Pastor Jan Paulsen, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwide, meets Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. The short, courtesy meeting took place November 6 at the Manila airport within minutes of the President’s return to the country from Brunei. Pictured is President Arroyo shaking hands with Pastor Paulsen. Standing behind is Congressman Harlin Abayon of the Philippine House of Representatives, who is a Seventh-day Adventist, and Larry Feir, communication director for the church in the North Philippines.

Paulsen is on a six-day visit to the Southern Asia-Pacific region of the church. He will attend the church’s regional Year-end meetings in Silang, Philippines, and address a spiritual convocation in Pasay City on Sabbath (Saturday), November 10.

During the visit, the church president will also meet with educators and students of two universities the church operates in the region—Adventist University of the Philippines, and Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies. Pastor Paulsen’s visit to the country received welcome messages in the Manila Standard daily from President Arroyo, Senate President Franklin Drilon and House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr.