The Inter-American Division’s Adventist Laymen’s Services and Industries’ (ASi) convention began on August 08 2018 at the Crown Paradise hotel in Cancun Mexico.
Celebrating its 20th year under the theme “20 years transforming lives in the marketplace”, the convention began in grand style as members from the Mexican conference showcased their culture and heritage. Following was the parade of nations, where almost 300 ASi members from across the division represented their respective country.
This convention welcomed a myriad of nightly speakers, including the president of the North American division for ASi Steve Dickman, as well as Zukisani Mxoli, who serves as a member of the general conference executive committee is an African philanthropist and the opening speaker for the ceremony.
Using his personal experiences as a reference, Zuki urged those present to utilize their talent, time and workplace as a constant gateway to bring those they encounter to Christ.
He also added that it was necessary that all members, pastors and leaders stand in unity to the cause of sharing Christ in the marketplace.
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During the following days at the IAD-ASi convention, seminars, and plenary sessions took place, where a diversity of topics were covered.
Nathelyn LaCroix, ASi member, and health director of the South Bahamas conference, was inspired by one of the presentations on mental health made by Dr. Carlos Fayad from Luma Linda University.
She said: “Right now we are having a lot of issues with persons who are just becoming in balanced in their mind and this the only way we communicate with GOD, through our frontal lobe.”
Lacroix noted that there are many problems associated with mental health and she appreciated how Dr. Fayad dispelled the myths and stigmas surrounded it.
LaCroix added that she plans to return with much information to enhance the health ministries of the church.
ASi’s Atlantic Caribbean Union and Bahamas Chapter president Ian Greene expressed his excitement over the spiritual aspect associated with the ASi convention.
“One of the key concepts we learnt is that the business that we are in is not ours it is our heavenly father and he expect us to be spiritually filled every day,” he noted.
Other seminar presenters included Dr. Heidi Schulz, Balvin Braham, Jeff Tatarchuk, Gnoune Diop, Cesar Ponce, Steve Dickman, and Zukisani Mxoli.
On August 9th, a banquet was held and recognition was given to former leaders of ASi in Mexico, and in the Division. The convention highlighted reports from the different unions of the past year and the mission work that was completed. New ASi officers were also voted for the next two terms , and we welcome Dr. Marson Thomas the new ASi President, and Rohan Riley, representing the English Caribbean Region.
The convention ended with a powerful charge by Pastor Omar Grieves, director of La Voz de la Esperanza Who willed the members to witness to those around them in all spheres of life, thus being a beacon of light to the world.
We thank God for his continued blessings for ASi ATCU, as New providence, Bahamas is the proposed destination for the IAD 2019 convention.