Inter-America Celebrates the Extraordinary Leadership of Israel Leito
Pastor Israel Leito and wife Ludmila share a moment as they are honored for their ministry serving the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division, on July 11, 208, during a special celebration in Miami, Florida, United States. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD
July 13, 2018 | Miami, Florida | Libna Stevens/IAD
Dozens of church administrators, colleagues, staff, family and friends gathered this week to celebrate the church service of Pastor Israel Leito, in particular his leadership in the Inter-American Division (IAD) during the past 24 years. Pastor Leito holds the record for the longest serving Division president according to the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s Office of Archives, Statistics, and Research.
“We have come here to thank the Lord for the ministry of Ludmila and Pastor Leito here in the Inter-American Division,” said IAD President-Elect Dr. Elie Henry. “After so many years together ‘the family’ wanted to celebrate this moment with friends you knew when the office was in Coral Gables and now in Kendall.”
Dr. Elie Henry (right), president-elect for the church in Inter-America honors Pastor Leito for his extraordinary service in the IAD. Pastor Roberto Brown (left), executive secretary for the church in Honduras translates. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD
“You have been a mentor, an extraordinary advisor and wonderful example,” said Henry, who has worked alongside Pastor Leito for more than 15 years.
Dr. Henry read a statement on behalf of Adventist World Church President Ted N. C. Wilson and his wife Nancy. “On behalf of the world church of Seventh-day Adventists, let me share our appreciation for God’s guidance in the work of Pastor and Mrs. Leito. From departmental to administrative activities, they have been instrumental in helping thousands of people worldwide,” stated Pastor Wilson’s letter.
Several vice-presidents from the Adventist world church as well as top church administrators from Inter-America’s 24 unions, or major church regions, also honored the Leitos for their dedication, commitment and leadership throughout the years, during the farewell celebration on July 11. Dozens of former employees who worked during his leadership years ago also joined in the celebration.
Pastor George W. Brown, former president of the IAD, spoke highly of the growth of the church in Inter-America since Pastor Leito took over from him as division president.
Pastor George W. Brown (right), former IAD president, congratulates Pastor Leito for his dedicated service in leading a 3.8 million membership. Pastor Roberto Brown (left), executive secretary for the church in Honduras translates. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD
“When I exited in 1993, there were 11 unions and 64 fields, and 1.5 million members,” said Brown. “Now that Pastor Leito exits there are 24 unions, more than 150 fields and praise God 3. 8 million members. This is no ordinary accomplishment, so I salute my friend and colleague and his beloved wife.”
Pastor Leito acknowledged former IAD presidents and leaders who laid the foundation for the success of the church prior to his tenure.
“We must continue to prepare people for the coming of the Lord,” said Pastor Leito. He encouraged church administrators and leaders present to always move forward with innovative ways, never afraid of trying something new, respecting policies and putting people above policies and above circumstances.
Pastor Daniel Lassonnier, president of the church in the French Antilles Guiana Union, embraces Pastor Leito during the celebration event. Image by Keila Trejo/IAD
“Think on how your decisions will impact the lives of others,” said Pastor Leito. “There is a bright future for the Inter-American Division. God is still leading and there is more work to be done, more souls to be saved.”
Pastor Leito shared the unfulfilled dreams he has as he leaves office and retires from organizational service on Aug. 1, 2018.
“I would love to have seen the 6th Mexican Union organized in Tabasco,” said Pastor Leito. In addition, he said he would like to see more local fields organized as conferences, and higher salaries for teachers.
“I want to see a church where the youth is totally accepted, free to be innovative and fully equipped to lead this church,” he added.
IAD departmental directors are joined by Pastor Leito during a medley of hymns praising God for the faithful service of the division president. Image by Libna Stevens/IAD
He praised leaders and staff at the IAD office for their dedicated work to the mission of the church and assured them that Dr. Henry comes with extraordinary administrative, academic and pastoral experience to the task as the new Division president.
“Move in faith, for God is in control,” Leito concluded.
Church department heads paid tribute to Pastor Leito with music and song during the evening event as well as union administrators who spoke words of admiration and brought gifts to the Leitos.