teens fanned out into shopping malls, parking lots, and apartment complexes. They wore “Hey, Let’s Pray!” t-shirts and carried stacks of Footsteps (a reprint of the classic Steps to Christ) to share with anyone who wanted one.

For some young people, this was their first time doing outreach, and they went out with a little trepidation. Yet an hour later, all the young people returned to the church with stories to tell of how God had led. Even the shyest could say that God had been with them.

• “It was scary at first, but we locked in, and it got easier every time we talked to someone about Jesus and prayed with them.” —Kasey
  
• “We went to 20 doors, but no one would open up for us. I’d thought that every door would be a success, so I was ready to give up. Then a lady named Jess opened the door, and she seemed like the nicest person in the world! She wanted prayer and the book. That made all the rejection worth it. I realized that even if we reach only one person, it’s worth it.” —Daniel
  
• “We prayed for two ladies in the mall. One of them said she was so grateful to see young people doing things like this and said she would read the book. The other lady started crying when we asked if we could pray for her. Those were divine appointments.” —Selah  

Providing young people with experiences like this is an intentional part of Amazing Facts Youth (AFY). Daniel explains, “We send kids out for outreach for a few reasons. We pray they experience divine encounters that will boost their faith. They meet people of various backgrounds, such as Muslims, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and atheists, which gives them experience talking with others in a winsome way. The youth always experience worry when they first go out, so this gives them a chance to get out of their comfort zone and see how God can lead, give us strength in our weakness, and give us courage in our fear. It also helps them understand that if they can go pray with strangers, then they can pray with those they know at home too.”

Even parents who attended with their youth were inspired to be more actively involved in evangelism in their communities. Alvin, a father of three from southern California, said, “It’s been rejuvenating. It makes me want to do more for my church. I’m going home with a mission.” He and his family were attending AFY for the first time.

A Full Weekend

While the conference was dedicated to inspiring and equipping young people for ministry, the weekend was also a welcome spiritual retreat and social connection for the hundreds who attended. The opportunity to reconnect with old friends and build new friendships with like-minded young people was a real blessing.

“It was fun making new friends,” said Faith, from Oregon. “It’s really nice knowing that everyone here believes the same way I do.”

The young people socialized between meetings, over meals, and in the evenings at afterglow. “People didn’t want to go home at the end of the day,” said Tony Scarpino, who leads the online AFY events throughout the year and helped coordinate the conference. “It was wonderful to see their smiles and how much everyone appreciated what God was doing in and around them.”

Six Years of Growing Young People

AFY began in 2020 as a way to reach out to young people who were feeling isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic. The biweekly online meetings quickly grew into a close-knit family of young people. Recognizing the need, Amazing Facts hosted our first youth conference in 2021. Since then, the conferences have grown every year, attracting families from across the United States.

The biweekly online meetings have also become a birthplace for spiritual leaders. Many of the young people who first started attending online now regularly attend the AFY conferences and help plan and run the events. Many of them have also become strong leaders for Christ in their own communities.

“Being a part of AFY gave me confidence to become the youth leader at our church,” said Bishop, from California. Roper, from North Dakota, agrees: “AFY has helped me share Christ with my friends.”

Not all who attend the AFY conferences attend the online meetings, but all are invited. “If you are serious about lifting up your peers in prayer and are willing to get involved, then please join us!” says Roper.

Watch archives of the presentations and learn more about Amazing Facts Youth here: afyouth.com

“It was a wonderful experience during the Summit,” said Praneeth, from Amazing Facts India. “The Lord richly blessed us through His word during devotions and in prayers. Listening to the testimonies and reports shared from around the world was also a blessing. The Holy Spirit worked in our hearts and inspired us to adopt ideas that could help us reach more people.”

“Everyone was inspired to return home with new vision and focus,” added Pastor Doug Batchelor, president of Amazing Facts International. “It was a motivating, morale-building experience for teams that sometimes feel isolated in their work.”

