21/12/2025
A Grateful Handoff, SSD Young Professionals (2020–2025)
I have been sitting with this for a while, because a season like this deserves more than a quick thank you.
From 2020 to 2025, I had the privilege of serving as the SSD Young Professionals Coordinator under Pastor Ron Genebago’s leadership, as SSD Youth Servant, and now as the newly elected General Conference Associate Youth Director. And we all remember what that starting line looked like. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted everything. Plans kept changing. Physical gatherings were limited. But in that pressure, God clarified our mission. We could not always gather in person, but it did not deter the passion. By God’s grace, we leaned into what was possible. We have maximized the use of Zoom meetings across our territory.
We took steps to provide SSD Young Professionals with a more transparent structure through the Young Professionals bylaws. We worked towards a stronger identity, including the development of a Young Professionals logo. We also held several SSD Young Professionals General Assemblies with leaders and young professionals from various unions and conferences across the Southern Asia-Pacific Division. What began as meetings on a screen evolved into a genuine connection. Many faces on Zoom became among our closest friends. Coordination became a community for years, and it was pure joy!
I will never forget what the Lord allowed us to experience. Even when the season restricted us physically, God still provided unity, momentum, and a growing network of mission-minded young professionals who wanted more than just attendance. These passionate young professionals seek purpose and service and are equipped.
I personally and humbly want to honor God for Pastor Ron Genebago. His leadership consistently empowered young people not just to participate, but to be trained for ministry and service. In a hard global moment, he helped create an environment where young people could still rise, lead, and grow. That kind of leadership leaves a mark. We prayed earnestly and fervently, a lifestyle I will always cherish, thanks to his humble leadership.
I also want to recognize my wife, Jade. She served during this term as the SEUM Prayer Network Coordinator. Many people saw the public side of the work, but I saw her quiet ministry behind the scenes. Prayer. Support. Encouragement. Consistency. This journey would not have been the same without her, and I am grateful for the way she carried this calling with me, even from the time I served as the Thailand Adventist Mission-CZ2 Youth leader.
Now, we are pleased to welcome Pastor Hesbon Buscato as the new SSD Youth Director. I also admired his passion and zeal for leading our young people to Christ. Our first prayer together was during the GC Session, and the recent one was through a phone call. I am praying that God will strengthen his hands for what is ahead. The work is not ending. It is continuing. And I believe the best days of our mission for young professionals are still ahead of us.
As my term comes to a close, I do not feel sadness as much as gratitude. We did not complete everything, but we started what needed to be started. We made the most of the time and resources at our disposal. And I believe God will carry the vision forward through the new set of SSD-YP officers for 2026 to 2030.
To my peers, to the Young Professionals officers past and present, to Pastor Ron, and to Pastor Hesbon, thank you for the trust, the partnership, and the brotherhood. And to every SSD young professional who showed up, served, led, prayed, contributed ideas, stayed consistent, and kept the mission in view, thank you. You were the joy of this assignment.
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6, ESV)
Jade and I will continue to support, pray for, and mentor our young people in whatever ways the Lord opens up to us. This is not goodbye to the mission. Our role has come to an end, but our 'yes' to God remains.
With gratitude,
Sherwin & Jade
