Leaders from the Southeastern Conference’s Haitian churches recently gathered on the campus of Bethel Church in Riviera Beach, Florida, for the annual Haitian Leadership Summit—an intentional space to sharpen leadership skills, strengthen spiritual resolve, and prepare for the year ahead. The Conference’s 2026 theme, Higher, set both the tone and direction of the weekend.
Enthusiasm was evident from the outset. Record attendance across the Conference’s network of Haitian churches filled the campus with energy and expectation. Yet what stood out most was not simply the size of the gathering, but the spirit of unity on display.
As attendees made their way onto Bethel’s grounds, they arrived in pairs and small groups—families, ministry partners, and co-laborers walking together with purpose. Young and old moved side by side, engaged and eager to learn. This was not attendance born of obligation, but of shared commitment and spiritual hunger
As the divine worship hour approached, heartfelt hymns sung in Creole filled the sanctuary, creating an atmosphere of reverence and readiness. The music lifted hearts and prepared minds for the Word.
The message that followed proved both timely and stirring. Dr. Michael Owusu, President of the Southeastern Conference, challenged a packed sanctuary to move Higher in 2026. His appeal rested on three guiding principles: rise higher, believe boldly, and move forward in faith—a call that echoed Paul’s words in Philippians 3:14, pressing toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Within the Seventh-day Adventist tradition, gatherings such as these are never ends in themselves. They are moments of recalibration—calling leaders back to Scripture, mission, and faithful service. In the year ahead, moving higher will be measured not by enthusiasm alone, but by transformed leadership, strengthened families, intentional mentoring of youth, and churches more fully engaged in their communities.
As one Haitian pastor reflected, “Toudenkou nou fè konfyans Bondye, li pral mennen nou pi wo.” (As long as we trust God, He will take us higher.)
If the spirit witnessed at Bethel Church is any indication, the Haitian churches of the Southeastern Conference are moving forward into 2026 with renewed faith, unity, and purpose—ready to follow where God leads.
