The West-Central Africa Division (WAD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church has reported significant growth and mission progress from 2022 to 2025, despite social, political, and religious challenges in the region. The division, which encompasses 22 nations stretching from the Atlantic coastline to the Sahara Desert, recorded more than 172,000 baptisms in the past three years and aims to reach 200,000 by the end of 2025 through its WAD Impact 2025 initiative.

Comprising diverse cultures, traditions, and faith systems, the region faces ongoing instability and religious tension in parts of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. Nevertheless, the Adventist Church has continued to expand its presence through evangelism, humanitarian outreach, and youth engagement.

Evangelism Momentum and Transformational Stories

Through more than 13,000 evangelism sites activated in the recent initiative WAD Impact 2025, church members and leaders have carried out a range of outreach campaigns across both urban and remote areas. The division’s mission efforts have led to dramatic spiritual transformations.

In Nigeria, village chief Ikpe Asuquo Umo, who has since passed away, publicly embraced Adventism and donated land for the construction of a new church, inspiring many in his community. In another case, more than 50 pastors from other Christian denominations joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church between 2022 and 2025. One of the most notable conversions is that of former Anglican priest Joseph Zom, who became a church planter in his village of Kurmin Musa. A community that once had no Adventist presence now counts more than 20 active members.

“I had studied the Sabbath for years but never understood its meaning,” Zom said. “When the truth became clear, I knew I had to follow it.”

Zom's journey was echoed by fellow former priest Pastor Hillary, who also left his denomination to join the Adventist Church. Despite facing repeated dangers in his ministry, he has remained committed to his faith. Their stories are part of a broader trend of clergy-led conversions that have reshaped local congregations.

Yet, not all stories end in immediate relief. As of this report, 44 of Pastor Hillary’s church members remain in captivity. Church leaders in WAD continue to request global prayer for their safety and release.

In several cases, prayer has already led to unexpected outcomes. A pastor’s son, kidnapped on a Saturday (Sabbath), prayed for the safety of his family and for his captors while being held. The leader of the group, moved by his words, ordered his release in the middle of the night. Similarly, a Senior Youth leader from Chad who attended the 2023 WAD Pathfinder Camporee in Ghana was kidnapped during his return journey. His release came after intense prayer.

“These experiences remind us that faith can change even the most desperate circumstances,” a WAD leader stated.

Youth and Women at the Forefront

Youth and women are driving much of the division’s evangelistic momentum. Approximately 85 percent of WAD’s membership is under the age of 35, and more than 600,000 women are actively involved in spreading the gospel, especially in hard-to-reach and underserved areas.

Women’s ministries leaders describe their work as “a mission one heart at a time,” highlighting both their resilience and grassroots influence. Meanwhile, initiatives like the 1000 Young Adventist Missionary Volunteers, the Pan-African Youth Congress, and regional leadership trainings have been launched to equip young people for future mission work.

At the 2023 Pathfinder Camporee in Accra, Ghana, more than 12,000 young people gathered for spiritual enrichment and discipleship. Events like this are part of a division-wide strategy to build leadership and deepen faith among younger members.

Confronting Spiritual Strongholds

In a region where occultism, witchcraft, and ancestral worship remain common, Adventist outreach has encountered spiritual resistance. But members continue to report stories of transformation.

In Nigeria, James Enuada Didia recounted how he was warned by a local herbalist not to destroy an ancestral shrine, as doing so would lead to death. Undeterred, he proceeded to dismantle it in a public act of faith.

In Benin, a country where voodoo traditions are widely practiced, baptismal services often involve visible spiritual conflict. Testimonies describe people experiencing intense emotional resistance before surrendering their lives to Christ. In many cases, entire families and villages have chosen to burn talismans and renounce occult practices following evangelistic meetings.

“These acts are not just symbolic,” one member shared. “They mark the beginning of a new life and the rejection of spiritual bondage.”

Inclusive Outreach through Possibility Ministries

WAD continues to expand inclusive ministry through its support of Adventist Possibility Ministries, which focuses on individuals with disabilities and special needs. The report highlights several testimonies from individuals who, despite facing sensory or mobility challenges, found connection and belonging in the Adventist community.

Among them is Sylvia Peprah, a woman with both hearing and vision loss who went on to earn a university degree and become a teacher. Kwesi Zantenab, a deaf man from Bolgatanga, attended a deaf camp meeting, where he found a sense of community and spiritual affirmation. Another member, Yaa Dakura, who once left the church due to the absence of sign language interpretation, returned and was later baptized after reconnecting with a more inclusive congregation.

“No one should be left behind,” said a Possibility Ministries leader. “Every person has a place in God’s mission.”

Education, Media, and Discipleship

The division’s focus on discipleship also includes investment in education and media. Institutions like Babcock University in Nigeria and Valley View University in Ghana continue to train leaders and missionaries. Faith and science conferences, literature distribution, and spiritual growth programs form part of WAD’s broader strategy for long-term impact.

Adventist media outlets have significantly expanded their reach. Adventist World Radio and Hope Channel broadcasts are now available across radio, television, and digital platforms. Social media campaigns have amplified the impact of evangelistic content, resulting in conversions like that of Richard Eric Ahedo.

Ahedo, formerly the founder of Christ New Creation Evangelical Church, converted to Adventism after watching Hope Channel in 2020. He was baptized in 2022 and donated all 10 of his former church buildings, including land and infrastructure, to the Adventist Church. He now serves as an elder and is preparing for pastoral ministry.

Future Plans and Global Collaboration

Looking ahead, WAD has outlined several strategic initiatives. The creation of two new union territories stands as a major administrative development, driven by increased membership and the need for localized leadership. A global media evangelism project is also scheduled for 2026, to be broadcast from Los Angeles and aimed at a worldwide audience.

In the meantime, WAD continues to collaborate with other divisions, welcoming support from international evangelists and missionaries. Thousands of digital missionaries from across Africa and beyond are engaging in online outreach, Bible study coordination, and spiritual mentorship.

Church leaders emphasize that the success of the mission depends not only on large-scale programs but also on individual involvement.

“Each baptism, each prayer, each act of kindness—these are the notes in a larger symphony of faith,” the report concludes.

For more coverage of the 2025 General Conference Session, including live updates, interviews, and delegate stories, visit adventist.news and follow ANN on social media.