On Sabbath, May 17, 2025, the Bethany Seventh-Day Adventist Church- Palatka, FL, had its first Unity with Community ministry event.  The meaning of Unity with Community is faith-and community-based organizations that work together to provide resources for residents in the community, which aligns with the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-Day Adventist 2025 OVERFLOW initiatives. In addition to meeting the physical needs, the event aimed to connect people to Christ and add members to the church.

This event was coordinated by Dr. Frank Yapp, Pastor, along with support from his wife, members of the church, and leaders of the Southeastern Conference. The event advertised using colorful flyers, directional signs, and balloons attracted many people. Food, health screenings, self-care massages, prayer, and spiritual support were provided for over 25 community residents who came; many have two – four more people in their household, totaling more than 100 people served. In attendance was Robbi Correa, Mayor of Palatka, FL.  Together as a team,  we made good connections with the people with some making commitments to return for church services. God be the glory, for the opportunity to serve the community and its soul-witnessing success!

In January 2024, the Campbell County Commissioners were trying to decide how to best solve the trash issue in Gillette, Wyoming and the surrounding communities.  Residents were complaining about increasing amounts of trash on private property and on the sides of the roads that lead to the county landfill.  According to gillettenewsrecord.net, the problem was primarily due to citizens not covering their loads when hauling the garbage.  Adding to the concerns was the anticipated 2024 International Camporee with approximately 60,000 attendees expected.  The amount of trash during the Camporee period was predicted to be at least double the content of one of the County’s landfills.

Cindi Young (2024 International Camporee Community Service Projects Coordinator) and    Angi Klamm (a local resident) worked strategically to ensure Pathfinder Clubs had opportunities to serve in meaningful ways that included community stakeholders.  They saw an opportunity for youth to be a part of the solution to Gillette’s trash issue during the Camporee. A Litter Pick-up Project was subsequently added to several other community projects already planned.

Mount Sinai Striders Pathfinder Club from Orlando, Florida was blessed to be able to participate in the Litter Pick-up Project with Campbell County Public Works personnel (there were thousands of people on the waiting list to serve on a service project during the Camporee).  Slots became available after one club had to cancel.  One Pathfinder stated that “the adults made it fun by making it a competition to see who can fill the most bags”.  Additionally, other youth expressed they were able to experience first-hand the impact their work had on the community. For example, a local citizen was so impressed with how the youth were working that she pulled over on the side of the road to personally thank them.  She ended up returning later to offer payment for the service. The money was refused and the resident was told the service was a gift back to the community.  

Conrad Johnson, Mount Sinai Striders Club Director commended the youth for their willingness to not only serve but do so joyfully.  This commendation is significant because like some clubs traveling from Florida, inclement weather led to postponed flights.  Mt. Sinai Striders had their flight postponed several times and ultimately cancelled and rescheduled for the following day.  Once the club arrived in Gillette after driving 5 hours from Denver’s airport, they were met with even more severe weather in the evening resulting in the opening program for the Camporee being cancelled.  In spite of these challenges, The Mount Sinai Striders didn’t alter their plan to serve later in the week.

To culminate their day of service to the citizens of Gillette, the Mount Sinai Striders and chaperones gathered on the roadside with their bus driver and the two County Public Works staff for a prayer of thanksgiving for the privilege to serve.

By: Lesli Ahonkhai, Southeastern Conference Community Outreach and Engagement Associate Director

Story as told by Mrs. Marguerite Keaton during an interview with Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D.

Living Healthy, Happy, & Holy at 100 years’ old

Marguerite Keaton is a living witness that living a healthy, happy, and holy life at 100 years old does not happen by accident. Mrs. Keaton’s sharp mind, steady gait, beautiful smile, and strong faith in God testify to the importance of caring for the mind, body, and spirit every day. During my interview with Mrs. Keaton, she credits her long life to “knowing and loving God, doing right, and living right from childhood through adulthood.”  

Mrs. Keaton’s longevity journey began on July 26, 1924, when she was born to William Baines and Willie Friedman Baines in Cross City, Florida. Her loving and hardworking parents taught her to trust in God, get along with others, and respect adults, which she has practiced throughout her lifetime. Mrs. Keaton is the longest-living person in her immediate family. At death, Mrs. Keaton’s father was 72 years old, her mother was 92 years old, and she has lived longer than her three siblings.

