August 25, 2023 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News
Seventh-day Adventist business owners and professionals from throughout the Inter-American Division (IAD) were urged to seize the ‘golden opportunity’ to motivate others in sharing Christ during this year’s Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASi) convention held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, Aug. 19, 2023.
Themed Reigniting the Flame for Mission, the annual convention drew more than 150 Adventist leaders and professionals who displayed their commitment during the four-day event to continue being key participants in reaching more people with the gospel.
Part of the audience during ASi Inter-Americn Division annual convention on Sabbath, August 19, 2023, held at the West Jamaica Conference, in Montego Bay, Jamaica. The convention was the first four-day annual event held in person since 2019, and one that marked the 25th anniversary since the territory-wide chapter was organized. [Photo: Michelle Greene/IAD]
“Reigniting the flame for mission gives us a sense of urgency, something that you and I have to do, it is not an option,” said Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the IAD. The mission is clear, he said. “It’s not about programs or how we may appear, but our purpose and objective is to uplift Jesus Christ to motivate our church members so they can continue to serve Christ in their marketplaces, their homes, schools, on the busses, classrooms, so that they may see Jesus.”
It’s all about purpose, intentionality, and urgency, Johnson said. It must begin with spending quality with God. “Just like Jesus at the age of 12 understood His purpose and did not deter from it, I want to remind you of our mission your objectives, your purpose as ASiers: to connect and equip lay ministers, business people and professionals and their families to regularly share Christ in the marketplace and actively support the Adventist Church’s mission of sharing the Three Angels Message of God’s love and grace to the world in preparation for His soon return.”
Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the Inter-American Division, urges ASi members to reaffirm their purpose, intentionality, and urgency for mission. [Photo: IAD Screenshot]
Carrying a noble mission
Governor General of Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen congratulated church leaders and ASi members in the IAD during the 25th anniversary of the organization.
“ASi has become more than just a symbol. It is a beacon of hope and embodiment of opportunity,” said Allen. “Let’s not forget the journey is ongoing, the flame of that ignited ASi light should always be burning bright, nurtured and carried forward.”
Governor General of the Jamaica Sir Patrick Allen addresses the ASi IAD convention on Aug. 19, 2023. [Photo: IAD Screenshot]
Being shapers not takers
Edmund Barlett, Minister of Tourism in Jamaica, also congratulated Adventist business professionals for being mission committed as an organization for the past 25 years in the IAD. He urged lay professionals to change the world for the better.
More than 250 leaders and members attended the ASi Convention event on Sabbath Aug. 19, 2023, at WEst Jamaica Conference Center. [Photo: Michelle Greene/IAD]
ASi evangelism impact in Jamaican
As part of every year’s ASi-IAD, evangelism impact and projects take place ahead of the convention. This year, 12 evangelistic campaigns grew to 56 across Jamaica, church leaders said. For four weeks business professionals conducted lay evangelistic campaigns in coordination with local pastors in Jamaica. More than 800 persons were baptized as a result.
Roger Alleyne of Tobago reports on the evangelistic tent campaign he lead in St. Mary, Jamaica for four weeks ahead of the ASi convention. [Photo: IAD Screenshot]
The convention featured over 20 speakers and seminar presenters on business, management, digital evangelism, project development, health and more. There were also panel discussions, ASi ministry reports, networking sessions, an awards ceremony, music and prayer segments, and more.
Hundreds gathered in St. Mary during a four-week tent evangelistic campaign led by Roger Alleyne and coordinated by ASi-IAD in Jamaica. [Photo: Courtesy of Roger Alleyne]
New officers voted
ASi Convention voted in new officers for the 2023-2026 period as follows:
Rohan Riley, President
Lyndon Antoine, First Vice President
Cecil Foster, Regional Vice President for the English region
Victor Valdivieso, Regional Vice President for the Spanish region
David Poloche, Secretary
Ivelisse Herrera, Treasurer
Julius Sealy, Public Relations Officer
Yvonne Lawson, Assistant Public Relations Officer
Ian Greene, Project Coordinator
Jorge Morazán, Assistant Project Coordinator
Eugene Benjamin, Evangelism Coordinator for English region
Danny Morris, Evangelism Coordinator for Spanish region
Several of the new ASi board members appointed for the period 2023-2026, L-R : Danny Morris, Jorge Morazán, Ian Greene, Yvonne Lawson, Julius Sealy, Cecil Foster, Lyndon Antoine and Rohan Riley. [Photo: ASi-IAD]
“As we close, we do so with the assurance and knowledge that as long as ASI is involved in mission, ASi has the assurance that Jesus will accompany us, and the mission will be successful and accomplished,” Edwards concluded.
Next year’s ASi Inter-American Division Convention will be held Aug. 14-18, 2024, in Panama City, Panama.
To learn more about the ASi Inter-American Division chapters, visit asi.interamerica.org