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Visit of Pastor Erton C. Köhler to Abidjan: A Spiritual and Strategic Meeting

Posted on fév. 05 2025

Visit of Pastor Erton C. Köhler to Abidjan: A Spiritual and Strategic Meeting

[Photo - Ouattara Hyacinthe: Arrival of Pastor Erton C. Köhler at the Division headquarters.]
Abidjan hosted a significant event on Wednesday, January 5, 2025. Indeed, the visit of Pastor Erton C. Köhler, the Executive Secretary of the General Conference, was warmly welcomed by members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, who gathered at the Division headquarters for a special meeting with their leader. This gathering brought together more than 300 participants, including Division administrators, department heads, Union and Conferences leaders, as well as many lay members from various regions of Côte d'Ivoire.

In his welcome speech, Pastor Robert Osei-Bonsu, President of the West-Central Africa Division, after thanking his guest, Pastor Köhler, and acknowledging the presence of various dignitaries, emphasized the work that remains to be done to fulfill the evangelical mission. "There is much to do; the level of growth we have achieved is not proportional to the population we have in our countries. We have work to do. We must be a dynamic community committed to the salvation of souls for the Lord. We must reach new fields across the entire territory of our Division using the means available to us."   

A Representative and Committed Presence
The meeting was attended by administrators from the main Church entities in Côte d'Ivoire, including the South and East Conference, the Central and North Mission, as well as the South and West Mission. Also present were representatives from the Sahel Union Mission and the West Africa Union Mission. This diversity of participants highlights the significance of the event and the unity prevailing within the Church.

A Strong and Inspiring Message
Pastor Erton C. Köhler delivered a powerful message, encouraging leaders and members to continue their commitment to mission and spiritual growth. He emphasized the importance of evangelism, strengthening church structures, and fostering collaboration between different church entities within the West-Central Africa Division.

A Moment of Communion and Reflection
Beyond the speeches, this visit provided an opportunity for leaders and lay members to exchange views on the challenges and future prospects of the Church in Côte d'Ivoire and West-Central Africa. Moments of prayer, reflection, and sharing marked this gathering, reinforcing the cohesion and shared vision of the participants.

A Lasting Impact
The visit of the Executive Secretary of the General Conference leaves a significant impact on the Adventist Church. It strengthens unity, encourages missionary commitment, and gives new momentum to local actions for spiritual and institutional growth.
With this renewed momentum, members and leaders return motivated to continue their mission with faith and determination.
Pastor Erton C. Köhler will leave Côte d’Ivoire this afternoon for Ghana and Nigeria, where he will meet, alongside Division administrators, with church leaders and members in these two countries.

WAD Editors