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From October 17 to 19, 2025, the Entrepeñas Multiple Activities Center (CAM) in Spain hosted the Iberian Women's Ministries Convention. The meeting, held under the theme “Back to Eden,” brought together dozens of Adventist women from Spain and Portugal. It was a weekend of spiritual reflection, training, and strengthening of faith. For three days, attendees had the privilege of strengthening bonds of sisterhood with their eyes set on eternal hope. They recalled the biblical promise that “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells” (2 Peter 3:13 NIV). In a world marked by pain and injustice, the participants expressed their longing for peace, healing, and hope. They reaffirmed their commitment to fulfill the work that God desires to accomplish through each woman.
The meeting was attended by prominent Women's Ministries leaders. The women were welcomed  by Mercedes Martínez, Women's Ministries Director in Spain, and Cristina Bastos, Women's Ministries Director in Portugal. Together, they inaugurated a program of training and spiritual reflection designed to strengthen the personal and ministerial growth of the attendees.
Speakers
Among the speakers, Dagmar Dorn, Women's Ministries Director at the Inter-European Division, invited reflection on the meaning of Eden and its similarity to God's sanctuary on earth. She recalled the intimate relationship that Adam and Eve enjoyed with their Creator, an environment where they were created, instructed, and tested. She also analyzed the faith and courage of biblical women such as the Hebrew midwives, as well as Jochebed and Miriam, who, obeying God rather than Pharaoh, were instruments in preserving Moses' life.
The program continued with a presentation by Dr. Ester Malaxechebarria. She explained, in an educational way, how our experiences, emotions, and spirituality can influence genetic expression and health through what are called epigenetic marks. She also emphasized the importance of healthy eating, forgiveness, meditation, and memorizing the life and words of Christ as elements that heal the body and mind. “We are letters from Christ to the world,” she reminded them, encouraging them to replace negative thoughts with contemplation of God's glory.
Baptismal Ceremony for María and Carolina
On the Sabbath, taking advantage of the calm and sunny weather, attendees participated in a moving baptismal ceremony on the banks of the reservoir. María and Carolina, from El Shaddai Church in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), sealed their covenant with Christ by being baptized in an atmosphere of joy, music, and prayer.
In the afternoon, Equality Technician and Social Educator Sari Hernández gave a presentation on God's original design for women. She emphasized that men and women reflect the divine essence and were created equal. She also recalled that, in Eden, the relationship between Adam and Eve was harmonious, without hierarchies or competition. On the other hand, Jesus himself restored dignity to women during his earthly ministry.
The 8 principles of health
For her part, Dr. Claudia Neves, who works with the Novo Tempo Portugal Family Doctors program, presented the NEWSTART plan, based on eight principles of health: Nutrition, Exercise,Water,Sun,Temperance, Fresh air,Rest, andTrust in God
She explained how these habits can prevent common diseases such as depression, obesity, osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia.
Reflection, healthy relationships, and prayer groups
Professor Dámaris López, director of the Art Academy at the Sagunto Adventist Campus, offered a reflective audiovisual experience inspired by the life of Eve. Through dramatization and creative dynamics, she invited participants to strengthen their faith, confidence, and sense of community, promoting the spiritual and personal empowerment of women.
Finally, psychologist Elisabeth Sandoval, a member of the Women's Ministries team, spoke about the importance of establishing healthy relationships based on security, care, and love. She reminded us that the story of Adam and Eve invites us to reflect on how guilt and trauma affect our relationships, and that God offers the possibility of healing, forgiveness, and rebuilding relationships through divine love.
During the weekend, there were also moments of group prayer led by Maya, translation into English and Portuguese thanks to Tatiana, Cristina, Gema, and Guadalupe, and many moments of communion that strengthened the faith of those in attendance.
The convention concluded with a message of gratitude and hope: “Women, come and let us walk together toward a restored Eden!”
According to a report by Margarita Martínez, director of the Women's Ministries of the Church of Móstoles (Madrid).
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