Strategizing for Better AFCOE Programs

The 32 AFCOE leaders and workers met on the Asia Pacific International University campus for intense training and planning sessions with Amazing Facts leadership. They enjoyed workshops on effective communication, marketing, evangelism techniques, teaching students, and many other practical areas. Johnny Wong, from the Oceania AFCOE program, taught how to lead small groups effectively.

“I learned an immense amount, particularly regarding outreach and organization,” said Dariel Syahril, coordinator for the Indonesia AFCOE program and media coordinator for Amazing Facts Indonesia. “Specifically, I gained valuable insights into how to plan our marketing strategies to reach a broader audience, how to generate more contacts for Bible studies, and how to run our training programs more efficiently.”

Each AFCOE team shared reports on the work in their area. These sharing times were especially useful to the teams, for they engaged in united prayer and problem-solving.

“One of the most impactful realizations was that many of the struggles we face are the same ones others face,” said Sophie, who, with her husband Ryan, works with the international teams. “Knowing we are not alone allowed us to openly share ideas, learn from one another, and find practical ways to improve and grow together. The summit reminded us that we are all working toward the same mission and that true growth happens when we support each other.”

AFCOE leaders gained renewed enthusiasm and vision for ministry. Syahril returned to Indonesia determined to expand the online training program to reach many more people across Southeast Asia. Kumar gained a vision for small group ministry and the power that it can have, even in India, where the concept seems very foreign to the local culture. Each attendee gained something of value that will expand their ministry.

Revival and Training for Local Church Members

While the summit focused on strengthening AFCOE teams, it also created opportunities for Amazing Facts to equip Thai church members and pastors for ministry.

The summit week began with an intensive AFCOE-to-Go program at the Bangkok Chinese Seventh-day Adventist Church. The fast-paced, truth-filled weekend of training included sessions with Pastor Doug; Jëan Ross, vice-president of evangelism; and Carlos Muñoz, AFCOE director. Over 300 local believers and church leaders attended the training sessions.

Amazing Facts leadership also hosted training sessions for Sabbath-keeping Thai church leaders and a series of revival meetings at the Asia-Pacific International University. About 1,000 local people joined the AFCOE teams on the final Sabbath for a day of worship, fellowship, and evangelism training. Many Thai pastors expressed their appreciation for the meetings, saying they had prayed to learn directly from Amazing Facts how to do evangelism better.

“This summit was an answered prayer and a confirmation of God’s leading for Thailand,” said Marxianne Quijano-Aviles, who is heading up the Thailand AFCOE Initiative with her husband Mathi. “The experience strengthened my faith and reminded me that God often works behind the scenes long before we see results.”

25 Years of Evangelism Training

AFCOE began at the Amazing Facts headquarters in California in 2000 under the leadership of Pastor Gary Gibbs. Since then, it has trained hundreds of dedicated evangelists and expanded around the globe. The international network of AFCOE programs currently includes Europe, Indonesia, Brazil, Oceania, Africa, and the Philippines. New programs are preparing to launch in Guatemala and Thailand in the near future. AFCOE graduates have gone on to serve around the world as evangelists, church leaders, Bible workers, and pastors.

Current offerings in the United States include a yearly three-month program in Granite Bay, California; weeklong AFCOE intensives also in Granite Bay; AFCOE-to-Go programs in local churches; and self-paced online courses on a variety of topics. International AFCOEs have similar programs and offerings.

To learn more about AFCOE and register to attend one of our many training programs, please visit afcoe.org.

Each Freedom 250 bag contained an America in Prophecy magazine, The Fall and Rise of Jerusalem (a reprint of the classic Great Controversy), an America & the Ten Commandments booklet, and a Religious Freedom 250 card directing recipients to Amazing Facts’ online documentaries. Attendees eagerly accepted the materials, and many returned asking for additional bags to share with family and friends.

