The Second Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) Literature Evangelist Congress took place December 2 through 7, 2014, at the Birchwood Hotel near Johannesburg, South Africa. It was a vibrant and exciting meeting, attended by almost 1,000 delegates from throughout the Division. The conveners were Pastors Howard Faigao and Super Moesi, director of the General Conference (GC) and SID Publishing Ministries Departments respectively. Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division President Pastor Paul Ratsara and General Conference Vice Presidents Geoffrey Mbwana and Pardon Mwansa were some of the many inspiring speakers who led worships and devotionals, and gave keynote presentations.
The Conference theme was Celebrating Miracles of Grace. It was a wonderful privilege for Dr. Peter Landless, Director of the General Conference Department of Health Ministries, to present a Celebration of Health. During this session, the newly-launched 2015 Mission Book Health and Wellness: Secrets That Will Change Your Life and the popular health resource Celebrations: Living Life to the Fullest were shared with the group. Celebrations is a comprehensive description of health choices and behaviors, with an emphasis on relationships and social support. Both of these books can be used to share the grace-filled gift of healthful living that our loving God desires for each of us and our communities to enjoy. The Celebration of Health included a call to the participants to evaluate their own “fitness” to lead and serve – wholistic fitness of body, mind, and spirit. The entire group responded to the call for rededication to serve and – at the same time – be role model stewards of the gift of health God has entrusted to us.
One left this vibrant and spirit-filled meeting with the joyful conviction that Comprehensive Health Ministry will be taken to new heights by this mighty army of committed and spirit-filled literature evangelists. We praise God for the uniting of many talents and resources in the proclamation of the Three Angels’ Messages, remembering that the health message is integral to the sharing and understanding of the wondrous Story of Salvation.
