Nairobi, Kenya: The East-Central Africa Division Welcomes World Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church

The Division Centre-Est de l’Afrique (ECD) recently had the honor of welcoming, at its headquarters in Nairobi, the top leaders of the Église adventiste du septième jour.
This official visit brought together a delegation from the Conférence Générale des Adventistes du Septième Jour composed of:

• Erton C. Köhler, President

• Magdiel Schulz, Assistant to the President

• Paul Douglas, Treasurer

• Richard McEdward, Executive Secretary

A Strategic Visit for the Global Mission

Beyond its ceremonial nature, this meeting was part of a strong spiritual and strategic dynamic aimed at encouraging, supporting, and harmonizing missionary momentum across the world divisions.
During the visit, Pastor Köhler reaffirmed with conviction the spiritual and missionary direction of the global Church:
“Rooted in the Bible and centered on mission.”
This statement summarizes the very DNA of the Adventist Church today: unwavering faithfulness to the Word of God and active commitment to fulfilling the mission.

Rooted in the Bible

In a world marked by doctrinal instability and moral relativism, the call to be rooted in the Bible reminds us that the Church’s supreme authority remains the Holy Scriptures.
To be rooted means to base every decision on the Word, train members in a solid understanding of truth, cultivate a clear spiritual identity, and protect the Church from theological drift.
This principle is vital. A Church disconnected from the Bible loses its identity; a Church anchored in the Word becomes a beacon to the world.

Centered on Mission

Rootedness naturally leads to action. Being centered on mission means evangelizing intentionally, discipling deeply, serving compassionately, and innovating without compromising truth.
The visit of world leaders to Nairobi reminds us that the mission is global, but it is accomplished locally. Every division, union, conference, and local church plays a decisive role in fulfilling the gospel mandate.

One Church, One Vision, One Voice

This meeting strengthened the spirit of unity that characterizes the global Adventist Church. Despite cultural and linguistic diversity, the mission remains the same: to lift up Christ, proclaim the everlasting gospel, and prepare a people for the return of Jesus.
The global initiative #IWillGo continues to inspire members to personally engage in mission, while the momentum of #OneVoice27 emphasizes the importance of speaking with one voice for Christ.

A Strong Message for Africa

The East-Central Africa Division is one of the most dynamic regions of the global Church. This visit represents institutional support, pastoral encouragement, strategic alignment, and affirmation of local leadership.
It confirms that mission in Africa remains central to the priorities of the world Church.

Conclusion

The meeting in Nairobi goes beyond a simple administrative gathering. It symbolizes the unity of the global Church, the centrality of Scripture, the urgency of the mission, and collective commitment.
More than ever, the call resounds:
Be rooted in the Bible.
Be centered on mission.
Go where God sends us.