Adventist Church in Inter-America Votes in New President and Executive Secretary

From left to right: Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Adventist world church addresses IAD administrators who will be leading the church once Pastor Israel Leito (third from the left) retires in August. Dr. Leonard Johnson  new executive director stands next to Dr. Elie Henry, new president and Filiberto Verduzco, treasurer, Mar. 26, 2018, in Miami, Florida. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD

March 26, 2018 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens/IAD 

Hours after IAD President Pastor Israel Leito announced his retirement, executive committee members voted today to recommend Dr. Elie Henry as the church’s new president. Dr. Henry has been serving as the executive secretary for the church in Inter-America since 2010. Previous to that he served as one of three vice presidents of the division from 2000-2005. Pastor Leito’s retirement is effective August 1.

Dr. Elie Henry was voted as Inter-America’s next church president. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD

“It is a precious time in the transition of the leadership of this Division,” said Adventist World Church President Pastor Ted N.C. Wilson as he addressed the committee. Pastor Wilson, who chaired the nominating committee, said that upon the vote from the body of leaders it would then be referred to the General Conference’s Executive Committee for final vote next week.

“Place your ministry in God’s hands for He will go with you and not forsake you,” said Pastor Wilson as he encouraged the newly recommended Dr. Henry and his wife Ketlie on the new post.

Elder Wilson and wife Nancy both prayed over Dr. Henry and Ketlie as they face the ministry ahead in Inter-America.

Dr. Henry thanked the committee for their prayers and support and especially thanked Pastor Leito for being a mentor and friend.

“It will be very difficult to walk behind such a giant as Pastor Leito but we serve a big God and we trust His leading,” said Henry. “Thank you for your trust and please pray for me.”

Henry praised the support of his wife and promised to be faithful to the task at hand.

“Together with all colleagues here, we commit to keep the fire of evangelism burning, because there is a world to shine on and there is a Christ who is coming soon.”

Church leaders from El Salvador Union smile as Dr. Elie Henry is introduced as the new president for the church in Inter-America. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD

An ordained minister, Henry holds a Ph.D. in Theology and a Master’s degree in Theology from the Université de Strasbourg. He has served the church in Inter-America for more than 39 years.

A native of Haiti, Henry’s career began as a district pastor in Haiti. He also served as professor, conference secretary, conference president, as well as union president. Dr. Henry also served as human resources director at the IAD headquarter office while he held the position of vice president.

Dr. Henry and Ketlie have three grown daughters.

As the executive secretary position became open, committee members moved to have the nominating study possible names for the position before the day’s meeting adjourned.

Dr. Leonard Johnson, associate ministerial secretary for the church in Inter-American and president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union, was recommended as the next IAD executive secretary.

“I praise God the united approach with this last session today,” said Pastor Wilson. “I know God will bless enormously,” he added before praying for Johnson.

As the committee welcomed Johnson with applause, he thanked the leaders for their trust. “I feel humbled, this is an awesome task and responsibility but I believe with your prayers and your support I can fulfill the will of God,” said Dr. Johnson.

Dr. Leonard Johnson is the newly voted in IAD executive secretary. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD

He thanked all administrators for their counsel, his Caribbean Union leaders whom he called his brothers, his wife Denise and every committee member.

“I come as one willing to learn, so that I can grow and fulfill what is God’s purpose for me is now,” Johnson said.

Dr. Leonard Johnson obtained a Masters in Religion from the Northern Caribbean University, and a Doctorate in Ministry from the Reformed Theological Seminary.

Born in New Providence, Bahamas, Dr. Johnson has served the church in Inter-America for more than 35 years. He started his ministry as a pastor, then department director, conference secretary, conference president, and union president.

Dr. Johnson and Denise have two adult children, both married, and a grandson.

To learn more about Inter-America’s Mid-Year Executive Committee Meetings this week, visit us at interamerica.org

To view our photo gallery of the day, Click HERE