Adventists in Mexico City Celebrate Historic Anniversaries and Renew Mission Focus

Leaders and members celebrate a century of growth, reflect on historical milestones, and renew their mission in the heart of the metropolitan region.

November 27, 2024 | Mexico City, Mexico | Gabriela Chagolla Manzanilla and IAD News Staff

Seventh-day Adventists celebrated 100 years of Adventist mission in Mexico City during three recent commemorative events. Hundreds of leaders and members from the Central Mexican Union, Inter-American Division (IAD), and local congregations gathered at the Venustiano Carranza Cultural Center on Oct. 26, 2024, to mark the centennial and reflect on the historic growth in the region.

Pastor Francisco Ramón de Dios, executive secretary of the Central Mexican Union, emphasized the divine providence behind the church’s expansion, while Pastor Jorge García, president of the union, recounted the early years of Adventism in Mexico when only 10 churches existed across the country.

Milestones such as the arrival of missionary Salvador Marchisio in 1891, the founding of La Verdad Publishing House, and the creation of the Metropolitan Conference in 2001 were highlighted.

Leaders also reflected on the Mega Mexico ‘89 evangelistic campaign, which resulted in 3,600 new members joining the church.

Pastor Elie Henry, president of the IAD, urged those present to follow the command of Matthew 28: “Christ’s method is the one that truly succeeds in reaching people because He showed sympathy, met their needs, won their trust, and said, ‘Follow Me!’ God is calling you to share hope.”

The event honored over 50 leaders for their long-standing contributions, including 104-year-old Luz María Sollano Valdés. As the event concluded, a call to renew the church’s mission was made, pledging to continue spreading the gospel and sharing hope.

Today, the Metropolitan Association boasts 23 districts, 80 organized churches, 17 Sabbath schools, and more than 37,000 members. In 2024 alone, over 100 individuals have been baptized, church leaders reported.

In the same spirit of renewal, two prominent Adventist churches in Mexico City—the Mixcoac and Monumento congregations—celebrated significant anniversaries and reaffirmed their commitment to spreading the gospel.

Faithful Service and Legacy

The Mixcoac Adventist Church celebrated its 75th anniversary on Oct. 25. The event commemorated the church’s origins, which trace back to 1945 when Pastor Israel López established the Tacubaya Adventist Church, the first Adventist church in Mexico City.

López issued a challenge to evangelize the city. Inspired by this call, Luis Hernández, a blind newspaper vendor known for his unwavering faith, became the first missionary to open a church in Mixcoac. With just 15 people, they purchased land in 1947 on which the church still stands. The church now has 335 active members.

Antonieta Amaya, one of the church’s pioneers, reminisced about the early years, recalling the deep sense of unity and mutual support within the congregation. “From those early days, we all supported each other and served from the heart,” she said, encouraging current members to continue embracing the unity that has characterized the church.

Pastor Henry reflected on God’s faithfulness. “If this church could speak, it would tell the stories of all the people who came and encountered God here,” he said. “We are pilgrims in this world; this church is temporary because our true home is in heaven.” His message reminded the congregation that while the physical church may fade, their eternal home with God awaits.

Union leaders presented the church’s plaque to Sergio Sandoval, head elder, in commemoration of the church’s 75th anniversary. Pastor García encouraged the congregation to continue the mission: “The best way to honor the pioneers is to join the cause they once defended. There are still many souls that need to hear the message of salvation,” he said.

Agents of Change

Monumento Adventist Church marked its 77th anniversary that same weekend with a celebration that included members and leaders from the union and division. During the event, Pastor Henry urged the congregation to make the most of every opportunity, especially in challenging times. “Walk as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil,” he preached, emphasizing that difficult times offer unique opportunities to serve.

The union also presented a commemorative plaque to Uziel Morales, the church’s head elder, in recognition of his decades of steadfast faithfulness. The church currently has 1,349 active members.

Edmundo Gómez, the union treasurer, praised Monumento Church’s commitment, and Pastor García reflected on the many testimonies and miracles of God’s love witnessed within the church. García encouraged the congregation to be “agents of change” in Mexico City and to view the anniversary as “a new beginning in fulfilling the mission.”

In both celebrations, the messages focused on the enduring mission of the Adventist Church in Mexico. “We have a God who will never abandon us. In every difficulty, He has a purpose,” Pastor Henry said.