Young Adventists in Brazil marked 15 years of the popular beachside worship service in Rio de Janeiro, with over 4,000 participants taking part in the official event.

“This achievement is significant for us, [as it demonstrates] our event [is making] a difference, not only in our [church] community, but by local authorities,” said Geovane Souza, president of the Adventist Church for the South of Rio de Janeiro.

Summer JA, short for Jovenes Adventistas (Young Adventists), is one of the most anticipated events for Adventist youth in Rio de Janeiro, offering opportunities for worship, fellowship, and a deeper connection with God.

A highlight from this year’s event included thousands of participants wearing the orange ‘Missão Calebe’ project shirt – a project which encourages young Adventists to spend their vacations helping small congregations reach new people.

Over the span of three Saturday afternoons, ministry tents captured the interest of pedestrians. Volunteer doctors and psychologists from the Barra da Tijuca Adventist Church provided professional care and assistance.

“This service helped those who passed by the beach, but were unable to attend the service on the sand,” said Sérgio da Silva Torres, the tent ministry organizer. “It was [amazing] to see and receive gratitude from the people we helped and prayed with,” said Torres.

History

On a sweltering Saturday afternoon in 2009, a group of young people gathered in a church without air conditioning and came up with the idea to take their sunset worship service to the beach. The experience was so positive that they repeated the event throughout the month of January and in the following year the number of participants tripled.

It was in 2011 that the name "JA de Verão" (JA Summer) became official and according to one of the founders, Rogério Soares, the growth was exponential.

"It was [created to grow] and it has been a great blessing," said Soares.

Transformed Lives

Gabriel de Farias learned about the Adventist Church through a couple of friends. While he was still trying to adjust to his new faith community, he visited the Summer JA, which was just starting.

“It was an event that welcomed us. We realized we were in the right place,” said Farias.

In 2013, Farias and his wife decided to take a significant step: they were baptized. Since then, they have both dedicated themselves to supporting and actively participating in the program.

“The Summer JA program reaches many people. It made a difference in my life, and today I am happy to be able to work to make a difference for other people,” said Farias.

The last day of this year’s event featured a baptismal ceremony, symbolizing the spiritual transformations nurtured by the Summer JA program and the outreach efforts of Missão Calebe.

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site.

Baptisms

Photo: Thalles Paixão

Baptisms

Photo: Thalles Paixão

Baptismal Ceremony

Photo: Thalles Paixão

Baptismal Ceremony

Photo: Thalles Paixão