INTRODUCTION
My name is Joel Cantave. I am the second child from six siblings, two males and four females, born and raised in the picturesque island, called “The Pearl of the Antilles”. I migrated to the U.S, over forty years ago with my parents. Presently, I am living in New York with my lovely wife of thirty-seven years, a Psychotherapist and our daughter, our only child, a Psychotherapist as well. For the last thirty-four years, I have been working as district pastor at the Northeastern Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, located at 115-50 Merrick Blvd. Jamaica, New York. As pastor, I had the gracious privilege to preach in three continents, African, American and Asiatic.
WORLDVIEW
As Christian, I am called to live a life guided by the Lord. So, it is imperative that I keep my eyes on Him in order to duly fulfill my mission. The Psalmist certainly expressed clearly when he declared on Psalm 90:12: “So teach us (me) to number our (my) days that we (I) may gain a heart of wisdom. Being a God’s steward, constantly I cry unto the Lord “Search me O God and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts. See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting”. Psalm 139:23,24. Through my life experiences, my academic preparation and my work experience, my abilities and skills, I believe humbly that I can face certain challenges awaiting me in the future. However, since the Lord promises that He will be with me always, I am confident I can impact positively some people for this world and the world to come.
MISSION
Because of my biblically based Adventist education and culture, I aim to impact positively through my lifestyle others to trust in the Lord and to serve Him while waiting for His soon coming.
VISION
My vision is to grow in my Christian life daily through the knowledge acquired from reading constantly the Word of God. By God’s grace, I pledge to demonstrate compassion, understanding, love and kindness to all with a special attention to those less fortunate. Since life is a school where we constantly are learning, I want to improve my intellectual abilities and skills in order to better serve God and others. I envision to represent the Lord in my endeavors, so that others will love and follow Him.
PROFESSIONAL GOAL
My goal is to help people through the ministry in whatever way possible. So, I believe in furthering my education will help somehow. By God’s grace, my determination is to earn a doctorate degree to be more prepared and equipped to serve others. I understand there will be many challenges. However, a bilingual degree in Business Administration would help me facing life challenges ahead. Emphasis will be on Family Life and Money Management. My privilege of knowing four languages is a plus, because every language one masters is as many people one can help.
ACADEMICALLY
PhD in Business Administration (Candidate), Montemorelos University, 2017-2020 Master of Divinity, Andrews University, Michigan, USA, 1986 B.Th. Universidad de Montemorelos, N.L. MX, 1981 C.F.L.E. Certified Family Life Educator, Andrews University, Michigan, 1992 Premarital & Post marital Counseling Proficiency in English, French, Spanish and Creole.
CREDENTIALS
- Northeastern Conference September 1986 to present
- Ordained Minister (1992)
- Certified Family Life Educator (1993)
- D.R.C.P. Disaster Relief Car Provider
- 9/11 Counselor and Care Provider
- TV Personality on Family Relations from October 1991 to October 1995