From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

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Related topics ‘Mission Refocus’ stories challenge Adventist leaders to go where the need Is greatest Annual Council program highlights the need for more missionaries in underserved communities.
Seventh-day Adventist leaders on the second day of Annual Council set aside votes, reports and other agenda items Friday evening, October 9, for worship and reflection on what it means to answer God’s call to mission. More than 440 church leaders from around the world, gathered at the General Conference (GC) headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, heard firsthand accounts of faith, sacrifice, and service from missionaries serving in communities where sharing the gospel often begins with building trust, forming friendships, and finding new ways to connect with people. Their experiences, woven throughout the evening with music, Scripture readings, and interactive moments, offered a glimpse into Mission Refocus, the church’s effort to send more missionaries and resources to places where the Adventist presence is limited or nonexistent. The initiative emphasizes the 10/40 Window, major urban areas, and secular and post-Christian societies. The testimonies also reflected this year’s Annual Council theme, “Called for Mission,” through the experiences of missionaries serving across cultures and far from familiar surroundings. “Tonight is a special program centered on the stories and lives of those who have been sent through Mission Refocus,” said Rick McEdward, executive secretary of the GC, as he welcomed leaders. A mission that changed her Among the missionaries featured was Katie Davis, who spent nine months as a student missionary in Cambodia through the Andrews University student mission program. Davis served at an Adventist center of influence where language and music classes, a vegetarian restaurant, and other activities are designed to build relationships within the community. She said she quickly discovered that sharing her faith in Cambodia required a different approach. “My mission changed to be representing Jesus through my actions, my words, and my daily behavior, and completely relying on the Holy Spirit every single day,” Davis said. During her nine months there, Davis said she used her social work training to conduct mental health workshops in villages, help children develop social-emotional skills, form friendships that led to Bible studies, and help a Cambodian teenager prepare for studies abroad. But Davis told leaders that one of the greatest transformations took place in her own life. “My mission experience wasn't about what I wanted to give to my people, but it was the very tool that God used to disciple me, to break my assumptions, and to build my faith,” she said. Now pursuing a master’s degree in community and international development, Davis challenged church leaders to give young people opportunities to serve now. “When you give us, young people, the trust, the opportunity, and the space to go serve, whether that’s across the world in Cambodia or right here locally in our communities, God does incredible things in our hearts.” Building relationships in a post-Christian community For one missionary family serving in a highly secular, post-Christian setting, church planting has centered on building friendships and trust. By creating opportunities for meaningful connections, they have opened the way for people who might not initially connect with a traditional church to explore questions about life and faith. Those connections have gradually opened the way for deeper spiritual conversations. One participant who identified as an atheist began studying the Bible and attending Sabbath worship, while another who had described himself as agnostic expressed a desire to give God another chance. A Bible study group has since taken shape and is being developed as the foundation for a new congregation and a model for reaching other post-Christian communities. That experience reflects a broader challenge across the Trans-European Division (TED). Robert Csizmadia, the division’s executive secretary, pointed to its largest mission field, home to some 65 million people and nearly one-third of the division’s population, where there is roughly one Adventist for every 82,000 non-Adventists. In a region increasingly shaped by secular and post-Christian cultures, Csizmadia said reaching people requires new approaches to mission, describing TED as a “mission lab” for finding new ways to connect with those communities. “We want to be partners in mission,” he said. “We would like to accept you into our mission field. And we would like to support you in your mission field.” An alarm clock for mission Throughout the evening, the sound and image of an alarm clock reinforced a sense of urgency. Bible passages including Romans 13:11-12, John 9:4, Luke 10:2, Matthew 25:13, and Matthew 28:19-20 were used to point leaders toward the urgency of reaching people who have yet to hear the gospel. “These Bible verses are meant to be alarm clocks to awaken us in mission,” said Justin Kim, editor of Adventist Review . Kim then turned that reflection toward the audience, inviting leaders to use their phones for an interactive word cloud. They responded to questions about where they had served, where mission workers are most needed, and what mission needs most. Countries and regions from around the world appeared on the screen, while “workers,” “Holy Spirit,” “love,” and “prayer” emerged among the needs identified for mission. Kim also challenged leaders to consider what they were willing to surrender for mission, calling them to “reconsecrate” and “recalibrate” their lives with a greater burden for other cultures, countries, and peoples. Crossing the barriers McEdward returned to that urgency in his closing appeal, tracing the biblical call to take God's blessings to the nations and challenging leaders not to allow geographic, ethnic, linguistic, or religious barriers to limit the church's mission. “God's people are called to cross barriers for the gospel,” he said. “It's not for adventure that we go. It's not for some kind of extra stamp on our passport that we go.” He also pointed to the relationship between Mission Refocus and OneVoice27 , the church’s worldwide digital evangelism initiative. Digital tools can carry the gospel into new places, he said, but the church also needs people on the ground who can build relationships with those reached through technology. The connection reflected the church’s broader emphasis on being “Integrated for Mission,” bringing missionaries, members, leaders, and initiatives together in a shared effort to reach people beyond the church’s current presence. McEdward challenged leaders to ensure that OneVoice27 extends to languages and populations where the Adventist Church has little or no representation. “Make sure we're doing something for the groups, ethnic groups, and languages which we have no representation in the church,” he said. Pointing to missionaries who had left familiar surroundings and, in some cases, significant security to serve elsewhere, McEdward stressed the need for more workers. “Can we have more? Can we send more like them?” he asked. “Can we see this world have more shining lights like them?” But he emphasized that the responsibility extends beyond those who are sent. Drawing from God's call to Abraham to bless the nations, McEdward reminded leaders of their own place in that mission: “You also are part of the solution to bring God's blessings to the nations The evening closed with a prayer by GC president Erton Köhler, who thanked missionaries for their service and called leaders to renewed commitment. “Keep the mission alive through us,” he prayed. “Help us to be always focused on the mission in everything we do to prepare this world for the second coming of Jesus.” This article was provided by the ANN . Get to know the region More Stories Topics

