More than 800 women gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Berkeley Hotel, Pratunam, from July 18-21, 2024, for the Bi-Division Women’s Convention themed “Made to Flourish: Women’s Leadership Congress.” This event brought together women leaders from Southern and Northern Asia-Pacific regions (SSD and NSD), showcasing their unwavering support and dedication to sharing the gospel. Delegates from over 20 nationalities joined to inspire, fellowship, and renew their commitment to the church’s initiative to reach more people worldwide. The convention emphasized the vital role of Adventist women in advancing the church’s mission, highlighting their unique contributions and the responsibilities God has entrusted to them.
Virtual Pajama Party
The convention began on the evening of Thursday, July 18, with a virtual pajama party. Delegates, dressed in comfortable yet modest pajamas, joined an online evening worship attended by hundreds of participants from diverse cultures and backgrounds. The ‘Made to Flourish’ Women’s Leadership Conference kicked off with this heartwarming event on Zoom, bringing together Women’s Ministries Leaders from various countries to celebrate fellowship.
Irelyn Gabin, Director of Adventist Possibility Ministries in SSD, shared an inspiring talk on ‘Flourishing Fellowship,’ which is symbolized beautifully by the spring crocus flower. Gabin said that crocuses represent rebirth, joy, hope, and fresh beginnings, perfectly aligning with the convention’s theme of flourishing together in fellowship.
Convention Opens with a Vibrant Display of Cultural Diversity
Virginia Baloyo, Women’s Ministry Director in SSD, opened the plenary with powerful reminders of women’s responsibility in the church’s mission. “It is God’s will that women should flourish,” Baloyo said. In her welcome speech, Baloyo drew from the Spirit of Prophecy, quoting Ellen White to emphasize that women should exemplify the character of God in leadership, mission, families, and relationships. “The concept of leadership extends beyond administration. Every Christian and woman is to represent Christ and serve as an ambassador for Him and His kingdom,” Baloyo explained. Delegates marched across the event platform, showcasing the vibrant colors of their countries, adorned in their beautiful national attire.
Messages of Welcome and Encouragement
During the devotional, Galina Stele, recently elected Women’s Ministry Director of the Adventist World Church (GC), delivered empowering insights encouraging women delegates to deepen their understanding of their role in God’s mission. Stele inspired the delegates by reminding them of their identity and character in Jesus. “When God looks at the seed, He already sees a tree, a flower, or a shrub. He already sees the fruits that the tree will bear. God sees every human being’s potential even before the child is born. He knows the full capacity we can display in this world,” Stele emphasized.
In a video message, SSD president Pastor Roger Caderma warmly welcomed all women delegates and expressed deep appreciation for the women of both the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) and Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) who are committed to the church’s mission of bringing more people to Jesus. “I am encouraged to see every woman ready to go, reach, and light the world for Christ,” Caderma said. “As Jesus leads, let us remain faithful and hopeful as we continue to plant seeds of inspiration and faith, encouraging others to spread love, hope, and transformation,” he added.
On the first day of the convention, presentations and reports were given on physical and mental health, leadership development, identity in Jesus, and updates on the church’s missions within the Asia-Pacific region. These vital sessions addressed current challenges in ministry and explored how the church, particularly women, can minister to individuals facing similar challenges in society.
Women Sabbath Fellowship
On Sabbath morning, Raquel Arrais, Women’s Ministry Director of NSD, highlighted a beautiful moment when Yuriko Kumaoka, a delegate from Japan, joined her on stage carrying a poster with a phrase written in Kanji (Han characters). Yuriko, who is not a Seventh-Day Adventist but considers Saturday a blessed day of rest, was accompanied by other Japanese delegates as she held the poster that read “Sabbath Day.” Yuriko received a warm welcome from all the delegates, emphasizing the inclusive and embracing spirit of the convention.
Arrais continued the program by leading the Sabbath School, emphasizing the importance of women flourishing in mission through the ministries active in countries within the Northern Asia-Pacific territory. This region, which includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, is predominantly Buddhist and Muslim. Arrais and women leaders from NSD countries shared the challenges they face and how the Lord has guided them in their mission within these demanding fields. In a special moment, the women delegates offered a heartfelt prayer for countries with no Adventist presence. This mission, which the women are committed to, united them as they petitioned for a miracle, hoping for these countries to open to the gospel.
Messages of Service and Discipleship
After the Sabbath School program, Galina Stele, Women’s Ministry Director at the General Conference (GC), delivered an inspiring message on flourishing in God’s service. Stele emphasized that everyone is entrusted with special gifts from God, and the key question is how each person will respond. She added that accepting God’s gifts depends on one’s character and relationship with the Creator. “Jesus called us to be disciples and to make disciples. But how can we be called disciples? Only when we respond to the call of Jesus,” Stele said. She reiterated, “When we bring people to Christ, they should become disciples of Jesus. We must invest our time and effort so that those who seek God will be rooted and dedicated to becoming disciples themselves,” she added. Stele emphasized, “Small things become big influences when we use them for God and His people. The power of small actions cannot be overestimated.”
Three-Day Convention Comes to a Close
During the concluding part of the convention, a special tribute was given to Heather Dawn-Small, the former and late GC Women’s Ministry Director, who passed away after facing challenging health conditions. Women leaders came together to honor the inspiration and friendship Small left behind, and they offered a special prayer for her family. Raquel Arrais closed the convention with a powerful reminder about standing firm in adversity and committing to service. Arrais shared that as we approach the soon coming of Christ, life will be filled with challenges that may hinder our journey to follow Jesus. “It doesn’t mean that His presence will immediately end our adversity, but it means He will guide us through it,” Arrais assured the delegates, emphasizing God’s promise. “There may be seasons we are not blooming, but the roots are growing,” she added.