Knowing the importance of acknowledging, celebrating, and learning from the work of ministers who have paved the way for this current work at the Southeastern Conference (SEC) of Seventh-day Adventists, I was honored to interview Pastor I. L. Harrell, Sr., to hear his story. Using open ended questions to guide our conversation allowed Pastor Harrell to convey his lived experiences during his tenure in the ministry. With humility, he talked about how he came into the ministry, why and how he acquired the Mobile Health Van and his notable accomplishments. We concluded the interview with his sound leadership advice for present and future generations. Pastor Harrell is a retired Pastor and former Director of Personal Ministries, Sabbath School, Inner-City, and Community Services, for the Southeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (SEC). During his tenure and leadership in the ministry, he was a passionate pacesetter who utilized innovative and creative approaches to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Our conversation

Tell me about your call to ministry? How old were you? Who were your mentors in ministry? 

As a child, Pastor Harrell was a member of the Winston-Salem Seventh-day Adventist Church in North Carolina. The church was without a pastor for years, and the members wanted one. At that time, Elder Singleton, President of the South Atlantic Conference, visited the church and met with the members to inform them that the number of pastors was limited and that their church had not given the conference any pastors. Around the age of 12 years old, Pastor Harrell was mentored by four church members who encouraged him to become a pastor. After graduating from high school, and serving 3 years in the Army, Pastor Harrell attended Oakwood College (now Oakwood University) in Huntsville, Alabama, where he obtained his degree in theology. His mentors in ministry were E.E. Cleveland, E.C. Ward, and H.D. Singleton. During his ministry, he pastored numerous churches in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, making a difference and baptizing many souls. 

Which accomplishments are you the proudest of? 

Pastor Harrell is a top performer. His interpersonal skills, relationships, and evangelism techniques contributed to many achievements. He was known to carry 3×5 cards in his front shirt pocket to write notes for himself; keeping him organized and responsive to those who made requests of him, demonstrating his excellence and commitment to the work of the Lord. 

Under his leadership as Personal ministries director at the SEC, the conference was recognized and received numerous trophies from the Southern Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, for collecting the highest amount of money for ingathering and for turning in the highest number of Message Magazine subscriptions. Pastor Harrell acknowledges that God used him to achieve these accomplishments to help advance the work of the Lord. 

What advice would you give to ministry leaders in the church and conference office? 

Pastor Harrell now 96 years old, though retired from conference office work, remains a minister and a witness for Jesus Christ. As an astute leader, he gives this advice to leaders of today and the next generation: 1) get into the community, 2) listen to the people, 3) do what meets the needs of the people, 4) accept counsel, and 5) be an example of Christ by living a life before the people, letting Christ be seen. This well-said and sound advice is applicable to all leaders and members who are called to represent Christ to the world and to carry forward the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Comments of the Family 

Over the years, Jonathan Harrell, son observed his father in the ministry. Jonathan described him as creative, detail-oriented, a good communicator, a hard worker, and an energizer bunny who fixes things at home and around the church. Jonathan stated, “My dad worked harder than anyone I know and he is always courteous and respectful.” During his tenure he was supported by his wife, Sadie Richardson-Harrell (deceased) of 62 years and his 5 children, Pastor Frank L. Harrell, Sr., Kamala Harrell-Quisenberry, RN, Ira L. Harrell, Jr., MD (Deceased), Jonathan Harrell Sr., and Ingrid Harrell, RN. 

A special thank you to Pastor I. L. Harrell, Sr., and his family for allowing me to conduct the interview and capture this heart-warming and inspiring story. His story provides valuable information about how mentoring can be used to 1) inspire young people to pursue ministry, 2) to seek out and serve the underserved, 3) work hard to achieve mission and ministry goals, and 4) live and lead like Christ. 

Written by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.,D., RN with input by Jonathan Harrell, Sr., Ferren Marr-Harrell, Frank L. Harrell, Sr., Kamala Harrell-Quisenberry, and Ingrid Harrell-Palmer. 

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.”  

According to the US Food and Drug Administration, 1 in 6 Americans will experience foodborne illness every year.  On September 7, 2024, Gibran Casas (Food Hygiene Coordinator for DOH-Orange County) kicked-off National Food Safety Education Month by presenting a wealth of information to faith-based food pantry and distribution center volunteers.  The training was designed to reinforce how to reduce foodborne illnesses and ensure safe food is received when serving our most vulnerable populations who experience food insecurities.

The presentation was held at Mt. Sinai Seventh Day Adventist Church located near the downtown area of Orlando which is geographically positioned as a hub to convene and connect citizens to life sustaining resources and opportunities.

The topics included personal hygiene and health, safe food handling, proper food storage, protection from contamination and pests, and good housekeeping practices.  Participants received handouts on foodborne illnesses and cooking temperature guidance, as well as other resources. An additional objective of this event was that the participants would share the resources and knowledge gained with others in their circle of influence.

A recording of this training is available upon request by contacting the Southeastern Conference Community Services Department at secsda.org.

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

Pictured: Gibran Casa (DOH-Orange Food Hygiene Coordinator) is showing

training participants examples of adulterated food.

Pictured Left to Right:  Greta Spradley-Price (Mount Sinai SDA Church Adventist Community Services Leader), Gibran Casas (DOH-Orange Food Hygiene Coordinator, and Lesli Ahonkhai (Southeastern Conference Adventist Community Services Associate Director)

Written by Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Ph.D.

