WELCOME TO AFRICA

Karibuni! Welcome! Bienvenue!

It is with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation that I welcome you to this historic gathering—the first-ever Adventist Technology Summit to take place within the continent of Africa. As we convene here at the Adventist University of Central Africa in beautiful Kigali, Rwanda, we stand together at a pivotal moment in our Church's journey to reach every language and nation and tribe and people. Digital Technology is opening doors like never before! Technology has become a central tool, a bridge, to reach the lost for Jesus. And our Digital Strategy for Mission is not merely an initiative or a framework; it is our unified call to leverage technology as a strategic tool of mission, expanding our reach and operational excellence across the African continent and beyond. Just as our pioneers used printing presses and the apostles utilized Roman roads, we are now called to harness the digital highways that connect more than five billion smartphone users worldwide. The internet has eliminated borders, allowing the eternal gospel into the most difficult-to-reach people groups—and Africa is positioned to lead the way.

I challenge each of you during these days together to think beyond the boundaries of what we have done before. Sister White challenges us to study, plan, and devise methods to reach people where they are. Ask God to show you how your expertise—whether in cybersecurity, data governance, technology management, or emerging technologies—can be mobilized for His kingdom purposes. Let us not simply learn; let us build bridges, create synergies, and craft strategies that will define digital evangelism across this great continent.

Together, as ONE CHURCH, we mobilize technological tools for mission—not as an end in themselves, but to support and sustain the proclamation of the Gospel, to bring freedom, healing, and hope to Seekers everywhere, and ultimately, to bring glory to Jesus Christ, who is coming soon. Are you ready? Jesus is coming! Let us use every resource to hasten that Great Day!

Richard T. Stephenson, Associate Treasurer,

Technology Strategy & Operations

GENERAL CONFERENCE