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More than 800 Adventist women leaders gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, at the Berkeley Hotel Pratunam from July 18–21 for the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD)-wide Women’s Leadership Conference. This quinquennial event included more than 100 participants from the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), with Japan and Korea among its member countries.  

Themed "Made to Flourish to Reach and Go Light Our World,” the conference emphasized the women’s unwavering support and dedication to sharing the gospel. Altogether, over 20 nationalities came to inspire, fellowship, and renew their commitment to the church's initiative to spread the gospel to all the world, using the gifts and responsibilities God has entrusted to them.

Virtual Pajama Party
The convention began on the evening of Thursday, July 18, with a 'Flourish Night', a virtual pajama party. The delegates participated in an online evening worship that Virgie Baloyo and Raquel Arrais, the SSD and NSD Women's Ministry (WM) directors, respectively, hosted in their respective small groups in Zoom rooms.  Audrey Anderson, the General Conference (GC) Vice President and Adviser for Women's Ministries, also welcomed them.

Irelyn Gabin, director of Adventist Possibility Ministries in SSD, shared an inspiring talk on 'Flourishing in Fellowship,' drawing object lessons from purple crocus flowers that only bloom in the spring. Gabin said that crocuses represent rebirth, joy, hope, and fresh beginnings, also alluding to the convention’s fresh and beautiful start with a fellowship prayer and sharing from their Flourishing Journal experience.

Convention Opens with a Vibrant Display of Cultural Diversity
On Friday, Baloyo 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 quoted Ellen White who emphasized that women should exemplify the character of God in leadership, mission, families, and relationships. “The concept of leadership extends beyond administration. Every Christian, every 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.

Welcome and Encouragement
During the devotional, Galina Stele, recently elected WM director of GC, delivered empowering insights that encouraged 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. The same is true for us... 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 SSD and 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.

The first day of the convention featured presentations and reports 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's Sabbath Fellowship
Sabbath School time featured the WM work in NSD, and Arrais, the WM director, invited  Yuriko Kumaoka, a delegate from Japan.  She came carrying a banner that read Sabbath Day in Kanji (Kanji are the logographic Chinese characters adapted from the Chinese script used in the writing of Japanese.) Yuriko, who is not a Seventh-Day Adventist but considers Saturday a blessed day of rest, was accompanied by three other delegates. Quickly, everyone warmly welcomed the new friend from Japan. 

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 NSD territory. This region, which includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, is predominantly Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim. Arrais, along with 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, wearing their blue “Pray for North Korea” wrist bands, bowed their heads to intercede for this hermit kingdom, which, before the war, had 96 Adventist churches. This mission, which the delegates committed to doing, means praying at 11:45 am daily, hoping for this country to welcome the gospel news again. 

Messages of Service and Discipleship
After the Sabbath School program, Galina Stele, WM director at the 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 Ends
Towards the end, a special tribute was given to Heather Dawn-Small, the late GC WM 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 the face of 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 when we are not blooming but the roots are growing,” she added.

Edward Rodriguez, SSD Communication Department