During the Southern Asia-Pacific Division annual year-end meetings, Adventist church world leaders underlined the value of depending on the word of God as we live in the last days of earth’s history and as we participate in the world church’s movement of proclaiming the blessed hope in different parts of the world.
In a four-day worship series, world church leaders delivered inspiring and spirit-filled messages which encouraged attendees to reflect on their spiritual journey, and their relationship with Christ through various capacities given to them in their respective territories.
Ted Wilson: God’s mandate, who will go?
“God appreciates the heart and will that His children exhibit as they stand firm in front of the enemy’s cavalry. His church shouts with joy to proclaim the Three Angels Messages and bring hope to everyone around the world during Earth’s final moments. In days when our values and beliefs as Christians are being tested, in times when people don’t believe and understand what we say. In moments when our kindness is reciprocated with unruly behavior, will we still be able to stand and reveal a character worthy of God?”
Wilson reflected on 1 Thessalonians 14:5,6 and said, “there will come a time when all of you will be accused, criticized for standing firm and holding fast for what you believe. When you instruct people, the unruly, you are going to be criticized.” Wilson reminded the delegates that we must have the character of Christ as he continued in verse 15 of the same chapter which says, “ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and everyone else. Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Wilson reminded those in attendance “to be in an attitude of prayer at all times and to pray unceasingly.” He stressed that life will not be easy for anyone who serves the Lord. There will come a time when our palate for service will turn bland. Our fire isn’t spewing light the way it was before. When we are in moments of uncertainty, the Gospel reminds us to pray. Rejoice in the Lord! Seek refuge that we may be able to find our way back into His presence.
“Hold fast what you have from scripture. Don’t allow all of these destabilizing things to end, or in any way shape, your faith and your direction as a leader in the Southern Asia-Pacific Division… Don’t ever forget your purpose to seek, save, disciple all through the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Erton Köhler: God asks for urgency
Every day more and more people die without realizing that there is hope. This is our burden as a church to make the gospel available to everyone who wants to find hope in this sin-sick world. Köhler stressed to use every means available and to make a purposeful effort to reach every soul who wants to experience a change in their life.
“We have to ask ourselves, what are we doing to urgently reach people in our territory? Tomorrow might be too late,” Köhler stressed.
“Please execute God’s work with success and urgency. Plant in your heart a commitment to say ‘I Will Go!’ and make disciples. Give your best in each one of your responsibilities. Do the maximum to support our mission, always with a sense of urgency. We can’t lose time in God’s work,” Köhler added.
He stressed also that every minute that we lose represents people that we can’t reach. This refers back to the Spirit of Prophecy where Ellen G. White reminds us that “Every day the probation of some is closing. Every hour some are passing beyond the reach of mercy. And where are the voices of warning and entreaty to bid the sinner flee from this fearful doom? Where are the hands stretched out to draw him back from death? Where are those who with humility and persevering faith are pleading with God for him?” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 140)
Paul Douglas: God is looking for someone
God’s call to his disciples in the past is the same call that God is making to us today. He is calling us to proclaim the gospel in different parts of the world. Douglas reiterated that proclaiming Christ was given utmost importance. Despite the risks it entails, the disciples of Jesus live with a commitment of making sure that every soul they meet will have an encounter with Christ’s message of salvation.
“The harvest is ready to be reaped. Stand in the middle of the barley field with the intent of staying. Stand in the middle of the barley field ready to do the harvest. Stand in the middle of the barley field knowing that [the] victory is already won,” said Douglas.
Challenges, confusion, and doubt may arise amidst the work that God has called us to accomplish, Douglas reassured the delegates that “God will always be there.”
Duane McKey: Bringing the Message of Hope through the Airwaves
Elder Duane McKey, President of Adventist World Radio shared remarkable testimonies about rebel individuals in the mountains of Mindoro, surrendering to the government and renewing their lives to be one with God. McKey reminisced about their first visit to the Mindoro islands back in 2016 where they witnessed God’s work seen through radio ministry.
He shared about a community store up in the mountains where everyone comes together at a particular time to listen to God’s words through AWR radio broadcasters. It didn’t take long before more and more people were encouraged to listen and made a resolve to live a life in Christ based on the lessons they regularly heard from the radio program.
Since then, more mission opportunities have opened up in the island of Mindoro. From rebel groups in different parts of the islands, indigenous tribal groups living in the mountains, and low land inhabitants who are continuously seeking hope, the mission has grown significantly in this place inviting more people to reach this place and introduce Jesus as our blessed hope.
Adventist World Radio is working nonstop in different parts of the world to proclaim the everlasting gospel using different avenues to bring the message across and break down barriers.
“This is not the time to stop. This is the time to work even harder because more and more people need hope. That hope can only be found in Jesus,” McKey said.
This article was originally published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division’s news site.