“It was an amazing mission trip,” said Danielle Overton, a donor relations representative who helped coordinate the outreach. “While we faced many obstacles that had to be overcome, obstacles are to be expected when doing God’s work. It was inspiring to see Him work in mighty ways by sending the right people at the right time for the right tasks.”

“Many people we met are hungering and thirsting for something more than what this world can offer,” she added. “We were able to reach not only those attending the Rededicate America event, but also a much wider range of people who, from what I could see, were sincerely desiring positive change in our world.”

Reaching Sincere Christians

The outreach was born when Pastor Doug Batchelor, president, heard about the Rededicate 250 prayer event. With thousands of Christians expected to attend, he saw an opportunity to place truth-filled literature in the hands of people already seeking a relationship with God.

“We didn’t go to make a political statement,” said Amanda Bauer, a media editor who also helped organize the outreach. “We just knew there would be many sincere Christians there hungering for the truth.”

In preparation, Amazing Facts printed 25,000 Freedom 250 bags and drove 23 pallets of literature across the country. A team of 18 Amazing Facts employees and volunteers, along with members of the Granite Bay Hilltop Literature Evangelism Ministry, traveled to Washington, where they were joined by local church members and supporters from other ministries.

Together, they prayerfully assembled the bags. They also gathered on Sabbath, the day before Rededicate 250, for a special season of prayer and consecration near the White House.

God’s Interventions

Even before the Rededicate 250 outreach began, the team saw unexpected answers to prayer. Two 12-passenger rental vans were upgraded free of charge to 15-passenger vans, providing additional space for workers and supplies.

Another remarkable answer provided the team with a third location for distributing the bags. The team originally applied for only two booths at the event. But then an extra tablecloth came from the supplier. Amanda wondered whether God might want them to have a third booth, but she decided to pray about it. Two days later, the permit office called.

“Do you want three booths? We have three permits for you.”

The additional location allowed the team to reach many more people at the National Mall than originally planned. Amazing Facts booths were located at 7th & Madison, the Washington Monument, and the Lincoln Memorial.

A Full Day of Ministry

On Sunday, May 17, the team rose at 2:00 AM to set up for the day of ministry. After a time of prayer, they headed to the National Mall, where they quickly saw God’s providence at work.

“God gave us favor with everyone,” Amanda said. “We parked right in front of the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. We were able to unload all our materials and deliver right to the location of our booths.”

Soon, thousands of people were streaming into the area. The Amazing Facts team worked quickly to provide a bag to each event attendee. They also gave literature bags to foreign tourists, military personnel, police officers, and families visiting Washington.

At the same time as the prayer gathering, George Washington University was holding commencement activities near the Washington Monument. Many graduates and family members received literature bags as they passed through the area.

Many people assumed the Amazing Facts team was officially connected with the Rededicate 250 event because of their shirts and bags. Rather than creating confusion, it opened doors for more ministry.

“People would come and ask us for another bag for their friend,” Amanda remembered.

Divine Appointments

Throughout the day, team members passed out bags, answered questions, and prayed with attendees.

“The Lord graciously opened unexpected doors before us,” said Amanda. “We were privileged to meet the CEO of the Freedom 250 event and place a bag directly into his hands. Testimonies have already begun to return—of individuals deeply impacted and divine appointments arranged by heaven.”

Danielle agreed. “One of the most meaningful aspects was seeing the seeds being planted, especially among young people who are searching for something more than this world can offer. While we may not immediately see the full results, there were many sincere conversations and clear signs that hearts were being touched. We trust that God used these interactions to spark interest, bring encouragement, and open doors for future spiritual growth.

A Lasting Impact

Despite long hours, little sleep, sunburn, and physical exhaustion, the team was reminded of our unique calling in the last days and encouraged by what God accomplished.

“As we walked among the multitudes upon the National Mall, we sensed anew the sacred calling entrusted to God’s last-day church—to lift up Christ before the world and prepare a people to stand in the day of the Lord,” said Amanda. “Seeds of truth were sown by the thousands, and we believe many souls will be gathered into the kingdom through this effort.”

