News and Features

From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

7dh1763952342639.jpg

fsE1763952331941.jpg

CC71763952320315.jpg

qVm1763952302958.jpg

b8N1727697411473.webp

Related topics God Is Looking for Dreamers, General Conference President Says At the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, GC president Erton Köhler urges Adventist leaders to embrace God‑given dreams, trust His unexpected strategies—such as dreams that reach hearts in difficult regions—and boldly partner with Him in advancing mission among major world religions.
Miracles in mission often happen in unexpected ways, General Conference president Erton Köhler said during his message on the last day of the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, June 13. It is the reason God is looking for dreamers who can connect to the dreams He already has, Köhler emphasized. The event in Thailand gathered more than 400 leaders, delegates, and representatives who are working to build bridges of understanding with major people groups of other cultures and faiths, especially those who live and serve in countries with significant Muslim populations. To that end Köhler reminded leaders, “God can use our imperfect strategies to reach hearts.” The Power of Dreams In the context of connecting with people of the Muslim faith, Köhler explained that there is a strategy that does not belong or depend on us: “Dreams,” he said. “It’s God’s strategy, not ours.” Köhler explained how effective dreams are to reach hearts in some cultures. “But they don’t depend on us; God decides whom to reach this way,” he said. “The results are impressive.” In the next few minutes Köhler shared real-life cases of people of non-Christian faith who received dreams—sometimes over the span of weeks—until they decided to act upon them. In some cases those dreams led them to a change of direction or major turnaround in their lives. “Imagine,” Köhler exclaimed. “Tonight God will give dreams to some people. . . . God will not wait for us to solve the outreach problem. He will arise in the middle of the night to reach those hearts.” Bold Enough to Join God in His Work Köhler explained that although this element of dreams can sound strange to us, in the Bible God often used dreams to open new mission frontiers. He mentioned Jacob in Bethel, Joseph in prison, Pharaoh’s dreams, and the ones God gave to the Babylonian king. He also referenced Joseph’s dreams in the Gospels. “God used dreams to open doors and hearts for the mission,” he said. In the same way that God worked in the past, “He continues to reach hearts and open doors to the other children of Abraham,” Kohler emphasized. “So the question is not whether He is working; the question is if we are bold enough to be His partners when the people He has visited come looking for answers.” In a missiological context, every major movement begins as a dream before it becomes a reality, Köhler said, as he mentioned Abraham, Moses, Paul, and the pioneers of the Adventist movement. “The future is born twice—first, in a dream and then, [it becomes] a reality.” It All Started With a Dream Based on the biblical story of Joseph, Köhler reminded mission leaders that before Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams, saved Egypt, became prime minister, and preserved Israel, all he had was a dream. “He was just another son of Jacob until the dreams began.” He was mocked for those dreams, Köhler reminded mission leaders. “They seemed the fantasy of a teenager who didn’t understand how the world works.” But, Köhler emphasized, “God rarely announces His dreams with trumpets,” as “dreamers come from ordinary families, ordinary backgrounds, and live in ordinary circumstances.” He added, “What sets them apart is not their credentials, family name, or position, but what happens . . . when they choose to believe and open their eyes.” In that regard, “God’s dreams are not a reward but a calling,” Köhler said, “and like every calling from God, they arrived before Joseph, his family, or the world was ready.” He added, “The dream always precedes preparation.” Straight From the Mind of God Köhler also emphasized that from the very beginning, Joseph was recognized as a dreamer. When his brothers saw him, “they said to one another, ‘Look, this dreamer is coming!’ ” Köhler read from Genesis 37:19. “It became his identity,” Köhler said. “[His brothers] meant it as an insult, but God heard it as a title.” Against that background of rejection, Joseph’s brothers thought that by killing the dreamer, they would get rid of the dream, Köhler said. “But they didn’t understand that you can silence the dreamer but not destroy the dream. Because the dream does not live in the dreamer’s story but in the mind of the God who gave it. And no thief, no betrayal, no false accusation, no prison cell, has ever reached deep enough” to kill God’s dream. So, in the end, “Joseph’s dreams didn’t only come true—God exceeded them!” According to Köhler, that was God’s message to each Adventist attending the Mission Refocus conference, as God calls everyone to revisit the dreams He has given them. “Dust them off and [share] them aloud, and trust that the God who gave the dream from the very beginning intends to do far more that we can ever imagine.” The original version of this story was posted on the Adventist Review website Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

At the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, GC president Erton Köhler urges Adventist leaders to embrace God‑given dreams, trust His unexpected strategies—such as dreams that reach hearts in difficult regions—and boldly partner with Him in advancing mission among major world religions.

God Is Looking for Dreamers, General Conference President Says

Related topics “Let Us Be Bold, Let Us Be Faithful!” GC Secretary Urges Mission Leaders At the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, GC executive secretary Rick McEdward urges Adventist leaders to boldly engage unreached people groups, strengthen discipleship, and use every available avenue—personal and digital—to share Christ amid the challenges of the 10/40 Window, post‑Christian societies, and rapidly growing cities.
The Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to reaching every nation, tribe, language, and people remains as relevant today as ever, delegates heard during a Friday evening service message presented by General Conference executive secretary Rick McEdward at the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, Thailand, June 12. The gathering brought together church leaders, Adventist Mission directors, and field workers serving in diverse regions around the world, particularly in areas where access to the gospel remains limited. The conference focused on strengthening the church’s commitment to sharing Christ’s love among populations that have yet to be fully reached. Drawing from decades of missionary experience, McEdward reflected on his own family’s journey in mission service and highlighted three significant global mission challenges facing the church today: the 10/40 window, the post-Christian window, and the urban window. “The challenge before us is significant,” McEdward said as he described the vast populations still waiting for an opportunity to learn about Jesus. He reminded delegates that mission work requires both courage and compassion, emphasizing the importance of building authentic relationships with people from different cultural and religious backgrounds. He encouraged church members and leaders to intentionally engage with communities beyond their own circles of faith. “Are we only mingling with fellow believers, or are we building meaningful friendships with those who have not yet heard the message of hope?” he asked. McEdward also highlighted the importance of careful and intentional discipleship. He noted that individuals exploring faith often face unique challenges and require thoughtful spiritual support as they grow in their relationship with Christ. “We do not want to lose anyone along the journey,” he said. “We must be intentional in helping people become strong disciples.” Throughout his message McEdward emphasized that the church’s mission is not simply to expand its presence but to faithfully reflect the character of God. “We have a God to display—a God who forgives and a God who saves,” he said. “People deserve the opportunity to make an informed choice about Him.” He noted that rapid global changes, including population growth in major cities and the rise of digital communication, are reshaping how mission is carried out. As a result both personal relationships and digital platforms present valuable opportunities for believers to share their faith. McEdward encouraged attendees to utilize every available avenue to connect with people, whether through personal interactions, community engagement, or online ministry. As the message concluded he called on church leaders and mission workers to continue serving with conviction despite the challenges before them. “Let us be bold,” he urged. “Let us be faithful!” The Mission Refocus Conference continues to equip leaders and frontline workers with strategies, resources, and encouragement as they seek to advance the gospel in some of the world’s most challenging mission territories, church leaders explained. “The gathering reaffirms the Adventist Church’s ongoing commitment to reaching people groups and communities where Christ’s message remains least known, while demonstrating His love through compassionate service and intentional discipleship,” they said. The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site . Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

