September 8, 2008 – San Juan, Puerto Rico…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
Hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists in Puerto Rico marched under the scorching sun to promote their efforts against the plague of violence towards women, children, and the elderly on the island. The more than 500 church members were joined by supporters and government officials during the Aug. 30 march, which stretched from the Capitol building to San Juan’s National Historical Park San Felipe del Morro Fort.
“It is an honor to welcome you to the capitol,” said Senator Orlando Parga, vice president of the senate, before the march took place. “It is a noble gesture from your part to participate in this cause. Puerto Rico needs much prayer and spiritual strength, not only against violence, but prayers to strengthen the morale of our government institutions. Your prayers, your example, will help us accomplish this.”
The march was the culmination of a three-month aggressive prevention campaign by church leaders and members promoting anti-violence awareness throughout correction facilities, government and community facilities, businesses, and schools throughout the island, organizers said.
Marchers carried a 600-foot cloth banner with more than 7,500 hand prints collected from fellow islanders in support of the campaign against violence.
“The Adventist Church has covered the island to commit city mayors, firemen, policemen, ministers, prisoners, men, women and children to take a stand and unite in this important cause in saying ‘no more to the violence affecting the women, children and the elderly in our island,” said Pastor Jose A. Rodriguez, president of the church in Puerto Rico.
“We have thousands of handprints that testify of that commitment.” At the end of the march, Pastor Rodriguez handed the stamped cloth to Puerto Rico’s Secretary Ministry of the Family Dr. Felix V. Matos, who thanked the church and its leaders for their important work in Puerto Rico.
“Thank you for joining us in promoting a message of prevention against violence,” said Dr. Matos. “You have shown your commitment by personally contacting so many people.”
Dr. Matos read and presented Pastor Rodriguez with a special proclamation from the governor, making August 30 the day of the Bible on the island.
“Puerto Rico believes that the Bible is important for its people to heal,” said Dr. Matos.
Four of Puerto Rico’s church regions were aggressively involved in promoting awareness against violence in public schools, universities, and malls, as well as seven correction and rehabilitation facilities where inmates were given seminars on ending violence, according to Pastor Freddy Sosa, communication director for the church in Puerto Rico.
Sosa, who participated in the march, said that the prevention campaign was very significant for the church on the island.
“This event was a way to make us better known as Seventh-day Adventists against the violence affecting us, that as Christians we are concerned and active to not allow so much mistreatment against women, children and the elderly,” said Sosa.
Earlier this year, church members demonstrated their solidarity for the family unit when they distributed over 250,000 magazines promoting the family and respect for life, as well as speaking against the plague of drug addiction on the island.
The church in Puerto Rico has nearly 37,000 Seventh-day Adventists worshiping in 295 churches and congregations.
