The Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) Year-End Meeting concluded successfully. From November 7 to 11, this gathering brought together NSD leaders and invited guests to share the church’s mission and vision, review various mission activities in each country, and discuss future plans. Notably, this was the first annual meeting since adding four new countries: Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to the NSD, with attendance rising from around 80 last year to over 100 this year. Additionally, all three General Conference (GC) officers attended, making it a rare and memorable event.
The first day began with an opening worship service to welcome attendees. Ted Wilson, the President of the GC, delivered a sermon expressing gratitude for the NSD leaders dedicated to the Lord’s work. He emphasized, “The signs in the world show that the Lord’s coming is near. We must work with renewed energy, relying on God’s power, to spread the gospel further.” Following this, Kim YoHan, the President of the NSD, gave a formal welcome address, and attendees recited the Adventist Church Mission Statement, marking the official start of the annual meeting. This day included reports on mission activities from various countries, a president’s report, departmental director’s reports, and a special vision seminar led by the GC officers in the afternoon. The first speaker, Erton Kohler, Executive Secretary of the GC, emphasized, “Our call is to fill heaven, not just the church. Our priority is to transform the church, not to impress, and our church needs a change of content, not format.” shared six essential principles for leaders to uphold.
The series of reports continued on the second day. Beginning with a morning message from Erton Kohler, the following business session included the secretary’s report, reports from the four new countries, the 1000 Missionary Movement report, and a Hope Channel update. In the afternoon, Paul Douglas, Treasurer of the GC, led a Vision Seminar, discussing the importance of financial management and suggesting strategies for efficiency. Petras Bahadur, director of the Global Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations, also introduced a new approach to Muslim mission work, interpreting the Three Angels’ Message in Revelation 14.
On the third day, Sabbath, attendees participated in the 120th Anniversary Celebration of Adventist Mission in Korea at the Sahmyook University auditorium. Around 3,000 pre-registered members attended to celebrate the history and growth of the Korean Adventist Church. The service was followed by a commemorative event that included an awards presentation, opening a metaverse history exhibit, and the commissioning of PMM and PCM missionaries.
The fourth day saw attendees returning to the meeting hall after a brief rest despite the previous night’s late celebration. Paul Douglas delivered the morning sermon based on Luke 5, where Jesus says, “Put out into deep water and let down the nets for a catch.” He encouraged, “Let go of what hinders, discourages, and disappoints you. Go into the deep regions of the 10/40 Window—among Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. Trust that the Lord is with you, and go into the deep!” After the worship, financial reports, updates from Hope365, ADRA, the ASI, and country reports followed. Notably, Nepal’s Scheer Memorial Adventist Hospital received congratulations for winning the Gold Award for Community Hospital Excellence at the 2024 Hospital Management Asia Awards in August.
The final day began with a morning sermon from Magdiel P. Schulz, the assistant to the GC President, who spoke on six characteristics of people God uses, stating, “We must acknowledge our limitations and weaknesses, remain loyal to God, and wait for His timing.” Following this, participants addressed the remaining agenda, including departmental and North Korea mission reports, concluding the meeting’s schedule. The final part of the session was a dedication, where participants joined hands, and Ted Wilson offered a closing prayer, saying, “As we hold hands now, may we continue to work faithfully and in unity for the Lord’s mission.” This dedication gathering marked the official close of all annual meeting events.