This autumn Year-End Meeting of Inter-European Division was held in Bulgaria. With so many denominational leaders from both GC and EUD visiting, Bulgarian Union decided to organize a special Sabbath event for the local congregations. Apart from the inspiring service programme, it was very positive that for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemics, the congregation of the SDA Church in Bulgaria had the opportunity to be at one place and worship together. Over 450 people gathered to celebrate the l Sabbath.
Following the Sabbath school service, GC’s General Vice President Artur Stele inspired the congregation with a sermon based on Acts 12. When the angel was taking Peter outside the prison, the huge iron door opened by itself. However, the apostle had to knock on and waited in front of the small wooden door of the house where the church was praying for him. If we go alone, we will stay at the small wooden door. The key is to follow the Angel. Then, the biggest door will be opened by itself. Pastor Stele, also, shared a very touching story of 3 pastoral families who stayed in Bucha, Ukraine, even after the city has been already under attacks. They saved lives, helped wherever needed and taught others how to pray with a prayer of healing (more than 670 people have been baptized in Ukraine since the conflict emerged). If we have Jesus, the Alpha and Omega, we should not be afraid even of Delta and Omicron!
This special Sabbath presented a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the work and responsibilities of different church leaders from GC and EUD. Bulgarian Adventists felt that they really belong to a beautiful worldwide family of believers.
The current GC’s General Vice President Artur Stele along with the former GC’s General Vice President Lowell Cooper; Tim Aka, GC’s Director of Investments and Associate Treasurer; Claude Richli, Associate Secretary of the General Conference; Dr. Ganoune Diop, Director of Public Affairs and Religious Liberty, and GC lawyer Karnik Doukmetzian, were put under cross-fire on stage but were able to satisfy the curious audience. Elder Stele shared only part of his responsibilities as GC Vice President but even this part was enough to impress Bulgarian believers. “There is not retirement from God’s work,” concluded the retired GC Vice President. “We are all ambassadors for God and His Church on Earth and we should present it accurately,” assured Dr. Diop.
This year, the Year-End Meeting was held in the city of Plovdiv – the oldest still populated city in Europe. The ancient history combined with the present and future outreach opportunities in order to create a special blend of faith, inspiration and willingness to go forward – on our knees!
You may watch the short video of the official Sabbath service on the occasion of the 2022 Year-End Meeting of Inter-European Division with words of encouragement from Arthur Stele, GC Vice President, Mario Brito, EUD President and Milen Georgiev, Bulgarian Union President:
