This month marks the third October in a row that Ministry has featured a particular geographic region of the world field. In 2007, we published articles from writers on the African continent, and in 2008, our writers came from the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. This year we will focus on the countries of the Pacific Rim, whose territories stretch from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea to Indonesia and Burma (Myanmar), to the Philippines, Korea, Mongolia, and so many more countries.
Although this issue focuses on specific countries, we know our readers from around the world will glean several universal truths. First, no matter where you live opportunities for spiritual and numerical growth exist. Second, there are also many challenges that threaten to undermine future growth. Third, in spite of great diversity-often within the same country-an amazing unity among believers exists that transcends even borders and political persuasions.
While recognizing the limitations of my personal exposure to life and ministry in Asia, I have seen the church there, alive and vibrant, powered by a burgeoning youth movement. Recently, while attending meetings in South Korea, I met several bright young theologians who have and will continue to make a difference through their teaching and writing. University life has always held a special place in my heart, and some of the fi nest schools can be found in the Pacific Rim. I have enjoyed visiting several of them within the last year; they are producing professionals who serve God wherever He calls them throughout the world. My colleague, Nikolaus Satelmajer, has traveled extensively throughout most regions of the Pacific Rim. He especially tells me of the dynamic work in China and its growth, both in large and small cities.
So much can be said about our pastors standing on the front lines of ministry. But so many others are also involved in faithfully fulfilling the work of the church. Enough cannot be said about the tremendous work of Adventist World Radio (see Benjamin D. Schoun's article in this issue), the relief efforts of the Adventist Development and Relief Agency, and what you, the reader of Ministry, have done for this region. Last summer, in the wake of the natural disasters that struck China and Burma (Myanmar), we asked you to give financial assistance. You opened your hearts, wallets, and purses with unparalleled generosity.
As was the case in 2007 and 2008, Dr. Satelmajer and I sat down with the presidents of the three divisions of the Adventist Church in the Pacific Rim: Alberto Gulfan, Jairyong Lee, and Barry Oliver. They shared with us a comprehensive overview of the work throughout their jurisdictions. In reading their interview, our lead article in this issue, you will discover the commonalities of both the successes and challenges they face. And, in seeing those successes and challenges, you can easily look at your churches, your districts, your conferences, and see that there is little difference between the pastors, members, and other leaders in Asia and you.
As a result of my travels and conversations-not only with leaders and pastors in Asia but elsewhere throughout the world-I am more and more impressed with the wonderful body that makes up the Seventh-day Adventist Church (both locally and globally). United by dedicated members and workers filled with the Holy Spirit, this church joyfully shares the good news of our Savior to a hungry world.
