Leaders and executives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) began their midyear meeting with a united call to prayer and spiritual reflection, setting the tone for days of deliberation on mission initiatives and organizational priorities.
Delegates gathered at the Life Hope Center convention hall, where the meeting commenced with the division’s Week of Prayer on May 5, 2026. Before engaging in reports and discussions on upcoming projects, events, and evangelistic initiatives, leaders bowed their heads in earnest prayer, acknowledging their dependence on God’s guidance.
Pastor Arnel Gabin, SSD vice president for Nurture Discipleship Retention–Integrated Evangelism Lifestyle (NDR-IEL), delivered the devotional message, focusing on the second Beatitude in Matthew 5: “Blessed are those who mourn” and “Blessed are the meek.” His message emphasized the importance of spiritual sensitivity among believers, warning that the loss of such sensitivity poses a greater danger than open rebellion.
Gabin urged leaders to reflect on the depth of Christ’s sacrifice, noting that a clearer understanding of sin’s impact leads believers to reject it rather than excuse it. “When we stop mourning over sin, we stop surrendering to God,” said Gabin. He described meekness as “strength under control,” highlighting it as power surrendered to God and expressed through humility and obedience.
In the latter part of his message, Gabin introduced OneVoice27, a global evangelism initiative that calls for “Mission for All.” The program encourages Seventh-day Adventists worldwide to actively share the gospel across digital platforms, aiming to reach diverse audiences, particularly in regions within the 10/40 window.
Church leaders emphasized that the devotional hour served as a reminder that mission remains central to every aspect of church leadership. They affirmed that faith is not separate from administrative responsibilities but forms the foundation of all decisions and actions.
As the midyear meeting continues, participants are expected to engage in reports and planning sessions that will shape the direction of the Church’s work across the Southern Asia-Pacific region, guided by a renewed commitment to Scripture, prayer, and the mission of sharing the message of hope in Christ.