The Missionary Bible, a version produced by the Seventh-day Adventist Church in South America, with additional content to strengthen the spiritual life of new converts and help them form new disciples, will be given to each person baptized in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay. The proposal was presented during the denomination's Plenary Steering Committee for this territory and approved by the delegates.
"This is a clear step that shows we want to invest in the new converts and encourage them to make disciples. The new converts are the best missionaries because they are born this way, inspired by the Gospel they have just received," emphasizes Pastor Herbert Boger Jr., Personal Ministries director for the South American Division.
"We want our members, especially new members, to be involved in the process of bringing other people to Christ. And that's what the Missionary Bible is there for. Its resources help build this identity and point out ways to reach people's hearts," details Boger.
The material has resources to broaden the understanding of the Bible and includes guidelines on how to give Bible studies, including through social networks, in addition to a complete guide entitled Jesus, Restorer of Life. All the content is anchored in the concept of “Communion, Relationship, and Mission,” which involves readers in daily contact with God, strengthening bonds with people, and the challenge of sharing the love of Christ with others.
"Our great challenge is to strengthen the involvement of new members in the mission. That is why this tool comes into the hands of our dear friends so that they can grow and bear fruit. Reaching out to others is a responsibility for all of us. Each district pastor will receive this Bible to encourage, inspire, and involve the newly baptized in the call to make disciples," says Boger.
According to Pastor Marlon Lopes, Finance director for the South American Division, the investment that will be made for this material to reach every new Adventist reflects the commitment to help people be spiritually born with a focus on reaching others. "The mission will always be our priority, and we believe that when we give them conditions and the necessary tools to develop, it is much easier to find and respond to hearts thirsty for the Gospel," he highlights.
The original version of this story was posted on the South American Division Portuguese-language news site.