Below is a transcript of a message addressed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America from President of the Inter-American Division, Elie Henry–IAD News Staff
April 1, 2022 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hi, I’m glad to greet you this first Sabbath of April……the first Sabbath of a new quarter.
As it is customary in the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the world, we emphasize the importance of fasting and prayer; resources that we have at our disposal to renew our minds, and seek Divine help for our daily tasks.
By simplifying our routine of food preparation and consumption to dedicate more time for reflection and connection with God, we strengthen not only our physical health, but also our emotional and of course, our spiritual health.
In that context, this Sabbath is a good time to reflect on how God has shown His love to us throughout all these months of the pandemic. We have lost loved ones, friends, brothers and sisters in the faith… Some have lost their health, job or studies, but we continue to trust in God, because He shows that, in the midst of struggles, He is with us.
And today, on behalf of the administration of the Inter-American Division, I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration and gratitude to each one of you, because despite the challenges during these two years of pandemic, you have continued to serve and attend church virtually and in person. You have been incredibly supportive of community service projects and evangelism. And through timely contributions of tithes and offerings, you have proven to be faithful sons and daughters of God. First Corinthians reminds us that He has a reward for each of His faithful children. I read verse 9 of chapter 2:
“Rather, as it is written: Eye has not seen, ear has not heard, nor has it entered into the heart of man, that which God has prepared for those who love him.”
What a beautiful promise, and what a wonderful opportunity.
As we fast and pray today, let us ask God to help us keep our faith and hope in Him alone.
Happy Sabbath.