In April 1986, through the initiative and support of Ron Hackley, a student missionary from Walla-Walla College (US), the first group of English-speaking Adventists was formed in Geneva, together with some families already based in Switzerland.

With the support of John Greeve and Darrin Hayes - both students missionaries as well - a group of up to 20 people was attending worship service every Sabbath morning in Geneva.

Some of the initial activities consisted of: Bible study, following the "It Is Written" program; singing and visiting patients at the Clinic La Ligniere; prayer meetings on Wednesday evenings and some social activities.

After the departure of the student missionaries, the group continued to gather under the direction of its laymen.