Just 20 years old, the Africa-Indian Ocean Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, reported significant church membership growth during their short history. Organized in 1980 with 330,001 members, the church in the area has grown to more than 1,452,735 members, according to statistics heard by 130 delegates gathered to hear reports, elect officers, conduct business, and plan strategy for the next five years.

Church administrators reported during the November 4 meeting, that although the 32 countries which comprise the Africa-Indian Ocean Division are among the poorest in the world, they have made every effort toward self-support at all levels. The church in the region is administered from its headquarters in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, where leaders are challenged to unite people of differing cultural backgrounds and varied languages, and people groups which are sometimes hostile to each other. The region is also stretched by geography: with countries scattered on the mainland of Africa and on the surrounding islands of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean.

The Division’s president, Luka Daniel, is encouraged by their history and optimistic about the future. “I am glad to report that during the 20 years of our existence, we have learned how to live together, plan together, and experience impressive achievements together by the special grace of our Lord Jesus,” said Daniel.

Immediately following the five-year meeting, reports Daniel, delegates began a Strategic Planning and Evangelism Symposium, organized by local leaders Carlyle Bayne and Gabriel Boakye-Dankwa.

Daniel reports that participants studied and set goals for outreach during the coming five years. “The challenge before us was made clear. We will baptize 1 million people in the next five years,” he said.

Strategic plans and commitment, determination and brotherhood marked the success of the meeting, Daniel concluded.