Webinar: Finding Joy in Suffering - Grieving for a Loved One

Ann Hamel received her PhD in Counseling Psychology from Andrews University and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Formational Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. She served as a missionary in Africa for 11 years and has been practicing psychology at University Medical Specialties in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She also provides care and support for missionaries serving globally for the Seventh-day Adventist Church, particularly during times of crisis. Ann is the featured speaker for the webinar.

Larry Evans completed his DMin degree at Andrews University Seminary having begun his study for the degree at Fuller Seminary. He has served in various pastoral and administrative capacities in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is currently the Assistant to the General Conference President and Director for Adventist Possibility Ministries. Larry will be the moderator for the webinar.

Julian Melgosa was born in Spain and earned his MA in the University of Madrid and his PhD in Educational Psychology from Andrews University (USA). Julian is a Chartered Psychologist and an Associate Fellow of the British Psychological Society. He is a prolific author in the area of emotional and mental health. He serves as associate director of education for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Church and is the Associate Editor of The Journal of Adventist Education. He is also the co-chair of the Taskforce for Mental Health and Wellness for Adventist Possibility Ministries.

Helen Gulfan is a graduate of Mountain View College in South Philippines with a Bachelor of Science degree in Commerce, majoring in Accounting. She has served as Accountant, Controller, and Vice President for Finance in Adventist Hospital-Cebu City, Philippines. Before retirement she was the Shepherdess International Coordinator and Women’s Ministries Director for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. She was married to the late Alberto C Gulfan, Jr. He had served as pastor, church administrator with his last responsibility being the President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. Helen is a member of the Taskforce for Bereavement for Spousal Loss.

Janese Cameron is from Australia where she is a relief primary (elementary) teacher at a Christian school for kindergarten (kindy) through grade six. She also enjoys caring for her granddaughter.

Elaine Oliver is a licensed clinical professional counselor and a certified family life educator (CFLE) by the National Council on Family Relations. She holds Masters degrees in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Counseling Psychology, and Higher and Adult Education and a BS in business administration and accounting. She has completed her course work for a PhD in Educational Psychology. She is the Associate Director of the Department of Family Ministries for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Her husband, Willie, is the Director.

Sandra Reid M.D., as a psychiatrist, is Deputy Dean (Clinical) and Senior Lecturer (Psychiatry) for Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of West Indies, St. Augustine. She is a research associate for the Institute for Gender and Development Studies and the Director for the Caribbean Institute on Addictive Disorders.

Frank Hasel, Ph.D., originally from Germany, is a theologian, author, and currently serves as an associate director of the Biblical Research Institute (BRI). Frank lost his wife in 2009 due to cancer. In his recent book Living for God (Pacific Press, 2020) he explores the beauty of simple biblical virtues, such as gratitude, courage, patience, humility, living through suffering and loss, and more. Frank is a member of the Taskforce for Bereavement for Spousal Loss for Adventist Possibility Ministries.

Williams Costa, Jr. comes from Brazil and is serving as the Director of Communications for the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He is also the Executive Director of Adventist News Network (ANN).

Torben Bergland holds his M.D. from Copenhagen University. As a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, he has taken special interest in working with patients with depression, anxiety and personality disorders, as well as integrating relational religious and existential perspectives in psychotherapy. He is one of the Associate Directors of the Health Ministries Department of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He also serves as a member of the Taskforce for Mental Health and Wellness for Adventist Possibility Ministries.

Audrey Andersson trained for ministry at Newbold College of Higher Education, England. After working as a legal editor in London and later running her own communications company in Sweden, she was called to serve as the Executive Secretary, Communications Director and Women Ministries Director and pastor in the Swedish Union Conference of Churches. She is currently the Executive Secretary of the Trans-European Division. Audrey’s husband was killed in an accident in 2016. She is a member of the Taskforce for Bereavement for Spousal Loss for Adventist Possibility Ministries.

Solomon Maphosa is a Zimbabwean national and longtime administrator. He received his DMin from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, MI (USA). Solomon has served in various capacities including pastor and various administrative posts for the Seventh-day Adventist Church including Executive Secretary of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division of Seventh-day Adventists. He is currently the president of the same Division. Solomon’s wife passed away in 2019. He is a member of the Taskforce for Bereavement for Spousal Loss for Adventist Possibility Ministries.