While the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) mobilized OneVoice27, a global initiative encouraging all Adventists to use their personal digital platforms to spread the gospel worldwide, three churches in northern Thailand are connecting with their communities face-to-face.

Members of the Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun Seventh-day Adventist churches gathered for the launch of OneVoice27 from September 5–6. Rather than centering their activities on digital engagement, members took the gospel message directly to their communities through literature distribution, education, health ministry, and relationship building.

SSD representatives said the two-day event illustrated the central principle behind OneVoice27: while methods may differ based on local circumstances, every touchpoint can help move people from initial contact to meaningful relationships with Christians, connections with local churches, and a growing relationship with Jesus.

Beginning with understanding

The OneVoice27 launch began by preparing church members to better understand the communities they hope to reach. Reben Huilar, pastor of the three churches, presented a workshop titled "Cross-cultural holistic health ministry," and Menel B. Huilar presented "Intercultural ministry and language pedagogy."

Both workshops were designed to emphasize the importance of understanding culture, language, and community needs when sharing the gospel in multicultural settings.

Children were also invited to join OneVoice27. They were presented with "Too good to keep," a program designed to encourage children to see the gospel as something meant to be shared.

During the worship service, Huilar presented the All Things New campaign—a global initiative aiming for one million Adventists to post on social media about how Jesus can make "All things new" using the hashtag #allthingsnew—based on Revelation 21:5.

Huilar's message focused on Christ's promise of restoration and renewal and invited members. He invited members to participate in sharing that hope with others.

That afternoon, participants went into the surrounding community. Organized into six teams who distributed 800 copies of Secret of Happiness, the Thai-language version of Ellen G. White's Steps to Christ.

SSD representatives said the activity gave members the opportunity to meet people in person, turning the OneVoice27 message into face-to-face encounters within the community.

Connections through teaching

The next day, 18 Adventist volunteers ran an English-as-a-second-language program for about 120 students at Lankrabu Wittaya School, a local public school, as part of its Science, Mathematics, and English program.

During the program, volunteers used interactive English activities, songs, and values-based lessons to engage students. Copies of Secret of Happiness were handed out at the end of the class.

For Shekinah Lel, a teacher at Lankrabu Wittaya School and member of Kamphaeng Phet Seventh-day Adventist Church, the experience demonstrated how ordinary professional and personal relationships can become opportunities for ministry.

“Being a teacher is truly a blessing and a privilege,” Lel said. “Sometimes, we may think that we are simply doing our job, but God can use even the simplest things to touch lives.”

One voice, many touchpoints

SSD representatives said the event reflects the broader dimension of OneVoice27's mission. "A social media post can become one touchpoint. A radio program can become another. In another community, the touchpoint may be an English class, a health program, a book handed personally to someone, or a relationship developed between a teacher and a school.

"What connects these approaches is the intentional effort to create opportunities for people to encounter the message of Jesus and build relationships with a community of faith."

For the Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun Seventh-day Adventist churches, that meant bringing their congregations together for a common mission while utilizing opportunities already available in their communities.

The three churches plan to develop initiatives involving Christian education, holistic health ministry, literature evangelism, and personal outreach.

SSD representatives said the event reminded congregations that, though digital media may start a conversation, mission ultimately moves through people.

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.