In John 4:14, Jesus’ request for water from a Samaritan woman at Jacob’s Well sparked a conversation in which He offered her “living water.” Inspired by this story, the North American Division’s 2026 Adventist Community Services (ACS) Convention adopted the theme “Wellspring,” encouraging attendees to drink from the well of eternal life and thus become conduits of hope and healing.

“What you receive from God is what you give to others,” said Colette Newer, NAD ACS associate director, ahead of the convention, describing the event as an opportunity for attendees to learn and grow together so they can more effectively strengthen their communities.

Held April 16-18 in Greenville, South Carolina, “Wellspring” brought together more than 200 attendees, including conference and union ACS leaders, local church ministry leaders, and pastors, as well as representatives from NAD prison ministries, youth and young adult ministries, Sabbath School, and volunteer ministries. Speakers from external agencies also participated, reflecting NAD ACS’s growing collaboration with other ministries and organizations.

Organizers were intentional about replenishing ACS leaders and volunteers who walk alongside those who are suffering and are in danger of their own well running dry. Thus, throughout the weekend, speakers offered spiritual encouragement and practical tools for ministry.

Opening plenary speaker Heather Thompson Day set the tone by sharing what it means to bear the image of God and restore that image in others. “Once we understand what it actually means and looks like for the Spirit of God to dwell in us, it changes how we see our neighbors, how we experience community, and how we serve one another,” she said.

In a follow-up breakout session, Thompson Day explored the power of words to transform lives and communities. Challenging attendees to steward their words intentionally, she asked, “If we are made in the image of God, and God’s word has creative power, … then what does it look like to believe that our words have creative power?”

Morning devotionals and a Sabbath program including Sabbath School by NAD director Bill Payne, a divine worship message by Calvin Watkins, NAD vice president, and a panel on involving all generations in community service rounded out the event’s spiritual programming.

On Sabbath, Watkins reminded participants that the work of ACS transcends meeting physical needs. “It makes you feel good to pass out groceries,” he said. “What will feel better is when you pass out those groceries, and they can look and tell you’ve got the power of God, that you’ve been with God.”

Throughout April 16 and 17, attendees could choose from a variety of skill-building sessions offered across four concurrent tracks. The sessions were designed to help attendees better understand their mission and leave feeling refreshed and equipped to serve.

Several seminars focused on understanding the needs of specific populations, such as elders, individuals impacted by incarceration and their families, those affected by domestic violence, people with disabilities, and youth and young adults.

Others provided hands-on training across a wide range of areas, including conflict resolution, healing from trauma, tutoring and mentoring, storytelling, lower-cost legal clinics, and grant writing. Especially impactful was a session where presenters shared innovative models, such as thrift stores, combining sustainable funding with transformative service. Justice, particularly addressing the root causes of community issues, was another undercurrent.

Participants such as Denzle Harrison, from the South Atlantic Conference, appreciated the convention’s practical focus. “I was blown away by all the resources that are available,” he said.

New this year were two full-day pre-session intensives: Mental Health First Aid and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA’s) local volunteer and donations management training.

Finally, ACS leaders and volunteers could participate in the “Pitch the Well” event, a live, panel-reviewed, Shark Tank-style grant competition for church-based ACS programs.

The 2026 winners included:

Several participants cited the synergy and sense of community Wellspring created as a highlight.

“When you come here, some of the problems you have, you find out that others are experiencing those same things, and you can hear how those problems are solved and receive resources and encouragement to move forward,” said David Graham, Carolina Conference ACS and disaster response director.

ArniLynne Tupas-Setser, a church elder from Los Angeles, noted, “Knowing that we’re not alone is one of the biggest things, knowing that these are the people who think like us, who love like us.” She added, “Wellspring … is rehydrating.”

A final and highly anticipated event was the volunteer banquet, which thanked ACS volunteers for being the hands and feet of Jesus and recognized several individuals for years of dedicated service.

Lifetime achievement awards were presented to Cathy Kissner, Rocky Mountain Conference ACS director, for 40 years of service, and Lillie Buckingham, South Central Conference ACS co-director, for 30 years of service.

Luis Biazotto, Georgia-Cumberland Conference ACS director, received an excellence in service award. In addition, special recognition was given to Debra Davis Moody, Lake Region Conference ACS director, Larry Mays, North Pacific Union Conference ACS and disaster response director, and Patty Marsh, retired Upper Columbia Conference ACS director.

DeeAnn Bragaw, NAD Women’s Ministries director, presented a closing keynote titled “Uncontainable and Unstoppable — from the Wellspring to the World.” She referenced Rehoboth, a Hebrew word meaning “room” or “broad places,” and the name Isaac gave a well after God made room for him to flourish following repeated conflicts.

Bragaw encouraged attendees to stay rooted in Christ and trust in His provision despite challenges.

“As you go back home with new tools and new connections, the same issues that were there when you left will be there when you return,” said Bragaw, continuing, “But you will come back with Rehoboth. There is room for all of us to flourish.”