The first official visit of General Conference President Dr. Erton Köhler to Trinidad and Tobago marked a historic occasion for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the region, bringing together church leaders, members, students, and delegates for a series of engagements focused on mission, leadership, and the future of the church.
Dr. Köhler, accompanied by his wife, Adrianne Köhler, arrived at Piarco International Airport on May 28, 2026, where they were welcomed by regional church administrators, Pathfinders, Masterguides, the Pangelics Steelpan Ensemble and members of the Adventist community. The visit coincided with the Intercultural Mission and Church Planting Summit hosted by the University of the Southern Caribbean (USC), providing an opportunity for leaders from across the Inter-American Division and beyond to interact with the world church president.
During his visit, Dr. Köhler met with church leaders and delegates while participating in summit sessions that highlighted the church’s commitment to global mission and intercultural engagement. Addressing attendees, he emphasized that the mission of the church extends beyond geographical boundaries and organizational structures, calling believers to remain focused on sharing hope and serving communities around the world.
He commended the Inter-American Division for its longstanding commitment to evangelism and mission and expressed appreciation for the region’s continued efforts to expand outreach among diverse populations. He also encouraged church members and leaders to approach mission opportunities with faith, vision, and a willingness to engage communities that may be considered difficult or underserved.
Throughout the summit, Dr. Köhler challenged attendees to view mission as a shared responsibility involving every member of the church. He highlighted the importance of supporting church planting initiatives, missionary training, and emerging evangelistic strategies that seek to connect with people across cultural and social boundaries.
His visit also provided an opportunity to witness firsthand the growing role of the University of the Southern Caribbean as a center for mission education, leadership development, and intercultural engagement. USC’s hosting of the Intercultural Mission and Church Planting Summit brought together global church leaders, educators, and mission practitioners in a collaborative environment focused on strengthening the church’s mission efforts throughout the region and beyond.
For many attendees, Dr. Köhler’s presence represented more than a ceremonial visit. As a leader of a worldwide church spanning more than 200 countries and territories, his participation underscored the significance of the initiatives taking place within the Caribbean and reaffirmed the region’s important contribution to the global mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
As Trinidad and Tobago welcomed the General Conference president for the first time in his official capacity, the visit served as a memorable milestone in the history of the church in the region and a reminder of the shared commitment to advancing mission, fostering collaboration, and preparing for future opportunities to serve communities around the world.
