Get to know more about us
Our Origins
Adventism first appeared in the United States in the mid-19th century. William Miller and a group of Christians gathered together to study the Bible more in depth. From this study they rediscovered certain biblical teachings that the Christian tradition had abandoned over the centuries. This group gradually grew. In 1863, the “Seventh-day Adventist Church” was born. The name had a dual meaning ; “Adventist” because we believe in the soon return of Jesus-Christ and "7th day" because we keep the day of rest on Saturday called "Sabbath". The Adventist Church spread rapidly and eventually made its way to Belgium. Today there are more than 18.5 million Adventists around the world. As of the beginning of 2021, the Adventist Church is celebrating 100 years of being in Belgium.
The International Seventh-day Adventist Church is located in the heart of Europe, Brussels, Belgium. It was originally created by a filipino group. They had a mission to start an English-speaking church because, at the time, there were only French and Dutch speaking churches. Starting out with only a few families, our church today has grown to be a congregation of about 70 people originating from all over the world. From Europeans and Asians to Africans and Americans, we all join together on Sabbath mornings to worship the Lord.
Meet Our Church Leadership...
David Carballo - Pastor
About me : David Carballo grew up in a pastoral family. He graduated from Montemorelos University in México with a degree in Theology. Then he served as a missionary pastor for 3 years in Berlin, Germany. Afterwards he went to Andrews University and received a Master of Divinity with emphasis in Church Planting. He moved to Belgium in 2014 and has been committed in multiple churches and collaborated with ADRA in many projects. He is the father of Nina (4 years) and Pancho (a dog).
Passions : Church planting, social service, human rights and refugees, music, travel and sports.
Nationality : 🇲🇽
Favourite Memory Verse : Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Daniela Weichhold - Church Clerk
About me : Daniela Weichhold grew up in Germany. In 2004, a few years after finishing her studies, she moved to Brussels to work as an administrative secretary for the European Commission. During a couple of career breaks, she was able to spend some time at Uchee Pines Institute in the United States, in order to receive training and to volunteer as a lifestyle counselor/medical missionary. At ISDA, she is currently responsible for the Health department and serves as a Church Clerk.
Passions : Medical missionary work, music, traveling, hiking, sewing and writing.
Nationality : 🇩🇪
Favourite Memory Verse : Psalm 42:11
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Douglas Guerrero - Church Treasurer
About : Douglas Guerrero grew up in Nicaragua and became a Seventh-day Adventist at the age of 17. He spent most of his adult life in the United States and moved to work in Belgium in 2008. He is married and has two daughters. In his professional life he is formally trained a chemist and works as a scientist in the field microelectronic. He has held several positions in the ISDA church and is now responsible for the Treasury department.
Passions : Support of church ministries, particularly youth, science and travel
Nationality : 🇳🇮
Favourite Memory Verse : Colossians 3:23
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Eugene Reginald - Elder
About me : Eugene joined the ISDA Church in April 2008 after relocating to Belgium for professional reasons. He is married with two children, Liam and Kylie. He was baptised in 1992 and since has served the church in various departments eg. Pathfinders, Sabbath School, Youth Ministries, Family Ministries.
Passions : Likes all sports but regularly Running and playing Volleyball.
Nationality : 🇿🇦
Favourite Memory Verse : Philippians 4:13
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
Jayakar Raju- Elder
About : Jayakar was born in an Adventist family. Though raised in Christian values and principles, his real conversion happened when he was miles apart from home in a foreign country at 25yrs. Since then, he loved God and served Him in every capacity at church. Joined Brussels International in 2010 and the journey has been marvelous. Blessed with a wonderful wife, Karine and a sweet daughter, Emily.
Passions : Outreach activities, Music, sports and travel
Nationality : 🇮🇳
Favourite Memory Verse : Isiah 41:10
"Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Tibor Szilvasi - Elder
About : Tibor Szilvasi grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist family. He studied Theology and accepted a call to serve as a pastoral intern in November 1981. He served as pastor and speaker/director of a radio ministry in his native country of Hungary for 15 years. Later he moved into mission service as ADRA Country Director, pastor, and church administrator first in Pakistan and then in the Middle East for 26 years. He is married to Eniko, an accomplished cellist, and they have three young adult sons, two of them residing in Brussels. He moved to Brussels with his wife in 2023 to be closer to their sons. He has been assisting the ISDA Church as volunteer Bible worker since July 2023.
Passions : Teaching the Bible and preaching, exercise walk in nature, listening to music
Nationality : 🇭🇺
Favourite Memory Verse : Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Yamikani Kadzakumanja - Elder
About : Yamikani grew up in an Adventist home in Malawi. He is married to Merlyn, and together they have one child, Alipo. In March 2022, he came to Belgium as a diplomat with the Malawi Embassy. He has served in various church departments, including youth, Sabbath School, and Personal Ministries
Passions : Evangelism, charity work, hiking and jogging.
Nationality : 🇲🇼
Favourite Memory Verse : Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.."
