Church growth was the center of deliberation by leaders in the Inter-American Division, or region, of the Seventh-day Adventist Church during a five-day meeting in Mexico City last month. It was held in conjunction with the first youth-led satellite evangelism series in Inter America. The series resulted in more than 60,000 baptisms, contributing significantly to the record-breaking number of baptisms in the region.

Because of a fast-growing church membership in Inter America, leaders focused on the reorganization of several of the church’s unions and conferences, or offices. Five union territories were reorganized to form four new mission fields, and two missions were given a change of status to conference. A second publishing house will also be added to serve the church’s three union offices in Mexico.

A report presented by Ivan Omaza, ministerial secretary for the church in Inter America, revealed that the number of baptisms during 2002 is the highest since the division was organized in 1922. With more than 182,000 baptisms so far, leaders expect that number to reach 200,000 by the end of the year. 

Israel Leito, president of the church in Inter America, says he attributes the success of the record number of baptisms this year to the “greater commitment to the task.”

“This year-end meeting has been a unique and rewarding experience,” said Pastor Lowell Cooper, a vice president of the world church who attended the meetings. “Very significant actions have been voted which will have lasting impact throughout the division. The routine of important church business was spiced by the opportunity to attend several of the youth evangelism satellite meetings. The church is alive and active.”

There are more than 2 million Adventists worshipping in some 7,100 churches in Inter America.