Adventists gathered at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Westville Campus on 5 September 2026 for the Durban launch of OneVoice27, part of the worldwide rollout of the Seventh-day Adventist Church's global evangelistic initiative.
OneVoice27 carries the theme "All Things New: Hope Starts Here" and forms part of the Church's Mission for All strategy, building toward a united evangelistic emphasis in September 2027. The initiative calls members to share the hope found in Christ through personal witness, community engagement, and digital platforms.
Four communication leaders addressed the programme: Dr. Sam Gil, Associate Communication Director of the General Conference; Dr. Pako Mokgwane, Communication Director of the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division; Pastor Thulane Mkhize, Communication Director of the Southern Africa Union Conference; and Pastor Andrew Moonsamy, President and Communication Director of the KwaZulu-Natal Free State Conference.
Dr. Mokgwane focused on authenticity and audience. Digital missionaries must communicate honestly, he said, while recognising that different audiences respond to different forms of language. Effective digital evangelism requires listening and adapting so the gospel connects with people where they are, rather than reproducing the same message everywhere.
Dr. Gil challenged those without an established digital presence to begin with the voice they already have. A person's physical voice can still connect others to Jesus, he said, while social media extends that voice beyond the immediate circle of family, friends, and congregation.
"The platforms are the means; Jesus is the end," Gil said.
Pastor Mkhize broadened the definition further, reminding congregants that digital mission requires neither sophisticated equipment nor a large following. Even WhatsApp can become a tool for sharing Christ. The challenge, he said, is to use what you already have.
All Things New launch in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Member at the launch of All Things New in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Member at the launch of All Things New in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
GC Communication Director: Dr Samuel Gil at the All Things New in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
Pastor Moonsamy urged members to move beyond hearing about OneVoice27 to participating in it, using everyday interactions and digital platforms to reach as many people as possible.
A defining moment came when congregants were invited to take out their mobile phones for a consecration service; a commitment to use their devices intentionally to encourage others, share hope, tell stories of faith, and invite people to discover the Bible. The moment reflected the six commitments of the OneVoice27 digital mission movement: pray, prepare, post, participate, pursue, and proclaim.
The afternoon programme moved from strategy to response. During an appeal by Dr. Gil, one man walked to the front to dedicate his life to Christ, and Gil prayed over him. A further group of congregants stood in response to a call for volunteers to serve as digital missionaries.
The Durban launch is one of several OneVoice27 events rolled out across the Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division in recent months, including launches in the Southern Africa Union, Zimbabwe Central Union, and Southwest Angola Union Mission.
