By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
On December 7, 2025, the Atlantic Caribbean Union of Seventh-day Adventist (ATCU) paused to reflect, celebrate, and give thanks as Peter Kerr concluded his service as union president and entered retirement. Following the close of the Atlantic Caribbean Union Session held December 6–7, 2025, a heartfelt farewell program was hosted in honor of Kerr and his wife, Jennifer, marking the culmination of 47 years of faithful and impactful ministry.
The atmosphere was one of deep appreciation and gratitude as church members, administrators, and family gathered to celebrate a life devoted to God’s mission. The event was more than a farewell. It was a testimony to a ministry that shaped institutions, strengthened leaders, and touched countless lives across The Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.
A Life Shaped by Calling and Service
Born in the parish of St. Catherine, Jamaica, Kerr’s journey began with a strong educational foundation at York Street All Age School and Wilberforce High School. He later earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from West Indies College and a Master of Arts in Religion from Andrews University.
His pastoral ministry began in the Central Jamaica Conference, where he served as an intern and district pastor. In 1982, he married Jennifer Coleman, forming a lifelong partnership rooted in faith and shared service.
In 1990, they answered a call to serve in the Turks and Caicos Islands, then a developing mission field. Arriving as the sole denominational worker, Kerr led with vision and faith. Over two decades, membership grew from 119 to more than 2,200 with eight organized churches, two companies, and a growing educational system. His leadership helped transform the Turks and Caicos Mission into the Turks and Caicos Conference.
Beyond church growth, Kerr earned widespread respect as a community leader, serving on government boards and committees. In recognition of his contributions, the government of the Turks and Caicos Islands offered citizenship to him and his family.
Union Leadership and Lasting Impact
In 2010, Pastor Kerr was elected the inaugural executive ecretary of the newly established Atlantic Caribbean Union, serving alongside Leonard Johnson as president and Roderick Sands as treasurer. He later became union president in 2018, guiding the territory through significant challenges, including hurricanes Dorian and Joaquin and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reflecting on Kerr’s leadership, Johnson, General Conference vice president, remarked:
“To think of Pastor Kerr is to conjure thoughts of passion, energy, and excitement. It is impossible to overlook his deep love for family, especially for his Jennifer and his grandchildren. He accepted the call to oversee the Turks and Caicos at a time when it was truly a hardship field, yet he and Jennifer persevered and positively impacted people both within and beyond the church.”
Johnson also highlighted Kerr’s foundational role in the union’s early years, noting that “with limited funds, we built an office complex, launched a television ministry, and strengthened every area of the union. Pastor Kerr is truly a man of prayer. His prayers could transport one from earth to heaven.”
Under Pastor Kerr’s presidency, the union strengthened its evangelistic focus, reinforced organizational accountability, and fostered collaboration across its conferences. In recognition of his service, Northern Caribbean University conferred upon him the Doctor of Divinity degree in 2018.
A Partner in Ministry
Equally honored during the farewell was Jennifer Kerr, affectionately known by her husband as “my Jennifer.” A dedicated educator with more than 30 years of experience, she served as a teacher, principal, and later as Sabbath School and Possibility Ministries director at the Atlantic Caribbean Union. Her quiet strength, hospitality, and compassion complemented Pastor Kerr’s ministry and left a lasting impression on countless lives.
Together, they raised two children, Ava and Andre, and now enjoy the blessings of four grandchildren.
Words of Reflection and Faith
In his response, Kerr spoke with humility and gratitude, centering his reflections on God’s faithfulness.
“It’s all about Him,” he said. “It’s all about the true North, the One true God. Hearing your stories helped me realize that even when we wondered if we had done enough, God was at work, touching lives in ways we may never have known.”
He spoke warmly of leaders mentored, young people nurtured, and moments he described as “destiny moments” when God called individuals into leadership at critical times. Reflecting on what he would miss most in retirement, his response was immediate: “The people, the smiles, the hugs, the warmth, the worship, the food, the generosity. That is what makes us who we are.”
He closed by expressing gratitude for his wife, noting with humor and affection her steadfast presence through the years.
A Blessing from the Inter-American Division
Offering remarks on behalf of the wider church, Inter-American Division president, Pastor Abner De los Santos, described Pastor Kerr as both colleague and prayer partner.
“Pastor Kerr is my prayer partner,” De los Santos said. “We met about 15 to 17 years ago, and through those moments of prayer, I have seen his leadership firsthand and the lasting impact of his ministry on this territory.”
Quoting the apostle Paul, De los Santos added, “My prayer is that at the end of your journey you can say, ‘I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.’ May the Lord bless you, and may all those inspired by your life continue to be strengthened through your example.”
A Legacy That Endures
As the Atlantic Caribbean Union closes this chapter, it does so with deep appreciation for a leader who served with faith, integrity, and a shepherd’s heart. Pastor Peter Kerr’s legacy is not measured simply in years or titles, but in lives changed, leaders shaped, and a union strengthened for the future.
Though formal service has concluded, the influence of Peter and Jennifer Kerr will continue to resonate across the territory for generations to come, through a two-word commendation and a four-word description: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21).
The Atlantic Caribbean Union extends sincere thanks and best wishes to them, praying God’s continued blessings, health, and peace as they enter this new season of life. The ATCU, headquartered in Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas, comprises 27,694 members across four fields: the Cayman Islands Conference, the North Bahamas Conference, the South Bahamas Conference, and the Turks and Caicos Islands Conference. Additionally, Northern Caribbean University in Mandeville, Jamaica, is co-owned and operated by both ATCU and the Jamaica Union.