Annual Council program highlights the need for more missionaries in underserved communities.

‘Mission Refocus’ stories challenge Adventist leaders to go where the need Is greatest

Related topics General Conference staff give funds during Mission Week During Mission Week, General Conference staff donated more than US$19,000 to a mission project in a sensitive region, contributing to over US$130,000 in employee-supported mission projects worldwide since 2015.
Staff at the General Conference (GC) located in Silver Spring, Maryland, United States, recently gave more than US$19,000 to a mission project in a sensitive region during this year’s Mission Week. GC staff have personally given more than US$130,000 to mission projects since 2015, supporting work from the Canadian Arctic to West Africa and from the Middle East to northern Asia. There was no Mission Week in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which closed the office. Past projects have included sending church planters to an unreached city, purchasing a brick-making machine for use on a hospital construction site in Southeast Asia, and helping refugee children access education in the Middle East. “You know that the workers of the General Conference are committed to mission when they consistently, year by year, support local mission projects personally,” said Rick McEdward, GC secretary. Mission Week is an annual event that began in September 2011, featuring internationally themed meals in the cafeteria, a silent auction, a Skype call with a missionary, and mission videos in the auditorium during the noon hour. Later, a specific mission project was adopted, and the Mission Bazaar was introduced. While the bazaar helps make the week memorable and adds some excitement to a typical week in the office, the majority of the funds raised from the project come from personal employee donations. Mission Week projects are often located in sensitive regions, and having a project shared only with employees inside the building means more information can be shared openly. The bazaar features international items donated by GC staff and collected during their travels. Many staff have served as international missionaries and donate items accumulated during their service. Mission Week is not the only time employees are invited to support a mission project. Every spring, during the GC week of prayer, employees are invited to support a special project. Last spring, employees contributed more than US$13,000 to help launch a community project in a center of influence in Southeast Asia. "Mission week is one of my favorite times of the year, but we know mission isn't a once-a-year event—it's global and ongoing,” said Rick Kajiura, Communication director for the Office of Adventist Mission , whose team plans the programs and events for the week. “My heart is touched by the support from this building because I know that what they are giving here for the special project is that extra they are finding after the regular support they give through their local churches.” Get to know the region More Stories Topics

