Leaders of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from many nations in the Caribbean met November 7-10 to focus attention on specific challenges and ensure resources are targeted in the most efficient way.

“We have not met as such a group for many years,” comments Pastor Jansen Trotman, regional church president. “The many island nations of the Caribbean and the South American countries of Guyana and Suriname that make up our territory are a very diverse group with different challenges and needs. Through training events such as these meetings, we are providing the skills and resources to meet those challenges.”

The Meeting included not only church administrators but also leaders of specific church ministries including youth, family ministries, education, health, publishing, religious liberty and communication.

“The Church has much to do in sharing its activities and beliefs with the community,” adds regional communication director Pastor Nord Punch. “We are working on a communication plan that includes a development of news, one of the most credible awareness tools we have. Our perspective will be determined by making sure we provide news that has mass appeal and is information that people need.”

Presentations and group interactions focused on every area of church involvement so that a wide-ranging strategy can be implemented to meet the needs of the local communities, says Trotman. “We are here to serve, and to improve the quality of life of all in our societies. Most of all, the Adventist Church must be engaged and relevant.”