Adventist News
The Story of Black Hills Health & Education Center A Legacy of Healing
– June 18, 2026
In 1979, two physicians and a businessman founded a ministry near Hermosa, South Dakota, with a clear vision: to provide a training program that would inspire and equip Seventh-day Adventist young people to serve God. Their goal was to prepare Bible workers, health missionaries, and leaders for the supporting ministries of the church. Since those early days, hundreds of graduates have entered the field as pastors and international missionaries or have launched their own supporting ministries—ranging from wellness centers and schools to radio and TV stations. In every endeavor, the focus remains the same: reaching the world with the Gospel of Jesus and the message of His soon return. Unique Training: The Black Hills School of Massage (BHSOM) In 2014, the Black Hills School of Massage was established to meet the demand for Christ-centered vocational training. It stands as one of the very few programs that intentionally excludes the “New Age” or spiritualistic teachings common in most massage curricula today. Our 650-hour program prepares graduates for licensure in almost every state. More importantly, it empowers them to use their skills as a bridge for health outreach ministry while building a sustainable career. The Heart of the Ministry: The Wellness Center The mainstay of BHHEC is our Wellness Center, which draws guests from around the globe. While many are told by doctors to “eat better” or “exercise more”, nearly 90% of people don’t know where to begin. Our 10-day residential program bridges that gap. We provide the knowledge, skills, and hands-on experience needed to see how simple lifestyle changes can optimize health in a short amount of time. We use the N.E.W.S.T.A.R.T. framework to guide this transformation: Nutrition: Delicious, simple, plant-based meals and hands-on cooking schools Exercise: Personalized plans and group walks tailored to each guest’s ability Water: Proper hydration and herbal teas, with a schedule to maintain at home Sunshine: Education on the vital benefits of natural light Temperance: Practicing moderation in the good and abstinence from the harmful Air: Fresh air and proper breathing techniques for vitality Rest: Emphasizing the restorative power of regular sleep Trust in God: Recognizing the Great Physician as the source of all true healing Following the Master’s Method While we are an educational center rather than a medical facility, our mission is rooted in the example of Jesus. As noted in The Ministry of Healing: “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.’” (p. 143) Through this method, we continue to see lives transformed and hearts opened to the Savior. Shining His Light: 2025-2026 Testimonies of Grace As we reflect on God’s blessings over this past year at the Black Hills Health & Education Center, our hearts overflow with gratitude for His constant guidance. Our primary goal is to point everyone we meet toward Jesus, reflecting the warmth of His love: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). These testimonies illustrate how God is glorified when we cooperate with His plan: From Despair to Hope: One guest arrived believing he was sent to us merely to prepare for death. Instead, he encountered a God who loved him and had the power to heal. Most importantly, he found true rest for his soul. One year later, he is active in his church, remains faithful to the health program, and continues to see his health improve daily. Neighborly Connections: Our community “Harvest Fest” welcomed over 50 neighbors who were surprised to discover the breadth of our ministry. This outreach led to a significant increase in local residents seeking our massage services, personal training, and hydrotherapy treatments. Light at the End of the Tunnel: A guest arrived overwhelmed by stress and depression, unable to see any light in her life. Through the peace of nature, inspiring daily worship, wholesome food, and what she described as the “tangible love and care of the staff,” her perspective shifted. By the time she left, the quiet joy on her face told a story of a heart renewed. A Place to Call Home: God provided much-needed housing for our dedicated staff! We have completed quad-plex apartments, allowing staff members to move from cramped studio spaces into beautiful, two-bedroom homes. Educational Growth: The School of Massage restarted on January 11, 2026, with four students. We are thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Health Sciences Department of Union Adventist University, which will provide clinical training and hours right here on our campus. The Greatest Miracle: While many guests come to Black Hills praying for a physical miracle, the greatest miracle we witness is the moment they realize God’s deep, individual care for them. Each morning, our staff family meets for worship and prayer. We recount praises that, if time allowed, could fill hours of conversation. As we continue through this rebuilding phase, we rest in the promise of Philippians 1:6: “being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;” NKJV “Support Black Hills with your prayers, for God to continue to support the work He entrusted us!” — Leasa Hodges, President of Black Hills Health & Education Center in Hermosa, South Dakota. ASI Mid-America (ASIMA) is a network of professionals and ministries across the Mid-America Union, working together to provide networking, resources, and inspiration to help you turn your workplace into a place of ministry.
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Hispanic Leaders and Spouses Learn and Fellowship at Retreat
– June 9, 2026
Last March, the Kansas-Nebraska Conference hosted a weekend in Kearney filled with learning, fellowship and spiritual growth. Though each of the two groups had their own focus, both gatherings shared the same purpose: strengthening our churches, families and leaders for God’s mission. Hispanic leadership training Guest speaker Pastor Manuel Caro led a powerful weekend centered on how we can work more effectively together as a church through mission, leadership and practical strategies. Many of our leaders arrived with years of experience in evangelism and church work. Yet Pastor Caro reminded everyone that there are always new techniques and better approaches to the work God has called us to do. One of the first principles he shared was the Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. This simple but powerful reminder called leaders to serve with compassion, humility and respect. He also emphasized that a true leader builds confidence in their team. Leadership isn’t about giving instructions; it’s about empowering others and cultivating trust. We were also blessed by Pastor Edgar Luna, who joined us all the way from the Michigan Conference to lead worship for the weekend. His praise team created a reverent and uplifting atmosphere that helped prepare hearts to receive God’s message. It was a powerful time of unity and worship. Throughout the training, we explored how every church member has a role to play. Everyone matters in God’s eyes, and we are all called to evangelism. When we work together and use the gifts God has given us, the church becomes stronger and more effective in reaching others. On Sunday, we held a special session for the secretaries and clerks of our Hispanic churches. This training covered essential information for keeping member and non-member records current and accurate. It was a time full of questions, participation and practical learning. We highlighted how important it is that every member is counted and cared for, and we are deeply grateful for these dedicated volunteers who faithfully serve in addition to their other responsibilities. Spouses retreat Though the group was smaller, God’s presence was felt in every session. The speaker addressed topics that resonated with many of the spouses, creating space for encouragement and spiritual growth. Saturday night was especially moving. The ladies gathered for a special prayer meeting, sharing requests, gratitude and burdens for their families, children and personal lives. Together, they placed their fears into God’s hands. It was a sacred and impactful moment, and a beautiful close to a weekend full of blessings. Jasmin Cortes is multilingüal ministries administrative assistant for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
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Registration Opens for 2026 Society of Adventist Communicators Convention Making Social Media Work for Good
– June 9, 2026
Every church has a story to tell. Whether through writing, photography, video, graphic design or social media, communication plays a vital role in sharing the gospel and connecting people with Christ. Registration is now open for the 2026 Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) Convention, taking place Oct. 15–17 in Orlando, Florida. The annual event brings together communication directors, pastors, educators, writers, photographers, videographers, designers and media professionals for three days of learning, networking and spiritual encouragement. For many Mid-America attendees, the value of SAC extends well beyond the presentations. “The best part about SAC is actually what happens after SAC,” said Saul Dominguez, communication director for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference. “It’s all those connections and all the things you’ve been hearing and learning—you get to go back and start doing them.” Jodi Dossenko, communication director for the Dakota Conference, shared a similar experience: “We’re not just colleagues; we’re friends. We laugh, we pray, we support each other.” Even if you can’t attend this year’s convention, you can still experience many of the sessions through the Adventist Learning Community. The 2025 presentation library includes practical training on storytelling, branding, artificial intelligence and social media ministry. One featured session, “From Clicks to Connection: Making Social Media Work for Good,” by Patricia Maxwell, explores how rhythm, repetition and memorable language patterns can make messages more engaging and impactful. Drawing from marketing, psychology and Scripture, Maxwell demonstrates how carefully chosen words can strengthen faith, build connection and improve message recall. Whether you manage your church’s Facebook page, write a newsletter, preach sermons or create videos, SAC offers practical tools to help you communicate with greater purpose and effectiveness. Learn more about the 2026 convention by visiting the SAC registration website, and start exploring previous presentations through the Adventist Learning Community today.
