A spirit of unity and renewed commitment to mission filled the Philippine International Church at the Adventist University of the Philippines (AUP) as global church leaders joined members for a special Sabbath worship. The gathering was held in conjunction with the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Annual Council, where leaders meet to assess progress, strengthen mission initiatives, and plan the church’s strategic direction for the next five years.
The worship service brought together the three executive officers of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists — Pastor Erton Köhler, President; Pastor Richard McEdwards, Executive Secretary; and Pastor Paul Douglas, Treasurer. Joining them were Pastor Magdiel Pérez Schulz, Assistant to the President of the General Conference, and Pastor Robbie Berghan, the newly elected Vice President for Global Media and Engagement of Hope Channel International.
A Call to Bold Faith and Urgent Mission
In his Sabbath message, Köhler drew lessons from Revelation chapters 10, highlighting the Adventist movement’s prophetic identity and mission-driven calling. Referring to Revelation 10:2, he explained that the “little book open in his hand” symbolizes the book of Daniel — once sealed but now revealed — signifying that God’s truth continues to unfold for His people.
“The Adventist movement was born with an open Bible in its hand,” he said. “We are a people of the Book — a movement that at the beginning is grounded in the Bible.”
Quoting Revelation 10:6, Köhler reminded listeners that there should be “no more delay any longer.” He called for renewed urgency in fulfilling the church’s gospel commission. “We are born with a sense of urgency. The time is short — no more delay. We must move forward now to accomplish the task God has given us. We cannot be afraid.”
The Remedy for Disappointment
Köhler reflected on Revelation 10:8–10, describing the experience of the Great Disappointment — sweet in the mouth but bitter in the stomach. “That day was filled with expectation,” he said, “but it was also a day of hope.”
He emphasized that God provided a remedy for the church’s early disappointment, found in Revelation 10:11: “You must prophesy again.” “Mission is the remedy,” he said. “God’s response to disappointment is the call to go — to preach again, to witness again, to share hope again. We are a movement born for mission.”
Bold in Faith, Bold in Mission
Drawing parallels between Revelation 10 and Revelation 14, Köhler underscored that both chapters proclaim their message “with a loud voice.” He urged the church to be bold in every aspect of its mission.
“Our church, from its beginning to its end, is called to be bold in faith,” he said. “Bold in courage, bold in faith, bold in our investments — because money follows mission — bold in preaching with a loud voice, and bold in planning beyond the ordinary. If the Holy Spirit is leading, no one can be against us.”
One Voice for a Global Message
Concluding his message, Köhler called the world church to united action. “We are calling our church worldwide to speak with one voice — using all forms of media — in one global movement to share that Jesus is coming soon,” he said. “We are part of a movement. We are called to be God’s voice, not the echo of the culture.”
The special Sabbath worship served as a reminder that the Adventist Church’s identity is inseparably tied to its mission. As SSD leaders continue their annual council meetings, the call to move forward boldly in proclaiming Christ’s soon return remains the central focus of their shared purpose.