After the General Assembly of the Franco-Belgian Union, held from May 5 to 8, 2023, it was the turn of the General Administrative Assembly of the Belgian-Luxembourg Conference. The meeting took place in the historic building of the French-speaking Central Church of Brussels from May 17 to 19, 2023.
The nomination committee was presided by Pastor Rubén De Abreu. Pastor Reto Mayer was the representative of the Inter-European Division and Pastor Karine Eloidin, treasurer from the Franco Belgian Union, acted as advisor in procedures.
The general theme "Together, let us share God's love" was presented by Pastor Roberto Badenas, who led the participants to reflect on what the church of our dreams is like, the diversity we find in our churches which is not different from what the first Christians found, and the main priority that unites us: the knowledge of the gospel, its proclamation and the personal knowledge of God's love in the life of each member. He also spoke about the real meaning of Sabbath, which is not to be kept but to be celebrated, and God gave it to us by grace.
The new elected president is Pastor Yves Pierre, father of three children, originally from Belgium. He is 49 years old and has served as a pastor for 20 years. His predecessor, Pastor Jeroen Tuinstra, president for the past 10 years, said a prayer after Yves Pierre's election, asking for a blessing for the new president and his team.
Pastor Pierre, in his address as the new president, highlighted the dependence we have on the Holy Spirit, stating that, as a church, we have been called to make disciples but, more than that, individually we are called to be disciples and, furthermore, we are asked to be a living testimony. He concludes that we can only be so if we have a large portion of the Holy Spirit, which is assured if we allow it since we have been promised that—as quoted in Philippians 2:13—“it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose”.
The new general secretary is Pastor Fabio Luna, 38 years old, originally from Belgium, married and father of two children. His predecessor, Pastor Edouard Ajinça, served as general secretary for 4 years and the assembly showed great appreciation for his work.
Pastor Christian Sabot, a married father of three children, was re-elected treasurer, a position he has held in the Federation since 1998.
The Assembly also elected the new heads of the departments of Youth & Family and Training & Mission. The new Youth and Family director is Pastor Jérôme Raucy, originally from Belgium, who succeeds Pastor Philippe Leduc.
Pastor David Carballo, elected to lead Training & Mission, is originally from Mexico and succeeds Pastor Ricardo Pereira.
The new Conference Committee was also elected and is composed of the following members: Yves Pierre – President; Fabio Luna - General Secretary; Christian Sabot – Treasurer; David Carballo - Training and Mission; Jérôme Raucy – Youth and Family; Thirza Van den Broek – Pastor; David Verreydt – Anvers; Anna Scarlino – Hasselt; Martial Amia – Liège; Mélanie Mayeur, Ana Simoes – Luxembourg; Alina Mocanu – Harmony; Luisa Delgado - Maranatha (Hispaniques)
Photos: 1. Pastor Roberto Badenas 2. Federation Franco-Belgian Luxemburgish new team from left to right: Treasurer, Christian Sabot, Secretary General, Fabian Luna, in the middle, and President, Yves Pierre. Credit: Alain Fidèle (FBL)
