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The South-Asia Pacific Division (SSD) Youth Department, in collaboration with the Spiritual Affairs Committee of the division, recently concluded its annual Spiritual Emphasis Week, which aimed to lay a solid foundation in Christ and recommit to the Seventh-day Adventist Church's purpose.

The week-long program included prayer sessions, Bible studies, and special lectures by young professionals around the division. This year's Spiritual Emphasis Week theme was "Abide in His Altar," emphasizing the value of our relationship with Christ over service. 

The SSD Youth Department, which worked tirelessly to ensure the event's success, thanked everyone who helped make it a success, including the organizers, guest speakers, and attendees.

"The SSD Spiritual Emphasis Week culmination was a powerful reminder of the importance of staying rooted in Christ," said SSD Youth Director Pastor Ron Genebago. "As young Adventists, it is our responsibility to keep the mission flame burning, and this event served as a call to action for all of us," Genebago continued.

The event concluded in a unique ceremony on the final day, which included a sermon from Jasper Ivan Iturriaga, a missionary filmmaker and photographer.

Jasper Ivan Iturriaga shared a message on the importance of our connection with Christ over our service on Sabbath, April 29, 2023. Iturriaga, who has been involved in a variety of missionary activities around the world, including the development of a social media-funded jungle school in Palawan, spoke to a crowded church, imploring them to put their connection with Christ first and foremost.

The meeting came at an especially good moment, as many people in the church have been feeling overwhelmed by the duties of service and ministry. Iturriaga reminded them that service is vital, but only if it comes from a Christ-centered heart.

"Our service to others should flow out of our relationship with Christ," Iturriaga explained. "We can't be effective in ministry if we ignore our relationship with Him." Our service should be an expression of our love for Him."

Attendees departed feeling motivated and invigorated, ready to continue working toward the Seventh-day Adventist Church's purpose.

The SSD Spiritual Emphasis Week also sets the setting for the SSD Mid-Year Meeting, where leaders are reminded of the church's mission initiatives. With the completion of Spiritual Emphasis Week, the SSD Youth Department aims to continue inspiring young Adventists to be anchored in Christ and serve the church's mission.

The Seventh-day Adventist Church expressed its support for the SSD Youth Department and thanked them for their dedication to the church's goal in a statement. 

"We are grateful for the SSD Youth Department's efforts in organizing this event and inspiring young Adventists to live out their faith in practical ways," said Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Adventist Church in Southern Asia and the Pacific. "We pray that this Spiritual Emphasis Week will continue to bear fruit in the lives of those who attended and inspire more young people to get involved in the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church," Caderma added.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department