Third Quarter, 1981 Go ye . . . into all the world. Volume 70 No. 3 ISSN 0190-4108 Thousands of Brazilian youth are waiting to enter our academies. W 1.10;(1 M4°11 RID general Conference Corporalion of Sevenlk-Day /4dnenlisls South American Division Cniza Postal 124800 � 70000 Brasilia, DP, Bra.0 Dear Sabbath School Members, The Lord is pouring out such rich and abundant blessings upon our South Ameri can Division that it is like the widow's cruse of oil, and we are discovering that it is necessary to go to our neighbors to ask for more "containers" so that these too can be filled with God's overflowing blessings--the blessings of new members joining our church ranks in great numbers. What the South American Division needs most at this time are chapels and schools made necessary by the increase of membership. The recently organize( West-Amazon Mission in particular needs new chapels urgently. The city of Fortaleza needs an evangelistic center. A great deal of help is needed for the new Trans-Amazon Academy already under construction and for other academy construction in Brazil. We are thankful for the evangelistic outreach of our secondary schools and rejoice in their growth. I would like to express our gratitude to all of you in the Sabbath Schools throughout the world for your help in the past as well as for the assistance you will be giving us this Thirteenth Sabbath, for we are sure that your traditional generosity will be abundantly manifest. As a result of this united effort by the people of God, we will see the fruition of these proj- ects in the South American Division. We extend to you our love, fully abiding in the glorious hope of our Lord's soon return. Yours in Christ, resid L-0 SUL — Q611 — TELEPHONE 211-0066 — CABLE: DIVISION — TELEX: 611012 DIVISION LEADERS: Add a little spice to your mission reports. 1. FILMS-16 mm, 12-15 minutes running time River of Light South America for Christ Ask your conference Sabbath School department whether they have these in their film library. 2. CASSETTES—Global Assignment Each cassette brings two ten-minute mission programs including interviews, choirs, and local music recorded on location. Available from your Adventist Book Center. 3. MISSION SPOTLIGHT The vast country of Brazil, its sights and sounds. Three programs each quarter keep you up to date with current events. Inquire at your conference Sabbath School department. 4. ARTIFACTS Many museums lend artifacts such as stuffed birds and animals. Various departments of universities often have lending facilities with their fine collections. Mahatma Gandhi said . . . The seven most grievous sins in the world are: "Wealth without work, pleasure without conscience, knowledge without character, commerce without morality, science without humanity, poli- tics without principle, and worship without sacrifice." In our zeal to promote the Missions Offering let us not separate giving from worship. Worship is the uplifting of the soul to God. It is adoration and praise. We are told in Steps to Christ, page 103, that "those who come to worship Him shall carry away with them precious thoughts of His care and love." Provide a worshipful program, and the loving response of increased giving is bound to follow. FACTS AND FIGURES [Sources of information: Reader's Digest Almanac and Yearbook, 1980; The World Almanac and Book of Facts 1980; and World Book Encyclopedia] BRAZIL (area-3,286,488 square miles). Capital: Brasilia Brazil occupies almost half of the South American continent, touching borders with all other countries except Chile and Ecuador. Fifth largest country in the world, Brazil has the sixth largest population at 119,501,000. Three fourths of the Brazilians live in a 300-mile-wide strip along the Atlantic seaboard, where the early colonists settled. It is there that the large cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo have sprung up. Brazil has huge unpopulated areas in the interior of the country, mostly along the Amazon River. The Amazon basin makes up 60 percent of Brazil but contains only 8 percent of the population. In the 1970's the government spent $100 million on the Trans-Amazon Highway to open up the region to settlers. They received interest-free government loans to start farms. Boom towns have popped up along the highway, where a "Wild West" spirit exists. Indians wearing war paint attacked highway construction crews and settlers encroaching upon their territory. The Indians have also been mistreated— only about 100,000 remain in an area where once there were 1 to 5 million. Sixty percent of Brazil's population is of European descent, 10 percent is Indian or Negro, with the remainder of mixed ancestry. The official language is Portuguese. Almost all of Brazil is tropical or semitropical. The Amazon area is always hot and damp, with an annual rainfall of 80 inches. The central and southern plateaus are generally cool and dry and boast the most fertile soil and richest mines. Semiarid scrubland composes most of the northeast area, where the temperature never gets below 50 degrees. Brazil grows almost all its own food and ranks among the world's top producers of cattle and hogs. The economy depends largely on agriculture and has more farmland than all Europe. Coffee, cacao, sugar, and cotton account for more than three fourths of the nation's exports. High on the import list are machinery, manufactured goods, vehicles, and wheat. Brazil must import 80 percent of the petroleum it uses, so the high coffee prices of 1977 were a boost to the national economy. In a 1494 treaty, Spain gave Portugal the eastern half of modern-day Brazil. In 1500 the Portuguese explorer Pedro Alvares Cabral became the first European to arrive on its shores. Slave traders later brought thousands of Negroes from Africa to work the sugar cane plantations. When Napo- leon's army invaded Portugal in 1808, the royal family fled to Brazil, making Rio de Janeiro the capital of the Portuguese empire. Emperor Don Joao VI returned to Portugal in 1821, leaving his son Pedro as Brazil's regent. A year later Pedro declared the country independent and himself emperor. After he freed the slaves in 1888, he was sent into exile by angry slave owners in alliance with the military. In 1889 they proclaimed Brazil a republic, which it remains to this day. 4 WORLD MISSION REPORT � THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER July 4 The School Kept Moving Nelson A. Souza and Edmir de Oliveira Preceptor and Teacher, Parana Adventist Academy: Former Director, Parana Adventist Academy Parana Adventist Academy is a school that must hold the record for being relocated the most times! It is currently situated 260 miles (420 km) from the famous Iguaga Falls in Parana, a state in southern Brazil. The school began in a rural Ad- ventist colony. The colonists, mostly of German origin, were concerned with the education of their children. Together they raised up a church school that soon attracted young men and women from other Adventist homes in the state. Students coming from far away had to live with the local families. They worked part time on the farms, earning their room and board, and the privilege of an Ad- ventist education. The next step was to construct a small boarding school. It began with a modest wooden building on the edge of a beautiful lake. The lake made it possible for the school to operate a small mill and generating plant for electricity, plus the lake provided pure drinking water. During the rainy season, however, the school was frequently isolated because of floods. For this reason the administration decided to look for a more suitable location. After much searching they settled on a hill in the outskirts of Curitiba, the capital city of Parana. The school had a beautiful panorama of the countryside, and thick eucalyptus forests surrounded it. With much sacrifice and prayer, a beautiful school emerged. The school trucks and horses helped transport supplies from the Butia school to the new lo- cation. Over a period of three decades, hundreds of young people prepared themselves for a useful life in the church. One outstanding family in the church today received their Christian education at Parana Academy. Thirty years ago an Adventist fa- ther, Mr. Wichert, wanted to reward his oldest son for his faithfulness and hard work on the family farm. He arranged for Hugo to attend the boarding school in Curitiba. Years later Hugo's brother Oseas • came to the school for Hugo's gradu- ation. He was delighted to see the transformation in his brother's life and resolved to return someday. Soon he was enjoying his studies and the fellowship at the boarding school. Next it was Cezar's turn to head for the same boarding school his brothers had attended. It was not long before he felt a strong desire to dedicate his life to the ministry. Later his older sister Ofelia and two more brothers also joined the school family. Today Hugo is one of the administrators of our publishing house. Ofelia is dean of girls at Sao Paulo Adventist Academy, and Cezar, along with his dedicated wife, works GIVE YOUR STORY LIFE . . . TELL IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS � 5 at our new Parana Adventist Acad- emy as pastor and teacher. But back to the story of the school that had to relocate. In 1973 the government was plan- ning an industrial area on the edge of Curitiba. Much to the dismay of fac- ulty and students, their lovely hill- side was chosen as the site! In spite of many protests, the campus was ex- propriated. Once more the school would have to move and a new school would be established to continue the mission and purpose of the original Parana Academy. All concerned with the project prayed earnestly, and God heard and supplied their need. They had enough money to acquire a beautiful farm near Maringa, a community of 250,000 in northern Parana. There was enough land to construct an ex- cellent school and develop an agricul- ture program and other activities ap- propriate to a well-balanced educational program. The red soil was very fertile and suitable for growing soybeans, wheat, rice, corn, and almost anything else that was planted, including fruit orchards. A new school took shape detail by de- tail. First came water, electricity, and sewers. Then followed gardens, buildings for industries and offices, houses for teachers and staff, ma- chines and equipment for the agri- culture department, cattle