On Sunday evening, 28th of August, 2011, Br Davi Paes Silva, at 66 years of age, was elected as the new General Conference President by the delegates of the 21st General Conference Session of the Seventh Day Adventist Reform Movement, held in Porumbacu, Romania.
Br Silva has been serving the Lord in gospel ministry since 1961 when He commenced work as a colporteur in Brazil. During this time, he began studying the message of “Christ Our Righteousness” in earnest, particularly the 1888 message as presented in the writings of Elders Waggoner and Jones and the Spirit of Prophecy. In 1968 he became a Bible Worker. He then moved into direct employment with the publishing house work in Brazil in 1969, serving as an editor, translator, proof reader, and author. A significant project undertaken during this time was the translation into Portuguese of two of Elder EJ Waggoner's best known works, the book “Christ and His Righteousness” and “Studies in Romans”. These translations were completed in 1976.
In 1988 Br Silva began work on the book “Saved by Grace” which he co-authored with Br Jorai Pereira da Cruz. It has been the wonderful appreciations gained from the message “Christ Our Righteousness” that has been the foundation of Br Silva’s personal ministry.
His first address to the delegates after being elected was as follows:
“Dear Brethren, when they asked me if I was willing to accept this responsibility, I told them, 'By myself I am not able, but I trust Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and I trust in your prayers for your support.'
“1 Corinthians 2:1-4, 'And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching [was] not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.'
“Dear brethren, I firmly believe that this Movement is represented by Revelation 18, but I believe also that our main message is 'Christ Our Righteousness'. I really need your prayers and support because I recognize my deficiencies and without Jesus Christ and your support, I can do nothing.
“Please add my name to your prayer list. How many will pray for me? I count on you, brethren.”
Br Silva is married to Sr Alexandrina Silva. The Lord has blessed them with two children and six grandchildren. He has served the Lord in various General Conference capacities over the last 24 years, including Regional Secretary of South America (1987-1995), Secretary (1995-1999), Regional Secretary of North America (1999-2003) and Vice-President (2004-2011).
Let us all keep Br Silva in our prayers as he endeavours to fulfil his new responsibilities faithfully to the Lord during the coming term of office.