In an era in which digital evangelism and urban outreach are redefining mission work, the Ubon Urban Center of Influence (UB-UCI) is proving that hands-on service and Christ-centered ministry can break barriers and build bridges in one of Thailand’s predominantly Buddhist provinces. Established in October 2022, UB-UCI is not just another church project—it is a movement that embodies Jesus’ method of ministry by mingling with people, meeting their needs, and leading them to experience God’s love. For Adventist millennials looking for tangible ways to live out their faith, this center serves as a powerful example of mission in action.
Turning Vision Into Reality
When UB-UCI first started, there was just a passionate group of missionaries who were dedicated to serving the people of Ubon Ratchathani with limited resources and a lack of complex systems. Following several attempts, the team acquired a property in March 2023; the area was shortly turned into a mission headquarters, and the UB-UCI building was completed on October 25, 2024. It was a momentous event that provided a focal point for faith, hope, and service. With the building established, the actual work of ministry has now expanded into the community.
Serving, Teaching, and Healing
Service is at the heart of UB-UCI, and its impact extends far beyond the walls of a traditional church building. When the worst floods in 50 years devastated the region in 2022, the UB-UCI team responded immediately, distributing food, clothing, and emergency supplies to families in crisis. Their response demonstrated that mission is not only about preaching but also about being the hands and feet of Jesus in times of need. Beyond disaster relief, education has become one of the most effective tools in connecting with the community. English language classes have facilitated in-depth discussions about faith, resulting in a threefold increase in enrollment at Ban Pak Huai Wang Nong School in just one semester. Through these initiatives, the school’s students and their families are forming relationships with the Adventist community, and many are learning about Christ for the first time.
The health and wellness initiatives at UB-UCI have also played a crucial role in its outreach. Free medical checkups, natural medicine education, and care for elderly individuals have provided essential services while opening opportunities for deeper connections. For example, a unique aspect of the ministry is the massage program, during which trained individuals not only offer physical relief but also create space for meaningful conversations. Additionally, the livelihood programs, which include skills training in fish drying, soapmaking, and crafting, provide families with income. And during this process relationships can be established that are built on trust, respect, and mutual support.
UB-UCI’s influence extends even further through radio ministry, which has become a useful tool in reaching people beyond city limits. Messages of hope, faith, and practical life guidance are shared daily, and many listeners have responded by seeking Bible studies and baptism.
Faith Communities Are Growing
In 2024 alone, 21 individuals have already given their lives to Christ, and at the end of the year another group started studying the Bible and preparing for baptism. Yet the work does not stop there. The center has also established eight branch Sabbath schools, in which children are engaged and nurtured through music, Bible stories, and creative activities. These gatherings create an environment in which the children and their parents are drawn closer to God. Bible study groups have multiplied across the region, with five new groups forming in 2024 because of the impact of the radio outreach and personal visitations.
A Call to Action
The mission of UB-UCI is just getting started. As the center continues to expand its reach, the staff is committed to provide practical services to continue to build meaningful relationships within the community to promote the Adventist faith. By partnering with church entities, government offices, and local institutions, UB-UCI ensures that the work remains relevant, impactful, and rooted in Christ’s love.
For Adventists who are passionate about global mission, community engagement, and faith in action, UB-UCI is a compelling reminder that the gospel is not merely spoken but lived. Every Bible study, every act of kindness, and every transformed life, is a testament to the power of mission. In a world of constant change, one truth remains: when believers step out in faith, God moves in ways beyond imagination, bringing light to even the most challenging mission fields.
The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
