When doctors told Resta he had type 2 diabetes, he didn’t know exactly what to do. He was immediately put on three medications, and none of them seemed to help. Eventually, Resta visited a nearby Adventist healthcare clinic.

“At the clinic they taught me how to change my lifestyle, and since then I don’t take any medication. I eat a vegan diet and I work out a lot.”

Resta’s health transformation inspired him to attend the Adventist university in Hungary to get certified in lifestyle consultation.

“Because I have diabetes, I really want to help other people with this disease. That’s my motivation.”

Today, Resta is the coordinator of a Global Mission Urban Center of Influence in Debrecen (DEH-breh-sen), the second largest city in Hungary. This center provides a number of services including a salt room, therapeutic massage, medical advice for asthma and lung problems, and grief and addiction counseling.

“From the first moment they come here, we tell them everything is based on Christianity. Our base is the Bible.”

The Christian care and professional services visitors receive encourage them to return for other programs.

“We are very lucky because God gave us six doctors who are church members and also more than ten members who are working in the healthcare field.”

I think it’s a good opportunity for us to help people and work together for people.

“I think it’s a very important place because in church we can treat the spiritual health of the people and here we can treat the body and give them advice about the body.”

“I think this place is like a bridge between the people of the city and the church.”

This Urban Center of Influence started through Total Member Involvement when Anna-Maria decided to open a small bookstore where people could relax, socialize, and browse faith-based books.

“People don’t have proper connections with each other. They are just rushing all the time.”

“We were trying to reach out to those people who didn’t have proper and pure connections with others. We wanted to pray with them and for them.”

Through this ministry, several people have come to know Jesus.

“There’s a woman who had several problems and came into the store. I was able to recommend some books and support. We talked and I invited her to church, and she became a church member.”

“It was like a miracle how much of a loving atmosphere there was. They were very kind to me. They offered for me to sit down and talk with them.”

“I’m very thankful for this center and I’m thankful I can share my new beliefs and love with others.”

Another way Adventists spread love is through their annual event called “Reach Out with Flowers.” Each year, one of the church members grows thousands of daffodils on his land and donates them for all the church members to give out freely in the community.

“Many people ask why do we do this. The answer is simple. Just because we want to show love and be a blessing to people in the city.”

Adventists in Debrecen are trying to connect with people in creative ways. Whether it’s through medical services or participating in city events, they want to be involved in the community.

Please pray that their outreach efforts continue to spread the love of Jesus to the people of this large city. Thank you for supporting Global Mission, which supports projects like these in cities around the world.