Eleven-year-old, Sophia Elizabeth Cabahug-Fugoso, a representative from the Southern Asia-Pacific (SSD) region for the General Conference’s Messenger of Hope initiative, reminded world church leaders that age is no barrier to participating in God’s mission.
Sophia delivered her message, “One Little Voice, One Great Mission,” during the General Conference Annual Council in Maryland on October 13, 2026.
Pastor Felixian Felicitas, SSD field secretary, introduced Sophia to the delegates. Pastor Jacinth Adap, SSD treasurer then led the opening prayer, asking God to give the young speaker wisdom, courage, confidence, and peace as she addressed church leaders from around the world.
A Grade 5 student at the Adventist University of the Philippines Elementary School, Sophia began by acknowledging the courage required to speak before such a large gathering.
“I am sure God can use anybody, whether big or small, to share His Word,” she said.
At the heart of Sophia’s message was the biblical account of the young Israelite maid who served in the household of Naaman. Although the girl had been taken away from her family, she chose compassion instead of bitterness and directed Naaman to the prophet of God.
Sophia emphasized that the young girl did not possess a prominent position, public platform, or widespread recognition. She simply had faith and the courage to speak.
“One little girl, one sentence, one act of courage, one soul saved, one family transformed,” Sophia said. “That is mission.”
She challenged church leaders and members to recognize people who may appear strong on the outside but are experiencing pain and spiritual emptiness within. Mission, she explained, begins when Christians notice hurting people and point them to Jesus, who can heal both body and soul.
Sophia also shared a story from Palawan, Philippines, about a 10-year-old girl named Julia. After receiving a flyer advertising a free Adventist dental mission, Julia invited her uncle, Erwin, who was suffering from an infected tooth, to attend. Although initially hesitant, he accepted the invitation.
The kindness he experienced at the dental mission led him to attend an evangelistic meeting. He continued attending and eventually accepted Jesus.
“One whisper became a man’s salvation,” Sophia said. “One healed tooth opened a soul to eternity.”
Drawing from her own experience, Sophia shared how she participated in a children’s evangelistic series conducted by her mother at Tartaria Public Elementary School. For 29 afternoons, approximately 130 children learned Bible truths through Scripture songs, stories and activities.
Sophia initially expected to help with crafts, songs and welcoming the children. Instead, the experience deepened her own relationship with Christ. When an appeal for baptism was made, she responded and joined 20 others in giving their lives to Jesus.
“Jesus did not save me so I could simply wait for heaven,” she said. “He saved me so I could help others find heaven, too.”
Sophia told delegates that Jesus never asks children to wait until they are older before following Him. She affirmed that children, young people and adults can all participate in sharing the gospel.
She also expressed appreciation to church leaders for creating opportunities for children and young people to become witnesses for Christ.
“Thank you for believing in children,” she said. “Thank you for believing in young people, and thank you for helping build a church where little voices can become mighty witnesses for Jesus.”
Near the conclusion of her message, Sophia recounted the rescue of a seven-year-old girl following a devastating flood in Nepal. Rescue workers continued searching until they found the child alive beneath the mud and debris four days later.
Sophia connected their persistent search with the mission of the church, noting that many people feel buried beneath disappointment, grief and loneliness. Just as Jesus came into a broken world to seek and save humanity, she said, He now asks His church to continue searching for others.
She invited those present to remain committed to mission despite their own pain, challenges and disappointments.
“There are still people to reach. There are still children to teach, and there are still broken hearts to love,” Sophia said. “Here I am, Lord. Send me.”
Sophia concluded by calling every child, young person, church member and leader to become part of one united mission: helping others know Jesus.
“One little voice,” she declared, “one great mission.”