At the Mission Refocus Conference in Bangkok, GC executive secretary Rick McEdward urges Adventist leaders to boldly engage unreached people groups, strengthen discipleship, and use every available avenue—personal and digital—to share Christ amid the challenges of the 10/40 Window, post‑Christian societies, and rapidly growing cities.

“Let Us Be Bold, Let Us Be Faithful!” GC Secretary Urges Mission Leaders

Related topics Reaching Buddhists In Buddhist-majority communities, faith often grows not through debate but through friendship, compassion, and answered prayer. This article shares stories of Buddhists who encountered God through trusting relationships and simple prayers—showing how quiet acts of love can open hearts where logic and preaching cannot.
I remember the night I shared a simple prayer with a Buddhist woman who had been haunted by spirits in her room. She had tried every ritual, every offering, every prayer her faith demanded, but nothing brought peace. “I don’t know why this keeps happening,” she said softly, eyes wide with fear. Before I suggested a simple prayer, I had tried—in my own ignorance—to use logic and reasoning, pointing out contradictions in her beliefs. I asked, “Why would you worship spirits that torment you? Why devote yourself to beings that bring fear instead of peace?” She didn’t have answers, yet she stayed devoted. I realized that unlike in many Western contexts where we prize the pursuit of truth and knowledge, many Buddhists—and people across Asia—value harmony, unity, and the preservation of their cultural and spiritual identity. Asking someone to question their whole belief system can feel like asking them to disrupt the foundation of their life. Finally I said, “What do you have to lose? You’ve tried everything else,” and invited her to pray to a God of love. The little that she knew of God was from what I had shared with her, yet she trusted me—and that trust was enough for her to take the chance.That night she slept without fear for the first time. During the next two years, as we prayed, talked, and shared life together, she slowly came to know God—not through debate, not through persuasion, but through friendship and a personal encounter with God. [1] Faith often spreads in ways we don’t expect. Across Asia, in places where Christianity is a tiny minority, lives are changing quietly—not only from sermons or formal teaching, but from one believer here and one believer there simply living out their faith and introducing their friends to their prayer-answering God. Why Friendship and Prayer Matter Christian mission work in Buddhist-majority countries has often struggled to see visible results. Large public evangelistic efforts, theological debates, and Western-style apologetics often fail—not because Buddhists are indifferent to spiritual matters, but because for them, persuasion alone rarely forms lasting faith. Many Buddhists value peace, compassion, moral living, faithfulness, and loyalty to tradition. For them, religion is less about seeking new truth claims and more about faithfully following the spiritual and cultural practices they were raised with. Arguments that focus on correction or comparison often close doors rather than open them. What resonates instead is lived experience: freedom from fear; healing; peace; and love embodied in real relationships. When the gospel is encountered not as a critique of identity but as an invitation to experience goodness, and an encounter with One who will answer the cries of their hearts, those hearts begin to open. Transformed Lives Friendships leading to prayer encounters have repeatedly led to lasting transformations. Consider the stories of Vat, Vinny, and Dao and San: [2] Vat Vat was known in his village as a drunk, a gambler, and a troublemaker. His addictions left his family hungry and on the brink of losing their home. One day a neighbor approached him and shared about Jesus and the possibility of a better life. He prayed with and for Vat. That single conversation, together with prayer, was the catalyst for Vat’s transformation. He left his addictions, studied the Bible with his neighbor, rebuilt his family, and today serves as a lay pastor. Vinny Vinny grew up alternating between spirit worship and nominal Christianity. As a teen he spiraled into drugs, depression, and single parenthood. One day two girls from the Adventist church stopped by his food cart and shared what they knew of God—His love, and His willingness to hear and answer our prayers. Through their care and witness, Vinny began to experience hope and peace. When he prayed for his mother’s healing and saw her pain vanish overnight, his faith became real. Today Vinny serves in medical mission work and as a lay leader, sharing the same hope he first encountered because one Christian took the time to share what they knew. Dao and San Dao and San were a young Buddhist couple whose infant son, James, began waking each night in terror after they moved into their new home. According to their beliefs, building over a former stream meant the spirits tied to the land were displeased and would torment the household. Desperate for help, they visited spiritual healers, but nothing brought relief. Finally, at the suggestion of Dao’s sister, who was a new Christian herself, Dao began praying to God and keeping a Bible near her son. Within days James began sleeping peacefully. Grateful for her son’s healing, Dao started attending church. Though San later opposed her decision—sometimes locking her and James out of their home—Dao remained faithful and continued praying for her husband. For seven years she and her church community prayed consistently for San. In time, San asked to learn more about Christianity, admitting that if God were real, He would need to help him overcome his addictions. As he encountered God’s love through prayer, Scripture, and a caring community, he experienced victory over his addictions. San chose to be baptized and now serves as a lay pastor. They now live in a larger home and host regular worship gatherings. What a difference God made through persistent prayer! What all these stories have in common is simple but profound: In each case a Buddhist encountered God because one Christian shared what they knew—through friendship, lived example, and through introducing that Buddhist friend or loved one to a prayer-answering God. Ellen White reminds us that in eternity the redeemed will recognize those who pointed them to Jesus. Some will say: “ ‘I was a sinner’. . . ‘without God and without hope . . . ; and you came to me, and drew my attention to the precious Saviour as my only hope. . . .’ “Others will say: ‘I was a heathen in heathen lands. You left your friends and comfortable home, and came to teach me how to find Jesus. . . . I demolished my idols, and worshiped God, and now I see Him face to face. . . .’ “What rejoicing there will be as these redeemed ones meet and greet those who have had a burden in their behalf! And those who have lived, not to please themselves, but to be a blessing to the unfortunate who have so few blessings—how their hearts will thrill with satisfaction!” 3 Turning Supposed Barriers Into Bridges Sometimes opportunities to befriend and pray with Buddhists are easily overlooked. A Buddhist holiday may not seem like an outreach opportunity for a Christian, but occasions of celebration and togetherness can present unexpected chances to befriend, to mention the hope God offers, and even to pray with our Buddhist neighbors, coworkers, and family members. Every year, in April, May, or June, millions of Buddhists around the world celebrate the festival of Vesak. Vesak commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. Like Christmas or Easter, it is a time of reflection, meditation, and acts of kindness. Many spend the day performing charitable deeds, practicing compassion, and seeking peace—values that resonate deeply with the heart of the gospel. For Christians, Vesak need not be a barrier, but can serve as a bridge. It highlights shared values and opens the door to meaningful conversation and tangible acts of love that demonstrate God’s goodness in action. These shared values provide a natural way to practice friendship evangelism , which is rooted in presence, care, and authenticity. So if you have Buddhist friends, take hold of this opportunity by: Serving together: Join your Buddhist neighbors (or invite them to engage) in volunteer work, visiting elderly individuals, or caring for those in need. Shared service reflects God’s love and naturally builds trust and connection. Asking meaningful questions: Show genuine curiosity about their faith and traditions. Questions such as “What does Vesak mean to you?” or “What brings you peace?” invite open, nonjudgmental conversation. Listening well and praying: People are far more open when they feel heard rather than corrected. As you listen, and as they learn that they can trust you, they may share some of the burdens of their hearts. It is then that you can gently tell them of a God who cares for them. As God opens the door, pray with them, asking and trusting God to provide for their needs. Of course, these practices extend beyond Vesak. Every small act of kindness, every authentic conversation, and every prayer shared can point someone toward God. Often it takes only one Christian willing to listen caringly and to pray with their Buddhist friend to open a life to freedom, peace, and love in Christ. It Still Takes Only One Across Asia and beyond, God is advancing His kingdom in quiet ways—through friendships, conversations, shared connections, and faith-filled moments of prayer. In places in which preaching is restricted and reasoning and logic often fall short, love still speaks, and answered prayers still melt hearts. It still takes only one person willing to build friendships, willing to tell what they know of God, and willing to share a prayer. And sometimes that is all God needs.  [1] This story was shared with me by a missionary friend; it is retold in first person for narrative flow. [2] All names have been changed. [3] Ellen G. White, Gospel Workers (Washington, D.C.: Review and Herald Pub. Assn., 1915), pp. 518, 519.  This article was first published in the Adventist Review, May 11 2026, https://adventistreview.org/lifestyle/arts-culture/culture-arts-culture/reaching-buddhists/ Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

