Ministry of Inclusion Influences Baptism Decisions

Imagine being in a country where you don't speak the native language and can't understand what the locals say. This is often what it feels like to be someone who cannot hear and, in many cases, cannot speak either. Deaf people face the reality of being a foreigner in their own country when there is no one who knows how to interpret Brazilian Sign Language (LIBRAS).

Understanding that inclusion is thinking of everyone, without distinction, Seventh-day Adventist churches have worked to ensure accessibility at all levels (physical, visual, auditory, intellectual). In São Gonçalo, a municipality in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, the result of the efforts of the Alcântara congregation was seen on April 16 with the baptism of eight people, including two deaf girls and an autistic youth.

Right on the facade of the church of Alcântara, the invitation to the deaf is highlighted. In addition, the congregation itself is encouraged to take a LIBRAS class, demonstrating that accessibility is also attitudinal. And it was through this inclusive ministry that Evely Cazé and Raiana Lins testified about their faith in God through baptism, performed by Pastor Cladson Rodrigues.

Both Evely and Raiana say they feel very welcome at the church. Both commented that the members' humility and the way they make them feel good makes the atmosphere special.

Miguel Rodrigues, who is autistic, has always shown his love for Jesus. He often participates in activities and is highly esteemed by the Adventurer club, of which he is a member. Making him take part in the actions of the church makes it a support network for the boy's family, which, some time ago, was also welcomed in a time of mourning.

The reception that Miguel received brought him closer to the religious community [Photo Courtesy of the South American Division]

Pastor Rodrigues is responsible for the church in Alcântara and tells about the privilege of performing these baptisms. “It is an opportunity that Adventist Possibilities Ministry allows us to baptize sincere and special people, whether they are deaf, autistic, with Down syndrome, as I have done before. So, it’s a great joy,” he says. “Alcântara's church has always worked to welcome all people, and we are concerned about reaching special people who also need to hear God's message. I'm even learning LIBRAS to participate more in this ministry.”

Raiana and Evely are deaf, and through the reception of the church and the work done with the ministry for the deaf, they made the decision for baptism [Photo Courtesy of the South American Division]

Beyond the Obstacles

On the same Sabbath, in the municipality of Rio Bonito, other baptisms were performed. And not even the wheelchair Clovis França needs to use was an impediment to his decision.

For Pastor Elison Abreu, baptizing him was another remarkable experience. “Being used by God as an instrument is fantastic! I keep imagining Clovis, who couldn't stand up and still didn't measure efforts to go through this experience. I have no doubt that he returned home with the assurance of salvation in Christ Jesus,” he states.

Ministry of Possibilities

The Adventist Ministry of Possibilities (MAP) has been expanded by the territory administered by Associação Rio Fluminense. It aims to identify and eliminate the various types of barriers that may prevent someone from carrying out activities and exercising functions in one’s faith community, regardless of physical, cognitive, or emotional limitations, offering those in need similar conditions to that of other individuals.

Included in MAP are seven broad categories of ministry: deaf, blind, physically handicapped, emotional and mentally disabled, orphans and vulnerable children, and widowers and caregivers. The intention is that labels that detract from a person's sense of self-worth and the resultant exhaustion are replaced with confidence, hope, and encouragement.

This article was originally published on the South American Division’s news site