sheds, dormitories, and a kitchen. Many in- dividuals combined efforts for this new undertaking, and with speed and great care the work progressed. The school was born again, with twenty-five students in the first class. Soon it grew—a new Parana Advent- ist Academy was firmly established. While red dust made everything dirty, it sustained the school and was a sign of richness and abundance. There was soon an orchard bearing high quality fruit, garden produce for students and workers, and cattle known as some of the best in the state. All revealed God's blessing on His workers and His school. Each time the school moved, the administration tried to make it a lit- tle better than the previous school. Experience has taught them many things. More students are seeking admission. The standards of educa- tion are more demanding. Right now Parana Academy needs to erect teachers' housing, class- rooms, and new wings on the dormi- tories so that more Hugos, Ofelias, and Cezars can prepare for the needs of the church. In 1979, 143 young men squeezed into the dormitory made to accommo- date only 112. In 1980 the same building housed about 170 students. There is presently no alternative. After the new location was decided upon in 1973, only 50 percent of the total building plan was constructed. School administrators hoped the fa- cilities would suffice for four years. Instead, after two years the dorms were overflowing! Growing each day, Parana Acad- emy carries out the mission to edu- cate for eternity. Hundreds of stu- dents are being transformed and prepared to serve God and their country. The directors and teachers of Parana repeat the saying of William Carey, the father of modern missions: "We must go down in the well but we are counting on the brothers of all the world to hold us with the ropes." 6 WORLD MISSION REPORT � LOCATE PLACES . . . USE LESSON QUARTERLY MAP July 11 Home Forsaken for Jesus Jose 0. Correia and Silmar Correia President. Santa Catarina Mission It is always thrilling to see a young person make a decision to follow Jesus. But sometimes the thrill car- ries a touch of sadness when the family opposes the newfound faith. Such was the experience of Guil- herme (Gyo-HAIR-may), a young Brazilian boy only 11 years old. One day as he walked home from school he saw a leaflet thrown on the street. Something on the cover attracted his attention, and he bent over to pick it up. It was about the return of Jesus. He read it all the way through as he continued walking home. Even though he was so young, Guilherme was deeply impressed with the ur- gency of Jesus' return. When he ar- rived home he told his parents all about the pamphlet he found. At first there was no negative reaction. They were Christians, but in name only. They did not read the Bible; their religious experience was without faith and vitality. Guilherme decided he needed a Bible. He was able to find one without much difficulty in a Christian library in town. But he didn't dare bring it home for fear of what his parents might do. One day on the way to the library to read the Bible, something extraordinary happened. A boy on the street came up to Guilherme and said, "How would you like to attend some meetings? My church is starting Bible meetings." Guilherme's eyes opened wide. He asked the other boy if he would be able to get a Bible of his own if he came. "Yes" was the answer. Guilherme did not go on to the li- brary that day. Soon he would be able to study the Bible with someone who could explain it. The thought thrilled him. Finally the day came for the meet- ings to begin. Guilherme sat on the first row. He came every night and was surprised to hear the subject of Jesus' soon coming presented just as in the leaflet he had found. Weeks passed. Guilherme's parents had not forbidden him to attend the meetings, but some time later when he began to recount what he had learned, his parents became angry. He told them they were transgressing the Sabbath, they were eating food that was unclean. One evening as Guilherme pre- pared to go to meeting, his parents confronted him and absolutely for- bade him to go. But he did not become discouraged. In the following days, as he tried to live a true Christian life, he was beaten several times but still did not stop speaking of his love for Jesus and the things he had learned. The situation got worse until one day his parents stated, "Either you abandon your new religion or we do not want you in this house anymore." FACTS AND FIGURES ADD SPICE . . . SEE PAGE 4 � 7 It was not hard for him to make the decision. He had read in the Bible, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me." Guilherme was thrown out of his home, because of his faith. At this time Guilherme was pre- paring for baptism, and had the full support and prayers of the Adventist church members. A kind Christian family received him into their home. Today he is preparing to be a worker in God's cause, searching for ways to serve his God better. A similar story comes from a young person who grew up in the midst of spiritism. Luiz was a good young man, but he felt that something was missing in his life. It lacked meaning and purpose. Luiz' grandfather was a spiritualist medium. Grandfather had a strong influence on Luiz' life, as well as that of his family and relatives. Weekly the grandfather held spirit sessions in his home and in the town center. One Sabbath morning the Advent- ist church in Luiz' city began a special campaign to pass out leaflets about the return of Jesus. A couple went to Luiz' home, leaving a pamphlet. The pamphlet especially urged young people to prepare themselves to meet Jesus. Luiz introduced himself to the Adventists at the door, and they had a nice chat together. Before leaving, the Adventists made an appointment to study the Bible with Luiz. At each meeting Luiz' faith grew. One day the couple invited Luiz to meet them at church. There he was deeply im- pressed with all he saw and heard. When he returned home he told his parents of his grand discovery. But instead of sharing his joy, they be- came quite angry, fearing that their son was going astray. From that time on Luiz' parents made a determined attempt to weaken his faith. At times they became quite incensed. One day while Luiz was reading the Bible in his room, Grandfather came to visit in order to help the parents shake Luiz from his new faith. Call- ing Luiz into the living room, where everyone was gathered, Grandfather started a session with the spirits, try- ing to prove Luiz was in error. The family sat around a table while Grandfather called upon the power of Satan. Grandfather brought a cup with some liquid in it. He said it was water and that everyone should drink from it. All the others drank some, but Luiz refused. He sensed there was something different about that cup. The Bible was in Luiz' hand. He got an idea. "Put this cup on top of my Bible," he commanded his grandfa- ther. "If nothing happens I will drink from the cup. But I am sure some- thing will happen to prove to you that spiritism is not of God." He wrapped his precious Bible in plastic and laid it on top of the table. Then he took the cup from his grand- father's hand and put it on the Bible. The moment the bottom of the cup touched the Bible, the cup broke in half just as if a mysterious hand had cut it. All mouths dropped open and a gasp went round the room. "There!" Luiz exulted. "This proves that the Bible is the true word of God and that spiritism is of Satan. His instruments are powerless before God!" This demonstration greatly strengthened Luiz' faith in God and in His Word. With more determina- tion than ever, he read the Bible. 8 WORLD MISSION REPORT � WHEN TELLING STORIES . . . PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT The family did not give up yet. They tried other ways to weaken Luiz' faith, but the more they tried, the more he relied on Christ. Eventu- ally Luiz had to leave home, and he is studying today at one of our acade- mies. He hopes to become a minister in God's cause. God's work needs youth with this kind of dedication. Six academies in Brazil will benefit from the Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering this quarter. They need more space for the increasing number of youth seeking an Advent- ist education. Let us remember them in our prayers and offerings. July 10 We Need Laborers Now! Pastor Ritchie Way Secretary. Papua New Guinea Union Mission NOTE: This report is presented more effectively as a dialogue, with one person reading the part of Pastor Way and another person taking the role of interviewer. Reporter: Today we would like you to come with us as we visit the west- ern highlands of Papua New Guinea. We are sitting in the office of Ritchie Way [then president of the local mis- sion]. Pastor Way, of New Zealand, is a graduate of Avondale College, Aus- tralia, and has been working in Papua New Guinea for seven years. Pastor Way's office is a humble build- ing on the southern side of the city of Mount Hagen (HAH-gen). Pastor Way, you have just come in from a visit around the Western Highlands Mission. I believe you wit- nessed a large baptism yesterday. Way: Yes, we have many large baptisms. The Holy Spirit is working in a mighty way. In the past 12 months more than 1,200 people have been baptized. One man who was baptized yesterday has been a pastor for another large denomination. Reporter: Do you often find these leaders joining the Seventh-day Ad- ventist Church? Way: Just a few weeks ago I at- tended camp meeting at lalibu (E- AH-lee-boo). I stayed in a kunai- grass-roofed house with nine Adventist workers. Seven of these men had previously been workers for another church. Recently I stayed with Alo Nema (AH-lo NE-mah) at Kagua (KAH- goo-ah). For many years he had been a pastor in a district with twenty-one churches. Now he is preparing for baptism, and he showed me the church his people had built for the Seventh-day Adventists. A few weeks later I flew into Kom- piam (KUM-pee-ahm). A pastor of another church walked over the mountains to tell us that he had been advised in a dream to join the Sev- THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER � 9 enth-day Adventist Church and help them spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Reporter: I suppose all these men came from the same church? Way: Oh, no. They come from dif- ferent denominations. Travel is diffi- cult, and most of them have never