HBH MD District Celebrates the 3rd Sabbath of Esther Through Mission Across 5 States
The HBH Maryland District joyfully celebrated the third Sabbath of the Month of Esther with a powerful emphasis on young women in mission, reaching across the five-state region of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C. This special Sabbath was not only a celebration; it was a declaration that our young women are called, gifted, and essential to God’s mission. They are seen, valued, loved, and empowered to lead.
Honoring a Legacy of Faith and Courage
Imagine a fragile 17-year-old girl in a time when women were rarely heard in public, being called by God to speak to an entire movement. In the 19th century, society largely believed that women should remain silent, and leadership belonged to men. Yet, God chose Ellen G. White, a young woman who faced cultural resistance, criticism, and doubt even within the early church (Life Sketches of Ellen G. White, p. 64).
Many questioned whether God could truly speak through a young woman (Life Sketches, p. 110). Yet, through unstoppable faith, humility, and obedience, she faithfully fulfilled her calling never by force, but by conviction (Douglas, 1988, p. 44). Her story reminds us: If God could raise a young girl in a male-dominated society to guide a global movement, then surely today, our Haitian churches in our district must create space for young women to pray, preach, lead, and serve.
Young Women Rising in Mission
This vision came alive across the district as young women boldly answered God’s call.
At Horeb, Tatiana Antoine, a dynamic and well-respected young girl, delivered a powerful message on prayer. With conviction and clarity, she reminded the congregation:
“The Lord hears His people when they call Him for help; He rescues them from all their troubles” (Psalm 34:17). Her message affirmed that when women pray, heaven responds. Horeb Haitian in College Park, MD also took time to honor two remarkable women for their faithful service:
Sister Jackie St. Amour, Assistant Women’s Ministries Director
Lorah V. T. Pericles, Praise Team Leader and Youth Director
Both were recognized for their dedication, compassion, and invaluable contributions to everyone in the church.
At the Bethanie campus in Columbia, MD, Ashley Nerette preached a heartfelt message centered on drawing closer to God. Emphasizing that prayer is the engine of mission, she reminded listeners that intimacy with God is essential to effective service. Despite not feeling well prior to preaching, Ashley stood with strength, supported by prayer and her church family, demonstrating that God empowers those He calls.
In Hagerstown, the congregation witnessed a historic and inspiring moment as 10-year-old Daniella Casseus, recently baptized just six months ago, delivered her very first sermon. With courage and faith, she allowed God to use her mightily. Her message touched hearts and inspired many. Pastor Tabuanka Jean shared: “Daniella has been an exemplary young girl in the church. We are proud of her spiritual growth and can clearly see God’s calling upon her life.”
HBH Women in Action: Faith in Motion
The 3rd Sabbath celebration of the month of Esther extended beyond the pulpit into the community. On Sabbath afternoon, HBH women and young women took mission to the streets, visiting nursing homes, assisted living centers, hospitals, and communities throughout the district. Wearing their HBH Women’s Ministry T-shirts, they became living expressions of Christ’s love to their own communityrespectively.
Deaconess Elmita Pericles-Talabert, Horeb Women’s Ministries Director, reflected:
“It was a Spirit-filled experience to share the love of Christ with both SDA and non-SDA individuals alongside our young women.”
Sister Daphnee Joseph-Massean, Women’s Ministries Director at Bethanie, added:
“Visiting the sick and the homeless is one of the greatest moments in the life of any spiritual person: it is truly an act of worship.”
In Hagerstown, a group of 22 members, young and seasoned women, along with a few men, gathered at an assisted living facility in Pennsylvania. Led by Pastor Tabuanka Jean, they ministered through songs, Scripture, and words of encouragement. The residents were especially blessed by the musical ministry of young teenager Nuriah Minos.
A Call to Consecration and Continued Mission in our District
The Month of Esther continues with a strong spiritual emphasis. Pastor Telaine Buisson-Fleurmond deepens the focus on prayer, outlining biblical principles for a life of devotion and mission. This week, Pastor Esther Paul-Émile, former Prayer Ministries Director at the Quebec Conference in Canada, will lead with a focus on consecration, preparing hearts for mission through surrender and spiritual renewal. The fourth celebration will culminate on Sabbath, March 28, with a Holy Communion service, where the HBH District will invite all women to reconsecrate their lives to God, reaffirming their calling to serve, to pray, and to lead.
Conclusion
The HBH Maryland District has not only celebrated women, but has also affirmed their divine calling. From the example of Ellen G. White and Queen Esther to the rising voices of young girls within our churches, one truth remains clear: When women rise in faith, the mission of God moves forward with power.
We strongly invite all prayer warriors within the Allegheny East Conference and beyond to continue praying for the HBH Maryland District Women’s Ministries, coordinated by Pastor Tabuanka Jean, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Brian Ladiny.
Work Cited
Ellen G. White. Life Sketches of Ellen G. White. Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1915.
Arthur L. White. Ellen G. White: A Biography. Washington, DC: Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1981.
Herbert E. Douglass. Messenger of the Lord: The Prophetic Ministry of Ellen G. White. Nampa, ID: Pacific Press Publishing Association, 1998.