From September 10 to 15, 2024, 47 delegates from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) embarked on a study tour to Australia, retracing the impact of Ellen G. White’s missionary work from 1891 to 1900. The Adventist Heritage Center in SSD and the Spirit of Prophecy (SOP) Department organized the educational tour, with Pastor Edgar Bryan Tolentino, SSD SOP director, serving as the group's guide.
The delegation comprised Spirit of Prophecy directors from the Central Philippine Union Conference (CPUC), South-West Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC), and South-East Philippine Union Conference (SEPUC), along with officers from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division and Ellen G. White directors from the Asia-Pacific International University (AIU) in Thailand and the West Indonesia Union Mission. The purpose of the initiative is focused on educating and inspiring leaders on the importance of Adventist history in shaping the church’s mission, and an encouragement to refocus on mission work. Ellen White’s words reflect the spirit of the trip: “The Lord knows that we did not come across the great ocean to see the country, or for our amusement. Jesus will give me strength for all that He requires of me to do.” (Lt 32a, 1891).
The study trip began at Sydney Harbor, where Ellen White first arrived after a three-week journey from San Francisco, passing through Honolulu, Samoa, and New Zealand, before reaching Sydney in December 1891. The group visited Norfolk Villa in Granville, Sydney, where Ellen White lived from 1894 to 1895, before she acquired her Sunnyside home in Cooranbong, New South Wales (NSW). During the visit to the South Pacific Division, Sydney Adventist Hospital, and Sanitarium Health Food Company, the delegates deepened their understanding of how Ellen White’s advocacy for mission, healing, and health shaped these institutions. Her spiritual influence, personal sacrifice, and humble leadership were key to these developments.
During a visit to the food factory, Atty. Evin Villaruben, assistant treasurer in SSD, commented, “Business can never be separated from the Adventist mission, and mission itself is God’s business.” He also emphasized that the loyalty and commitment of every missionary are vital to fulfilling the gospel commission. Dr. Angie Pagarigan, associate treasurer in SSD reflected on Ellen White’s resilience during her ministry in Australia, despite the financial challenges caused by the economic depression of the time and her physical suffering from malaria and rheumatic pain. Remarkably, she continued to write ‘The Desire of Ages’ and even managed to speak seven times while seated. Dr. Sweetie Ritchie, associate treasurer in SSD, also highlighted how Ellen White’s literary assistant and nurse used medical ministry to reach out to the community, paving the way for the establishment of the Sydney Sanitarium.
When the group went to the Ellen White’s Sunnyside Historical Home, they gained insight into how her generosity, understanding, and hands-on work profoundly impacted the local community. Pastor Elexis Mercado, AWR-Center for Digital Evangelism director, emphasized Ellen White’s exemplary life as a missionary, traveling from the United States to a poverty-stricken foreign land at the age of 64. Despite the odds, she helped establish a mission, a college, a hospital, and a food factory, all of which became models for mission work worldwide. It was during her time in Australia that she wrote 'The Desire of Ages,' 'Christ’s Object Lessons,' and 'Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing,' among other works. Mark Pearce, director of the Ellen White Research Center, spoke during the Sabbath worship at Sunnyside about Ellen White’s theme of God’s love being as vast as an ocean in which she longed to immerse herself.
The educational initiative of the Spirit of Prophecy in SSD concluded with a commitment service at the grave of Robert A. Caldwell in the Avondale SDA Cemetery. Pastor Bryan Tolentino narrated Caldwell’s pioneering colporteur work in the Philippines in 1905. The dedication and mission-driven hearts of the pioneers inspired the delegation as they left the service.
The theme of the educational tour was “Sharing the Vision: Mission Refocus.” Participants reflected on the productivity and inspiration gained from the trip, noting that the stories they encountered would help them inspire their constituencies to recommit to the mission. The SSD SOP and Adventist Heritage Center organized, led, and sponsored the first study trip of its kind. It is part of a broader effort to encourage unions to organize more study trips for leaders, pastors, and church members to explore the rich heritage of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
SSD Spirit of Prophecy Department