Guatemala: Adventist leaders participate in the Change of the White Rose of Peace ceremony

August 16, 2010 – Guatemala City, Guatemala…[Juan Lopez/IAD Staff]

Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Guatemala werechosen to participate in the Change of the White Rose of Peace at the NationalPalace in Guatemala City on Aug. 5, 2010. Participation in the ceremony, whichtook place at the National Palace of Culture, is an honor given to national andforeign people who have contributed to the peace and well being of Guatemala.

Pastor Mario Calderon, president of the church inGuatemala, along with six Seventh-day Adventist ministers and laypeople, werethose chosen to take part in the ceremony, during which they were namedambassadors of peace.

Pastor Calderon thanked governmentleaders on behalf of the 216,000 church members in Guatemala for such a highdistinction and stated that the church is committed to continuing the promotionof peace.

“As a minister of the Gospel, I amdelighted to express my gratitude to the Seventh-day Adventist Church worldwidewhom I represent today with dignity and respect in this country,” saidCalderon. “More than 102 years since this Adventist message came to Guatemalaand from its beginnings, the church has promoted spiritual values and a healthylifestyle to change the heart of people through the work of the HolySpirit.”

The Change of the White Rose of Peace ceremony cameabout after the signing of peace accords ending Guatemala’s 36-year civil warin 1996. Every day since then, a white rose is placed on the monument in thecourtyard of the National Palace by an army honor guard or a distinguishedperson to symbolize another 24 hours of peace in the country.

“This rose symbolizes the dailycommitment of all human beans to build a culture, a firm and lasting peace,”said Mary Contreras who represented the officials at the National Palace. “Onbehalf of the National Palace of Culture, today names you Messengers of Peace.”

The Seventh-day Adventist Church in Guatemalareaches communities through its literacy and many other initiatives. Togetherwith the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) of Guatemala, it alsocontinues to aid those affected by disasters and earthquakes. The church inGuatemala operates seven regional offices, 867 churches and congregations, and25 schools.

To view a photo gallery of the event,go to http://www.misioncentral.org.gt/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66:cambio-de-la-rosa-de-la-paz-en-el-palacio-de-la-cultura&catid=9:ultimas-noticias