Read more...- Hispanic Leaders and Spouses Learn and Fellowship at Retreat
– June 9, 2026
Last March, the Kansas-Nebraska Conference hosted a weekend in Kearney filled with learning, fellowship and spiritual growth. Though each of the two groups had their own focus, both gatherings shared the same purpose: strengthening our churches, families and leaders for God’s mission. Hispanic leadership training Guest speaker Pastor Manuel Caro led a powerful weekend centered on how we can work more effectively together as a church through mission, leadership and practical strategies. Many of our leaders arrived with years of experience in evangelism and church work. Yet Pastor Caro reminded everyone that there are always new techniques and better approaches to the work God has called us to do. One of the first principles he shared was the Golden Rule: treat others the way you would like to be treated. This simple but powerful reminder called leaders to serve with compassion, humility and respect. He also emphasized that a true leader builds confidence in their team. Leadership isn’t about giving instructions; it’s about empowering others and cultivating trust. We were also blessed by Pastor Edgar Luna, who joined us all the way from the Michigan Conference to lead worship for the weekend. His praise team created a reverent and uplifting atmosphere that helped prepare hearts to receive God’s message. It was a powerful time of unity and worship. Throughout the training, we explored how every church member has a role to play. Everyone matters in God’s eyes, and we are all called to evangelism. When we work together and use the gifts God has given us, the church becomes stronger and more effective in reaching others. On Sunday, we held a special session for the secretaries and clerks of our Hispanic churches. This training covered essential information for keeping member and non-member records current and accurate. It was a time full of questions, participation and practical learning. We highlighted how important it is that every member is counted and cared for, and we are deeply grateful for these dedicated volunteers who faithfully serve in addition to their other responsibilities. Spouses retreat Though the group was smaller, God’s presence was felt in every session. The speaker addressed topics that resonated with many of the spouses, creating space for encouragement and spiritual growth. Saturday night was especially moving. The ladies gathered for a special prayer meeting, sharing requests, gratitude and burdens for their families, children and personal lives. Together, they placed their fears into God’s hands. It was a sacred and impactful moment, and a beautiful close to a weekend full of blessings. Jasmin Cortes is multilingüal ministries administrative assistant for the Kansas-Nebraska Conference.
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Blogs
From Freedom to Faith Charles M. Kinny and the Promise of Juneteenth
– June 19, 2026
Every year on June 19, Americans celebrate Juneteenth, the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned they were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued more than two years earlier, the news had not reached everyone. Juneteenth reminds us that freedom is precious, but it also reminds us that freedom alone does not erase hardship. It takes courage, faith, and perseverance to build a better future. Those same values can be seen in the life of Charles M. Kinny, the first African American ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Kinny was born on April 1, 1855, in Richmond, Virginia, during a time when slavery was still legal in much of the United States. While historians have not confirmed whether he was born enslaved or free, they do know that he grew up during the Civil War and the difficult years that followed. Like many African Americans of his generation, he witnessed a nation struggling to define what freedom truly meant. After the war, Kinny’s family moved to Reno, Nevada. There he learned the barber trade from his father and began building a life for himself. But God had greater plans. In 1878, Kinny attended evangelistic meetings led by Adventist pioneer J. N. Loughborough. During those meetings, Ellen G. White also spoke. The messages touched his heart, and he accepted the Seventh-day Adventist faith. He became one of the charter members of the Reno church and the congregation’s only Black member. His new faith quickly turned into a calling. Kinny began sharing the gospel through literature ministry and local outreach before sensing that God was leading him to preach. In 1889, he became the first African American ordained minister in the Seventh-day Adventist Church after the denomination’s organization in 1863. His ministry took him across the American South, where he preached, planted churches, and encouraged believers despite the racial barriers of his day. Even after slavery had ended, segregation and discrimination remained painful realities. Many doors were closed because of the color of his skin. Still, Kinny refused to let obstacles stop him. He traveled wherever he was invited, sharing the hope of Christ in homes, meeting halls, and churches. He baptized new believers and helped establish congregations that would continue serving their communities long after he was gone. Through his faithfulness, he opened doors for future generations of Black Adventist pastors and leaders. His story reflects many of the same themes celebrated on Juneteenth. Freedom is more than a historical event. It is the opportunity to grow, serve, and live with purpose. The newly freed men and women after the Civil War still faced enormous challenges, yet many pressed forward with determination and hope. Charles M. Kinny demonstrated that same spirit by dedicating his life to sharing the gospel and uplifting others. His example also points to an even greater freedom found in Jesus Christ. The apostle Paul wrote, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free” (Galatians 5:1). While nations can grant civil freedom, only Christ offers freedom from sin and the promise of eternal life. Kinny understood that true transformation begins in the heart. Today, more than 160 years after Juneteenth, his legacy continues to inspire. He reminds us that faith can overcome barriers, that perseverance can outlast prejudice, and that God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. As we remember Juneteenth, we celebrate the courage of those who endured slavery and the resilience of those who built new lives in its aftermath. We also honor pioneers like Charles M. Kinny, whose ministry reflected the hope, dignity, and determination that freedom makes possible. His life encourages us to keep moving forward—trusting God, serving others, and proclaiming the good news that in Christ, true freedom is available to all. Resources: Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists: Charles M. Kinny “The Father of Black Adventism: Charles M. Kinny” (Andrews University) Arkansas-Louisiana Conference history page on Charles M. Kinny
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1 Simple Tip To Add More Fiber Do You Need More Fiber In Your Diet?
– June 17, 2026
https://youtube.com/shorts/vPPnNelQEHc?is=o22BOGU6LdZ2C8hO
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3 Ways To Improve Circulation Improve Circulation Naturally
– June 17, 2026
https://youtube.com/shorts/ZwHuzwQmO30?is=4G0I59oh6yAfhYe7
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Creation Re-Booted IV De-Creation
– June 17, 2026
Last time we saw a world created for joy and collaboration instead “filled with violence.” Filled, saturated, flooded. Exhausted by the violence espoused in Lamech’s savage song. Time for a re-boot. Not a cold re-boot. God had given life to humankind, and He was determined to preserve it—at all costs. Meanwhile the line of Seth had been calling on the name of the Lord — answering Lamech’s self-exaltation with something older and truer. We sometimes overlook the intimate connection humanity has with this world. In Genesis, when the dry land appears holding the waters at bay, it is man’s dwelling place, the source of his very substance which receives the breath of life. When Adam rebelled against God, the ground rebelled against Adam with thorns and thistles. The trickle of disorder loosed in the garden swelled into a torrent through the likes of Lamech — saturating mankind, then drowning the earth itself. Distressed as He was by the evil humanity had visited upon themselves, God knew that such a culture must be purged. Still, He was loathe to destroy the race He had kissed into existence. God desired to preserve humankind, but He could not so long as the virus remained unchecked. Only those with demonstrated immunity to the virus could survive the purge and carry life forward — and the line of Seth, calling on the name of the Lord, had demonstrated exactly that. So God called someone of that line. Noah, just the man to re-boot the wearied world. Noah, whose very name meant rest. God told Noah to prepare a vessel to preserve life, and warn a world of the impending Flood. God gave Noah very specific directions on the construction of the massive vessel. Once completed, the loading of its precious cargo began. In creation week, God made the animals before humankind. Here the process reverses. Humankind—represented by Noah and his family —enters the Ark first. Then God guided every kind of living creatures into the completed ark, to repopulate the promised renewed creation. A tense week of waiting followed. And then the rains came down, the cooling rains came down. Yet more remained. The de-creation continued. On the third day of creation, the dry land appeared, between the waters divided on the second day. In the Flood story, not only did the windows of heaven open in rain, but also the fountains of the great deep burst open. The waters divided on creation’s second day reunited, and the dry land disappeared. So we find ourselves, with Noah and his family afloat in a watery world without form and void. Back to the beginning, but with light and life preserved. How will re-creation begin again? If you’d like Ed to speak at your church, contact him at BibleJourneys@Yahoomail.com Put “Speaking Inquiry” in the subject line.
