Baptismal Ceremony Anticipates Record Accessions Year in Pakistan

Centennial celebrations on Adventist school campus launch renewed focus on mission.

January 12, 2024 | Pakistan | Northern Asia-Pacific Division, and Adventist Review

Pakistan Adventist Seminary & College (PASC) in Sheikhupura District, Punjab, held a week-long centennial celebration and revival event in late November. More than 700 individuals assembled at the university church each evening to listen to the spiritual teachings. Main speaker Chun-soo An, despite being 87 years old and battling a severe cold with a high fever, delivered the gospel with unwavering determination, regional church leaders reported.

Ho Young Choi, youth director in the Northern Asia-Pacific Division (NSD), said, “I am honored to have participated in the 100th-anniversary event of Pakistan Adventist Seminary and College. Through the Golden Bell Quiz competition on the book The Great Controversy, I could feel the passion of the Pakistani young people who love the Word of God. And the joint baptism ceremony on Sabbath afternoon was an unforgettable experience.”

Soon-gi Kang, president of the Korean Union Conference (KUC), delivered a sermon titled, “Answering the Call for Mission.” “The timeless battle between good and evil persists across every era, even now,” Kang said. “The Seventh-day Adventist Church, anticipating the second coming of Jesus, represents the last chosen people in human history. Our solemn duty is to convey the eternal message entrusted by God to humanity to the whole world.”

Kang examined the lives of biblical figures like Moses, Daniel, and Abraham. He emphasized that “Adventists living in this era are entrusted with a sacred mission to spread the return of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Despite any hardships, we must respond to that calling. Heaven’s mandate has been established for us,” he said.

At the conclusion of the event, 148 individuals were baptized, surpassing the initial goal of 100 and establishing an unprecedented record. This achievement is anticipated to contribute to more than 2,000 baptisms in Pakistan within a single year, which would be a first in the country’s history. Baptismal ceremonies at the event started at 1:00 p.m. and continued until dusk. New members through baptism included a young man with an amputated leg, a couple who decided to be baptized together, and 27 people who traveled from Lahore. Despite traffic delays that forced them to arrive late, they showed great joy at being there, leaders reported.

The collaborative efforts of volunteers from South Korea supported the ceremony. The International Association of Foot Care Service (presided over by Sun Kyu Nam) conducted local podiatry care training and provided essential aid during the event. Meanwhile, the Esther Women’s Evangelistic Team, from the East Central Korean Conference and led by Won Suk Jung, participated in health promotion activities.

“Throughout the event, the gathering was infused with the continuous presence of the Holy Spirit and grace, and each passing day witnessed a growing fervor,” PASC president Sung Bae Ji said. “My heartfelt gratitude goes out to everyone who prayed for the success of this occasion, especially to the dedicated volunteers who traveled long distances, enduring challenging and uncomfortable conditions.”

Gee said that he is looking for ongoing support “to help our institution and students explore greater horizons in the future.” He added, “Please, keep us in your prayers, so that the flame of the Holy Spirit remains vibrant on our campus.”

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