During Mission Week, General Conference staff donated more than US$19,000 to a mission project in a sensitive region, contributing to over US$130,000 in employee-supported mission projects worldwide since 2015.

General Conference staff give funds during Mission Week

Related topics Called Through Pain But just as everything seemed to come together, tragedy struck. Right before I was about to travel to Fulton College for mission training, my brother passed away. We had spent 16 years together, and suddenly he was gone. It felt like a knife had gone straight through my heart.
To Sabbath School teachers: This story is for Sabbath, February 14. As told to Maika Tuima by Milo Ethanie Fevaaiai My name is Milo, and I come from the beautiful islands of Samoa in the South Pacific Ocean. Growing up wasn’t easy for me. I was raised in a home where love was often hidden behind pain. My father struggled with alcohol, and many times, small disagreements would end in violence. I remember how he would hurt my mother over the tiniest issues. My siblings and I grew up in an atmosphere of fear and confusion. It wasn’t just hard—it broke something inside me. As I got older, I often found myself asking God deep questions. “Is there a future for me? Do I have a purpose?” I kept telling God that I was ready to listen, ready to follow. I prayed, cried, and begged for answers. But it felt like God was silent. I became angry and started blaming God for everything that was happening in my life. Still, something kept pulling me closer to Him. I began attending Bible studies on Wednesdays and going to church on Sabbaths. Through it all, my mother became my rock. Even though she was going through her own pain, she stayed strong and always encouraged me to do what was right. She hadn’t allowed me to attend camps or church activities when I was younger, but now something unexpected happened. When she learned about the 2024 Youth Congress in Samoa, she said, “You should go.” I was surprised. She told me this congress would change my life—that it would make me a better person. Her words touched my heart, and because of the deep respect I had for her, I decided to register. Before the congress started, I began praying again. This time, I asked God for a sign. I needed to know whether He really had a calling for me. During one session, the presenter asked whether anyone wanted to volunteer for one year of mission service. At that moment, I felt something powerful in my heart. I knew it was God. He was finally speaking to me. I signed up for mission work. I realized then that all those years of silence weren’t rejection. God had been preparing me. But just as everything seemed to come together, tragedy struck. Right before I was about to travel to Fulton College for mission training, my brother passed away. We had spent 16 years together, and suddenly he was gone. It felt like a knife had gone straight through my heart. I was crushed. I lost hope. I felt like I had failed because I hadn’t been there for him. I felt completely useless. It was then that my mother came to me again. Even in her own pain, she reminded me of the calling God had placed on my life. Her words gave me strength again. I could feel the Holy Spirit working in me, guiding me, lifting me up when I couldn’t carry myself. Now, I want to speak to anyone who may be going through something painful or uncertain. Don’t give up. The enemy wants you to stay hopeless, broken, and lost. But God is still working, even in the silence. He is preparing you for something greater. Keep praying, keep believing, and keep listening. God’s calling may not come when you expect it, but when it does, you will know. And you will never regret saying “yes” to Him. Jesus once said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:10). Hold on to that promise. God takes care of His people. Part of the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering in the first quarter of 2013 helped provide 15,000 Bibles and reading guides in South Pacific islands so people like Milo could learn more about Jesus. Thank you for your Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter, which will help support children’s health projects in the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.  Story Tips Show the locations of Samoa and Fiji on a map. Pronounce Samoa as: suh-MOW-uh. Download photos for this story from Facebook: bit.ly/fb-mq . Share facts and activities relating to the South Pacific Division: bit.ly/spd-2026 . Fast Facts The capital of Fiji is Suva, with a total population of nearly 200,000. The official languages of Fiji are English, Fijian, and Fiji Hindi. A large proportion of Fijians are of Indian extraction. Many Indians came to work in Fiji, particularly in the sugar cane fields. More than half of the country’s land area is made up by Vita Levu, Fiji’s largest island. The national symbol of Fiji is the canoe and the national color is light blue. Fiji’s motto is “Rerevaka na Kalou ka Doka na Tui” (“Fear God and honor the King”). Fiji was settled by Austronesian peoples sometime between 3500 and 1000 BC, and Melanesians arrived around 1,000 years later. In the tenth century, Fiji came under the influence of the Tu’i Tonga Empire, which introduced Polynesian customs and language to Fiji. The largest Hindu temple in the Pacific is located in Nadi on Viti Levu. The main agriculture in Fiji is sugar cane, cassava, and coconuts.  Get to know the region Related publications More Youth & Adult Mission Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

