In Inter-America, Church Leadership Seeks Spiritual Renewal

Church leaders and staff at the Inter-American Division Headquarters in Miami, Florida, pray together during the week of spiritual emphasis held June 12-17, 2017. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD

June 19, 2017 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens/IAD

Top Seventh-day Adventists leaders and staff of the Inter-American Division (IAD) took time for spiritual reflection during the church’s annual week of spiritual emphasis, which concluded on Sabbath, June 17, 2017. The more than 75 church employees working at the IAD Headquarters in Miami, Florida, and their families spent time in prayer and fellowship, praising and worshipping as they studied God’s Word.

Dr. Leonard Johnson, president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union speaks to IAD leadership during the week. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD

Dr. Leonard Johnson, president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union in Nassau, Bahamas, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Johnson, who has over 30 years of service in ministry, challenged church leaders to continue believing in Jesus, anchored in Him and clinging to the Holy Scriptures, as they serve in the vast IAD territory.

“All God is asking us to do is believe in Him,” said Johnson as he focused on John 20:30-31. “There is really no option but to believe in Him, keep our gaze, confidence and trust on Christ, so that we can have eternal life.”

Dr. Johnson encouraged leaders to continue trusting God and understanding their identity, purpose and mission in Christ as they face the challenges of leading a leadership team to oversee and minister to the 3.7 million membership in Inter-America.

“Our identity is not tied to a position, or to an office. It is tied to Jesus, so we must have a sense of identity, as His children, looking to Him Who is everything,” Johnson said.

During the week, church employees prayed for one another, in groups, for families, spiritual growth of each family and the church across the Division.

This week was all about drawing closer to the Savior, said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. “It is the special time during the year where we can come together, reflect together on God’s goodness and His leading in our lives.”

Much like music can change you forever, said Pastor Leito, “this week of spiritual emphasis was aimed at changing us forever, effecting a change in us.”

For more information about the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America, visit interamerica.org