Guatemala City, Guatemala…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
Thousands of Seventh-day Adventists from across Guatemala gathered to celebrate the growth of the church in the country during its 100 years of existence and commit to making an impact in their communities while sharing the gospel. The celebration, which was held at the Polideportivo Dome in Guatemala City, on Saturday, July 12, was the culmination of a series of activities held throughout the country since last month.
As part of the celebration, more than 60,000 Adventists participated in 30 marches throughout the country earlier in July. Marchers held banners proclaiming the benefits of an Adventist lifestyle, and the importance of studying the Bible.
Nearly 9,000 church leaders and members packed the stadium to participate in a day-long program. Guest speakers included Adventist World Church President Pastor Jan Paulsen and Inter-America’s church president Pastor Israel Leito.
“The spirit that we see here this morning is the spirit that more normally I associate with the GC Session when the large number of the church celebrates their faith,” said Pastor Paulsen. “They celebrate what Jesus Christ has wrought. They celebrate the commission that He has given us as a church as they declare publicly their commitment to finishing the task. I hear, I see your commitment clearly stated today.”
Pastor Paulsen encouraged the gathering to ensure that the youth are involved in the finishing of the work.
“We must hand the torch, the assignment on to younger people and we will finish the mission,” he said. “Let us go into tomorrow with a stronger intention and we will finish the work.”
Highlights of the program included the honoring of church leaders, distinguished lay people and a group of the oldest Seventh-day Adventists still living, four generation of Adventist families, a pastoral ordination of 19 ministers, and a musical concert, among others.
Among the oldest Adventists honored were Ms. Policarpa Lopez, age 105 and a church member for 78 years, and Mr. Javier Sosa, 96, who has been a Adventist for 71 years.
During the morning program, Pastor Leito delivered the spiritual message to the thousands gathered at the stadium, and encouraged the thousands more radio and internet listeners following the live program.
“One hundred years is firstly to remember, to remember our brothers and sisters form the past, who suffered, cried, went through difficult times but they didn’t give up and that is why we are here today,” said Pastor Leito. “This is our time, our era, they pass the torch on to us until the coming of Jesus.”
Pastor Leito encouraged the church membership to continue proclaiming the message of Jesus Second Coming just as the Adventist pioneers in the country had begun proclaiming.
“The church is inspired today with the Lord, because of receiving the torch of the past, receiving the call and the challenge of our pioneers…we have grown because of the steps they took.
“Let us strengthen the steps today for the future generations so that when Jesus comes, He can find a vibrant church in Guatemala waiting for the Lord, be faithful, strong with a purpose, moving forward passing the torch until the Second Coming of Jesus,” challenged Pastor Leito.
“The predominant dream of the church in Guatemala is to conquer the entire territory for the Lord’s honor,” said Pastor Mario Calderon, president of the church in Guatemala. “We should not rest for there is much land to still posses, there are victories to reach, so we must be continue moving forward to conquer Guatemala.”
Boasting more than 200,000 church members today, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guatemala began in 1908 as a branch Sabbath School organized by E. L. Cardey and C. A. Nowlen in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala City. The church now operates five church regions, more than 800 churches and groups, more than 2,000 congregations, 25 institutions, and a publishing house.
Juan Francisco Lopez also contributed to this article.
To view photos of the centennial celebration, go to http://www.advenred.com www.unionradiogt.org www.advenred.com or www.asometgua.org
