The European Congress on Adventist Lifestyle Centers will take place from May 30 to June 3, 2023, in Coimbra, Portugal. Among the speakers will be Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists.

The congress aims to strengthen the work of existing centers and promote the opening of new ones in Europe. It will provide training on the most important issues related to the establishment and management of lifestyle centers, independent of size.

A Church Ahead of Its Time

Over 100 years ago, Adventists helped to revolutionize medical care. Lifestyle habits became important factors in disease prevention and treatment. A new concept was developed: the sanitarium, a place where medical care was offered, combining the best health-related technology with lifestyle habits such as optimal nutrition, physical activity, temperance, a personal relationship with God, and social support. Sanitariums became centers of excellence in health care, where patients were cared for holistically.

A Reference to the World

Adventists continue to be at the forefront of healthcare in the 21st century. Advances in medical science have increased life expectancy and quality of life. Nevertheless, science continues to confirm the importance of lifestyle habits as the most important factor in disease prevention and as adjuvant contributors in treating disease.

A Model for the Present and Future

Modern-day Adventist hospitals are lighthouses of hope. However, increasing building, equipment, and operational costs have contributed to shorter hospital stays and an increased focus on patients´ most urgent health needs.

A modified concept of the “old” sanitarium has emerged over the past few decades: the residential Adventist lifestyle center. These are smaller institutions, usually located in the countryside, where patients are helped to improve their health habits outside an acute care environment. Building and operational costs are also much lower. These centers provide the best adjuvant lifestyle-related care for prevention and treatment of disease.

Your Participation

If you are working in an Adventist lifestyle center or wish to open a new one, this congress is for you! Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a God-driven movement to reach the world with His message of hope and healing. Please register here.

The Venue

The Sao Francisco Convent Conference Center in Coimbra, Portugal, was built between 1602 and 1659. In 2005, it was rebuilt as a modern, state-of-the-art conference center while retaining much of its original architecture and “ambiance.” Coimbra is an ancient city located on the Mondego River, 40 kilometers from the Atlantic coast. Once the Portuguese capital, it is home to one of the oldest universities in the world, founded in 1290. Its rich history and central location make it the ideal place to spend a few days visiting the region before or after the congress.

The original version of this story was posted on the Inter-European Division website.