On September 26, 2009, about two thousand people attended Portugal’s first ASI Convention held in Aula Magna. Vice President of the General Conference, Pastor Mark Finley was the convention’s special guest. The theme for this first ASI Convention was “Sharing Christ Now!”

The Convention programs on September 25th and 26th focused on how and why ASI was started and what its objectives are.

On September 25th, six hundred people attended the two-hour program held at the Adventist Central Church in Lisbon. The program was based on a presentation about ASI, followed by music from the group Laudare, and ending with a reflection by Pastor Mark Finley.

Sabbath September 26th had a full program at Aula Magna. The Sabbath school lesson was taught by Victor Pires, Vice President of It Is Written in the U.S., and was followed by the presentation of six evangelism projects supported by ASI. First was the DVD New Beginnings. Second was the evangelism course “Vive la Experiencia” in Spain for which two young women were chosen. Third was the “Talita Kids on Vacation,” a project that will bring Christ to thirty children in need. Fourth was “Stop & Go” which seeks to awaken people’s minds

through public evangelism such as going door-to-door and asking people questions like “What if God really does exist?” The fifth project, “Sao Tome Mission 2010,” called for a group of fifty volunteers to travel to Sao Tome and build three one-day churches. The final project, APMP, will start a school of evangelism focused on medical missionary work .

The financial needs of these six projects totalled 33 650 €, but the offerings given amounted to 56 000 €! After the offering, the worship service continued with a powerful message from Pastor Mark Finley.

A dynamic program entitled “ASI in Action” was held Sabbath afternoon. Testimonies were given by Radim Passer, Angel Duo, Efraim Caetano, Ruben Dias and João Miguel. Each of their testimonies showed miraculous ways God had intervened in their lives. The entire evening program was enriched by music from Laudare and other groups. Pastor Mark Finley closed the Convention with a message showing how the church is growing around the world, even in countries such as China, India, and Cuba.

We look forward to next year’s Convention and to reaping the fruit of the seeds sown during this first ASI Convention.

Ruben Dias

ASI Portugal President