By day’s end, more than 14,000 literature bags had been distributed. (Plans are in the works to distribute the remaining bags during the July 4th celebrations at the Capitol.) The bags even appeared in coverage by major news outlets, including NBC and Fox News, extending the outreach’s visibility far beyond those who attended in person.

Most importantly, thousands of people returned home carrying literature that will continue pointing them to Christ for years to come.

Will you join us in praying that God waters the seeds that were planted and reveals last-day truth to many people through the literature they received?

“It is transformational for the whole country,” says Pastor Jëan Ross, vice president of evangelism at Amazing Facts International. “When 210 show up just to bless people, it gets everyone—from the common people to government officials—talking about it.”

That’s what happened in Belize during Amazing Facts’ recent mission trip. 

A Country in Need

Belize is a tropical paradise, yet over half of its 400,000 inhabitants subsist below the poverty line, especially in rural areas. Even in Belize City, poverty is common. That’s why Amazing Facts and Granite Bay Hilltop Church organized a mission trip to the city from April 12–19, 2026. The team consisted of 210 local and online church members, as well as Amazing Facts partners and employees. Some came from as far away as Switzerland and Italy.  

The team provided free medical and dental services, built and painted churches and schools, hosted two vacation Bible schools, and trained local church leaders. The week ended with a Brotherhood Sabbath, the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever in the small country.

Medical & Dental Clinic Serves Many

The medical and dental team provided free services to 1,374 patients over four days at the Belize Civic Center, which was made available free of charge by the local government. The Belize Adventist Mission was also heavily involved and facilitated the necessary permits. Medications were supplied in partnership with Loma Luz Adventist Hospital, helping reduce costs and expand care.

Patients came as early as 2:00 AM to wait for the free services, which included dentistry, eye care, pharmacy services, women’s health, emergency medicine, and a prayer station. Many expressed their deep gratitude for the help they received.

For many volunteers, their ministry went far beyond physical care. One man came for dental work; he had a hole in his tooth that he wanted fixed. But the ache in his heart was what really bothered him. His 42-year-old son had died not long ago from issues with alcohol. The dental team fixed his tooth, but they also took time to listen to his sorrow and pray with him.

The local television station even did a broadcast about the program.

Construction Team Builds, Paints

Another group of nearly 60 volunteers did construction and remodeling work. In just three days, they raised the walls of a church whose congregation had spent ten years raising money just to lay a foundation. Granite Bay Hilltop Church has also committed to providing the remaining funds needed so local members can complete the church structure by the end of the year.

The team also painted and repaired two schools and a church. One of the schools had been condemned but can now continue to provide children with a biblical education.

Vacation Bible Schools Minister to Children

Language barriers can make hosting a vacation Bible school on a mission trip challenging. But English is Belize’s primary language, so running a VBS was much easier this time. The Amazing Facts’ team hosted programs at two Sabbath-keeping schools—one for a group of about 250 students, and another for 25 kids. About 80 percent of the students were not Sabbath-keepers.

“We had the cutest group of people to minister to,” says Kate Moreland, VBS coordinator. “The kids loved it. They were all in! And it helped them realize they were part of a global church family.”

“It was amazing to see how the simple things we did made such a huge impact on the kids,” added Joshua Droze, who served on the VBS team with his wife Inna.

Church Leadership Training

Sabbath-keepers in Belize often feel alone. About 10 percent of the population claim to be Sabbath-keepers, but only about a quarter of those are regular church attenders.  

However, a growing number of Belizeans are hearing the three angels’ messages through a radio station hosted by a local Sabbath-keeping family. The station broadcasts Amazing Facts programs and other truth-filled sermons through Belize, Guatemala, and southern Mexico. Many are responding to the messages and walking into Sabbath-keeping churches ready to become members.

To help the local church, Amazing Facts’ evangelism team spent two days teaching church leaders, pastors, and elders how to lead and do evangelism more effectively.

