Empowered to Serve: A Transformational Gathering of Faith and Business in Panama City

Posted on Jul 15 2025

 

PANAMA CITY, Panama — August 14–17, 2024 — Over four inspiring days at Hotel Riu Plaza, more than 300 professionals and business leaders from across Latin America and the Caribbean convened for the 26th ASI Inter‑America Convention. Under the resonant theme "Empowered to Serve," this year’s event reinforced the Adventist mission to integrate faith into marketplace influence.


Day 1 – August 14: Launching with Purpose and Vision

The convention opened with a vibrant procession of national delegates, followed by a stirring welcome from ASI Inter‑America President Rohan Riley. Riley set the tone, expressing the organization’s ambition to nurture spiritual, physical, and financial wellness among members.

The evening’s highlight was the keynote by Pastor Debleaire K. Snell, director of Breath of Life Television Ministries. He urged attendees to lead with prayer, share faith authentically, and rely on God’s guidance rather than human strategy alone: “Every decision we make outside of prayer is merely an educated guess.” His message flowed into subsequent nightly reflections, emphasizing God’s consistency even amid life’s uncertainties.


Day 2 – August 15: Equipping for Mission in Every Sphere

Day two began with devotionals and plenary sessions exploring the Christian’s marketplace identity and mission. Workshops then delved into innovation, health, financial stewardship, and technology-enhanced ministry. Highlighted sessions included the Bahamas Chapter’s presentation on spiritual and physical wellness, led by Elder Shandera Smith, which illustrated the holistic integration of faith and health. With over 70 delegates, the Bahamas presence demonstrated regional unity and enthusiastic participation.

Evening assemblies featured ASI chapter showcases—where members shared mission initiatives ranging from urban evangelism to youth mentorship. Networking events facilitated deep connections, reinforcing the vital community dimensions of the ASI movement.


Day 3 – August 16: Young Professionals & Digital Discernment

Focused tracks for younger professionals underscored the next generation’s role in marketplace ministry. Participants engaged in digital evangelism, leadership development, and peer networking. Simultaneously, business strategy workshops addressed artificial intelligence, financial planning, and sustainable innovation. Panels featured global business strategist Johann De Dier, who challenged attendees to navigate a changing business landscape with faith-informed ethics, operational intelligence, and spiritual resilience.


Day 4 – August 17: Celebrating Impact and Call to Action

The final day opened with reflection and gratitude during worship and closing plenaries. Inter‑America Division President Pastor Elie Henry delivered the charge: “When God calls us to action, to change, He is waiting on us to answer.” Delegates responded with renewed resolve to share Christ through daily work. Awards honored outstanding chapter programs.

A standout presentation came from the Bahamas Chapter showcasing support for Mission Haiti, including a fundraising drive for a computer lab and clinic on Tortuga Island. Delegates learned of innovative evangelism tools—like distributed media streaming boxes in correctional chaplaincy—and children’s mission teams actively engaged through ASI’s youth initiative, “ASI 200 & Beyond.”

The convention concluded with a culturally rich concert, uniting voices and talents from across the division.


A Holistic Approach to Faith in Action

The ASI Inter‑America Convention transcended typical business gatherings by combining spiritual formation, marketplace excellence, public health, youth development, and cross-cultural celebration. Delegates returned home equipped with new ideas and resources: improved tech applications for ministry, wellness programming rooted in biblical principles, refreshed evangelistic approaches, and a deeper conviction that professional achievement can and should serve the Kingdom.

The gathering brought together 300+ Adventist professionals from across Latin America and the Caribbean between August 14–17, 2024, at Hotel Riu Plaza, Panama City, under the guiding theme Empowered to Serve. Key speakers included Pastor Debleaire K. Snell, Pastor Elie Henry, and Johann De Dier. Program highlights spanned evangelism strategies, innovation workshops, young professionals' forums, cultural celebrations, mission fundraisers (notably for Haiti), awards presentations, and youth-led projects.


This convention reaffirmed ASI’s enduring commitment: equipping lay leaders to integrate faith, work, and service, thereby showcasing the tangible impact of Christ’s love in daily life and industry.


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