Inter-America’s Leadership Summit Begins Reflecting on God’s Faithfulness

February 13, 2023 | Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Top Seventh-day Adventist leaders across the Inter-American Division [IAD] will focus this week on reviewing finances, resources and mission strategies set forth three years ago to forge ahead with focused urgency in accomplishing more during the next three years.  The more than 300 church leaders representing the 24 unions and 156 local fields, met last night to praise God for His faithful blessings, and pray for spiritual guidance and wisdom before they delve into four full days of meetings Feb. 13-16, in Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

“We pause tonight to reflect how God has used administrators, department directors, pastors, and members and how He has led us from 2019 to 2020,” said Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the IAD, at the start of the evening.  “This pause is not intended to slow us down but to propel us to be faster, more focused and committed more on mission as must be about our Father’s business.”

Coined as Inter-America’s second Leadership Summit, the meetings will include keynote speakers, breakout group segments, prayer moments, and planning sessions intended to engage leaders and members at every level of the church to be stronger in mission as they proclaim the soon coming of Jesus across their communities.

The summit will be a platform to assess the development of the church in evangelism, education, and community service, under the banner “I Will Go” mission strategy initiatives as, as well as review stewardship practices and the financing of the mission of the church, and set new goals, said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the church in the IAD.  The meetings, which have been scheduled since last year, are crucial to staying the course, Pastor Henry has said. “It is important to look at our challenges and strategize for the coming years in order to successfully advance the mission of the church.”

Pastor Abraham J. Jules, president of the Northeastern Conference in New York, United States, addressed IAD leadership and encouraged them to reflect on God’s faithfulness. “What God creates He sustains. What God starts He finishes,” he assured. He also invited leaders to reconsecrate their lives to God to be faithful Christians and faithful workers.

“There are men and women looking to you, many who are impacted by you because of the faithfulness of God in your life,” said Jules. “You will impact many for eternity so let God help you be faithful to Him.”

The next few days will also see church administrators seek to enhance soul-winning for greater effect at the local church, evaluate approaches in educating members to become committed disciples and faithful stewards, determine the best approach for greater involvement and effectiveness in the mission, and more.

To learn more about the Seventh-day Adventist church in the Inter-American Division, its programs and initiatives, visit us at interamerica.org