A young church elder smiles after baptizing a young Pathfinder. Photo: Daniel Gallardo
16,000 new believers across Inter-American Division
Huimanguillo, Tabasco, Mexico
More than 16,000 new converts joined the Seventh-day Adventist Church during baptismal ceremonies across the Inter-American Division (IAD) territory, thanks to intense united evangelistic efforts conducted by local pastors, elders, laypeople, and small groups. This special event marked the second time ordained local church elders were authorized across the 25 major church regions, or unions, within the IAD to officiate baptisms.
Josney Rodríguez, IAD Ministerial secretary and the main organizer of the event, explained that the territory-wide event aimed to strengthen missionary work across the region and recognize the vital role church elders play in assisting pastors to shepherd more than 24,000 local congregations in the IAD.
Rodríguez emphasized that in the IAD the ministry of church elders is crucial because pastors often oversee multiple churches—sometimes up to 30 congregations—making the work of church elders indispensable.
Local field administrators worked diligently to authorize hundreds of church elders in preparation for this grand baptismal event. Rodríguez, who oversees the ongoing training and certification of more than 40,000 church elders across the IAD, clarified that according to the Church Manual, ordained elders can officiate certain duties, including baby dedications, anointing the sick, and baptisms, when authorized or when a minister is unavailable.
During the morning Sabbath message, Abner De los Santos, a vice president of the General Conference, reassured the thousands gathered that God has entrusted each of them—and the new believers—with the task of sharing the gospel and making disciples.
IAD president Elie Henry encouraged listeners and viewers online to stay focused on purpose and mission, committing to educate, preach, and serve in the communities where they live. [Libna Stevens, Nigel Coke, Bernardo Medina, Stevens’ Rosado, Inter-American Division News]
Renewing the call in Albania
Tirana, Albania
February was a time of encouragement and spiritual renewal for Albanian Mission pastors and their families. An online event with the theme Our Stubbornness and God’s Faithfulness was led by Radenko and Ana Džuver, academic deans at Adriatic Union College in Croatia. The program focused on challenges faced by those in ministry—and met by the support and unwavering grace of God.
Pastoral work often requires continuous giving, making this initiative a valuable opportunity for pastors and their families to be spiritually refreshed. Aware of this challenge, Delmar Reis, president of the Albanian Mission, reflected, “This week of spiritual emphasis was designed to provide a special time for prayer and Bible study, strengthening relationships within our pastoral team to serve with excellence.”
For the Thomollari pastoral family, the most meaningful aspect of the week was the opportunity to pray together and for one another. “Participating in the Week of Prayer for pastoral families was a deeply enriching experience. . . . The most meaningful part for us was the opportunity to pray for one another, fostering a sense of unity, support, and spiritual connection.”
The program also strengthened the bonds among Albania’s pastoral families. “As we shared, we found meaningful insights for our own lives and ministry,” Radenko reflected.
In a ministry that demands deep commitment, this event allowed participants to pause, reflect, and experience the very message of grace and faithfulness they share with others. [Sarah Henke, Tirana, Albania, TED News]
A pastoral couple participates in a prayer and bonding activity. Photo: Phouangmala Kongsengphengphet
Pastoral marriages and ministry strengthened in Laos seminar
Vang Vieng, Laos
For the first time the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Laos hosted a marriage enrichment seminar for pastors and their spouses, an important step in strengthening family life and church leadership in a region where Christianity remains a minority faith.
The one-day event, themed Love Takes Time, was held in Vang Vieng. Sixteen pastoral couples gathered following their annual ministry training to invest in their marriages and spiritual growth. The seminar was led by Phouangmala Kongsengphengphet, Family Ministries director for the Southeastern Asia Union Mission.
Interactive sessions emphasized emotional connection, spiritual intimacy, and practical tools for maintaining strong relationships amid the demands of ministry.
“This initiative not only supports our leaders but also equips them to better serve the growing needs of families in our churches and communities,” said Keophetsamon Somphou, president of the Laos Region. Somphou also led a vow renewal ceremony during the event, allowing couples to recommit to their marriage and ministry journey.
The day concluded with a group outing, which gave couples space to reflect, connect, and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. This was an intentional reminder of the importance of rest and togetherness in a busy life of service, leaders said.
With a membership of just under 3,400 in a nation of over 7 million, the Adventist Church in Laos continues to grow through a wholistic mission approach. Located within the 10/40 Window, a region home to the majority of the world’s unreached people, the church emphasizes leadership development, family support, and practical discipleship as keys to long-term impact. By caring for those who care for others, the church is laying a stronger foundation for spiritual growth and community transformation. [Phouangmala Kongsengphengphet, Laos Adventist Mission, and ANN]
