More than 40 true stories of mission, faith and transformation have been brought together in a new book, Christ in the South Pacific.
Launched during the recent South Pacific for Christ event in Brisbane, the book highlights mission initiatives, answers to prayer, faith journeys and transformed lives from across the region. The collection features contributions from a diverse range of authors, including some of the South Pacific’s newest young missionaries serving in South-East Asia.
Several stories reflect the impact of the PNG for Christ campaign, while others share experiences from Adventist education, health, literature evangelism and ADRA, along with personal faith journeys and encounters with God.
Reflecting on the book, Pastor Townend said, “God is at work in the South Pacific right now—His mission is alive and well.
“This book shares stories from the last two years from our backyard that show how God has answered our prayers and used our people to lead others to Jesus. You will be inspired as you read this yourself, or to your children, grandchildren and others.”
The book was edited by Adventist Media head of news and editorial, Tracey Bridcutt, and printed at Signs Publishing.
“Signs Publishing is pleased to make this contribution to the Church’s renewed focus on mission in partnership with Tracey, the South Pacific Division and the contributors who have shared their stories,” said Signs book editor Nathan Brown.
“As a collection, Christ in the South Pacific demonstrates the diversity of mission in our part of the world, both in the contexts in which mission takes place—from large cities to remote islands—and the different ways in which we all can play our part in God’s mission using our voices, talents, time and resources.
“Perhaps my favourite story in the collection is the last one in the book in which Brendan Pratt [Adventist Union Conference president] shared the story of the connection he was able to make between a pastor in Ethiopia and the church members in Launceston, Tasmania. It’s a great story of a God-connection and a reminder of the difference we can make over long distances and even when we are not sure about whether we are doing the right thing. God can connect the dots in remarkable ways.”
North New South Wales Conference general secretary Pastor Abel Iorgulescu began reading the book after receiving a copy at the South Pacific for Christ launch and quickly became absorbed in the stories.
“I made the ‘mistake’ of starting it on Sabbath evening and couldn’t put it down,” he shared. “I wanted to let you know how inspiring these stories are.
“I’m planning to use it for family worship in my home, and I pray it will continue to impact many lives, just as it has mine.”
Mrs Bridcutt thanked those who shared their stories and acknowledged Signs Publishing assistant book editor Lauren Webb for her guidance and support in helping bring the book to publication.
“Behind every story in this book is a person, a community or a moment where God has been at work,” she said. “My prayer is that readers will be encouraged, inspired and reminded that mission is still alive and growing across our region.”
Before the official launch, the book had already gone abroad with Pastor Townend presenting copies to North American Division church leaders, who told him “Your mission stories inspire us”.
Christ in the South Pacific is available from Adventist Book Centre bookshops in Australia and New Zealand or online.