In Buddhist-majority communities, faith often grows not through debate but through friendship, compassion, and answered prayer. This article shares stories of Buddhists who encountered God through trusting relationships and simple prayers—showing how quiet acts of love can open hearts where logic and preaching cannot.

Reaching Buddhists

Related topics Seventh-day Adventist Church Reaches Church Planting Milestone Currently, Global Mission supports 2,480 church planters, called Global Mission pioneers, who are working to start new groups of believers. “Church plants are just a beginning,” says Umesh Nag, Adventist Mission director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Asia, and a former Global Mission pioneer.
Silver Spring, Maryland, USA – The time it takes for a new Seventh-day Adventist Church to be established dropped below the three-hour mark. According to the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research, a new Adventist church was added every 2.97 hours in 2023. At that rate, a new church is being established approximately every three hours—or eight new churches every day. The last similar milestone was 23 years ago. In 2000 a new Adventist church was added every four hours—six churches a day. “I believe that mission is a miracle, and this growth in church planting represents the miracle that is happening more and more,” said General Conference secretary Erton Köhler. “That is the promise that we received from the Bible that closer to the second coming of Jesus, more and more miracles in mission will happen through the power of the Holy Spirit.” “We praise God that new Adventist churches are being planted faster than ever before,” says Gary Krause, director of the Office of Adventist Mission at the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. “But our focus is not on numbers. It’s on wholistic mission, making faithful disciples of Jesus.” The Office of Adventist Mission oversees the church’s Global Mission initiative to start new groups of believers in unentered areas and new people groups. It emphasizes, in particular, church planting in three “Mission Refocus” windows: the 10/40 Window, the Urban Window, and the Post-Christian Window. The 10/40 Window, stretching from northern Africa through the Middle East to Asia, contains some 60 percent of the global population, with most people coming from the major non-Christian religions. The cities are now where the majority of the world’s population lives, and the Post-Christian Window reflects the rapidly growing number of people who claim no religious affiliation, particularly in Western Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and North America. Currently, Global Mission supports 2,480 church planters, called Global Mission pioneers, who are working to start new groups of believers. “Church plants are just a beginning,” says Umesh Nag, Adventist Mission director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Asia, and a former Global Mission pioneer. “They start small, but the goal is to grow them into churches that will plant more churches.” Recently Nag visited a town chosen for a church planting project many years ago. Two Global Mission pioneers were sent to this area where there were no Adventist churches or members. They struggled at first, but eventually they established three churches—one in town and two outside of town. Today, each of these churches has about 125 members and they have started four more churches plus a couple of Adventist schools. One hundred years ago, there were 5,000 Adventist churches around the world. Today, there are some 100,000 churches and church membership has grown to some 23 million Adventists. “Doors are being opened, churches are being planted, and some of them in very challenging places of the world,” Köhler said. “It's a reason to celebrate. It's a reason to renew our confidence in the Lord and our commitment to the mission as well.” Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Currently, Global Mission supports 2,480 church planters, called Global Mission pioneers, who are working to start new groups of believers. “Church plants are just a beginning,” says Umesh Nag, Adventist Mission director for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Southern Asia, and a former Global Mission pioneer.

