The weekend of April 17–18, 2025, will long be etched in the minds of the grateful members of the North Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, as leaders of the church at all levels converged on the beautiful island of Grand Bahama to bring renewed focus to the mission of God’s church.
The visiting entourage included the executive secretaries from the world church headquarters in Maryland and the Inter-American Division in Miami—Dr. Erton Köhler and Dr. Leonard Johnson, respectively. Leaders from the Atlantic Caribbean Union included President Pastor Peter Kerr and Executive Secretary Dr. Cheryl Rolle. The contingent, along with other officers and their spouses, came in solidarity to help refocus the church on its mission.
Upon arrival at the Grand Bahama International Airport, Pastor Köhler received a grand welcome. Pathfinders and students from Grand Bahama Academy, smartly dressed in uniform, lined the pathway with gifts, flags, and salutes, while church leaders and government officials stood ready to extend their warmest greetings.
Among the welcoming party were:
Pastor Peter Kerr, President of the Atlantic Caribbean Union, and his wife, Jennifer Kerr
Dr. Cheryl Rolle, Secretary of the Atlantic Caribbean Union
Pastor Terry Tanis, President of the North Bahamas Conference, and his wife, Samantha Tanis
Pastor Chirnus Isidore, Secretary of the North Bahamas Conference, and his wife, Cassandra Isidore
Sister Tonia Palmer, Chief Financial Officer of the North Bahamas Conference, and her husband, Brian Palmer
Pastor Peter Watson, Youth Director of the North Bahamas Conference, and his wife, Arlene Watson
Nadine Been, Principal of Grand Bahama Academy Adventist School
The spirit of joy and unity was palpable as the delegation made their way into Freeport for a meaningful and inspiring weekend. The highlight of the visit came during two impactful evening meetings, where Pastor Köhler addressed church leaders and then the entire church family with deep conviction and heartfelt appeal. His central message was a call to action—a divine invitation for every believer to refocus on the mission of Jesus: to seek the lost, serve with compassion, and prepare the world for His soon return.
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In his keynote address, Pastor Köhler presented The Five Certainties of Mission, based on Matthew 24:14, reminding the congregation that the Christian is always on mission:
The Mission is Preparing the World for the Second Coming of Christ
The Mission is a Call: The preaching of the gospel is the final sign before Christ’s return
The Mission is Global: The gospel will be preached throughout the entire world
The Mission Will Be Accomplished: The gospel of the Kingdom will be preached
The Mission is a Miracle
Dr. Köhler used statistics and anecdotes to underscore the urgency of the mission, while powerfully highlighting the potential to accomplish it through creative and deliberate efforts. Of particular significance were statistics from Asia, revealing vast numbers of unreached territories. Nevertheless, he urged the congregation to remain focused on the mission within the North Bahamas Conference while also supporting global efforts. Hence the rallying call: “Mission Refocus.”
“We cannot forget the needs of others around the world,” he stated, citing Ellen G. White: “When you send your support to the world, God will bless you locally.”
Pastor Köhler’s visit coincided with a mission trip by Pastor Danny and his team of volunteers, who came to assist in construction work at the Bethesda Church in the North Bahamas Conference. What a powerful testimony of mission in action! With over 30 co-laborers from the Southern New England Conference of Seventh-day Adventists—covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire—the worship experience was truly a blessing.
An added treat during the weekend was the opportunity to honor two stalwarts who gave outstanding service to the mission of the church. Sister Cleola Pinder, who serves in Abaco, and Sister Dollie Pople—though now incapacitated—once served with fervor and conviction, spreading the gospel to neighboring settlements in the Eight Mile Rock area.
Bringing greetings to the church was the Minister for Grand Bahama, the Honourable Ginger Moxey, who commended the church for its outstanding contributions to the community in providing food, hope, and shelter. She expressed admiration for the spirit of love evident among God’s people.
God has provided a powerful opportunity for His church to refocus on the mission. As the North Bahamas Conference, with its fledgling team of leaders, forges ahead on the path of continued growth, it is the conference’s prayer that all members are now rejuvenated—ready to reset, rebuild, and play a pivotal role in the revival of our mission.
Story by: Joan Scavella Pictures by : Jair Olivarez
