What Comes Next for Mission in Southern Asia-Pacific?

As the Southern Asia-Pacific Division looks beyond a season of gratitude and accomplishment, Pastor Roger Caderma, president of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD), invited church workers to pause, reflect, and then move forward with renewed purpose. His opening message during the first corporate worship of the year, set a reflective yet hopeful tone, reminding listeners that while Harvest 2025 marked a significant chapter in mission, it also opened the door to a broader and more intentional journey of service in the years ahead.

Caderma framed the message around a simple but challenging truth: mission is not an event but a continuing response to God’s call. He urged workers across the division to see themselves not merely as observers of progress but as active participants in God’s unfolding work. With eyes lifted toward a heavenly goal, he encouraged the church to carry forward the spirit of faith, sacrifice, and commitment that defined the previous year’s evangelistic efforts.

Central to the message was the introduction of Mission REAPS, the five-year strategic direction of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. More than a roadmap, Caderma described Mission REAPS as a shared posture of obedience and trust. The journey begins with Mission REACH 2026, focusing on intentional connection with communities and individuals still untouched by hope. It continues with Mission EXPAND – One Voice 2027, calling the church to speak and act with unity in message and purpose. Mission ADVANCE 2028 challenges the field to move forward with courage and innovation, while Mission PROCLAIM 2029 emphasizes a clear and faithful declaration of the gospel. The plan culminates in Mission Seek, Save, Disciple 2030, underscoring Christ’s method of seeking hearts, leading them to salvation, and nurturing them into lifelong disciples.

Caderma emphasized that Mission REAPS will only be effective if it is lived out personally by those who serve. To anchor this vision in daily ministry, he pointed to what he described as the five D’s—principles meant to shape both attitude and action as the church moves forward.

He spoke first of DIRECTION, reminding workers that meaningful ministry begins with clarity of purpose. Direction, he said, comes from aligning plans and decisions with God’s will, ensuring that every initiative points toward His mission rather than personal ambition. Without clear direction, even good intentions can lose their impact.

DEPENDENCE followed as a necessary posture for all who serve. Caderma stressed that the work of mission cannot be sustained by human strength alone. True progress, he noted, grows out of daily reliance on God through prayer, humility, and trust. Dependence keeps workers grounded, reminding them that success belongs to God, not to strategies or structures.

DISCERNMENT, he added, is essential in a field marked by diversity and complexity. Caderma encouraged leaders and members alike to seek wisdom that goes beyond quick solutions. Discernment allows God’s people to listen carefully, choose wisely, and respond with grace, especially in sensitive contexts where the gospel must be shared thoughtfully and respectfully.

DILIGENCE, he said, reflects faithfulness in both visible achievements and quiet, unseen labor. Caderma affirmed that God honors consistent effort, even when results are slow or unnoticed. Diligence calls workers to remain steadfast, committed to excellence, and faithful to their calling day by day.

He concluded the framework with DETERMINATION, describing it as the resolve to persevere despite challenges. Mission, Caderma reminded the congregation, has never been easy. Determination sustains the church through discouragement and opposition, anchoring its hope in God’s promises and in the assurance that His work will be completed.

As the message closed, Caderma returned to the image of a shared journey. He invited every worker, department, and institution to walk together into the coming years with faith and courage, trusting that God, who led in the past, will continue to lead the church forward. With Mission REAPS as its guide and Christ as its center, the Southern Asia-Pacific Division moves ahead—not simply to accomplish plans, but to faithfully reflect God’s love to a waiting world.

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