Erton Köhler, president of the General Conference, and Barna Magyarosi, president of the Inter-European Division (EUD), visited Florence and Rome, Italy, for a series of engagements from September 18–19.
The tour began in Florence with a service inaugurating the 2023-2027 school year at the Adventist University Institute (IAU).
Reflecting on the history of the Adventist Church, Davide Romano, president of IAU, spoke on the path forged by early pioneers. "Italy is that special place where the first Seventh-day Adventist arrived in 1864: the pope's land. We have come a long way since then," he said. He also highlighted the legacy of the Villa Aurora campus, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary in 2027.
Köhler addressed the IAU students and faculty, emphasizing the institution's connection to an international community comprising more than 10,000 Adventist educational institutions and roughly 2.5 million students.
He also noted the broader global footprint of the Adventist Church. "The church in Florence belongs to this great family."
Köhler directly addressed the younger generations when issuing a missionary challenge tied to OneVoice27, a global initiative encouraging every church member to use their personal social media to spread the gospel.
"Each of you holds something special in your hands: a mobile phone. It can be an instrument of hatred or mission, a weapon or a blessing," he said.
Köhler urged the youth to use digital spaces—especially social media—as proactive tools for sharing the hope of the gospel.
The tour continued on September 19 at the Piazza Vulture church in Rome, bringing people together from across Italy and beyond both in person and through the church's livestream.
The service began with musical performances by local choirs, soloists, and youth from the Italian Pathfinders Association to set a reflective and spiritual atmosphere.
Sabbath school was led by Mariarosa Cavalieri, director of Sabbath School and Personal Ministries of the Italian Union of Churches Conference; Elisa Ghiuzan, ministerial intern, Ignazio Barbuscia, Italian Union secretary; and Magyarosi. Using QR codes, attendees were able to actively contribute questions and reflections in real-time.
The worship service highlighted the administrative scope of the EUD. Leadership from the Piazza Vulture church, Central Field, and Italian Union participated in the service to reinforce the message of unity in diversity delivered by Andrei Crețu, Italian Union president.
"It is a joy to see such a large and varied family gathered together. Many languages, many stories, but a single focus, to share the love of Jesus and the hope of his return," he said.
Köhler delivered the morning service, which coincided with World Pathfinder Day. He drew on his background as a former Pathfinder and Youth Ministry leader to honor the Pathfinder legacy. In a symbolic gesture, he wore a OneVoice27 Pathfinder scarf.
Köhler centered his message on Acts 19:11—"God did extraordinary miracles through Paul." He highlighted that divine power operates today just as it did in biblical times, working directly through human hands, ideas, and dedication.
Revisiting the theme of digital evangelism, Köhler referred to smartphones as "holy devices" dedicated to the service of hope. He invited the congregation to turn on their phone flashlight, turning the auditorium into a sea of small lights. The act demonstrated OneVoice27's ethos by showing how every participant can use their unique talents and voice to spread the single gospel.
Köhler emphasized the need for global outreach by sharing a story from a nation where the Adventist Church lacks official legal recognition.
Operating under severe restrictions, a non-formal missionary couple residing in the country lived out their faith. They connected with 10 local believers. Eventually, they enlisted a young man who had encountered the Adventist church abroad as an interpreter. He began offering Bible studies to 24 people, sparking the formation of a new faith community that saw numerous baptisms.
"Though living in the shadows, these men and women are a light of joy and hope that concretely testifies to Christ's love," Köhler said. "Mission continues to be an authentic miracle of God, always at work in the world. If we do not share the gospel, it is as if we are hiding the medicine from the patient."
The service concluded with a rendition of "Holy City" performed by the Piazza Vulture choir and Irida Dragoti.
The weekend's events extended into the afternoon with dedicated praise, Italian Union missionary projects, and an interactive panel discussion addressing the future of global church ministry.
The original article was published on the HopeMedia Italia news site.
