The second day of the business meeting of the 2023 Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Annual Council was called to order on November 7, 2023. Delegates heard presentations from the secretariat and treasury departments and other upcoming initiatives from various departments in the division.
Secretariat: Administrative, Technical, Missional
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division's secretariat had a three-part structure: the Administrative, Technical, and Missional Pillars. These worked together to support the division's mission. The Administrative Pillar facilitated strategic planning, policy governance, financial management, and human resources oversight. The Technical Pillar underpins operations through technology and infrastructure management while providing support services through the Archives and Records Keeping Department. The Missional Pillar, at the heart of the organization, drove evangelism, humanitarian efforts, and member care, ensuring the division's focus on spreading the Adventist message and serving the community. These pillars, collectively, were the dynamic core of the division, blending strategic administration, operational efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to the mission.
Administrative
As of the third quarter of 2023, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) counts 1,686,926 church members, marking substantial growth and spiritual vitality. But this achievement is only a stepping stone, as the SSD sets its sights on the inspiring goal of reaching 1,900,000 members by the end of 2023. This ambitious target symbolizes the division's unwavering commitment to expanding its reach and making a lasting impact on countless lives in the region, serving as a rallying point for the entire Adventist community's collective effort and shared vision.
SSD stands as the third division within the Seventh-day Adventist Church to attain accreditation for its esteemed heritage center, housing a treasure trove of historical documents and photographs.
Organization and Reorganization of Missions in SSD
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division has undergone a remarkable transformation, adapting and expanding to meet new opportunities and challenges. From the humble beginnings of the Laos Attached Field to the dynamic Laos Mission, these missions have evolved, demonstrating the Church's commitment to growth and outreach.
In the Philippines, the South-Central Luzon Conference's reorganization gave birth to the Mindoro Island Mission, showcasing the Church's dedication to crossing geographical boundaries in its mission work.
The missions in Thailand and Myanmar combined forces, creating the Western Border Region (WBR), a focused mission in the borders of Myanmar and Thailand addressing needs, particularly for displaced families.
In Indonesia, the Jakarta Conference evolved into the Jakarta-Banten Conference, reflecting the church's ability to adapt to the changing needs of its members.
In the remote islands of Papua, the establishment of the Papua Tengah Mission and the Papua Barat Daya Mission highlights the church's commitment to reaching unique and diverse regions.
The Western Visayan Conference's restructuring led to the formation of the Northwestern Panay Mission, demonstrating the Church's dedication to enhancing mission work.
Further reorganization occurred in the North Eastern Mindanao Mission, forming the Southeastern Caraga Mission, while the Southern Mindanao Mission evolved into the South-Central Mindanao Mission. These changes emphasize the church's ongoing commitment to adapt and serve its members effectively.
This journey reflects the Seventh-day Adventist Church's unwavering faith, adaptability, and relentless dedication to sharing the message of hope and salvation across the region.
Missional
In the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), a robust network of 60 interfaith services for Muslims and interfaith services for Chinese and Buddhists spans countries within the division, fostering understanding among diverse faith communities. In other countries outside the division, 71 dedicated missionaries work across ten divisions, extending the mission's impact worldwide.
Within SSD, the division's commitment to interfaith dialogue is further exemplified through 22 Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS) volunteers sent to other divisions and 99 AVS volunteers serving within the SSD, collectively driving the cause. Furthermore, 29 missionaries are actively engaged in interfaith services through the Division Interfaith Services for Everyone (DISE) initiative. This overarching dedication extends to equipping people with the necessary materials and training to facilitate interfaith cooperation, transcend religious boundaries, and promote global unity.
Technical
Archives play a crucial role in preserving the stories of real people, ensuring that valuable insights from the past are not lost. They provide vital information that enables us to reflect on and interpret our lives today.
Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) achieved a significant milestone by elevating its Archives and Records Center to Level 3, becoming the third division to attain this recognition.
In response to an important recommendation post-accreditation, SSD introduced the SSD Heritage Center, aimed at inspiring laypeople, particularly young individuals, to explore and draw inspiration from the wealth of documents and photographs available.
Notably, the renovation project has concluded, replacing wooden doors with metal doors and either a concrete wall or removing the dividing wall between the inner and outer areas of the Records Center. This enhancement is pivotal in maintaining the integrity of historical documents and records, ensuring their long-term preservation and accessibility.
Furthermore, SSD is actively providing funding opportunities to unions, conferences, and missions to bolster their records management programs. The overarching goal is to establish a comprehensive and well-defined Archives strategic plan that encompasses all levels of the organization, from unions to conferences and missions up to the division headquarters.
In line with KPI 2 of the SSD Secretariat Strategic Plan, the division is working hard to set up a system that will receive, store, and index records efficiently and in line with Records Management Standards. So far, 7 out of 9 unions and 1 attached conference, along with 41 out of 60 missions and conferences, have successfully established and adhered to the records management standards set by SSD.
