Pentecost 2025 is thriving across the Southern New England Conference (SNEC) as churches closely follow Jesus’ step-by-step method of evangelism. In a spirit of unity, churches are working together across district lines, language differences, and with conference administration to reach communities for Christ. Here is a spotlight on churches in the greater Boston area, SNEC’s evangelism focus for 2025.
PRAYER AND PREPARATION SET THE TONE
To start the year, Boston-area churches launched 2025 with an online 10-day prayer and discipleship training session for all area pastors. “Thank God we’re in this city,” said Clifton Glasgow, pastor of Stoneham Memorial Church and Boston area coordinator. “Inspiration tells us that something special is going to happen,” he added, referencing Ellen White’s urgent reminder that God will send His power to reach large cities in the eastern U.S. and New England (see Evangelism, pp. 39, 40, 389–394).
SERVING THE COMMUNITY WITH COMPASSION
On April 27, SNEC Adventist Community Services mobilized members from across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island to serve in Dorchester, a Boston neighborhood. Dressed in bright yellow “We Care” vests, they distributed 160 hygiene care kits to individuals in need, cleaned streets, connected with residents, and offered prayer. Many residents, moved by the volunteers’ compassion and presence, stopped to ask, “Who are you?”
BOOKS THAT BUILD BRIDGES
Stoneham Memorial partnered with Streams of Light ministry to distribute book packages containing The Great Controversy and Thrive: Coping in the Midst of Crisis, sealed together in clear plastic bags. Volunteers—including area pastors and SNEC treasurer Tom Murray—joined members of the Ephesus Haitian church to help distribute the books. Depending on the need or interest, volunteers could flip the bag to offer the literature most relevant to the individual.
“People accepted them!” Glasgow exclaimed. Some even signed up for Bible studies, while others were brought to tears by the gesture of care.
CREATIVITY IN EVANGELISM
Boston-area churches continue to adapt Christ’s method to fit the needs of their diverse communities:
• El Faro Spanish church in Woburn hosted an art event (pictured), inviting neighbors to paint alongside an instructor.
• Crosswalk/Lovewell Church curated a unique worship experience with a post-service café time that appeals to young adults and those seeking an alternative to traditional services.
• Pastor Joao Pallu, who leads three Portuguese-speaking congregations, is training members to lead small groups—equipping them for sustainable discipleship.
“Christ’s method is wholistic,” said Glasgow. “So all aspects of the evangelism cycle are always happening.” While many churches have yet to hold formal proclamation events, baptisms are already taking place through the Spirit’s leading.
FROM DISCIPLE TO DISCIPLER: A DEAF MINISTRY TESTIMONY
The evangelism cycle came full circle for Rood Metellus (pictured center), a Deaf Haitian man who accepted Christ during an appeal by John Bradshaw at the 2024 SNEC camp meeting. Thanks to SNEC DEAF Ministry’s ASL translation, he was able to understand and respond to the message. Einar Rom (pictured left), pastor of the College Church, studied with Metellus for 10 months, with interpretation provided by Jessica McGowan Smith (pictured right), SNEC DEAF Ministry coordinator. On April 26, 2025, Rom baptized Metellus, who joined the Northboro church.
Recognizing his gifts, McGowan Smith invited Metellus to serve immediately. As an instructor at the Horace Mann School for the Deaf, he co-led a weeklong seminar at camp meeting 2025 on ASL, Deaf culture, and effective Deaf ministry. “I want to use my time in service,” said Metellus. “I consider myself a new seed. I hope to use my skills to help children of God have access to the gospel.”
A MOVEMENT EMPOWERED BY THE SPIRIT
Pentecost 2025 is a North American Division initiative inviting church leaders, members, and schools to seek the Holy Spirit’s power and prepare for evangelism. With a division-wide goal of 3,000 proclamation events in 2025, SNEC’s momentum is just the beginning. The prayer is simple but powerful: May God’s Spirit continue empowering His people, transforming communities, and preparing hearts for Jesus’ return.
