Camp Kulaqua in Florida became a hub of spiritual growth and fellowship as approximately 300 Haitian Ministries leaders from across the North American Division (NAD) gathered for a dynamic weekend retreat, May 17-19. The attendees, including pastors and their wives, church elders, deacons, ministry coordinators and directors, and young adults, came together representing churches across the United States and Canada, reflecting the diverse and vibrant nature of the Adventist Haitian community.
The event, which takes place every two to three years, featured a packed schedule of workshops focused on training for evangelism, connecting with their local community, and preparing church members for community involvement. “It’s [as if] we put fire in the blood of the church officers,” said Jose Joseph, Atlantic Union Conference Haitian and African ministries vice president, who also serves as the NAD Haitian Caucus director. “After these meetings, everyone wants to go out and work with the community and prepare for evangelism.”
The Haitian Caucus is under the NAD Multilingual Ministries, led by Minervino Labrador, Jr., who serves as vice president. The Atlantic Union Conference is the only union with a vice president for Haitian Ministries. Joseph represents Haitian Ministries at the division level and serves as the liaison between Haitian Ministries coordinators and directors from the other union conferences.
The retreat at Camp Kulaqua provided a serene and picturesque setting for reflection and rejuvenation. Attendees participated in various activities designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities Haitian churches and ministries face. Plans are being discussed to transition the retreat to an annual event, recognizing the growing need for regular fellowship and continued spiritual enrichment within the community. “People enjoy this event so much they’ve asked to have this every year,” Joseph said.
Speakers for the opening session, Sabbath worship service, and closing session were Ted A. Huskins, Atlantic Union Conference executive secretary; Paulo Macena, NAD leadership director; and Agniel Samson, retired university professor and administrator. Workshops focused on effective leadership, family ministry, youth engagement, and community outreach. Workshop presenters included Atlantic Union Conference administrators and directors: Pierre E. Omeler, then president; Elias F. Zabala, Sr., treasurer; and David McKenzie, Youth Ministries director and assistant to the president for Mission and Evangelism at Home; Yves Francis, Southern New England Conference director for Personal Ministries, Sabbath School, and Adventist Community Services; Samuel Jerome, South Central Conference Haitian Ministries coordinator; Loojimps Marcuis, Levelx Growth Academy founder; and Polyanna Prosper Barnes, retired Northeastern Conference department director and co-founder of Elationships. Presenters provided training in French or with the use of interpreters during the conference.
The spirit of camaraderie and fellowship was palpable, leaving many looking forward to the next gathering. Stephenson Celant, a pastor from the Texas Conference, posted thoughts about his experience on Facebook: “It was an inspiring meeting as we see how God is blessing the Haitian community in the NAD.”
Haitian Ministries leaders are poised to continue building on the strong foundation of faith, unity, and service that has been the hallmark of their community. The retreat at Camp Kulaqua provided the spiritual boost for the continued advancement of God’s kingdom, empowering leaders to return to their respective ministries with renewed energy and vision.
Photo caption: Attendees pose for a group photo with church leaders (front row) during the NAD Haitian Leadership Retreat at Camp Kulaqua in Florida. Pictured are, from left, Paulo Macena, NAD leadership director; and representatives from the Atlantic Union Conference: Elias F. Zabala, Sr., treasurer; Jose Joseph, Haitian and African ministries vice president and NAD Haitian Caucus director, and his wife, Kethlie Joseph; Pierre E. Omeler, then president; and David McKenzie, Youth Ministries director and assistant to the president for Mission and Evangelism at Home.
Photo: David Hunte