“It was basic stuff that we were teaching,” says Pastor Doug Batchelor, president, “but it was new to them and very helpful. They didn’t realize there were answers to many of the problems they were facing. It was very encouraging to them to know they are not alone.”

Brotherhood Sabbath Draws Thousands

At the end of a busy week of ministry, the Amazing Facts mission trip team joined local Sabbath-keepers at the Belize Civic Center for a “Brotherhood Sabbath.” The program included Sabbath school with the Amazing Facts team, sermons by Pastor Doug, and music.

“The arena was full,” says Pastor Doug. “There were over 4,000 people there. It was the largest gathering of Sabbath-keepers ever in Belize.”

Your gifts make Amazing Facts mission trips possible. Thank you for changing lives in Belize!

Amazing Facts International is pleased to announce that its newest study guide series, “Growing in Christ,” is now available through the Bible School and bookstore. These twelve new lessons reveal how to become a sanctified citizen of God’s kingdom and how Christians can build their character through a personal connection with Christ.

Many Christians struggle with unhealthy relationships, addictions, old habits, and poor choices. But the Bible makes it clear that none need be a slave to sin. Through Christ, each believer can be an overcomer and display a Christ-like character in these last days.

The “Growing in Christ” series is a natural extension of the 27 Amazing Facts Study Guides. Instead of focusing on prophecy and doctrine, “Growing in Christ” presents the Bible’s principles for godly living in clear, simple language. Each lesson will help students become disciples of Christ who reveal His character in their work, entertainment, witnessing, relationships, and every other aspect of life.

An Important Addition

First published in 1966 as “Information Folders,” the Amazing Facts Study Guides have stood the test of time. Hundreds of thousands of Bible students have become members of the remnant church through studying the lessons.

Known for making the truth simple, the Study Guides focus on the Bible’s major teachings and prophecies, but they do not delve deeply into the practical side of living and growing as a new Christian. Tammey Steenson, a former Bible School director, also recognized that over a quarter of the Bible School’s students are incarcerated and need specific biblical guidance on what it means to live as a Christian.

That realization led to the development of the “Growing in Christ” series. Created with much prayer, the new lessons show students how to develop and maintain a personal relationship with Jesus so that they can become mature, balanced Christians.

Each lesson begins with a true story of an individual whose life was transformed through meeting Jesus and learning to follow Him in the details of life. They then delve into what the Bible teaches on everyday topics, such as sharing your faith and overcoming addiction. Intensely practical, the lessons help students learn how to walk with God at work, at home, at church, and at play.

The new lessons cover the following topics:

1. The King and the Kingdom: The operating principles of God’s kingdom vs. Satan’s kingdom
2. Growing in Grace: How to have victory over sin in daily life
3. In the Lord’s Army: Putting on the Lord’s armor and living as a Christian soldier
4. Prayer: Communion with God made simple
5. Renewing Your Mind: Cooperating with God for transformed thoughts and emotions
6. Addictions and You: God’s principles for freedom from addiction in all forms
7. Godly Relationships: How to love and care for the people who matter most
8. Principles for Work: Practical principles for thriving in any work situation
9. The Privilege of Stewardship: Being a steward of God’s resources includes far more than tithing
10. The Family of God: Discover the blessing of the church family for spiritual growth
11. Go Light Your World: How to share your faith in a winsome way
12. The Holy Spirit: The third person of the Godhead and His role in your transformation

Who Should Do These Lessons?

Cathy Bauer,  Bible School director, says, “The new lessons are for anyone who wants to grow in their walk with God. They will help you fall in love with Jesus—and when you do, the Bible prophecies come to life. It’s only in a personal relationship with Christ that we see the true value of the Bible’s doctrines.”

The studies are ideal for personal study or group lessons. They are especially appropriate for new believers who are just learning what it means to be a Christian—but also for longtime Christians who are longing for a deeper walk with God

• The “Growing in Christ” lessons can be completed through the Bible School either before or after completion of the 27 Study Guides.
• They are also available for purchase through the Amazing Facts bookstore at www.afbookstore.com or by calling 800-538–7275.

What had originally been planned as a brief stop became a full week of ministry. Pastor Doug preached the Streams of Light: Revived for Mission series in Nairobi, Kenya, March 25–28, 2026, in partnership with the East Nairobi church, with up to 1,300 in attendance. He also spoke for the Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) Africa, helping to relaunch the program in Kenya. Several unexpected opportunities for evangelism also arose with local pastors, Muslim leaders, and university students.

“I’m always excited for evangelistic opportunities,” says Pastor Doug, “but the unexpected appointments, the ones we had no idea were going to happen, were especially exciting on this trip. The Lord blessed.”

AFCOE Africa Relaunched

The opportunity to spend a full week in Kenya became a major encouragement at just the right time for AFCOE Africa.

AFCOE Africa first launched in Kenya about 10 years ago. Political unrest later forced the program to move to Uganda in 2018. In January 2026, however, God opened doors for AFCOE Africa to return to Kenya. A new group of students had recently begun canvassing in Nairobi to earn their school fees and prepare for evangelistic training.

“The AFCOE Africa program is really strong,” reports Pastor Doug. “The students learn evangelism. They go door to door, learn to preach, and do evangelistic meetings. And God blesses their work with many conversions and baptisms.”

Revival Series Inspires Attendees

More than 400 people attended the nightly Streams of Light revivalmeetings for worship, spiritual encouragement, and evangelistic preaching. The series was also broadcast internationally through Hope Channel Kenya and AWR Nairobi.

The Sabbath gathering was a highlight. Held at the East African Aviation School grounds across from the airport, the event drew more than 1,300 Sabbath-keepers from across Nairobi. Organizers had expected heavy rain and set up a large tent in the parking area, but the weather remained clear.

“It was an inspiring day,” reports Pastor Doug. “The choirs were amazing. People love Amazing Facts in Africa.”

A Full Week of Ministry Surprises

Pastor Doug’s schedule in Kenya was much fuller than he initially expected. He spoke at morning worship with the AFCOE students, gave an interview to Hope Channel Kenya, spoke to theology students at the university, and even enjoyed a short safari at Nairobi National Park.

An unusual opportunity to share came when Pastor Doug was asked to speak to a group on Christian-Muslim relations. Local pastors and Muslim attendees appreciated his insights drawn from the stories of Esther and Daniel.

A Rare Appointment With Young People

One of the most meaningful moments of the trip came near the end of the visit, when Pastor Doug was asked to speak with young people at the University of Nairobi.

“I thought I was just going to be sharing my testimony,” recalls Pastor Doug, “but it turned into a four-hour conversation with the young people.”

Pastor Doug met first with a small group of young Sabbath-keepers leading ministry on various university campuses. Their enthusiasm for sharing their faith was contagious. Then the meeting moved to a large auditorium. Students began to arrive, and before long, more than 500 were in attendance. They listened attentively as Pastor Doug shared his testimony of becoming a Sabbath-keeper. Several choirs shared music before the students began asking questions.

The young people raised thoughtful questions about issues that weigh heavily on college students’ hearts, including jewelry, dating, marriage, and abstinence. Pastor Doug answered with his characteristic humor and candid, biblical counsel. The extended meeting became one of the clearest examples of how God was opening doors through the week’s changing circumstances.

God’s Leading in the Unexpected

God turned the Kenya trip into far more than a contingency plan. The week of providential openings—among pastors, AFCOE students, church members, and young people searching for biblical answers—proved once again that this is God’s work and that He never wastes an opportunity to reach people with the gospel.

Pastor Doug summed up the experience with a simple ministry principle: “In boxing, they say you have to get in and do what you can when you can. We try to do that in our ministry.”

