In 2026, the South American Division (SAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church marks its 110th anniversary. Established in 1916, the regional administrative office oversees the work of the church in eight countries across South America and coordinates initiatives in evangelism, communication, education, humanitarian service, and missionary outreach.

The territory includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. Together, these countries are home to more than 2.6 million Adventist members.

The division coordinates its work through 16 unions—regional administrative units responsible for supporting conferences and missions within specific territories—as well as an extensive network of educational and health institutions. Church leaders say the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on more than a century of growth while reaffirming the church’s ongoing mission.

Continued Growth Across the Region

Over the past century, the Adventist Church has expanded significantly throughout South America.

Growth has occurred through local church outreach, missionary initiatives, educational institutions, and the church’s media ministries, including television and radio networks that broadcast faith-based programming throughout the region.

Projects focused on health promotion, community service, and volunteer initiatives have also contributed to the church’s engagement with local communities.

Today, the South American Division represents one of the largest concentrations of Adventist membership in the world.

A message for everyone

The SAD President highlighted the joy of seeing how many people have identified with the message of hope, understanding the second coming of Christ and joining the denomination.

“We have seen how God has guided His Church in this vast territory throughout all these years, and we continue the work of the pioneers who dedicated themselves to impacting the lives of thousands of people. Times have changed, but the message remains the same,” he emphasizes.

For him, sharing this is a collective responsibility.

“This is everyone’s mission. And for us to grow together, planning and study are necessary, including attention to the new generations,” he explains. He also adds that this is a special moment to “praise God for all He has done throughout this history and for His faithful guidance in the mission throughout South America.”

Organizational Milestones

Edward Heidinger, secretary of the Adventist Church in South America, noted that several key milestones in the division’s history are connected to changes in administrative headquarters.

According to Heidinger, the division’s headquarters in Buenos Aires represented a foundational period, while a later move to Montevideo marked a time of consolidation. The current headquarters in Brasília reflects a period of significant expansion.

In 1951, the division headquarters moved from Argentina to Uruguay due to economic and religious freedom concerns at the time. Uruguay offered political stability and protections that allowed the church’s administrative work to continue without restriction.

In 1976, church leaders voted to relocate the headquarters again—this time to Brasília, Brazil. The decision reflected Brazil’s growing Adventist population and its geographic importance within the division’s territory.

Looking Ahead

As the SAD marks its 110th anniversary, church leaders highlight the role of volunteers, members, and missionaries who have contributed to the region’s growth.

Through initiatives ranging from literature evangelism to media outreach and humanitarian service, the Adventist Church continues to expand its presence throughout South America while supporting missionary efforts in other parts of the world.

Church leaders say the anniversary serves as both a reflection on past developments and a reminder of the church’s ongoing commitment to mission across the region.

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish news site.