Youth choir members of the Kencot Seventh-day Adventist Church in Kingston, Jamaica, sing during special centennial celebrations and launch of evangelism efforts on the islands, Jan. 8, 2022. :: Photo credit: Nigel Coke
The Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division (IAD) began the new year with consecration services praising God for His faithfulness and blessings during the decades since the region was officially organized in 1922. The event, which was one of many centennial celebrations, held on Jan. 8, 2022, saw leaders and members commit to solidifying efforts to sharing the gospel in every country, island, city, town and community.
In Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico, more than 800 church leaders, pastors, laypersons and young people gathered at the church’s Convention Center to pray, worship and launch a slate of discipleship, evangelism and community outreach events scheduled to take place in the months to come.
Pastor Fidelino Ramírez of the East Guatemala Mission prays for Elido Aroche (left) and his wife Otilia before they are baptized in water filled barrel in the couple’s property in San Antonio la Paz, El Progreso, Jul. 3, 2021. The church plans to double evangelism efforts to train 50,000 church members to disciple at least one person, among other initiatives this year. :: Photo credit: Fideline Ramíirez
Pastor Elie Henry, president of the church in Inter-America, praised the dedicated work of faithful members in Chiapas and throughout the territory, and pointed to the early missionaries who passionately shared the gospel wherever they went.
God’s providence in the territory
“We have seen how God has blessed His work throughout Inter-America, from 8,000 members when the division was organized in 1922, to millions today,” said Pastor Henry. “This has been extraordinary growth and we know that millions of people got to hear the Word of God thanks His grace and the dedicated men and women, who tirelessly spread the love of Jesus.”
From when the IAD was organized in May of 1922, by official vote from the body of the Adventist world church at the time, the church’s headquarters was established in Panama from 1922-1943, said Pastor Henry. The division had to then move to Cuba (1943-1946), but soon after had to move to Miami, Florida, United States, where it remains today. “There were some turbulent times that the church went through, but God continued guiding the church and we just want to reflect on how Great God is,” said Henry.
Every church member needs to be involved in finishing the work of spreading the gospel across Inter-America, he said.