Suriname Mission's 6th Quadrennial Session Commences with Theme 'Remembering the Mission: I Will Go
On March 13 2024, the Suriname Mission of Seventh day Adventist held the official opening of its 6th quadrennial session at the Centrum Church in Paramaribo under the theme “Remembering the Mission: I Will Go.”
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Top Seventh-day Adventist officials from the Church in the Inter-American Division, Caribbean Union Conference, and the Suriname Mission were present for the opening of the Mission Session. They include Pastor Guno Emanuelson, President of the Suriname Mission; Dr. Kern Tobias, President of the Caribbean Union Conference; Dr. Leonard Johnson, Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Division; Pastor David Daniel, Executive Secretary of the Suriname Mission; and Pastor Steven Tulp, Treasurer of the Suriname Mission. Image by SM Media
On March 13 2024, the Suriname Mission of Seventh-day Adventist held the official opening of its 6th quadrennial session at the Centrum Church in Paramaribo under the theme “Remembering the Mission: I Will Go.”
The session comes at a time when the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the country is celebrating one hundred and thirty years since the message came to the territory.
After the parade of flags and the singing of the national anthem, sixty-one delegates representing the twenty-two congregations across the mission were welcomed in the Kaliña language by Jurgen and Sherida Jubitana, adorned in traditional Amerindian costumes. Their presence represented the mission's rich multi-ethnic diversity with its eighteen spoken languages.
Dr. Leonard Johnson, Executive Secretary for the Inter-American Division, delivered the devotional address, urging the delegates to embrace the session's theme, "I Will Go." Quoting from the Gospel of St. John 6:66-69, he challenged believers to practice the principles embedded in this profound statement with the reminder that "the Adventist church is alert to the coming of Jesus.”
Former President of the Suriname Mission, Pastor Edward Blackman, and his wife were among the delegates at the opening session at the Centrum Church in Paramaribo. Image by SM Media
The specially composed theme song, "I Believe," led by the President of the Mission Pastor Emanuelson and his team resonated harmoniously with Dr. Johnson's call to faithfully live out the commitment to go where God leads.
Pastor Guno Emanuelson, President of the Suriname Mission, welcomed five religious denominational leaders present at the session. The leaders congratulated the Surinamese Mission on its 130 years of Adventism in the country, emphasizing the uniqueness of the chosen theme in the face of socio-economic challenges. Acknowledging the Adventist Church's forerunner role in promoting healthy lifestyles, the leaders encouraged the continuation of evangelism, service, and the spread of the Word of God.
The representative of the Surinamese Bible Society commended the Adventist Church's continuous efforts in contributing to the spread of the gospel, highlighting the church's dedication, commitment, and servant leadership as inspiring examples of Christian life.
Pastor Roel Blackman of the Suriname Mission served as the translator for the Minister of Internal Affairs for the Government of Suriname, Bronto Somohardjo, as he extended congratulations and greetings to the delegates on behalf of the government. Image by SM Media.
Minister of Internal Affairs for the Government of Suriname, Bronto Somohardjo, extended congratulations on behalf of the government, commending the Adventist Church's role in promoting harmony within Suriname's multicultural population. Recognizing the significance of religious freedom, he emphasized the government's commitment to supporting diverse religious practices, including those observing the Sabbath.
The quadrennial session aims to report on the previous term of office, elect new department leaders, and propose policy plans for the next four years, aligning with the mission of evangelization in Suriname by the Seventh-day Adventist Church. As the session unfolds, participants are poised to shape the future trajectory of the church's involvement and impact in the region.