On the 3rd and 4th of the month, the Adventist Immigrant Communities Congress brought together approximately 700 attendees of various nationalities at the Monte Esperança Biblical Institute auditorium in Loures, Portugal. The two-day event served as a platform for cultural exchange, spiritual fellowship, and reflection on the immigrant experience in Portugal.
The program featured cultural and musical representations from Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Ukraine. Attendees participated in traditional dress parades, flag displays, and national anthem performances representing each country.
Cultural and Musical Presentations
The event showcased performances by diverse musical groups and choirs, including: the 50-voice Association of Adventist Immigrant Communities (ACIAP) Choir; the Sacavém church choir; the Talatona Metropolitana choir (Portugal extension); Vocal Ezer; Blend Acapella; Vocal Vibes; Belina Neves Vocal Group; and Vocal Kumi.
The proceedings were hosted by presenters Amália Santana, Jaime Molossande, and Belina Neves. Additionally, Pastor Hernâni Moura led the Sabbath School lesson discussion alongside Desconte Michael Mandinga (from the Feitais community) and Eugénio Mota (from the Póvoa de Santo Adrião community).
Panel Discussion on Immigrant Integration
A key feature of Saturday afternoon's agenda was a panel discussion titled "Immigrant Resilience and Adaptability in a Portuguese Historical Context", which was moderated by Jaime Molossande.
The panel brought together leaders from ecclesiastical, civic, and non-profit sectors: Pastor Artur Machado, director of the Lisbon and Tagus Valley Ecclesiastical Region; Dr. Cármen Maciel, executive director of ADRA Portugal; Dr. Patrícia Santiago, representative of the Division of Equality and Citizenship within the Department of Equality and Social Development at the Loures Municipal Council; and Pastor José Lagoa, president of the Portuguese Union of Seventh-day Adventists (UPASD).
During the proceedings, Pastor Machado underscored the initiative's significance and the strong involvement at the congregational level. He proposed initiating discussions with UPASD leadership to foster expanded community involvement in future events, emphasizing a shared human identity as migrants.
Spiritual addresses throughout the conference included opening remarks by Pastor Júlio Carlos Santos on Friday evening and a sermon by Pastor José Lagoa during Saturday's worship service.
Organizational Impact and Future Outlook
Organizers noted that the congress achieved its primary objectives of facilitating spiritual fellowship, cultural exchange, and unity among participating congregations, thus exceeding initial expectations for the Loures Municipal Council, UPASD, and event planners.
The Association of Adventist Immigrant Communities (ACIAP) acknowledged areas for organizational improvement in future editions while reaffirming its commitment to serving as a bridge across diverse cultural groups and supporting missionary work throughout Portugal.
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