6 Feb 2025, 07:58Dr Audrey SoyamTottenham, Haringey, London, Greater London, England, United Kingdom
TED President Dr. Daniel Duda Inspires Tottenham Lighthouse Church with Vision and Faith
On 25 January, the Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church was honoured to welcome Dr Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as the guest speaker for the Sabbath service. His visit was especially significant given the fact that he was scheduled to travel to Europe later that afternoon for important church business. Yet, in spite of his busy schedule, he made it a priority to worship with us before departing. His commitment to engaging with local congregations, despite his high-level responsibilities, is a testament to his passion for ministry and dedication to mission work.
Dr Duda, originally from Slovakia, has had a rich journey in Adventist education, leadership, and theology. Before becoming TED President in 2022, he served in various capacities, including as Education Director and Adventist Mission Director for the division. He has also been a lecturer in biblical and systematic theology and has a deep love for studying and sharing the Word of God. His ministry has taken him across Europe, where he has inspired many through his insightful teaching and dynamic preaching. His love for mission and church growth is evident in his work, and his visit to Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church reflected this passion.
During his sermon, Dr Duda shared inspiring words of wisdom that uplifted and challenged the congregation. He spoke passionately on three key themes:
Firstly: Having a vision – He encouraged the church to have a vision for their lives, else you will be fulfilling other people’s own. Have a vision for which you are willing to sacrifice something, even if it takes a long time—be willing to start.
He emphasised that we should have a vision of service. Our actions, especially in how we serve others, are a reflection of our commitment to Christ.
Secondly: Having courage to seek – Dr Duda stressed the importance of pursuing your dreams even in the face of obstacles and criticism.
“We need courage because oftentimes when we are pursuing our vision, we do not know what the outcome will be. Change is seldom pleasant, rarely joyful—that’s why we hate it, but sometimes God is calling us to new levels of opportunity and maturity. He calls us to put our left foot in front of the right foot and keep going, to understand the unknown.”
He said, “If God gives you a vision, don’t give up easily. If you pursue it, you will finally meet Jesus.”
Thirdly: When you encounter Jesus, your life will change –
“Bitterness will evaporate, hatred will dissolve, and resentment will melt. Whoever meets Jesus does not return home the same way: you go home by another route. When you encounter people with hatred, you know they are not returning from a visit to Jesus.” When we meet Jesus, he changes us.
The congregation was deeply moved by his sermon, and many expressed their gratitude for his inspiring message. His words resonated with members, leaving them feeling blessed and spiritually refreshed.
Resident Pastor, Dr Jude Jeanville, who had booked the preaching appointment in 2024, was thrilled to sit and listen to one of the most in-depth theologians in Europe. He said, “The sermon was definitely providential as the church had embarked on a journey and faced challenges and obstacles, but equally so is experiencing a transformation which would not have transpired had we not had a vision and pursued it.”
Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church has long been a pillar in the community, not just as a place of worship but as a beacon of hope and service. The church feeds thousands of people weekly, providing essential food supplies to those facing hardship through its impactful outreach initiative, the Tottenham Lighthouse Food Hub, which operates every Tuesday and Saturday.
Dr Duda’s visit was a moment of recognition and encouragement for the incredible work being done at Tottenham Lighthouse, and his sermon served as a reminder that when we pursue our dreams and have courage, we will meet Jesus, and our lives will never be the same again.
On any given Sabbath at Tottenham Lighthouse, our congregation has worshippers from various ethnic backgrounds and different faiths and denominations, all testifying to the love and warmth they experience at our church, which is under refurbishment.
Accompanied by his wife, Viera, Dr Duda’s visit was a blessing to all in attendance, and his message will continue to inspire and uplift the Tottenham Lighthouse congregation in the weeks and months to come.
We are grateful for his ministry, leadership, and dedication and pray for God’s continued guidance in his work across the Trans-European Division.
A highlight of Dr Duda’s visit was a special thank-you meal sponsored by Victoria Soyam for the church and community—her way of saying thanks to God for giving her favour in her job.
