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 Seventh-day Adventist Church has had in the country, reflecting the number of baptisms and transfers of new members to local churches as a result of growing immigration.

A more detailed analysis of these numbers is set to be shared on November 10, when Júlio Carlos, the Executive Secretary of the Portuguese Union of Churches Conference (UPASD), presents the analysis of the numbers at the End of Year Council, at the UPASD headquarters in Lisbon.

According to José Lagoa, the president of the UPASD, 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 12,000 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, Adventists have inaugurated three new churches: 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.

The original article was published on the Inter-European Division website.