Impressions from St. Louis

June 6-11, 2022, will finally see delegates from around the world gather in St. Louis for the twice-postponed General Conference Session. The Inter-European Women’s Ministries Department will try to show you what it is like to attend such a convention with images from St. Louis. Join us for a daily peek at what you can see.
Preparations for the session have been made for many years. A total of 2672 delegates from around the world have been selected for the GC General Session now beginning in St. Louis. Of this total, approximately 567 are expected to join online, thanks to this year’s first-ever hybrid structure. Most arrived by air, with flights to St. Louis half filled with Adventists from all parts of the world. Some from Kerala, India, and others from Zambia. Meeting fellow believers already starts in the air. Dagmar Dorn, EUD Women’s Ministries Director also arrived safely and will be sharing her impressions of the session and St. Louis.
A team of 8 cyclists rolled into St. Louis, wrapping up their 1900-kilometer “I Will Go” ride from Washington, D.C. The supporting vehicles carried boxes with Adventist literature that the riders shared as they met strangers, told them about their ride, and offered to pray for them. South East Asia Union Mission publishing and health director Pham Nguyen To Phuong, from Vietnam, is the only female participant in the ride. She took up cycling five years ago and never looked back. “I used to pray, ‘Please, Lord, use my passion for your glory,’ To Phuong shared. “Through this trip, God answered my prayer.”
It all started as General Conference ministerial association associate secretary Anthony Kent and friends sought to recreate the mission initiative of Philip Reekie, a 19th-century Scottish immigrant to Australia, who rode thousands of miles on his bicycle, sharing Adventist literature with the people he met. One of those who would benefit from reading Ellen G. White’s book The Great Controversy was Thomas Kent, Anthony’s great-great-grandfather. Thomas’s eventual acceptance of the Adventist message led to the formation of a local church and several generations of Adventist pastors and committed lay members. Kent estimates that more than 20,000 people have found hope in Jesus through the years, thanks to one man on a bicycle.
Situated on the Mississippi River, the Gateway Arch is the symbol of the city of St. Louis. The convention is being held in America's Center Convention Complex. Registration for delegates started on June 5, and business meetings are starting on Monday. Due to the reduced duration, the program will be tight, but worshiping God will still play a prominent part. Stay tuned for more impressions!
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