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The year 2024 marks a monumental milestone for the Seventh-day Adventist Church—the 150th anniversary of our first missionary being sent to share the gospel. This historic moment provides an opportunity to reflect on our rich legacy of mission work, celebrate the countless lives transformed by the message of hope, and reignite our collective passion for mission. As we commemorate this significant event, we invite every church member to rediscover the call to mission and join in the global effort to spread the love of Jesus.

The Legacy of Our First Missionary
In 1874, John Nevins Andrews embarked on a journey that would shape the Adventist movement forever. As the first official missionary sent by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Andrews traveled to Switzerland, a country challenging in its cultural and religious landscape.

A renowned scholar and church leader, Andrews was chosen for his deep theological knowledge, strong faith, and passion for sharing the gospel. His mission was to establish a sustainable Adventist presence in Europe. Arriving in Neuchâtel, Switzerland, with his children after the death of his wife, he demonstrated remarkable resilience and dedication.

Andrews faced numerous challenges, including language barriers, limited resources, and resistance from established religious institutions. However, his pioneering spirit and unwavering commitment drove him forward. He distributed literature, held Bible studies, and engaged in personal evangelism, leading to the establishment of the first Adventist congregation in Switzerland.

One of Andrews' significant contributions was the publication of the first Adventist periodical in Europe, "Les Signes des Temps" (The Signs of the Times), which spread Adventist teachings across the continent. His scholarly work and persuasive writing helped clarify and disseminate key Adventist doctrines, such as the Sabbath and the Second Coming of Christ.

Andrews also nurtured the congregations he established, providing spiritual guidance, training leaders, and fostering a sense of community. His holistic approach ensured that the newly formed churches were grounded in strong biblical teachings and equipped to grow independently.

Despite deteriorating health, Andrews remained steadfast in his mission. His sacrifice and dedication left an indelible mark on the Adventist Church, laying the groundwork for its expansion in Europe and inspiring others to take up the mantle of mission work.

Today, we honor John Nevins Andrews' legacy and the countless missionaries who followed in his footsteps, bringing the message of hope to the farthest corners of the earth. His life and work remind us of the power of faith, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God's call. Let us rekindle our passion for mission as we commemorate this milestone anniversary and embrace the call to spread God's love throughout the world by drawing inspiration from Andrews' example.

The Legacy of the First Adventist Missionary in Asia
The Seventh-day Adventist mission in Asia began with a spirit of pioneering and dedication, much like the global efforts initiated by John Nevins Andrews. The first Adventist missionary to Asia was Abram La Rue, a self-supporting missionary who laid the groundwork for Adventism in the region.

In the late 19th century, Abram La Rue, an American seaman and colporteur, felt a strong calling to share the Adventist message in Asia. Despite being rejected for official missionary service due to his age, La Rue was undeterred. In 1888, at the age of 65, he arrived in Hong Kong, determined to spread the gospel throughout the region.

La Rue began his mission by distributing Adventist literature in the bustling ports of Hong Kong, Canton, and Shanghai. His ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and his unwavering commitment quickly made an impact. He established small groups of believers and laid the foundation for future mission work.

One of La Rue's significant achievements was his influence on the Adventist Church's decision to officially enter the Asian mission field. His reports and success stories inspired the church's leadership to send more missionaries and resources to Asia. In 1902, the General Conference officially recognized the need for a structured mission in Asia, and more missionaries followed in La Rue's footsteps.

La Rue's work set the stage for the rapid growth of Adventism in Asia. His efforts helped establish the first Adventist schools, hospitals, and churches in the region, which became vital centers for education, healthcare, and spiritual growth. Today, the Adventist Church in Asia is a vibrant and dynamic community, with millions of members and numerous institutions dedicated to serving both spiritual and practical needs.

The legacy of Abram La Rue and the early missionaries in Asia is a testament to the power of faith, resilience, and dedication. Their pioneering spirit and commitment to sharing the gospel continue to inspire Adventists worldwide as they carry forward the mission of spreading God's love across all continents.