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Featured Stories
Stewardship Sabbaths Invite Members to Surrender Every Part of Life to God
– June 15, 2026
The Stewardship Department of the Rocky Mountain Conference recently spent two weekends visiting Westminster Hispanic and Gypsum Hispanic Seventh‑day Adventist churches, leading Stewardship Sabbath sessions centered on a simple but challenging theme: surrendering every part of life to God. Both congregations welcomed Jose Briones, now former RMC pastor and stewardship content creator, with warm hospitality and well‑attended services that reflected a genuine desire to explore what faithful stewardship truly means. One of the presentations focused on the Bible passage of Matthew 25 and the parable of the talents, inviting members to consider what it means to steward what God has already placed in their hands. Briones emphasized that faithful stewardship requires courage—choosing not to bury our gifts out of fear—like the servant who hid his one talent, but instead trusting God enough to use, grow and invest the resources He has entrusted to us. For both churches, the message highlighted that stewardship is not merely about money or budgeting but about releasing control of finances, health, time, relationships and spiritual priorities and allowing God to lead. Testimonies from local members added depth to the theme, showing how surrender has brought clarity, healing and renewed purpose in their own lives. In Gypsum, church member Merari Morales said the weekend offered a meaningful reset for the congregation. “All the attendees had the opportunity to learn about the principles of stewardship and renew their commitment to God. It’s a privilege to have more presentations and understanding about this topic,” she shared. Workshops and afternoon sessions created space for practical conversations. Families asked about managing household finances with faith in mind, young adults explored aligning career choices with spiritual calling, and older members reflected on trusting God through health challenges and life transitions. The atmosphere remained open and communal, with participants sharing both struggles and victories. As the Stewardship Sabbath sessions concluded, Briones encouraged both congregations to take time this year to prayerfully plan for every gift God has entrusted to them. He emphasized that intentional stewardship begins with reflection: identifying the resources already in our hands and seeking God’s direction for how to use them faithfully. Jose Briones is a stewardship promotion and content creator in the Rocky Mountain Conference.
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AdventHealth Kansas City Celebrates Launch of Post-Birth Alert Bracelet Initiative
– June 15, 2026
Every mother deserves to feel supported after leaving the hospital, which is why AdventHealth is celebrating the launch of the Post-Birth Alert Bracelet Initiative, focused on postpartum safety and care, at its regional birth centers. In collaboration with AdventHealth’s Mother and Baby teams, the initiative equips every postpartum mother with an orange bracelet upon discharge from the hospital. The bracelet is intended to be worn for the first six weeks after delivery and will alert health care providers to potential complications or considerations for specialized care during the period when women are most susceptible to complications such as hypertensive crises, severe bleeding, infection or other obstetric-related concerns. “The orange postpartum bracelet is a symbol of awareness and protection for mothers after childbirth and serves as a visual reminder that her health remains a top priority long after delivery,” said Raimonda Shelton, BSN, RN, chief nursing officer of AdventHealth Shawnee Mission. “The weeks after childbirth are a critical and vulnerable time for mothers. This initiative reflects AdventHealth’s commitment to whole-person care—body, mind and spirit—ensuring every mother feels supported beyond birth.” The bracelets have already proven valuable to other AdventHealth hospitals. Mothers wearing them have been quickly identified by EMS, emergency departments and community medical responders, ensuring timely, appropriate care. “We’ve seen several patients arrive in our OB Emergency Department still wearing their bracelets,” added Lauren Evertt, director of nursing at The Baby Place at AdventHealth Gordon. “We’ve also had EMS transport postpartum patients directly to OB when needed. I’ve even seen moms wearing them out in the community—at baby showers, football games—you name it. It’s definitely working.” Team members from AdventHealth’s regional birth centers and emergency departments, along with leaders from other birth centers and ERs in the greater Kansas City metropolitan area, gathered in early March to learn about the program and prepare for its official launch at AdventHealth on April 1. Beyond its clinical importance, the bracelet empowers mothers to prioritize their health and seek help when something does not feel right. It is a simple yet powerful way to keep mothers safe, supported and seen during the crucial postpartum period. “Not only are we empowering postpartum mothers to care for their health and wellbeing, we are empowering care teams to help postpartum mothers make the right care decisions at the right time,” said Shelton. “We are thrilled to be a part of this maternal wellbeing program that is quickly expanding across the country.” To learn more, visit AdventHealthKC.com/BirthAlert.