met one another. Even if they did meet, they may not be able to speak to one another because there are many local languages. Reporter: Then it must be very difficult to preach the gospel, with so many languages around. Way: In some places we have to find a local man who understands pidgin English. Our workers preach in pidgin, and then the man trans- lates into the local language. I have attended camp meetings where five local languages were spoken at one time. Reporter: How does that work? Way: The people sit in their own language groups. When the message is given, their translators speak at the same time. Reporter: I understand there are more than 700 languages spoken by different groups in Papua New Guinea. I guess this means most of them do not have a Bible. Way: We use a pidgin translation of the New Testament, and about fifty local languages have a part of the Bible in their own tongue. Eng- lish is taught in the primary schools, and many of our workers use the English Bible. Reporter: I have heard that some men can read the Bible even though they have never been taught to read. Way: This is true. It's a miracle of God's Spirit. Reporter: Pastor Way, we are happy to hear about God's message being preached in the remote areas of your mission. But what about the educated people in the towns like Mount Hagen? Way: As in many developing coun- tries the educated people are moving to the towns. We are very thankful that we have ministerial graduates from Sonoma College who are accept- ing this challenge. We urgently need more of these men. Reporter: Is it true that many businessmen and government workers have joined our church? How did this happen? Way: It is true. We have held pub- lic meetings. We advertised with wall posters and by word of mouth. The people came and earnestly studied God's Word. We do praise God for His blessing as we see so many people joining the church each year. But the work is not finished yet. Reporter: We rejoice with you, Pastor Way. What are your plans for the future? Way: Right now I have eighty-six calls asking us to enter new areas. Reporter: I suppose you'll send them workers immediately. Way: As the committee met, we studied this challenge but could find only six workers to go to these places. We finished our committee meeting with a season of prayer asking the Lord of the harvest to send us labor- ers now. Reporter: It takes time and money to train workers to answer these calls. One wonders how long the other eighty villages will have to wait for an Adventist worker to come to their aid. What will happen in the mean- time? This is a challenge to each of us. 10 WORLD MISSION REPORT � GIVE YOUR STORY LIFE . . . TELL IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS July 25 Witnessing Young People Licius 0. Lindquist and Rafael M. A. Brizard Pastor, North Coast Mission; Pastor, Central Brazil Mission Ana Maria was a young high school girl living in Fortaleza, a city of more than one million people on Brazil's north coast. Adventists plan to build an evangelistic center here with the next Special Projects Offering. Ana Maria loved to witness to others about the love of Jesus and how much He had done for her. One day she took the book Counsels on Diet and Foods to school with her. The title attracted a curious school- mate named Hipolito. He was inter- ested in an Oriental philosophy that recommends a special diet and thought perhaps Ana Maria's book contained related information. Ana Maria briefly explained its contents, which led to a discussion on the relationship between health and religion. Hipolito became so inter- ested in this new Christian philoso- phy that he persuaded his brother Wilton to start taking Bible studies with Ana Maria and him. Some months later they were baptized. Hipolito and Wilton played in the Fortaleza Orchestra. There they told the good news of salvation to their friend Marcos. Marcos too found in the Adventist message an answer to his needs. In a few months he united with the Adventist Church. Then these young men drew two brothers, Jose and Paulo, to Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ mani- fests power in many places and in diverse manners. Jose and Paulo told of their newfound faith at home. Their family was interested, and soon their mother, Florencio, and sister Silvana were baptized in a beautiful ceremony along with Jose and Paulo. But the story still does not end. One morning Marcos met an old friend, Helio, who was having terrible con- flicts with his conscience. He did not know how to analyze or get rid of the bad feelings in himself. Marcos sug- gested visiting an Adventist minister. Helio went to the local minister, who prayed for him and explained the way to salvation. Soon he was attending church. After several visits he brought his brother Eugenio along. It wasn't long before another set of brothers were baptized. The Spirit of God still hadn't com- pleted His work. Two years after Hi- polito and Wilton accepted Christ, their youngest brother also united with the Adventist Church. But he did not come alone! He brought two friends, Romulo and Tarcisio, who were baptized in 1980. Like a blessed epidemic the gospel touched the heart of Ernesto, an ex- member of the Fortaleza Orchestra, who is preparing for baptism in the near future. Three years after Ana Maria's act of witnessing, thirteen souls have been attracted to Christ. Today Hipo- lito, Wilton, and Marcos are students LOCATE PLACES . . . USE LESSON QUARTERLY MAP � 11 at our theology school near Recife on Brazil's eastern seaboard. Jose and Paulo are musicians in their church and members of a large Brazilian or- chestra. Silvana, her mother, Eu- genio, and Helio are officers in the churches they attend, and work to gain other souls for Christ. And the last two baptized, Romulo and Tarci- sio, are actively engaged in evangel- ism. Perhaps in another two years this list can be duplicated. All be- cause one young person was not ashamed to speak about Jesus. Meanwhile in central Brazil an- other story was unfolding involving two young boys who loved the Lord and were led by Him. In 1979 the South Brazil Union launched Project Penetration, a plan to evangelize their territory. As part of the project, a series of meetings would be held in Goilandia, a small city near Anapolis, central Brazil. Local church members were mobi- lized to lay the groundwork. United with them was Brother Guimaraes (Ghee-mah-RICE), a true missionary volunteer from Anapolis. Helping the Goilandia group were Marcelo, a young boy who knew his Bible well, and Junior, son of the group leader. The group distributed a leaflet entitled "Jesus Is Coming Soon" to all homes in the area. Brother Guimaraes suggested that Marcelo and Junior take an invita- tion to the leader of a local Protestant church. These two young people found Mr. Aldinei, the leader, and gave him the invitation. He responded in a way that startled them: "I saw you in a dream last night!" Mr. Aldinei looked as shocked as the boys. He went on: "Two young people came up to me in my dream and asked if I believed that Jesus would return to this earth. I said Yes. Then the young men asked, 'Do you believe the church you belong to will be taken to heaven?' I thought this over and asked, 'How can I tell?' Then the young men gave me two passages from the Bible. "At that moment I woke from the dream and, calling my wife, told her all about it. Unfortunately I had for- gotten the Bible texts shown me," concluded Mr. Aldinei. He could hardly believe that here before him stood the two young men he had seen in the dream. And they were inviting him to attend Seventh- day Adventist meetings! Marcelo and Junior had a Bible with them. The Holy Spirit aided them as they turned its pages, and they gave Mr. Aldinei two texts: Rev- elation 14:12 and James 2:10. When Mr. Aldinei turned to these refer- ences, he recognized them as the ones he had seen in the dream! He thanked the boys for their visit and promised he would come to the meetings. On the first night he was there with all his family. They enjoyed the meetings and attended each one. Soon they joined a special Bible study class. Today Mr. and Mrs. Aldinei and their children are all baptized and faithful members of the Adventist church in Goilandia. Marcelo hopes to become a pastor someday and work for other people looking for answers to life. The Cen- tral Brazil Mission, where Goilandia is situated, has a project of preparing a boarding school for young people like Marcelo who want to work for God. Dear Sabbath School members, this building project can become a reality with your help. 12 WORLD MISSION REPORT � FACTS AND FIGURES ADD SPICE . . . SEE PAGE 4 August 1 Muriel* Clo aetroninwiet, Moises Cremonezi and Aparecida H. T. Macedo Portuguese Teacher, Parana Academy, Portuguese Teacher, Southern Cross Academy Like many other parents, Dona Su- zana and Orlando were searching for a good school with high principles that offered courses beyond the eighth grade. They, heard of Parana Adventist Academy and decided to investigate for themselves. But something strange happened. As they neared the school entrance, Orlando had second thoughts. He suddenly stepped on the brakes and turned the car around, explaining that he needed to think about the situation a little more! On the way home the parents discussed the risks of submitting their son Wagner to the Adventist influence. They belonged to another religion, so decided it would be better to avoid Adventists and try to find another school. At home they discussed Wagner's education some more. After much consideration, one Sunday they de- cided to take the chance and let Wagner attend Parana Adventist Academy. They set out once again. But as they approached the entrance, Or- lando stopped the car. He could not bring himself to subject his son to the Adventist influence. In desperation the parents decided to go to the neighboring state of Sao Paulo and visit an aunt. Perhaps she would know of a good school. Sao Paulo is one of the largest and most prosperous states in Brazil. Surely WHEN TELLING STORIES . there would be a good school there. Wagner's aunt suggested one school. The parents immediately went to look it over, but there was no vacancy. While they sat in the direc- tor's office, Dona Suzana, being a fer- vent Catholic mother, made a request to her Saint of Confidence, Saint Terezinha. "Saint Terezinha," she pleaded, "please help