By Henry R. Moncur III | ACTU Communication
The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) lit up with purpose during August 29-30, 2025, as they welcomed one of the seven general vice presidents of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists (GC), Leonard Johnson, whose visit ignited a renewed sense of mission across the region.
Johnson stepped into the role of GC vice president at the 62nd GC Session held July 6, 2025, when he was elected to serve for the 2025–2030 term. Before that, he served as executive secretary of the Inter-American Division and earlier as the first president of the Atlantic Caribbean Union, making his return to the region especially meaningful.
Appreciation for a Life of Service
A highlight of his visit was a service of thanksgiving marked by music, fellowship, reflection, and spiritual renewal that occurred on August 30. Leaders and members alike reflected on how God has used Johnson over the years to positively impact the lives of members, the church, and the community. Many expressed gratitude to God for his leadership and for the inspiration he continues to provide.
John Carey offered reflections on Johnson’s journey. “I admired how Dr. Johnson conducted himself as an Adventist Christian and was impressed with his commitment to spreading the gospel of Christ through dedicated service,” Carey said. He also reminded the congregation that Johnson was the first Bahamian elected to the office of General Conference vice president and gave thanks to God for Johnson’s faithfulness.
The service underscored not just appreciation for a leader, but a recommitment to God and the mission that drives the Adventist Church forward.
Voices that Shaped the Visit
The prime minister of The Bahamas, Philip Davis, was present at one of the services and acknowledged Johnson’s role in the global Adventist Church.
Addressing the gathering, Davis welcomed Johnson home and commended him on his new role of service. “My prayer is that no matter what storms come into your life, you will know the nearness of God. My prayer is that you will never sink in despair, you will rise in faith. My prayer is that you will find in Him a refuge, a strength, and a very present help in the time of trouble,” Davis said.
ATCU president, Peter Kerr, expressed gratitude for Johnson’s visit. “Surely today is a proud moment, and a grateful church is gathering just to thank God for His gift to us in the person of Pastor Leonard Johnson,” he said.
Together, these voices created a moment of unity and momentum, reminding members that the mission of the Adventist Church is not confined to a pulpit or program—it is a call to action, rooted in faith and lived out in community.
A Grateful Leader
In his remarks, Johnson spoke with deep emotion, thanking the South Bahamas Conference and the wider union family for their outpouring of love.Reflecting on his journey, Johnson recalled his early days as a “packing boy” in Nassau and later as a local pastor before serving in higher levels of leadership. Looking around the congregation, he simply declared, “Look what God has done.”
Johnson concluded his remarks with gratitude to family, colleagues, and friends, emphasizing that all recognition ultimately belonged to God. He told members that despite his global responsibilities, “we give service to God, and our role is to help members discover what God has entrusted to them.”
A Lasting Impact
Johnson, as a global leader, is charged with helping guide the Adventist church’s worldwide work. His visit served to remind members that local congregations are the heartbeat of a global movement and that mission begins with individuals discovering and using their God-given gifts.
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.