The Adventist Church in Malaysia (MAUM) hosted a landmark event that brought together health experts, advocates, and educators from the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD). The theme of the Adventist Health Professional Summit 2023, held at the luxurious Imperial Hotel in Kuching, was "Missioning in the 21st Century: Bridging Health Mission and Evidence-Based Practice." More than 120 delegates from various regions attended this yearly gathering, including Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brunei, the Philippines, and Malaysia.
The Adventist Health Professional Summit opened on August 14 with Yang Berhormat Professor Dato Sri Dr. Sim Kui Hian, Minister of Public Health, Housing, and Local Government, officiating the event. The celebration was graced by dignitaries and leaders from many bodies, including the General Conference, Southern-Asia Pacific Division, Malaysia Union Mission, Peninsular Malaysia Mission, Sabah Mission, and Sarawak Mission.
Dr. Lalaine Alfanoso, SSD Health Director, emphasized the need of gleaning best practices and diverse views to promote the purpose of assisting the church's and society's vulnerable individuals. With a sense of purpose in their hearts, summit attendees engaged in discussions that mixed faith with evidence-based methods, generating a learning and growing atmosphere.
The summit culminated with a Commitment Service that resonated with the key elements of Adventist faith. Dr. Abner Dizon, Adventist Muslim Relations director of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, encouraged delegates to extend their contribution beyond their medical responsibilities. Highlighting Ellen G. White's (EGW) teachings, he stated, "Prayer is essential, but we must also pray to send out dedicated workers." Dr. Dizon passionately urged medical personnel to take on the role of medical missionaries within their various areas, using their knowledge as a conduit to communicate Christ's message to the people they serve.
As the echoes of Dr. Dizon's impassioned call lingered, it was clear that the Adventist Health Professional Summit wanted to instill not only information but also a profound sense of purpose. Dr. Jane Yap, Health director of the Malaysia Union Mission, stated her optimism that the summit's impact will last. "Our mission field is vast, and laborers are few.” My prayer is that the delegates leave here fired up to serve God through their chosen vocations. "This gathering is a platform for all medical missionaries to forge a united front," Dr. Yap declared solemnly.
Notably, the summit witnessed a rise in church members' participation in personal and public evangelistic outreach programs. This surge in participation corresponded perfectly with the Adventist principle of Total Member Involvement (TMI). The summit's talks and exchanges aimed to strengthen the integration of faith-based principles with evidence-based methods, offering a harmonious approach to holistic well-being and spiritual outreach.
The shared ideas and inspired commitment resonated inside the hearts of all in attendance as the curtains closed on the Adventist Health Professional Summit 2023. As Adventist health professionals attempt to bridge the gap between various views on health practices, the summit's legacy is expected to produce a ripple effect of positive change.
Jay Lawrence and Jiayi Gan, Malaysia Union Mission