The Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has officially launched the OneVoice27 initiative at the Epondweni District in Mt. Frere, Eastern Cape, marking the beginning of a renewed emphasis on united digital evangelism and discipleship across the Union's territory.

The launch was held on Sabbath, 1 August 2026, at Epondweni within the Umzimvubu Local Municipality. It brought together church leaders, pastors, and members who reaffirmed their commitment to Christ's Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20). OneVoice27 encourages every Adventist to actively participate in sharing the gospel, particularly through digital platforms, under the world Church's broader Mission for All strategy.

Attending were SAU President Dr. Paul Shongwe, Public Affairs and Religious Liberty Director Pastor Thulani Mkhize, and Sabbath School and Personal Ministries Director Pastor Jerry Nemaranzhe. The launch was hosted by Cape Conference leadership, including President Pastor Tshiwo Nyingwashe and Executive Secretary Pastor Njingolo, alongside approximately 12 district pastors and their spouses from the region.

Church leaders celebrated the Epondweni District's evangelistic growth. The district has recorded 220 baptisms over the past year, surpassing its annual evangelism target, in what leaders described as evidence of local churches and members responding to the Church's missional call.

Delivering the Sabbath message, Dr. Shongwe reflected on the cost of discipleship. Tracing Christianity's growth from the twelve disciples first commissioned by Jesus to billions of believers globally today, he emphasised that Christ's Great Commission remains unfinished.

"The mission is not complete," Shongwe said. "Every believer has a role to play in taking the everlasting gospel to the world."

Southern Africa Union Conference (SAU) launches OneVoice27 initiative at the Epondweni District in Mt. Frere, Eastern Cape.

As part of the launch, members also united online by sharing the message "Hope Starts with Jesus!" across their social media platforms, a coordinated digital witness reflecting OneVoice27's vision of mobilising the global Church to proclaim one message of hope with one united voice.

Delegates also participated in plenary sessions on the Adventist Church Management System (ACMS), an initiative to strengthen accurate membership records and active member engagement across the Union.

OneVoice27 continues to be rolled out across the SAU's territory as part of the Adventist Church's broader Mission for All strategy, an emphasis affirming that every church member is called to participate in making disciples and sharing the hope of Christ through both personal relationships and digital platforms.