The Inter-European Division (EUD) of the Seventh-day Adventist Church held its year-end meeting from November 1 to 4, in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, gathering representatives from various church unions and institutions to reflect and plan on the Church’s mission and growth in a rapidly secularizing Europe. Themed "Called to Be Faithful: The Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus", the meeting focused on the commitment of church leaders, members, and institutions to uphold their values and mission.
Participants included administrators and delegates from the unions of the field, educational institutions, hospitals, publishing houses, media centers, and other various departments of the Church. The agenda was packed with insightful reports detailing the Church's mission activities and initiatives. The event served as a platform for sharing successes, challenges, and strategies as the Church navigates the complexities of contemporary society.
The secretariat report, delivered by Barna Magyarosi, highlighted a positive trajectory for the Church over the past years. Despite the secular pressures facing European nations, the report noted growth in membership. This growth reflects the tireless efforts of church members and leaders to foster community engagement and outreach.
In addition to the membership report, representatives from departments and various unions presented updates on mission initiatives across Europe. These reports emphasized a sustained growth in educational institutions, highlighting how schools have become centers of mission and beacons of hope and values in their communities. The Church's media outreach efforts were also commended, illustrating innovative approaches to spreading the Gospel message in a digital age. The Adventist Mission report highlighted the successful establishment of new church plants, which serve as vital responses to the spiritual needs of diverse populations within increasingly secular environments.
A crucial aspect of the meeting was the Treasury report, which underscored the faithfulness of church members in tithes and offerings. Despite the uncertainty and challenges of current times, the stewardship demonstrated by congregants has been instrumental in supporting the Church's mission. "Our members have shown incredible commitment to their faith and to the work of the Church," remarked the treasurer, emphasizing that these resources have been effectively allocated to mission-driven projects.
The meeting was honored by the presence of notable General Conference representatives, including Audrey Andersson, Vice President of the General Conference, and Richard Davidson, Associate Treasurer for Strategy and Technology. Andersson and Davidson, along with Noemi Duran, from GeoScience Research Institute Europe, had the responsibility of leading the morning devotionals. Claude Richli, Associate Secretary of the General Conference and also the liaison with the EUD, addressed the group at the Sabbath vespers on Friday.
In her address, Andersson preached the Sabbath sermon on the theme ‘Called to be Faithful’, focusing on how important it is for each one of us to be conscious about being called, chosen, faithful, and a follower of Jesus.
As the meeting concluded, participants left with renewed energy and a collective sense of purpose, ready to face the challenges ahead with faith and commitment. The theme "Called to Be Faithful" resonated deeply, reminding all attendees of their shared responsibility to uphold the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in the communities.
This year-end meeting not only celebrated past achievements but also set a hopeful vision for the future, ensuring that the Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to thrive in Europe, faithful to its mission and values.
