HBH Women’s Ministries Conclude Month of Esther with Historic Holy Communion Across the District

The HBH Women’s Ministries of the Maryland District joyfully concluded the Month of Esther with a powerful and historic celebration of Holy Communion on Sabbath, March 24, 2026. This moment marked a significant milestone for the Haitian Seventh-day Adventist community across the five-state region of Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the District of Columbia.

Across the three campuses in Maryland—Horeb, Bethany, and Hagerstown—congregations gathered in a spirit of reverence, unity, and renewal to partake in the Lord’s Supper. The services were enriched by the ministry of three God-chosen female pastors whose leadership, consecration, faithfulness, and commitment brought inspiration and spiritual depth to this sacred occasion.

At Horeb Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church, Pastor Esther Paul-Émile, former Prayer Ministries Director of the Montreal SDA Conference, delivered a powerful message emphasizing the vital role of women in God’s work. The communion service was reverently led by Pastor Paul-Émile alongside ordained elders, with the participation of dedicated deaconesses around the table. The service left a lasting impression on the congregation. Elder Obner Jean Baptiste, First Elder of Horeb, reflected, “Although this is not something we traditionally do, the service was truly beautiful.” Children’s Ministries Director Erlande Pierresaint affirmed, “Horeb made history on that day.” The Horeb Mass Choir added a rich spiritual atmosphere, and all deaconesses were honored for their faithful service.

At Bethany Haitian Seventh-day Adventist Church in Columbia, history was also made as ordained deaconesses participated in serving the communion emblems for the first time. Pastor Nadeige Mars-Francois of the Greater New York Conference led the service alongside church elders. Elder Arnel Nerette, First Elder of Bethany, stated, “It is about time to allow deaconesses to serve. This marks a first in the history of our church.” Bethany continues to lead as one of the first Haitian SDA congregations to formally recognize and ordain deaconesses. Among those serving the emblems were Deaconesses Gina St. Phard and Anne-Marie Pierre. The service was received with great joy and unity. Elder Whedly Beautelus expressed, “The Lord has called women into ministry—who are we to limit those whom God has chosen?” Many echoed the desire to make the Month of Esther an annual district-wide celebration.

Meanwhile, the Hagerstown Haitian SDA Group also concluded the Month of Esther with a meaningful communion service and fellowship meal. The service was officiated by Pastor Tabuanka Jean, a graduate of Dominican Adventist University in Ministerial Theology and a chaplain in New York, who delivered a heartfelt message centered on reconciliation, unity, and peace with God. As one of the few Haitian-Dominican female pastors serving as both an ordained deaconess and ordained elder, Pastor Jean’s ministry was deeply impactful. Elder Marc Toussaint, leader of the group, praised the occasion, noting, “The church rejoiced and praised God for sending His woman servant for such a time as this.” The service attracted several non-SDA visitors, making it not only historic but also evangelistic in impact.

In a time when the Haitian community faces numerous challenges both locally and abroad, the Month of Esther served as a spiritual call to prayer, fasting, and courageous faith. Like Queen Esther of old, women across the HBH District rose with purpose to intercede for their families, churches, and nation.

Under the leadership of Pastor Dr. Brian Ladiny, the HBH Maryland District gives thanks to God for the faithful women—young and old—who serve as vibrant instruments of ministry. Their dedication, strength, and spiritual commitment continue to embellish the garden of our district with diverse and beautiful colors, lifting the prayers of the Haitian community in the Maryland area as a sweet aroma unto the Lord.

The district extends heartfelt appreciation to all who contributed to the success of this year’s Month of Esther and looks forward with anticipation to an even greater celebration next year.

In His service,

Dr. Brian Ladiny