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
August 23, 2024 | Miami, Florida, United States | By: Elie Henry, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America
Hello Brothers and Sisters.
Hello, sisters and brothers, today I want to begin this message by inviting all church members to join in following the example of Jesus, who as the Good Shepherd went out to seek the most vulnerable, helping to heal those who were suffering.
This Sabbath we observe Enditnow Emphasis Day in which we say no to violence. The theme which has been aptly chosen is : “Go Find My Sheep,” as it is not only about identifying the victims, but also about reaching out and helping them.
You know violence is a reality that affects many people around the world with devastating effects, including thousands in our own communities. As a church, we must keep our eyes open to this reality, recognizing the pain and suffering it causes, but, above all, committing to doing something about it.
The emphasis each year is not to limit it to just one day of impact, but to continue to educate ourselves as congregations as how to prevent occurrences of abuse and to rescue those who are at risk.
Isaiah 61:1 reminds us that the Spirit of the Lord is upon us to proclaim freedom to the captives and comfort all who mourn. I especially want to emphasize the responsibility that we as church leaders have in being agents of change. We are called not only to protect, but also to care for and to heal. In John 10:11, Jesus tells us: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”
Let us dedicate time, resources, and our hearts, so that those who suffer can find comfort, healing and refuge, but most importantly hope in Christ Jesus.
Maranatha.