To begin the fourth day of the delegation session, following a heartfelt song service, Brother Daniel Guzman delivered a stirring morning meditation. He spoke of a profound truth: in Christ, there are no borders. Racial, tribal, and national divisions dissolve, leaving only the beautiful reality of one united human family in Jesus. Drawing from history, he reminded the delegates of the 1888 General Conference in Minneapolis, where Inspiration revealed that Jesus walked through the hallways at the Minneapolis conference, yet no one was ready to receive Him. With this poignant reminder, Brother Daniel issued a powerful appeal: “Will we open our hearts and accept Jesus today?”
After breakfast, the delegates reconvened as Brother David Zic, the chairman, opened the session with a compelling reminder: “We cannot move forward unless we understand our history.” He recounted the trials that God’s church has endured and spoke of the steadfast witnesses who stood firm through them. Describing them as a “cloud of witnesses,” he highlighted the challenges they faced and the faith that carried them through. Brother Zic then reminded the delegates of the pioneers and loved ones who are no longer with us, but waiting for Jesus’ return. With a heartfelt challenge to the delegates, he posed the question: “Will we walk in the old paths they laid before us?”
During the session, we received the sad news that the President of the Peruvian Union had fallen ill and needed to return to Peru immediately. At that moment, the session came to a pause as delegates united in prayer for their brother, his health, and his safe journey home.
At this point in the session, the delegates were dismissed for the session photos. By noon, the Plans Committee reconvened, organizing into smaller groups to draft proposals for the different departments. After lunch, the session resumed with the Nominating Committee presenting a partial report. Soon, the Plans Committee resumed its work, continuing to shape the vision and direction for the next 5 years.
The day concluded with an inspiring reflection from Brother Raduco Ionita on the topic of Knowing Jesus. Addressing the delegates, he posed the question: does knowledge save us? He clarified that while mere intellectual knowledge cannot save, the transformative knowledge of Jesus is the key to salvation. Drawing from the inspired writings, he reminded the delegates that many fail, not for lack of effort, but for lack of faith.
Brother Ionita then called on the delegates to draw closer to God, emphasizing that a deeper relationship with Jesus often grows through suffering and pain. Quoting from The Desire of Ages, he shared the powerful truth: “To know God is to love Him.” With a heartfelt appeal, he asked, “What kind of God do you know?”