More than 500 Adventist professionals and entrepreneurs from across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) gathered in Phuket, Thailand, from August 28 to 31 for the SSD Adventist-laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Convention. Held at the Royal Phuket City Hotel, the four-day event carried the theme “Builders of Faith: Reaping the Harvest in the Marketplace,” aligning with SSD’s Harvest 2025 campaign that emphasizes Total Member Involvement.
The convention featured international and regional guest speakers, including Dr. Dwain Esmond, associate director and editor at the Ellen G. White Estate; Dr. Andi Hunsaker, president of the North American Division-ASI; Dr. Philip Baptiste, director of ASI in North American Division; Dr. Steve Dickman, president of Outpost Centers International; and Pastor Robert Jay Gamboa, director of Global Sidewalk Evangelism at the General Conference. Their presentations underscored the unique opportunities that business and professional leaders have in advancing mission through their influence in society.
SSD leaders expressed deep gratitude to ASI members for their ongoing commitment to mission. Their efforts have contributed significantly to evangelism across the division, with 10,111 people baptized as of August this year.
One of the highlights of the gathering was the election of new ASI leadership for the coming years. Dr. Guntur Siboro, a member of ASI West Indonesia, was elected as president of ASI–SSD for the 2025–2027 term, succeeding current president Jonathan Lamorin, who represents ASI in the Central Philippines. Engineer Meljune D. Orillosa, representing ASI Davao, was chosen as president-elect for the 2027–2029 term. Delegates expressed their full support for the newly elected leaders, praying that God’s wisdom and strength will guide them in mobilizing professionals to share Christ in the marketplace.
The convention also served as a platform for networking, sharing testimonies, and renewing the commitment of lay professionals to integrate faith and mission into their daily work. With Harvest 2025 approaching, ASI leaders encouraged members to see their businesses and professions not only as livelihoods but also as ministries to impact lives for Christ. The election of new leadership underscored the commitment of ASI–SSD to nurture continuity and vision, ensuring that the ministry of lay professionals remains a vital force in advancing the mission of the church.
The SSD ASI Convention reaffirmed the vital role of dedicated lay members in fulfilling the church’s mission, echoing the call that every member is a missionary and every place is a mission field.