The Amahoro stadium was yesterday filled to capacity, as Adventists from across the country gathered to welcome the President of the World Seventh Day Adventist Church, Elder Ted C. Wilson.Addressing the congregation, Wilson spoke words of inspiration as he encouraged Adventists to hold firm onto their faith.He challenged them to always follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, love and respect all the other religious denominations.“You are part of God’s one great big family, so you should respect each other, reconcile and have unity with everyone. As Adventists, we also have to let people know that we belong to Jesus, believe in his holy word and spread the news of Christ,” Elder Wilson said.He explained that every Doctrine Adventists believe in is centred on Jesus Christ and every commandment focused onto him.Wilson also called upon pastors to work together in a dynamic manner so as to draw people to Christ, instead of holding grudges with one another.He commended the Rwandan government for allowing freedom of worship and being tolerant with Adventists by allowing them to carry out community service (Umuganda) on Sunday, since their faith doesn’t permit them to work on Saturday.The Minister of Local Government, James Musoni, who was part of the big gathering, thanked the Seventh Day Adventists for their contribution towards national development. “There is good partnership between the church and the government which we are grateful for. The church has contributed to the country’s development especially in the health, education and information sectors,” Musoni said.He also affirmed the government’s support in the church’s activities, especially those steered towards development.Musoni observed that in Rwanda, church institutions are development partners and that it was the reason there was freedom of worship and respect for other citizens’ rights.
