Andrews University

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Institute of Archaeology, Andrews University

MT. Nebo From Hesban

Pluviose, David

Andrews University 
Digital Commons @ Andrews University 
Lake Union Herald Lake Union Herald 
1-2025 
South Bend, Indiana, Church Opens as a "Place of Refuge" 
David Pluviose 
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Visit LakeUnionHerald.org |  JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2025  |  25
NEWS  |   LOCAL CHURCH
The Berean Transformation Center’s commitment to community-based ministry in South 
Bend, Indiana, took another leap forward on Sabbath, Nov. 16, when Berean Pastor Claval 
Hunter wielded oversized scissors and cut a ribbon marking the grand opening of Berean’s 
new building in the heart of the South Bend community. In attendance were a number of 
Adventist church leaders and leaders from the community.
The grand opening of Berean’s new building 
is the next step in the realization of Berean’s 
vision to have a “Center of Influence” in the 
South Bend community. Under the leader-
ship of Hunter, Berean established a monthly 
outreach ministry in June 2020 to meet the 
community’s needs, with the goal of reach-
ing 10,000 souls for Christ. On the second 
Sabbath of each month, Berean closes the 
doors of the church and members hit the 
streets of South Bend to bring the church to 
the people.
When it comes to what he hopes will be ac-
complished now that Berean’s new building is 
open, Hunter says, “We want to provide that 
place of refuge, that place of hope. We want 
to provide the resources that will help some-
one to get back on their feet.” Such help in-
cludes mortgage and rent programs to assist 
community members with housing and help 
for community residents dealing with mental 
health issues.
Hunter adds that Berean’s message to 
community members is, “This is a safe place 
for you. We will get you to help. We have 
social workers, we have doctors, we have 
psychologists, we have individuals who are 
ready to make sure that your life can be bet-
ter, your life can be whole. And we want to 
provide that space.”
As a part of Berean’s monthly outreach on 
second Sabbaths, the church prepares and 
hand-delivers meals to those deprived of 
South Bend, Indiana, 
Church Opens as a  
“Place of Refuge”
comes to Berean’s Seminary interns having the 
opportunity get a “vision for ministry in our cit-
ies, [which] I think is great.”
The opening of the Berean Transformation 
Center is just phase one of a four-phase vision. 
Hunter says that phase two will have a well-
ness center and gymnasium. Phase three will 
include an early learning center and affordable 
daycare. And phase four will feature a 500-seat 
worship auditorium.
“God has given me a vision to be able to 
move His people to truly be the hands and feet 
of Christ,” Hunter says. “There were moments 
where we thought that this was not going to 
happen, but yet God continued to push. He 
[brought] people alongside me and said, man, 
do not give up. Keep going.”
And Hunter says what keeps him going is 
when he hears someone reached by his min-
istry say, “Because of you, my life has been 
different. Because of you, my home is better. 
Because of you, I was able to give my life to 
Jesus Christ. Because of you, I was able to find 
a job. Because of you, I was able to get a Godly 
mate. Because of you, I’m making better choic-
es in life.”
However, Hunter does not take the credit for 
the life changes of those he ministers to. “It’s 
not because of me. It’s because [of] what God 
has given me.” P
David Pluviose has worked as a journalist and served as 
a volunteer lay pastor. He is now enrolled in the Master of 
Divinity program at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological 
Seminary at Andrews University.
homes, reaching over 15,000 families in the 
past four years. Additionally, this monthly out-
reach includes empowerment and wellness 
programs for community children, youth and 
their families, bringing the church outside the 
building to where community members live.
Lake Region Conference President 
Garth Garbriel preached for the Berean 
Transformation Center’s grand opening and 
says he sees the fruit of Berean’s ministry in 
the community in the baptismal reports he re-
ceives. Part I and II of Berean’s Hope for the 
Hurting Heart seminar yielded a total of 60 
baptisms between this year and last year.
When it comes to evangelism, Gabriel says 
tent meetings and other traditional evangelis-
tic meetings are “not working as effectively” as 
in the past. “Maybe there are some places that 
it is still working, but I think [in] most places, 
most cities, you need more of this involvement 
in the community.” Gabriel adds, “I’m not going 
against … putting a tent up. It’s good. You’re go-
ing to attract some people, but we want mass-
es. We want our churches filled again. … This 
transformation center is showing us new ways 
and creative ways of filling a church out.”
Also in attendance for Berean’s grand 
opening was Lake Union President Kenneth 
Denslow, who noted that students at the nearby 
Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary 
have the opportunity to learn best practices 
when it comes to urban ministry when serving 
with Hunter. Denslow sees great value when it 
E Pastor Claval Hunter, center, surrounded by 
well-wishers. From left to right: Lake Region President 
Garth Gabriel, Berean Associate Pastor Desmond 
Sturrup, Christina Hunter, and Elder Tracie Jacobs.
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English

South Bend, Indiana, Church Opens as a  Place of Refuge

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Bone

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Sifting Soil

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Moving Pillar

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Bert De Vries Chief surveyor and architect

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Leaving Tell

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MT. Nebo From Hesban

South Bend, Indiana, Church Opens as a Place of Refuge

Bone

Bone

Sifting Soil

Extra

Moving Pillar

Bert De Vries Chief surveyor and architect

Leaving Tell

Area A Dump

14,703

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