18 Dec 2025, 14:48Blandine Damtse, Temitayo & Oyetola Odewusi; edited by SM CommunicationsGlasgow, Glasgow City, Scotland, United Kingdom
Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland Hosts Inaugural Day of Fellowship
The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) held its inaugural Day of Fellowship on 29 November 2025 in Glasgow, bringing together members from across the country for a day of worship, reflection, and community connection, while providing support, encouragement, and practical resources for those navigating life and faith in a new environment.
The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) held its inaugural Day of Fellowship on 29 November 2025, bringing together more than seventy people from across the country for a day of worship, reflection, and connection under the theme “Keeping the Faith in a Foreign Land.” Hosted at a community hall in Glasgow, the event marked an important step in supporting members, strengthening unity, identity, connections, and faith.
The atmosphere was warm and joyful as worshippers greeted one another, many meeting face to face for the first time after months of online interaction. The venue was alive with vibrant colours, lively conversation, and a strong sense of fellowship, capturing the excitement and connection that came from gathering together as a community.
The day began with an interactive session in which children took part in age-appropriate activities, while adults joined small-group discussions exploring biblical stories of migration and faith. These conversations encouraged reflection on both the blessings and challenges of living far from home, helping participants relate Scripture to their own experiences of transition and change.
Reflecting on the session, one of the facilitators noted that the interactive format was designed to give participants space to honestly reflect on the realities of migration while drawing strength from faith, community, and mutual encouragement.
The main sermon was delivered by Dr Victor Igwe, who drew inspiration from Mark 11:22–26. Emphasising steadfast faith, intentional prayer, courage, and trust in God’s promises, he underscored the spiritual principles essential for migrants adapting to new environments.
A vibrant buffet followed, featuring traditional dishes and drinks that evoked warmth, nostalgia, and a shared sense of home. As members gathered around the tables, lively conversations filled the room with people reconnecting, sharing stories, and building new friendships over familiar flavours.
The afternoon programme focused on personal accounts of sustaining faith amidst the challenges of settling in Scotland. Several participants spoke openly about the emotional, spiritual, and social challenges they had faced, while others shared how prayer and reliance on God had helped them navigate these experiences.
Oyetola and Temitayo Odewusi, Family Ministries Sponsors in Scotland and founders of ANAS, reflected on how participating in church activities from the moment they arrived has helped them remain firmly connected to Christ amidst the challenges of migration. They also highlighted that ANAS was created to address a community need identified while travelling across Scotland. “We realised that many Nigerians were feeling alone, and we thought of something that could bring them together to strengthen their faith, as we want to help our people remain in the church, stay rooted, and be encouraged as they settle down in Scotland,” they shared.
Looking ahead, ANAS plans to expand its activities in January 2026 by focusing on new initiatives arising from survey outcomes. These include providing support with career development, mental health, mortgage guidance, immigration/ settlement support, and marriage and family health projects, as well as premarital support for young people.
The event was organised by a team of volunteers from Edinburgh and Glasgow, who expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the spirit of fellowship experienced throughout the day.
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The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) is a member-led, independent fellowship initiative. While not administratively affiliated with the Scottish Mission, its activities align with shared values of faith, care, and community.
The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) held its inaugural Day of Fellowship on 29 November 2025 in Glasgow, bringing together members from across the country for a day of worship, reflection, and community connection, while providing support, encouragement, and practical resources for those navigating life and faith in a new environment.
The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) held its inaugural Day of Fellowship on 29 November 2025, bringing together more than seventy people from across the country for a day of worship, reflection, and connection under the theme “Keeping the Faith in a Foreign Land.” Hosted at a community hall in Glasgow, the event marked an important step in supporting members, strengthening unity, identity, connections, and faith.
The atmosphere was warm and joyful as worshippers greeted one another, many meeting face to face for the first time after months of online interaction. The venue was alive with vibrant colours, lively conversation, and a strong sense of fellowship, capturing the excitement and connection that came from gathering together as a community.
The day began with an interactive session in which children took part in age-appropriate activities, while adults joined small-group discussions exploring biblical stories of migration and faith. These conversations encouraged reflection on both the blessings and challenges of living far from home, helping participants relate Scripture to their own experiences of transition and change.
Reflecting on the session, one of the facilitators noted that the interactive format was designed to give participants space to honestly reflect on the realities of migration while drawing strength from faith, community, and mutual encouragement.
The main sermon was delivered by Dr Victor Igwe, who drew inspiration from Mark 11:22–26. Emphasising steadfast faith, intentional prayer, courage, and trust in God’s promises, he underscored the spiritual principles essential for migrants adapting to new environments.
A vibrant buffet followed, featuring traditional dishes and drinks that evoked warmth, nostalgia, and a shared sense of home. As members gathered around the tables, lively conversations filled the room with people reconnecting, sharing stories, and building new friendships over familiar flavours.
The afternoon programme focused on personal accounts of sustaining faith amidst the challenges of settling in Scotland. Several participants spoke openly about the emotional, spiritual, and social challenges they had faced, while others shared how prayer and reliance on God had helped them navigate these experiences.
Oyetola and Temitayo Odewusi, Family Ministries Sponsors in Scotland and founders of ANAS, reflected on how participating in church activities from the moment they arrived has helped them remain firmly connected to Christ amidst the challenges of migration. They also highlighted that ANAS was created to address a community need identified while travelling across Scotland. “We realised that many Nigerians were feeling alone, and we thought of something that could bring them together to strengthen their faith, as we want to help our people remain in the church, stay rooted, and be encouraged as they settle down in Scotland,” they shared.
Looking ahead, ANAS plans to expand its activities in January 2026 by focusing on new initiatives arising from survey outcomes. These include providing support with career development, mental health, mortgage guidance, immigration/ settlement support, and marriage and family health projects, as well as premarital support for young people.
The event was organised by a team of volunteers from Edinburgh and Glasgow, who expressed gratitude for the strong turnout and the spirit of fellowship experienced throughout the day.
-------
The Association of Nigerian Adventists in Scotland (ANAS) is a member-led, independent fellowship initiative. While not administratively affiliated with the Scottish Mission, its activities align with shared values of faith, care, and community.
