Torch ceremony lights up South Pacific for Christ launch

April 30

Around 1000 leaders and members from across the South Pacific Division have gathered at Watson Park Convention Centre in Brisbane, Australia, for the launch of South Pacific for Christ, a five-year initiative aimed at refocusing the Seventh-day Adventist Church on its core purpose for mission. 

The event, running from April 28 to May 2, opened with a ceremony that set the tone for the week ahead, featuring symbolic moments that highlighted both the diversity and shared calling of the Division.

A torch ceremony acknowledged church leaders, with each flame signifying a territory diverse in culture, language and geography, yet united in one purpose—to proclaim the name of Jesus Christ. This was followed by a flag parade that celebrated the many islands of the South Pacific. Audience members cheered as each country was represented on stage, calling out greetings in their own languages and celebrating their nation’s moment in the spotlight.

“Seeing the Vanuatu flag being raised was an honour,” Teouma Ville church leading elder Jackson Miake said. “It’s a celebration of what God is doing despite different cultures that we come from.” 

A garland ceremony concluded the segment, with floral garlands placed on leaders from the General Conference and South Pacific Division as a sign of honour, affection and protection. The program also included worship and mission stories from across the region, demonstrating how God is already at work in local communities.

General Conference president Pastor Erton Köhler addressed attendees and encouraged them to be bold in their approach to mission. “Let’s go beyond the ordinary,” he said. “We are here to do great things for God and to expect great things from God.” 

Organisers emphasise the initiative is not simply an event, but an invitation to be inspired, stretched and part of something that matters. Over the next five days, attendees will hear sermons and testimonies and take part in workshops designed to equip them as disciple-makers and refocus the Church on its purpose.  

The opening ceremony was viewed by around 500 people online from various parts of the Pacific. Evening worships will continue to be livestreamed on the South Pacific for Christ YouTube channel and the Adventist Media Facebook page, allowing members across the region to be a part of what God is doing. —Zanita Fletcher