By Henry R. Moncur III | ATCU Communication
The Atlantic Caribbean Union (ATCU) of Seventh-day Adventists marked a significant milestone on December 6, 2025, with the installation of its newly elected officers during a sacred and celebratory service held at Hillview Seventh-day Adventist Church in Nassau, Bahamas. Church leaders, government officials, religious partners, and members from across the territory of The Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos Islands gathered to affirm leadership, renew commitment to mission, and seek God’s guidance for the coming quinquennium.
Welcome and Call to Consecration
The installation service opened with a warm and spiritually grounded welcome from Kenny Deveaux, president of the South Bahamas Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, who greeted guests on behalf of the conference, the Atlantic Caribbean Union, and the local membership.
Addressing church leaders, government officials, delegates, and members, Deveaux emphasized the sacred nature of the occasion. “Today marks a defining moment in the life of God’s church in the Atlantic Caribbean Union,” he said. “It is a moment to consecrate leadership to divine service.”
Deveaux reminded the congregation that church leadership is more than an administrative function. “Those being installed today are entrusted with a sacred responsibility to lead with humility, integrity, faith, and vision for the kingdom,” he stated. He further emphasized that leadership in the church is “primarily a divine calling, not just an administrative appointment.”
Calling the church to unity and prayerful support, Deveaux added, “We pledge to support our leaders through prayer, accountability, and unity as they guide God’s people forward.” Referencing Psalm 127, he reminded those present, “Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain,” dedicating the service and the work of leadership to God’s wisdom, guidance, and the power of the Holy Spirit.
A Call to Mission-focused Leadership
The installation service was anchored by a powerful sermon delivered by Abner De los Santos, president of the Inter-American Division, who challenged leaders and members alike to remember the church’s sole reason for existence: mission. Speaking on the theme “Fulfill Your Mission Faithfully,” De los Santos emphasized that leadership, identity, and service must flow from a personal encounter with Jesus Christ.
“The only reason for the church to exist is mission,” Santos stated. “Without mission, the church has nothing to do. What gives meaning to our work as pastors, leaders, and members is mission.”
Drawing from the life of the Apostle Paul, Pastor De los Santos underscored the close connection between identity in Christ and faithfulness to God’s calling. He reminded the newly installed leaders that their selection was not accidental but divinely guided. “You are not here by chance,” he affirmed. “You are here because God has chosen you.”
De los Santos emphasized the need for leaders to know and obey God’s will, accept Jesus as their personal Savior, listen attentively to His voice, and bear witness to what they have seen and heard. He concluded by affirming that just as Paul fulfilled his mission, today’s leaders are now called to do the same with urgency, humility, and faith.
National and Religious Leaders Bring Greetings
The significance of the occasion was further highlighted by remarks from national leaders and faith leaders of the wider Christian community.
Delton Fernander, president of the Bahamas Christian Council, brought greetings on behalf of the council and the Baptist denomination. He described the installation as more than a ceremonial event, stating, “Today we gather not merely for an installation, but for an occasion that affirms God’s continued guidance and hand upon this region and upon the Adventist Church.”
Addressing the newly installed officers, Fernander added, “Your selection recognizes and affirms your faithfulness. It also reminds us of the humble responsibility it is to serve and to lead God’s people.” He concluded by affirming the Adventist Church’s vital role in the Christian witness of the nation, saying, “As a grateful nation… we say congratulations, and may God bless you.”
The Honourable Shanendon Cartwright, deputy leader of the Official Opposition, represented the leader of the Opposition, the Honourable Michael Pintard. In his remarks, Cartwright acknowledged the enduring influence of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in national life. Citing Hebrews 11, he noted, “Without faith it is impossible to please God,” and affirmed that the gathering reflected “collective faith to acknowledge the continuing work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and indeed around the world.”
Cartwright further connected the church’s work to the nation’s foundational values, referencing the Bahamian Constitution. “Today is not merely of administrative importance,” he said. “It continues the work of the body of Christ in the Commonwealth of The Bahamas in the building of our nation.” He concluded by offering congratulations and prayers for the newly installed officers, expressing hope that “this nation will continue to benefit from your service.”
Representing the prime minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Honourable Philip Davis, the Honourable Myles LaRoda, Minister of Social Services, Information, and Broadcasting, also brought greetings and reflections.
LaRoda commended the impact of the Adventist Church on national life, particularly in the areas of health and lifestyle. “Not long ago, Adventists were considered a small group that didn’t count,” he said. “Today, everyone is exercising, practicing temperance, and paying attention to health. The Adventist message was there long ago.” He concluded by congratulating the officers on behalf of the Government of The Bahamas and encouraging the church to “continue to be a light in this country as we chart our course until the coming of the Lord.”
A Vision Forward: RISE
In response to the installation and charge, Kent Price, the newly installed Atlantic Caribbean Union president, outlined a clear, compelling, and spiritually grounded vision for the future of the union, framed by the acronym RISE, signaling the direction forward for the quinquennium.
Rooted in Proverbs 3:5–6, Price called the church to humility, prayer, and unwavering mission focus. “The time to work is short. Jesus is coming soon,” he said. “Every initiative across the Atlantic Caribbean Union must be unmistakably mission-driven.”
The RISE framework outlines four strategic priorities:
- Renewal — A renewed daily commitment to God through prayer, Bible study, and reliance on the Spirit of Prophecy.
- Identity — Living out a Christ-centered identity marked by love, compassion, and faithfulness to Adventist beliefs.
- Service — Serving in unity across cultures and territories, recognizing unity as a powerful witness.
- Evangelism — Coordinated evangelistic efforts across all four fields, including the planting of new churches and a quinquennium-ending celebration of harvest.
“Our goal is clear,” Price affirmed. “One mission, four fields, united together. With God’s help, we will renew our commitment to Him, live out our identity in Christ, serve in unity, and evangelize faithfully.”
A Sacred Commitment
The installation service concluded with prayer and dedication of the officers, reaffirming that leadership in the Atlantic Caribbean Union is both a sacred calling and a shared responsibility, rooted in discipleship, obedience, and mission. As the newly installed officers begin their term, the message resonated clearly throughout the Atlantic Caribbean Union: the church is called to rise together, remain faithful to its mission, and prepare a people for the soon return of Jesus Christ.
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.