Get to know more about us
Our Origins
Adventism first appeared in the United States in the mid-19th century. William Miller and a group of Christians gathered together to study the Bible more in depth. From this study they rediscovered certain biblical teachings that the Christian tradition had abandoned over the centuries. This group gradually grew. In 1863, the “Seventh-day Adventist Church” was born. The name had a dual meaning ; “Adventist” because we believe in the soon return of Jesus-Christ and "7th day" because we keep the day of rest on Saturday called "Sabbath". The Adventist Church spread rapidly and eventually made its way to Belgium. Today there are more than 18.5 million Adventists around the world. As of the beginning of 2021, the Adventist Church is celebrating 100 years of being in Belgium.
The International Seventh-day Adventist Church is located in the heart of Europe, Brussels, Belgium. It was originally created by a filipino group. They had a mission to start an English-speaking church because, at the time, there were only French and Dutch speaking churches. Starting out with only a few families, our church today has grown to be a congregation of about 120 people originating from all over the world. From Europeans and Asians to Africans and Americans, we all join together on Sabbath mornings to worship the Lord.
Meet Our Church Leadership...
Tibor Szilvasi - Pastor
About me : Tibor Szilvasi grew up in a Seventh-day Adventist family. He studied Theology and accepted a call to serve as a pastoral intern in November 1981. He served as pastor and speaker/director of a radio ministry in his native country of Hungary for 15 years. Later he moved into mission service as ADRA Country Director, pastor, and church administrator first in Pakistan and then in the Middle East for 26 years. He is married to Enikö, an accomplished cellist, and they have three young adult sons, two of them residing in Brussels. He moved to Brussels with his wife in 2023 to be closer to their sons. He started assisting the ISDA Church as volunteer Bible worker in July 2023, and since January 2026, he has been serving as our church pastor.
Passions : Teaching the Bible and preaching, exercise walk in nature, listening to music
Nationality : HU
Favourite Memory Verse : Philippians 1:6
"Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
Daniela Weichhold - Church Clerk
About me : Daniela Weichhold grew up in Germany. In 2004, a few years after finishing her studies, she moved to Brussels to work as an administrative secretary for the European Commission. During a couple of career breaks, she was able to spend some time at Uchee Pines Institute in the United States, in order to receive training and to volunteer as a lifestyle counselor/medical missionary.
Passions : Medical missionary work, music and nature.
Nationality : 🇩🇪
Favourite Memory Verse : Psalm 42:11
"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Douglas Guerrero - Church Treasurer
About : Douglas Guerrero grew up in Nicaragua and became a Seventh-day Adventist at the age of 17. He spent most of his adult life in the United States and moved to work in Belgium in 2008. He is married and has two daughters. In his professional life he is formally trained a chemist and works as a scientist in the field microelectronic. He has held several positions in the ISDA church and is now responsible for the Treasury department.
Passions : Support of church ministries, particularly youth, science and travel
Nationality : 🇳🇮
Favourite Memory Verse : Colossians 3:23
"And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men”
Maro Rakotondramiandra - Elder
About me : Maro joined the ISDA Church in 2006. He is married with two children, Cecilia (born in 2012), and David (born in 2015). He has served in various departments in the church (deacon and Sabbath school leader).
Passions : Swimming, outdoor activities, studying the bible, in particular the prophecies
Nationality : MD
Favourite Memory Verse : Proverbs 3:5
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding"
Kirk Morrison - Elder
About : Kirk Morrison grew up in the sunny island of Jamaica, he became an Adventist in his early 20's before moving to the United Kingdom where he lived for over 20 years. He joined the Brussels International Seventh-day Adventist Church in 2025. He is married.
Passions : Praying with others, community service, walking and cycling.
Nationality : UK
Favourite Memory Verse : 2 Corinthians 4:8
"We are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are preplexed, but not in despair."
Yamikani Kadzakumanja - Elder
About : Yamikani grew up in an Adventist home in Malawi. He is married to Merlyn, and together they have one child, Alipo. In March 2022, he came to Belgium as a diplomat with the Malawi Embassy. He has served in various church departments, including youth, Sabbath School, and Personal Ministries
Passions : Evangelism, charity work, hiking and jogging.
Nationality : 🇲🇼
Favourite Memory Verse : Romans 8:28
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.."
Ivan Mugga - Elder
About : Ivan joined ISDA in 2024 from Berlin. He is married and has two children. Prior to relocating, he served for several years as an elder at New Life SDA Church in Berlin.
Passions : Bible study, swimming, photography, listening to music and hiking.
Nationality : UG
Favourite Memory Verse : Romans 13:11
“And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep: for now is our salvation nearer than when we believed.”
