I’d heard about the incredible growth of the Church in South America (SAD) as a young pastor in the early ‘90s and have always wanted to visit. My work as a General Conference vice president has taken me to many parts of the world but not SAD until recently. I was not disappointed. We visited churches, conferences, unions, universities, a hospital and publishing house and Adventist technology in Peru, Bolivia and Brazil. The first thing you notice is the hospitality—church leaders and Pathfinders met us at airports, then gave us food and time to get to know the people (through translators). Although language was a barrier, we knew they were glad to have us. When we left, they made sure we would not forget them, giving us local gifts. Hospitality grows a church.
South Americans are very proud of their church/institutional buildings. Each of them was architecturally designed and in pristine condition (new and old). In every foyer there were two clear visuals—a local history timeline highlighting major events of the church/entity’s development; and a map of their territory and where they fit into the world. Entries and visuals make an impression. These visuals recognise the great work done in the past and the world that still needs to be reached. Every time a leader spoke, within the first minute they were talking about their mission and the importance of mission. They highlighted victories God had given and outlined challenges ahead but always in the context of partnering with God in His mission. Such mission focus grows the church.
SAD are on the cutting edge of technology, visual media development and programing and publishing/printing. Hope VA is a virtual assistant who the SPD is using in our territory. She gives thousands of Bible and health studies every day—including in PNG and TPUM. Novo Tempo (SAD Hope Channel) has a logo on every local church building (even other denominations want the logo on their buildings because it attracts people)—the quality of the programs is so good. Local conferences and churches have Hope Channel coordinators just to follow up all the people who want more information about the programs, financed by viewers. These innovative ministries grow the church.
There’s much more I could write. The Church in SAD does have challenges but, like a well-maintained and tuned car, it knows where it is going. I thank God I could see the growth of the Church there.
