LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic — “I’m done with office work,” explained Pastor Ted Wilson from his perch at the top of some scaffolding. A natural handyman, Wilson gave up his role as General Conference President earlier this week to focus on brick-by-brick building of churches. “I’ve picked this construction site in La Romana as the start to my new life because I’ve always loved the Dominican Republic and, quite frankly, I hate the weather in Maryland,” said a hard-hatted Wilson.
Dozens of other senior church leaders have flown to the Dominican Republic this week to support the former world church leader in his dramatic career move and help him with his first, post-presidency construction project.
With everyone from veteran evangelist Mark Finley to division presidents from around the world scurrying around with paintbrushes and shovels, the construction at La Romana’s Villa Caoba Adventist Church has been a testament to the amazing sight that is church bureaucracy at work.
“This is way more fun than pushing paper back in Silver Spring,” admitted a high-ranking church official who asked to remain anonymous. “Ted’s on to something here but I’m at least going to finish out my term before I think about permanently joining him.”
For his part, Wilson says he could care less about seeing his first term to conclusion at the General Conference Session in San Antonio this summer: “I figure I’ve had a solid run for almost five years now and I could do without all the politicking with the delegates. I’m quitting while I’m ahead.”
