To support and extend the impact of Koinonia Circles, Pastor Omwocha initiated Operation Andrew, under the theme: “We Have Found Jesus—Come and See.”
In St. Joseph County, home to 282,000 residents, fewer than 1,800 identify as Seventh-day Adventists—less than one percent of the population. This awakening compelled them to re-imagine mission. What followed was a renewed commitment to make Christ known throughout St. Joseph County.
In response, the church forged a growing relationship with the General Conference Institute of World Mission, led by Dr. Oscar Osindo. Through visits to South Bend, the Institute’s leaders shared their lived experiences and missiological insights on cultivating a culture of mission, rather than merely running evangelistic programs.
Under the guidance of Associate Pastor Omwocha Nyaribo, a participant in the mentorship program of the Andrews University Center of Community Engagement, the church launched in 2025 a bold new initiative: Koinonia Circles. The objective was clear and deliberate—to strengthen relational discipleship within the church while intentionally reaching outward into the community.
The shift meant the church moved from being a church with small groups to becoming a church of small groups. For eight months, leaders and members prayerfully and carefully designed the framework and implementation of the Circles. On September 6, 2025, Koinonia Circles were officially launched.
To support and extend the impact of Koinonia Circles, Pastor Omwocha initiated Operation Andrew, under the theme: “We Have Found Jesus—Come and See.” On September 20, 2025, the initiative was formally launched by Vic Van Schaik, president of Indiana Conference.
Operation Andrew is a member-driven mission movement structured around the REACH framework: Recognize. Engage. Act. Connect. Help.
At its heart lies a simple yet profound conviction: every believer is called to reach their neighbors, families and friends—not as a project, but as people loved by God. Members were invited to extend hospitality and say with authenticity, “We have invited Christ into our lives—come and experience Him with us.” Neighbors were invited into Koinonia Circles and worship services, while digital outreach through social media campaigns extended the invitation to online communities as well.
The long-range vision is audacious yet faith-anchored: to baptize more than 2,000 people by the year 2028.
That vision moved from aspiration to testimony on December 20, 2025, designated as a baptismal Sabbath. In the weeks leading up to that day, members reached out intentionally—to coworkers, family members, classmates and friends.
On that Sabbath, 10 individuals were baptized, and 10 more requested baptism early in the new year after missing the date. One story stood out powerfully: Jeremy Hovarth, newly baptized, reached out to his family. That single act of faith resulted in the baptism of his mother, siblings, and nieces and nephews.
Many in the sanctuary wept as testimonies unfolded. Dawn shared how God had delivered her from years of drug addiction and alcoholism. Mandy, who began Bible studies in September 2025 while smoking a pack and a half of cigarettes daily, testified that she no longer smokes. Jeff, a colleague of Jeremy, shared his journey with renal cancer. Diagnosed 18 months earlier and given five years to live, he chose baptism with a clear hope: “When Jesus comes, I will live forever.”
Yet this moment did not come easily. For 10 consecutive weeks, church members rose at 5 a.m. every morning to pray specifically for Operation Andrew. Elders gathered every Monday at 6 a.m. to intercede together for unity, humility and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
Pastor Omwocha is convinced that this is the true secret of the movement. If the church remains centered in Christ and focused on mission, then—by God’s grace—the goal of 2,000 baptisms will not be a ceiling, but a starting point. With the continued partnership of students from the Andrews University Religion department and seminarians, the harvest is expected to exceed the prediction.
Omwocha Nyaribo, with Herald staff