But just as everything seemed to come together, tragedy struck. Right before I was about to travel to Fulton College for mission training, my brother passed away. We had spent 16 years together, and suddenly he was gone. It felt like a knife had gone straight through my heart.

Called Through Pain

Related topics House  of Hope “When will this happen?” one woman asked. “Very soon,” Ivanov replied. “This is very interesting,” they responded, clearly moved. “We need to think more about this.”
For more than 20 years, a group of Jewish Adventists longed to connect with their Jewish neighbors living in one of California’s cities. Inspired by their vision, Michael Levin, director of Jewish Ministries for the Southern California Conference, began sharing his dreams with church leaders. In 2023, that dream came to life. A new urban center of influence, House of Hope, was launched under the leadership of Pastor Alex Ivanov, a local church minister with an international congregation. The House of Hope team shares God’s love through many creative avenues, but personal relationships are at the heart of what they do. Most of the Jewish population in the region comes from Russian and Ukrainian backgrounds, making Pastor Ivanov and his multicultural congregation uniquely suited to connect with them. Although not Jewish himself, Ivanov speaks their languages fluently. “I’ve always had a deep interest in this community,” Ivanov said. “I wanted to understand how they think, how they live, and how they view God. Now the Lord has opened that door.” To connect with secular, non-practicing Jews, Ivanov and his team—including two bilingual Bible workers—began by hosting neutral, community-oriented events. As people grew more comfortable, they introduced spiritual elements for those who showed interest, all while continuing to welcome newcomers through the secular events. Their calendar includes concerts (both secular and sacred), casual gatherings with refreshments in local parks, hiking trips, and visits to area attractions. They also celebrate Jewish holidays and host Kabbalat Shabbat, a Friday evening service to welcome the Sabbath. “The more activities we offer, the more people join us!” Ivanov shared. Each event deepens trust and builds bonds, allowing the team to gently share God’s love, biblical truths, and the promise of the Messiah’s return. At one Friday evening gathering, Mira,* a first-time visitor, noticed Ivanov’s kind, attentive care for another guest, Rina. After the service, she approached him with a warm smile and said, “I see there’s a motherly heart in this community—which means it’s a good one!” Over time, Ivanov became close friends with Mira and her partner, Ben. One day, Mira observed Ivanov studying the Bible with Rina and said with mock seriousness, “When are you going to study the Bible with me?” “Whenever you’re ready,” Ivanov replied, thrilled that she had taken the initiative. “Had I invited her, I think she would have made an excuse and said no,” he reflected. “That’s how our Bible study journey began. Praise God!” Every Tuesday, Ivanov and his team hand out literature at a local park, engage in conversations, and host a follow-up program. On one occasion, two married couples who had previously kept their distance surprised him by approaching together. “They asked, ‘Who are you? And why are you doing so much for the Jewish people?’” Ivanov explained who Adventists are and what their ministry is about. He then introduced them to the prophecy of the world kingdoms in Daniel 2. “This represents the coming of the Messiah, whom we are all waiting for,” he told them. “When will this happen?” one woman asked. “Very soon,” Ivanov replied. “This is very interesting,” they responded, clearly moved. “We need to think more about this.” In its first year, House of Hope has welcomed more than 600 people to it gatherings. Many are now requesting literature and even asking for personal copies of the Bible. But the team remains mindful of the many more in their broader Jewish community. Their goals include expanding their events, increasing small group Bible and Torah studies, securing a permanent meeting space, and deepening meaningful relationships. By God’s grace, House of Hope has only just begun to share the blessings that spring from warm friendships and the promise of a soon-coming Savior. * Names have been changed. Urban Centers of Influence Global Mission supports a wholistic mission to the cities through the ministry of dozens of urban centers of influence. These centers follow Christ’s method of ministry to meet people’s needs and start new groups of believers. Please support urban centers of influence by visiting GMsda.org/Give. More from Mission 360° Magazine Get to know the region Resources Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

