From August 7th to 10th, 2024, the Bi-Division Health Professional Summit was held at the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD) Leadership Training Center. Northern Asia-Pacific Division and the Southern Asia-Pacific Division co-hosted the event, which was held for the first time in three years. Under the theme “In Christ Alone: Discovering Wholeness in Brokenness,” this second summit saw the participation of over 100 people from 10 countries. The event commenced with a parade of nations, where representatives from each country marched with their flags, introduced themselves, and shouted their prepared slogans. Following the parade, Kim TaeSeung, Treasurer of NSD, delivered the welcoming address. He warmly welcomed the participants by saying, “I sincerely hope that through this summit, many people in the medical field where your service will be blessed not only with the healing of their physical illness but also the eternal salvation.”
The keynote speaker was Zeno Charles-Marcel, Associate Health Director of the General Conference, who led the audience with his sermons and lectures. Dr. Zeno shared his experiences and research, emphasizing that “Different healthcare disciplines and ministries serve unique but complementary roles” and continued to stress the importance of health ministries by stating, “We have to stress that all roles in health ministry and the church are vital, regardless of perceived status.” Other professionals in the medical field were also invited to give lectures. Kim ChulWoo, Director of Daniel Village Healing Care Center and Church, presented various healing cases through the NEWSTART Healing Program being implemented in Korea. Seo SeonWha, Manager of Yeosu NEWSTART Hospital, explained the importance of lifestyle interventions, supported by evidence, in the lives of cancer survivors. Additionally, Edward Nathan from the Public Health Department shared how to work mission-oriented in the workplace and presented his personal experiences. Attendees actively participated in the event, taking notes, capturing photos, and even sharing the lectures in real time through live broadcasts.
Various other programs were conducted in addition to the lectures. During the health ministry report session, countries shared their ongoing health ministries and exchanged ideas. Each presentation was met with applause and positive feedback. Small group activities, including icebreakers and topic-based discussions, were also organized, allowing participants to get to know each other more deeply. The sightseeing trip to Jeju Island was one of the most popular programs, where attendees visited Saryeoni Forest Path and Seongsan Ilchulbong, took photos, and enjoyed local cuisine.
Participants concluded the summit with a Sabbath worship service and an evening commitment service, dedicating their hearts to the Lord. Jacob Ko, NSD Health Ministries Director, shared his reflections on the event and expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Health Ministries workers from various countries deeply inspired me. The lectures and the reports from each country were profoundly meaningful. It was also a valuable time to learn many things, and eventually, I hope we host our event within the Northern Asia-Pacific Division.”
