The Executive Secretary of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church General Conference, US, Pastor Erton Kohler, has expressed the church’s unwavering commitment to global humanitarian efforts, particularly in regions plagued by conflict such as Ukraine and Palestine.
Kohler who spoke during an interview with journalists at the Babcock University, Ilishan Remo, Ogun State said the church has established a strong presence amid the ongoing conflict through the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA).
He emphasized the church’s support for both urgent humanitarian needs as well as longer-term development initiatives.
“Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) plays a pivotal role in humanitarian work by addressing crises and fostering development in numerous countries. We are present in 126 countries, providing aid where it’s needed most,” he noted.
In Palestine, Kohler stated that the church focuses on providing food and medical assistance to affected communities. “We are not just reacting to crises; we are also dedicated to helping regions grow and develop,” he elaborated.
He explained that the approach of ADRA involves thorough needs assessments in disaster-stricken areas before determining how to intervene. “Our principle is not to dictate what people need, but to listen and learn from them,” he said.
According to him, his visit to Nigeria showcases not only the church’s significant presence in the country but also its extensive international activities.
He emphasized his role in the larger global context of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, stating, “Nigeria is part of the worldwide family.”
“The church boasts a presence in 212 countries and territories, with a total membership of 23.2 million individuals,” he explained.
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Kohler detailed the church’s organizational structure, which consists of over 175,000 congregations worldwide, where members convene weekly for worship and community service.
“For us, our congregation is more than just numbers,” Kohler asserted. “We are a faith-based organization, guided by the teachings of the Bible, which we consider the ultimate source of guidance.”
Kohler elaborated on the mission of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, stating that it is rooted in a message of love, respect, and hope—a message he says he believes is desperately needed in today’s world.
He spoke of the church’s vision for a better future, emphasizing their belief in Christ’s second coming as a source of hope for adherents. “We were born out of this hope,” he said, adding that this perspective not only addresses future aspirations but also motivates present-day action to transform society.
The church’s commitment to education and health was highlighted during the discussion.
Explaining further, he said the Seventh-Day Adventist Church operates approximately 8,500 educational institutions worldwide, with a mission to imbue students with values that posit a better societal framework.
“We have 106 universities and an enrollment of more than 2 million students globally. “Educational initiatives are vital to producing informed future citizens who embody our values of respect and love,” Kohler revealed.
Pointing out the church’s numerous hospitals and clinics worldwide, which he says reflect Jesus’ ministry of healing, he said health services are a critical arm of the church’s mission.
Pastor Kohler reaffirmed the church’s dual commitment to immediate relief and ongoing development, explaining that both aspects are integral to their mission. “We aim to make this world a better place while sharing the hope of Jesus’ return,” he said.
He particularly emphasized the importance of local leadership within the church, stressing that it is crucial to adapt their outreach and initiatives to the cultural context of each region.
During the interview, he addressed the church’s goals, indicating that while progress has been made in areas like education, challenges remain in others.
He said there is a committed focus on sharing faith while promoting positive societal transformation.
Speaking on his reason for visiting Nigeria, Kohler said it is focused on more than just assessment but about connection.
“As church ambassadors, it’s vital for us to engage directly with leadership in each region.
Our aim is to draw insights from the strengths and weaknesses of the Nigerian branch of the church, which would inform future collaborative efforts to support and enhance local initiatives,” he stated.
Throughout the conversation, Kohler reiterated the church’s commitment to being a positive force in every community it touches. “Education is our main flag,” he stated, emphasizing the vital role it plays in driving societal change.
He affirmed the Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s global vision, rooted in a mission to serve and uplift communities, grounded in biblical principles.
“We are not limited to one geographical identity; we are a worldwide church. Our goal is to share our message of hope effectively across different cultures,” he remarked with conviction.