Across the 42 countries that make up the Inter-American Division (IAD), members are doing more than proclaiming the gospel—they are living it. Whether in bustling cities, remote jungles, or border towns, Seventh-day Adventists are answering the call of Christ through service, generosity, evangelism, and deep spiritual commitment.

“Every strategy, every event becomes more meaningful when the mission is lived,” said Elie Henry, former president of the IAD. “It’s not just about doing or feeling. It’s about integrating God’s will into our daily lives.”

With more than 3.7 million members worshiping in more than 25,000 congregations, the IAD continues to experience both spiritual and numerical growth. This growth is not merely organizational—it reflects transformed lives and communities.

“We praise God for the growth,” Henry said, “but it’s more than numbers. It signifies transformed lives.”

Launched in recent years, the “All the Family in Mission” initiative has encouraged widespread participation in evangelism at every level of church life. As a result, more than one million laypersons have served as Bible instructors; 250,000 families have witnessed to other families; and more than 100,000 small groups have taken part in outreach efforts. The result: more than 800,000 new members have joined the church across the IAD since 2020.

“This is a tangible reflection of a faith community that not only proclaims the message but actively lives the mission,” Henry said.

Through united departmental efforts and member involvement, the “I Will Go” initiative has become a lived experience—one visible in personal testimonies and sweeping evangelistic campaigns.

In Colombia: Reaching Indigenous Communities

In the eastern plains in southern Colombia, Misael Artunduaga, a lay Bible instructor, has made it his life’s mission to reach the Indigenous communities scattered throughout the region.

Misael’s journey began with a simple gift—a Bible offered to a local community leader. That single gesture opened doors to spiritual conversations and in-depth Bible studies. With persistence and compassion, Misael traveled up to 13 hours on a motorcycle to reach distant indigenous communities. He fished with them, helped plant cassava, and lived among them for weeks at a time.

“For me, living the mission means getting involved with these brethren, preparing them for Jesus’ second coming,” Misael said.

Thanks to his dedication, 11 of the region’s 67 communities have received the gospel, and nearly 700 individuals have been baptized. A local pastor has since been assigned as a shepherd to the growing congregations.

In Tobago: A Personal Call to Evangelize

On the island of Tobago, Roger Alleyne, a lay evangelist and electrical technician, found his purpose after a life-changing encounter with Christ. Urged by his grandmother to attend church, Roger wandered into a Seventh-day Adventist congregation and discovered the hope of Jesus’ return.

Determined to share the message, Roger studied theology while working full-time. Today, he uses every opportunity—from service calls to community events—to witness.

“People are searching,” Roger said. “And living the mission means seizing every chance to share hope.”

His efforts have led to more than 600 baptisms across the Caribbean and other parts of the IAD.

In Panama: Healing through Community

In Panama City, Panama, Jonathan Pacheco, a radiologist, rediscovered faith with his family through an innovative urban church called Conexión 7. After a difficult period in their marriage, Jonathan and his wife were drawn to the church’s warmth and fresh approach to ministry. Soon, their home became a center for discipleship—hosting social gatherings, Bible studies, and prayer meetings.

Their small group has since grown into a second urban missional church.

“For us, living the mission means showing others what God’s love is through our family,” Jonathan said.

In Mexico: A Doctor’s Compassionate Mission

Tanya López, a young doctor in Tapachula, Chiapas, once planned to be a Catholic missionary. But a youth small group in Guadalajara introduced her to Adventism—and changed her path. Tanya began volunteering with ADRA health initiatives at a local church, eventually joining medical brigades along the southern border, where thousands of migrants face trauma and uncertainty.

“There are cases that bring tears to your eyes,” she said. “But Jesus didn’t care where people came from. He just served. And that’s what I’m called to do.”

Through ADRA, Tanya now serves children, women, and families fleeing hardship. Her journey led her to baptism and a new mission: healing through service.

A Culture of Generosity and Health

Despite global challenges, faithfulness in tithes and offerings across the IAD continues to fuel mission.

“God performs a weekly miracle of generosity,” Henry said.

Members are also promoting wholistic health. In Colombia, hundreds of Adventist cyclists engage their communities through the “I Want to Live Healthy” campaign. In Mexico, 5K health walks draw crowds and spark gospel conversations.

This same spirit drives health food factories, schools, and hospitals across the territory, as well as dozens of media centers, radio stations, and Hope Channel Inter-America, all working in tandem to spread Christ’s message.

Mission Refocus and a Global Vision

To deepen impact, the IAD has joined the global church’s Mission Refocus initiative, investing resources to support missionaries, fund church planting, build infrastructure, and double financial support for worldwide evangelism.

These efforts reflect the IAD’s enduring commitment to Christ’s great commission and its vision to reach every corner of its territory with the hope of salvation.

“As a chosen people, a royal priesthood,” Henry said, referencing 1 Peter 2:9, “we are called to declare His praises—to reflect God’s glory, reach others through education and service, and live out the gospel with urgency.”

From urban centers to remote outposts, the church in the IAD is alive with faith and purpose. Each member, each ministry, each act of service is part of a larger movement to live the mission boldly.

“We continue to preach hope, serve with dedication, and educate with faith,” Henry said, “keeping our eyes on the cross and our hearts focused on the mission—until Christ returns.”

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