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
June 7, 2024 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hello Brothers and Sisters. Happy Sabbath. The second Sabbath in the month of June is designated as Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day. Today, as the women of the church lead out in worship, organize activities and initiatives for spiritual growth, we can all get involved by recognizing their service and joining in prayer for them.
The theme that has been chosen for this occasion invites us to meditate on how God, in His infinite mercy, watches over us with careful attention, how He forgives us, how He gives us new chances, how He honors our acts of faithfulness and above all how He remains by our side. We can find this in many stories of the Bible:
While men condemned the adulterous woman in the Gospel of John, Jesus saw her with eyes of forgiveness and restoration. When Ruth became a widow, God saw her loyalty and bravery, and therefore blessed her greatly.
While Hagar was fleeing from Sarai in the desert, having been rejected by Abram, the angel of the Lord found her and gave her new hope. In Genesis 16:11 we read that He confirmed His promise by saying, “for the Lord has heard of your misery.” And Hagar’s joy was such that she herself recognized, « Atta-El-Roi »”The One who sees me” (Genesis 16:13).
Let us celebrate the contribution of every woman in our church today and continue to work together, men and women of all ages, recognizing that we are all seen and valued by our heavenly Father.
Maranatha!