Iglesia Adventista de Florida

Can you imagine a small group of families, fueled by faith, embarking on a journey to a new land? Their hearts held a burning desire to share their newfound belief. This is the story of the Iglesia Adventista de Florida, a testament to their unwavering devotion. The Seventh-day Adventist message arrived in South America in 1890, carried by missionaries from North America. Among them were George and Maria Riffel, who had embraced Adventism in the United States in 1888. Yearning to share their faith with friends in Argentina, the Riffels persuaded three German families to join them in Entre Ríos province in 1890. The first official missionaries, Elwin W. Snyder, Albert B. Stauffer, and Clair A. Nowling, arrived on December 10, 1891. They launched a literature distribution program, spreading the Adventist message across the continent. As interest in Adventism blossomed, George Riffel requested a pastor for Argentina from the General Conference leadership. On August 18, 1894, Pastor Frank H. Westphal and his family arrived in what would later become the South American Division. Pastor Westphal established the first Iglesia Adventista del Séptimo Día in Crespo, Argentina, on September 9, 1894. From this humble beginning, the Iglesia Adventista de Florida and the Adventist message took root. It spread throughout Argentina and beyond. Today, the Iglesia Adventista de Florida stands as a symbol of that early dedication. It embodies the spirit of those pioneering families. It continues to be a beacon of faith for the community. The Iglesia Adventista de Florida reflects the broader Seventh-day Adventist Church, a global presence in over 200 countries and territories. The church promotes a healthy lifestyle, operates schools, hospitals, and publishing houses, and emphasizes community service and education, reflecting the teachings of Jesus Christ.