The Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU) has officially launched the OneVoice27 initiative at the Epondweni District in Mt. Frere, Eastern Cape, South Africa, marking the beginning of a renewed emphasis on united digital evangelism and discipleship across the union's territory.

The launch was held on August 1, 2026, at Epondweni within the Umzimvubu Local Municipality. It brought together church leaders, pastors, and members who reaffirmed their commitment to Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). OneVoice27 encourages every Adventist to actively participate in sharing the gospel, particularly through digital platforms.

Paul Shongwe, SAU president, Thulani Mkhize, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty director, and Jerry Nemaranzhe, Sabbath School and Personal Ministries director, were in attendance. The launch was hosted by Cape Conference leadership, including Tshiwo Nyingwashe, president, and Njingolo, executive secretary, alongside approximately 12 district pastors and their spouses from the region.

Church leaders celebrated the Epondweni District's evangelistic growth. The district has recorded 220 baptisms over the past year, surpassing its annual evangelism target. Leaders described it as evidence of local churches and members responding to the Church's missional call.

Delivering the Sabbath message, Shongwe reflected on the cost of discipleship. Tracing Christianity's growth from the 12 disciples first commissioned by Jesus to billions of believers globally today, he emphasized that Christ's Great Commission remains unfinished.

"The mission is not complete," Shongwe said. "Every believer has a role to play in taking the everlasting gospel to the world."

As part of the launch, members united online by sharing the message "Hope Starts with Jesus!" across their social media platforms, a coordinated digital witness reflecting OneVoice27's vision of mobilizing the global Church to proclaim one message of hope with one united voice.

Delegates also participated in plenary sessions on the Adventist Church Management System, an initiative to strengthen accurate membership records and active member engagement across the Union.

OneVoice27 continues to be rolled out across the SAU's territory as part of the Adventist Church's broader Mission for All strategy which affirms that every church member is called to participate in making disciples and sharing the hope of Christ through both personal relationships and digital platforms.

The original article was published on the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean news site.