Seventh-day Adventist Church Reaches Church Planting Milestone

Related topics Relational Communities
Answer to a consumer-driven world Answer to a consumer-driven world
By Marcos Paseggi TEDnews / Adventist Review BELGRADE, Serbia — Despite seemingly being at odds, the Bible-based principles of Seventh-day Adventism can go a long way toward reaching out and connecting with secular people entrenched in a culture of consumerism, said Adventist pastor Brendan Pratt. Pratt, who was appointed earlier in 2024 as the new director of the Global Mission Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission at the General Conference, led a workshop during the 2024 European Pastors’ Council in Belgrade, Serbia, on August 28. In his presentation, Pratt described the main features of our current culture of consumerism and then suggested ways to counter that culture with a focus on community based on biblical principles. Church as a Product Based on his own early ministerial experience, Pratt shared how he and his team were good at presenting Adventism as a product. It was something that helped his congregation grow in numbers, but down the road, most members didn’t stay. Why? “Because they disappeared in search of a new product,” Pratt reflected. “If I could go back now, I would put a lot more effort into how to grow people beyond that initial engagement. … We never grew people beyond consumerism. We just let them be consumers, and something is just not right with that.” Pratt reflected on how his experience made him question whether church members are more influenced by consumer culture than by discipleship, prompting him to explore how to counter consumerism using biblical principles. Read about Brendan Pratt's appointment, "New Director to Lead Church’s Secular and Post-Christian Outreach"" The Power of Consumerism Based on the ideas of American psychologist Tim Kasser, Pratt explained that “in consumer culture, the goal is happiness. … And in a consumerist society, church members are consistently bombarded with the message that things will make them happy.” He further noted that throughout a typical day, individuals are continually confronted with reminders of ways to feel unhappy, accompanied by suggestions for products or actions that promise to bring happiness. “Time equals money, and money equals things, and things equal happiness. That’s the consumer culture we live in,” summarized Pratt, paraphrasing Kasser. Pastors often encounter this issue when individuals nominated for a church position agree to help but decline to be officially listed, because “they don’t want to be tied down.” “In a consumer culture, people value endless choices,” Pratt explained. This mindset also applies to marriage, which requires time — and time equates to money. “Consumerism is just an iteration of selfishness, and selfishness has been a problem since the Garden of Eden. But, consumerism is institutionalized selfishness,” Pratt said. “It reflects an attachment to what I don’t yet own.” Pratt explained that consumerism infiltrates and modifies existing systems. This influence is why many people selectively embrace certain aspects of Christianity (or Adventism) the ones that appeal to them as a product, leaving the rest aside. Just Like Watching a Movie? In summary, Pratt emphasized that consumerism is fundamentally about individualism, targeting specific markets, and fulfilling personal needs. Referencing the late Polish sociologist and philosopher Zygmunt Bauman, Pratt explained that consumerism has shaped our culture to favor endless choices, instant gratification, and fluid identities, where we resist being defined by our age or gender. It’s a culture that prefers sound bites over in-depth discussions. In this context, a church service can become a modified experience. “[Members] may start asking, ‘How does this service contribute to my happiness?’” he said. Quoting author Mark Sayers, he shared an example of members who are moved to tears by their worship experience in the morning, only to engage in actions that contradict those emotions later that very same night. “Why is that?” he said. “Because many people place their church experience in the same category as a movie. … We are moved by it, but once it’s over, we get back to real life.” Facing Consumerism In light of this, the challenge for the church is, to some extent, “to present itself as consumable,” Pratt said. “Otherwise, no one engages. At the same time, the church must seek ways of growing people beyond consumerism. … What does it look like to come up in a modified form [without losing] substance to move people beyond consumerism?” On the other hand, Pratt noted that the opposite of consumerism is not anti-consumerism but community: “Consumerism attempts to modify community, creating brands that give the illusion of community, but genuine community stands in opposition to consumerism.” Countering Consumerism “What if there were a group of people that had the ingredients to form a countercultural community, one that helps individuals grow beyond consumerism?” Pratt asked. He suggested that such a community should be rooted in biblical principles. “Take the Sabbath,” Pratt continued. “On the Sabbath, time doesn’t equate to money, which opposes consumer greed. The Sabbath goes against a culture of instant gratification, against a culture of endless production.” Quoting Walter Brueggemann, Pratt emphasized that the Sabbath fosters relational community, saying, “The Sabbath is the opposite of consumerism.” He pointed out that it’s not just about telling people, ‘Keep the Sabbath because studies show that resting one day a week will make you more productive.’ Instead, he argued, “The Sabbath is about being fully human. On the Sabbath, we disengage from the world to engage in something deeper.” Pratt also mentioned creation, saying, “A lot of authors who are not even Christian say that the more you engage in creation, the less consumer-driven you are.” The reason? You don’t take creation as just a commodity, he explained. And what about the cycle of life? Pratt pointed out how it forces all to confront death. “Death challenges consumerism,” he said. Death is a reminder of “what you have dedicated our lives to. Death clarifies life. … and strips away the superficial allure of consumerism.” He suggested that an antidote to this is fostering intergenerational connections. “When children see and interact with elderly people, they become less inclined toward consumer-driven thinking,” he shared. So, where would you find a community where young and old can be together?” Pratt asked, before answering his own question: “In church. Church is the place where we can put all elements together.” A Better Way of Doing Things In summary, Pratt asserted that “a spiritual community is the opposite of consumerism because consumerism is a spiritual disposition and can only be addressed by another spiritual disposition.” He elaborated, “Consumerism gives you the vision of a better life. The challenge is to create a better vision. So, what does it look like to create a picture of a better life for people?” Pratt then connected this idea to the Adventist emphasis on the three angels’ messages. “What if there’s a group of people who say there’s a first angel that calls people to worship the Creator?,” he said. “What if there’s a people that says, ‘There’s a better system. There’s a better system of values not based on the selfishness of Babylon’? What if there’s a group of people that calls people out of that system, saying, ‘There’s a better way of doing things. There’s a better way to be human?’” Pratt concluded by quoting the apostle Paul in Romans, where Paul urged Christians “not to be conformed to this world.” “In Romans 12,” Pratt explained, “Paul describes life as being about worshiping [verses 1-3], serving [verses 3-8], connecting [verses 9-10], growing [verses 11-12], and sharing [verses 14-21].” This vision can become a reality within the community of the church. And that, Pratt emphasized, is the opposite of consumerism, saying, “Relational community is the answer.”  Republished with the permission of the author. Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Relational Communities