us find a good school for our Wagner where he can continue his studies in a good environment." Then Dona Suzana asked the di- rector to recommend another school they might try. The director looked over a list of schools, wrote down a telephone number, and gave it to the parents, saying that there was a school in Parana that might solve their problem. Immediately they phoned the school to find out if they were still accepting students. The answer was Yes. Relieved, the parents left and headed back home to Parana. Following the directions given them to the school, they were shocked to discover that they were heading once again in the direction of Parana Adventist Academy. As they came up to the now familiar gate, Dona Su- zana concluded without a doubt that this was the ideal school for Wagner. After all, hadn't Saint Terezinha an- swered her prayer and found it for them? PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT � 13 Wagner is now a happy young man in academy. Not only is he receiving a sound education but, above all, the Advent message is entering his heart. God uses many different ways to bring young people to our Adventist schools and to the feet of Christ. Here is another example of an unusual method He used. "Our daughter's future worries me," Dona Maria said to her husband, Lutero, one afternoon. "I am very dissatisfied with the company she is keeping. How I would like to counsel her! If only she would listen to us!" The parents, prominent members in society, were having trouble with their adolescent daughter Jane. Al- though reared in a religious home, the young girl now spurned the teachings she had received and was associating with friends who enticed her away from the simple life her parents had given her. Dona Maria, conscientious in her efforts and fervent in her faith in God, cried out to God for help. One night she dreamed that she and her husband were traveling to a place she had never seen before. She admired the view as they drove down a narrow road lined with trees. Ob- viously they must be going away from the city. She gave a start as some- thing new arrested her attention. It seemed they were near a farm. Here and there cattle grazed; people were working in the fields. Four large buildings completed the scene. In the dream Dona Maria asked Lutero to slow down so she could take in the view more carefully. As she pondered, she saw a gate that was unlike any she had seen before. It was in the shape of an arch, and on it was an inscription that she could not read. Something was speaking to her heart, urging her to go inside. But when they stopped by the gate, Dona Maria saw a guard standing to one side, barring the way. He appeared to have authority to search everyone who wanted to enter. Some were allowed in. Others were not. Fearfully Dona Maria and Lutero walked toward the gate and immedi- ately realized the guard was Jesus. At that instant she awoke. The dream had been so clear and real that it would not leave her. She told her husband all about it, but they couldn't explain what it meant. They decided they had worried too much about religious matters and their daughter's behavior. Anxiety must have caused the dream. Some time later Dona Maria and Lutero were out driving in the country one day. "This is the place I saw in my dream!" she exclaimed to Lutero. Soon they came to the gateway with the arch over it. Now she could read the words on it: "Southern Cross Adventist Academy." At last she had found the place! Now she knew why the dream had impressed her so. This would be the place for her daughter Jane. With tears in her eyes she said to her husband, "If Jesus is the guardian of this school, this is where our daughter should be." And that is how Jane came to Southern Cross Adventist Academy. There are six academies in Brazil that will benefit from the Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter. With help from Sabbath School members around the world, a generous offering will make it possible to provide Christ-centered education for many more young people in South America. 14 WORLD MISSION REPORT � THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER August The Norberto Dilemma Gerson Alvares Magalhaes Director, Mariluz Group, Parana. In the Norberto family were three daughters. The oldest, Ivete, was just 15 when she found a boyfriend. Con- cerned over this young romance, her parents decided to send Ivete away to a boarding school. Her sisters would go too, just as a precaution. The Norberto farm was located in the state of Parana, southern Brazil. Not far away lay the town of Lon- drina, which claimed an excellent school run by nuns. The parents felt separation would help Ivete forget her boyfriend. School rules would also contribute—students could not leave the campus even with an acquaint- ance. But God had other plans for Ivete. Walmir was a young man studying at the Adventist Brazilian College, then located in a town not far from the Norberto farm. During school va- cations he canvassed to earn money for his education. On Sundays he usually relaxed in the country. One Sunday he went to the Nor- berto farm. The three sisters were home, and in the course of conversa- tion Walmir found out about Ivete's situation. He thought of a possible solution and talked with Dona Elvira, Ivete's mother. There was a new school being built in Sumare, a city in the neighboring state of Sao Paulo. Perhaps the girls could go there. That evening Mr. Norberto re- turned home very discouraged. In- quiries at the Catholic boarding school had been in vain. There were no openings for new students. Dona Elvira conveyed Walmir's message about the new Adventist academy being built in Sao Paulo. Mr. Norberto knew about this school, but there were two problems: One, it was a Protestant school and the Nor- bertos were Catholic; Two, it was very far from home and his daughters didn't know anyone. That night the Spirit of God worked on Mr. Norberto's heart. When Wal- mir returned the following day to further discuss the academy, Mr. Norberto had already made his deci- sion. His daughters would attend the Adventist school. A few days later Ivete and her sisters left home, ac- companied by Walmir. Ivete's first days at the academy were not very pleasant. Her clothes were not appropriate in an Adventist environment. Worships were very strange to her. She was far from home, school chums, and her boy- friend. She consoled herself by pray- ing to Saint Judas Thaddaeus, and even improvised a little shrine to the saint in her room. Days and weeks passed. The stu- dents enjoyed a brief vacation, and now they were back at school again. Ivete cheerfully returned to the Christian surroundings. Activities got under way once again. Ivete felt GIVE YOUR STORY LIFE . . . TELL IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS � 15 more and more at home now as she formed new friendships. The choir director and music teacher, Ester Pinho, helped Ivete greatly during these difficult first few months. She offered the young girl friendship, and also an invitation to sing in the choir. How surprised and grateful Ivete was for that. Now her integration into the Adventist school was complete. She belonged to the choir! Instead of praying to Saint Judas alone in her room, she was out singing with the other young people. In July of the following year Ivete decided to accept the Adventist mes- sage. She told only her father, and he gave permission for her baptism. Dona Elvira knew nothing about it, as Ivete was certain she would forbid her daughter to join that strange re- ligion. In fact, Dona Elvira was al- ready trying to get her daughters out of the academy. Two months after Ivete decided to become an Adventist a tragedy struck her family. Mr. Norberto suffered a heart attack and died. Now Ivete was alone with her decision. On October 17 the director of Sao Paulo Academy, Pastor Zaevedo, baptized Ivete. At the end of the school year, when Dona Elvira came to take her daugh- ters home, Ivete revealed that she was now a baptized Seventh-day Ad- ventist. What a terrible reaction fol- lowed! Angrily Dona Elvira strode away to find the person who had dared baptize her daughter without her permission. She spoke harshly to Pastor Zaevedo, threatening to sue him for baptizing a minor. Fortu- nately nothing ever came of the threats. Ivete returned home to a difficult situation. Many Sabbaths she had to sneak away in order to go to church. If she stayed home she would be forced to work during the sacred hours. Food in the Norberto home was seasoned with lard, so Ivete began making her own meals with vegeta- ble shortening. But Dona Elvira de- termined her daughter would eat like the rest of the family. Secretly she mixed the lard and vegetable short- ening. Soon it was evident that Ivete could no longer stay at home. Two years later Ivete married a young man she had met at Sao Paulo Academy, and they now have a fine Christian home. Dear Sabbath School members, Parana Adventist Academy was con- structed just a short distance from the Norberto farm. Many young peo- ple enjoy spiritual refreshment at the academy. But the students have no church or auditorium in which to meet. All religious meetings and so- cial events take place in one corner of the dining room. This diversity of ac- tivity weakens the spiritual environ- ment one expects in a place of wor- ship. Elsewhere on campus, conditions are no better. The school building houses administrative of- fices, a small store, the library, music conservatory, switchboard, classrooms, and laboratories. All this in one area makes for an excess of noise and movement, often disturbing classroom learning. Many of the people who helped build this school also played a large part in converting Ivete. You also, by giving a generous offering next Thir- teenth Sabbath, may take part in converting young people who come to Parana Academy. Won't you give lib- erally to the school building plans? 