Mission Refocus Conference Calls Global Church to Strengthen Integrated Vision for Cross-Cultural Mission
Global delegates gather in Thailand to strengthen partnerships, share field experiences, and advance mission among diverse people groups.
Edward RodriguezJun 17, 2026, 6:48 AM
More than 390 delegates representing various countries, divisions, and mission fields gathered in Bangkok, Thailand, June 9–14, for the Mission Refocus Conference, a global event organized by the General Conference Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations (CAMR) under the theme, “Toward an Integrated AMR Vision.” The gathering brought together church leaders, mission practitioners, departmental representatives, and frontline workers to strengthen collaboration, share field experiences, and explore effective approaches for reaching diverse communities around the world.
The conference opened with messages from world church leaders who emphasized the growing importance of intentional engagement, relationship-building, and faithful witness among non-Christian communities that remain largely unreached by the gospel.
General Conference President Erton C. Köhler commended delegates for their commitment to serving in places where “faith, patience, boldness and genuine relationships matter deeply.” He reminded attendees that many people around the world have never encountered a Christian who truly understands them or experienced the message of Jesus through friendship and trust.
“What encourages me most is that this mission continues to attract people who still believe God can open doors that once appeared unreachable,” Köhler said “Throughout Scripture, the Lord often works through people who are willing to see beyond fear and beyond limitation.”
Köhler also challenged participants to remain grounded in Scripture while trusting that the Holy Spirit continues preparing hearts in every part of the world.
General Conference Executive Secretary Rick McEdward highlighted the urgency of understanding and engaging people from diverse faith backgrounds rather than avoiding difficult mission fields.
“The goal of this conference is precisely to understand and to engage,” McEdward said. “Our process of learning together will encourage new dimensions of mission in non-Christian communities.” He expressed appreciation for the conference organizers and encouraged participants to connect, pray, and collaborate so the church can be stronger in its shared mission to proclaim Christ’s soon return.
Gary Krause, General Conference associate secretary and Adventist Mission director, described the conference as a significant opportunity for the church to learn more about communities with whom Christians share many historical and spiritual points of connection.
“It provides us with the opportunity to learn more about our Muslim brothers and sisters, with whom we share so much in common,” Krause said. “And we need to learn better ways to share our distinctive beliefs, which we believe are so important for all people, regardless of religion, to understand.”
Chanmin Chung, director of Global Mission Centers, welcomed delegates by emphasizing perseverance in ministry, particularly in fields where visible results may take years to appear.
“This is our hope—not in our own strategies or strength, but in God who is able to do far more than we can imagine,” Chung said. “He is the One who changes hearts. He is the One who opens doors. Our role is simply to remain faithful.”
Petras Bahadur, director of the Center for Adventist-Muslim Relations and principal organizer of the conference, challenged participants to embrace the event’s theme as both a calling and a commitment.
“Our conference theme, ‘Towards an Integrated AMR Vision,’ reflects both our calling and our commitment,” Bahadur said. “As the global landscape continues to change, we are invited to work more intentionally together.” He noted that the gathering was designed to strengthen partnerships, deepen collective vision, and seek God’s direction for the future of Adventist-Muslim Relations ministry worldwide.
Throughout the week, delegates participated in plenary presentations, division reports, testimonies, panel discussions, and breakout sessions addressing practical aspects of mission, including health ministry, media outreach, youth engagement, community-based ministries, discipleship, church planting, and relationship-building. The conference also featured reports from world divisions, Adventist World Radio, ADRA, health ministries, youth ministries, children’s ministries, and other mission-focused entities.
One recurring theme throughout the conference was the importance of collaboration. During one devotional presentation, the message pointed to biblical examples of cooperation, including Moses’ partnership with Hobab, the craftsmen who helped build the sanctuary, and Jethro’s counsel regarding leadership and governance. Participants were reminded that mission advances most effectively when individuals, institutions, and ministries work together toward a shared purpose.
Presenters also emphasized that meaningful witness begins with prayer, compassionate service, and authentic relationships. Reports from various regions highlighted how acts of kindness, community engagement, and small-group fellowships have created opportunities for individuals and families to learn more about Christ in culturally appropriate settings.
Several sessions explored how departments across the church can contribute to an integrated mission strategy. General Conference Adventist Youth Ministries Director, Pastor Business Kumalo shared approaches involving community-based ministries, public campus outreach, and youth-led initiatives, while General Conference Children’s Ministries leader, Dr. Orathai Chureson, highlighted intentional disciple-making models designed to help children develop loving and lasting relationships with Jesus.
As the conference concluded, delegates reaffirmed their commitment to collaboration, prayer, and faithful witness. Leaders encouraged participants to return to their respective fields with renewed confidence that God continues preparing hearts and opening doors in every region of the world.
The gathering closed with a collective commitment to pursue an integrated vision of mission—one that combines prayer, compassion, discipleship, education, health ministry, media, and community engagement as the church seeks to share the hope of Jesus with all people.
The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.
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