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Trusting God Beyond the Numbers by Lee Rochholz, president, Iowa-Missouri Conference
– June 15, 2026
The concept and promotion of stewardship can be tricky. Those who present stewardship run the risk of coming across like a used car salesman—twisting arms to squeeze every nickel out of people. From the perspective of a conference president, when thinking about raising funds for ministries such as evangelism, Sunnydale Academy, and Camp Heritage, I understand that many of our churches are operating on budgets that continue to tighten as the cost of insurance and utilities rises. Less than six months into pastoral ministry, I found myself sitting in the home of a couple who had attended a prophecy seminar our church had hosted. They had decided to follow Jesus, be baptized, and become members of the local church. They were excited. I was excited. The church was excited. As we studied in preparation for this step in their lives, we came to the topic of tithe. I could see their uneasiness as we went from verse to verse. In my mind, I wondered what they were thinking. Were they seeing this as a step in their faith journey, or as a young pastor trying to fill the offering plate? I didn’t have to wait long for the answer. The looks on their faces revealed fear. They were mentally calculating how they would survive on an already tight budget if they gave 10 percent, plus offerings. They talked about car repairs, falling behind on bills, and simply trying to make ends meet on a fixed income. I had already shared Mal. 3:10, where God invites us to bring the full tithe and trust Him to open the windows of heaven. As I sat there listening to them process their situation, God impressed something on my heart. He prompted me to tell them to try returning tithe and offerings for three months—and if they ended up in a worse financial position, I would make up the difference. I resisted. “Lord, You want me to make up the difference? We’re a one income family with a baby, and our financial situation isn’t much better than theirs. How can You ask me to do this?” But the Creator of the world was not going to yield to my hesitation. This was His prompting, and I had to choose whether to follow. With hesitant and nervous faith, I made the appeal—and they accepted. More with less It was less than a month later when I realized God was teaching both this couple and a young pastor the true meaning of stewardship. They came to me at church and shared stories of what I have heard many times since: they couldn’t explain it other than as a miracle from God. They were able to do more with less. God had proven faithful. Since deciding that the first check they would write was for tithe and offerings, their money seemed to go further than before. When we think about stewardship, we often think about money. In reality, stewardship is about faithfulness and trust—believing that God will take care of our every need. Stewardship is about trusting God when He asks us to do something that doesn’t seem to make sense or add up on paper. Words that don’t often appear in sermons on stewardship—but perhaps should—come from Prov. 3:5–6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” At times in our Christian walk, God will ask us to take steps of faith in many areas of life. Let us take those steps of faith in stewardship, trusting in His care over us. Lee Rochholz, president, Iowa-Missouri Conference
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The Offering That Exposed Everything by Vernon Herholdt, president, Dakota Conference
– June 15, 2026
