Over 100 Bahamians who traveled to the 62nd General Conference gathered to celebrate their Nation’s Independence Day, on July 10, 2025. The country celebrated its 52nd year of Independence with a cultural exhibition and a gospel concert. Not to miss out on the celebrations, the Bahamian contingent, dressed in their cultural attire, and sang their National Anthem shortly before the afternoon Business Session proceeded. 

The South Bahamas Conference President, Pastor Kenny Deveaux, highlighted the country’s independence theme “I will rise”, expressing the importance of unity in the country and the church. We need to support each other. We need to pray for each other,” Deveaux said. I pray that as we celebrate today, we will never forget that God is with us. And with God on our side, we will rise.”

The Honourable J. LaShell Adderley, who serves in the Bahamian government as the President of the Senate, encouraged those present to live out the General Conference Session theme, “Jesus is Coming, I Will Go”, in their daily lives.

Adderley said, “There's a better mission that we are striving for. Jesus is coming, which is core to our faith. The fact of the matter is, I must go. You must go.”

“How do we go? We go by being our brother's keeper. We go by remembering our past pledge. So onward, upward, and together. In unity and love and in strength,” she added.

Those present also took the opportunity to congratulate Pastor Leonard Johnson on his newly appointed position.

Johnson was elected to serve as General Vice President of the General Conference. He previously served as Executive Secretary of the Inter-American Division and President of the Atlantic Caribbean Union and South Bahamas Conference.

Pastor Johnson addressed the group, highlighting the many achievements of Bahamians serving locally and abroad.  Johnson, who will now serve the global church, also recounted his personal experience as a Bahamian representing his country abroad.

“It is a humbling experience… and [the position] doesn’t change who I am,” Johnson said. 

Johnson added, “While I am a product of the Inter American Division representing the Division, I am a Bahamian. And I never forget that..my accomplishment is your accomplishment.”

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