London, United Kingdom …. [Isaac Amo-Kyereme/ANN Staff]
What began as a small group of worshippers in the 1970s has grown to include more than 1,000 Ghanaian Seventh-day Adventists in Britain.
There are now four congregations in London alone. And when families grow, new homes are often needed: the London Ghana congregation has just broken ground on a £3 million (U.S. $5.4 million) church complex, reportedly the largest in the history of the South England Adventist church area.
“This church you are putting up should be a house of prayer, not only for the members of the church but for the whole community,” said Pastor Don McFarlane, outgoing president of the South England church area. “It must serve as a real place of refuge for the afflicted in society.”
He spoke on July 31 at a gathering at the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church celebrating the 30-year-milestone.
McFarlane charged the members of the church with a responsibility to maintain a good reputation in the community, so the church would attract neighbors who want to learn more about Adventists and their faith.
“[Our] members must prove that there are men and women, young boys and girls who are honest at the workplace, honest with their taxes, honest with society, so that the presence of God will be felt in the community,” he said.
McFarlane praised the Ghanaian church members for their zeal and enthusiasm for the initiation of the project, adding, “As you honor the Lord, He will also honor you and bless your land.”
In response, Dr. Emmanuel Osei, senior pastor of the London Ghana Seventh-day Adventist Church, thanked regional officials for their support in guaranteeing the loan and placing such confidence in the local church. He also paid tribute to the pioneering members who began the congregation 30 years ago.
The building site, formerly known as St. Cedds Church, is in the East End of London, and covers nearly two-thirds of an acre. When completed the church will seat 650 worshippers, and include media, music and youth halls to enhance church activities.
Copyright © 2005 by Adventist News Network.
