25 April 2025 |Târgu Mureș, Romania [Daniel Pedley]
With over 25 leaders and guests from 10 European countries for a weekend of spiritual renewal, mission focus, and cross-border collaboration, the European chapter of the Adventist-Laymen’s Services and Industries (ASI Europe) met together at the Nazna Church in Mureș County, Romania. At the heart of ASI Europe—and reaffirmed once again at this meeting—is the vital contribution of church members in advancing the church’s mission through both their professional and personal witness.”
United in Mission: ASI Europe’s Growing Network
ASI Europe now includes 19 national chapters across 22 European countries, comprising Adventist professionals, entrepreneurs, and individuals committed to “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace.” The Board weekend in Romania served not only as a platform for strategic planning but also as an inspiration for spiritual growth and unity.
Pastor Ian Sweeney, Trans-European Division Field Secretary (TED), delivered powerful spiritual messages encouraging deeper dedication and faithfulness in mission. The meeting was also a celebration of growth, with ASI Italy officially established as a new chapter following a vote by the Board.
Representatives from Switzerland, the UK, Scandinavia, Italy, Bulgaria, Portugal, and more gathered to share testimonies and updates on evangelistic projects, enriching the exchange of ideas and fostering mutual encouragement. Andrews University presented findings from its recent research on spiritual leadership, further equipping attendees with tools to integrate faith into leadership and outreach.
Highlights from Romania: Vision and Fulfilment
The centrepiece of the weekend was the visit to the newly inaugurated MEDEX Oncology Hospital in Târgu-Mureș, a flagship initiative by ASI Romania and the fulfilment of years of prayer and effort. Inaugurated in July 2024, MEDEX is already a beacon of hope and healing, aligning medical care with Christ’s compassionate mission. “MEDEX Oncological Hospital is God’s gift to people, and I encourage us not to take this gift for granted,” said Remus Bența, President of ASI Romania. “Despite the challenges we have faced and will continue to face, we put our trust in God and move forward steadfastly, fulfilling the benevolent work to which we are called.” The verse “He has made everything beautiful in its time” (Ecclesiastes 3:11) guided the fulfilment of this vision, now standing as a model of faith-based service for all of Europe.
A Weekend of Worship and Witness
The program was enriched by worship sessions and stirring music performed by the Nazna Church Choir, Voces Group, and Nazna Brass Band. Personal testimonies from lay members highlighted how God is using professionals across Europe to fulfil the Adventist mission in creative and powerful ways.
Words of Gratitude and Vision
Speaking on the impact of the gathering and the decision behind its location, Carlos Dias, President of ASI Europe, shared his reflections:
“Last October, ASI Europe decided to hold its 2025 Board Meeting in Târgu-Mureș to express our appreciation for ASI Romania’s outstanding work in recent years. The MEDEX Oncology Hospital is a true inspiration across Europe, demonstrating the realisation of the Vision – the Plan – and the Fulfilled Mission.”
The hospital tour and discussions over the weekend have sparked new dreams and challenges for all of us. Congratulations to ASI Romania, the Adventist Church leadership, and the Nazna Church—celebrating its 100th anniversary—for being such wonderful hosts! May God continue to bless you all, even in the face of challenges! ASI Romania can count on our prayers. Thank you so much, Romania!”
Join the Mission
ASI Europe continues to call Adventist members across the continent to consecration and action. Through its network of national chapters, ASI equips and empowers members to integrate faith into professional life and share Christ in every sphere of influence. “Today, God calls each of us to fulfil our mission,” shared Casiana Fometescu, Vice President for Membership Development and Growth. “ASI Europe invites you to take part in this mission—to take the Good News to the ends of the earth.”
About ASI Europe
Adventist-Laymen’s Services & Industries (ASI) Europe is a supporting organisation established to strengthen the mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church within the Inter-European (EUD) and Trans-European (TED) Divisions. Through collaboration with members from diverse professional backgrounds, ASI Europe promotes outreach programs aligned with the Church’s principles and values.
The roots of ASI trace back to Madison College, a self-supporting institution founded in 1904 near Nashville, Tennessee. Strongly supported by Ellen G. White, the college became a model for mission-driven education and service. ASI was officially formed in the United States in 1947, with its inaugural meeting affirming its commitment to Ellen White’s vision of empowering laypeople to participate in God’s work.
Since its founding, ASI has grown into a global network of members committed to “Sharing Christ in the Marketplace.” This motto reflects the organisation’s mission to integrate faith into daily life, inspiring professionals and business owners to represent Christ in their work and personal lives.
Today, ASI Europe provides resources such as funding, training, and expertise to support mission-driven projects, including health, education, evangelism, and community initiatives. Guided by its core values—togetherness and inspiration—ASI Europe works to share the Gospel, demonstrate Jesus’s love, and prepare all for Christ’s soon return.
Featured image: Michael Garkov (General Vice-President), Casiana Fomestescu (Vice-President), Daniel Klop (Executive Secretary), and Carlos Dias (President).
For more information about ASI Europe and how to get involved, visit www.asi-europe.org. For specific enquiries, please feel free to reach out to:
- Carlos Dias – President, ASI Europe: [email protected]
- Casiana Fometescu – VP Membership Development & Growth: [email protected]
- Daniel Pedley – VP Marketing & Communications: [email protected]
