Adventurer, Pathfinder, and Master Guide Club members in María La Baja joined the Bolívar government’s recognition ceremony on October 23, 2025, for their commitment to youth, peace, and community service. [Photo: Caribbean Colombian Conference]
Recognition in Cartagena highlights the Adventist Church’s role in shaping young leaders.

October 24, 2025 | Medellín, Colombia | Cristin Serrano, and IAD News Staff

On October 23, 2025, during an official ceremony at the Plaza de la Proclamación in Cartagena, in the northern coast of Colombia, the Government of the Department of Bolívar, through its School of Governance and Leadership, granted special recognition to the Seventh-day Adventist Church for its missionary and educational work in training young leaders committed to peace, community service, and social development in the municipality of María La Baja.

The recognition, the first of its kind, was presented to church leaders by Dr. Javier Posada Meola, director of the School of Governance and Leadership of the Department’s Ministry of the Interior, as part of the program “Training Youth for Peace and Development,” an initiative designed to strengthen peaceful social and ecological coexistence. The program also fosters partnerships with national and international organizations to advance human rights and nurture a culture of respect and solidarity.

Dr. Elizabeth Cuadro Gutiérrez (left), Territorial Liaison for Religious Affairs in Bolívar, and Dr. Javier Posada Meola (right), Director of the School of Governance and Leadership of the Bolívar Government, present the award to Pastor Johnny Rhenals (center), president of the Caribbean Colombian Conference, in recognition of the Adventist Church’s missionary and educational work in María La Baja.
[Photo: Caribbean Colombian Conference]
The declaration highlighted that through its Adventurer, Pathfinder, and Master Guide Clubs, the Adventist Church promotes the holistic development of children and youth—teaching values of peace, service, and empathy, and equipping them to resolve conflicts in constructive ways.

Pastor Doiler Torres, leader of the María La Baja Mission district, emphasized that the work of the youth clubs has been instrumental in building peace through personal growth, educating children, youth, and adults in the physical, mental, spiritual, and social dimensions.

“In our territory of María La Baja, youth ministry has grown amid uncertainty,” said Torres. “Despite crises and the vulnerable conditions of our communities, children, youth, and adults here continue to smile, dream, and reach their goals. We help build peace through youth gatherings, women’s and children’s ministries, acts of compassion, and servant leadership.”

Pastors Johnny Rhenals and Doiler Torres attend the Bolívar government’s recognition ceremony. [Photo: Caribbean Colombian Conference]
Torres added that peace is built through small, meaningful acts—“when we see the joy of a child receiving a gift and a lesson, a mother grateful for a food basket, or a family receiving medical care and spiritual guidance,” he said. “Our purpose is that Jesus Christ may increase, and we may decrease (John 3:30).”

The recognition took place during the Interfaith Encounter “Bolívar Is Better in Peace,” an event promoted by the government to bring together representatives of various faiths and foster interreligious dialogue, equality, peace, and commitment to environmental care and sustainability.

During the event, organizers asked the question, “What is peace?” Adventist leaders responded with the words of Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

During the “Bolívar Better in Peace” Interfaith Encounter, Seventh-day Adventist representatives met with local authorities to discuss the role of youth in promoting peace and community service. Photo: Caribbean Colombian Conference]

The reflection underscored that peace is not merely a concept but a person—Jesus—whose presence brings serenity amid adversity, resilience in trials, and hope in times of crisis, Pastor Torres explained.

Pastor Johnny Rhenals, president of the Caribbean Colombian Conference, received the recognition on behalf of the church and expressed gratitude for the honor. “The mission of the church is to serve, and seeing our young people recognized for their positive influence in society fills us with joy and renews our commitment to continue working for the holistic well-being of our communities,” Rhenals said.

The ceremony was attended by government officials, representatives of various religious groups, and members of the local Adventist community, who celebrated the recognition as evidence of the church’s ongoing commitment to raising new generations that serve God and society with Christian leadership and missionary purpose.

Adventist Youth pose for a group photo in the Plaza e la Proclamación in Cartagena, Colombia, on Oct. 23, 2025. [Photo: Caribbean Colombian Conference]
This distinction reaffirms the role of the Seventh-day Adventist Church as an active agent in building a culture of peace and service, sharing messages of faith and hope through preaching and example. “Through its educational, missionary, and community work,” Rhenals concluded, “the church continues to strengthen its commitment to social development, Christian education, and the wholistic well-being of the communities within this region.”