North American Division Brochure Helps St. Louis Worker Take Next Step in Faith Journey

When Hugh Davis, communication director for the Mid-America Union, was tasked by Adventist News Network to gather local impressions of the 2025 General Conference Session in St. Louis, he didn’t expect to hear a story that perfectly illustrated the value of a simple church brochure.

That story came from Edeisha, a contract worker at America’s Center, where the General Conference Session was being held. Edeisha, who usually avoids working on Saturdays because of her own Sabbath convictions, picked up a shift in the exhibit hall to earn extra money for car repairs.

At the 2025 General Conference Session, a contract worker at America’s Center poses with the brochure she acquired about the Adventist Church, the denomination she had questions about. [Photo: Mid-America Union Outlook Magazine]

“I normally don’t work on Sabbath,” Edeisha said. “But as I was cleaning, I started noticing that Seventh-day Adventists believe in the Sabbath. That made me feel relieved, because I thought, ‘Well, maybe I’m really in line with the people who are practicing and following God’s way of living on the Sabbath.’”

Edeisha explained that her Sabbath-keeping journey began only a year or two ago. She spends Fridays preparing food, and Saturdays in prayer, Bible study, and time with her child. Working during the session troubled her at first, but seeing the thousands of Adventists gathered for worship and mission felt like confirmation.

“It doesn’t even feel like I’m working,” she said. “It’s been eye-opening. Different cultures, nations together—it feels like a piece of heaven.”

Education and a Desire to Know More

As she moved through the exhibit hall, Edeisha noticed the variety of ministries and institutions represented, including Adventist universities. That display made her think about her daughter’s future.

“I am always thinking of my daughter’s education and her future,” she said. “And so when I see all these universities, all the collaboration, I think, ‘Oh, I’ve got to be a part. I need to know more.’”

Though she had heard of Adventists before, Edeisha admitted she didn’t know much about the church itself. That curiosity led her to ask questions. When she was introduced to Davis, he shared the NAD’s newly released brochure, which provided a simple overview of Adventist beliefs, mission, and presence in the community.

The brochure didn’t begin her journey, but it gave her the context she was seeking — and, most importantly, a way to connect with a local church near her home.

Why the Brochure Was Developed

For years, members across North America had asked for a clear, attractive handout to share with friends and neighbors. The previous green and gold brochure, in circulation for more than a decade, had been widely used but was outdated. In 2019, the NAD created a “honeycomb” design highlighting the 28 Fundamental Beliefs, but many felt it leaned too heavily on facts and not enough on a personal touch.

Plans to redesign the brochure stalled during the COVID-19 pandemic, but with the 2025 General Conference Session approaching, the NAD communication department revived the project. Working with a design firm, writers, AdventSource, and NAD Professional Services team, the final brochure highlighted Adventist identity in a simple, approachable way.

“We are delighted to share the new brochure with North America, and we believe this will serve a real need in this division,” said Kimberly Maran, NAD director of communication. “We thought hard about what are the best things about our faith and discovered that focusing on our belief in Christ and His gift of salvation was key. We believe Jesus is coming back, we keep the Sabbath, and we are people of hope that care deeply about others, so our brochure content had to share this — and more — in a quick and easy format.”

The brochures were printed and shipped just weeks before the session, including a limited edition with a die-cut Adventist Church logo. AdventSource also received the files for wider distribution, with French and Spanish editions in progress.

A Living Example of Purpose

For Davis, Edeisha’s story was a living example of why communication tools like the brochure matter. Her experience showed that when curiosity meets clarity, people can find the next step in their faith.

Edeisha said she sees this as part of her spiritual growth.

“When I don’t work or spend money on the Sabbath, and instead study and prepare, it has been changing me spiritually,” she said. “I believe this is just the beginning of something new for me.”

The original article was published on the Mid-America Outlook news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.