Luke 21:1–4 offers one of the most arresting scenes in the gospels. Amid the business in the temple courts, there is a quiet moment where Jesus observes people giving. What first appears to be a simple commendation of generosity becomes, upon closer examination, a penetrating critique of religious systems and a call to discernment for God’s people. Jesus watches as the wealthy deposit large sums into the temple treasury. Their gifts are impressive and visible; however, they come from abundance. Then a poor widow approaches, unnoticed by most, and drops in two small copper coins—insignificant in value yet representing her entire livelihood. Jesus turns to His disciples and declares, “…This poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others.” His reasoning overturns conventional thinking: the rich gave from surplus, but she gave from poverty—everything she had to live on. The context is crucial. Just prior, Jesus condemns the scribes for their hypocrisy, accusing them of exploiting the vulnerable, even “devouring widows’ houses” (Luke 20:45-47). Immediately after, He foretells the destruction of the temple (Luke 21:5-6). This placement suggests the widow’s act is not merely ideal giving but is embedded within a broader indictment of a corrupt religious system. The temple, once a place of divine encounter, has become a structure that burdens and exploits those it was meant to protect. Some interpreters, such as John MacArthur, emphasize this narrative flow, arguing that Jesus is exposing religious hypocrisy rather than praising sacrificial generosity. The widow’s offering, in this light, becomes both tragic and admirable, as she gives everything into a system under divine judgment. The parallel account in Mark 12:41-44 reinforces this tension, showing how her devotion is caught in a structure that takes more than it gives. Traditionally, the widow has been upheld as the ultimate example of selfless faith. Her gift is often used to teach that God measures generosity not by amount, but by proportion and sacrifice. While this remains true, a contextual reading invites us to go deeper. Jesus does not explicitly command others to imitate her, nor does He directly commend the system that receives her offering. Instead, He highlights the contrast—abundance versus poverty, comfort versus sacrifice—and invites reflection. Modern scholarship encourages reading this passage through a lens of justice. The widow’s “more” is not simply devotion but reveals disproportionate sacrifice amid inequality. Her act exposes a system where the vulnerable give beyond their means while the powerful remain comfortable. In this sense, the story becomes a warning against supporting structures that perpetuate injustice under the guise of religion. Aligning with God’s purposes Today, this passage speaks with challenge and clarity. It calls us to examine not only how we give, but also where and why. God is not impressed by outward displays of generosity if they flow from surplus and leave the heart unchanged. Nor does He desire that His people impoverish themselves to sustain empty or exploitative systems. True worship, as Scripture consistently teaches, is inseparable from justice. Caring for the widow, the orphan, and the marginalized is not optional, but faith’s very expression. The widow forces us to ask: Are we attentive to those who are overlooked? Do our practices uplift the vulnerable or unintentionally burden them? At the same time, her act reflects deep trust in God. She gives all she has, not knowing what tomorrow holds. This kind of faith points beyond the temple system to the heart of God—a God who sees, values differently, and who ultimately provides. As a community of believers, we are called to adopt Jesus’ perspective. We must learn to see beyond appearances, value sincerity over spectacle, and steward our resources with integrity. Generosity is not merely about giving more but aligning our hearts with God’s purposes. In the end, this passage points to Christ. He, too, gave not out of abundance, but from self-emptying love. In Him, we see the ultimate offering—one that redeems, restores and redefines what it means to give. Resources: Graetz,Geschichte d. Juden (1863) III, 94, 123f.; A. Edersheim, The Temple (1874), 26f.; The Mishnah, Shekalim; J. S. Kennard, Render to God…(1950), 62ff. Joseph Jacobs, Judah D. Eisenstein; Temple, Administration and Service of: Jewish Encyclopedia.com (2002-2021). Susan Sorek: Render Unto Ceasar? Pilate’s Acquisition of Temple Funds; Eras Journal, School of Philosophical, Historical and International Studies: Edition Four – December 2002. Vernon Herholdt is president of the Dakota Conference.
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