June 24, 2010 – Atlanta, Georgia…(Lizbeth Elejalde/IAD Staff]

One of the most-visited exhibits on display at the 59th General Conference Session in Atlanta, Georgia, is the one representing the Southern African-Indian Ocean Division. Featured in the booth are native blowing horns, turf, and a large ball which serve as a backdrop for souvenir photographs for visitors.

The horns on display are Vuvezelas and Kuduzelas, which are popular noise makers at the FIFA world cup of soccer, going on now in South Africa. South Africa is one of the 23 countries represented by the Southern African-Indian Ocean Division.

Behind the booth were some 20 young people under the direction of the booth coordinator, Pastor Gilberto Araujo. The youth were putting on a performance which professed their purpose: To get involved in the mission of the church more, to have an active leadership, and establish relationships with youth leaders from other Divisions in order to efficiently project the church as a strong vehicle for the message of salvation.

The Southern African-Indian Ocean Division has experienced 34.77% membership growth in the last five years. Today there are more than 2,512,000 church members in the territory. Plans are underway to build more churches during the next five years. In addition, Division leaders want to focus on the training of more lay preachers and administrators in an effort to proclaim the Gospel to more people and fight sin in the local communities.

Image by Image by ANN. Lizbeth Elejalde/IAD
Image by Image by ANN Lizbeth Elejalde/IAD

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