Colombian Government Honors Adventist Youth

In Cartagena, Colombia, the government of the Department of Bolívar granted special recognition to the Seventh-day Adventist Church on October 23. Through its School of Governance and Leadership, officers congratulated the church for its missionary and educational work in training young leaders committed to peace, community service, and social development.

The recognition, the first of its kind, was presented to church leaders by Javier Posada Meola, director of the School of Governance and Leadership, as part of the Training Youth for Peace and Development program.

The declaration highlighted that through its Adventurer, Pathfinder, and Master Guide clubs, the Adventist Church promotes the wholistic development of children and youth—teaching values of peace, service, and empathy, and equipping them to resolve conflicts in constructive ways.

Doiler Torres, leader of the María La Baja Mission district in the area, emphasized that the work of the youth clubs has been instrumental in building peace. “In our territory of María La Baja, youth ministry has grown amid uncertainty,” Torres said. “Despite crises and the vulnerable conditions of our communities, children, youth, and adults here continue to smile, dream, and reach their goals. We help build peace through youth gatherings, women’s and children’s ministries, acts of compassion, and servant leadership.”

Torres added that peace is built through small, meaningful acts through “the joy of a child receiving a gift and a lesson, a mother grateful for a food basket, or a family receiving medical care and spiritual guidance,” he said. “Our purpose is that Jesus Christ may increase, and we may decrease” [see John 3:30].

The recognition took place during the Interfaith Encounter “Bolívar Is Better in Peace,” an event promoted by the government to bring together representatives of various faiths and foster interreligious dialogue. During the event organizers asked the question “What is peace?” Adventist leaders responded with the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).

The reflection underscored that peace is not merely a concept but a person—Jesus—whose presence brings serenity amid adversity, resilience in trials, and hope in times of crisis, Torres explained.

Johnny Rhenals, president of the Caribbean Colombian Conference, received the recognition on behalf of the church and expressed gratitude for the honor. “The mission of the church is to serve, and seeing our young people recognized for their positive influence in society fills us with joy,” Rhenals said.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of various religious groups, and members of the local Adventist community. They celebrated the recognition as evidence of the church’s ongoing commitment to raising new generations that serve God and society with Christian leadership and missionary purpose.

This distinction reaffirms the role of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an active agent in building a culture of peace and service, leaders said. “Through its educational, missionary, and community work,” Rhenals concluded, “the church continues to strengthen its commitment to social development, Christian education, and the wholistic well-being of the communities within this region.”

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-American Division news site.