Birtil Wiklander, President, Trans-European Division
| |
A Division of comparatively small church membership and extreme contrasts, the Trans-European Division (TED) presented a creative audio-visual production showcasing Seventh-day Adventist work in one of the most challenging of the church’s 12 World Divisions. The theme, “Until the Lost be Found,” was dramatically emphasized throughout the presentation.
The colorful TED report commenced with African children presenting two songs. Dressed in beautiful costumes, the “Pro-Active Kids” sang in their native language and music style to enthusiastic applause.
TED President Bertil Wiklander presented a brief on-screen look at TED’s challenges, notably Islam in the Middle East and secularism in Europe.
Stories of hope were also presented. A woman in Riga established a church for the hearing impaired, an inspiring demonstration of reaching out to those deaf as well as spiritually lost.
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency’s (ADRA) significant work in the TED was covered with reports of large amounts of aid being given to needy areas. An ADRA project in Egypt provides water for nomads; ADRA runs health projects and food distribution; and ADRA assisted the Kosovo refugees in Albania in 1999 and is continuing to provide food to that region.
In Bosnia, a Muslim soldier, Philippe, hid with fellow soldiers in a Seventh-day Adventist church during the war. As he spent time within the building, he began reading church literature and became interested in the Adventist faith. Today he is studying to become a Seventh-day Adventist minister. The audience responded enthusiastically when Wiklander interviewed Philippe on stage.
In Israel, people are being reached by Adventists, with about 1,000 attending church weekly. The Adventist Church is finding ways of being relevant to people in various circumstances and situations.
“Reaching people with the gospel message in Europe has become increasingly difficult,” the video reported. An inspiring story was presented of the first new church planted in Denmark in recent years. Designed as a café to attract a secular audience, it provides a personal, caring environment which attracts many to Christ.
Bettina Wiik, church planting leader in Denmark, was interviewed on stage by President Wiklander. Wiik challenged the audience, “I believe that God has a vision for all of us,” she said. “We need to take up our cross, and be willing to sacrifice everything. Ask God for the vision for your life.”
Music by the London Adventist Chorale was a powerful conclusion to a stirring, creative and relevant report. |
