June 1, 2009 – Merida, Yucatan, Mexico…[Libna Stevens/IAD]
A month after the Influenza A, or H1N1, virus scare, Seventh-day Adventist Church leaders in Mexico are grateful that there have been no reported cases among church members or students. Mexico's government called for mandatory school closings a month ago after the outbreak began, but schools have been open again and large gatherings are once again allowed.
“We are thankful that things are back to normal for our churches and schools in Mexico and no one was affected,” said Pastor Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter-America. Pastor Leito, who has been in constant contact with all top church leaders from Mexico's four major church regions, said church leaders took the necessary measures to ensure that schools, universities, and the thousands of Adventist churches were kept safe from any outbreaks of the virus.
Students at Montemorelos University in the northern part of Mexico were screened to re-enter campus and gathered in smaller groups outdoors for church services.
“Our health team was well organized during the government's health alert, and praise God, we were able to send a special team of professionals to be available for the State's government office,” said Ismael Castillo, president of Montemorelos University. University leaders had planned to hold its graduation ceremonies outdoors this past weekend, but cancelled those plans to have the ceremony at the university's church after the health alert was lifted.
The more than 2,500 Adventist churches in the country resumed worship services earlier in May, but continue to be vigilant in taking the proper measures.
“Praise God, we are basically back to normal here in our country,” said Raul Lozano, communication director for the church in South Mexico. “Our [church] leaders in our fields and institutions followed through with the instructions.” Lozano said church business has continued and events which were postponed have been rescheduled.
Church leaders said camporees and union-wide events have been rescheduled, as well in the Central, Inter-Oceanic, and North Mexico regions.