“When will this happen?” one woman asked. “Very soon,” Ivanov replied. “This is very interesting,” they responded, clearly moved. “We need to think more about this.”


House  of Hope

Related topics Not Giving Up The next day, one of the girls said that she couldn’t go. Her parents had told her that she was too busy. But the other girl and the boy said that their parents had given them permission to go.
To Sabbath School teachers: This story is for Sabbath, March 15. By Andrew McChesney Ten-year-old Onyu is outgoing, and she likes to talk with friends at school. When she learned that her church was planning a Vacation Bible School, she was excited that she would have something new to talk about with her friends. She could invite them to the Vacation Bible School. Onyu goes to a Seventh-day Adventist school in South Korea. But many of her classmates come from families who do not believe in God. So, at school lunchtime, Onyu stood up in front of all her classmates. She spoke up loudly so everyone could hear her. “Is anyone interested in coming to my church?” she said. “We will have a good Vacation Bible School on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Do you have time?” In her hand, she held four colorful fans that she had made. On each fan, she had written a personal invitation to the Vacation Bible School. She wanted to give the fans to anyone who wanted to go. Many children said that they couldn’t go. They had to do homework, help with chores, or do other things. But Onyu didn’t give up. “Please come,” she said. “We are going to the swimming pool on Sunday. I would like you to go with me.” Then two girls and a boy said that they would like to go. Onyu gave fans to each of them. The next day, one of the girls said that she couldn’t go. Her parents had told her that she was too busy. But the other girl and the boy said that their parents had given them permission to go. Onyu was so excited! She smiled as bright at the sun. But a few days later, the girl said that her mom had changed her mind. She couldn’t go after all. Onyu was sad, but she was happy that at least one classmate, the boy, would be able to attend. His name was Jisung. On the first day of the Vacation Bible School, Onyu eagerly looked around for Jisung. “Where is here?” she thought. She waited and waited and began to grow worried. “Why isn’t he coming?” she wondered. Jisung didn’t come on Friday. The next day, on Saturday, Onyu couldn’t check to see if he was there because she was sick at home. But Jisung showed up at the swimming pool on Sunday. Onyu was overjoyed when she saw him! Jisung was also thrilled to be there, and he enjoyed every moment of the day. Like Onyu, Jisung was also outgoing, and he liked to talk with friends at school. At school on Monday, he excitedly told everyone about the Vacation Bible School and about all of the fun that he had had. He was so excited! He wanted to go back again. “When is the next Vacation Bible School?” he asked Onyu. “I’ll tell everyone about it, and I’ll definitely go again.” He also said that he wanted to go to church with Onyu on Sabbath. That night, Onyu offered a prayer of gratitude to God. “Thank You, God, for using me as Your instrument for mission,” she prayed. Onyu goes to Hankook Sahmyook Academy in Seoul, South Korea. Part of this quarter’s Thirteenth Sabbath Offering will help the school open a gym and missionary training center. Thank you for planning a generous offering on March 29.  Story Tips Show Seoul, South Korea, on the map. Pronounce Onyu as: o-nyu. Pronounce Jisung as: jee sung. Pronounce Jooyoung as: ZOO-young. Make a fan like Onyu. Instructions are on page 33. Challenge the children to be like Onyu and invite friends to church. Tell the children that a simple invitation to church can have a big impact. Jisung only went to Vacation Bible School for one day, but he liked it so much that now he wants to go to church on Sabbath. He also told his classmates about Vacation Bible School, and maybe that will convince some of them to go next time. Download photos for this story from Facebook: bit.ly/fb-mq . Share Mission Posts and Fast Facts from the Northern Asia-Pacific Division: bit.ly/nsd-2025 . Know that this mission story illustrates the following objectives of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s “I Will Go” strategic plan: Spiritual Growth Objective No. 5, “To disciple individuals and families into Spirit-filled lives”; Spiritual Growth Objective No. 6, “To increase accession, retention, reclamation, and participation of children, youth, and young adults”; and Spiritual Growth Objective No. 7, “To help youth and young adults place God first and exemplify a biblical worldview.” For more information, go to the website: IWillGo.org . Amazing Country Kimchi is so important in Korea that over 160 varieties of the fermented vegetables have been identified. There is even a kimchi museum in Seoul.  Get to know the region More Stories Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

