2 Apr 2026, 10:57Fernando FrankoLondon, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
Serving with Love: A Tribute to Women at SDA East London Portuguese Church
On the Sabbaths of 8 March and, with special emphasis on 14 March, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the East London Portuguese congregation in Barking, Area 6C, witnessed a beautiful expression of gratitude, service, and spiritual reflection led by the Men’s Ministry.
With a clear and heartfelt purpose, the men of the church set out to honour women and mothers in a tangible way: by serving them completely throughout the Sabbath day. The vision was simple yet profound — to allow the women to rest, receive, and be appreciated, while the men took full responsibility for every detail of care and hospitality.
Under the leadership of the Men’s Ministry and the head deacon, Brother Israel, preparations began on Friday evening. The church was thoughtfully arranged, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. There was a quiet sense of anticipation — something meaningful was about to unfold.
As Sabbath morning dawned, the men were already at work. At 9:00am, a carefully prepared breakfast was served. Every detail, from the cooking to the presentation, reflected dedication and love. The women were welcomed not as workers, but as honoured guests. Smiles, gratitude, and a spirit of unity filled the room as pictures were taken to capture these special moments.
The Sabbath School that followed carried a unique tone. A men’s praise group led the congregation in worship, their voices united in reverence and joy. It was not merely a programme — it was an offering of hearts committed to service and recognition of God’s design for partnership and appreciation within His church.
The divine service reached its spiritual climax with a sermon delivered by Elder Franco, centred on the theme:
“When God Raises Women for a Time Like This”, based on the Book of Esther 4:14
“Who knows if for such a time as this you have come to the kingdom?”
The message was deeply rooted in Adventist theology, connecting three foundational pillars. First, the Great Controversy theme reminded the congregation that the woman in Scripture symbolises not only God’s people but also the faithful church engaged in a spiritual battle between Christ and Satan. This conflict is not distant — it unfolds within hearts, homes, and identities.
Second, the prophetic calling of the remnant was highlighted through powerful biblical examples. Women such as Deborah, Esther, Mary, and those present at the cross and resurrection were presented as instruments chosen by God in decisive moments of history. Their stories remind us that the remnant is not merely a doctrinal identity but a living testimony of those prepared to reflect Christ.
Third, the emphasis on revival and reformation brought the message into the present in a powerful and practical way. Inspired by the writings of Ellen G. White, the congregation was reminded that true revival is marked by deep consecration, earnest prayer, and the restoration of spiritual life within both the home and the church. Women, in this context, hold an essential and irreplaceable role.
Elder Franco expanded this perspective by drawing attention to the global season of Ramadan, inviting the church to engage in intentional intercessory prayer for Muslims around the world. He emphasised that this period represents a meaningful opportunity to seek God’s movement in hearts that are sincerely searching for truth.
In a thoughtful and missional insight, he highlighted the unique access women often have within Muslim contexts. Through friendship, trust, and relational connection, women can enter homes and spaces that are frequently closed to men. These quiet, relational bridges can become powerful avenues for witness, compassion, and the sharing of faith.
This appeal carried a clear sense of urgency: the missionary fields in Muslim-majority regions are vast and in need of dedicated workers, especially young women willing to serve with intentionality, cultural sensitivity, and Christ-centred love. The call was not distant or abstract, but immediate and deeply practical.
Thus, revival and reformation were presented not only as internal spiritual experiences but also as outward movements of mission. A revived heart naturally becomes a witnessing heart. And in God’s divine plan, women are not secondary participants — they are central instruments in reaching places and people that might otherwise remain untouched.
The day continued with a joyful fellowship lunch — once again entirely prepared, served, and cleaned up by the men. In the afternoon, a movie session and games created moments of relaxation and connection, strengthening bonds within the church community.
As the day came to a close, messages of appreciation filled the church’s communication groups. The efforts of the men did not go unnoticed. More than an event, it was a testimony of love in action — a reflection of Christ’s servant leadership.
Indeed, it was a reminder deeply felt by all: what a blessing it is to have women in the lives of men. Their strength, faith, and presence are gifts that sustain homes, churches, and communities.
This initiative was not just about one Sabbath — it was about cultivating a culture of honour, gratitude, and spiritual awareness. And in doing so, it echoed a timeless truth: when God raises women for such a time as this, the whole church is blessed.