For those who missed the service or wish to revisit Dr Duda’s powerful sermon, it is available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NalMtFI9FY&t=659s
On 25 January, the Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church was honoured to welcome Dr Daniel Duda, President of the Trans-European Division of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as the guest speaker for the Sabbath service. His visit was especially significant given the fact that he was scheduled to travel to Europe later that afternoon for important church business. Yet, in spite of his busy schedule, he made it a priority to worship with us before departing. His commitment to engaging with local congregations, despite his high-level responsibilities, is a testament to his passion for ministry and dedication to mission work.
Dr Duda, originally from Slovakia, has had a rich journey in Adventist education, leadership, and theology. Before becoming TED President in 2022, he served in various capacities, including as Education Director and Adventist Mission Director for the division. He has also been a lecturer in biblical and systematic theology and has a deep love for studying and sharing the Word of God. His ministry has taken him across Europe, where he has inspired many through his insightful teaching and dynamic preaching. His love for mission and church growth is evident in his work, and his visit to Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church reflected this passion.
During his sermon, Dr Duda shared inspiring words of wisdom that uplifted and challenged the congregation. He spoke passionately on three key themes:
Firstly: Having a vision – He encouraged the church to have a vision for their lives, else you will be fulfilling other people’s own. Have a vision for which you are willing to sacrifice something, even if it takes a long time—be willing to start.
He emphasised that we should have a vision of service. Our actions, especially in how we serve others, are a reflection of our commitment to Christ.
Secondly: Having courage to seek – Dr Duda stressed the importance of pursuing your dreams even in the face of obstacles and criticism.
“We need courage because oftentimes when we are pursuing our vision, we do not know what the outcome will be. Change is seldom pleasant, rarely joyful—that’s why we hate it, but sometimes God is calling us to new levels of opportunity and maturity. He calls us to put our left foot in front of the right foot and keep going, to understand the unknown.”
He said, “If God gives you a vision, don’t give up easily. If you pursue it, you will finally meet Jesus.”
Thirdly: When you encounter Jesus, your life will change –
“Bitterness will evaporate, hatred will dissolve, and resentment will melt. Whoever meets Jesus does not return home the same way: you go home by another route. When you encounter people with hatred, you know they are not returning from a visit to Jesus.” When we meet Jesus, he changes us.
The congregation was deeply moved by his sermon, and many expressed their gratitude for his inspiring message. His words resonated with members, leaving them feeling blessed and spiritually refreshed.
Resident Pastor, Dr Jude Jeanville, who had booked the preaching appointment in 2024, was thrilled to sit and listen to one of the most in-depth theologians in Europe. He said, “The sermon was definitely providential as the church had embarked on a journey and faced challenges and obstacles, but equally so is experiencing a transformation which would not have transpired had we not had a vision and pursued it.”
Tottenham Lighthouse SDA Church has long been a pillar in the community, not just as a place of worship but as a beacon of hope and service. The church feeds thousands of people weekly, providing essential food supplies to those facing hardship through its impactful outreach initiative, the Tottenham Lighthouse Food Hub, which operates every Tuesday and Saturday.
Dr Duda’s visit was a moment of recognition and encouragement for the incredible work being done at Tottenham Lighthouse, and his sermon served as a reminder that when we pursue our dreams and have courage, we will meet Jesus, and our lives will never be the same again.
On any given Sabbath at Tottenham Lighthouse, our congregation has worshippers from various ethnic backgrounds and different faiths and denominations, all testifying to the love and warmth they experience at our church, which is under refurbishment.
Accompanied by his wife, Viera, Dr Duda’s visit was a blessing to all in attendance, and his message will continue to inspire and uplift the Tottenham Lighthouse congregation in the weeks and months to come.
We are grateful for his ministry, leadership, and dedication and pray for God’s continued guidance in his work across the Trans-European Division.
A highlight of Dr Duda’s visit was a special thank-you meal sponsored by Victoria Soyam for the church and community—her way of saying thanks to God for giving her favour in her job.
For those who missed the service or wish to revisit Dr Duda’s powerful sermon, it is available online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NalMtFI9FY&t=659s
