By Henry R. Moncur III | ATCU Communication
The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) of Seventh-day Adventists opened its Third Quinquennial Session with an inspirational worship service held on December 6, 2025, at the Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nassau, Bahamas. The opening service set a spiritual and mission-focused tone for the two-day session which continued on December 7.
Delegates, church leaders, guests, and members gathered in person to seek God’s guidance as the union commenced deliberations that would shape the direction of the church in The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands for the next five years.
A Warm Welcome and Call to Unity
Delivering welcome remarks, Kenny Deveaux, president of the South Bahamas Conference, greeted delegates and guests on behalf of the conference’s membership. He reminded those present that the quinquennial session was not only a sacred opportunity to reflect on God’s leading, but also a moment to recommit to the church’s mission.
“Together we are stronger,” Deveaux said, calling delegates to remain focused on building “a more vibrant and resilient Atlantic Caribbean Union, anchored in the Bible and focused on the mission.”
Extending a warm Bahamian welcome to overseas guests and representatives from sister fields, Deveaux added with a smile, “Once you get a little sand between your toes, you will come back again,” encouraging visitors to enjoy the hospitality of The Bahamas while participating fully in the work of the session.
Reflecting on the Union’s Journey
Cheryl Rolle, executive secretary of the ATCU, officially welcomed delegates to what she described as a significant milestone in the life of the union. She invited attendees to reflect on the journey of the ATCU, noting that it had been shaped by “divine guidance, steadfast faith, and a shared dedication to spreading the gospel throughout our territory.”
Rolle acknowledged the presence of delegates representing the Cayman Islands, North Bahamas, South Bahamas, and Turks and Caicos Islands Conferences, along with educators and representatives from Northern Caribbean University. “Each of you is a crucial part of our mission, and your commitment is the driving force behind all that we do,” she affirmed.
Introducing the session theme, “Let Him Lead the Way,” Rolle reminded delegates that planning for the future requires humility and trust in God’s direction. “As we navigate the future, we do so with confidence in God’s unwavering guidance,” she said.
She also extended a special welcome to Inter-American Division (IAD) president, Dr. Abner De los Santos, his wife Leticia, Mrs. Ivelissa Herrera, IAD treasurer, and Mrs. Cassandra White, auditor from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventist Auditing Services, noting that their presence reflected the unity and shared mission of the global church.
A Worship Message Rooted in Mission
Delivering the opening worship message, Santos called delegates to center every discussion and decision of the session on God’s Word and the mission of the church.
“Before we go to the agenda, we need to go to God’s Word, because God wants to speak to us,” he said, drawing from Matthew 28:18–20 and Acts 1:8. He emphasized that the church was organized for mission and that quinquennial sessions are part of God’s plan to advance His kingdom.
“We are not here simply to nominate leaders,” Dr. De los Santos stated. “We are here to plan the future of the church and to discern what God wants us to do in the next five years.”
He challenged delegates to submit personal preferences and ambitions to God’s will and to seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in every decision. Stressing the urgency of total member involvement, he noted that mission cannot rest on the shoulders of a few.
“If we really want to see Jesus coming soon, it is time for all members to be involved in mission,” he said. “God wants us to be His witnesses, and He wants His kingdom to grow.”
A Vision for the Future
De los Santos also shared the Inter-American Division’s strategic vision for 2026–2030, built on four key pillars: Communion with God, Identity in Christ, Unity through the Holy Spirit, and Mission for All. Using the illustration of a growing tree, he emphasized that deep roots in Scripture and a strong connection to Christ are essential for producing lasting spiritual fruit.
“We must hide in Jesus so that people see Him and not us,” he said, underscoring the call to Christ-centered ministry.
Highlighting key initiatives such as OneVoice 27, Impact 28, and the goal of every church planting at least one new church within five years, De los Santos encouraged the union to work in harmony with the wider church.
Concluding his message, he reaffirmed the Adventist hope: “Jesus is coming. If you believe it, Jesus is coming. If you don’t believe it, Jesus is coming. And we must be ready.”
Setting the Tone for the Session
The opening worship service for the session concluded with prayer and a renewed sense of purpose. Delegates left inspired to seek God’s will through humility, prayer, and unity as the Atlantic Caribbean Union embarked on its Third Quinquennial Session.
The worship set a clear spiritual foundation for the business meetings that followed, calling leaders and members alike to remain grounded in Scripture, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and fully committed to fulfilling Christ’s mission throughout the Atlantic Caribbean territory.
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.