Retracing the humble beginnings of the movement’s initiatives over two decades ago, the 1000 Missionary Movement (1000 MM) reached its 25 years of existence as it continues to carry its mission in hard to reach places all over the world.
On the 2nd day of September, 1000 MM founder and Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) President, Elder Jairyong Lee went back to the institution’s roots addressing the 50th batch of missionaries. Significantly, the present batch is believed to be a class of its own as it represents missionaries from all the seven continents of the world, welcoming a new addition from Europe.
In his message, Lee said that the movement was founded not by human effort, but by its unwavering commitment to fulfill the mission.
“Like Gideon, missionaries should be committed to finish the work with a sense of urgency that the message should be preached throughout the world, with or without the means to carry out the mission”, Lee said.
The movement’s celebration drew several distinguished guests from the Northern and Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), 1000 MM pioneering batches, and members from nearby churches who were all enthused by the movement’s stories in the past years.
Elder Gary Blanchard, newly appointed General Conference Youth Director was also present during the celebration. In his message, he acknowledged the power of the Holy Spirit working in 1000 MM’s 25 year of service.
“Over 65,000 people baptized to Jesus, more than 7,000 missionaries sent to 42 countries, and over 8,000 churches planted. All of these in 10000 MM 25 years”, Blanchard emphasized.
Elder Saw Samuel, Southern Asia-Pacific Division president also had his share in expressing his words of encouragement and inspiration during his message in the opening night of the celebration. He invited missionaries to be like Timothy who exhibits the passion needed in fulfilling the commission that God instructed us.
Also, singing groups like the Golden Angels from NSD and HISM of 1000 MM showcased numerous hymns and praises during the celebration.
The concept to establish a sending missionary institution was realized in 1991 when the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS) board was given approval by the Asia-Pacific Division (formerly Far Eastern Division) annual council in Singapore on November 7, 1991. After a successful presentation on the 1000 MM operations by Dr. Jairyong Lee, dean of AIIAS Theological Seminary, all 13 unions of the division unanimously approved the proposal.
Four years after the institution was established, the Asia Pacific Division decided to make it a division institution. Today, the 1000 MM is under the supervision of both the Northern and Southern Asia-Pacific Division.