On Sabbath, June 13, 2026, the Hong Kong Adventist International Church joined Seventh-day Adventist congregations around the world in observing International Women's Emphasis Day under the theme, "Henani: Here Am I!" The annual event, observed on the second Sabbath of June, recognizes and encourages women whom God is using in His mission throughout the world.
What made this year's celebration especially meaningful was the unique context of the church. The majority of women at Hong Kong Adventist International Church are foreigners living and working in Hong Kong. Many serve as migrant domestic workers, while others are teachers, professionals, students, wives, and mothers who live far from their families and home countries. Despite the challenges of life abroad, these women continue to faithfully serve God and others in their daily lives.
During the Sabbath School program, the Women's Ministries Department presented a special reflection on the theme and premiered a video featuring women from different backgrounds and stages of life. Among them were domestic migrant workers, an educator, a banker, a wife and mother, and a 91-year-old church member. Their stories illustrated how God works through ordinary people who are willing to answer His call. Rather than focusing on public recognition or leadership positions, the video highlighted simple yet powerful acts of service: caring for children, supporting elderly family members, encouraging coworkers, sharing faith with others, and remaining faithful in everyday responsibilities. The presentation reminded the congregation that God often accomplishes His work through quiet acts of love and faithfulness.
In the afternoon, the church gathered for a special Women's Ministries worship service. The guest speaker, Sister Mary Ann Agunan from the Taipa International Church of Seventh-day Adventists in Macau, shared a message on the important roles women have played throughout biblical history and continue to play in God's mission today. She encouraged the congregation to respond to God's calling with courage, faith, and a willing heart.
As the church reflected on the theme "Henani: Here Am I," members were reminded that God's call is not limited by age, profession, education, or social status. Whether in the home, the workplace, the classroom, or the community, every woman can be a channel of God's love and a partner in His mission.
