South American Division

Remote Amazonian village's search for the Sabbath leads to the Adventist Church

The Palikur people sought out the Seventh-day Adventist Church after discovering biblical teachings about the Sabbath.

June 30, 2026

Brazil

Núbia Monteiro, South American Division, and ANN

Adventist Church in the village of Tawari, built by the Palikur community.

Photo: Ribamar Diniz

In the remote northern state of Amapá, Brazil, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Tawari Village has a unique origin story. Rather than missionaries bringing the Adventist message to the Palikur Indigenous community, it was the Palikur themselves who sought out the Church.

Located deep in the Amazon, the village is accessible only by a 10-hour boat journey, yet today 13 Palikur families worship there.

In the 1980s and 1990s, members of the Palikur community learned about the biblical teachings regarding the Sabbath (Saturday) and began observing it. Soon after, Chief Emílio, known as Simeão, discovered the existence of the Adventist Church–a church that observed the Sabbath just like the Palikur people.

Simeão went to find it. His initiative paved the way for the arrival of Adventist pastor Raimundo Cutrim, who performed the first baptisms in the river waters next to the community.

Pastor Raimundo Cutrim performs a baptism in the river, next to the Palikur community, in 1999. Photo: South American Division

Henrique Leôncio, village leader and director of the local church, recalls that period with gratitude. "In the '90s, my father requested this gospel for our community. The message reached us, and to this day we continue to obey the Word of God."

Leôncio also highlights the support received over the years. "We are grateful for the mission. The teams come here, talk to us, and teach us how to walk in the way of Jesus. As a church leader, I thank God for that."

Adelaide and Shirley Leôncio during a program at the Aldeia church. Photo: Courtesy of the South American Division

Even without mastering Portuguese, Adelaide and Shirley Leôncio work in literature evangelism to bring hope to other communities. Adelaide affirms that God empowered her for this mission.

"God taught me to speak Portuguese and bring salvation to people. It's very good to meet people who need God," Adelaide said.

"We don't want to learn the Word just for ourselves. We want to bring God's love to people who need salvation," Shirley said.

Pastor Celso Silva arrives by boat at the Tawari Village, greeted by members of the Palikur community. Photo: Courtesy of the South American Division

Pastor Celso Silva, who works with the community, shares the limitations: "Our biggest difficulty is offering the assistance we would like, given the geographical reality."

Still, Silva says each visit renews the bond with the community. "When I'm there, I see their perseverance for the gospel. That motivates me and gives me joy," says Silva, who is already planning new missionary activities for the coming months.