Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) officially opened their midyear meeting this week, gathering administrators, departmental directors, and institutional representatives to strengthen coordination and advance the mission across the region.
The meeting brought together leaders representing division departments, union organizations, and various church institutions, highlighting the collaborative structure that supports the Church’s work across multiple territories within the 10/40 window. The midyear session serves as an important platform for evaluating ongoing initiatives, aligning strategic priorities, and reinforcing the shared mission of the global church.
Pastor Arnel Gabin, SSD vice president for Nurture Discipleship Retention–Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (NDR-IEL), delivered the opening devotional message, aligning it with the division’s ongoing Week of Prayer theme, “Blessed Are Those.” Drawing from the Beatitudes in Matthew 5, Gabin focused on Christ’s words, “Blessed are those who mourn” and “Blessed are the meek,” emphasizing a posture of humility, surrender, and dependence on God. He underscored that effective leadership begins with a heart transformed by Christ, calling leaders to reflect His character in both decision-making and service.
This year’s meeting is conducted in a hybrid format, allowing some delegates to participate virtually. Organizers implemented this setup in response to ongoing global challenges, particularly the conflict in the Middle East, which continues to affect travel and operations in various regions. The sustained increase in petroleum prices has also impacted logistics, prompting leaders to adopt flexible measures to ensure participation.
Despite these challenges, church leaders underscored the importance of continuing the work without interruption. The meeting is expected to address key initiatives of the global church, ensuring that programs and strategies are effectively aligned and implemented throughout the Southern Asia-Pacific region.
Discussions throughout the session will focus on fostering unity and consistency in messaging, as global directives are shared with regional offices. Leaders aim to strengthen collaboration and ensure that evangelistic efforts, communication strategies, and institutional programs remain anchored in the Church’s mission to share hope and the message of Jesus Christ.
As deliberations continue, participants are expected to engage in prayerful reflection and planning, seeking wisdom and guidance in advancing the gospel across diverse and often challenging mission fields.