The strength of cross-cultural missions

In Brazil since 2015, Adventist Frontier Missions (AFM Brasil), headquartered at the Centro Universitário Adventista de São Paulo (UNASP Engenheiro Coelho campus), participates in the mission of reaching those not reached in this generation. In this interview, Pastor Diogo Lemos dos Santos, upon assuming the presidency of the South American agency at the age of 33, speaks of Mongolia, remembers miracles, shares his long-term vision, and is thrilled to see lives transformed. With a degree in theology from USASP and one in business administration from FAESA (University Center Campus Victory), he is married to Professor Gabryelle Santos, and they have two children, Lucas and Ester.

How would you describe yourself?

Concise, willing, dedicated and assertive. I love to strum my classical guitar. I am in love with my family and I love serving the Adventist Church.

You've traveled the world. Why did you serve in Mongolia?

Two years before I went to Mongolia, I heard a talk by Pastor Elbert Kuhn (current world secretary for voluntary service at the General Conference) who at the time worked in the country. I joked with my wife: “Have you thought about going there?” It worked out. We didn’t think twice about giving the answer.

How does working in cross-cultural missions change you?

You become someone else. To go through the culture shock is to learn to empty oneself in the likeness of Christ in order to become one with them.

Did this happen suddenly to you?

It was a process. For some it takes months; others take years. Even very short-term missionaries experience this. For example, I saw young people and adults of different nationalities say: "Oh, now the mission of the church makes sense."

What were your biggest challenges in the initial phase of the job?

We grew up seeing the world from our own worldview. But values ​​such as respect, prestige, time, and others vary from place to place. In my case, to live in Mongolia I had to give up personal values ​​such as privacy and my own family and community.

What was the process like to bring the team from Mongolia to visit Brazil?

It was a real odyssey (laughs) in July 2019. We embarked for Mongolia with only half the resources, despite a year of planning. However, I was convinced that the fruit of this culture shock, when visiting Brazil, would be important. I remembered Ellen White: “The means at our disposal may not seem sufficient for the work; but if we move forward in faith, believing in the all-sufficient power of God, abundant resources will be offered to us.”

Were there any reactions during the visit, exchange, and learning process?

The results could not have been better! Today Mongolia has another school! A pivoting move took place. Manuals were revised, as well as routines, level of hygiene, marketing, social media, enrollment process, teacher profile, physical structure. God far surpassed all the expectations we had and, of course, we returned without owing anyone (laughs). I need to thank USASP tricampi who helped us a lot in this process, Adventist Technology Institute, the Central Brazilian Union, and the South American Division.

Are donations important in supporting cross-cultural missions?

They are vital! The mission needs resources. The church in Latin America is the result of missionary effort and resources. Looking at the enormous potential that by God's grace today we have, I think we could do more. The more donors, the more we could do in the field. The relationship is direct and proportional.

What are AFM Brasil's immediate dreams?

Fill all vacancies. Let more volunteers preach and serve in challenging contexts. Technically prepare them, supervise them in the field, and assist them in adapting to Brazil. All this at the lowest possible cost!

What makes the eyes of young people who enroll in AFM shine even though they are aware of the challenges?

Easy answer: A love of saving people. I lived through challenging times and I often felt God pick us up, as when I saw an angel watching over my son. Even so, what melts the heart is to see the Holy Spirit move.

How does AFM Brasil work?

Adventist Frontier Missions is a supporting ministry recognized by the Adventist Church worldwide. We take this seriously to the point that our projects go through votes in associations, missions, and divisions. This provides security in the entire process, from sending to returning to Brazil.

What is the profile of volunteers maintained by AFM Brasil today?

We have short- and long-term missionaries (1-4 and 5-20 years) spread throughout the world. These projects are supported by donations; however, there are cases with a counterpart from the association, union, division, and even the General Conference.

Is there a connection between AFM Brasil and Adventist Volunteer Service (SVA)?

AFM's interaction with SVA is one of total partnership, cordiality, and complementarity. We are on the same mission although at different points.

What final motivation do you leave for those who wish to live the mission?

Do you want to live 2 Corinthians 5:18? Leave the spotlight at the airport and sign up on our website! Although missionary success does not measure in numbers, God can allow us to see results as the privilege I had to lead a Munguu baptism. It took three years of struggle talking about the kingdom of God until the beautiful day when she asked to be baptized. Mission produces for eternity!

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