Atlantic Union Adventist Youth Ministries AUYOUTH

June 30, 2012

Bermuda Greater New York New York Northeastern Northern New England Southern New England

Statement from Pastor José Cortés Jr., Welcoming Pastor Roger Wade, New Director of Adventist Youth Ministries in the Northeastern Conference

Pastor Roger Wade

Earlier this month, on June 10, during its XXVI Constituency Session, the Northeastern Conference elected Pastor Roger Wade to serve as the Director of Adventist Youth Ministries.

Pastor Wade, who served the Northeastern Conference as a Youth Pastor, Pastor, and Assistant to the Youth Director for Western New York several years ago, has also ministered in the Southeastern California Conference, and most recently, at the time of his election, led Youth Ministries for the Southwest Region Conference, as the Director. After taking a few days to pray with his wife Lorraine, and his son Anthony, Pastor Roger Wade accepted the call to lead the kids, youth, and young adults of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the Northeastern Conference.

Lorraine, Anthony, & Pastor Roger Wade

I would like to congratulate and welcome Pastor Roger Wade, his wife Lorraine, and their son Anthony on this new leadership journey. They will be a blessing to the thousands of kids, youth, young adults, and adults in the churches and communities of the Northeastern Conference territory. Pastor Roger will enrich our extraordinary team of Youth Directors in the Atlantic Union.

I would also like to honor Pastor Nigel Lewis for his vision, leadership, commitment, & hard work during the 2008 – 2012 term, which now ends.

Ray, Crystal, Verleen, & Pastor Nigel Lewis

Pastor Lewis, his wife Verlene, and their young adult children, Crystal and Ray have sacrificed to serve the Adventist Youth Ministries Department of the Northeastern Conference with excellence, and for this I am grateful. I must also add that Pastor Lewis’ team-spirit and support have been a very positive influence to the Adventist Youth Ministries Team of the Atlantic Union. Pastor Lewis and his family have been, are, and will continue to be an inspiration.

Pastor Nigel, together with Associate Director, Pastor Phil Wesley, has been instrumental in arranging for a smooth transition, as he has encouraged, supported, and prayed for Pastor Wade as he takes the leadership of one of the largest Adventist Youth Ministries Departments in the Atlantic Union and North America.

Joanne and I, together with the Atlantic Union Youth Ministries Team are praying for Pastor Roger Wade, Lorraine, Anthony, the Adventist Youth Ministries Leadership, and the youth and young adults of the Northeastern Conference. This is a very special time to lead youth and young adults and we can’t wait to see the awesome things that God has in store, as we support each other and continue to work together in the mission to save and disciple millions.