The next day, one of the girls said that she couldn’t go. Her parents had told her that she was too busy. But the other girl and the boy said that their parents had given them permission to go.

Not Giving Up

Serve Sabbaths in St. Louis
Friday, December 27, 2024 St. Louis holds a special place in the heart of Pastor Michael Coridan, who grew up there. Now a pastor in his childhood church, Michael sees the diverse needs of St. Louis and believes in addressing them with different approaches. Each local Adventist church is involved and striving to reach its community in unique ways.
The city of St. Louis in the United States has a historical connection to the Advenist Church. It has hosted two General Conference Sessions where the world church comes together to pray, plan, and prepare mission initiatives for upcoming years. In 2025, the General Conference Session will once again be held in St. Louis. Michael Coridan grew up in St. Louis and attended both of the GC sessions held in his home city. “I can remember as a kid going to the General Conference Session when it was here in St. Louis. I grew up in St. Louis, and it made such a big impact on me at that time. It's a great opportunity for the Adventist name to become even more well-known within St. Louis.” Michael is now a pastor in the same church where he grew up watching his father preach every Sabbath. Because much of his life has been spent here, he’s seen the needs throughout the city. “In each one of these communities, there's a different need. And so when it comes to St Louis, there's not just one approach. Each local church is involved in the community, and we need 90 different approaches to the needs here in St Louis.” One of those approaches is being led by pastor Trevor Barnes. His church has decided to dedicate more time to service in their community. “In one of the areas that I'm located, I discovered that people are living 15 years less than other parts of St. Louis. If you go east and south, there is no fresh food out there. There are people who are eating by going to gas stations. And that's just not going to have fresh produce, vegetables, things of that nature.” “We saw that crisis and we said we had to try to figure out what to do about it. So we began to try to put together Health First. We do them quarterly. We call them Serve Sabbaths.” Along with the help of local health organizations, these “Serve Sabbaths” have provided food and health resources for hundreds of families. “I believe that we are called to relieve the suffering, take care of those who are hurting, clothe those who are naked, feed those who need to be fed just like Jesus did.” As the Adventist church members in St. Louis continue to show Jesus’ love to their community, they look forward to sharing their stories and welcoming the world church in 2025. “It's easy in the local context to kind of forget that you're part of something larger. You get involved in the ministries of a local church and you throw yourself into that and it's like coming up for air to realize there's not only thousands but millions of other people who believe similar things. And to see that all concentrated in one place, it means a lot. It solidifies the truth that God is at work in the world, not just in our lives, and not just my personal life, which then gives me encouragement to keep going.” Please pray for the city of St. Louis as the 2025 General Conference Session approaches. This quarter, your 13th Sabbath Offering will help prepare local churches for outreach efforts before and after the GC Session. Thank you for your support of mission. More from this quarter Full story Downloads Topics Get to know the region Monthly Video Related topics Every Mission Spotlight Video. All at Once. YOUR FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE ENTIRE QUARTER From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

