Press Conference Highlights Adventist Church Investing in the Youth

Members of the national print and television media during the press conference held today by the Adventist Church on the Pathfinder Camporee taking place in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic this week. Image by Daniel Gallardo/IAD

April 12, 2017 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic | Libna Stevens/IAD

Seventh-day Adventist leaders met with the media during a press conference this morning to talk about the international camporee event, which has brought scores of young people to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, this week.

“Our main interest is the well-being of the young people,” said President of the Inter-American Division Pastor Israel Leito as he made an initial statement. “The church always looks to give them [youth] the opportunity to express their energy and enthusiasm but above all their faith in Jesus Christ.”

Mirador del Este Park was a great natural area to bring more than 12,000 pathfinders and leaders for the five-day event, stated Pastor Leito, as he publicly thanked park officials and government authorities for the accommodations.

Inter-American Division President Pastor Israel Leito speaks to the media on Apr. 12, 2017, as Pastor Tomas Torres, vice president of the IAD looks on. Image by Daniel Gallardo/IAD

What the church seeks to continually impart on the young people are values and principles that will lead them to live a healthy life, be useful in their communities and impact humanity for the Second Coming of Jesus, stated Pastor Leito.

National media such as Diario Libre, Nuevo Diario, Hoy, and Listin Diario, as well as a local television network, took time to ask the Adventist leader to name some of the 34 countries represented in the event, how Adventists celebrate Easter week as well as what the church can do to combat the escalating violence in the country.

“The tendency of man without the presence of God moves toward evil,” responded Pastor Leito. “But I believe in the young people and his or her environment can make the difference so the church strives to instill values that can guide their life even amid negative circumstances and external influences.”

“The youth must aim to do good toward their fellowman and the community,” he added.

Pastor Carlos Rilio, youth ministries director for the church in the Dominican Republic, stated the church already delivered roofing materials to repair the homes of 10 homeowners in the Tres Ojos community near the park. Builders, volunteers and young people have been helping restore the wooden frames and leaky sinq roofs this week.

“The church is helping to improve each one of the six pavilion facilities, as well as upgrade its electrical system and water reservoir units in the park,” Rilio said. “So we will be leaving the park a better place for athletes and individuals to enjoy.”