On the Sabbaths of 8 March and, with special emphasis on 14 March, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in the East London Portuguese congregation in Barking, Area 6C, witnessed a beautiful expression of gratitude, service, and spiritual reflection led by the Men’s Ministry.
With a clear and heartfelt purpose, the men of the church set out to honour women and mothers in a tangible way: by serving them completely throughout the Sabbath day. The vision was simple yet profound — to allow the women to rest, receive, and be appreciated, while the men took full responsibility for every detail of care and hospitality.
Under the leadership of the Men’s Ministry and the head deacon, Brother Israel, preparations began on Friday evening. The church was thoughtfully arranged, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. There was a quiet sense of anticipation — something meaningful was about to unfold.
As Sabbath morning dawned, the men were already at work. At 9:00am, a carefully prepared breakfast was served. Every detail, from the cooking to the presentation, reflected dedication and love. The women were welcomed not as workers, but as honoured guests. Smiles, gratitude, and a spirit of unity filled the room as pictures were taken to capture these special moments.
The Sabbath School that followed carried a unique tone. A men’s praise group led the congregation in worship, their voices united in reverence and joy. It was not merely a programme — it was an offering of hearts committed to service and recognition of God’s design for partnership and appreciation within His church.
The divine service reached its spiritual climax with a sermon delivered by Elder Franco, centred on the theme:
“When God Raises Women for a Time Like This”, based on the Book of Esther 4:14
“Who knows if for such a time as this you have come to the kingdom?”
The message was deeply rooted in Adventist theology, connecting three foundational pillars. First, the Great Controversy theme reminded the congregation that the woman in Scripture symbolises not only God’s people but also the faithful church engaged in a spiritual battle between Christ and Satan. This conflict is not distant — it unfolds within hearts, homes, and identities.
Second, the prophetic calling of the remnant was highlighted through powerful biblical examples. Women such as Deborah, Esther, Mary, and those present at the cross and resurrection were presented as instruments chosen by God in decisive moments of history. Their stories remind us that the remnant is not merely a doctrinal identity but a living testimony of those prepared to reflect Christ.
Third, the emphasis on revival and reformation brought the message into the present in a powerful and practical way. Inspired by the writings of Ellen G. White, the congregation was reminded that true revival is marked by deep consecration, earnest prayer, and the restoration of spiritual life within both the home and the church. Women, in this context, hold an essential and irreplaceable role.
Elder Franco expanded this perspective by drawing attention to the global season of Ramadan, inviting the church to engage in intentional intercessory prayer for Muslims around the world. He emphasised that this period represents a meaningful opportunity to seek God’s movement in hearts that are sincerely searching for truth.
In a thoughtful and missional insight, he highlighted the unique access women often have within Muslim contexts. Through friendship, trust, and relational connection, women can enter homes and spaces that are frequently closed to men. These quiet, relational bridges can become powerful avenues for witness, compassion, and the sharing of faith.
This appeal carried a clear sense of urgency: the missionary fields in Muslim-majority regions are vast and in need of dedicated workers, especially young women willing to serve with intentionality, cultural sensitivity, and Christ-centred love. The call was not distant or abstract, but immediate and deeply practical.
Thus, revival and reformation were presented not only as internal spiritual experiences but also as outward movements of mission. A revived heart naturally becomes a witnessing heart. And in God’s divine plan, women are not secondary participants — they are central instruments in reaching places and people that might otherwise remain untouched.
The day continued with a joyful fellowship lunch — once again entirely prepared, served, and cleaned up by the men. In the afternoon, a movie session and games created moments of relaxation and connection, strengthening bonds within the church community.
As the day came to a close, messages of appreciation filled the church’s communication groups. The efforts of the men did not go unnoticed. More than an event, it was a testimony of love in action — a reflection of Christ’s servant leadership.
Indeed, it was a reminder deeply felt by all: what a blessing it is to have women in the lives of men. Their strength, faith, and presence are gifts that sustain homes, churches, and communities.
This initiative was not just about one Sabbath — it was about cultivating a culture of honour, gratitude, and spiritual awareness. And in doing so, it echoed a timeless truth: when God raises women for such a time as this, the whole church is blessed.
