09 July 2025, St Louis, USA [Hellevi Walker with tedNEWS]
Standing alone among thousands of delegates at the 2025 General Conference Session, Laura Kazuwa represents the Scottish Mission’s fewer than 1,000 members — proving that significance in the global church is not measured by numbers, but by faithfulness and presence.
As the sole delegate from Scotland, Laura Kazuwa’s participation affirms that even the smallest communities have a vital voice in shaping the church’s future. Though surrounded by thousands, her voice carries the hopes and vision of a small but committed fellowship.
Kazuwa shared that she initially felt overwhelmed by the sheer number of attendees and the limited presence of young delegates. “As I went for lunch on the first day, I was overwhelmed by how many people there were. I didn’t see many young delegates, which made me feel intimidated and alone,” she said. However, she soon connected with delegates from the Trans-European Division (TED), the regional body covering parts of Europe.
Laura also noted the uneven youth representation across church divisions. “Our division had just over 10 young delegates actively advocating for youth needs, but many other divisions had far fewer. I hope this improves at the next General Conference,” she added.
“This week, we are reminded that influence is not measured by numbers, but by presence,” said Pastor Jimmy Botha, President of the Scottish Mission. “While Laura may be one delegate among thousands, she brings with her the prayers, stories, and vision of a community deeply committed to its calling.”
Kazuwa’s willingness to step into an unfamiliar space and engage meaningfully reflects a key principle from The Secret to Transformational Leadership: leadership doesn’t require a title — it begins with the courage to show up.
In a world culture where power and influence are often highlighted, the Scottish Mission serves as a reminder that smaller communities can also offer essential contributions: through deep connection, relational leadership, and quiet faithfulness. “Perhaps Scotland’s strength lies in being small enough to be flexible, relational, and deeply connected to the people we serve,” said Botha.
As Kazuwa takes her seat alongside delegates from around the world, she represents more than a vote — she embodies the hopes, vision, and commitment of the Scottish Mission. Her presence serves as a reminder that every voice matters in shaping the global church’s future.
[Photos: James Botha, Adventist Media Exchange]
The original version of this story was published on the news site of the Scottish Mission.
