June 8, 2023

Gospel Outreach Training Prepares Volunteers for Unreached Areas

Southern Asia-Pacific Division training focuses on sharing Jesus in the 10/40 Window.

Edward Rodriguez, Southern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review
Attendees of the Gospel Outreach continuous education program listen to a presentation on “Introducing People to Jesus in the 10/40 Window.” [Photo: Southern Asia-Pacific Division News]

The Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) supports a transformative Gospel Mission Outreach training program to expand the global ministry of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. It focuses specifically on the 10/40 Window, a region of the world where most people live but Christianity is a minority.

This effort, conducted by the non-profit organization Gospel Outreach, seeks to train volunteers in the SSD region and help fund various outreach programs to unreached territories and culturally varied people groups.

This comprehensive training program has become a catalyst for spreading Christ’s teachings and igniting a spiritual revival in the region, thanks to the visionary leadership of former SSD treasurer Sergie Ferrer, who is now regional director of Gospel Outreach in the Philippines. Ferrer and other retired employees in the denominational work have dedicated their time and effort to organize funds for mission activities in unreached communities and ethnic groups throughout the region.

"Gospel Outreach devotes its efforts to supporting a variety of impactful outreach initiatives aimed at spreading the transformative message of Jesus to regions where His name remains unfamiliar," Ferrer said.

The continuous training program, held at the SSD headquarters in Silang, Cavite, Philippines, has drawn eager participants from a variety of backgrounds, all united by a desire to serve others and spread the message of hope. Volunteers have gathered for rigorous training courses on a variety of themes, including successful evangelistic strategies, cross-cultural communication, Bible study approaches, and spiritual growth fostering.

“Christ’s approach has greatly shaped Gospel Outreach initiatives all over the world,” said Ken Wiebe, associate regional director for Gospel Outreach in the Philippines. “The simplicity of Jesus’ ministry has sparked transformations in the lives of those who have been blessed to encounter Him. By fervently emulating His example, our mission-driven programs strive to enlighten the lives of countless individuals in unreached territories, ensuring that they, too, shall experience the boundless grace and salvation offered by our Savior.”

The SSD’s cultural diversity presents distinct challenges and opportunities for Gospel Mission Outreach volunteers, leaders said. “These dedicated individuals attempt to build bridges of understanding and lasting connections with the communities they serve by immersing themselves in the local cultures, traditions, and languages” they explained. “Their method reflects the Adventist concept in wholistic ministry, addressing individual, family, and community spiritual and physical needs.”

They added, “The ongoing Gospel Mission Outreach training at the Southern Asia-Pacific Division headquarters represents a big step forward in the faith journey of all involved. As volunteers acquire the required tools and information, they will be able to become beacons of hope, sending Christ’s love and compassion to the unreached corners of this culturally varied region.”

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

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