16 WORLD MISSION REPORT �LOCA TE PLACES . . . USE LESSON QUARTERLY MAP August 15 Cattle Breeders Amazed Moises Cremonezi Registrar and Teacher, Parana Academy INTRODUCTION: This report is a story and an interview. It will be presented most effectively with three persons participating: nar- rator, who tells the story, then in- troduces the teacher and Edson, who provide the dialog. Parana Adventist Academy is the pride of 250,000 inhabitants around Maringa, a city in southern Brazil. Well-kept grounds and a well- planned campus contribute to this feeling, but another major factor is the school's agriculture program. Along with intellectual learning, the academy staff has developed a high technical level of farming and cattle raising on their fertile land. Special breeding methods have pro- duced high quality Dutch Black and White Pure Stock cows. Invariably these cows win first place in regional and national expositions. Hearing of the quality stock, cattle breeders began visiting our academy to learn about latest technical developments and to buy bulls for breeding. In a city not far from the academy lived a prosperous cattle rancher, Mr. Batista. Local Adventist church members often contacted this man during Ingathering season, but he never gave a donation. He mistrusted the use of solicited money. But each year the pastor persisted in visiting the farmer. One day Mr. Batista, along with other cattle breeders, visited Parana Academy. How impressed he was with the students' work and orderli- ness. He visited each section of the farm, showing special interest in the dairy, which distributes more than 1,000 liters (1,056 quarts) daily. Fur- thermore, the milk received the only Type A rating in the country. Mr. Batista went home that day with real admiration for Christian education and the dedication of Adventist young people. Months passed and soon it was In- gathering season. As his custom was, Pastor Jubanski visited Mr. Batista. He showed the Ingathering folder, explaining the Seventh-day Advent- ist Church and its activities. In it was a beautiful picture of Parana Acad- emy! The cattle breeder recognized it and told the pastor he had visited the academy and had much respect for the work going on there. "Now," he said, "how much money would you like as a donation?" Fearing to offend, Pastor Jubanski suggested, "Perhaps something be- tween 8,000 and 80,000 cruzeiros [US$330 to $3,300]." Without hesita- tion Mr. Batista asked if it should be in cash or a check. He then handed over 10,000 cruzeiros (US$416)! This man's prejudice against Adventists was gone. Now he was glad to help FACTS AND FIGURES ADD SPICE . . . SEE PAGE 4 � 17 the church, thanks to the influence of workers and students at Parana Academy. Parana Academy uses its influence to prepare young people for Christian service. Edson is studying theology now, but not long ago he was a member of a dangerous burglar gang well-known for their crimes. Follow- ing is an interview with Edson and an academy teacher. Teacher: How old were you when you left your parents' home, and why did you leave? Edson: I was born into a humble family. When I was 13 years old I wanted very much to work in a large city. My parents did not stop me. At first I worked in some restau- rants as a waiter. I was so successful that in a short time I became head of a team of workers in a large hotel. My pay was very good. Teacher: How did you get involved with gangs and crime? Edson: One day I was walking down a street when a young man ap- proached me. He invited me to ac- company him to a nearby bar, and I consented. He ordered beer for us. Teacher: Before this did you smoke or drink? Edson: No, this was my first time. I tried to refuse, but he threatened to harm me. When we parted he said that next time he would kill me if I tried to run away. I saw him several times after that. Each time we met I was drawn a little deeper into the net of underworld burglary. But, thank God, I never did kill anyone, even though I did make a lot of trouble. Teacher: Were you ever in prison? Edson: Yes. I discovered that my companion was the head of a danger- ous gang. At night I went out with my friend, learning to fight and shoot well. I was made gang assistant. After we destroyed a hotel the gang disintegrated. Most of us were sent to prison. Teacher: Did the experience in the penitentiary change your life? Edson: Behind those bars I was in great agony as I contemplated my wasted life. I frequently wanted to pray but was frustrated because I did not know how. Teacher: Did all of you stay in prison long? Edson: No. Since we were minors, we were soon released. Teacher: What did you do when you got out? Edson: I returned home, stole some things from my parents, and then re- turned to the city. There were plenty of jobs available, but no business would hire me because they always discovered my gang activities and prison record. Teacher: You are now an Advent- ist, are you not? Edson: Yes, and in spite of my past I feel God has a plan for me. I finally secured good employment with a large firm, and, as before, I pro- gressed rapidly in my job. All at once I felt that I should throw off my for- mer life. Everything changed for me after I got to know Jesus through the Adventist Church. It was a wonderful transformation, and I never tire of giving thanks to God for this. Teacher: How did you get ac- quainted with Parana Academy? Edson: After my baptism I left my job. My employer asked me to stay and even promised me Sabbaths free! But I wanted to study in a Christian environment. A missionary told me about Parana Academy. I came here 18 WORLD MISSION REPORT � WHEN TELLING STORIES . . . PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT and felt it was a great opportunity to learn more about God. The teachers, workers, and students are marvelous! The atmosphere is like heaven! I have made up my mind to be a pastor. Schools like Parana Academy are a blessing to young people. I un- derstand the effort being put forth by the administrators to take care of all our needs, but the dormitories still are not finished. I am certain that my Adventist brothers and sisters all over the world will contribute next Thirteenth Sabbath so that we will have space for other young people wanting the opportunity that I have. August 22 Expecting a Miracle Mrs. A. M. Long Wife of Acting Ministerial Director, Trans-Africa Division The Kasai Project, begun in 1973, was the church's response to an unu- sual opportunity for advance in Zaire, when approximately 100,000 people expressed a desire to know more of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the truth about the Sabbath, and how they could prepare for Christ's coming. These people were looking for a church home after their own organi- zations were no longer officially recognized. They requested the Sev- enth-day Adventist Church to accept them. As a result, a mammoth effort began to instruct and nurture these individuals in the way of the Lord. So Pastor and Mrs. Long came to Lulengele Mission in Kasai province. Fourteen years before their arrival the last missionaries had been forced to leave during the war of independ- ence. For the Longs, the first overseas workers to reoccupy the mission, it was heartwarming to be able to re- open Lulengele. They were eager to see the school reopened, and evangel- istic work begun. One day the Longs had a visitor who asked if they would please come to his area in northern Kasai and teach his people. This would mean a journey of about 500 miles (800 km) into the equatorial forest. At that time the only transportation the mis- sion could boast was an ancient Land Rover that had refused to run for two months. There was no motorcycle on the campus. Even the two bicycles were broken. Access to an airport was impossible. Pastor Long had re- quested Land Rover parts from union headquarters, but when they arrived they were not the ones he needed. The Land Rover, along with much of the mission equipment, stood in a station unused for fourteen years. The vehi- cle looked sad, forlorn—and immov- able. Regretfully Pastor Long had to in- form his guest that, much as he would like to send workers into that area, it was impossible at the moment. But he promised to send someone as soon as transportation became available. THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER � 19 Weeks and months passed, and still the Land Rover sat, immobile. But the call, "Come and help us," was repeated. Pastor Long was reminded of the apostle Paul and the Macedon- ian appeal. This time, deciding to step out in faith, he sent word that some- how he would attempt to get help to those faraway villages. First, Pastor Long got in touch with another person whom he proposed sending to this northern area. Then he sent for a teacher proficient in that language who was willing to go as a translator. Finally he summoned an African mechanic and requested him to drive the Land Rover on this expedition. The men were amazed. "Pastor, that Land Rover hasn't moved for months," they protested. "How can we go?" Pastor Long replied, "The Lord is going to open the way. Let's exercise some faith. Can you pack every- thing—clothing, books, everything you need—and be back here in about an hour?" Intrigued, the men carried out his instructions and prepared for the journey. While Mrs. Long filled tins with drinking water and packed the food, her husband poured mazoot ("diesel fuel") into the Land Rover's tank, and even washed the wind- shield! An hour later everyone was ready. The three skeptical men shook their heads doubtfully when they inspected the decrepit vehicle that was sup- posed to carry them on their journey, but when Pastor Long said, "We've done all we can. Now let's kneel and pray that God will do the rest," they bowed together by the Land Rover. After prayer Pastor Long an- nounced, "I'm going to borrow a Land Rover and we'll use it to push our old one. That ought to give it a start." Within minutes he returned, jumped behind the wheel of the mis- sion vehicle, and asked his wife to push it with the borrowed Land Rover. This had been tried before without success, and the crowd of curious spectators had little faith that this further experiment would succeed. But after about an eighth of a mile the onlookers heard a sputter- ing noise. The engine was running! And it was running beautifully, just like a new one. The crowd went wild with excite- ment, their noise drowning out the humming of the rejuvenated engine. Pastor Long drove around the mission and back again. Then the three men, still looking incredulous, took their places and drove off. For three and a half weeks nothing was heard from the travelers. Realiz- ing that it would take a long time to cover 1,000 miles (1,600 km) through tropical forest and over doubtful ex- cuses for roads, Pastor Long tried not to worry. There was no way of getting in touch with