ASI Inter-America Virtual Convention Opens Challenging Members to Use their Influence to Share Christ

October 21, 2021 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

The Adventist Laymen’s-Services and Industries (ASi) convention for the English speaking region of the Inter-American Division opened last night during a special ceremony online. Keynote speakers challenged Adventist business owners, church leaders and church members to be consistent in letting others know that there is a better life with Jesus even in the midst of perilous times.

Dozens connected to the virtual event on Oct. 20, hosted from Scarborough, Tobago, to be part of the ceremony which included cultural presentations, and messages from church administrators, government officials, and guest speakers to set the tone for the five-day event themed “Using My Influence, I Will Go.”

Honorable Dr. Ancil Dennis, chief secretary of Tobago’s House of Assembly, thanked members of the local chapter and beyond the island for the tremendous difference they are making in the lives of others.  “Tobago has benefitted from your ministry…and there is no doubt that the church and government share the desire to improve our communities and in our context, to improve our Tobago space…our best chance to do so is collaborate among ourselves while we keep goals in mind,” said Dennis.

Dr. Dennis applauded the work of ASi chapter members for their willingness to go out and transform the world and play a part in strategic partnerships to enrich outreach not only in Tobago but around the world. “Your members are beacons of faith in the development of churches and local communities,” said Dennis. “Thank you.”

Keynote Speaker Denzil McNeilus, chairman and CEO of Sterling State Bank in Rochester, Minnesota, United States, and long-time ASi North America member, reminded viewers that as members everyone has a part to play in reaching others.

“Each one of us has a circle of influence to share Jesus,” said McNeilus. He told the story of how the message reached his grandmother through Adventist publications and changed the course of his family. His family grew a concrete and truck business from the time he was a child and years later when he led the company to expand nationally and internationally.

“God wants us to use all of our influence, our money, our resources to witness wherever we are,” said McNeilus. “He [God] doesn’t’ need our money, He needs us.” McNeilus challenged ASi-ers to use every opportunity they have in their business dealings to share Christ. It’s not about contributing tithes and offerings to the church to support its mission, but it’s about really getting involved in ASi, said McNeilus, who leads a weekly bible study class at his bank and witnesses to every business partner he connects with and every person who comes into his office.

“Pray for divine appointments, for witnessing opportunities,” McNeilus said. “Our job is to share Jesus and let the Holy Spirit do the work.”

Dr. Marston Thomas, president of ASi Inter-America, officially opened the convention for the English-speaking region. He encouraged chapter members and church leaders to worship, fellowship and forge deeper connections during the event.

This is the third ASi convention this year. Conventions for the French- and Spanish-speaking regions were held in July and August, respectively.

As the convention continues, it will feature daily devotionals, praise and worship segments, professional and informative training seminars, chapter reports, business expositions, a virtual international business forum, and more. In addition, seminars on strategic planning, missional entrepreneurship, marketing strategies, stewardship, strengthening ASi chapters, campus ministry, forgiveness, health and wellness, and more, will be offered. The event will end on Sunday, Oct. 24.

To register and take part in Inter-America’s ASi Convention for the English speaking region, visit asi.interamerica.org