For the first time in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Portugal, the number of members reached 12,097, marking a significant moment for the denomination, which celebrates 120 years this year.
This number is the result of the marked growth that the SDA Church has had in our country, reflecting the number of baptisms and transfers of new members to our churches as a result of growing immigration.
A more detailed analysis of these numbers will only be known on November 10, when the Executive Secretary of UPASD, Pr. Júlio Carlos, presents the analysis of the numbers at the End of Year Council, at the UPASD headquarters in Lisbon.
According to the president of the Portuguese Union of Seventh-day Adventists, Pr. José Lagoa, this milestone is “a reason for great joy and gratitude to God, who has blessed our work and the dedication of our brothers. This growth reflects not only the efforts of our members to share the message of hope and salvation, but also the way in which our church has welcomed those who arrive from other countries and find, in the Adventist Church in Portugal, a place to grow in faith. Overcoming the barrier of 12 thousand members is a testimony to the commitment of each Adventist to take the Gospel to every corner of our country. May this number inspire us to continue our mission with even more fervor and dedication”.
The Adventist Church in Portugal is present in all district capitals, with 100 churches and 14 groups. Since January 2024, three new churches have been inaugurated: Vila Verde, Penafiel, and Fetais-Camarete.
In Portugal, there are 850 people for every Adventist. The country in the world with the best relationship between Adventists and inhabitants is the Solomon Islands, with 10 people for every Adventist, where Adventists represent 10 to 13% of the total population.
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