New IAD President Makes Pastoral Visit to the Caribbean Union Territory

Dr. Elie Henry (left), president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Inter-America is greeted by Dr. Kern Tobias, president of the church in the Caribbean Union, during a special welcome at the Piarco International Airport’s VIP Lounge in Port of Spain, Trinidad, on Aug. 10, 2018. The pastoral visit represents Dr. Henry’s first official trip to the Caribbean since he was elected as the IAD president. Photo by Curtis Henry/IAD

August 10, 2018 | Port of Spain, Trinidad | Royston Philbert/IAD Staff

Top Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Trinidad and Tobago greeted Dr. Elie Henry, president of the church in Inter-America, and his wife to the Caribbean territory during a special welcome at the Piarco International Airport’s VIP Lounge in Port of Spain. The two-day pastoral visit represents Dr. Henry’s first visit to the territory since he assumed office on August 1.

“You have come home” said Pastor Kern Tobias, president of the church in the Caribbean Union. “We are waiting in eager anticipation to hear an illustrious man of God who is also a friend of the Caribbean Union.”

Dr. Henry’s visit includes a final address to the more than 600 delegates attending the Festival of Cross-Cultural Missions being held this week on campus of the University of the Southern Caribbean.

“It is wonderful to be here,” said Dr. Henry, as he commented that it was his first meeting where the entire Division will be represented in the event. “This is the most diverse Division and coming here means that I am meeting the entire church.”

Dr. Henry speaks to top church leaders of the Caribbean Union about the church growth and initiatives. Photo by Curtis Henry

Commenting on the significance of the Festival of Missions, Dr. Henry said: “For us in the IAD we believe that there should be no barriers because the gospel has to go everywhere.”

Dr. Henry will address an audience of some 2,500 church members during the Sabbath message where lay delegates from from dozens of countries will be charged to continue reaching more communities with the gospel message.

“Now is the time,” said Henry.  “We need to cross all borders and boundaries made by men to fulfill the mission, for no culture or prejudice should stand in the way of people who are committed to the cause of God  and are willing to be used by the Holy Spirit.”

To view a live stream of Inter-America’s Festival of Cross Cultural Missions through Sabbath, Aug. 11, 2018, visit webcast.interamerica.org