Mission Work in Numbers
Over the past 150 years, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has established a remarkable presence in more than 200 countries. The scope of mission work has expanded from bustling urban centers to remote, underserved regions, ensuring that the message of hope and salvation reaches people from all walks of life.

The church's growth is a testament to the effectiveness of its mission-driven efforts. From its humble beginnings as a small group of believers, the Adventist Church has grown to over 22 million members worldwide. This exponential growth reflects the dedication and commitment of countless missionaries and church members who have tirelessly worked to share the gospel.

Integral to this mission is the Adventist education system, which comprises over 9,000 schools, colleges, and universities. These institutions have been instrumental in shaping the minds and hearts of millions, providing quality education while instilling the values and teachings of the gospel. By fostering intellectual and spiritual growth, Adventist education has played a crucial role in nurturing future leaders and spreading the message of Christ.

In addition to education, the Adventist Church has made significant contributions to healthcare. With more than 1,800 healthcare institutions globally, including hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, clinics, dental services, and dispensaries, the church has become a beacon of healing and compassion. These institutions serve millions of people each year, offering not only medical care but also a message of hope and wholeness.

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) exemplifies the church's commitment to humanitarian aid. ADRA operates in over 120 countries, providing assistance through disaster relief, community development, and advocacy programs. Whether responding to natural disasters or addressing chronic poverty, ADRA's efforts reflect the church's dedication to serving those in need and advocating for justice and compassion.

Through these multifaceted efforts, the Adventist Church has demonstrated its unwavering commitment to mission work, touching lives and transforming communities across the globe. As we mark 150 years of missionary service, we celebrate these accomplishments and reaffirm our commitment to carrying on this important work in the spirit of those who have come before us.

Reigniting Our Passion for Mission
As we celebrate this historic anniversary, we are reminded of the dedication and sacrifice of those who paved the way for our mission work. Their unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of inspiration, calling us to rekindle our passion for outreach. Reflecting on their legacy, we can find various ways to contribute to this noble cause.

First, we can make a personal commitment to consider our individual callings. Each of us can determine how we can support the mission, whether through prayer, financial contributions, or active participation in outreach programs. By dedicating our time and resources, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Engaging with our local church and community is another powerful way to identify mission opportunities, both locally and globally. By organizing mission trips, community service projects, and evangelistic campaigns, we can make a significant impact on those around us. These efforts not only spread the gospel but also foster a sense of unity and purpose within our communities.

Supporting missionaries is crucial to sustaining the momentum of our mission work. Offering prayer, encouragement, and financial contributions can alleviate some of the challenges they face. Recognizing their efforts strengthens their resolve and ensures that they can continue their important work.

Educational initiatives are also essential in spreading the gospel and nurturing future leaders. Promoting and supporting Adventist education helps shape the minds and hearts of young people, encouraging them to pursue careers in mission work, education, and healthcare. By investing in their growth, we ensure a steady stream of dedicated individuals ready to carry the mission forward.

Finally, raising awareness about the ongoing needs and opportunities for mission work is vital. Utilizing social media, church bulletins, and community events to share stories of transformation can inspire others to get involved. Advocacy and awareness efforts highlight the importance of our mission and mobilize support from a broader audience.

In commemorating this 150th anniversary, we honor the legacy of those who have come before us and renew our commitment to the mission. By taking inspiration from their example, we can rekindle our desire to spread God's love throughout the world, ensuring that their sacrifices will continue to be fruitful for future generations.

The Adventist Mission Continues
The 150th anniversary of our first missionary is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to action for the future. As we honor the legacy of John Nevins Andrews and countless other missionaries, let us reignite our passion for mission, embracing the call to share the message of God's love with the world. Together, we can make a difference, one life at a time.

Join us in commemorating this historic milestone and reigniting the flame of mission within our hearts and communities on September 15 in Adventist churches around the Southern Asia-Pacific region. Are you ready to answer the call?