Leaders of the Inter-American Division (IAD) dedicated the 2027 Missionary Book of the Year, All Things New, during the division's Annual Council meetings on November 2. The dedication was among several actions taken by the IAD Executive Committee to strengthen evangelism, youth discipleship, education, health outreach, humanitarian services, and media ministry across the territory.
IAD Publishing Ministries director Isaías Espinoza announced plans to distribute 5,417,000 copies of All Things New in English, Spanish, and French in 2027, compared with approximately 4.2 million books distributed during the previous campaign.
During the dedication, Espinoza drew inspiration from a statement by Adventist Church co-founder Ellen G. White, emphasizing the far-reaching influence of religious publications.
“Publications must be multiplied and scattered like the leaves of autumn. These silent messengers are enlightening and molding the minds of thousands in every country and in every clime,” Espinoza read from the Review and Herald, November 21, 1878.
Reflecting that message, General Conference, division, and union leaders, along with publishing house representatives, took part in a symbolic ceremony in which each received a copy of the book and placed a paper autumn leaf on a display tree, representing the millions of publications to be distributed throughout Inter-America.
Representatives of the IAD’s publishing houses, Mexican Adventist Editorial Group (GEMA) and Inter-American Division Publishing Association (IADPA), joined the dedication, during which Espinoza recognized the Chiapas Mexican Union Mission for ordering 847,000 copies, the largest number among the unions—and the Guatemala Union Mission for its commitment to distribute 250,000.
The dedication included prayers by General Conference associate secretary Gerson Santos, General Conference vice president Robert Osei-Bonsu, and IAD president Abner De los Santos for the publications, those distributing them, and the people who would receive them.
“Today we dedicate this book unto your hands,” Osei-Bonsu prayed. “We are going to share this in our nations, in our communities, in various places.”
De los Santos emphasized the importance of reaching people receptive to the book’s message and inspiring church members of all ages to distribute the publications, build relationships, and make disciples.
Espinoza also announced plans for a special hardcover edition for government officials and community leaders, following a request from the Costa Rica Union Mission, and invited other unions to participate.
The committee also approved an online continuing education and certification program for literature evangelists and their spouses in 2027. Espinoza said the initiative would expand access to training while recognizing spouses’ contributions to literature ministry.
Youth discipleship and mission
Youth discipleship and evangelism were also among the council’s priorities, with IAD Youth Ministries director Daniel Torreblanca presenting initiatives to strengthen spiritual development, community service, and leadership training.
The Salvation and Service initiative seeks to deepen discipleship among Adventurers, Pathfinders, and Master Guides through Bible study, prayer, family involvement, and witnessing.
The committee also approved Caleb Mission, a youth missionary mobilization program featuring extended projects in new territories, one-day community service activities, and urban outreach adapted to local needs.
Another initiative establishes an official Adventist Youth Ministries library of manuals, workbooks, and training resources, developed in collaboration with publishing houses IADPA and GEMA to support consistent training throughout the territory.
Under the OneVoice27 evangelistic emphasis, youth ministries will mobilize 1,000 creative disciples, organize small groups to share digital evangelistic programming, and encourage youth-led campaigns. A short-film festival will also involve the division’s 25 unions, with selected productions receiving recognition.
Creation congress to strengthen science education
The committee approved a Creationism Congress for May 13–16, 2027, at Central American Adventist University, aimed at equipping science and biology teachers to integrate a biblical creationist perspective into their instruction.
IAD Education director Faye Patterson said the congress builds on initiatives launched in 2021, including seminars, teaching resources, and creation-focused classrooms. The division will sponsor two educators from each union, with additional participants able to attend through other funding arrangements.
Plans were also approved for a 2027 gathering of university presidents to address academic quality, institutional sustainability, and virtual and blended learning opportunities.
Expanding health ministries outreach
IAD Health Ministries director Franck Geneus outlined plans to engage more congregations in health evangelism and community outreach as part of OneVoice27.
Activities include a January 9 emphasis encouraging members to become health advocates, an April Total Health Impact campaign, and a division-wide Health Festival on June 6.
Geneus reported that Total Health Impact activities reached approximately 186,000 people across six Central American countries in 2026, with a goal of reaching 270,000 during the upcoming campaign.
The June festival will commemorate the anniversary of the Adventist health message and encourage congregations to promote physical, mental, and spiritual well-being in their communities.
Adventist Development and Relief Agency offices earn international recognition
Humanitarian service was another focus as Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Inter-America director Rubén Ponce presented plans to strengthen organizational leadership and recognized three national offices for achieving international accreditation.
The committee approved a May 10–16, 2027, workshop in Brussels, Belgium, for leaders of qualifying ADRA offices, focusing on governance, accreditation, and partnerships with European donors. Ponce said the initiative aims to diversify funding sources amid changes in international humanitarian financing.
In a special recognition, Ponce honored ADRA Honduras, ADRA Venezuela, and ADRA Mexico for achieving five-year international accreditation, placing them among just 30 of ADRA’s more than 120 offices worldwide to meet the certification requirements.
Representatives received certificates recognizing their compliance with international organizational and operational standards. Ponce underscored the extensive preparation and institutional commitment required to earn the distinction.
Policy documents and organizational mission
Committee members reviewed General Conference documents, including The Word to the World, emphasizing the Bible’s central role and the importance of engaging successive generations with Scripture.
Another document addressed the 2,000th anniversary of the baptism and anointing of Jesus of Nazareth and its significance for the church’s mission.
IAD undersecretary Álvaro Niño coordinated the reading of the documents, including a statement clarifying responsibilities at different levels of church administration. De los Santos said the statement grew out of discussions among union and local field leaders and aims to strengthen coordination, accountability, and mission alignment while avoiding overlapping administrative functions.
Additional administrative and media actions
The IAD Executive Committee approved the appointment of elective representatives and rotating members for the next two-year period as part of its regular governance responsibilities.
Members also accepted the Compensation Review Committee’s report, presented by General Conference vice president Robert Osei-Bonsu and IAD undertreasurer Abilio Cima, following a review of compensation arrangements, financial agreements, travel advances, and related expenditures.
In media ministry, the committee approved expanding the Hope Channel Inter-America administrative board to include IAD institution presidents alongside the division’s 25 union presidents.
Hope Channel Inter-America executive director Abel Márquez said the expansion reflects the network’s growing involvement in television, radio, Bible schools, and other media ministries.
The committee also approved a March 4–14, 2027, evangelistic initiative in El Salvador, supported by Adventist World Radio, that will bring media personnel into direct outreach activities as part of the division’s broader evangelistic efforts.
The original article was published on the Inter-American Division news site.