Related topics Global Mission Pioneers Gather in Bali
First-ever convention draws 130 pioneers from across SSD First-ever convention draws 130 pioneers from across SSD
By Edward Rodriguez and Carol de Oliveira The first-ever Global Mission Pioneers Convention in the Southern Asia-Pacific region (SSD) brought together an assembly of dedicated laypeople, Adventist Mission directors, and global church leaders from August 21–26, 2024, at the Plagoo Holiday Hotel in Bali, Indonesia. With the theme, “I Will Go… To See Him,” the event underscored the commitment of more than 130 pioneers who have been instrumental in spreading the gospel in some of the most challenging areas of the world. Global Mission pioneers are lay people and pastors who dedicate at least one year to establishing congregations in unentered areas within their own cultures. Their deep understanding of local customs, fluency in the language, and ability to seamlessly integrate into their communities give them a unique advantage in mission work. Since 1990, these pioneers have established over 11,000 new Seventh-day Adventist congregations worldwide, making a significant impact in spreading the message of hope and salvation. More than 2,500 Global Mission pioneers are currently active across the globe, sharing the good news through a holistic approach to ministry. This approach includes caring for the sick, teaching agricultural skills, running literacy programs, holding evangelistic meetings, and conducting Bible studies. Their work exemplifies the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to reach every nation, tribe, language, and people. In the Southern Asia-Pacific region, Global Mission pioneers face significant challenges as all eleven countries in this territory fall within the 10/40 window — a vast and challenging area where many people have yet to hear the gospel. This region is home to more than 686 million people, making the task of reaching them both daunting and critical. Associate secretary and Adventist Mission director in SSD, Pastor Joni de Oliveira, welcomed all delegates from the Southeast Asian region and expressed his excitement to witness and hear their stories of mission in their respective field. “We aim to empower each delegate with the knowledge and resources they need to succeed in their mission work. That’s why we’ve brought together our leaders and frontline missionaries, who have remarkable experiences to share. We want to equip them with practical tools, proven examples, and inspiration drawn from real-life testimonies of those who have lived — and are living — successful mission journeys. Through these stories, we hope to ignite their passion and guide them toward even greater success in their own ministries,” De Oliveira shared. The convention served as a time of spiritual renewal and strategic planning for the pioneers, who engaged with Adventist Mission leaders and representatives from the Adventist world church at the General Conference. Several speakers addressed the delegates, offering encouragement and valuable guidance as they continued their mission. Pastor Gary Krause, General Conference associate secretary and Adventist Mission director, spoke about the significant challenges and opportunities in spreading the Adventist message in today’s world. He pointed out that for every million people, there are only 6,530 Seventh-day Adventists, and in 49 cities with populations over a million, there are fewer than 10 Adventists. Even more strikingly, 43 of these cities have no Adventist presence at all. He highlighted the importance of cities as centers of influence in politics, entertainment, and the economy, emphasizing the need for a strong Adventist presence in these areas. “We're here because we are called on a special mission to share the love of Jesus. And church planting, starting new groups of believers, is the way that we move the mission of God forward,” Krause said. “And we must be constantly looking at those areas of the world, those people groups who have not yet heard the Adventist message. … That's the heart of what Adventist mission is all about, reaching them with a message of hope,” he added. Krause also introduced the idea of a "15-minute city," where within 15 minutes by bicycle or bus, residents can access essential services like grocery stores, education, and medical care. He challenged attendees to imagine the impact if within 15 minutes, everyone in such a city had access to an Adventist group that could be a beacon of light and influence. Although the challenges are great, Pastor Gary reminded attendees that the mission is not just theirs; it is God’s mission, as referenced in Matthew 24:14. On the other hand, Pastor Khamsay Phetchareun, director of the Center for Adventist-Buddhist Relations at the General Conference, emphasized the importance of following Christ's example by mingling with others to make friends for Jesus. He reminded delegates that many people feel lonely and long for connection. By using every opportunity to build friendships — whether through sharing a meal, attending funerals, or spending time with children — delegates can show the community that they care. Pastor Khamsay encouraged delegates to focus on being friends with everyone, no matter where they are or who they meet. He highlighted the need to connect with both adults and children, understanding that genuine care and friendship can make a lasting impact. Mingling with others is not just a task but a mission to bring them closer to Jesus. Leaders from the General Conference explained what the Global Mission Centers are in the Adventist Church. These centers are special places designed to support the church's mission, especially in reaching people who have not yet heard the Adventist message. Pastor Kleyton Feitosa, director of the General Conference’s Global Mission Centers , emphasized how important it is for Global Mission pioneers to connect with these centers. By doing so, they can receive mentorship and materials that help them in their work. These resources are key for pioneers to be more effective in sharing the Adventist faith and expanding the church’s mission around the world. This gathering in Bali stands as an inspiration for the global Adventist community. It calls on every member to support the mission by praying, giving, and even considering becoming a pioneer themselves. The stories of these dedicated men and women remind the Adventist Church community that the mission field is vast, and the need for workers is great. As the Southern Asia-Pacific region continues to face unique challenges in mission work, the Global Mission pioneers are a testament to what can be achieved when laypeople answer God’s call to go wherever He leads. The success of this first regional convention in Bali sets the stage for future gatherings, encouraging even more people to join the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. This news story first appeared on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division website and is republished here with permission. Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