Furthermore, the General Conference ASTR has granted accreditation to the NPUC Archives and Records Center, making it the very first union to receive this prestigious recognition on a global scale.
As part of their commitment to protecting the integrity of information generated and maintained by SSD, unions, and missions and conferences, SSD is diligently working to establish and maintain policies and processes to ensure the secure preservation of this valuable data.
ACMS
With the seamless integration of the ACMS, SSD has successfully implemented the entire system. Our official membership count for SSD now stands at 1,686,929, marking a slight reduction of 291,646 from the previous 1.8 million. This achievement represents a substantial leap towards our ultimate objective of achieving 100% completion.
In our most recent update, SSD announced that two unions and one affiliated conference have already attained a remarkable 100% completion rate. This remarkable accomplishment reflects the unwavering commitment to excellence. Furthermore, SSD is thrilled to report that an additional three unions have surpassed the noteworthy milestone of 80% completion. With these recent developments, SSD is now just 20% away from reaching our target, bringing SSD closer to the overarching goal.
Treasury: Transparency and Accountability
The Seventh-day Adventist Church is committed to advancing the gospel worldwide and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources. The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) reaffirms this commitment by redirecting funds to areas where mission needs are greatest. The division supports world church initiatives, demonstrating responsible stewardship and dedication to advancing the gospel. Through purposeful spending, prudent management, transparency, and honoring the Lord, SSD plays a vital role in the Seventh-day Adventist Church's mission.
Current SSD Projects and Initiatives
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SSD) has invested in several projects and initiatives to further its mission. The Life Hope Center, which was completed in Q1 2023, is a significant investment in spiritual growth, community engagement, and service to humanity. It houses various Adventist ministries and services, including the General Conference Auditing Services, General Conference Sun Plus Support Services, the Adventist World Radio Center for Digital Evangelism, and the SSD Heritage Center. The center also offers services such as a library, health and fitness center, massage and spa facility, hotel accommodation, food services, and a convention center.
The SSD Church Building Revolving Fund, with an initial budget of $227 million, aims to finance church-building projects, enhance local churches' infrastructure, and provide accessible places of worship. The Stewardship Initiative Funding, with an initial budget of $500,000, aims to empower local missions and conferences by securing the services of a dedicated Stewardship Director.
The 'Back to the Altar' initiative, with an allocation of $350,000, will support the training of leaders to lead members back to the altar. The Administrative Study Trip, with an allocation of $400,000, will provide insights into historical and cultural contexts and strengthen ties with Paul's journey.
Future capital developments include constructing places of worship, educational institutions, and outreach centers, fostering spiritual growth and community development. A multi-purpose building project, with a budget of $1,060,000, is planned to enhance outreach to the community through alternative channels of influence. Additional housing is planned for $600,000, and a megachurch along Aguinaldo Highway is set to be established in 2024. SSD remains committed to advancing God's mission and is monitoring potential opportunities to extend its reach into Brunei.
SSD Financial Status
SSD's net assets have shown consistent growth and resilience over the five years from 2018 to 2022. In 2018, SSD had net assets of $104.7 million, which increased to $119 million in 2019. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, the division maintained stability in 2020, with net assets of $119.7 million. In 2021, SSD experienced significant growth, reaching $135 million, a 12.77% increase from the previous year. The average growth rate is 4.2%, indicating financial resilience and effective stewardship.
SSD's working capital fluctuated, showing changes in the division's short-term liquidity and ability to fund urgent operational needs. In 2018, SSD had a working capital of 108%, indicating sufficient short-term assets to meet current liabilities. However, in 2019, it fell to 97%, indicating potential liquidity issues. In 2020, it recovered to 109%, indicating increased short-term financial health. In 2022, it increased significantly to 129%, indicating a strong ability to cover immediate financial commitments.
SSD's liquidity displayed a favorable trend, demonstrating its capacity to satisfy short-term financial obligations effectively. In 2018, it stood at 104.78%, a strong financial position. In 2021, gross tithes increased significantly to $99,232,026.17, demonstrating strong support and contributions.
SSD's gross tithes and offerings showed remarkable trends throughout the five years, with an average growth of 7.2%. The church's assets total $153,482,351.52, with 20% in cash, 32% invested, 5% in accounts receivable, 11% for land, buildings, and equipment, and 32% used for other assets.
SSD received $12,925,671.15 in income from tithes and offerings from 2018–2022, with contributions from various sources. Expenses amounted to $6,585,976.34, with 14% allocated for employee-related expenses, 12% for travel, 9% for administrative costs, 4% for general expenses, and 15% for plant operations. In September 2023, funds were allocated for headquarters operations, education, direct evangelism, literature evangelism, other uses, and appropriations.
SSD's financial strength indicates a strong commitment to its mission and financial health. The administration is committed to mobilizing God's resources and adopting the mindset of Christ Jesus, who dedicated Himself to saving souls.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department