Adventist Headlines From Around the World—February 13, 2025

ICELAND

Reykjavík Church Family Come Together to Honor Retiring Minister

The Reykjavík Seventh-day Adventist Church in Iceland’s capital was filled with gratitude and joy as all congregations gathered for a unique joint service to close 2024. The occasion marked a dual celebration—giving thanks to God and honoring the remarkable 40-year ministry of Eric Guðmundsson and his wife, Laila Panduro.

The service was a moving tribute, enriched by the presence of talented musicians who created an atmosphere of reverence and beauty, those who attended the ceremony said.

Ivo Käsk, the newly appointed president of the Iceland Conference, expressed deep appreciation, on behalf of the members, for the couple’s dedication and commitment to serving the Lord during four decades. Of those 40 years, Guðmundsson devoted 18 as president.

The event drew about 130 guests from all congregations—a diverse gathering of young and old, Icelanders and foreigners, longtime friends and new acquaintances. Some had not seen each other in 40 years, those who attended reported. “The occasion provided an opportunity to transcend differences, uniting those who felt deeply connected to the church and others who had drifted away, those who had once disagreed but found reconciliation, and even some who carried lingering tensions,” they said.

NIGERIA

Babcock University Holds Groundbreaking Ceremony for a New School of Pharmacy

Babcock University’s drive toward enhancing Nigeria’s health sector got a boost with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Dame Caroline Kessington Adebutu (KVW) School of Pharmacy.

President/vice chancellor Ademola Tayo said the event marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s health sector, given the prevalence of fake drugs in the market. “Also, we hope that this project will boost research aimed at solving various health problems in society,” Tayo said. He emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards in the project’s execution, which will include a six-floor, three-block building.

The donor-sponsored project, gifted by Nigerian philanthropist Chief Kessington Adebutu in memory of his late wife, Caroline Oladunni Adebutu, is expected to be completed by October 2025.

Ezekiel Adeniran, Babcock University associate vice president for works and physical planning, assured that the project was designed with integrity in mind. “This team will not compromise on quality,” he said.

Leaders celebrated the initiative. “It aligns with Babcock University’s mission to provide high-quality education and training in health care, ultimately contributing to the improvement of Nigeria’s health sector,” they said.

BANGLADESH

Mission-wide Women’s Convention Inspires Bold Faith

The South Bangladesh Mission-wide Women’s Convention, held January 16-18 at Kellogg-Mookerjee Memorial Seminary, brought together women from across the region in faith, learning, and mission.

With the theme “Women . . . Glory to Him With Loud Voice,” the convention encouraged participants to share Jesus’ message boldly. Through prayer, worship, and training sessions, women were empowered to spread the gospel with confidence and conviction.

Mahuya Roy, Women’s Ministries director of the Bangladesh Union Mission, mobilized and inspired attendees to embrace their calling in ministry. The convention served as a platform for spiritual renewal, networking, and strategic ministry development, Women’s Ministries leaders said.

Raquel Arrais, Women’s Ministries director of the Northern Asia-Pacific Division, highlighted the significance of such gatherings. “Women’s Ministries gatherings consistently serve as catalysts for transformation, strengthening the faith and commitment of attendees,” she said.

According to leaders, participants returned to their local churches better equipped for outreach, discipleship, and mission work. “The impact of this convention will continue to resonate as women put their newfound inspiration into action, proclaiming the message of salvation with a loud voice,” they said.

GERMANY

Adventists Inaugurate Community and Day-care Center in Gunzenhausen

On February 1, Seventh-day Adventists inaugurated a community and day-care center in Gunzenhausen, Bavaria, Germany. The celebratory service was held under the motto “You Are Important. We Are Here.”

According to a statement by the Advent-Wohlfahrtswerk e.V. (AWW), this motto is also their focus and mission. AWW is the social welfare organization of the Adventist Church in Germany and the sponsor of the new day-care center. The newly built day-care center opened December 6.

Guests at the celebratory service included people from the city of Gunzenhausen, the Adventist Church in Bavaria, and the Adventist congregation in Gunzenhausen, from the South German Building Association (which manages the real estate of the church in southern Germany), as well as AWW leaders. Children and parents already using the facilities, with their teachers, were also among the day’s guests.

The AWW facility offers 12 crèche and 50 day-care places in three care groups. The playground area outdoors includes about 600 square meters (6,460 square feet). The construction of the day-care center cost a total of 4.6 million euros.

SYRIA

Leaders, Community Remember Devastating Earthquake Two Years Later

Adventist Development and Relief (ADRA) Germany leaders recently commemorated the tragic earthquakes that struck Türkiye and Syria two years ago. On February 6, 2023, devastating earthquakes struck southeastern Türkiye and northern Syria.

It was the deadliest quake since the disaster in Haiti in 2010. The tragedy lasted mere minutes, but with catastrophic consequences that continue to affect lives today. ADRA Germany has been one of the relief organizations providing assistance in Syria from the earliest hours.

For more than 11 years ADRA has been supporting the people of Syria, a country ravaged by civil war, through various projects. Following the earthquake immediate relief efforts began. ADRA was active in Türkiye and Syria, particularly in the regions of Lattakia, Aleppo, and Hama. Those affected received aid packages containing hygiene products, baby diapers, warm clothing, mattresses, and blankets. In five collective shelters, ADRA provided cleaning supplies to improve hygiene.

Efforts to repair the drinking water supply also began. Through its Cash for Work program, ADRA has supported volunteers in shelters, allowing them to earn an income while helping others, enabling quicker recovery and self-reliance.