11 Feb 2026, 16:34Victor ManangaziraGuernsey
First Baptism at Guernsey Group Marks Milestone for Channel Islands
Situated in the English Channel are several Crown Dependencies, which include the Bailiwick of Jersey—the largest of the islands—and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, and other smaller islands. These are collectively known as the Channel Islands.
On 7 February 2026, members of the Channel Islands SDA Company – Guernsey Group gathered with family and friends to witness the baptism of two precious souls: Esther Gyamfi and Rona Mariz Gorieza. Local elders, who had been instrumental in preparing for this important event, officiated the service and led the candidates to baptism.
The sermon, entitled “Look, There Is Water” and based on Acts 8:26–40, was preached by Pastor Nathan Stickland, Executive Secretary of the South England Conference (SEC) of Seventh‑day Adventists. Pastor Stickland baptised and later welcomed the two new members into SDA church fellowship. Praizapella, a singing group from Guernsey Church, led out in praise through uplifting music, and Pastor Laszlo Liebhardt, Church Growth & Adventist Mission Director at the SEC, gave words of encouragement to the new members and to the Channel Islands Adventists on their part in God’s mission to the Channel Islands and beyond. As part of the South England Conference, the Channel Islands Company falls under Area 9.
To God be the glory. This was a long‑awaited and joyful event for all members of the Channel Islands SDA community.
Elder Mandla Mlambo, leader of the Channel Islands Company, thanked the South England Conference leadership for their continuing support for the growing church and for finding time in their busy schedules to visit the Channel Islands for such an important event. He further thanked both pastors for bringing words of encouragement and for officiating the first baptism in the Channel Islands. Elder Mlambo praised God and acknowledged His power in the great work He is doing for the church in the Channel Islands. The church began humbly in 2007, when a few believers (four in number) arrived in Jersey. Finding no Adventist church locally, they started a house church, which has grown—now believers gather in temporary places of worship on both islands. Despite challenges, God has continued to work by His Spirit among His people. The church has continued to grow, and another baptism is anticipated at the beginning of autumn 2026 on the Isle of Jersey.
Situated in the English Channel are several Crown Dependencies, which include the Bailiwick of Jersey—the largest of the islands—and the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Alderney, Sark, Herm, and other smaller islands. These are collectively known as the Channel Islands.
On 7 February 2026, members of the Channel Islands SDA Company – Guernsey Group gathered with family and friends to witness the baptism of two precious souls: Esther Gyamfi and Rona Mariz Gorieza. Local elders, who had been instrumental in preparing for this important event, officiated the service and led the candidates to baptism.
The sermon, entitled “Look, There Is Water” and based on Acts 8:26–40, was preached by Pastor Nathan Stickland, Executive Secretary of the South England Conference (SEC) of Seventh‑day Adventists. Pastor Stickland baptised and later welcomed the two new members into SDA church fellowship. Praizapella, a singing group from Guernsey Church, led out in praise through uplifting music, and Pastor Laszlo Liebhardt, Church Growth & Adventist Mission Director at the SEC, gave words of encouragement to the new members and to the Channel Islands Adventists on their part in God’s mission to the Channel Islands and beyond. As part of the South England Conference, the Channel Islands Company falls under Area 9.
To God be the glory. This was a long‑awaited and joyful event for all members of the Channel Islands SDA community.
Elder Mandla Mlambo, leader of the Channel Islands Company, thanked the South England Conference leadership for their continuing support for the growing church and for finding time in their busy schedules to visit the Channel Islands for such an important event. He further thanked both pastors for bringing words of encouragement and for officiating the first baptism in the Channel Islands. Elder Mlambo praised God and acknowledged His power in the great work He is doing for the church in the Channel Islands. The church began humbly in 2007, when a few believers (four in number) arrived in Jersey. Finding no Adventist church locally, they started a house church, which has grown—now believers gather in temporary places of worship on both islands. Despite challenges, God has continued to work by His Spirit among His people. The church has continued to grow, and another baptism is anticipated at the beginning of autumn 2026 on the Isle of Jersey.
