Leaders of theological, health food and healthcare service institutions chart priorities for growth, sustainability and stronger mission impact.

October 30, 2026 | Bogotá, Colombia | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Three Inter-American Division (IAD) institutional boards meeting in Bogotá, Colombia, on October 29 approved financial plans and outlined priorities to strengthen theological education, health food production and healthcare services across the Inter-American Division (IAD).

Leaders of the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS), Inter-American Health Food Company (IAHFC) and Adventist Healthcare Service Inter-America (AHSIA) reviewed institutional progress, addressed operational challenges and advanced plans to strengthen their institutions’ role in the church’s mission.

Angel Guzman, PhD.,  presents a report on the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary (IATS) during its board meeting on October 29, 2026. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD][Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Theological Seminary Advances Academic Initiatives

IATS reported significant progress in academic development, including renewed accreditation, curriculum improvements and plans to expand theological research and publications.

IATS President Ángel Guzmán announced that the seminary received accreditation from the Adventist Accrediting Association through December 2030, following an evaluation conducted in July. He also highlighted a comprehensive curriculum review, updates to graduate programs and the development of resources to support the church’s OneVoice2027 evangelistic initiative.

Board members approved the creation of an Inter-American Adventist theological society, to be coordinated through the division with the seminary’s involvement, and endorsed plans to establish an indexed academic journal while continuing the existing Teobíblica publication.

The board also authorized an annual theological book project beginning in 2027, developed in cooperation with the division’s publishing houses.

Gonzalo Cardona, president of the North Colombia Union sits in during the IAD Institutional Board meetings on October 29, 2026. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Two personnel proposals received approval: an invitation to systems engineer Eli David Echenique to serve in technology support for admissions and registration, based in Costa Rica, and the appointment of Byanney Pirela García as assistant for academic affairs and effectiveness.

During discussion, Ricardo Marín, president of the Costa Rica Union, commended Echenique’s professional qualifications and Christian character. Puerto Rican Union President Luis Rivera asked where the position would be based, prompting clarification that the assignment would be in Costa Rica.

IAD President Abner De los Santos praised the seminary’s development and emphasized the importance of coordinating academic partnerships, including prospective agreements with Andrews University, through established division channels.

IATS Vice President for Finance Nolwin Guilarte reported positive financial results, consistent working capital and liquidity, and careful expenditure management. He clarified that the 2025 and 2026 financial statements had not yet been audited, with audits expected in early 2027.

Ivelisse Herrera, IAD treasurer, commended the seminary’s prudent financial administration. The board accepted the financial report, approved an updated financial policy for 2026–2030 and considered investment provisions alongside its 2027 operating budget.

José Flores, director of the Inter-America Health Food Company (IAHFC), highlights the company’s work during its board meeting on October 29, 2026, in Bogotá, Colombia. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Health Food Company Reviews Growth and Challenges

The IAHFC reported stronger-than-expected sales and earnings projections for 2026, despite production challenges and difficult operating conditions in several markets.

IAHFC director José Flores told board members that the company’s food manufacturing operations across eight countries were on track to close the year with strong production and sales performance.

While sales and earnings were expected to exceed budget projections, Flores acknowledged continuing difficulties at facilities in Panama and Bucaramanga, Colombia, where greater sales volumes are needed to reach operating targets.

He also discussed the effects of economic instability and recent earthquakes in Venezuela, Colombia and Panama. Flores reported no deaths or injuries among employees and no damage to company facilities from the earthquakes.

The board approved the company’s consolidated 2027 operating budget, which covers 10 subsidiaries, as well as the budget for its central administrative office. Leaders reviewed the company’s financial model, which directs portions of its resources toward evangelism, Adventist education, church construction and product development.

Orlando Ramírez, president of the West Venezuela Union Mission, expresses gratitude for the Inter-America Health Food Company’s continued work in Venezuela despite prolonged economic challenges. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
“Our mission goes beyond manufacturing and selling food,” Flores emphasized, underscoring the company’s role in promoting the Adventist health message and supporting the church’s broader mission.

During discussion, Orlando Ramírez, president of the West Venezuela Union Mission, expressed gratitude for the company’s work in Venezuela despite prolonged economic challenges.

Ramírez described the effects of inflation, currency fluctuations and rising operating costs on the country’s two Adventist food factories. He praised the commitment of local workers and leaders, expressing hope for continued progress despite those difficulties.

Healthcare Board Calls for Stronger Mission Integration

The Adventist Healthcare Services Inter-America board opened with a call from De los Santos to place the church’s health message at the center of its evangelistic mission.

Reading an extended statement on health ministry, De los Santos emphasized that Adventist healthcare must address physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual well-being.

Franck Généus, M.D., president of Adventist Health Services Inter-America and health ministries director of the Inter-American Division (IAD), presents a report during the  board meeting on October 29, 2026. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
“The health message is not an isolated program of the church,” he said. “It is a practical expression of the gospel.”

He challenged healthcare leaders to move beyond maintaining existing hospitals and clinics and consider how health education, preventive services and community outreach could prepare communities for the division’s OneVoice2027 and Impact2028 evangelistic initiatives.

The meeting also featured an online seminar by Lowell Cooper, former general vice president of the General Conference, addressing relationships between the church and its healthcare institutions.

Cooper emphasized that Adventist healthcare institutions have distinct legal and governance responsibilities while remaining closely connected to the church’s spiritual purpose.

“Our healthcare institutions are a mission that requires a business model,” he said, underscoring the importance of balancing effective administration with compassionate care.

AHSIA Board leaders reported that 329,292 persons were reached by Adventist health institutions across the territory so far in 2026. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]
Franck Geneus, M.D., AHSIA president and health ministries director of the IAD said the seminar was particularly relevant for newly appointed church and institutional leaders. He reported that the network includes more than 40 healthcare institutions, although reporting remains incomplete. Preliminary data from 17 institutions indicated that more than 329,000 people had received services during 2026.

Geneus acknowledged challenges involving institutional growth, governance, financing and service delivery. He outlined plans to develop a broader Adventist healthcare model integrating medical treatment, lifestyle interventions, spiritual care and psychological support.

Board members endorsed further development of the model and related collaborative work with Adventist universities, including Montemorelos University. They also supported continued work on institutional governance and the network’s governing documents, along with the admission of an additional university-affiliated clinic.

Juan José Morán presented AHSIA’s financial report and proposed 2027 budget.

The board approved the operating plan, with most resources earmarked for direct and indirect support to healthcare institutions.