News

The Southern Asia-Pacific Annual Council's first-day meeting commenced with several significant actions that spearhead various ministries of the church. Here are some actions for your reference.

BIFURCATION OF THE SOUTH PHILIPPINE UNION CONFERENCE
Following a well-established process spelled out in SEC #112, "DISSOLUTION OF THE SOUTH PHILIPPINE UNION CONFERENCE," a recommendation made at the recent SSD Year-End meeting led to the official splitting of the South Philippine Union Conference (SPUC). The recommendation received approval from the General Conference Executive Committee during its Annual Council in October 2023, initiating a Constituency Meeting for the creation of new unions.

The SPUC Constituency Meeting, which was held virtually on October 26, saw unanimous support for the dissolution of SPUC, set to take effect on December 31, 2023. This significant decision has inspired both the Southern Asia-Pacific Division and the wider Adventist community, serving as a model for other organizations to expand their mission efforts with a focus on culture, diversity, and financial effectiveness.

The dissolution led to the establishment of both the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference (SWPUC) and the Southeastern Philippine Union Mission (SEPUM), positioning them as influential entities in advancing the church's mission.

The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission of Seventh-day Adventists is committed to aligning its mission, policies, and procedures with the broader Adventist framework. It will oversee the Davao Mission (DM), Northern Davao Mission (NDM), Northeastern Mindanao Mission (NEMM), and Southern Mindanao Mission (SMM).

On the other hand, the Southwestern Philippine Union Conference, encompassing the regions of North Central Mindanao Conference (NCMC), Western Mindanao Conference (WMC), Central Mindanao Mission (CMM), and Zamboanga Peninsula Mission (ZPM), will play a key role in fortifying church and community support in the area.

The Southeastern Philippine Union Mission officers will be elected during the SSD year-end meeting. Following the election of officers, they will then convene their constituency meeting on December 3–4 to finalize the roster of directors.

Furthermore, the recently established Southwestern Philippine Union Conference is planning to hold its own elections for new officers and directors on December 5–7 under the supervision of a representative from the Southern Asia-Pacific Division due to its maintained conference status.

ADVENTIST MISSION DEVOTIONAL MATERIAL
The Adventist Mission's (AM) strategic plan for 2024 is to make more people aware of the mission and encourage stronger family worship and faithfulness among members of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD). To that end, an effort has been made to get people to use AM's devotional materials. These materials are recommended for use in midweek and vespers services, as well as during family worship.

This strategic move underscores the commitment of the division to bolster its mission outreach and spiritual development. The division wants to make its members more mission-aware by using AM's devotional materials in midweek and Vespers services. This is also meant to help Adventist families feel more faithful and united.

This initiative is a testament to the division's dedication to its mission, seeking to align its members more closely with the Adventist faith and values. SSD endeavors to strengthen its core principles and values, making a positive impact on the lives of its members and the communities it serves. (click here to get a copy of the devotional.)

TELL-A-STORY MONTH/WEEK 
The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) has introduced "Tell-a-Story Week" in acknowledgment of Ellen G. White's teachings emphasizing children as effective missionaries and recognizing the success of the SSD Children's Ministries "Tell-a-Story" initiative. This new initiative, set for the last week of September, invites children up to 14 years old to share Bible-based stories with various audiences, including friends, neighbors, and communities, as well as on social media platforms. The resolution reflects SSD's commitment to empowering its youth, fostering unity, and extending the message of hope and faith through the power of storytelling, allowing even its youngest members to play a vital role in mission outreach.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department