The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) has appointed Pastor Ian Ray Basco as assistant publishing director, reinforcing its commitment to expanding literature evangelism and engaging more young people in the church’s mission across its 11-country territory.
The SSD Executive Committee approved Basco’s appointment during its Oct. 22, 2026, meeting, following a recommendation from the Administrative Committee. The appointment will take effect January 1, 2027.
Basco will work alongside the SSD Publishing Ministries Department, with particular emphasis on strengthening the Student Literature Program, an initiative that provides young people with opportunities to share Christian literature, develop leadership skills and participate in mission.
His appointment reflects the division’s efforts to strengthen collaboration between publishing ministries and Adventist educational institutions while encouraging greater student involvement in literature evangelism.
In his new role, Basco will coordinate with the SSD publishing director, union and local field publishing directors, and institutional leaders to develop strategies that increase student participation and strengthen existing programs throughout the territory.
His responsibilities will include providing training, mentoring and support for student literature evangelists and publishing leaders, as well as identifying opportunities to expand the program in areas where additional resources and coordination are needed.
The appointment also seeks to strengthen partnerships among unions, missions, conferences and educational institutions, creating more opportunities for students to gain practical experience in ministry while developing communication, leadership and interpersonal skills.
Beyond distributing Christian literature, the Student Literature Program introduces young people to personal evangelism by encouraging meaningful conversations, building relationships and sharing messages of faith and hope with people from different backgrounds.
These opportunities hold particular significance in the Southern Asia-Pacific region, where diverse religious, cultural and social contexts call for thoughtful and personal approaches to sharing the gospel.
By strengthening the program, SSD aims to help more young people recognize literature evangelism as both an avenue for Christian service and a formative experience that can prepare them for future leadership and ministry.
Basco will also help monitor the program’s progress, assess areas requiring additional support and ensure that its initiatives remain aligned with the division’s mission and strategic priorities.
The appointment comes as the Southern Asia-Pacific Division advances its broader mission initiatives, including preparations for OneVoice27, which encourages church members, ministries and institutions to work together in sharing the hope of Jesus Christ.
Through expanded student participation and stronger institutional collaboration, the Publishing Ministries Department seeks to equip a new generation of literature evangelists who can bring messages of hope into homes, schools and communities.
The Executive Committee’s decision underscores the church’s continued investment in young people, recognizing their potential not only as participants in mission but also as future leaders who can help carry the gospel to communities throughout Southern Asia-Pacific.