Pathfinders from the Punta Cana Central Adventist Church present a dramatization of the early history and mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church during the opening ceremony of the  2026 ASI Inter-America Convention on Aug. 12, 2026, in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. [Photo: Michelle Greene/IAD]
Adventist professionals and business leaders gather in the Dominican Republic as church leaders highlight organizational growth, mission initiatives, and marketplace ministry.

August 13, 2026 | Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Nearly 300 Seventh-day Adventist business and professional leaders from across the Inter-American Division (IAD) were challenged to replace good intentions with purposeful action during the opening session of the 2026 Adventist-laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI) Inter-America Convention on Aug. 12.

Addressing entrepreneurs, executives, healthcare professionals, educators, pastors, and ministry leaders gathered under the convention theme, “Living in Purpose,” Roger Hernández, ministerial and evangelism director for the Southern Union Conference, presented seven practical principles to help believers “go further faster” in their personal lives, businesses, and mission.

Members of the Bahamas ASI delegation smile as they gather during the opening session of the 2026 ASI Inter-America Convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Aug. 12, 2026. [Photo: Michelle Greene/IAD]
Hernández urged delegates to become people of action rather than merely people of ideas.

“We don’t need more words in our churches. We need people that will do stuff,” Hernández said, encouraging attendees to “say less” and put their convictions into practice instead of simply talking about their goals. Citing Proverbs, he reminded participants that genuine leadership is demonstrated through action rather than promises.

He also challenged leaders to reject negativity, calling it one of the greatest barriers to innovation and mission.

“Negativity kills creativity,” Hernández said. “In a world of negativity, you be positive.”

Turning Purpose Into Practice

Hernández reminded attendees that effective leaders cannot wait for others to create momentum for them.

Roger Hernández (left), ministerial and evangelism director for the Southern Union Conference, challenges Adventist business and professional leaders to put their faith into action during the opening keynote of the 2026 ASI Inter-America Convention, as Eduardo Canales of Adventist World Radio translates. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
“Nobody wakes up in the morning trying to fulfill your agenda,” he said, urging delegates to take ownership of their calling rather than waiting for ideal circumstances or the encouragement of others.

Throughout his keynote, Hernández encouraged participants to stop waiting for perfect circumstances before pursuing God’s calling.

“Done is better than perfect,” he said. “Do it now… Do it before you’re ready.” Success, he explained, comes from taking faithful steps forward, trusting God while learning along the way.

Hernández urged leaders to focus less on setting goals and more on developing the daily habits and systems that lead to lasting success.

“All success is a delayed indicator of previous decisions,” Hernández said. “You don’t rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems.” Rather than simply setting ambitious goals, he encouraged delegates to build healthy routines, lean into their strengths, and develop systems that sustain long-term growth in ministry, business, and life.

A delegate from Mexico photographs the Jamaica delegation during the Parade of Nations that opened the 2026 ASI Inter-America Convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Aug. 12, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Concluding his message, Hernández reminded delegates that setbacks are inevitable but need not define their future.

“There are bad days and bad seasons,” he said. “The problem is when bad days become bad seasons.” Citing the promises of Lamentations, he urged attendees to place their hope in God’s unfailing mercy, whose mercies “begin afresh every morning.”

Expanding Mission Across Inter-America

Following the keynote, ASI Inter-America President Rohan Riley highlighted the organization’s growth over the past three years, crediting volunteers, chapter leaders, and church partners for expanding the lay-led ministry’s impact throughout the division.

“We’ve been able to do some outstanding things in this division,” Riley said. “But the most amazing thing we’ve been able to do is come together… committed to serving God, serving our communities, and making the Inter-American Division special.”

Rohan Riley, president of ASI Inter-America, presents his presidential report during the opening session of the  2026 ASI Inter-America Convention, highlighting the organization’s growth in chapters, mission initiatives, and digital evangelism across the  division territory. [Photo: Michelle Greene/IAD]
Riley highlighted leadership development, online business networking, fundraising for Haiti, lay evangelism, youth evangelism, and digital evangelism training conducted in partnership with the IAD communication department.

“We wanted ASI to have a foothold in the digital outreach of the church,” Riley said, noting that weekly online Friday evening worship services now connect chapters across the territory.

He also reported expanded humanitarian initiatives through partnerships with Adventist World Aviation and local ASI chapters following Hurricane Beryl in Jamaica, while continuing support for Mission 2000 and Beyond, medical outreach, business expos, and community service projects.

Today, ASI Inter-America comprises 53 chapters in 28 countries, including 13 active union chapters, and supports 10 major mission projects through financial assistance. Recent chapter launches include Belize, Puerto Rico, Aruba, Curaçao, and Bonaire, with expansion continuing in Colombia and Honduras.

Leisel Edwards of the Tobago ASI chapter enjoys the Parade of Nations while representing Tobago during the opening session of the 2026 ASI Inter-America Convention in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, on Aug. 12, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Looking ahead, Riley said this year’s convention is designed not only to inspire members but also to equip them for greater service.

“Our presenters are not only presenting programs,” he said. “They will launch initiatives that we will leave here with.”

Dominican Church Welcomes Delegates

The convention opened with a Parade of Nations featuring delegates representing ASI chapters from across the Inter-American Division, followed by a cultural welcome hosted by the Dominican Union Conference. The program included a dramatic presentation by Pathfinders from the Punta Cana Central Adventist Church portraying the beginnings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and its enduring mission.

Welcoming participants, Dominican Union Conference President Teófilo Silvestre described it as a privilege to host the gathering and invited delegates to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Dominican people.

Teófilo Silvestre, president of the Dominican Union , welcomes delegates to the Dominican Republic during the opening session of the 2026 ASI Inter-America Convention in Punta Cana on Aug. 12, 2026. [Photo: Libna Stevens/IAD]
Representing the newly organized Dominican Union ASI chapter, President Ricardo Casado shared the chapter’s vision of connecting Adventist professionals and entrepreneurs through a digital platform that will serve as both a membership portal and business directory, strengthening collaboration while advancing the church’s mission.

The convention continues through Aug. 15 with keynote presentations, seminars on leadership, business, digital evangelism, health, and mission, reports from ASI chapters across the Inter-American Division, networking opportunities, outreach initiatives, and Sabbath worship focused on integrating faith and service in the marketplace.

To follow up on this year’s ASI Inter-America Convention, visit us at interamerica.org