them. But nagging questions persisted. Where were they? Was the Land Rover function- ing, or had they run into trouble? The missionaries could only wait and trust completely in the Lord to bring them back safely. Finally one evening, just near bed- time, a familiar sound was heard— the Land Rover! It came nearer, stopped by the old mission home, and came to rest under the mango trees. A happy reunion followed, with conver- sation lasting far past midnight. The travelers reported a successful trip. They found the people truly in- 20 WORLD MISSION REPORT � GIVE YOUR STORY LIFE . . . TELL IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS terested in the Seventh-day Advent- ist faith. Some groups had already discovered the Sabbath truth through personal study and were keeping the seventh day holy. Some were already planning to pay tithe. When Pastor Long asked about the Land Rover, the mechanic smiled. No further pushing had been necessary, he said. The engine had always re- sponded, starting immediately. They had not even had a puncture. As they were talking they heard the rumble of thunder, the onrush of wind. Soon lightning flashed across the sky. Pastor Long said to the driver, "Perhaps you should drive the Land Rover up close to the house so we can unload it before the storm comes." The driver went out, stepped on the starter—and there was no re- sponse. He tried repeatedly, but the old engine had done its duty. It was now dead, and it never budged again for six weeks, until the correct parts arrived and were installed. The area covered by the old Land Rover on this venture of faith now has thousands of Sabbathkeepers. This story is another example of how God took the feeble things of man and used them to His glory. May we be willing to exert every effort to build up God's work on earth. August 29 God Intervenes Jose 0. Correia and Antonio de Souza Paiva President, Santa Catarina Mission; Pastor, Santa Catarina Mission The Adventist work in Brazil was born in the state of Santa Catarina. The fertile seed of the gospel con- vinced the heart of Guilherme Belz, one of the first Adventists. The Belz family was baptized at Gaspar Alto, and later the first church was formed as the community of believers in- creased. Aiming to educate their children for eternity, in 1894 the church established a grade school in Gaspar Alto, which was also another first for Brazil. Now Santa Catarina has twenty- two elementary church schools, seven of which offer all eight grades. Marly attends one of these schools, thanks to a miracle God performed in her parents' hearts. Manly is ten years old and comes from a humble Italian family living in the interior of the state. Adventists frequently visited the Santini home, as it was quite close to an Adventist church. When Marly was 7 years old she was invited to attend the nearby church school. Eagerly she asked her parents if she might go, but received a very vehement No. They did not want anything to do with Adventists and what they had to offer. On top of their refusal, they forbade Marly to talk or play with any of the Adventist children. As the days went by, Manly felt bad LOCATE PLACES . . . USE LESSON QUARTERLY MAP � 21 about this situation. One day she be- came ill. Anxiously her parents took her to a doctor. She received treat- ment; but unfortunately the medicine had no effect, and Manly grew worse. Then her parents tried another medi- cal center with better facilities. A team of doctors set to work to cure Marly. But time passed and her health worsened. Finally the Santinis received disheartening news. There was nothing else medicine could do for Marly. They could only take her home to die. What a tragic scene! It was only when human help had completely failed that the Santinis remembered the Adventists. They sent a message to the church, asking for someone to visit them. Some of the church school teachers responded to the appeal. Arriving at the home, they listened to the story of all Marly had experienced and how there was no hope for her future. God gave words of comfort to those teachers, and one of them, the direc- tor of the school, said, "Do not be discouraged. God works where all human help is impossible. He can save your daughter." Now the teachers heard a challenge thrown out to God. The parents said, "If God hears our prayers and heals our daughter she will study in your school, and our family will become members of the Seventh-day Advent- ist Church!" Later a church meeting was called. The members were well-acquainted with Marly's situation and how her parents had felt toward Adventists. Together the members fasted and prayed for Marly's healing and the conversion of her parents. And God answered the sincere prayers of His children and granted a miracle. A few days later a totally cured Marly came to enroll at the Adventist school. The best miracle of all hap- pened when Mr. and Mrs. Santini ac- cepted the Adventist message as their own. Until just a few years ago the Santa Catarina Mission was consid- ered a real "stone quarry" in evan- gelistic circles. When souls were con- verted it was said a chip was taken from the rock. There were never more than 300 persons baptized in a year. Now conditions have changed. In the year 1979 there were 122 baptis- mal services with 1,135 converts joining the Adventist Church. Such figures were unheard of before in church history. In view of this rapid growth the young people cannot be ignored. The elementary schools fill an important position. But what happens when the children finish? Either they stay home and attend local non-Adventist schools or they must travel far away to academy in another state. At present Adventists operate academies in many parts of Brazil, but not in the cradle of Adventism— Santa Catarina. As this state com- memorates more than eighty years of Adventism, hopes are strong for a new academy. The land for the academy has been secured. It was given by brethren for this purpose. The building plans are prepared. When this project of faith and courage becomes known around the world, many will give of their means to begin construction. With God's help, the dream of a new acad- emy will soon become a reality. The young people of Santa Catarina thank you in advance for your liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Offering. 22 WORLD MISSION REPORT � FACTS AND FIGURES ADD SPICE . . . SEE PAGE 4 September 5 From the Heart of Brazil Rodolpho Gorski and Job F. dos Santos President, Central Brazil Mission; Director, Communications Department. Central Brazil Mission "Pastor Rodolpho, don't forget to prepare your mission report before you go traveling!" warned Pastor Oli- veira J. Pires, coordinator of the medical mission launch on the Ara- guaia (Ah-rah-GWUY-uh) River, and lay activities director of the Central Brazil Mission. Soon Pastor Rodolpho finished the report, and the launch team—two nurses, a doctor, a dentist, an evan- gelist, and assorted helpers—was ready to set sail. The Araguaia River is surprisingly beautiful. Each curve of its bank brings a new view of thick trees, large floating grass islands, beautiful birds that lure tourists from all over the world, and extensive white sand beaches with an occa- sional alligator or turtle. Our launch travels more than 2,000 km (1,250 miles) on this route, caring for thou- sands of persons needing healing of soul and body. More than forty years ago our church began work along the Ara- guaia River. Every so often someone asks, "Is it worthwhile?" We believe God inspired the pioneers to establish this important work here in the heart of Brazil. The Araguaia River area is totally different from Brasilia, also in the Central Brazil Mission. Brasilia is the sophisticated modern capital of Brazil. Its senators and leaders need to hear the gospel message as much as the Caraja Indians living on the Araguaia River. Five million people live in the Cen- tral Brazil Mission territory; 11,000 of these are baptized Seventh-day Adventists. Many Adventists live be- tween the large cities Brasilia and Goiania (Goee-AH-nee-uh), where we have several churches of more than 500 members. However, the mission also houses many small congrega- tions spread over the 2,000-km length of our territory. Recently the mission pastors met in Brazil. Their dedication to the cause of evangelism was evident at this gathering when each pastor told of the number of souls he expected to win in the present year. All the pro- posed baptisms were tallied up, and the total came to 1,174! This is a tremendous challenge as it means al- most 100 baptisms for each district pastor. These pastors and brethren of our churches very much need our prayers. Perhaps the greatest challenge to our Central Brazil Mission is Chris- tian education. Until some years ago all the Adventist grade schools out- side of the Brasilia area were totally dependent upon public economic aid. It was a big problem for the church to get sufficient funds. But a conscien- tious campaign in the churches roused the members with the battle cry "If we wish to give our children a WHEN TELLING STORIES . . PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT � 23 complete Christian education we must pay the price!" As a result the principal schools are now maintained by their respective churches, and the number of students enrolled has sur- prised everyone, as it increased from year to year. Several years ago Pastor Santos was called to pastor the Adventist church on the main street in Goiania, a city of 800,000 people. The church owned a primary school that con- sisted of two rooms at the back of the sanctuary. There was no space for recreation or physical education. The children urgently needed larger fa- cilities. The biggest difficulty was to find affordable and suitable real estate, as there was not enough money for ex- pensive land. But God guided the pastor and a pioneer of the church to visit a wealthy doctor who owned a large farm. Dr. Altamiro Pacheco (Pah-SAY-co) was one of the founders of the city of Goiania. The men took booklets depicting Adventist work around the world. When they started to show them to Dr. Pacheco, he said, "You are Ad- ventists. You do not need to show me anything. In my refrigerator are many Superbom products made by your church." (Superbom is the name of the Adventist vegetarian food fac- tory in Brazil.) He continued, "I know your church well. Tell me what you would like." The