Lake Region Conference Delegates Elect Returning, New Leaders at Constituency Session

On Aug. 9, 2026, delegates to the 30th Lake Region Constituency elected a mixed slate of returning and new administrative officers to serve a five-year term.  

More than 500 representatives from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin met at the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, to determine leadership in a lively session covered with prayer.   

The meeting began with a stirring devotional message from Pastor Debleaire Snell, speaker/director of Breath of Life Ministries. Leading from the account of the sons of Issachar in 1 Chronicles 12:32, Snell, whose early days in ministry began in Lake Region, encouraged delegates to follow God’s lead in raising up individuals who understand the times, but aren’t intimidated by the challenges; who are willing to adapt methods for the times; and who understand how to fight battles through prayer.    

“Don’t choose the most popular, the person who will do what you like, the person you’re most familiar with,” he said, “but look for leaders who understand the times and know what Israel ought to do.”   

Elden Ramirez, president of the Lake Union Conference, chaired the nominating committee and delegates voted on names for administrative officers and departmental directors.   

President Abraham Henry was re-elected to a full term. He assumed the role in February 2026 after former president Garth Gabriel retired. Henry previously served as executive secretary. After the results came in, he stood with his wife Rebecca to thank delegates for their support.   

“Thank you so much for this honor. Every win is a kingdom win, a conference win. We look forward to working with everyone. We want to serve everyone…we are all family; we are all members. We cannot do this mission without you…and so we’re looking forward to praying with you, to working with you and to serve with you.”  

Pastor Eliot Brooks was elected to serve as executive secretary, a role previously held by Harold Cleveland.  Kent Nichols was re-elected as chief financial officer/treasurer for Lake Region. Eddie Allen was re-elected as vice president for multilingual ministries.  

During the constituency session, several reports were given to provide updates from across the region. The president’s report focused on advances in Christian education and evangelism. He announced that the Lake Region now consists of more than 32,000 members in 126 churches across five states. Henry also spoke of the acquisition of 70 acres of land adjacent to Camp Wagner, in Cassopolis, Michigan.   

Lake Region administrators Harold Cleveland, executive secretary, and Eddie Allen, vice president of multicultural ministries, announced 15 new churches joined the conference. Administrators and delegates joined in giving God praise for the new additions and growth of the work in the region.    

Delegates approved the removal of four churches: Michigan City Voice of Hope; Muncie Philadelphia; Pembroke Ephesus (Hopkins Park, IL); and Robbins.  

An amendment to the constitution and bylaws, changing terms from 4 to 5 years was passed. Delegates approved to postpone a vote on additional proposed constitution and bylaws changes until the Lake Region camp meeting in 2027.    

Both the treasurer and the General Conference auditor shared updates on Lake Region’s financial condition. Despite inflation and other challenges, the conference received a clean audit. The treasurer spoke of continued efforts to reduce costs and increase working capital going forward to further stabilize finances.    

Throughout the session, leaders paused to acknowledge their colleagues’ contributions. Delegates gave Elder Garth Gabriel and his wife Rosita a standing ovation to express gratitude for his leadership and mentorship over 30 years of ministry. Outgoing ACS director Debra Davis-Moody received a plaque to commemorate her longstanding service in Lake Region; earlier this year she was honored by the North American Division for more than 50 years in community service. Administrators and departmental directors also paused to recognize leaders who have died since the last gathering in 2022.   

The list of elected officials is as follows:  

President: Dr. Abraham Henry

Exec Sec: Pastor Eliot Brooks  

Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer: Kent Nichols 

VP for Multilingual Ministries: Pastor Eddie Allen   

Kaara Baptiste is an assistant professor of journalism and communication at Andrews University.