The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) Treasury Department, led by Pastor Jacinth Adap, treasurer of SSD, has reported significant progress in both professional and spiritual areas over the past year. With a commitment to promoting integrity and mission-oriented service, the department has focused on equipping its financial teams with skills that go beyond numbers.
Equipping for Service
During the last several months, the Treasury Department undertook a comprehensive training initiative on the SunPlus System. This system equips accountants and support staff with vital tools for managing church resources with integrity, ensuring that financial processes are both efficient and transparent. Additionally, a Treasurers' Spiritual Retreat gathered finance officers from unions, missions, hospitals, and colleges, focusing on the importance of spiritual leadership. Pastor Adap emphasized the sacred responsibility of handling the Lord’s resources, noting, “Our work is not just financial—it is spiritual.” Through this holistic approach, the Treasury team aims to build a foundation of faith, integrity, and commitment among its staff.
Division’s Financial Stewardship
Financially, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division has seen steady growth since 2020. Tithes have increased by an average of 6.2% annually, while offerings have surged with a remarkable 21.17% growth rate per year. These figures reflect the faithfulness and devotion of SSD members in returning their tithes and offerings, even amid challenging times. However, SSD remains focused on fostering a stronger spirit of generosity, particularly in offerings. To address this, the department has designated funds to support mission directors focused on stewardship, providing resources to pastors as they encourage members toward faithful stewardship.
In addition to operational achievements, SSD is committed to transparency and accountability in financial management. Out of the 171 entities under its jurisdiction, 83 entities have completed audits for 2023 and 2024. Results show that 55% received a clean opinion, 22% received a qualified opinion, and 18% were issued a disclaimer by auditors. Recognizing these challenges, SSD plans to establish support teams to work closely with organizations needing additional assistance in financial reporting and compliance.
Initiative Response for Mission
Looking to the future, SSD has also expanded its infrastructure to support its mission-driven activities. New accommodations on the Division Campus will serve personnel dedicated to Mission Refocus, Spirit of Prophecy & Adventist Heritage, and Adventist Identity, creating a base for leaders focused on strengthening Adventist identity across the region.
The 2025 budget has been strategically aligned with the division’s mission objectives. A provision of $2.6 million has been allocated to support the upcoming Harvest 2025 evangelistic outreach across SSD’s territories, demonstrating SSD's commitment to evangelism and community engagement. Additionally, appropriations to field operations will increase, addressing the needs of the recently bifurcated Northern Philippine Union Conference (NPUC) and ensuring resources are available to support local mission efforts.
“Together, we are committed to strengthening the financial integrity and mission of each entity within SSD,” Pastor Adap said. “United, we will advance our mission, sharing the gospel and proclaiming the hope of Christ’s soon return.”
The SSD Treasury Department extends heartfelt appreciation to all field teams and counterparts for their dedication and support. With gratitude and faith, SSD’s Treasury team looks forward to continued growth and impact, stewarding resources with integrity and purpose for the glory of God.
Edward Rodriguez
Email: erodriguez@ssd.org