Adventist brethren explained their need for an elementary school and inquired if Dr. Pacheco had any land he might donate. The doctor replied, "I want to look over my land holdings. Return Wednesday, and if there is something I can give you, it will be my pleasure." The next Wednesday the men, now joined by the mission president, re- turned to Dr. Pacheco's, this time taking the proposed school plans. The gentleman brought out an old map that clearly showed the layout of Goiania. "Look at the map," he said. "The area I have marked in red is what I have chosen for the Adventists. If this is suitable I will get the deed." The church leaders went to survey the property and were surprised at what met their eyes. Whereas they had asked for a piece of land or a lot, they were gazing at a square of 13,000 square meters (3 1/4 acres). Months later when it was time to lay the cornerstone, Dr. Pacheco gave a short speech commending Advent- ists. "This stone represents the suc- cess that I know the Adventist work will have," he said. It is true the work succeeds. An imposing two-story building is now a reality for the Central Goiania church. Four hundred students are enrolled in kindergarten through eighth grade. Similar miracles are happening throughout the Central Brazil Mis- sion, which now has six elementary schools. Of course the leaders are very happy with this progress, but now they are concerned about an even more pressing need—a boarding academy for the children finishing grade school. Some young people must travel around 2,000 km to ob- tain an Adventist education at acad- emies in neighboring states. The situation is even more complicated when one realizes that the other academies are filled to overflowing. It is time for us to unite and give the best for our children. 24 WORLD MISSION REPORT � THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER September 12 Mission to the CaraPi Odete G. X. de Lima Teacher, Sao Paulo Adventist Academy When Portuguese explorer Pedro world. The people are pagans, dedi- Cabral arrived in Brazil in 1500, he cated to witchcraft. They believe in supposed he had discovered India, so communication with the dead, and called the natives Indians. The Indi- worship the sun, moon, and stars. ans today have the same language They especially adore the fish Aruana and traditions as their ancestors who (Ah-roo-AH-nah), from whom they met Cabral centuries ago. Adventists supposedly descended. Only after have found in these people of central forty-eight years' work among them Brazil a challenge to the gospel did the first Indians make a stand for charge, "Go .. . and teach all nations." Christ. Caleb Pinho is one who accepted � How did these conversions come this challenge. He grew up desiring to about? Pastor Pinho explains: "Those be a missionary on a medical mission forty-eight years before the first con- launch. Deciding he could best pre- versions were not totally fruitless. pare by attending an Adventist We were laying the groundwork. The boarding school, he enrolled at Sao Bible and various hymns were trans- Paulo Adventist Academy. Eventu- lated into the Carajd tongue. The ally he became a pastor, and also mission established an elementary completed the Red Cross course as a school with the first four grades, and nurse's helper. � hired a director fluent in Portuguese Together with his nurse wife, Abi- and Carajd. Eventually the mission gail, he served in the Campo Grande had a list of people who knew a little Adventist Clinic in southern Mato bit about the Adventist message. Grosso, a state in central Brazil. Through prayer and the Holy Spirit After eight years a dream came true some of these persons were drawn to when the Pinhos had opportunity to Christ." begin work on the medical mission � There were some promising young launch traveling the Sao Francisco people working for God on the island, River. They have also worked ten among them Paulo and Luiz, who years on the launch serving the Ara- directed Branch Sabbath Schools in guaia (Ah-rah-GWUY-uh) River, several local villages. Paulo also which vertically divides central Bra- translated for the Portuguese mis- zil. Their work concentrated mainly sionaries, which greatly helped their on the Carajd (Kah-rah-ZHAH) In- work with the Cara* In the next two dian tribe. � years, seventy souls were baptized in The Carajd live on Bananal Island, the mighty Araguaia River. Ninety the largest floating island in the percent of those on the mission prayer GIVE YOUR STORY LIFE . . . TELL IT IN YOUR OWN WORDS � 25 list have been baptized. God has truly shown wonderful signs to the inhabitants of Bananal Island. One conversion in particular stands out. Antonio had an impres- sive dream one night. A bright holy angel appeared to him and said, "An- tonio, you must preach the gospel in the villages surrounding your birth- place. Do not be afraid, for I will be at your side." Such a message could not help but inspire! Antonio began memorizing Bible studies, hymns, and children's stories. Every Friday night just be- fore sunset he walked about 40 km (25 miles) to the village of Saint Isa- bel. There he gave Bible lessons to one of his sisters who was married to a witch doctor. Her husband greatly opposed the studies and beat her se- verely. But in spite of the hardship she decided to be baptized. In this village was a group of young people who went dancing together. Antonio had once been part of the group. Now he wanted to share his new faith in Christ with them. As a result, twenty-five young people de- cided to follow Jesus and seal their faith in the baptismal waters. What are the prospects for future work among these people? One prom- ising young leader is Joao Werreria (Ay-ray-REE-ah), a Caraja Indian. In 1980 he finished the educational course at Sao Paulo Academy. When you hear this story he will be study- ing theology, preparing to take the gospel of Christ to his tribe. Sixteen-year-old Hariana is an- other young man who came from the Indian settlement to our school in Sao Paulo, 2,000 km (1,250 miles) away. Why did he come so far? "I came to study because my people need help," he says. "The civilized white man does not have permission anymore to preach the gospel among us. I want to be a pastor and work for my tribe." Hariana decided to be a pastor as he listened to other young people talk about their goals. "When I arrived at Sao Paulo, I heard the students dis- cuss careers," he tells. "One said, 'I want to be an administrator.' Another wanted to become a businessman, and another a pastor. As I did not know the Portuguese language very well, I asked what these professions were. When they described a pastor, I decided that was the choice for me. Then I could talk about the love of God and the hope of a better world to my people. I would teach my Caraja brothers in their own language how to gain victory over vice and super- stition. Werreria and I will be the first Indian workers to our tribe." Hariana has been at Sao Paulo Academy five years now. During that time he hasn't gone home once. It is too dangerous. "Some of the people in my village may try to prevent my return to school. They are not in favor of what I am studyng. So I will stay here until I finish my academy work; then I will train as a pastor, after which I will go home." Hariana has a message to Sabbath School members around the world: "We ask that you pray for our work among the Caraja people, and also that you give a bountiful offering on Thirteenth Sabbath. Part of it will be used to enlarge the women's dormi- tory at Sao Paulo Academy. Another part will help build a new academy in the Central Brazil Mission, where the young people can prepare to preach the gospel in our land." 26 WORLD MISSION REPORT �LOCATE PLACES . . . USE LESSON QUARTERLY MAP September 19 These Are My Witnesses Natanael Batista and Josue Gouveia Sabbath School Department, West Sao Paulo Conference: Biology Teacher, Sao Paulo Academy Josue (Joe-SUE-ay), Inez (E-nes), and their children lived in Sao Paulo, a southern Brazilian state. Josue taught biology and Inez taught math at local schools. Their family was Christian; both Josue and Inez were avid readers of the Bible and books written by Ellen G. White. They ob- served with interest the Adventist organization and its activities. Occa- sionally they visited one of our churches. One day a lay person discovered their interest in Adventism and in- vited them to visit the center of Ad- ventist work in Sao Paulo. Josue describes their impressions: "We admired not only the great work being accomplished by Adventists but also the fact that each doctrine was solidly based on Scripture. We could see the finger of God guiding this instituion and we were stirred. We prepared our hearts and accepted the invitation to become members of the Seventh-day Adventist Church." Not long after their baptism Josue and Inez received another invitation. This time it was from Sao Paulo Academy. Would they be interested in working with other Adventist teachers in the cause of educating and saving our youth? They accepted the call and in January, 1978, began teaching at Sao Paulo Academy. The school had begun in 1949 under the guidance of Elder Germano Ritter. Until 1966 it offered only the first eight grades. In 1967 a book- keeping course was started; then fol- lowed other courses such as education and secretarial. Approximately 95 percent of the academy students are Adventists. A number of young people come expect- ing only to get an education for this life, but leave believing in the Chris- tian ideals they have witnessed in practice. Recently 110 people joined the Adventist Church, 45 of whom were Sao Paulo students and the rest were contacts from the students' mis- sionary work. "We are happy for the privilege of working in God's vineyard," Josue tells us. "Like the other teachers, we feel God has great plans for His school in Sao Paulo." God has truly blessed the work among these students. Just listen to this story. The days were filled with enthusi- asm and expectation. School was al- most over! All that remained was the senior class trip, final exams, and then graduation. The seniors hur- riedly gave final touches to the year's studies and prepared for their long- awaited trip to the south of the country. Finally it was time to leave. With smiles and farewell handshakes the happy group drove away. FACTS AND FIGURES ADD SPICE . . . SEE PAGE 4 � 27 The