SEC Health and Disability Ministry Director

Have you ever wondered how to involve individuals with and without disabilities in ministry to share hope and restore wholeness? The Southeastern Conference (SEC) of Seventh-Day Adventists has the answer: Host a disability inclusion retreat to provide information, simulation, and an environment for applying inclusion principles which share hope and restore wholeness.

On September 27-29, 2024, the SEC held its first inaugural I’m Involved Disability Inclusion Retreat at the Florida Elk Youth Camp (FEYC), Umatilla, Florida. Individuals with and without disabilities played a vital role in every program; they prayed, sang, read scripture, gave testimonies, presented workshops, and more.  The “I’m Involved” retreat was organized under Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, SEC Disability Ministry Director, with the assistance of Melinda Wilson and Keyroy Barnes, advocates for disability ministry. The main goal for the “I’m Involved “retreat was to promote advocacy and disability inclusion; achieving those goals made the retreat a soul-winning success. The guiding scripture was 1 Corinthians 12; it describes the church of God being one body with members of diverse gifts and abilities.

Activities at the I’m Involved retreat increased awareness of the importance of involving all church members in ministry and transforming lives by removing attitudinal and structural barriers and welcoming individuals with disabilities to share the good news about Christ. Participants of varying ages, ethnic groups, religious denominations, and disabilities were in attendance. Throughout the weekend, individuals were greeted with smiles and addressed by their names, respectfully, resulting in making friends for life and a family bond among participants.

The I’m Involved worship-shop presentations focused on serving God, sharing hope, and securing access and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.  Highly qualified individuals gave informative, interactive, and inspiring presentations – Ola Dawson Bookhardt, Carla McLean, Dr. Sharon Battles Hutchinson, Dr. Lilieth Coke, Melinda Wilson, and a representative from New Vision for Independence, Inc. Some of the topics presented were, how to support individuals with a disability, using Artificial Intelligence in ministry, available resources to keep individuals safe, and care for the caregiver. The highly engaged participants readily applied the knowledge by participating in simulations, tabletop hands-on activities, and group discussions related to disability inclusion scenarios. The melodious music, powerful messages, and mix and mingle activities impacted participants and staff of FEYC, positively. During the retreat, a staff member at the venue came to the meeting room to request prayer for a co-worker and their family, her request was granted. Later, she shared, “I enjoyed passing by the meeting room, hearing the singing and the presentations; it was nice to have your group use our facilities.”

Highlights of the I’m Involved retreat were making new friends, heart-warming testimonies, delicious and nutritious food, and the fun fitness walks led by Greta Spradley-Price. Topping off the retreat was the I’m Involved Gala that featured individuals with disabilities who showcased their talents. Lilian Strandlund, an author of three books, testified about how she started writing books, then had a book signing for the book Jasper Saves the Day. Marsha Motley, a crochet guru, told her story of how she began crocheting, then she displayed her craftsmanship of a beautifully crocheted pink blanket. Dejia Brown took the show with her self-produced music movie, including pictures of people and activities captured during the retreat. Recognizing the sacrifice of many veterans who return home with disabilities, veterans Arthur Lee Battles, II, Greta Spradley-Price, and Jean-Luc Quionquion were honored for their military service and given tokens of appreciation. The guests dressed in fine, fancy attire applauded and affirmed the featured guests. The gala strengthened and reinforced the importance of asking individuals to participate and be involved in church and community related ministry events.

At this retreat, Jesus was seen firsthand; many participants expressed feelings of being valued, and more hopeful with wholeness restored by participating in the program. Testimonies at the final closing session reinforced the importance of involving all church members in ministry. One participant said, “I’ve seen more smiles this weekend than in a long time.”  Another said, “I thought I would be the only one with a disability; at this retreat, I was happy to see others who have a disability like me.” Another said, “I have learned a lot this weekend; the information about how to provide resources was eye-opening.” Another commented, “I enjoyed this retreat better than cruising.”  Participants left the retreat equipped, empowered, and engaged to serve God, share hope, and to secure access. A special acknowledgement and thank you to the SEC Executive team—Dr. Michael Owusu, Pierre Francois, Executive Secretariat, and Emmanuel Charles, Chief Financial Officer—and sponsors Versacare and 4Imprint for their support and contributions to this first-time event. The next I’m Involved Disability Inclusion Retreat is scheduled for 2025. For more information, go to the website secsda.org.

I’m Involved simulations and table top disability inclusion activities

Kathy Hoyt, standing, Lilian Strandlund, and Eddy Strandlung (Left to Right)

I’m Involved Talent Showcase Gala

Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles and Marsha Motley (Left to Right)

Fitness fun – stretches, prayer, and songs of praise to God

Arthur Battles, Lisa Cone, Melinda Wilson, and Keyroy Barnes

Co-laborers for the same cause.

Dr. Lilieth Coke, Coordinator of Disabilities Ministries, Atlantic Union Conference

 and Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles, Health and Disability Ministry, Director for Southeastern Conference of SDA

(left to right)

The puzzle represents one body with members of diverse gifts.

Participants were asked to write their gifts, then connect their piece with team members symbolizing the need to be involved in ministry.

Lisa Cone and Dr. Jennifer Sankey-Battles