A Visit to UCG Europe

December 2025 marked significant anniversaries for both UCG-Germany and Italy. Germany celebrated its 60^th year of being established as an international church office, and Italy reached its 40^th anniversary. To mark these occasions, UCG President John Elliott and his wife Merrie traveled to Europe to visit with the brethren, learn about their operations and spend the spring Holy Days with them. From March 26-April 13, the Elliotts visited leaders and congregations in the Netherlands, Germany and Italy. The pastors and brethren were overjoyed to have them and supported them through their travels with transportation, meals and edifying discussion.

Mr. Elliott shared the importance of these kinds of visits: “I discovered how encouraging it has been to each area of the work that has received a presidential visit. The bulk of UCG’s proclamation work overseas seems to be accomplished by unpaid volunteer staff who are doing marvelously. They often shared their initiatives in great detail and felt more a part of UCG by receiving validation and support. These types of visits, whether with pastors, conferences or national councils, are vital.” A common theme throughout many of the international brethren’s comments was the feeling of unity that the visit inspired. It calls to mind David’s proclamation: “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). From the Netherlands to Germany and Italy, it is clear that our international brethren greatly appreciated the Elliotts’ European visit.

Visit to the Netherlands

The Elliotts began their trip in the Netherlands, flying into Amsterdam on March 27. They spent the Sabbath in Utrecht with 25 of our Dutch brethren, and Mr. Elliott was impressed by how much sound such a little group could make—they sang with such enthusiasm! Mr. Elliott gave the sermon “Prepare to Participate in the Passover,” which was much appreciated by the brethren. The Dutch brethren enjoyed fellowshipping and spending valuable Sabbath time together. On Monday, March 30, the Elliotts visited Keukenhof with Wim Dekker (regional pastor of the Netherlands and Germany) and his wife Anne Kristel. Mr. Elliott and Mr. Dekker talked about many things, including their work, the European region, leadership, speakers’ club, leadership club, congregations, media, challenges and responsibilities in UCG. Mr. Dekker shared that “Mr. Elliott was very interested in the work of the Church in the Netherlands and Germany and asked many questions.” The evening of March 31, the Elliotts spent the Passover in Maarsbergen. The service was entirely in Dutch! This was the final day they spent in the Netherlands. Mr. Dekker shared that “the recent visit of Mr. Elliott to the Netherlands marked a meaningful moment for the local church, strengthening spiritual bonds, renewing shared purpose and offering practical guidance for the future. One of the most immediate benefits of the visit was the renewed sense of unity it fostered. The presence of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott reminded members that they are part of a global fellowship with shared beliefs, shared challenges and shared hopes.”

Visit to Germany

Germany was the next stop for the Elliotts. They traveled to Dormagen on April 1. After settling into their hotel, editorial employee Jesmina Allaoua showed Mr. Elliott the UCG-Germany office. Although small, he commented on the functionality of the Niederkassel office: “I came as a 17-year-old student to visit the old office with Mr. Schnee in Duesseldorf. I have wondered all these years what the office is like today in Germany. I am very pleased to see how the work has been done since the founding of UCG-Germany. This is a very functional office where the work has clearly been done!” That evening, the Elliotts spent the Night to Be Much Observed with 23 brethren and greatly enjoyed getting to know everyone. Jesmina Allaoua said it was “a very joyous special night.” The Elliotts observed the First Day of Unleavened Bread in Dormagen. Mr. Elliott gave a sermon describing God’s Church as an oasis and encouraged the brethren to protect it from encroaching desert sand. Mr. Elliott later honored Jesmina Allaoua for 25 years of employment and service to UCG-Germany, presenting her with a crystal clock from the home office. Allaoua noted the benefit of the Elliotts’ visit to Germany and their care and attention toward the brethren: “The teenagers, young adults, families and seniors commented on how easily the Elliotts conversed with everyone and how genuinely interested they were to meet the brethren.” The fellowship with the brethren was a highlight for everyone, and the opportunity to connect with people of like mind is always a great blessing.

Visit to Italy

The final portion of the trip began on April 3 with a flight to Milan, Italy. Mr. Enzo Alfieri, pastor in Italy, shared the following about their time in Italy: “The presence of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott was a source of great joy for all of us—both personally and spiritually. During these Days of Unleavened Bread, their presence added a special value to the work in Italy, strengthening that brotherly unity which helps us understand ever more deeply that we are part of the same family—children of God and members of one body in Christ: His Church.” On the Sabbath, Mr. Elliott gave the sermon and shared an update on the work of UCG around the world. The following day, Mr. Elliott met with local leaders for a two-hour leadership conference. Mr. Elliott shared, “They updated me on the work in Italy, past and present. They appreciated having the recognition and validation of the president for the work that they are all striving to accomplish. They asked many questions, including how they could enhance doing the work in Italy.” Local deacon Giovanni Troisi said that the visit served as a vital bridge between the local leadership and the home office. It gave the leaders a chance to discuss their new initiatives and work through the challenges they’re facing. He described the Italian brethren as a “virtual congregation,” because around 70 percent of the members are scattered across the country. He noted that “Mr. Elliott’s presence provided much-needed mentoring and a clear vision for our growth.” In a card of appreciation presented to the Italian brethren on the Last Day of Unleavened Bread, Mr. Elliott praised the great work being done in Italy: “From providing faithful church services and hosting an international Feast site, to dubbing Beyond Today videos, producing the BT magazine, brochures, and a Bible course—your commitment to teaching God’s truth is remarkable. Your ongoing efforts in social media outreach, hosting webinars, maintaining personal correspondence, and stewarding the financial resources of the work reflect a board that serves with both excellence and integrity.”

Mr. Troisi shared a sentiment that effectively captures the essence of President Elliott’s visit to Europe: “It was a beautiful demonstration that within the Church, there are no language barriers, cultural differences or distances that cannot be bridged.” Every international member who wrote a report was brimming with excitement and deep appreciation for Mr. Elliott’s efforts and attention to the international work. It is a testament to God’s mighty hand in bringing together many individuals with different backgrounds but a unity of purpose.