A new administrative office to serve the boundaries of Myanmar and Thailand has been recommended for formation in order to support the Adventist Church's mission refocus initiative. The decision was made at the recent Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Midyear Executive Committee meeting, which was held on May 2-3, 2023, at the Life Hope Impact Center in Silang, Cavite, Philippines.
The Southeastern Asia Union Mission in Thailand will be in charge of the Myanmar-Thailand Attached Region. The Myanmar-Thailand Attached region was realized to accommodate the expanding population between the borders of Myanmar and Thailand and to cater to the growing needs of families and individuals situated in this challenging area.
The establishment of the new area is part of the church's efforts to streamline its administrative structure and concentrate more on its purpose of gospel spread. The new region is supposed to help better organize the church's efforts in these borders and discover strategies to further the mission in this location.
The Thailand-Myanmar border area is considered a difficult location due to ongoing political unrest and widespread displacement. Thousands of people have been displaced as a result of border conflicts between the government and ethnic minority groups.
Many of the displaced families are not refugees and thus do not have access to healthcare, education, or legal protection, further complicating the situation. Many families are living in overcrowded, filthy conditions with little food, shelter, or water, resulting in a humanitarian calamity.
Given these difficulties, the Seventh-day Adventist Church is encouraged to establish a presence in the area in order to assist displaced families. The Adventist Church seeks to deliver hope, consolation, and practical assistance to those in need while also spreading God's love and compassion.
The border mission of the church focuses on teaching and assisting conflict-displaced children and families. This includes managing schools and education programs that help students continue their studies and gain life skills, as well as giving food, shelter, and medical treatment to those in need.
By establishing a presence on the border, the Adventist Church hopes to work with local communities and NGOs to assist displaced families and the most vulnerable. It alleviates suffering, promotes peace, and safeguards everyone's fundamental human rights.
"We believe that this move will enable greater mission unity, efficiency, and effectiveness, as well as more effective use of resources and personnel," stated Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division.
The establishment of the Myanmar-Thailand Attached Region is also considered a response to the region's changing geopolitical situation, which has forced the church to reposition itself strategically.
"We live in a rapidly changing world, and we must be adaptable and flexible in order to fulfill our mission to the best of our ability," Pastor Caderma stated.
The decision to establish the new area was made following the advice of the Conference/Mission Status Survey Commission at their meeting on March 9, 2023.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church has a long history of mission activity in Myanmar and Thailand, and the establishment of the Myanmar-Thailand Attached Region is considered a step forward in strengthening the church's presence and impact in the region.
Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department