International students from around the South Pacific Division (SPD) who are pursuing further studies at the Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies (AIIAS), Philippines, received a visit from home on February 5.
Pastor Mike Sikuri, SPD General Secretary, met and shared a meal with the post-graduate and seminary students from the Trans-Pacific Union Mission (TPUM) and Papua New Guinea Union Mission (PNGUM).
Pastor Sikuri shared words of support for their academic and spiritual journeys and expressed his appreciation for their commitment to both their studies and ministry. Following the meeting, a dinner was held, giving students an opportunity to update Pastor Sikuri on their progress and experiences at AIIAS.
Pastor Sikuri challenged the students to use their educational exposure to help build up the churches across the Pacific. He reminded them that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is a global movement and encouraged them to view their mission as part of a worldwide church, rather than focusing on national or congregational boundaries.
Pastor Sikuri acknowledged that there are currently 19 students from the SPD region enrolled at AIIAS—the largest group of SPD students ever at the institution—representing a diverse range of countries, including Fiji, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, Kiribati and Tonga.
“Today’s visit was a reminder of the vital role these students will play in the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and the impact their studies at AIIAS will have on the broader Pacific community,” said Pastor Toma Nailavu, from Fiji Mission who is studying at AIIAS this year.
A significant highlight of the evening was the announcement that six students will be graduating this coming May, marking a major milestone in their academic journeys.
