Delegates attending the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s 2026 Mid-Year Meeting gathered once again for an early morning worship service as part of the ongoing Week of Prayer, centering their hearts on spiritual renewal and dependence on God.
Continuing the series themed “Blessed Are Those,” SSD Vice President Pastor Stephen Salainti reflected on the fourth beatitude found in Matthew 5:6, which says, “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.”
Addressing church leaders, administrators, and delegates from across the Southern Asia-Pacific region, Salainti emphasized the importance of seeking righteousness with the same urgency and necessity as physical hunger and thirst. He explained that righteousness should never remain a casual interest in a believer’s life, but rather become a deep longing to live according to God’s will and reflect His character daily.
“To hunger and thirst,” Salainti explained, “is a phrase Jesus used to express urgency and necessity.” He reminded listeners that spiritual fulfillment comes only through complete dependence on God.
Salainti acknowledged that human effort alone can never produce true righteousness. “We cannot produce righteousness on our own,” he said. “No one is naturally righteous.” Instead, he pointed delegates to the grace and mercy of God as the only source of spiritual healing and restoration from weakness.
Using practical illustrations, Salainti compared spiritual nourishment to maintaining a healthy diet. Just as physical health requires discipline in choosing nutritious food over unhealthy alternatives, spiritual health also requires believers to consistently choose Scripture, prayer, and communion with God over worldly distractions.
He encouraged delegates to recognize that righteousness is often formed through small, faithful decisions made each day. Regular time spent in prayer and Bible study, he noted, strengthens spiritual life and deepens dependence on Christ.
The devotional concluded with a reassuring reminder that God never ignores a sincere desire for righteousness. Delegates were encouraged to continue seeking God’s guidance as they proceeded with the Mid-Year Meeting sessions and discussions.
As leaders continue making decisions that will shape the mission and direction of the church across the Southern Asia-Pacific region, the message served as a timely reminder that every plan and report must remain grounded in God’s wisdom, love, and leading.