Called to Serve, Equipped for Mission: Pacific Leaders Gather for KACIVI
ADRA South Pacific Regional Kibung | 15–17 September 2026
Pastor Paulo Lopes | President ADRA International
Leaders from the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) and the Seventh-day Adventist Church across the South Pacific have come together for the opening day of the KACIVI ADRA South Pacific Regional Kibung, united by a shared commitment to service, partnership and mission.
The name of the gathering carries its purpose. Kacivi is the Fijian word for "invitation" — a call to gather, to serve, and to journey together. Paired with kibung, a Melanesian word for a meeting of the community, the theme of the three-day event was set before a single session began: "Called to Serve. Equipped for Mission."
Delegates travelled from all seven ADRA South Pacific countries — ADRA Australia, ADRA New Zealand, ADRA Papua New Guinea, ADRA Samoa, ADRA Vanuatu, ADRA Solomon Islands and ADRA Fiji — and were joined by Church leaders from the South Pacific Division (SPD).
A message from ADRA International
A highlight of the opening day was the presence of Pastor Paulo Lopes, President of ADRA International, who opened the gathering with a message encouraging delegates to remain committed to serving communities with compassion, faith and purpose.
Drawing from Mark 6:30–44 and the feeding of the five thousand, Pastor Lopes reminded those present that the work of ADRA begins in dependence rather than in capacity.
"The hands that keep reaching to Jesus Christ will never remain empty."— Pastor Paulo Lopes, President, ADRA International
A traditional welcome ceremony was held in honour of Pastor Lopes, Church leaders and the visiting delegation. Rich in Pacific culture and tradition, the ceremony reflected the values of respect, unity and hospitality, while reaffirming the spirit of partnership at the heart of the gathering.
Speaking on behalf of the Church, Pastor Terry Johnson, Director of the Ministry/Strategy Team and Youth for the South Pacific Division and Chairman of the SPD ADRA Board, placed the work of the agency within the wider mission of the Church.
"We are here to serve humanity so all may live as God intended."— Pastor Terry Johnson, Director, Ministry/Strategy Team & Youth, South Pacific Division; Chairman, SPD ADRA Board
Throughout the day, participants explored practical ways to strengthen collaboration between ADRA and the Church so that vulnerable communities across the region are better served.
Church and agency, one mission
Pastor Terry Johnson | Chairman ADRA Board South Pacific
Speaking on behalf of the Church, Pastor Terry Johnson, Director of the Ministry/Strategy Team and Youth for the South Pacific Division and Chairman of the SPD ADRA Board, placed the work of the agency within the wider mission of the Church.
"We are here to serve humanity so all may live as God intended."— Pastor Terry Johnson, Director, Ministry/Strategy Team & Youth, South Pacific Division; Chairman, SPD ADRA Board
Throughout the day, participants explored practical ways to strengthen collaboration between ADRA and the Church so that vulnerable communities across the region are better served.
A roadmap to 2030
Matthew Siliga | Director, ADRA South Pacific
ADRA South Pacific Director Matt Siliga introduced Mahere Ara — described as an organic roadmap — outlining where the agency intends to be by the end of the decade.
"By 2030, ADRA in the South Pacific will be recognised for its distinctive footprint to scaling transformational impact."— Matt Siliga, Director, ADRA South Pacific
The roadmap is deliberately described as organic: a direction that grows with the region it serves rather than a fixed plan imposed from outside it.
Three strategic priorities
Ana Albuquerque, Director of Impact for ADRA South Pacific Division, shared the strategic priorities that will guide ADRA's work toward greater transformational impact across the Pacific:
Sustainable Livelihoods and Food Security
Disaster Risk Management and Climate Resilience
Scaling Impact through Mission Ready
Ana Alburqueque | Director of Impact, ADRA South Pacific Division
"Lasting impact requires more than individual projects. It means strengthening communities, building resilience and ensuring that ADRA's mission remains ready and responsive to the changing needs of people across our Pacific region."— Ana Albuquerque, Director of Impact, ADRA South Pacific Division
Discussions during the day returned repeatedly to that point: that lasting impact extends beyond individual projects and requires building resilient communities, strengthening local capacity, and responding to the changing needs of Pacific people.
Looking ahead
Held under the banner of justice, compassion and love, the KACIVI gathering continues to provide a platform for learning, collaboration and collective action as leaders work toward greater transformational impact across the Pacific.
The Kibung runs from 15 to 17 September 2026.
Images and event details courtesy of ADRA Fiji.