August 5, 2010 – Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
More than 12,000 Seventh-day Adventists recently packed the Monterrey Arena in Monterrey, Mexico, to celebrate the work of the North Mexico Union, which was established 25 years ago.
The one-day event brought top church leaders from throughout Mexico, the Inter-American Division (IAD) and the Adventist World Church to reflect on the growth of the church in north Mexico and its vision for the future.
Pastor Jan Paulsen, then president of the Adventist World Church, congratulated leaders and members in north Mexico for the strides made in the preceding 25 years, and he emphasized the basics of a life in Christ as a plan to follow during the years ahead.
Government officials from the religious affairs office in Monterrey, together with municipal leaders, praised the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its contributions to health and education in the community.
According to local church leaders, north Mexico is heavily populated region grounded in religious and traditional concepts which have limited the acceptance of the gospel. This vast region is made up of 14 of the largest cities in the country.
“One of the strategies we have used is to help and reach out to families,” said Pastor Abner De Los Santos, then president of the church in north Mexico. “We have focused our attention on young people and their needs so that they can contribute to the well-being of the family,” he added. He said the church also emphasizes marriage unity, spiritual gifts, and small group ministries to meet the needs of the communities and grow the church in the region.
“We have always been watchful of our unions and the good direction this union has taken forward,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America, who attended the event. “We continue to encourage our unions to tackle the great cities who need great attention. We have seen progress in the growth and finances in the North Mexican region.”
Former presidents of the church in North Mexico were honored during the celebration, which was broadcast live on the internet. The three other church territories in Mexico, administered by the Central, Inter-Oceanic, and South Mexico unions, were also recognized.
The North Mexico Union was established in 1985. Presently it consists of more than 117,000 church members, 8 local fields, and 517 churches.
