Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) education leaders recently gathered at the Baiyoke Skyhotel in Bangkok for a transformative conference centered on the subject "Mission Refocus: Dynamic Adventist Education Promoting Scholarship, Spirituality, and Discipleship." Dr. Bienvenido G. Mergal, SSD Education Director, organized the event, which drew more than 2oo delegates and resource people.
The summit's principal goals were to focus on three important points. First, it attempted to raise communal understanding and awareness of the church's strategic focus, which revolved around mission refocus and the critical role of dynamic Adventist education in nurturing spirituality, scholarship, and discipleship. Second, the summit aimed to promote synergy among attendees, allowing for effective planning, resourcing, and networking opportunities that would improve Adventist schools' mission identity. Finally, through spiritual nutrition and friendship, the gathering aimed to revitalize and rejuvenate the commitment to the teaching ministry.
Pastor Ron Genebago, SSD Youth Director, opened the summit with a thought-provoking devotional address, challenging education leaders to prioritize youth discipleship. Pastor Roger Caderma, President of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), then delivered the keynote message. Dr. Hudson Kibuuka and Dr. Richard Sabuin, Associate Education Directors from the General Conference, as well as Dr. Philip Maiyo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Eastern Africa, shared their experience and ideas with the guests.
Pastor Wendell Mandolang, SSD Executive Secretary; Pastor Jacinto Adap, SSD Treasurer; Darlene Adap, SSD Risk Management Services; and Leni Casimiro, AIIAS Education Chair, also spoke at the summit. Each speaker was given the opportunity to engage and challenge the educators in attendance, increasing the discussion and knowledge-sharing.
The summit welcomed Union Presidents, Educational Directors, Tertiary Institution Presidents and Academic Deans, Education Superintendents of Local Missions and Conferences, and Academy Principals from all over the division. The summit was actively participated in by ten Unions, three conferences, and mission groups. The participant breakdown demonstrated diverse areas of interest and devotion, with the South Philippine Union Conference bringing the largest delegation of 35 members, closely followed by the North Philippine Union Conference with 33 attendees. East Indonesia Union Conference (31), West Indonesia Union Mission (22), Central Philippine Conference (14), South Eastern Asia Union Mission (13), Myanmar Union Mission (11), Malaysia Union Mission (8), Sri Lanka Mission (6), Bangladesh Union Mission (5), Pakistan Union (4), Singapore Adventist Conference (4), and Timor Leste Mission (2) were also significant contributors. In addition, 16 SSD academy principals were present, bringing significant views to the talks.
The Mission Refocus Summit presented a rare opportunity for education leaders from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division to gather, exchange ideas, and reaffirm their dedication to the essential mission of Adventist education. The summit's focus on scholarship, spirituality, and discipleship aimed to provide these leaders with the resources and motivation they needed to take Adventist education to new heights, ultimately influencing the lives of countless students across the division.
Beryl Ben C. Mergal, RN, PhD