Mrs. Keaton shared fond memories of her childhood. Pastimes etched in her memory are, she grew up in a small, quiet, and family-oriented neighborhood where anyone could discipline children, unlike today. Growing up, she enjoyed spending time with family and friends, singing in the church choir, going to the corner café for treats, and watching shows on black and white television.  Mrs. Keaton formed a lasting and memorable relationship with Katie, a girl from her hometown that she cherished from childhood into adulthood. Later in life, both Katie and Mrs. Keaton moved to Orlando where they continued their friendship and worshipped together at the Mount Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

In Mrs. Keaton’s youth, the world moved at a slower pace compared to the faster pace now. Mrs. Keaton has never smoked cigarettes or drank alcohol. Instead, she engaged in healthier lifestyle habits of adequate rest, nightly, eating nutritious foods, staying active, and trusting God, which she believes have contributed to her well-being in her advanced years of life.

Mrs. Keaton spent 75 years married to her husband, Wheeler Keaton, sr. (deceased), the love of her life. Healthy marital relationships are known to have a positive effect on longevity.  From Mr. Keaton’s perspective, Marguerite was love at first sight. Mr. Keaton told his mother that he would marry Marguerite. True to his word, Wheeler, sr. and Marguerite were married on June 13, 1948. Mrs. Keaton commented, “On my wedding day, I vowed to live the life of a good wife because I have to give account to God for wrongdoing.” Four children were born during this union – Wheeler, Jr, Betty, Linda, and Archie. Mrs. Keaton expressed pride and joy in her children’s achievements and appreciated their tender care. Adding to the enjoyment of Mrs. Keaton’s life is Ruth Marcus, her sister-in-law (Wheeler’s sister), who has been a dear and loyal sister-like friend. Ms. Marcus’ kindness and support are heartwarming delights for Mrs. Keaton which she cherishes.

While fulfilling her roles as a mother and wife, Mrs. Keaton also dedicated 25 years of her life to working at Sunniland Hospital. Her duties involved providing care and support to the residents with disabilities, a job she found fulfilling. When the hospital eventually closed, Mrs. Keaton retired. Her time was then occupied with home duties and hobbies such as sewing, cooking, baking, and fishing – activities that brought her great satisfaction.

Mrs. Keaton’s love and knowledge of God led her and her husband to become Sabbath keepers. In studying the Bible with Leonard Keaton, her brother-in-law, and her mother-in-law Mrs. Louise Anna Keaton, Mr. and Mrs. Wheeler Keaton gained greater insight into God’s law of Sabbath Keeping (Exodus 20:8-11) and the warning about Jesus’ soon return and the invitation to fear and worship God as expressed in the Three Angels messages of Revelation 14. As a result, Mrs. Keaton and her husband were baptized at the Mount Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church located in Orlando, Florida. As members, they were active in church work, shared the gospel of Jesus, and practiced Christianity in their homes. The Keaton’s strong belief in God led them to send their two eldest children Wheeler and Betty to the Mount Sinai SDA Church school.

At 99 years old, Mrs. Keaton had her first surprise party. The celebration began with a ride in a Rolls Royce to and from church. Mrs. Keaton was honored at church by her family, Pastor Dr. Derrick Moffett, and the entire congregation, including close friends followed by the showering of flowers, gifts, and expressions of love and respect. On July 28, 2024, Mrs. Keaton’s 100-year birthday party was held at the Mount Sinai Seventh-Day Adventist Church – Orlando. With elegance, she walked into the celebration accompanied by her children. Hundreds of guests were in attendance to witness this occasion. Remarks made during the event indicated that she is loved dearly for her kindness, support, and love. God has blessed Mrs. Keaton with four children, six grandchildren, seventeen great grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren.

Mrs. Keaton’s long and fruitful life demonstrates that love for God, wholesome relationships, self-discipleship, and healthy lifestyle practices improve quality of life and can prolong life. Mrs.  Keaton concluded the interview by saying, “I have lived a good life and look forward to the future with a blessed hope, knowing that my life is in God’s hands.”