Leader’s Visit Inspires Support for Public Campus Ministry in Indonesia

In a bid to inspire and empower young people across Southeast Asia — a region largely within the 10/40 window* — Pako Edson Mokgwane, associate youth ministries director of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, embarked on a missional visit to the church’s East Indonesia Union Conference region. This landmark visit underscored the church’s dedication to advancing Public Campus Ministry (PCM) initiatives, equipping students for mission work in secular academic settings, and championing the cause of religious freedom, regional church leaders said.

Strengthening PCM in East Indonesia

Mokgwane’s primary objective was to celebrate the 10th anniversary of PCM and to strengthen its presence in Indonesia, where students often navigate the challenges of faith in secular universities. His engagements began with a workers’ meeting at the Adventist Church’s Minahasa Conference, Indonesia’s largest conference by congregations, where he addressed pastors representing 242 churches. His message emphasized the mission of PCM to spiritually nurture and mobilize Adventist students and faculty on public campuses.

According to regional church leaders, the cornerstone of his visit was a courtesy meeting with leaders from Manado State University , including vice rectors and faculty members. Discussions focused on collaborative initiatives, such as health expos and resilience-building programs like Youth Alive. These efforts aim to address real-world challenges, including addiction, while promoting whole-person development for students. The meeting also addressed seventh-day Sabbath observance rights for Adventist students.

Advocacy for Religious Freedom and Collaboration

Mokgwane’s mission extended to other academic institutions, including Sam Ratulangi University and Klabat University. He met with university leaders to advocate for policies supporting religious accommodation, especially regarding Sabbath observance. According to church leaders, “these meetings highlighted the Adventist Church’s readiness to collaborate with educational institutions in cultivating an environment where faith and academic excellence coexist harmoniously.”

At Prisma University, Mokgwane engaged students and delivered messages of hope and empowerment. These interactions reflected the Adventist Church’s vision for PCM as a bridge between faith and learning, church leaders said. “It empowers students to live out their faith while pursuing academic and professional success,” they explained.

Empowering Leaders and Celebrating Youth

Another visit of Mokgwane occurred during the graduation of 335 senior youth leaders at Klabat University. “This thrust shows the church’s commitment to equipping young leaders for ministry and mission,” church leaders reported. Addressing the graduates, Mokgwane emphasized the importance of active PCM involvement in every local church, ensuring that the program’s mission reaches Adventist students across the region.

In addition to empowering students, Mokgwane also visited the North Sulawesi Academy, delivering an inspiring message to students and faculty.

Mokgwane’s visit left an indelible mark on the Adventist community in East Indonesia, regional church leaders emphasized. “By prioritizing PCM and fostering collaboration between the church and secular institutions, he advanced the mission of empowering young Adventists to be witnesses for Christ on their campuses,” they said. “His advocacy for religious freedom and his efforts to nurture youth leadership underscored the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s commitment to preparing young people for a life of service and mission.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.

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* The 10/40 window is a term in Christian ministry for the region of the globe between 10 degrees and 40 degrees north latitude containing a large proportion of the world’s population and the least access to the gospel message.