Below is a message addressed to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America from President of the Inter-American Division, Elie Henry–IAD News Staff
August 11, 2022 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hello brothers and sisters, I greet you with joy on this Sabbath day when the Seventh-day Adventist Church emphasizes the concept of planting churches; that is, sowing small seeds of hope in places where the gospel message has not yet reached.
As we read the Bible, we find apostles like Paul who did just that; starting with small groups, taking care of them, feeding them with the Word of God and strengthening fellowship and faith. 1 Corinthians registers that they always did it in collaboration and dependence on God:
It says in chapter 3 verse 7: “So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”
Brethren, if we review the history of our Church, we find that the pioneers did the same thing, going through different countries, starting new groups of believers and establishing churches throughout the world.
We praise God that we continue with that same mission today. According to the most recent statistics, every 3.3 hours, an Adventist church is established somewhere in the world.
But there is still much to do! Here in Inter-America, there are many places still unreached with the gospel.
Let’s promote church planting, and let’s get involved too, because as 1 Corinthians 3 continues, in verse 9:
“For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field.”
Happy Sabbath.