Adventist Church in West Thailand Inaugurates New Center of Influence

Nearly 600 church members, leaders, and villagers gathered on September 6, 2025, to witness the inauguration of the West Thailand Region (WTR) Center of Influence in Nong Luang, Mae Ramat District. The new facility, located on 2.4 acres of land, is envisioned to be a central hub for mission, training, and fellowship among Adventist communities in western Thailand.

The dedication program carried the theme from 2 Timothy 2:1-7, reminding attendees to remain strengthened in Christ, faithful in service, and diligent in God’s calling. Pastor Michael Worker, general manager of Adsafe for the South Pacific Division, delivered the keynote message titled “Jesus Is the Center.”

“Today, as we dedicate this building, we remember that it is more than just walls and a roof,” Worker said. “This is a Center of Influence—a place where men, women, youth, and children will come to learn more about Jesus. Here, hearts will be inspired, and lives will be empowered to share their faith. The true measure of this center is not how long the building will stand, but the lives that are built within it.”

A Hub for Mission and Training

The Western Thailand Region, an Adventist organization situated near the borders of Thailand and Myanmar, has long been a place of mission service in challenging territory. The area is home to families and communities displaced by conflict, many of whom continue to face poverty and hardship. The new Center of Influence aims to provide hope, education, and practical support to both Adventist members and refugees in the area, reflecting Christ’s compassion in action.

The WTR Center of Influence includes a training center, cafeteria, and two dormitories designed to host workers, students, and leaders for seminars, leadership development, and community programs. With few ordained pastors in the region, church workers have faithfully served for many years, and leaders believe this facility will empower them to take the next steps in ministry.

Funded by the South Pacific Division and the Australian Union Conference (AUC), the project also received vital support from international partners. Electricity was made possible through a donation from Dr. Wayne Hemra of the United States. Local members contributed through labor, site preparation, and prayer.

Leaders and Community Unite

The inauguration drew administrators and representatives from the Southeastern Asia Union Mission (SEUM), Thailand Adventist Mission (TAM), Adventist International Mission (AIM), Ekamai International School (EIS), Bangkok Adventist International School (BAIS), and the Northern Thailand Region (NTR). The presence of the AIU president, mission leaders, and local authorities underscored the center’s importance to the broader Adventist community.

One highlight of the event was the fellowship meal that brought together attendees in a spirit of joy and unity. Church members expressed gratitude that the Adventist presence in the region now has a place of its own.

“Even though it is just the training center for now, it feels as if the regional headquarters is becoming a reality,” said Pastor Kanu Boon, executive secretary of the Adventist church in the West Thailand region.

God’s Providence

Despite forecasts of a storm, the day remained clear, which leaders and members saw as a direct answer to prayer. Many reflected on the preparations leading to the event, as local congregations worked together weeks in advance to clean, decorate, and beautify the grounds.

Worker noted that the project’s approval was granted in record time—just six weeks, compared to the usual longer process. He encouraged members to use the center as a launching point to reach the unreached with the gospel message, both in western Thailand and across the nearby Myanmar border.

Looking Ahead

As a central location for Adventist work in the region, the WTR Center of Influence will serve not only as a training facility but also as a beacon of hope and faith for surrounding communities. Leaders pray that the center will nurture disciples, empower workers, and inspire young people to take up the mission of sharing Jesus until His return.

by Kanu Boon | September 12, 2025

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.