Women's Conference of the Bulgarian-Turkish Adventist Church in Germany

They came to Mühlheim/Main from Stuttgart, Mannheim, the Rhine-Main area, and Cologne—women of different generations, professional backgrounds, and life stories. Their destination: the Women's Conference of the Bulgarian-Turkish Adventist Church. What united them was more than a shared date on the calendar. It was the desire for spiritual deepening, exchange, and strengthening in faith.
Right from the start, musical performances set the special atmosphere for the day. Polyphonic singing, accompanied by sensitive instrumental arrangements, filled the room. The sounds touched the heart, the lyrics warmed the soul – songs about trust, preservation, and divine guidance. Music was not seen here as part of the program, but as a space for spiritual experience.
The highlight of the day was the devotional led by Dagmar Dorn, Women's Ministries (WM) Department of the Inter-European Division, based in Bern. With exegetical precision and pastoral sensitivity, she delved into the stories of the women of the Exodus—that phase of Israelite history marked by oppression, courage, and divine intervention. She traced how these women did not stand in the spotlight of political power, but acted within their families in everyday life, and at the same time highly risky situations. Their courage was not spectacular heroism, but a consistent adherence to God's will – even under pressure. To this day, God's saving action is often accomplished through inconspicuous but determined women. The story of the Exodus is therefore not only a narrative about Moses, but also about female strength of faith and moral courage.
Between the intense presentations, a break provided an opportunity for fellowship. Over coffee, tea, and delicious baklava and cakes, conversations were able to build bridges between generations and regions. The sweet specialty—a symbol of Turkish hospitality—became the connecting element between culture and community.
Afterwards, Dagmar Dorn gave a concise overview of the history and central areas of work of the worldwide WM  department within the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Women's Ministry is not seen as an isolated structure, but as an integral part of the church's mission. The aim is to empower women to discover their spiritual gifts and use them responsibly – in the church, family, and society.
Dany Canedo, WM Director for the North and South German Unions, provided the spiritual conclusion. In an impressive “Journey through Time,” she introduced well-known biblical figures and highlighted their relationship with God. Whether Moses, Sarah, or Achsah—the focus of her reflection was always on their personal relationship with God as the foundation of their lives. She emphasized that spiritual maturity depends less on external circumstances than on inner devotion. Her appeal: God's story with humanity is not finished; every woman continues to write it in her everyday life.
The official conclusion culminated in a rich Turkish buffet. Culinary diversity and warm conversations brought the day to a close. Between steaming dishes and spicy specialties, it became clear: community is theology in action.
The women's conference of the Bulgarian-Turkish Adventist Church was more than just an event. It was a spiritual retreat, a cultural encounter, and a source of encouragement all at once. Women from different cities came together—and left feeling empowered.
What remained was the awareness that faith transcends regional, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. And the stories of courageous women—then as now—continue to be written.