First-ever convention draws 130 pioneers from across SSD

Global Mission Pioneers Gather in Bali

Related topics Global Mission Centers Boost Bid to Reach World
Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus. Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus.
By Adventist Mission staff  Seventh-day Adventist leaders have taken steps to better integrate the world church’s 13 divisions and attached fields with six Global Mission centers, which help the church better understand how to start new groups of believers among non-Christian people groups. The Global Mission Issues Committee meeting, held April 2-3, concluded with three recommendations: for Global Mission centers to help divisions train local leaders to reach high-priority people groups; for divisions to invite Global Mission centers to be part of the process of selecting and training missionaries for their territories; and for divisions to invite Global Mission center leaders to their year-end meetings. Global Mission Centers director Kleyton Feitosa also announced the establishment of Global Mission center advisories that will meet online twice a year. “This is really going to enhance the work,” Feitosa said on the second day of the meeting at world church headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. The advisories, which will include about 40 advisors, will allow for input and counsel from current leaders and people familiar each centers’ focus people group. Feitosa also announced new names for several of the centers to better reflect their purpose. The six Global Mission centers include the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Buddhist Relations, the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Jewish Relations, the Global Mission Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations, the Global Mission Center for South Asian Religions, the Global Mission Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission, and the Global Mission Center for Urban Mission. The non-Christian people groups that the Global Mission centers are helping to reach comprise 63 percent of the world’s population, or 5 billion people. Those groups are at the heart of a world church initiative called Mission Refocus, which prioritizes resources for frontline mission work with people in the 10/40 Window, city dwellers, and secular and post-Christian people. General Conference executive secretary Erton Köhler unveiled plans at the meeting to nearly double the number of front-line foreign missionaries to 627 from the current 332 over the next five years. In addition, another 4,000 volunteers will join the ranks for those who serve in foreign countries. “We are together warning this world and preparing everybody in the four corners of this world for the second coming of Jesus,” Köhler said. He emphasized that the three angels’ messages in Revelation 14:6-12 begin with a call to go into all the world, preaching the everlasting gospel “to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (NKJV), and noted that church co-founder Ellen White also underscored the importance of reaching every people group. Reading a statement that she made in the General Conference Daily Bulletin on February 20, 1893, he said, “There is home missionary work that is to be done, and we hear the plea, so long as there is so much sin and such need of labor in our own country, why manifest such zeal for foreign countries? I answer, our field is the world.” Adventist Mission director Gary Krause recalled that Adventists initially thought that they could proclaim the gospel to the world by reaching the various people groups who had immigrated to the United States. But, encouraged by Ellen White, they made arrangements to send the church’s first missionary to a non-Christian country in the 1890s. The missionary, a single woman named Georgia Burrus, arrived in India in 1895. In another milestone, more than 50 missionaries were sent to China in 1916, he said. The church’s current emphasis on reaching non-Christian people groups has its roots in a global strategy approved at Annual Council in 1986. “We rejoice that a new Adventist church is being organized today every 3 ½ hours,” he said. “However, the challenge remains. … It's time for a Mission Refocus on how we as Global Mission centers are working with the divisions, working together in an integrated way to reach the 10/40 Window, to reach the post-Christian window, and to reach the urban window.” General Conference president Ted N.C. Wilson praised what he called a revitalization of the six Global Mission centers and asked all church division presidents “to be very intentional in involving themselves with the centers.” The first center was opened in 1989. Wilson also urged church leaders to benefit from the experience of their predecessors. “I encourage you to build on what has been created,” he said. “Mission Refocus is not just another nice term. It is, by God’s grace, to help us finish the work.” Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Global Mission Issues Committee also discusses missionaries and Mission Refocus. 

Global Mission Centers Boost Bid to Reach World

Related topics New Director to Lead Church’s Secular and Post-Christian Outreach
Change comes as Adventist Church steps up efforts to reach demographic group. A Seventh-day Adventist pastor with a passion for sharing God with secular and post-Christian people in Australia has been entrusted with overseeing the Adventist Church’s growing efforts to reach the same demographic group worldwide.  Brendan Pratt, ministerial association secretary of the Australian Union Conference, will become the union’s associate ministerial association secretary while taking on the new responsibility of director of the Global Mission Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission , which is under the auspices of the Office of Adventist Mission at the General Conference. Pratt said he looked forward to seeing significant synergy between his current work in Australia and his new post at the Global Mission center, whose mandate is to equip the Adventist Church with new tools to help secular and post-Christian people know God. “I am passionate about seeing transformation in lives and communities as people connect with Jesus and grow in relationship with Him,” Pratt said. “I am particularly passionate about mission within secular culture.” Pratt takes the helm at the Global Mission center at a time when the Adventist Church is stepping up its efforts to reach secular and post-Christian people. A secular person is someone who is not affiliated with a church or other faith group, while a post-Christian person lives in a society based historically on Christian values but chooses to reject the authority of Christianity in his or her life. “Reaching secular and post-Christian people is one of the Adventist Church’s biggest mission challenges,” said Gary Krause, director of Adventist Mission. In an attempt to better reach them, the Adventist Church has made them a key plank in a new General Conference initiative called Mission Refocus, which prioritizes resources for frontline mission work. “It is one of the three Mission Refocus windows we are concentrating on — along with the 10/40 Window and the Urban Window,” Krause said. He expressed full confidence in Pratt, who holds a doctorate on the impact of consumerism on the Adventist Church and has worked as a pastor in Australia and New Zealand for nearly 30 years. “Dr. Pratt brings a rich experience ministering to these people in Australia and New Zealand, and I know he will bring a strong, practical vision to the Global Mission center,” he said. Pratt fills a post vacated by Kleber Gonçalves, who led the Global Mission center for 12 years and has joined AdventHealth in Florida as its director of faith strategy and external collaboration. Gonçalves said that his experience taught him that it is important to remember that Jesus’ Great Commission of Matthew 28:18-20 and the first angel’s message of Revelation 14:6 are calls for the everlasting gospel to be shared with everyone— every nation, tribe, language, and people. “That, of course, includes the secular and post-Christian mind,” he said. He advised those interested in sharing Jesus with secular and post-Christian people to seek an understanding of their worldview, with the purpose of finding connecting points that are relevant and meaningful to their lives, and to use “Christ’s method” to create opportunities that would not be possible any other way. “Christ’s method,” as described by Ellen White in The Ministry of Healing , is to mingle with people as one who desires their good, show sympathy for them, minister to their needs, win their confidence, and then invite them to follow Christ. “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people,” Ellen White writes on page 143. Pratt has bachelor's and master's degrees in theology from Avondale College in Australia. In 2021, he earned a PhD with the thesis, "Christianity and Advanced Consumer Culture: Shaping a Response with Reference to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Australia" from Charles Sturt University in Australia. Pratt is married to Amanda Bews, an author, and they have three sons from the ages of 16 to 22. His hobby is reptiles. “So we share our home with a variety of snakes, lizards and turtles,” he said. Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

