Together, we have carried the torch of the Adventist message across these islands with faith and determination.
In his final report to a constituency meeting, retiring President of the North Caribbean Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, Pastor Desmond F. James, presented an overview of the church’s mission during the 2021–2024 period. His remarks centered on seven priority areas: evangelism and conservation; stewardship and finance; family life, health and temperance; church development and leadership; education and youth; community relations and ADRA; and information technology.
“We gather here, not merely to recount figures nor deliver reports, but to testify to the resilience of a people, the faithfulness of our God, and the unrelenting march of a mission that will not be silenced by crisis nor stalled by chaos,” James said.
Mission on the Move
Under the theme Mission on the Move, Pastor James acknowledged that the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped worship and evangelism across the territory. “As a conference, we chose courage over comfort, innovation over inertia, and faith over fear,” he said. “Yet this report is a celebration of mission accomplished and a declaration of mission yet to be fulfilled.”
During the quadrennium, 20 major evangelistic campaigns drove the church’s outreach efforts. Among them, the Journey to Joy Impact 2024 series in St. Croix emerged as a flagship initiative.
“It was a powerful demonstration of Christ’s method of evangelism—mingling with people, meeting their needs, and inviting them to follow Him,” James shared.
The community engagement began about four weeks before the evangelistic series, with an army of Bible workers and pastors actively engaging communities across the island of St. Croix—going from door to door, man to man, and heart to heart. Their groundwork was complemented by the compassionate outreach of the Loma Linda University Medical Team, which provided free medical care for over 800 individuals, addressing their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
Reflecting on the success of the initiative, the retiring president stated, “The momentum culminated in two weeks of dynamic evangelistic meetings held simultaneously at four different sites—each led by a powerful preacher. These meetings were marked by heartfelt messages, community engagement, and spiritual renewal. As a result of this holistic and spirit-led approach, over 85 souls made the decision to join the remnant church.”
Reaching Minority Populations
Pastor James also emphasized efforts to reach minority populations across the territory.
“Hispanic and Haitian Creole believers now comprise 8.23 percent of the total membership, organized in three congregations and five groups,” he explained. “These congregations have shown remarkable vitality, recording a 7.8 percent increase over the previous quadrennium—a testimony to the fertile ground that exists within those communities for evangelism and discipleship. Growth has been strongest in St. Maarten and St. Thomas, where congregations have flourished, becoming models of expansion and vitality.”
Education and Youth Engagement
Education and youth involvement also remained a priority during the 2021–2024 period.
Commenting on the academic success of the schools, Pastor James stated, “Adventist schools consistently deliver academic excellence without compromising spiritual Adventist ethos.Our boys and girls modeled excellence and surpassed standards in the national arena. Student enrollment across our schools remained a critical focus and a formidable challenge.”
Yet still, our schools are more than institutions of learning; they are sanctuaries of hope, shaping futures and preparing students for service in this world and the world to come. While challenges persist, our conviction is unshaken: Adventist education remains indispensable to the fulfillment of the Gospel commission,” he further commented.
James also noted the critical role of youth in advancing the church’s mission. “Young people play a vital role in the mission of the church.Therefore, our mandate has been to equip, engage, and empower them to live faithfully for Christ while serving their communities and advancing the mission.”
Gratitude and Legacy
As he closed his final term, marking 43 years of ministry and leadership, James expressed heartfelt appreciation.
“As I come to the end of my final term, my heart is filled with gratitude,” he said. “The journey has been a joyous odyssey and a fulfilling sacred responsibility. I wish to express my deepest appreciation to all who empowered me, equipped me, and shaped me into the servant-leader that I have become. Your influence has been the wind beneath my wings. From a rookie to a seasoned practitioner, you have been there with me and for me.”
Caribbean Union Conference President Dr. Kern Tobias congratulated James for his contribution to the work of the church in the Caribbean Union and beyond.
Referring to his presidential colleagues, James reflected on the relationships forged over the years. “The bonds of fellowship and shared mission with my colleagues have been a source of strength and inspiration,” he said. “Together, we have carried the torch of the Adventist message across these islands with faith and determination.”
As the conference transitions into a new leadership era, James’ legacy remains rooted in the unwavering commitment to mission, faith, and service that has defined his tenure.