“The Bible isn’t a collection of clever myths—it’s the true record of God acting in human history,” says Pastor Doug. “The science of archaeology is one of the most compelling ways the Lord confirms His Word today. Every dig confirms the Bible.”

Archaeology Affirms the Bible

Dr. Michael Hasel, professor of Near Eastern Studies and Archaeology at Southern Adventist University and director of the Institute of Archaeology, highlighted the historical reliability of Scripture. “The Bible is unique because it is anchored in actual history and shows God working in time and space,” he stated. “The Bible is full of real people and real places. That’s why we can have biblical archaeology.”

Dr. Constance Gane, associate research professor of Biblical Archaeology at Andrews University, emphasized the faith-building power of archaeology. “It’s like a third dimension to the Bible. Archaeology adds a depth of understanding that we wouldn’t have otherwise.”

Both Hasel and Gane addressed apparent challenges. “Sometimes, there are discrepancies between what the Bible says and what we have found through archaeology,” said Gane. “When that happens, I believe the Bible first. I’ve learned to set my questions on a shelf and wait. Often, time will answer those questions as we find more information.”

She cited the example of Belshazzar in Daniel 5, who was unknown in the archaeological record until discoveries confirmed his existence through references connected to his father, Nabonidus.

Presentations throughout the weekend explored Egypt, Babylon, Persia, and the Dead Sea Scrolls, highlighting the consistency between archaeological findings and Scripture.

“It’s important to recognize that many of the arguments against Scripture are based on a lack of evidence,” added Hasel. “But science is based on data, not a lack of it.”

Evidence You Can See and Touch

Held at Granite Bay Hilltop Church, which sits next to the Amazing Facts headquarters, the summit created an atmosphere of discovery and fellowship. Between meetings, attendees gathered at the front of the sanctuary to examine archaeological artifacts and replicas brought by the speakers. A special archaeology program for children helped young attendees engage with Scripture in a hands-on way.

“I heard so many testimonies from people who said, ‘We need things like this where we have an opportunity to go deeper, and where young people can see that the Bible is trustworthy and scientifically proven,’” said Pastor Doug. “Many non-members attended and were excited about being there.”

Rene Aguilera—recently baptized through an evangelistic series with Pastor Carlos Muñoz, Amazing Facts Center of Evangelism (AFCOE) director—attended the summit to learn more about his new faith and connect with other believers. “It was great,” he said. “We learned a lot that helped us understand the Bible better and made new friends.”

Despite a brief technical issue when servers went down early in the weekend, the meetings continued to reach viewers worldwide. “God worked, and we were still able to broadcast,” Pastor Doug said.

AFCOE Intensive Builds a Foundation

The summit was preceded by a three-day AFCOE Intensive, where 150 attendees received training on the three angels’ messages of Revelation 14. Instructors included Carlos, AFCOE assistant director Daniel Hudgens, Pastor Doug, and Jëan Ross, vice president for evangelism.

Steve and Tami Sandmeyer traveled from Boise, Idaho, to attend. “My approach to religion is that it needs to be logical without great canyons between doctrines,” Steve said. “What I’m seeing here is that the sanctuary is the foundation that brings everything together. It brings logic to God’s plan.”

A young woman named Maria attended the AFCOE intensive and the summit. “I feel like God is calling me to minister and use my skills for His glory,” she said. “Attending the AFCOE intensive was the first step of faith toward working full-time in ministry. Satan tried to prevent me from coming, but I’m so glad I did. I learned so much!” She is already sharing her faith. She invited a Hindu friend to join her for the summit. “She really enjoyed it and asked me a ton of questions afterward.”

That’s exactly the goal of each Amazing Facts summit and intensive event—to strengthen people’s faith in God’s truth through biblical teaching and equip them to share their faith more effectively.

Replays of His Story: A Bible Archaeology Summit are available to view here.

It’s an engaging journey through carefully documented comments from church councils, Christian leaders, and authors, drawing from primary sources that highlight how the seventh-day Sabbath has been continually honored by faithful Christians, while others have sought to replace it with Sunday and persecute dissenters.