St. Louis holds a special place in the heart of Pastor Michael Coridan, who grew up there. Now a pastor in his childhood church, Michael sees the diverse needs of St. Louis and believes in addressing them with different approaches. Each local Adventist church is involved and striving to reach its community in unique ways.

Serve Sabbaths in St. Louis

The Hope of Blue Christmas
Friday, December 20, 2024 The Inupiat people of Utqiagvik endure two months of darkness during the winter. Due to this, suicide rates are three times higher than the national average. Rachel, a church elder and her congregation responded by organizing Blue Christmas, a candlelight vigil providing support during this challenging period.
The Arctic is a challenging place to live. The winter brings well-below freezing temperatures. So cold that you can experience frostbite in as quickly as five minutes. The Inupiat [in-yu-pee-at] people of Northern Alaska have lived off of this land for centuries. As the northernmost city in the United States, Utqiagvik [oot-kee-og-vik] rests on the shores of the Arctic Ocean. Its landscape is dominated by vast expanses of tundra and ice. The mayor of Utqiagvik describes some common misconceptions of life in the Arctic. “Well, there's the igloo thing. Everyone thinks we’re in igloos, but we're not. Or penguins, those are in Antarctica.” Despite the beauty of wildlife and displays of the northern lights, there is one very unique challenge: darkness. For two months in the winter, the sun never rises. “We're definitely dark in the winter months. You feel even more isolated during that time. And you start to go through this sadness, just before the light hits.” “There unfortunately is a mental health crisis here. If you look at Alaska's suicide rate, we’re three times higher than the national rate. And when you get up to the northern region, you're doubled that number. So that's why it's been our church's mission to really go out and share the hope that we have in Jesus Christ.” An event named Blue Christmas was the way Rachel and the Arctic Mission Adventist Church found to support the community. With the help of other non-profit organizations and the mayor’s office, they arranged a candlelight vigil on the longest winter night of the year. “It was an event for people who are grieving or want to support people who are grieving to come together and not feel alone, as a reminder that you're not alone in your grief.” During Blue Christmas, the mayor and village elders shared their experiences of loss and grief and how to overcome difficult times together. The event was commemorated by an eight-foot tall snow sculpture with a special meaning. “You'll see with the sculpture, there are eight figures which represent each of the surrounding villages. Each of them are supposed to represent the villages coming together as one and being able to support each other in their grief.” Through Blue Christmas, the Adventists have shown love to their community as they believe Jesus would. “There have been so many people who have come to me personally and shared their experience not only with Blue Christmas, but with the work that our church is doing within the community.” “That was probably my favorite part, just being able to proudly say that I was a part of the Arctic Adventist Church.” “Of course, I would love to be able to work with the Adventist Church in the future for future projects.” Despite the challenges of living in the Arctic, Jesus’ love shines through the darkness. “Even though we live in the coldest of temperatures, you'll find the warmest people here in town. And I think that much of the reason why I love being here is because they truly are invested in their people.” Please pray for the work of the Adventist church in hard to reach areas such as the Arctic. Thank you for your support of mission around the world. More from this quarter Full story Downloads Topics Get to know the region Monthly Video Related topics Every Mission Spotlight Video. All at Once. YOUR FRONT-ROW SEAT TO THE ENTIRE QUARTER From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

The Inupiat people of Utqiagvik endure two months of darkness during the winter. Due to this, suicide rates are three times higher than the national average. Rachel, a church elder and her congregation responded by organizing Blue Christmas, a candlelight vigil providing support during this challenging period.

