On Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1, the Open Church Days were held at the Adventist Church of Verviers. For the second consecutive year, members got involved to help visitors discover a different side of our church. This year, ADRA Belgium was in the spotlight, in recognition of the humanitarian organization’s commitment during the floods of July 14 and 15, 2021. But that was not all.
In the church entrance hall, photos illustrated the damage the city had suffered four years earlier and recalled the many volunteers who came to help the victims clear their homes. In another section of the hall, more photos showcased various projects in which ADRA Belgium had been involved in the past, including houses built from plastic bottles.
In another room, a beautiful film about creation was shown. At the same time, in the chapel, visitors could admire a fine collection of both recent and old Bibles, kindly made available by church member Willy De Meyer.
But the highlight of Sunday was the presence of ADRA Belgium’s food truck. A few members were able to lend a hand to Manoë, who was in charge of the food truck, both in preparing the delicious vegetarian burgers and in serving them. We would also like to thank Elie Melis, president of the association, for his presence.
In total, about 25 people from outside the church discovered one or more of the exhibitions or activities on offer. Before leaving, each visitor received a special bag from the Verviers church containing a selection of books as a gift.
Both days were brightened up by a mini-concert given by different local vocal groups, which enlivened the program and delighted the audience with the quality of their performance.
And as a final touch, symbolizing the communion created around this event, members and the last visitors joined together in dismantling the installations, closing these two days of openness and exchange in the best possible way.
Edouard Ajinça