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
November 11, 2022 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hello, how wonderful to greet you.
Today I want to start by thanking each one of you, on behalf of the Inter-American Division, for having accompanied us in the Centennial celebrations which just concluded.
During this year, we have participated together in different events to thank and praise God for 100 years of miracles, guiding and protecting His church in Inter-America.
And although we do not expect to spend another 100 years here on earth, since we hope to see Jesus soon, we do long to continue celebrating the opportunity we have to be close to Him each day.
That is why we have released “Returned to the Altar.” An initiative that seeks to encourage the daily practice of a personal devotion for a spiritual revival experience, with a clear intention of finding ourselves day by day with the glory of God in our hearts. That is precisely what we are talking about during this world week of prayer.
To grow and live as disciples, and to invite others to be disciples of Jesus, it is not enough to be a member of a church or to serve in a leadership position. Not even being an elder or pastor is. Being a disciple means being willing to draw closer to God every day and every moment to learn from Him and become more like Him, reflecting and influencing others as well.
In Acts 4 the occasion is narrated when Peter and John were questioned before the priests and Sadducees in the council, and “Then seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and knowing that they were unlearned men and common people, they were amazed; and they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” (V.13).
I hope that by renewing our commitment to get closer to Jesus every day, others can also be amazed and when they see us and talk with us, they can recognize that we have been with Jesus.
Happy Sabbath.