May 23, 2008 Miami, Florida, United States…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
Inter-America's largest publishing house celebrated 25 years of history and growth during a special ceremony held at the Inter-American Division (IAD) Headquarters in Miami, Florida, on May 18, 2008. Hundreds gathered to witness and celebrate the success of the Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA) and honor its founders and leaders, past and present.
“IADPA has served the church well,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, at the celebration. “History has many records of many good organizations which have served well but are not operating today because they were not connected to the Eternal One.”
IADPA had its humble beginning under a serious crisis, according to Pastor George W. Brown, former IAD president, as he reflected during the celebration. Before IADPA was established, the Inter-America Division purchased its printing from Pacific Press. But due to the unfavorable financial situation in the territory at the time, the IAD soon fell heavily into debt with Pacific Press. Pastor Brown and his staff met with world church leaders and Pacific Press but were unable to resolve the debt while still relying on the press to continue to supply printed materials. But Brown realized God was still in control.
“We left that meeting room and took a step forward in faith,” he said. “God directed us to have an organization of our own that would provide literature to the territory.”
Once the decision was made, IAD leaders established the new publishing house in 1983 and appointed Juan De Armas to run it. His job was to provide printed material in three languages to the entire territory in spite of the inherited liability. Twenty-five years later, IADPA is a multi-million dollar organization with a staff of 25 and ranks the highest in sales of Spanish-language literature, and number four in sales behind Brazil Publishing House, Pacific Press, and Review and Herald.
“Everything that is related to God is meant to last,” said Pastor Leito. “IADPA has 25 years of giving testimony to the world. This is of God. There is no way to put an end to it and its influence will be reflected throughout eternity.”
Pastor De Armas ran IADPA for 13 years. He was instrumental in obtaining the rights to the best-selling Spanish Bible version “Nueva Reina-Valera”. He also translated “Amazing Power of Healing Plants”, a small book on medicinal plants, into French, English, and Spanish, which went on to become another best seller in the territory. In addition, Pastor De Armas took on the project of sponsoring the translation of Ellen G. White's “Testimonies for the Church” into Spanish, a project which took nearly 20 years to complete.
“Thank you all and to my God who never failed me,” said Pastor De Armas at the ceremony. He credited the success of the publishing house to his committed staff during the years he served as president. “The Lord in his great mercy will continue IADPA as a torch spreading light in dark places.”
Taking over the leadership of IADPA in 2004 was Pablo Perla. Both men were honored at the celebration.
Perla thanked the church in Inter-America its top leadership and church leaders throughout the territory for their support, his colleagues and the founding leaders.
Leaders from among outside and inside Inter-America traveled to Miami to offer awards and plaques to Perla during the anniversary celebration.
Among Adventists organizations represented were Dale E. Galusha, president of Pacific Press, and Mark Thomas of Review and Herald, who presented awards to Perla.
The three-hour celebration also featured orchestral and choral presentation.
For more information on IADPA and its products, visit www.iadpa.org
For photos of the celebration, go to http://photos.interamerica.org
