Church members connected to Adventist university communities will now have easier access to local and international volunteering opportunities. Adventist Volunteer Service (AVS) is expanding its campus-based Ambassadors initiative in 2026, with trained representatives serving at Avondale University, Pacific Adventist University (PAU) and Fulton Adventist University.
First introduced in late 2024, the AVS Ambassadors initiative places student representatives on tertiary campuses to serve as local points of contact for people interested in serving through AVS. After its initial rollout and first year of activity, the program is entering a new phase in 2026, with an expanded cohort and a stronger focus on connecting students and nearby church communities with service opportunities.
AVS Ambassadors function as a “mobile mission office” on campus, promoting volunteering pathways and supporting people who want to explore local service projects, short-term mission trips or longer-term placements. The ambassadors work alongside university leadership and campus churches and are expected to coordinate service-focused initiatives.
“Ambassadors bring mission to life on campus; they make it visible, relatable and achievable for students,” said South Pacific Division AVS manager Rose Miranda. “For AVS, they are the heartbeat of engagement, showing that mission isn’t just an idea. It’s a practical, transformative experience.”
During its first year, ambassadors at each campus trialled different approaches to mission engagement, reflecting the needs of their local communities.
At PAU, in Papua New Guinea, previous initiatives included the “I Will Go” cycling ministry, in which students travelled by bicycle to nearby villages, schools and communities to share literature, offer prayer and engage in community service. At Fulton, in Fiji, ambassadors supported a mission trip to Nagigi Seventh-day Adventist Primary School in the province of Cakaudrove on Vanua Levu, where students assisted the school as part of a community service outreach.
In Australia, Avondale AVS ambassadors focused on local service initiatives, including campus serve days that connected students with the surrounding community. During one recent serve day, students volunteered as part of a free car wash, offering practical support while building relationships with community members.
Former AVS ambassadors said the role helped students recognise service opportunities within the Church and in everyday life. “Being an ambassador has shown me how many service opportunities are available,” said former Avondale AVS Ambassador Brooke Howard. According to former Fulton AVS Ambassador Torika Ligatabua, participating in the mission trip encouraged students to step beyond their comfort zones and consider future service opportunities.
This year, the program is expanding with a new cohort of ambassadors appointed across all three campuses—four at Avondale, three at Fulton and two at PAU. In addition to continuing to coordinate service-focused initiatives, the new teams will also organise mission-focused church services and at least one mission trip per campus each year.
While ambassadors are based on university campuses, Ms Miranda says the initiative is designed to support people of all ages. Local church members, including professionals and retirees, are encouraged to connect with ambassadors through campus churches to explore service opportunities suited to their stage of life.
“Service isn’t limited to youth; it’s a lifelong journey. Older adults bring experience, wisdom and perspective that can greatly enrich mission efforts. Through AVS, they can explore service opportunities that fit their season of life,” said Ms Miranda.
To learn more about Adventist Volunteer Service opportunities visit volunteers.adventistchurch.com or contact the AVS team at volunteers@adventist.org.au.
