Church Leaders Are Reminded To Find Strength in the ‘Anchors of Faith’

Top church leaders and staff spent time in worship and prayer during a special annual week of prayer.

June 25, 2024 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Seventh-day Adventist leaders and staff of the Inter-American Division (IAD) Office in Miami, Florida, United States, recently spent time in prayer, praise and worship during the organization’s annual week of spiritual emphasis June 17-22, 2024. The more than 60 church employees took time to study the Bible and reflected on finding strength and resilience in the anchors of faith in their daily life as they labor to be part of fulfilling the mission of the church.

Under the theme “Anchors of Faith”, the prayer emphasis week came at a midway point in the year to remind workers to immerse themselves in prayer, reflection and fellowship, said Pastor Josney Rodríguez, ministerial association secretary of the IAD. “Our need of walking closer to God and praying more one with another is important in experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit as we serve the church and continue to stand firm, anchored in the promises of our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Pastor Mario Rondón, ministerial secretary and personal ministries director in the Dominican Union, encouraged the leadership to glorify God and continually praise Him for the miracles He performs in their lives as they serve and journey on this earth for heaven. “The only way to strengthen your faith is with the Word of God. Feed your faith and you will see how your doubts starve to death,” said Rondón. “It’s important to have an anchor of faith every day because it is impossible to please God without faith.”

Rondón urged leaders and staff to not miss any moment to connect with God throughout the day.  “Every opportunity that comes our way brings us closer to the channel of blessings He has for us and to prepare us for the end times.”  Rondón, who has taught Bible prophecy during his 29 years in the ministry, spoke on themes such as the wonders of God, God’s throne, growing faith, grace, end-time events, and the eternal inheritance, among others.

IAD President Pastor Elie Henry said that it’s important for the entire staff to take time for corporate prayer. “We have busy lives, busy in meetings, events, trips in the work of the church, but we must come together, to intentionally pray for one another and strengthen each other in the faith,” he said.

For Pastor Tomas Torres, vice president of the IAD, the week of prayer was a good reminder that “the Christian life is a continual process that needs to be lived in real time,” he said. “We must feel the need to search for Him each morning in a personal way, always remember that God comes in search for His church—and we are His church and must do all we can to preach the gospel of His Soon Coming,” Torres said.

“I could feel the power of the Holy Spirit as every day the messages grew my Christian perspective,” said Claudia Martínez, a member of the treasury department staff. “We have to get ready, make our relationship with God a priority.” She was impressed to learn that  “the more time we dedicate to God in our earthly life, the more capacity we will have to enjoy heavenly things.”

IAD Personal Ministries Director Pastor Melchor Ferreyra found the daily messages during the week practical and inspiring, causing him to reflect deeply on his devotional life. “The anchors of faith are not only theoretical facts, but real and practical aspect for our daily life, viewing it from the perspective of an anchor that supports our faith,” he said.

Church leaders and staff prayed for one another, for their families, the work of the church across the IAD territory and the world church, as well as specific requests.

The week of prayer emphasis included an agape feast, music, testimonials, and a Sabbath program followed by a and fellowship luncheon.

The Inter-American Division oversees the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church with over 3.8 million members in 24 major church regions, or unions, from Mexico to Central America, The Caribbean, The French Antilles, Colombia, and Venezuela.