A look back: FACE Convention in August in Friedensau

FACE Convention in August in Friedensau

From 14 to 17 August 2026, more than 300 members of the ‘Filipino Adventist Communities in Europe’ (FACE) gathered in Friedensau for the ‘FACE Convention’. The central theme of the meeting was ‘The Promise of His Return’. Participants came not only from Europe, but also from the US Virgin Islands (Caribbean), Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, Canada, Norway, Austria, the Philippines, Poland, Romania, Switzerland, Spain, Togo, the Czech Republic, Hungary and the USA.

The aim of the event was to strengthen fellow believers living far from their Filipino homeland and to promote the sharing of spiritual experiences, as well as a sense of community and belonging. The “Filipino Adventist Communities in Europe” see their mission as spreading the Three Angels’ Messages in Europe, and they stand by this commitment.

The gathering was attended by Pastor Ian Sweeney (Secretary of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and Head of the Church in the British Isles); Prof. Dr Roland E. Fischer (Rector of Friedensau Adventist University), Stefan Burton-Schnüll (pastor of the Friedensau University Church), Keo Rivera (pastor in Bavaria) and Jane Hetland (missionary mentor) from Canada.

During their time in Friedensau, there was plenty of singing and music-making – the Friedensau University Community, as well as the residents and staff at the Friedensau care home for the elderly, were able to experience for themselves the guests’ warm-hearted nature and musical talent. A wide variety of workshops and presentations of the participants’ projects and initiatives in their respective countries demonstrated what can be achieved through personal commitment: for example, Loida Lehmann spoke of a large-scale evangelistic campaign that also included the local prison in the Visayas region of the Philippines, and of the vital importance of supporting the training of lay preachers. In the Philippines, ‘Worship Fellowship International’ (WFI) organises online events, helps build community centres and improves the living conditions of families who are excluded from society. In Ireland – as the participants reported – the local Adventist youth choir visited various institutions and presented a musical programme during the Christmas season that provided opportunities to proclaim the Good News.

The FACE Convention usually takes place every two years. It is a pan-European gathering of Filipino Adventist congregations in Europe. The next meeting is planned for 2028; the venue has not yet been confirmed (Text: Andrea Cramer, based on information from Regina Palma-Dorn | all Photos: FACE).