Bethanie Haitian Church Celebrates Elders’ Appreciation Sabbath
The Bethanie Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church, a satellite of HBH (Horeb-Bethanie-Hagerstown) district led by Dr. Brian Ladiny, recently experienced a deeply moving and spirit-filled Elders’ Appreciation Sabbath, organized by the Sabbath School Department to honor seven dedicated elders who have faithfully served the congregation.
What could have been a postponed celebration became instead a powerful testimony of God’s sustaining grace. The Sabbath prior to the event, two of the church’s elders faced serious health emergencies. First Elder Arnel Nerette suffered a fall at home and lost consciousness, requiring hospitalization at Adventist HealthCare White Oak Medical Center. Around the same time, Elder Abdallah Monestime collapsed after loading his vehicle and also required urgent medical care. Both elders spent several days in the hospital, prompting the church family to unite in earnest prayer.
By God’s mercy, both elders were discharged in time to be present for this special Sabbath. Their recovery transformed the service into a living testimony of God’s healing power and faithfulness.
The church took this sacred opportunity to honor all seven elders for their tireless ministry, faithful leadership, and religious commitment to the spiritual growth of the congregation.
The keynote message was delivered by Pastor Dr. Brian Ladiny, district pastor, who called the church to return to the biblical and historical roots of Adventist leadership. Emphasizing the model of the early Seventh-day Adventist Church, he reminded the congregation that elders are called to serve as local spiritual leaders, guiding, teaching, counseling, and nurturing the flock, while pastors are commissioned to evangelize and plant new churches for the advancement of God’s kingdom.
Drawing from the Spirit of Prophecy, the message was anchored in this timeless counsel:
“Elders were chosen in every church to take the oversight and care of the flock.” Gospel Workers
“Our ministers should not be settled over churches, as pastors, to labor for those who know the truth.” (Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, p. 19).
These inspired words reaffirm the divine order of church leadership and the shared responsibility in fulfilling the gospel mission. As Pastor Dr. Ladiny emphasized, “It is time to return to our roots, where pastors are free to preach in new territories, conduct evangelistic efforts, win souls for Christ, and help plant new churches.”
Following this appeal, a solemn moment of consecration was led by Pastor Tabuanka Jean, who offered a heartfelt prayer of dedication and recommitment. She challenged the elders to continue serving with humility, faithfulness, and spiritual authority under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. The elders of Bethanie Church were honored and recommitted themselves to work alongside their pastor in advancing the mission and planting new churches for the kingdom of God.
The day concluded with a joyful fellowship meal in the church’s fellowship hall, where members and guests expressed deep appreciation for the leadership and service of their elders.
This celebration also marked a significant milestone for the district. Over the past three years, under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Ladiny, the number of elders at Bethanie has grown from two in 2023 to seven in 2026; a clear sign of the church’s growth and strengthening leadership base.
Today, Bethanie Haitian SDA Church continues to shine as a spiritual lighthouse in Columbia, Maryland, impacting lives and advancing the mission of the gospel.
To God be the glory.
Submitted by Dr. Brian Ladiny