Standing alone but never truly alone — that’s how Laura Kazuwa describes her experience as the only delegate representing Scotland’s small but steadfast Seventh-day Adventist community at this year’s General Conference Session in St Louis, USA.
Among thousands of voices, her single vote speaks volumes. For Scotland’s fewer than 1,000 members, it’s not about filling a room — it’s about showing up, standing up, and letting your faith echo far beyond your numbers.
One Voice Among Thousands
Laura admits it wasn’t easy at first. Who wouldn’t feel daunted, stepping into an arena packed with people from every corner of the globe? “When I went for lunch on the first day, I was overwhelmed by how many people there were,” she says. “I didn’t see many young delegates, which made me feel intimidated and alone.”
But sometimes all it takes is one connection. Laura soon found herself linking up with others from the Trans-European Division (TED), the broader family that covers parts of Europe, including Scotland. It’s these small bonds that made her feel seen and reminded her she wasn’t the only one holding the line for the overlooked.
Youth Voices Still Missing
It’s not just about representing Scotland, though. Laura has a sharp eye for gaps in the room — and for her, the missing piece is young people.
“Our division had just over 10 young delegates actively advocating for youth needs, but many other divisions had far fewer,” she said. “I hope this improves at the next General Conference.”
One sentence stands alone: Numbers may be small, but the need is big.
It’s a fair point. A church that wants to stay alive for future generations must make space for its youth now, not tomorrow.
Why Small Still Matters
Pastor Jimmy Botha, who leads the Scottish Mission, probably says it best: “This week, we are reminded that influence is not measured by numbers, but by presence.”
It sounds simple, but it’s powerful. One person’s courage to show up can bring with them the prayers, stories, and dreams of an entire community. Laura’s seat at that giant table is proof that no region is too small to matter.
• Significance isn’t counted in heads — it’s carried in hearts.
• Small communities can be more flexible, more personal, and more connected.
• A lone delegate can be a spark for change.
Lessons in Quiet Leadership
There’s something deeply human about this story — about stepping into a huge, unfamiliar space and daring to speak up. It echoes a truth tucked away in The Secret to Transformational Leadership: real leadership doesn’t always come with a title or a crowd. It begins with someone brave enough to stand in the gap.
Laura’s story also hints at something the wider church might need to hear more often: the biggest impact can come from the smallest places. When the noise of power and status fades, sometimes it’s the quiet, faithful voices that guide the way.
A Reminder for the Whole Church
While Laura may be Scotland’s only vote in St Louis, her presence carries weight. It reminds everyone in that buzzing conference hall that every voice matters — not just the loud ones, not just the many.
One short truth: Influence grows when you show up.
Scotland’s Adventist community might be small enough to fit inside one church hall, but they’re woven tightly together, carrying each other’s stories across oceans. And through Laura, their hopes are now stitched into decisions shaping the future of a global church family.
| Country | Delegates | Youth Delegates | Members Represented |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scotland | 1 | 1 | ~1,000 |
| England | 20 | 4 | ~38,000 |
| Romania | 35 | 6 | ~70,000 |
| USA | Hundreds | 100+ | ~1,200,000 |
As the conference days tick by, Laura’s lone seat becomes more than a symbol — it’s a promise that even the smallest communities won’t be left out. “Perhaps Scotland’s strength lies in being small enough to be flexible, relational, and deeply connected to the people we serve,” Botha says.
So when the votes are counted and the discussions done, one thing’s certain: Laura Kazuwa’s courage means Scotland will not be forgotten — and her voice carries far more than her own words.
