Cyprus, a beautiful and diverse place, captures the hearts of all who visit. It’s not just a tourist destination; it’s a mission field for the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the Trans-European Division (TED). One place that continues to thrive in post-Christian Europe is Cyprus, thanks to the blessings of God and the dedication of church members, pastors, and TED president, Branislav Mirilov. Cyprus is the place where Sabbath service attendees outnumber official membership.

Every year, around the months of October and November, the Cyprus Mission Youth, led by Pastor Kim Papaioannou and Pastor Moeen, organizes an inspiring gathering for young people. The event welcomes not just Cypriots but Greek youth and, on this particular occasion, visitors from the British Union Conference (BUC), Denmark, and several other nations.

What made the Youth Retreat stand out this year was the fact that, even though there were roughly 100 attendees on Sabbath, the event was neither small in significance nor importance for Pako Edson Mokgwane, General Conference associate Youth director, who graced this beautiful island with his presence. His inspiring message challenged the youth to actively participate in the mission and maintain an authentic Christian identity in today’s complex world.

While there were many beautiful moments, the highlight of the Youth Retreat was the baptism of two young people in the Mediterranean Sea. Each baptism is a profoundly meaningful event for everyone living and working in this region. And this one was no exception, allowing all present to commence the Sabbath with a jubilant celebration.

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