For many visitors, SabbathTruth.com is already a trusted source of insight into what the Bible teaches about God’s holy day and why it matters today. The historical highlights section adds a layer of context drawn from important voices across the past two millennia. It is organized by century and invites believers to deepen their grasp of how Sabbath truth has been preserved, challenged, and understood throughout church history.

This historical insight serves not only to educate but also to inspire a deeper appreciation for God’s gift of the Sabbath. Readers will enjoy learning about the continuity of the Sabbath in Christian thought and practice, and will be encouraged to study and reflect further on God’s commandment to rest and worship.

This new addition was made possible in part by the generous research contributions of James Bowen, whose work and documentation have been shared publicly. Bowen’s dedication to making these source materials accessible has greatly enriched the historical narrative now being shared with a wider audience.

Your Go-to Sabbath Resource

The Sabbath Historical Highlights section joins a growing library of tools on SabbathTruth.com, which helps visitors explore the biblical Sabbath and consider how God’s gift of rest relates to believers today. In addition to this new resource, the site offers in-depth articles, FAQs, historical studies, a Sabbath blog, and Bible references on Sabbath topics and questions.

Whether you are a long-time Sabbath observer, a student of church history, or someone seeking a clearer understanding of God’s commandments, SabbathTruth.com offers an accessible and thought-provoking way to connect today’s faith with the testimony of history.

The mission of SabbathTruth.com is to present the biblical foundation for the seventh-day Sabbath, showing that its roots extend back to Creation, that Jesus and His disciples observed it, and to help today’s seekers “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

In light of this growing body of research, SabbathTruth.com has published a three-part article series that explores the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of Sabbath observance, drawing on both biblical teaching and current science.

Resting the Body

The first article, “Faith and Physiology: How Weekly Rest Impacts Physical Health,” shows that keeping the Sabbath has measurable biological benefits.

Continuous activity contributes to physical strain, including weakened immune function, poor sleep, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Current research supports the restorative effects of Sabbath observance, which allows the body to recover rather than remain in a constant state of overwork.

Sabbath-keeping is also linked to longevity and greater productivity. It is presented not as optional downtime but as a necessary practice for maintaining health. The Sabbath functions as intentional care for the body God created. Weekly rest is built into His design for human well-being.

Renewing the Mind

Next, “Faith and Psychology: How Weekly Rest Impacts Mental Health” dives into how the Sabbath affects the mind. The always-on demands of modern life contribute to anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and a diminished sense of self. Research shows that a weekly pattern of intentional rest reduces stress, sharpens focus, improves emotional regulation, and supports a stronger sense of purpose.

It also highlights how Sabbath observance strengthens mental health through faith-centered relationships and service. Time devoted to worship, family, and caring for others fosters connection, purpose, and emotional stability. These practices reinforce a sense of belonging and direction that counters isolation and burnout.

Restoring the Spirit

Finally, “Faith and Identity: How Weekly Rest Impacts Spiritual Health” explores the Sabbath as a symbol of God’s faithfulness and love for us, and a reminder that “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6).

In a world that encourages us to earn our worth through accomplishments and possessions, this weekly day of rest reminds us that our true value is found in God.

The article also examines the links between Sabbath observance and creation, redemption, and interpersonal relationships. It reveals how resting on the seventh day strengthens our dependence on God and eliminates a self-sufficient mindset, and it demonstrates how the Sabbath is a glimpse into heaven.

A Complete Remedy

Together, the three articles make the case that Sabbath rest was designed to touch every dimension of human life. Today, science continues to discover the countless benefits of this weekly blessing God instituted at the foundation of the world.

Read the full series at SabbathTruth.com:

Faith and Physiology: How Weekly Rest Impacts Physical Health

Faith and Psychology: How Weekly Rest Impacts Mental Health

Faith and Identity: How Weekly Rest Impacts Spiritual Health