Two Church Regions Unite for ‘Made to Flourish’ Women’s Convention

More than 800 women gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, July 18-21 for the Bi-Division Women’s Convention themed “Made to Flourish: Women’s Leadership Congress.” This event brought together women leaders from across the Southern and Northern Asia-Pacific divisions of the Seventh-day Adventist Church (SSD and NSD).

Delegates from more than 20 nations came together to inspire, fellowship, and renew their commitment to the church’s initiative to reach more people around the world. 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 joined an online evening worship with hundreds of participants from various cultures and backgrounds while wearing comfortable but modest pajamas.

Irelyn Gabin, director of Adventist Possibility Ministries in the SSD, shared an inspiring talk on “Flourishing Fellowship,” 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 Opening

SSD women’s ministries director Virginia Baloyo opened the plenary with powerful reminders of women’s responsibilities in the church’s mission. “It is God’s will that women should flourish,” Baloyo said.

In her welcome speech, Baloyo quoted Adventist Church co-founder Ellen G. 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, every woman, is to represent Christ and serve as an ambassador for Him and His kingdom,” Baloyo said. Delegates marched across the event platform, adorned in their beautiful national attire.

Messages of Welcome and Encouragement

During the devotional, Galina Stele, recently elected women’s ministries director of the church’s General Conference, 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 said.

In a video message, SSD president Roger Caderma warmly welcomed the women delegates and expressed deep appreciation for the women of both divisions. “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.”

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. 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

On Saturday (Sabbath) morning, NSD women’s ministries director Raquel Arrais 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 as 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 NSD territory. This region, which includes South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, is predominantly Buddhist and Muslim.

Along with women leaders from NSD countries, Arrais 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, brought them together in unity 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, Stele delivered a 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.

Stele added that “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. Small things become big influences when we use them for God and His people. The power of small actions cannot be overestimated,” Stele said.

Three-Day Convention Comes to a Close

During the concluding part of the convention, a special tribute was given to Heather Dawn-Small, the late GC women’s ministries director, who passed to her rest in January 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.

Arrais closed the convention with a powerful reminder about standing firm in the face of adversity and committing to service. She shared that as the soon coming of Christ approaches, 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,” she said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.