September 12, 2019—Itú, Brazil
The session this morning started with the delegation singing a well-known hymn: “How Great Thou Art” followed by a special musical item. From time to time brethren present a special item at the beginning or at the end of the day. These items range from solos to small choirs. These presentations are just one way to praise our great God for the many blessings He has bestowed upon us.
Brother S.R. Ramos of Bolivia presented the morning meditation on the topic, “Hid with Christ in God.” He began with the story of Jesus conversing with His disciples and asking them, “Whom say ye that I am?” to which Peter answered: “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.” Jesus answered and said: “Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:16, 17. What is this Rock? We usually give a mechanical answer to this question and say that it is Christ. If the Church is built on this Rock, it will never fail. It will go on to victory.
This can only happen if we are hidden in Christ—individually. As a church, then, we also stand victorious. If we live hidden in Christ there is no way we can lose the battle. Jesus prayed: “I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me. Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” John 17:23, 24.
Our relationship with Christ is also compared to the vine and the branches. We need to be closely connected to Christ as the branch is to the vine that we may receive spiritual nourishment every moment of our lives. This is how we can bring forth fruit.
Brother R. Dumaguit, the Assistant Chairman of the session, delivered a short message of encouragement this morning. He talked about obedience to God. If we obey God and He is leading us, all difficulties are solved easily; complex issues are solved, and God’s name will be glorified. Brother Dumaguit spoke of Daniel and of his courage to stand up and serve the only true God. He was not scared of the king or the lions. He remained unchanged. His obedience to God did not change with the decree given against his practice to serve God and pray to Him only. He stayed faithful as a giant. Can we be like Daniel?
The session's Secretary read the minutes and it was accepted by all the delegates.
PARTIAL REPORT PRESENTED
Temporary Finance Committee
The temporary Finance Committee presented a resolution in order to achieve future savings for the GC treasury. After the vote, the resolution was accepted and carried.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee presented the following three names for the office of General Conference Secretary:
- Enrique Nataren
- Eduardo Moreno
- Liviu Tudoroiu
After the delegates voted, Brother Liviu Tudoroiu was elected as the Secretary of the General Conference.
Regional Secretaries
The delegates gathered in groups according to their respective regions to elect their Regional Secretary. Each region returned with a name, and the full list was accepted and voted on by the delegation.
The list of Regional Secretaries by regions is as follows:
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Africa
- Southern Region - Manuel Henda
- Northern Region - John Bosco
- Asian Region - Alwin Vedhasingh Baskaradoss
- Central American Region - Segundo Daniel Guzman Hurtado
- Eurasian Region - Petru Mangul
- European Region - Radu Ionita
- North American Region - Peter Lausevic
- Pacific Region - Benjamin Thiel
- South American Region - Romulo Borges
WHEREAS Brother Eli Tenorio, the newly elected General Conference President, assumed the office and his work has intensified, it was
RESOLVED, that the newly elected General Conference Secretary, Brother Liviu Tudoroiu, take the responsibility of the work as temporary Secretary of the delegation session as of September 13, 2019. This was accepted, voted on, and carried.
The session adjourned, and the evening worship was presented by Brother J. Nguepe of Angola. Brother Nguepe presented a message on the topic “Christ has promised us rest.” The rabbis were good at making rules and regulations. People had to watch constantly not to transgress any of these regulations, and this made them very tired. But Christ came and told the people, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.
Jesus also told them to learn of Him, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Matthew 11:29. What did they have to learn of Him? They had to learn the mind of Jesus. Brother Nguepe explained that when we come to Jesus we have to learn of Him—to be humble like Him. We learn how to love like Him. Are we tired of living in this world? Then, let us go into His rest, it is a guaranteed rest! May God help us to decide during this session to come to Him and learn of Him. Amen.
