Swedish Seventh-day Adventists celebrated the 125th anniversary of the church's organization in their country with a five-day business meeting and spiritual session. The event was held in Ekebyholm, Sweden, and focused on ways to share the gospel story with yet more people. With a theme of "Come, Lord Jesus," 300 attendees responded positively to the challenge to win someone for the Lord in the next two years.

"Throughout the business sessions and other meetings the emphasis has been on evangelism, on reaching out to family, friends and neighbours," said Bjorn Ottesen who was re-elected president along with Audrey Andersson as executive secretary, and Ronny Hermansson as treasurer.

The evangelistic emphasis was reflected in sermons by guest speakers Dr. Bertil Wiklander, president of the Adventist Church in the Trans-Europe region, and Pastor David Asscherick from the U.S.A., both encouraged everyone to recommit their lives to Christ and become involved in evangelism.

"The re-elected leadership, led by pastor Ottesen, sets a clear direction for the growth of the church, and I believe we will see great things happening in the future," Wiklander said.

"A spirit of optimism and hope has permeated the meetings and it was a wonderful ending to the session to see so many making a public commitment to winning souls for the kingdom of God," Ottesen added.

The meetings blended church heritage with cutting edge technology. For the first time the morning worships and evening meetings were broadcast via the Internet using streaming video. They were also videotaped and will be available on DVD.

Other church officials admired the work of everyone who worked to organize the sound, lighting and technology.

"It has been very encouraging to take part. ... There are many talents in this union, and I have seen so many who are happy and proud to be in the forefront in their church," Wiklander said.

There are nearly 3,000 adult baptised members of the Seventh-day Adventist church in Sweden, who worship each week in 44 congregations. The small but vibrant Christian mainstream church operates a junior college, publishing house and natural foods company in the nation as well.

More information on Adventists in Sweden in Swedish and English in the Web: http://www.adventist.se/startsidan/default.asp