Pastor Kim YoHan, the President of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, emphasized that the inclusion of four countries, including Bangladesh, within the NSD territory is a “new challenge and vision.”
The General Conference Executive Committee during the Annual Council meeting approved a proposal from the Asia-Pacific Territorial Review Survey Commission to add four countries – Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh – to the Northern Asia-Pacific Division at its meeting on Oct 8. This brings the number of countries administratively and missionarily administered by the NSD to nine, up from five, which included South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Mongolia, and North Korea.
In an interview on the sidelines of the convention, NSD President YoHan Kim, “The resolution presents us with a new challenge and vision. It will provide a variety of missionary experiences, which will strengthen our missionary capacity in preparation for the Second Coming.” Below is the full Q&A.
Q: What is the rationale behind this adjustment in the Northern Asia-Pacific Division’s missionary territory?
A: First of all, we are grateful for God’s grace in leading us to expand our reach through this regional adjustment. The reason the Asia-Pacific Division was separated into North and South Asia was to focus on missionary efforts in China. However, with the reorganization of the Chinese Union Mission into a region directly attached to the General Conference in 2019, the NSD needed to explore new mission directions and strategies. To this end, the Secretary and Treasurer, along with Pastor SiYoung Kim, the NSD former President, prayed and studied together and launched the Jabez Project. We are grateful to these three officers for their visionary approach to mission strategy.
Q: What is the significance and meaning of this resolution?
A: After the voting to bring these four countries under the NSD, all the Presidents of the NSD, five Presidents Under the Korean Union Conference, one President of the Japanese Union Conference, and Three Officers of NSD met with the officers of the General Conference. During this meeting, the General Conference officers gave us special words of encouragement and direction. Here are some highlights: “With this one resolution, the number of countries in Northern Asia-Pacific Division has doubled. A single resolution has brought about tremendous results. Perhaps you are beginning to wonder how to accept this great challenge. But I want you to remember that mission is a matter of faith and dependence on God.” The officers concluded by saying, “This resolution is not only a great challenge for the NSD but also a great opportunity. You have the opportunity to go beyond your borders and reach new cultures. You will be privileged to interact with new ethnic and linguistic groups and have a variety of missionary experiences.”
Q: Will there be ancillary burdens such as costs, manpower, long-distance travel, and cultural differences associated with expanding the region?
A: Obviously, there will be increased economic costs and burdens, and we will encounter unfamiliar cultures and religions in these regions. So, this can be somewhat burdensome. However, as I traveled to these countries, I became convinced that God was providing us with various opportunities. If God gives us a mission to work on, I believe He will provide the necessary resources. God will surely make a way.
Q: Why should we pursue this despite the practical burdens?
A: Jesus said, ‘This gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world for a witness to all nations, and then the end will come’ (Matthew 24:14). Our newest regions are countries in the 10/40 window. These are the least reached countries in the world. If early Seventh-day Adventist missionaries had not come and served in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of Far-East Asia despite different cultures, difficult access, and high costs, the region would still be unreached. Many people would still be dying in sin, and the Second Coming would be delayed. The mission given by God is a calling that must be fulfilled, no matter how difficult, challenging, or painful it may be. Since Jesus Christ gave His life for each of us, shouldn’t we imitate Him and take up our own crosses and follow in His footsteps? Moving forward into new territories is a mission and an opportunity that the Lord has given us.
Q: What are the expected effects?
A: The NSD will collaborate with each incoming regional association, union, and convention to initiate or enhance medical, educational, and broadcasting projects. Initially, we will establish an Urban life-hope center in Bangladesh, which will include a school, hospital, and broadcasting station. Such centers will be set up in each country. We anticipate these centers will make a significant contribution to community health and development.
Lastly, what is your message to the members of the NSD?
The arrival of the four new countries into our Divison’s jurisdiction is a two-sided coin. On one hand, there are those who welcome them, and on the other hand, there are those who are worried and concerned. I am grateful that both sides have shown interest in the NSD. I believe that if God has given us a problem, He will also provide us with a solution. We ask for your continued interest in the work and development of the existing five countries and the four new regions, and for your prayers and support whenever you have time.
Local interview conducted by SeongJun, Byun (NSD Communication Director)