Secretaries Retreated and Convened in Thailand to refocus on the mission and to “make a visible difference” in the work area

Administrative secretaries representing various institutions, missions, and conferences within the Southern Asia-Pacific region convened at the Centara Grand Ladprao Bangkok on July 24-27. The convention focused on the mission of the secretariat and practicing a culture that speaks loudly of an organized creator, Jesus Christ.

Over 200 delegates eagerly desired to recalibrate their momentum and refresh their skills to deliver the best service to the church. The secretaries were reminded of their responsibilities and how their performance affect and contribute to the growth of their respective organizations.

Present during the meeting were leaders and guests from the Adventist world church and the regional headquarters of the Southern Asia-Pacific region.

GT Ng, Executive Secretary of the General Conference opened the gathering by reminding the delegates about the value of stewardship as secretaries and how it should be applied and practiced in every opportunity provided to them.

“As secretaries, we are called to practice the spirit of accountability. We are here for a purpose. You are accountable to God stewards as to how you will make use of your time and experiences you had here in Bangkok,” Ng said.

Elder Claude Richli, elected associate secretary of the General Conference and liaison officer to the Inter-European Division, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division, the Trans-European Division, the Middle East and North Africa Union Mission, the Israel Field, and the Adventist International Institute of Advance Studies also graced the event to share important updates and new ideas in furthering the Lord’s work in the SSD territory.

Elder Richli in his opening statement expressed his appreciation to all administrative and assistant secretaries for their commitment and dedication to perform their tasks beyond what is expected of them.

“You are the true pillars and columns of the church,” Elder Richli said pertaining to secretaries and their supervisors for their long years of service and for their fervent support to the Lord’s work.

“For those of you who just started, this meeting is a way for you to feel that you belong to a great organization, a great church, a great team,” Richli added.

Professional development, relationships, and quality performance were the main topics discussed during the meeting.

Edward Rodriguez