Latin American Young Missionaries Bring Hope and Health to Secular Europe

Six young Latin American missionaries are bringing fresh energy to LifeStyleTV, a supporting ministry in Sweden, working to share faith and healthy living in one of the world’s toughest mission fields—the post-Christian window. This region, which includes much of Europe, North America, and Oceania, faces a sharp decline in church attendance and growing secularism.

Since he was 17, Miguel Mamani (26) from Bolivia has been committed to serving God in mission. That same year a powerful experience of God’s grace confirmed his life’s calling: to serve God wholeheartedly.

“I never imagined studying abroad, let alone serving as a missionary on another continent. It’s incredible,” said Mamani, marveling at God’s guidance.

He is among six Latin American volunteers currently serving at LifeStyleTV, a ministry supported by the Trans-European Division and working closely with Hope Channel Norway and the Norwegian Union Conference. Their goal is to reach people in the post-Christian window—one of the church’s greatest mission challenges, alongside the 10/40 window and urban window.

According to Adventist Mission: “The post-Christian window covers Europe, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries rapidly moving away from Christian values, reflected in falling church growth and rising apostasy, especially among young people.”

Stark Contrasts

Mamani is studying communications at River Plate Adventist University (UAP) in Argentina. After three years of study he is spending a year in Sweden before returning to complete his degree.

Life in Sweden is a world away from his bustling hometown, Santa Cruz de la Sierra, with 1.6 million residents. Bolivia has 137,000 Adventists worshipping in 550 churches among a population of 12.3 million. By comparison, the Swedish Union of Churches Conference, with a population of 10.5 million, has about 2,900 members in 35 churches.

Connecting With Secular Europe

LifeStyleTV runs a small retreat hotel and a plant-based restaurant under the brand LifeStyleSTAY. These ventures help build relationships with the community and support the ministry’s aim to be financially self-sustaining.

Mamani plays a vital role—whether welcoming guests, maintaining the grounds, washing dishes, photographing, or editing videos—all part of the mission to reach secular Europeans.

Nourishing Body and Soul

Vianka Aranky (23) from Honduras is another Latin American volunteer. After earning a bachelor’s degree in nutrition from UAP, she was uncertain about her next step.

“What am I going to do with my life now?” she asked herself.

A friend encouraged her to volunteer with the Adventist Volunteer Service, advice echoed by a teacher. After applying for several opportunities without success, she thought perhaps this path was not meant for her.

Then, unexpectedly, she was invited to serve as a nutritionist at LifeStyleTV in Sweden—a perfect fit. She packed her bags and was soon working in the LifeStyleSTAY restaurant, which serves fully plant-based meals.

When the summer season ends, Aranky will use her expertise to provide nutritional information for the restaurant’s dishes, contribute recipes for cooking shows, and create content for LifeStyleVIEW magazine.

“In many ways I’m helping people in secular Europe get good nutrition for both body and soul,” she said.

Sharing Faith Through Health

Aranky relishes opportunities to interact with guests. As a guide on nature walks, she shares health advice alongside biblical principles.

“I used to find it hard to start conversations with strangers, but now I feel confident sharing both health and faith,” she said.

Raised in a large Adventist church, she now serves in a small church plant meeting in the LifeStyleSTAY hotel.

“This is very different from home, but it’s the purpose of what we’re doing. I’m not knocking on doors—language and culture make that difficult—but I know my work supports the mission. And when new people come to church, I can welcome and talk to them.”

A Grateful Director

Claus Nybo, founder and director ofLifeStyleTV, is full of praise for the Latin American volunteers.

“They are all positive, with a sharp eye for what needs to be done. We’re thrilled with how they’re helping us reach people in Scandinavia,” Nybo said.

A New Mission Reality

Latin American missionaries serving in Europe reflect a new era of global mission—workers moving from everywhere to everywhere.

Young people from Latin America are rising powerfully, meeting the challenge of the post-Christian window head-on.

LifeStyleTV is a supporting ministry not affiliated with the corporate Seventh-day Adventist Church. The original version of this story was posted on the Trans-European Division news site.