Adventist Church in Inter-America Strengthens Identity Through ‘Spirit of Prophecy’ Emphasis

Annual initiative inspires renewed faith, balanced study, and readiness for Christ’s return.

October 29, 2025 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

The Inter-American Division of Seventh-day Adventists hosted a special week of spiritual emphasis from October 18 to 25, focusing on the prophetic writings of Ellen G. White, one of the church’s founders whose counsel continues to inspire and guide believers today.

Themed “Messages of Hope for the End Times,” the week featured evening presentations by experts from Ellen G. White Research Centers at IAD universities, designed to be viewed in churches, small groups, and homes.

“Our main goal with this special emphasis week is to revive spiritual interest and increase reading of Ellen G. White’s writings, highlighting the valuable resources we have inherited from her,” said Pastor Isaías Espinoza, publishing ministries director and coordinator of Spirit of Prophecy in the IAD.

Now in its second year, the initiative invited pastors, educators, and members across Inter-America to reflect on the prophetic voice that has shaped Adventist belief and identity for generations and apply it to their lives as they prepare for the end times before Jesus’ Second Coming.

Emphasizing Faithfulness and Readiness

Experts from IAD’s White Research and White Centers led nightly presentations exploring Christ’s sovereignty, the church’s end-time mission, and the believer’s preparation for the final judgment. The messages emphasized faithfulness under trial, the identity and purpose of the remnant church, and the empowering work of the Holy Spirit through the latter rain. Speakers also reflected on prophetic themes such as the seven last plagues and the believer’s ultimate journey to the Father’s house.

Espinoza noted concern over a decline in engagement with Ellen G. White’s writings. A recent survey among 2,600 participants in the IAD revealed that reading has dropped from 23 percent to 18 percent, and 10 percent of pastors do not use her writings in sermons. “We recognize that it’s low. We want all our pastors to make good use of the Spirit of Prophecy writings, motivating our members to dive into the readings,” said Espinoza. “We’ll continue this initiative, hoping it will be a blessing and that the next survey will show improvement.”

Expanding Access and Local Impact

Interest has grown since the initiative’s first year, Espinoza shared. “Back in February, many directors were already asking when the topics would be ready. That shows urgency and commitment,” he said. This year, churches received both digital and printed versions of the presentations to make the content more widely accessible. “It’s a blessing, because now every elder or layperson can share well-prepared material without having to improvise,” Espinoza added.

The approach is designed to strengthen the Spirit of Prophecy movement at the local church level across the territory.

Scholarly and Collaborative Leadership

This year’s messages were crafted by Dr. Juan José Andrade, director of the Ellen G. White Research Center for the Inter-American Division, based in Montemorelos University, in northern Mexico. He also serves as the Dean of the School of Theology at Montemorelos Univeristy.

Dr. Andrade emphasized the importance of deep, balanced study of the Spirit of Prophecy. “We encourage serious research—especially among students—so they include the Adventist perspective in their studies of Ellen G. White’s writings,” he said.

Andrade and fellow directors across the IAD meet annually to plan Spirit of Prophecy Week, selecting themes that inspire faith and hope. “The 2025 theme centered on end-time topics, emphasizing the work of Jesus in our lives even amid difficulties,” he explained.

A historian at heart, Andrade said he is inspired by the pioneers’ perseverance. “There’s so much to learn from their example,” he added, noting that interest in Ellen White’s writings is growing despite online misinformation that “creates curiosity but also confusion.”

At Northern Caribbean University (NCU) in Jamaica, Dr. Robert Wright has led the Ellen G. White Center for the past decade. He said the Spirit of Prophecy remains central to Adventist life in Jamaica. “The Spirit of Prophecy is widely accepted in Jamaica, where Ellen G. White is recognized as a true messenger of God,” he affirmed.

Renewed Focus on Accessibility and Growth

During this year’s Spirit of Prophecy Week, Wright spoke on “The Shaking” and “The Latter Rain,” urging members to prepare spiritually for the days ahead. “The shaking will be a great test of our faith—not to destroy us but to refine us,” he said. Wright also called for balance: “Some quote Ellen White more than they quote the Bible. We need to focus on Scripture and use her writings to guide us back to the Word.”

Dr. Obed Jiménez, director of the White Center at Antillean Adventist University in Puerto Rico, also joined as a speaker. The event coincided with a symposium in Alajuela, Costa Rica, organized in collaboration with the White Center at Central American Adventist University, focusing on “Ellen G. White and the Last Generation.”

Espinoza said plans are underway to establish more local White Centers across the IAD to make Ellen G. White’s writings accessible to members unable to buy books or read them online. “We praise God that the number of local White Centers is increasing,” he said. “We hope to reach at least 200 by 2026.”

Continuing the Mission

Across the Inter-American Division, White Research Centers continue to collaborate to strengthen biblical understanding and promote the prophetic message, church leaders said. The annual Spirit of Prophecy Week united scholars and pastors in sharing messages of hope, faithfulness, and readiness—renewing commitment to study God’s Word and carry forward the church’s mission of preparing lives for Christ’s return, Espinoza said.

Ellen G. White Research Centers in the IAD

• Montemorelos University White Research Center in Montemorelos, Mexico, established in 1978.
• Northern Caribbean University White Center in Mandeville, Jamaica, established in 2003.
• Antillean Adventist University White Center in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, established in 2010.
• Central American Adventist University White Center in Alajuela, Costa Rica, established in 2011.

To view this year’s Spirit of Prophecy Emphasis Week, click HERE