Abel Márquez, executive director of Hope Channel Inter-America, speaks during a special ceremony where Hope Channel International officials and IAD administrators honored Filberto Verduzco, former treasurer of the IAD with an award on May 4, 2023, in Miami, Florida, United States. L-R: Abel Márquez, Gideon Mutero, vice president of finances of Hope Channel International, Filiberto Verduzco and wife Alma, Pastor Derek Morris, president of Hope Channel International, and Pastor Elie Henry, president, Ivelisse Herrera, treasurer, and Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the Inter-American Division.[Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
May 12, 2023 | Miami, Florida, United States | Libna Stevens, Inter-American Division News

Officials from Hope Channel International and Hope Channel Inter-America (HCIA) honored Filiberto Verduzco, former treasurer of the Inter-American Division (IAD), for his financial leadership in growing the Adventist television network.

“I want to thank you as an administration, leadership team, as a body of leaders for what you are allowing God to do in evangelistic media work,” said Pastor Derek Morris, president of Hope Channel International, as he addressed church leaders during a special ceremony held at the Inter-American Division headquarter office in Miami, Florida, United States, earlier this month. “God is telling us to think beyond what is average and to ask God to help us accomplish what He has for us to do, and we have come to recognize what God has done for His church through you.”

Verduzco retired as treasurer of the IAD in December.

Gideon Mutero (left), vice president of finances for Hope Channel International speaks of Filiberto Verduzco’s visionary leadership while Pastor Derek Morris holds the award on stage. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
Morris addressed Verduzco directly: “We know that God deserves the praise, but He uses people and God has used you and your leadership and we recognize your faithful contribution to the church,” he said.

Gideon Mutero, vice president of finances for Hope International, praised the vision of Verduzco and recounted his commitment “to allocate significant resources to pay for the satellite time and collaborate with Hope Channel International to assist with the program and master control at GC building to a growth today of almost 20 media centers throughout the IAD,” said Mutero.

“It was a major commitment and vision from you of utilizing media and we greatly appreciate that commitment that has given a vibrant media network not just television programs with films sharing the message of hope, of sharing God’s good news, but using abilities of communication directors to reach more people,” said Mutero.

Verduzco was presented with the Ambassador of Hope Award by Morris in recognition of his support for Hope Channel International to fulfill the Gospel Commission.

 

Pastor Derek Morris (right), president of Hope Channel International, hands award to Filiberto Verduzco, second from left, while wife Alma Verduzco  and Gideon Mutero (left), vice president of finances for Hope Channel International look on. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
“I appreciate the decision that Pastor Henry took to put me as chair of the Hope Channel Inter-America board and work closely to open that window of sharing more television programs that  carry the gospel throughout the territory,” said Verduzco.

Márquez, executive director  of Hope Channel Inter-America, who is the secretary of the HCIA board, thanked Verduzco for his visionary leadership and support of the channel. Márquez also presented Verduzco with an award on behalf of the board for his committed efforts in the development of Hope Channel Inter-America.

Pastor Morris was also honored for his partnership with HCIA through Hope Channel International.

Pastor Leonard Johnson, executive secretary of the IAD, reads a award to Pastor Derek Morris, president of Hope Channel International, for his  exceptional leadership as a source of inspiration to the Hope Channel Inter-America team and the lives of so many around the world. [Photo: Keila Trejo/IAD]
“We cannot let this moment pass without recognizing your support and inspiration for us here in our Division,” said Pastor Elie Henry, president of the IAD to Pastor Morris.

HCIA is the official television network throughout the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Inter-American Division, and operates three channels – one for each of the three official languages in the territory, English, Spanish and French. HCIA also oversees more than 90 of radio stations which are part of the Hope Radio Inter-America in affiliation with the Adventist World Radio network.

To learn more about Hope Channel Inter-America, its programming, and resources, visit hopechannelinteramerica.org