The Hope of Blue Christmas

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 In the most unexpected places Hope Blooms Omari made the courageous decision to sever ties with his former life and embrace Christ as his Savior—a perilous choice given the dangers of leaving a rebel group.
The Hope for Africa evangelistic series in Nairobi, Kenya, was a beacon of hope that radiated across the continent. The impact of its messages, translated into seven languages and reaching approximately 10,000 downlink locations in 11 countries, was huge! During the series, 194,000 people chose to be baptized and join the Seventh-day Adventist Church family. I’ve chosen two of their stories to share with you because they powerfully demonstrate God’s hand at work. The Rebel’s New Leader The first story takes us to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a nation marred by decades of instability and conflict. In DRC, a dreaded rebel group, Mai Mai Kifuafua, held sway over the life of Omari, a man entangled in violence and chaos since the age of 15. The efforts of local pastors Bakano and Esaie during the evangelistic event would prove to be a divine intervention in his life. The pastors’ mission took them to the confines of a prison, where they encountered Omari, a man seemingly immune to any authority beyond that of his rebel group. They shared the Word of God with him through the Hope for Africa series, and his hard heart began to melt. Omari made the courageous decision to sever ties with his former life and embrace Christ as his Savior—a perilous choice given the dangers of leaving a rebel group. Now baptized, Omari’s testimony of freedom in Christ echoes within the prison walls. Transformed Through Tragedy The second story unfolds in Nairobi, where the lively city contrasts with the solemnity of Kenyatta National Hospital. Within its walls, two strangers, Makokha and Desire, found their lives intersecting on a path toward faith and transformation amid tragedy. Makokha’s journey began with an accident that left him alone in a foreign city with his injured wife. There, he met Desire, who was grappling with the agony of his daughter’s illness. Their shared nights in the hospital corridors became a catalyst for deep conversations. Desire, a devout Adventist, introduced Makokha to the teachings and optimism embedded in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. United by a common pursuit of hope, Makokha and Desire attended the Hope for Africa evangelistic event at a local church. The speakers, including Mark Finley, imparted wisdom and hope through compelling presentations. Tragically, Desire’s daughter lost her battle with illness. Yet his unwavering faith in Christ’s promise of resurrection became a source of strength for Makokha, reinforcing his need to be part of a church family that embraced this profound truth. When the evangelistic campaign ended, Makokha surrendered his life to Christ and was baptized. With his wife’s health restored, the couple returned to their hometown, but not before Makokha engaged in his own act of mission work. To extend the blessing he received, he donated a parcel of land in his village for the construction of a Seventh-day Adventist church. The transformed lives of Omari, Makokha, and many others are a testament to the mission of Hope Channel International. They are a powerful reminder that hope can bloom even in the most unexpected places.  Hundreds gather to hear the Hope for Africa presentations sponsored by Hope Channel International in conjunction with the East-Central Africa Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Adventist World Radio The evangelistic meetings resulted in 194,000 baptisms The team of Hope Channel and East-Central Africa Division church leaders To explore the various programs on Hope Channel, visit HopeTV.org or watch on DirecTV HOPE Channel 368, Roku, or the free Hope Channel app. Thank you for supporting Hope Channel through your weekly mission offerings and, in North America, by giving to World Budget. To give, visit adventistmission.org/donate . More from Mission 360° Magazine Get to know the region Resources Topics From the front lines of mission—straight to your inbox

Omari made the courageous decision to sever ties with his former life and embrace Christ as his Savior—a perilous choice given the dangers of leaving a rebel group.

In the most unexpected places Hope Blooms

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