March 21, 2008 – San Juan, Puerto Rico…[Libna Stevens/IAD Staff]
Seventh-day Adventist leaders in Puerto Rico met with Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila and his wife, First Lady Piti Gandara, for a special Prayer Breakfast at La Fortaleza, the governor's palace, on Mar. 11, 2008.
“We prayed with the governor and his wife and shared with them the services that the Adventist Church provides in Puerto Rico and its structure as far as its organization and membership,” said Freddy Sosa, communication director of the church in Puerto Rico. Sosa was joined by top church leaders from the four church regions of the island as well as the administrator of the Adventist Bella Vista Hospital.
“The Adventist Church becomes the only church which has met with the governor specifically to pray and share in a spiritual way,” Sosa said.
The invitation for the exclusive meeting came about after the governor found out that late last year, Adventist leaders dedicated an entire week to pray for their government officials, especially the governor and his family.
“He called to thank the church leaders and extended an invitation to this prayer breakfast,” Sosa explained.
According to Sosa, the governor was impressed with the institutions run by the church.
“The church has health and education institutions that are an important contribution to our people,” said Governor Acevedo.
Pastor Jose A. Rodriguez, president of the church in Puerto Rico, prayed for the governor and presented a Bible to him and his wife, who were also accompanied by Dr. Felix Matos, secretary of the Ministry of Family, and Noemi Cardona, advisor and coordinator for faith communities in Puerto Rico.
Last month, thousands of church members skipped church services to distribute more than 250,000 magazines throughout the island. The 20-page magazine entitled “A look at the Puerto Rican Family” was designed to promote family values and respect for life, as well as speak out against the plague of drug addiction on the island.
There are over 37,000 Seventh-day Adventists worshiping in 290 churches and congregations in Puerto Rico. Made up of four regional territories, the church operates two radio stations, 20 elementary and secondary schools, as well as a university.