excursion leader, a teacher well-experienced in this type of out- ing, arranged where the group would spend the first night. He found a gov- ernment-owned boarding school with enough extra space for the Adventist visitors. Mattresses were placed in various rooms, and other preparations were made for the night. The boarding students were curious about the visi- tors who were going to share their quarters. Some of the more outgoing ones started conversations with the academy students. That evening the Adventist young people gathered on the patio for wor- ship. When the singing began, others were attracted by the sound. When worship was over and our young peo- ple were leaving, some of the inquisi- tive boarding students approached and inquired, "Do you say these prayers every day?" "What marvelous music. Where did you learn those inspiring songs?" "What school are you from?" In spite of their tiredness, the young ladies and men from Sao Paulo Academy spoke with enthusiasm of the school and religion they love so much. They gave a wonderful testi- mony, not only by what they said but by their example. Soon all settled down for the night. The seeds had been sown. Now it was time for the Holy Spirit to work. The following evening about a half dozen boarding students attended worship out on the patio. After the closing prayer, they sought out the group leader. They mentioned the songs and prayers that flowed from the Advent- ist students. They asked, "How can we experience the happiness and peace you seem to have?" Before the bus left to continue the journey, the Adventist young people made a circle around their new friends and sang hymns. They also prayed that God would show the path of truth to those searching to know His will. Names of the interested young people were given to the pastor of the local Adventist church. Two years later Toqueto (Toe- KEH-toe), one of the students from the government boarding school, came to Sao Paulo Academy. Excit- edly he went up to Professor Costa, the trip leader, and asked, "Do you remember me?" The teacher was thrilled to see him and even more thrilled to hear of his baptism, which took place amid great difficulty. Toqueto informed Professor Costa that there were others from the gov- ernment boarding school that later joined the Adventist Church. What happy thoughts filled the teacher's mind as he remembered the faithful young people worshiping their God. Today Toqueto is in his second year of theology. He remembers with gratitude his first contact with Ad- ventists through the students from Sao Paulo Academy, students who even when on a cultural and recrea- tional tour testified for their Re- deemer. Sao Paulo Academy has many ur- gent needs. The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering this quarter will help en- large dormitories and school build- ings at Sao Paulo. Of the 33 classes in existence, only 20 function in ade- quate rooms. The others improvise in such unlikely locales as the old bak- ery, the store annex, and the library study room. May Heaven's blessing be upon each as you contribute to the needs of our academy in Sao Paulo. 28 WORLD MISSION REPORT � WHEN TELLING STORIES . . . PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT September 26 rnonvertecl by a Dream Orlando Rosa Pastor, Central Brazil Mission Every week during 1979, almost 1,000 new members were baptized into the Adventist Church in South America. The total of 50,174 repre- sents the best year ever in soul win- ning. Of these, 28,361 were in Brazil, the fifth largest country of the world, and home to 120 million people. Bringing the three angels' mes- sages to these people is quite a chal- lenge. The Lord at times uses ex- traordinary means to prepare minds to receive His last-day message. Luiz Ferreira de Lima (Fay-RAY- ee-rah day LEE-muh) left the religion of his parents, linking up with one of the Pentecostal churches. He became so enthusiastic with his newfound faith that he decided to preach to his neighbors in North Ceilandia (Sayee- LAWN-dee-ah), a satellite city ad- joining Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. He raised up a new company, which developed into a church. Years went by, and Luiz moved to Goiania (Goee-AH-nee-uh), where there were no believers of his partic- ular teachings. But he found a church with many similar beliefs and de- cided to link up with it. The congre- gation appreciated his preaching and leadership talents, so appointed him to be their evangelist. Still, he was not content with this church. Not only was there discord among the leaders but there was also controversy and lack of harmony on Bible doctrines. Luiz began to pray seriously over the matter, inviting his wife, Odete, to pray with him. They spent many hours searching for truth in the Word of God. About this time the administra- tion of the Central Brazil Mission ar- ranged a meeting for February 23 and 24, 1979, for all Seventh-day Ad- ventist churches in and near Goiania. Their purpose: to train church mem- bers for Project Penetration, a year- long outreach effort. The first meet- ing was on Friday night in the Red River Sports Gymnasium. Earnest prayers ascended for the project, which would commence the following day. After Sabbath School and a brief church service, the members left to distribute 10,000 folders titled "Jesus Is Coming Soon." Unaware of all this, Friday night Luiz Ferreira went to bed as usual, but awoke at midnight. Unable to sleep, he decided to get up and pray. He did not want to waken his wife, as she was sleeping peacefully. Feeling spiritually unsatisfied and with an emptiness in his soul, he prayed for a long time, asking God to show him a better church. So intense were his prayers, tears rolled down his face. After a time he became tired and returned to bed. Soon he fell asleep. He dreamed he saw a young man THANK YOU FOR BEING A WORLD-MISSIONS REPORTER � 29 wearing a light-blue suit come up to him and say, "God is the Lord of the seventh day." He repeated this many times. When Luiz woke he was con- cerned over this dream. On Saturday morning he told the dream to his wife and said, "I do not understand what God is trying to tell me." He got on his bicycle and rode downtown to do some shopping. He returned about noon, and as he ap- proached his home he saw a young man wearing a light-blue suit talking with some people. He recognized the man and said to himself, "This is the young man I saw in my dream." Luiz walked over to the stranger. When he saw the religious handbills, he asked, "What church are you from?" Immediately Brother Delicio (Day- LEE-see-oh), deacon at the Goiania Central church, answered, "I am a Seventh-day Adventist." Luiz told him, "I had a dream last night and saw you in it!" Then he went on to explain what he had seen. Luiz was tremendously stirred by what was obviously more than a co- incidence. He gave Brother Delicio his name and address, and earnestly asked him to come to his home and study the Word of God with him. When Luiz arrived home he showed the folder to his wife, and said, "Here is the fulfillment of my dream." You can imagine the enthusiastic way Luiz and Odete studied the Bible with their newfound friend. Soon they discovered that the Lord's day is the seventh day. They opened their hearts to the truth and two months later were preparing for baptism. On the Sunday the baptism was to take place, at seven o'clock in the morning Brother Delicio came to Pastor Rosa's home and said, "Pastor, I have sad news to tell you. Luiz' house burned down! Luiz, his wife, and three children have only the clothes on their backs." Pastor Rosa went to comfort the family, but instead he came back comforted. Luiz had more courage than ever and was determined to pro- ceed with his baptism. His only com- ment over the misfortune was "The enemy took the little that I possessed, but he cannot take away my faith." That same night Luiz and Odete were baptized. Through Luiz' efforts several peo- ple in Goiania were baptized. Some months after the baptism, one Sab- bath Pastor Rosa noticed that Luiz was absent from church. That was strange—he was always one of the first to arrive for any meeting. The pastor asked Brother Delicio if any- thing had happened to Luiz. "Oh, no," he was told. "Luiz has moved back to North Ceilandia so he can contact all the members of his former church to give them the truth." When Luiz returned to North Cei- landia he started visiting his old friends, studying the Bible with them. They marveled at the truths that were unfolded to them. Even the pastor of the church was impressed to say, "Brother Luiz, you are now our teacher, and I am going to sit down in the pews so I can hear you!" After Luiz had shared many important truths with them, he brought a Bible worker and the local pastor to see them. The pastor found them very well instructed. In the first baptism, twenty-five people took their stand for Christ. Ours is the opportunity to help this division, where soul winning is so successful right now. 30 WORLD MISSION REPORT � PROJECTS DESCRIPTION . . . READ PAGE 2 THE NORTHERN EUROPE DIVISION WILL BENEFIT FROM THE FOURTH QUARTER, 1981, SPECIAL PROJECTS OFFERING ON DECEMBER 19 Issued Quarterly by the Seventh-day Adventist Sabbath School Department, 6840 Eastern Avenue NW. Washington, D.C. 20012 PRINTED IN USA Manaus � Bt 01 • INCA UNION 1Lake Tatcaca • La PazSanta iaSierra z SOUTH BRAZIL UNION Belem A., NORTH BRAZIL UNION 7.1 �i it.../• Fort aleza ....... � 1 � • � ".• • � Recite � IP � 0 $ � 0 f • • •. �BRAZIL 1 ii EAST Salvador Brasilia et BRAZIL •4". UNION I 13th Sabbath Projects 1. Construction of Trans-Amazon Academy. 2. Evangelistic Center for Fortaleza, and chapels throughout North Brazil Union. BOLIVIA A44, Cordoba Santa Fe • • Santiago � Rosario • • Buenos Aires • Campo Grande • t I Sao Par. 1•• • R UGUAY Montevideo • • AUSTRAL As,mc,on UNION • Quito ECUADOR Guayaquil La Plata• ARGENTINA � • SOUTH AMERICAN DIVISION 3. Two new academies. and new dormitory for a third in South Brazil Union. Church Unions � Population Churches Members Members Austral � 32.500,000 208 41,288 39,818 Chile � 10,918,465 � 136 � 34,306 � 29,421 East Brazil �69.551,800 � 310 � 89,577 � 95,797 Inca � 31.117,348 304 108,786 119,670 North Brazil �16,509,186 � 84 � 46,382 � 50,422 South Brazil 52,580,300 441 144,715 139,864 DIVISION TOTALS 213,177.099 1,483 465,054 474,992 Figures as of Fourth Quarter 1979 Ivor a del Fuego