THAILAND
Adventist Church Inaugurates New Center of Influence
Nearly 600 church members, leaders, and villagers gathered on September 6 to witness the inauguration of the West Thailand Region Center of Influence in Nong Luang, Mae Ramat district. The new facility, located on 2.4 acres (almost 1 hectare) of land, is envisioned to become a central hub for mission, training, and fellowship among Adventist communities in western Thailand.
Michael Worker, general manager of Adsafe for the South Pacific Division, delivered the keynote message. “Today, as we dedicate this building, we remember that it is more than just walls and a roof,” Worker said. “This is a center of influence—a place where men, women, youth, and children will come to learn more about Jesus. . . . The true measure of this center is not how long the building will stand, but the lives that are built within it.”
The church region, located near the borders of Thailand and Myanmar, has long been a place of mission service in a challenging territory. The area is home to families and communities displaced by conflict, poverty, and hardship. The new center of influence aims to provide hope, education, and practical support to both Adventist members and refugees in the area, leaders said.
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
First Woman Appointed Secretary of a Local Mission in the Country
The Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM) has appointed a woman as secretary for a local mission, reportedly for the first time in the country. Pauline Yorio, 44, of New Ireland and Manus provinces, was appointed secretary of the Morobe Mission at the seventeenth PNGUM session held September 5-8 in Port Moresby. She has served at PNGUM for 20 years. She began work in February 2005 after graduating from Pacific Adventist University. Yorio had the privilege of serving the church, primarily within the PNGUM Secretariat Department, and most recently as the union’s first female officer in the role of undersecretary.
“These years of service have been both a blessing and a learning journey, strengthening my faith and commitment to God’s mission,” she said. “I am humbled to serve God in this role as I continue in the journey of faith, dedication, and service to His mission.”
During the session a number of other appointments were voted, including PNGUM departmental leaders and mission executives.
Several new mission presidents, secretaries, and treasurers were elected, while others are still pending, regional church leaders shared.
AUSTRIA
Bogenhofen Seminary Celebrates Inauguration of New Facilities
“I have witnessed every day of this renovation and still find it hard to believe that we are gathered here today for the inauguration,” said Max Wieser, managing director, during his opening speech. Just a few weeks ago a timely completion seemed nearly impossible, which makes the successful outcome all the more gratifying.”
Throughout the project many challenges arose, but “thanks to the tireless dedication of several volunteers and the professional coordination by the architects, we successfully navigated all obstacles,” school administrators said.
Martin Pröbstle, dean of the Theological Seminary, delivered the ceremony’s closing remarks. The progression from a small room in the old chapel to two long-term classrooms in the basement of the boys’ dormitory, culminating in the elevated space above the cafeteria, symbolically underscores the special significance of the Theological Seminary for campus life, he said.
The cost-effective construction of the new facilities was facilitated by the relocation of the administration, which is now situated in a former classroom. A new lounge serves as a bridge between the administrative space and the Theological Seminary.
FRENCH POLYNESIA
French Polynesia Mission Elects Three Leaders for the First Time
Hiro Itchner is returning as president, former secretary-treasurer Jean-Claude Ramiandrisoa has been appointed as treasurer, and former Ministerial Association secretary Jean-François Marirai-Parker has been appointed as secretary.
“It’s part of the growth and the development of that mission, which is really exciting to see,” said Glenn Townend, South Pacific Division (SPD) president.
Eric Toleafoa was reappointed to his role of president-secretary of the Cook Islands Mission (CIM). He will be assisted by Stephen Higgins, the current NZPUC senior accountant, who has also been appointed to the role of treasurer for the CIM.
Hatsarmaveth Venkaya, previously the discipleship ministries leader, has been appointed as president-secretary for the New Caledonia Mission. Venkaya will be assisted by Irene Yang in the position of treasurer, leaders reported.
Regional church leaders reported that the business meeting included reports from each department and the SPD, and the delegates appointed a new executive committee.
The French Polynesia Mission is based in Papeete, Tahiti. As of June 30, 2024, it had 46 churches and companies and a baptized membership of 5,337.
ROMANIA
ADRA Romania Announces Launch of Project Focused on Labor Market Support
ADRA Romania recently announced the launch of the “REPROFILAT—Professional Retraining, Continuous Learning, and Labor Market Counseling” project. This initiative is dedicated to supporting individuals with limited educational backgrounds who are seeking employment or professional retraining. The project is co-financed by the European Social Fund through the Education and Employment Program 2021-2027 and receives additional funding from the Ministry of Investments and European Projects.
The REPROFILAT project will provide participants with access to career guidance and counseling services; assessment of previously acquired skills in informal or nonformal contexts; and programs for acquiring basic digital skills.
This initiative will take place from September 2025 to February 2027 in Hunedoara and Timiș counties, with a total budget of almost Romanian lei 2,500,000 (almost US$580,000).
“By implementing the REPROFILAT project in the west region, ADRA promotes quality education and the development of decent employment opportunities for both individuals at the beginning of their careers and those seeking a fresh start in their professional lives,” said Alina Țâțaru, business monitoring expert and project manager at ADRA Romania. “Our goal is to assist 305 individuals in finding their place in the labor market, thereby improving their economic situations and quality of life.”
