In a spirit of gratitude and reflection, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has organized its maiden Veteran Adventist Pastors’ Retreat under the theme “To Eternity”. The three-day retreat, held from June 12 to 14, 2025, took place at the Adventist Women Multipurpose Center at Valley View University, Oyibi, Accra.

This historic gathering brought together retired ministers who, through decades of faithful service, have made significant contributions to both the Adventist Church and society at large. Their work has left a lasting impact on countless individuals—both Adventist and non-Adventist alike—across Ghana and beyond.

The retreat was graced by renowned and seasoned church leaders, including Pastor P.O. Mensah, former president of the then Ghana Union, and Pastor Dr. Kwanin Boakye, Director of the Ministerial Association for the West-Central Africa Division (WAD). Other key participants included directors from various Unions, Conferences, and Adventist institutions.

In a soul-stirring sermon, Pastor Dr. Kwanin Boakye drew lessons from the life of Joseph, reminding attendees that when God is your focus, you will prosper in all things, and His presence will never leave you.

Pastor Nii Lante Thompson, Ministerial Secretary of the Southern Ghana Union Conference (SGUC), shared the purpose of the retreat in an interview with Hope Adventist News (HAN). He emphasized that the event was designed to affirm and uplift the spirits of veteran pastors, recognizing their lifelong commitment and encouraging them to continue serving in prayer, mentorship, and support.

Pastor R.Y.P. Amponsah, a participant and retired minister, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the initiative. He noted that although retired from active duty, ministers never retire from God’s calling. The retreat, he said, served to reignite their passion and strengthen their commitment to the ongoing mission of the church.

In a special message, Shepherdess Mrs. Ocran commended the pastors’ wives who attended the retreat alongside their husbands. She encouraged younger Shepherdesses to take advantage of such gatherings to learn from the wisdom and experiences of the veteran wives, reminding them that ministry is a shared journey requiring dedication, humility, and spiritual strength.

The “To Eternity” retreat marks a meaningful first step in honouring the legacy of service and ensuring that the wisdom and experience of retired pastors continue to bless the church. As these veteran ministers reflect on their journey and share their stories, they leave behind a trail of faith, courage, and unwavering commitment to God’s mission—indeed, a legacy that points “to eternity.”