Teófilo Silvestre (left), president of the Dominican Union and wife Orfa march during the folkloric parade as the opening ceremony of Inter-American Division’s second ministerial retreat held from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Sep. 9, 2024. The nearly 2,000 pastoral delegates from the Caribbean island territory will take part in presentations, seminars, devotionals, and recreational activities until Sep. 11, 2024. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]The Inter-American Division’s (IAD) second ministerial retreat kick started in the Dominican Republic on Sep 9, with the waving of flags, wide smiles and bright colored national costumes worn by hundreds of Seventh-day Adventists from across the Caribbean islands.
“By planes, over the sea or by land, you are here by God’s grace and the protection of the Almighty,” said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the IAD, as he welcomed the more than 1,700 pastors, their spouses and church administrators to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. “In God’s plan, He made it possible for you and me to travel and celebrate His goodness, rejoicing in His presence,” he said.
Pastoral couples from Puerto Rico take a selfie during the opening ceremony of the second edition of IAD’s ministerial retreat on Sep. 9, 2024. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]Pastoral delegations from six union territories including the Caribbean, Puerto Rican, Jamaican, Atlantic Caribbean, French Antilles and Guiana, and Dominican Unions, packed the convention center in the evening as hundreds more connected from the Cuban, East Venezuelan, and West Venezuelan Unions.
Special encounter with God
“We want you to take this opportunity to have a special encounter with God, who called us, anointed us,” said Pastor Henry. “You will have time to connect with your husband, your wife, take part in seminars that are very relevant for men and women, for couples and presentations that will touch very sensitive areas of your life and ministry,” he said.
Inter-American Division President Pastor Elie Henry welcomes the more than 1,700 delegation from the Caribbean islands territory in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Sep. 9, 2024. [Photo: Daniel Gallardo/IAD]Pastor Henry invited the pastoral group to enjoy the retreat from their busy work ‘tending the flocks’ and get inspired to serve God with greater joy and renewed enthusiasm.
He thanked union administrators for their support and partnership in providing pastors and their spouses the time to break away from their numerous responsibilities back home.
