In December 2023, Pastor Miguel Crespo, President of the New York Conference, was appointed by the Atlantic Union as the Volunteer Chaplain Director of the Atlantic Union Conference (AUC). His vision was to establish a network of lay chaplains throughout the Atlantic Union who could provide spiritual and emotional support to individuals experiencing crisis.
To advance this initiative, Pastor Crespo appointed Pastor Evans as the Coordinator of Chaplaincy Ministries for the New York Conference, and his wife, Dr. Jennifer Adjodha-Evans, as Curriculum Advisor. Together, with Pastor Crespo and Bonnie Crespo, they founded the Adventist Lay Chaplaincy Association (ALCA). The inaugural ALCA training and graduation took place from October 11–13, 2024, bringing together lay participants from the Greater New York Conference, Northeastern Conference, and New York Conference for Level One training.
In partnership with Adventist Community Services and the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. (ICISF), participants are equipped to serve as the hands and hearts of Christ to those in distress. Individuals who complete Level One training receive the ICISF “Assisting Individuals in Crisis” Certificate of Completion and may choose to continue their development through Level Two training. Please note that seating is limited, and registration for Level One is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.