New Director to Lead Church’s Secular and Post-Christian Outreach

Related topics A Modern Missionary Family Follows in the Footsteps of Pioneers
A church planter from Spain is following in the footsteps of the first official Seventh-day Adventist missionary, J. N. Andrews, by moving to Switzerland to proclaim Jesus’ soon coming. A church planter from Spain is following in the footsteps of the first official Seventh-day Adventist missionary, J. N. Andrews, by moving to Switzerland to proclaim Jesus’ soon coming. But Jonathan Contero faces a challenge that Andrews did not need to address on his arrival nearly 150 years ago: rampant secularism. The mission undertaking by Contero, his wife, and two young children is part of Mission Refocus, a General Conference initiative to prioritize resources for frontline mission work. Among other things, it calls on every church organization and institution to support sending missionaries to the most challenging mission areas of the world. The goal of Mission Refocus is to fulfill Matthew 24:14, where Jesus promised that He would return when the gospel is preached in all the world. Contero described it as a privilege to be sent to the same French-speaking region of Switzerland where Andrews once served. He and his family will live there for at least five years. “Our goal is to pour ourselves into enlarging the church and strengthening the mission,” he said. Contero’s background makes him well-positioned for the secularist and post-Christian challenges that await in Switzerland. For the past 11 years, he has worked as a pastor and church planter with a largely secular community in Madrid, Spain. Since 2019, he also has served as associate director of Global Mission’s Center for Secular and Post-Christian Mission at the General Conference. He will remain associate director while serving in Switzerland. "The Switzerland that Andrews encountered was largely Christian," Contero said. "Secuarism is the most urgent challenge that we have as a global church, not only in Europe and other Western countries, but also in countries that are becoming increasingly post-Buddhist, post-Hindu, post-Muslim, post-Jewish, and so on."  The Switzerland endeavor is the brainchild of Erton Köhler, executive secretary of the General Conference, and he expressed hope that it would “inspire other organizations, institutions, and local churches to see the world as our mission field.” “We would like to take advantage of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of our mission to renew the commitment to conclude the work our pioneers started,” he said by email. “I truly believe that if we increase the commitment to the worldwide mission, it will not only give a special impulse to our global initiatives to reach ‘every nation, tribe, tongue and people’ (Revelation 14:6), but will also renew commitment to local mission.” General Conference president Ted N.C. Wilson, who offered a prayer of dedication for Contero and his family during 2023 Annual Council, said not every Adventist can move to Switzerland but every Adventist should seek to be a witness within his or her sphere of influence. “There are individuals who will want to be part of the official missionary program of the church, and we encourage them to contact appropriate leaders in the church structure,” he said. “However, all members will want to tell the Lord, ‘I will go and be part of the final proclamation of Christ’s return,” he added. “This response can be made wherever you are. We are living in the last days of Earth’s history, and all should be part of Mission Refocus and Total Member Involvement.” Total Member Involvement is a General Conference initiative that encourages every church member to be involved in some form of mission and service. Contero’s undertaking shares similarities with that of Andrews, who set sail from America for Neuchatel, Switzerland, on September 15, 1874. Andrews was accompanied by his son, Charles, 16, and daughter, Mary, 12; his wife had died earlier. Contero will be traveling with his wife, Abigail, and their two children.  Like Andrews, Contero will be sponsored by the General Conference. He will also be going as a student of Andrews University, the Adventist Church’s flagship institution of higher education that is named after the first official missionary. Andrews University will represent all church organizations and institutions that participate in Mission Refocus. Contero will have at least one major advantage over Andrews. Andrews didn't speak French, while Contero speaks fluent French after studying for his bachelor’s degree in theology at Collonges Adventist University in Collonges, France. Contero's wife studied there, too. “We spent two years studying at Collonges, and they were the best years of our student life,” he said. Contero also has an MA in theology from Sagunto Adventist College in Sagunto, Spain, and is currently studying for a doctorate in missiology at Andrews University. Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

A Modern Missionary Family Follows in the Footsteps of Pioneers

Related topics Adventist Mission Staff Appointments Reaffirms Focus on Unreached
Gregory Whitsett and Kleyton Feitosa named to new positions. Gregory Whitsett and Kleyton Feitosa named to new positions.
By Andrew McChesney  Two newly appointed directors to the Office of Adventist Mission at the General Conference expressed a deep desire to advance Adventist Mission’s goal of proclaiming the gospel to unreached people groups around the world. Gregory Whitsett was named Adventist Mission planning director, and Kleyton Feitosa was appointed Global Mission Centers director. Both men are ordained pastors with extensive international mission experience. Whitsett, a U.S. national, lived and worked in southeast Asia for two decades, while Feitosa, a native of Brazil, has 18 years of cross-cultural experience, including as president of the Egypt-Sudan Field. Whitsett replaces Jeff Scoggins, who accepted an invitation to become president of the Minnesota Conference in the North American Division, whileFeitosa fills a position previously held by Whitsett. Whitsett said he has a two-part prayer in his new role as planning director, where he would be developing funding requirements for Global Mission projects and prioritizing which people groups are highly critical to reach. “First, I hope to follow in the footsteps of my predecessor, Jeff Scoggins, by being efficient in processing the applications of new projects and status reports of ongoing Global Mission projects around the world,” he said. “Secondly, I pray for wisdom to strengthen Adventist Mission’s support for church leaders who need updated data to sort through more than 7,000 unreached people groups and 550 mega cities worldwide and prioritize where new mission projects should be established.” Feitosa said he was praying “for wisdom and a renewed commitment to help bring Jesus to those who have had little or no exposure to the gospel.” As Global Mission Centers director, he will oversee the work of six centers that help start new groups of believers among non-Christian people groups. “As the newly appointed Global Mission Centers director, I’m asking God to give us a breakthrough and to show us the way to the hearts of billions of unreached people who currently adhere to other world religions and philosophies,” he said. Adventist Mission director Gary Krause welcomed the appointments of Whitsett and Feitosa, which were approved by the General Conference’s Administrative Committee in separate votes this week and last month. “Greg has done an excellent job as centers director,” Krause said. “But he brings the strong strategic mission thinking with attention to detail that we need for planning director, and I’m delighted he will remain part of our team.” About Feitosa, he said, “Kleyton will be a wonderful addition to the Adventist Mission team. bringing administrative, pastoral, and frontline mission service experience. As president of the Egypt-Sudan Field for four years, Kleyton experienced firsthand the challenges and opportunities of cross-cultural mission.” Krause also thanked Scoggins for his nearly eight years as Adventist Mission planning director. “We will greatly miss Jeff, who advanced the work of Adventist Mission in many ways, but know that he will be a blessing in Minnesota,” he said. Whitsett served as director of the GlobalMission Center for East Asian Religions, one of the six Global Mission centers under Adventist Mission, in Thailand from 2012-2022, while his wife, Amy, worked alongside him as associate director. Before that, the couple worked for 10 years in Laos with Adventist Frontier Missions. Whitsett was namedGlobalMission Centers director last year, and Amy became associate director of the General Conference’s Institute of World Mission. Whitsett currently is completing a doctorate in missiology from Andrews University. The Whitsetts have two adult sons, Tyler (married to Mikhaila) and Ryan, and a foster daughter, Seeda. Feitosa has served as pastor of Living Word Seventh-day Adventist Church in Glen Burnie, Maryland, since 2017. Before that, he worked as president of the Egypt-Sudan Field from 2014-2017 and executive secretary of the North American Division’s Chesapeake Conference from 2011-2014. He received a DMin in church growth from Andrews University in 2016. His wife, Delma, teaches at an Adventist academy, and they have two sons, Derek, a second-year university student, and Malton, a third-year academy student. Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Gregory Whitsett and Kleyton Feitosa named to new positions.

