Adventist Leaders Start New Year Vowing to Move Forward in Mission
Inter-American Division President Pastor Elie Henry (center), speaks during a special devotional program to start the new year as Pastor Leonard Johnson (left) executive secretary and Ivelisse Herrera (right) treasurer stand before addressing more than 45 department directors and staff at the Headquarter Office in Miami, Florida, United States, Jan. 3, 2023, . [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
Top Seventh-day Adventist leaders welcomed the new year at the Inter-American Division (IAD) headquarter office in Miami, Florida, United States, earlier today. The more than 45 leaders and staff members reflected on God’s blessings during the past year passed and committed to doubling their efforts in fulfilling the mission of the church in the territory.
“Last year we celebrated God’s mercies for our church and our families and although many of you faced difficulties, and mourned the loss of family members, we can say that God was with us,” said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the church in the IAD.
Leaders and staff members listen in during the first work day of the new year at the IAD Office. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
Moving forward successfully will mean the close teamwork of departmental leaders and staff members to continue in service, leadership, and ministry to the growing membership, added Pastor Henry. “We want to do the best with you in the work of God, so that God can be exalted always, for we have nothing to fear as God is with us and moves ahead of us.”
Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the IAD, also spoke to department heads and staff to continue pursuing the mission at hand. “The mission is why we exist as an organization,” he said. “This is not about tile or position but fulfilling the mission, claim the promises of God as we work together.”
Beny Paez, an assistant at the IAD Office, prays during a special prayer session during the worship program. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
“God uses us, especially those who serve faithfully with love and dedication, no matter what position we serve from,” said Herrera. She challenged leaders and staff to stay committed to serving the church. “I believe we can have a wonderful year, a glorious year for God’s honor and glory for He will continue leading the church no matter the challenges.”
The new year is set to continue motivating the 3.7-million membership to continue focusing on numerous strategies to educate, evangelize and serve in their communities with activities and on-going initiatives set in motion across the 24 unions, 156 conferences and missions, and more than 23,000 local churches.
Guest Speaker Pastor Edgar Benitez, evangelist and communication director of the Central Mexican Union, challenged leaders to carefully examine their work and ministry during the fast changing world today. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
“As leaders we need to renew ourselves, put away our old sermons and washed-up strategies, leave paved roads and open new pathways because the times today demand it,” said Benitez.
Benitez encouraged leaders to renounce to keeping the status quo, guard their ministry as the most sacred thing they have, live connected to the Lord, treat colleagues with respect and always remain accountable to God and the church. “Fellowship and communion with God must prevail in your life as you serve Him day by day.”
Louis Cleare of The Bahamas sang during a mini concert segment during the morning program. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
IAD administrators and department directors will meet during the days and weeks ahead to polish initiatives and review upcoming events and activities.
The Inter-American Division oversees the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Mexico, Central America, The Caribbean and French Antilles as well as Colombia and Venezuela. The IAD and its organizations look after thousands of churches, hundreds of schools, universities, hospitals and clinics.
IAD staff members watch a special video greeted by church leaders and their families during the start of the worship program on Jan. 3, 2023. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
To view photos of the Jan. 3, worship program, Click HERE