More than 100 literature evangelists (LEs) and Youth Rush (YR) participants from across the South Pacific Division recently gathered in New Zealand for the 2025 Literature Evangelism Summit.
Held at Tui Ridge Park, the week-long program included practical training sessions, the introduction of new resources from Signs Publishing and special music from the Leverd family. This year’s topic was “Empowering Mission”.
For the first time in a decade, Pacific island representatives joined the event, marking a milestone in reconnecting the Division’s LE family.
Keynote speakers from the New Zealand Pacific Union Conference (NZPUC), along with Literature Ministry leaders and experienced LEs, inspired summit attendees with testimonies of how the gospel is being shared through literature.
“We are extending God’s hope to a fallen world,” said NZPUC president Pastor Eddie Tupa’i.
An awards and service pins ceremony highlighted the impact of united service. Collectively, LEs, church members and young people distributed more than 200,000 Adventist books, prayed with more than 3500 people, connected more than 2800 spiritual contacts with local churches and rejoiced in 17 baptisms.
Awards honoured excellence in service including Karen Gallo (Leadership Award and Highest Sales), Joe Paola (Literature Evangelist of the Year and Most Prayers Offered), Rita Pinzone (Highest Amount of Free Literature Distributed), Adam Weal (Most Baptisms) and Bruce McCourt (Faithfulness Award). The Western Australian Conference was named Youth Rush Team of the Year with the highest number of books distributed per participant.
“Summit provides an opportunity for LEs to be inspired and to renew both passion and commitment to sharing hope through literature in their communities,” said Dr Brad Kemp, CEO of Adventist Media and SPD publishing director.
A post-summit survey indicated unanimous impact upon the attendees with 100 per cent of respondents saying they felt more empowered in their work. Many highlighted the value of fellowship and learning together.
“Summit is a fantastic time where people in all streams of LE ministry can gather, share ideas and encourage each other,” said one attendee. Another noted, “I loved the friendship, encouragement and the chance to see how things are done in other countries.”
The next summit will be held in Townsville, Australia in August 2026, and will include an outreach training component where participants can put their skills into practice in the community.
