Church clerk Mary Ann Clamohoy, left, read the names of each of the 57 nucleus members from the church roll, as well as the first set of officers for 2024. The newly recognized church was given a cash gift by Lake Region Vice President Eddie Allen (center).
The Chicago Seventh-day Adventist International Church celebrated its formal inauguration on Sabbath, January 27, 2024. This very historical event was attended by Carmelo Mercado, general vice president of the Lake Union Conference and Eddie Allen, vice president for Multicultural ministry at Lake Region Conference.
Pastor Carmelo Mercado delivered a very inspirational sermon to an audience of more than 100, wherein he challenged the members and officers to "share their lights to the community wherever they are,” based on Matthew 5:16 (KJV).
He emphasized that as Christians living in the last days we should, "fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment is come.” (Rev. 14:7) Situated in an urban setting in the heart of Chicago, the third largest city in America, Mercado told the audience this is a challenge faced by the members to spread their light brightly in this part of the country.
He cited statistics where the Adventist population worldwide is now comprised of 21 million members worshipping in more than 100,000 churches. He challenged us to be more united, strong and steadfast in Christ’s love, so the great "gospel of the kingdom shall be preached into all the world for a witness unto all nations," as mentioned in Matthew 24:14.
SDAIC, located at 6015 N. Francisco Avenue, is a community of Adventists largely from the northern and western Chicago suburbs. These active Adventists are diverse in ethnic origins hailing from the Philippines, Jamaica, Peru, Costa Rica, Israel, Malawi, Kenya, South Korea, Canada and the United States. Most of the attendees wore their respective national costumes.
“I can sense unity,” said Elder Jaime Batanga in a later interview. “These are people of faith who have grown together and want to have meaningful worship together.”
Two additional Lake Region ethic churches are planned for launch in 2024.
Lloyd Leodie D. Sols, PhD is communication director of the Chicago Seventh-day Adventist International Church.
On December 30, 2023, the Green Bay Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Company celebrated their organization as a church. The service took place in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Wisconsin Conference administrators were present for this special occasion. President Titus Naftanaila gave the organization message and Secretary/Treasurer Amir Gulzar, oversaw the organization process to change from company to church status. Also present were Evelio Miranda, Hispanic ministries coordinator, and district pastor Cristofe Guzmán, each with their respective families.
“It was a joy to see not only fellow church members but also friends and visitors praise God and rejoice in this historic moment for the congregation,” said Miranda.
Evelio Miranda, Wisconsin Conference Hispanic ministries coordinator.
