I remember Net ’99. Yes, I’m that old. At the time it was touted as the biggest evangelism program for the Church. Churches got satellite dishes, prepared to invite people from the community and tuned in together across the world (not quite at the same time, due to time zones), and listened as Pastor Dwight Nelson from Andrews University at the time, presented the gospel and the Adventist message in a clear, passionate, Jesus-filled way.
I was a teenager at the time, and my family attended almost every night, so I achieved the grand prize of that black New King James Bible that was given out to attendees who came to enough of the programs. Somewhere over the years, I lost that Bible. But I still remember the impact of the program—it was a foundational experience for my growing faith.
It was also exciting for the Church. With the satellite technology, it was perhaps the first time the world had been able to access the same evangelistic program at the same time. In the 27 years since then, the internet has become almost universally accessible, smart phones and social media have been invented, and the world of technology and outreach has changed.
Last year, I was privileged to attend the PNG for Christ program—the biggest evangelistic effort in terms of scale and member involvement in the South Pacific, probably ever.
I’ve heard the arguments. That it is easy to do outreach in places like Papua New Guinea. It won’t work in other countries. But let me appeal to my brothers and sisters in Australia and New Zealand for a moment. Every time I travel to PNG, I come home inspired in my faith. The people there are dedicated church members. They did an enormous amount of praying and fasting in the lead up to the program. One teacher quit his job two years before the program to organise the series for his church. There was nurture and small groups to prepare the soil. Yes, we hear about issues with retention and “backsliding” but that is happening everywhere, and PNG is innovating in member retention discipleship. It is not that PNG is easier but that the harvest is ripe and the workers are eager and ready.
For the next five years, the South Pacific Division is planning an ambitious program of mission. SPD for Christ will provide training and equipping next year, while Trans Pacific Union Mission for Christ is also scheduled for 2026. Then New Zealand Pacific Union for Christ in 2027, Australia for Christ in 2028 and finally, PNG for Christ in 2029 for the second time. All our unions will be a focal point, and cross-collaboration and mission learning will happen in each region that will support the others. While some might be cynical, especially in our Western, post-Christian cultures, let’s keep an open mind, pray for the Holy Spirit to work and allow ourselves to be surprised. My prayer for my country and my wife’s country of New Zealand is that we can humble ourselves, pray and develop Spirit-led methods that are culturally relevant and effective in reaching people. I truly believe that if we seek God’s guidance in this, we will be surprised at how He goes before us and brings people to us who are seeking and ready to accept Him.
It may take different and innovative methods. It may look different in each region of the South Pacific. But let’s join together in praying for each union each year and in preparing our own lives and hearts to be ready to share our faith in intentional ways with our neighbours, friends, family and those in our community. God doesn’t need experts; He needs those who are willing to get out of their comfort zones and follow His leading.
SPD for Christ could be your own opportunity to be involved in a missionary endeavour. Ask your pastor, find out what your conference or mission is planning and find ways to get involved. If every member prayed and told God they were willing, He could change the world.
