On Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) Board of Directors elected Wesley Torres as its new executive secretary/vice president for administration. He replaces Daniel Stojanovic, who is now, by appointment of the General Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, the leader of the Adventist Church’s work in Israel.

Mark Johnson, president of the SDACC, remarked, “Wesley’s experience in so many parts of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and with diverse cultures will be a strength to the mission of Christ across Canada. I deeply appreciate Wesley and his attention to detail in so many areas.”

Torres has served in pastoral ministry for over 34 years, most recently as president of the British Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He holds three advanced degrees from Andrews University, including a Doctor of Ministry. Torres has worked in Brazil, the United States, South Africa, Australia, and Canada (Ontario and B.C.). Before being elected as president for the BC Conference, Torres served as departmental director for Personal Ministries, Church Growth and Evangelism, Family Life, Adult Sabbath School, and then as executive secretary/vice-president for administration.

Torres and his wife, Angela, have three children, Kelly, Kevin, and Kenny.

“I feel honored by the appointment to serve in this capacity—I trust in the Lord’s leading,” said Torres. “I humbly solicit the prayers of our Canadian church family as I place myself completely in God’s hands to be of service to His people and His cause in Canada.”

The national headquarters of the SDACC oversee seven regional districts that serve 72,000 members, 500 congregations, 43 schools, various media ministries, and humanitarian organizations. Their mission is to help people understand the Bible to find freedom, healing, and hope in Jesus.