Adventist Mission Staff Appointments Reaffirms Focus on Unreached

Related topics Mission 360 Magazine Turns 10
Celebrating a decade of showing mission offerings at work. Celebrating a decade of showing mission offerings at work.
By Andrew McChesney Mission 360, the official mission magazine of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is celebrating 10 years of journalism that shows mission offerings at work. The quarterly publication was established in April 2013 as the place to find information about a full range of official church mission initiatives, including international missionaries, short-term volunteers, Global Mission pioneers, and tentmakers. “It shows how the full spectrum of the church’s mission initiatives work together to advance the gospel, and it clearly shows church members how their mission offerings are making a difference around the world,” said Gary Krause, director of Adventist Mission, which produces Mission 360. Mission 360 was the brainchild of G.T. Ng, who as General Conference executive secretary envisioned a magazine that would showcase the broad range of the church’s mission initiatives that are supported by mission offerings. He expressed delight with the result: a print and digital magazine that promotes and reports mission activities and challenges around the world in one united voice. “Readers get the impression that missionaries come in many varieties,” he said. “They are all missionaries, whether they are short-term volunteers, long-term cross-cultural International Service Employees (ISE), One-Year for Mission young people, tentmakers, Global Mission pioneers, etc.” Krause, who worked closely with Ng and serves as the magazine’s consulting editor, said that Ng wanted church members to be able to see their mission offerings at work. Mission 360 is meeting that goal, but the challenge, he added, is “we need to help more Adventists learn about the magazine, and how they can easily read it online in many different languages.” Mission 360 is published in English digitally and in print, and a few issues have been published in French, Portuguese, and Spanish digitally. Only the Beginning Laurie Falvo, the current editor, who has served on the magazine’s staff since its creation, said that the magazine’s 10-year anniversary is only the beginning. “My goal is to help as many church members as possible to be able to experience the challenges and successes of Adventist mission and to be able to help hasten Jesus’ coming by supporting it through their prayers, finances, and service,” she said. “I would like to have the magazine translated every quarter.” Falvo called it a privilege to have been able to publish many powerful and inspiring mission stories over the past decade. Asked to choose a favorite, she mentioned a story called “The Man with the Golden Tooth” that was published in third quarter 2019 . The story, by Galina Stele, is about a Canadian minister named T.T. Babienco whom the General Conference sent to China to supervise Adventist Russian-speaking churches and scattered believers in 1920. “This story has it all: danger, suspense, daring, unflinching loyalty, the heat of battle between good and evil, and a twist of events that left me in awe of God’s power and love,” Falvo said. “In the words of the author, ‘His experience reveals the long-lasting consequences of one Christian life fully dedicated to God.’” New and Daring Initiatives Moving forward, the magazine will have opportunities to report on new and daring mission initiatives, said Erton Köhler, who took the reins from Ng as General Conference executive secretary in 2021. “I envision this magazine as a great source of inspiring testimonies and special reports about our front-line mission projects, and as a way to share new strategic initiatives with the church,” he said. “This is something that the magazine has being doing the last 10 years, but we can renew the ways we are using these different initiatives to engage people.” He said the Adventist Church needs to develop more daring projects that gets it out of its regular routine. “This is a time when the world in falling apart,” he said. “We need to be more relevant in the ways we approach our mission, raising projects and challenging the church to be involved in initiatives that can really reach the world and see Jesus coming in the clouds of heaven in our generation.”  Mission 360 magazine: https://am.adventistmission.org/mission360-home Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Celebrating a decade of showing mission offerings at work.

Mission 360 Magazine Turns 10

Related topics New Director to Lead Center For East Asian Religions Khamsay Phetchareun, former Executive Secretary of the Southeast Asia Union Mission, has joined the Global Mission Centers, under the office of Adventist Mission. He now serves as the director of the Center for East Asian Religions. This center is one of six centers focused on helping the church reach out to people from non-Christian backgrounds.  “Dr. Phetchareun comes to us with rich experience in working alongside Buddhists, and understanding their cultures and beliefs,” says Gary Krause, director of the Office of Adventist Mission. “Born and raised within this context, he is especially well placed to share spiritually. He is also actively involved in promoting health and education.” Phetchareun says, “I am humbled to have been given this unique opportunity. I don’t know why God picked us, but I can trace God’s leading in my life in the past, so I know that He will continue to guide.” Phetchareun became a Seventh-day Adventist as a young adult, and studied theology at Avondale College in Australia. After marrying and raising his family in Australia, he and his wife returned to Southeast Asia to support the work of the church in that field in various capacities. This included serving as Associate Director for ADRA Myanmar, professor of religion at Asia Pacific International University in Thailand, and Mission Director in Laos. He also served at Fulton College in Fiji. Most recently, he has been serving as Executive Secretary of the Southeast Asia Union Mission. He holds a Doctor of Ministry degree, focusing on Buddhism, from Andrews University. Mission in Buddhist contexts has proved to be challenging for Adventists, and for Christians more broadly. Only about 1% of Thailand’s population is Christian, and other primarily-Buddhist countries also have very small Christian populations, despite more than 100 years of mission efforts in many of these countries. With this challenge in mind, the church established the Center for East Asian Religions with the purpose of finding more effective ways to connect with people with a Buddhist worldview. Over the years, the center has developed resources to assist the church in this area. “While progress among Buddhists has moved more slowly than we as a church might wish for in the past, and I don’t have all the answers myself, I believe that God can call Buddhists to Himself and direct us to them through prayer,” says Phetchareun. “There is power in prayer!” He emphasizes the importance of building relationships and demonstrating care for the community through acts of service before expecting to be heard. He notes that this is Christ’s method. “There is a saying,” he comments. “‘If I love you, your words are music to my ears. If I don’t like you, your words are like the sound of a mosquito to my ears.’” Prior to Phetchareun’s appointment, Greg and Amy Whitsett, who were long-time missionaries to Southeast Asia, served as director and associate director of the Center for East Asian Religions for 10 years. Greg is now fulfilling the role of planning director at Adventist Mission, while Amy is serving as an associate director at the Institute of World Mission. To learn more about the Global Mission Centers, visit GlobalMissionCenters.org . For more information about Adventist Mission, visit AdventistMission.org . Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox