On September 5, thousands of members from across Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, gathered at the Yopougon Seventh-day Adventist Church for West-Central Africa Division's (WAD) official launch of OneVoice27, a global movement encouraging church members to speak in one voice by posting how Jesus can make "All things new" on their personal digital platforms using the hashtag #allthingsnew.
Bassey E. O. Udoh, WAD president; Konan Lazare, Southeast Côte d’Ivoire Conference president; and representatives from the General Conference (GC) attended the event.
Udoh welcomed attending church members and expressed joy at seeing the global church gather around a single shared vision.
“We are all united for one goal, one mission, and one kingdom as one people. Together, we are strong. We are Christ’s messengers with a powerful voice when we engage in unity,” he said.
For Udoh, unity is an essential strength for effectively fulfilling the Church’s mission. To him, OneVoice27 represents an invitation to move beyond congregational boundaries and work together to spread the gospel message.
Lazare emphasized the importance of unity and the use of technology in fulfilling the mission.
“It is through unity that we will accomplish our goal. Let us tell the world that Christ’s coming is at hand, using every possible means to achieve this. Our phones must be a special tool for reaching our goal,” said Lazare.
Marcelo Mansur, GC communication assistant director, gave a sermon based on Matthew 5:14-15.
Drawing on the passage, he urged church leaders and members to fully commit to the OneVoice27 initiative and make their daily lives a testimony to God’s transforming power.
“We must glorify God through the lifestyle we live. This is the time to proclaim what God has done for us and through us. Let us use our phones to proclaim Christ and His return in glory. Go and witness for Him,” said Mansur.
He also reminded the congregation of the importance of personal communion with God.
“Let us spend time studying the Bible. Let us serve the Lord with joy and dedication. Christ is coming very soon to put an end to our cries of distress.”
The launch of OneVoice27 marks the beginning of a year-long period dedicated to missionary mobilization, from September 2026 to September 2027.
The initiative calls on every member to play a part in the mission, not only through public preaching but also through personal testimony, lifestyle, commitment to Bible study, and the use of digital media.
Udoh officially publicly launched the OneVoice27 initiative in WAD during the ceremony, encouraging Church members to be active witnesses and evangelists.
The original article was provided by the West-Central Africa Division.
