The Southern Africa-Indian Ocean Division (SID) delegation has returned from the Network Leadership Conference (NetsCom) in Auckland, committed to advancing OneVoice27, the Seventh-day Adventist Church's global evangelistic initiative culminating in September 2027.

Held from 3 to 14 July 2026, the conference brought together delegates from Hope Channel International, the Global Adventist Innovation Network (GAiN), and the Adventist Technology Summit (ATS) under the theme "Building Bridges." Hope Channel International, led by President Vyacheslav Demyan, used the conference to launch its new strategic emphasis, "To the Ends of the Earth."

The event marked an unprecedented level of collaboration among the Church's global communication entities. Together with the General Conference Communication Department under Alyssa Truman and Adventist Technology Services under Director Richard Stephenson, the organisations signalled a growing commitment to integrated ministry. From next year, the collaboration will expand to include Adventist World Radio under Jim Howard and Adventist Mission under Gary Krause.

General Conference President Pastor Erton C. Köhler issued the conference's central challenge: "Are you in?", directed to every church leader, communicator, media professional, technology specialist, and church member as the Church prepares for OneVoice27.

The initiative marks 2,000 years since Christ's baptism, and calls every church member, not only pastors or communicators, to become a digital missionary by intentionally using social media and digital platforms to share the hope found in Christ. The campaign's public-facing theme is "All Things New – Hope Starts Here," drawing on Revelation 21:5.

SID Executive Secretary Gideon Reyneke said the conference demonstrated that the Holy Spirit is leading the Church to new levels of ownership, innovation, and collaboration for mission.

"The task of reaching the unreached is enormous, but God has strategically positioned and equipped the Seventh-day Adventist Church for this mission," Reyneke said. "We simply need to follow Him faithfully."

SID Information Technology Director Michelo Mulambo said the conference reinforced that technology is a ministry platform, not merely a collection of tools.

"Technology enables us to meet people where they are," Mulambo said. "Every digital opportunity is a chance to connect people with Christ and advance His mission."

For Seychelles Mission Communication Director Kenny Renaud, the gathering was a source of inspiration and renewed purpose.

"Meeting communicators from around the world, learning from their creativity, and sharing a common passion for mission has inspired me to strengthen our media ministry and use every available platform to reach more people for Christ," Renaud said.

One notable feature of the conference was the presence of young delegates. Though few in number, their enthusiasm, creativity, and technological expertise reflected the Church's growing investment in the next generation of digital missionaries.

As the SID delegation returns home, the challenge is clear: the conference must translate into action. The Division is expected to strengthen collaboration between Communication, SIDMEDIA (Hope Channel and Adventist World Radio), Information Technology, Personal Ministries, Adventist Mission, and other departments, equipping local churches and members to participate not only in OneVoice27, but in the broader mission of the Church.

On 5 September 2026, church members worldwide will be invited to place the face of the Church on social media by updating their profiles, sharing messages of hope, and using the hashtags #OneVoice27 and #AllThingsNew. The day will also serve as a global test of the Church's digital engagement, helping leaders evaluate and strengthen social media strategy ahead of the 2027 evangelistic emphasis.

The next Network Leadership Conference will be held in Mexico from 8 to 20 July 2027, where delegates will gather again to continue preparing the Church to take the everlasting gospel to the ends of the earth.