July 26, 2021 | Miami, Florida, United States | Inter-American Division News
As political, economic and social unrest escalates throughout many of the countries in Inter-America, Pastor Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division, wishes to share these words of encouragement and urgent appeal to focus on praying and ministering to the needs of the people and communities throughout the territory. —IAD News Staff
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Inter-America,
Today I want to share with you a text from the Bible, that speaks to a situation that is very similar to the one we are currently experiencing in the world.
The prophet Jeremiah wrote to other prophets, elders, and leaders who had been taken captive by King Nebuchadnezzar. In his letter, he warned them of the threats and problems of the time, and encouraged them to move forward as citizens, without neglecting the purpose for which they were called, as they looked forward with hope to a future of freedom.
The times in which we live make us also feel like prisoners. The threats from the pandemic, natural disasters, insecurity, violence; and in some countries across Inter-America the political, economic, and social situations compound the problem.
We have been following the situation in Cuba, Venezuela and Haiti, to name a few. We support our brethren in these countries, pray with them and for them. I take this opportunity to invite all of you to join in prayer as well.
As a church, we respect the authorities of each country, but we do not give allegiance to any political party. We respect the laws, and avoid taking sides or making judgments in political campaigns and or conflicts. We also respect individual members’ choices to personally engage in the life of their local communities and to serve in government, according to the gifts, talents and interests choices with honesty, love, and in peace. Our mission as ambassadors of God is to do as He did: pray and meet the needs of people. This includes providing counseling, health care, education, sharing special information and resources for children and persons in vulnerable situations and much more.
Praying for the people, praying for the rulers, praying for God to help us to fulfill the mission He entrusted to us; this is what we must continue to do as prisoners of this world, while we get ready to live in the world of freedom that He is preparing for us.
Jeremiah 29:12 says, “Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.” (KJV) What an invitation and what a promise!
Let us accept it and unite with our brothers and sisters who are suffering in the city where you live, in the country where you are, and in any other place and region that needs our support.
If we seek God, we will find Him, if we seek Him with all our hearts.
May the Lord bless you.
Yours in His Service,
Elie Henry
President
Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists