On January 3, 2026, as Caleb Mission launched at Fonte Adventist Church in Rio das Ostras, in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro state, Seventh-day Adventist Church members were challenged to take ministry beyond the sanctuary and become more present in their community. By the next day, local youth had already put the idea into action.

“The idea was for the church to become more relevant in the community where it is located,” said Romilson Dias Pahim, youth leader of the local church and coordinator for Caleb Mission 2026 in the area. “Since we had the Caleb Mission to develop, we included cleaning the square in the plans, as it is proposed that this location be used for the next mission activity and other church events.”

The square—about 400 meters from the church—has been selected as the main venue for several Caleb Mission activities throughout January. Before any public programs could be held, volunteers said the space needed attention. On January 4, young people, Pathfinders, and church leaders gathered at Fountain Square to remove leaves and trash, clear overgrowth, and haul away debris. Organizers reported that the group filled 60 garbage bags, along with several wheelbarrows of debris, which they disposed of appropriately.

“As the church’s youth leader and head of the Caleb Mission 2026, I presented the action plan for the month of January, partnering with the Pathfinder leadership and other church leaders,” Pahim said, noting that collaboration across ministries helped make the cleanup possible.

Local officials also supported the initiative. Councilman Rodrigo da Aposentadoria offered assistance with other social initiatives planned for the month, organizers said, reflecting growing cooperation between the congregation and public authorities.

According to organizers, the cleanup drew attention from residents passing through the area.

"Many who passed by and observed what the church was doing there, especially the children, were impressed," explains the youth leader. He also says that the participants in the action "felt good about being able to contribute to the improvement of a public place so that residents can enjoy the location with more dignity."

"It's not just words about loving your neighbor, but concrete actions that demonstrate that love in a practical and visible way," he said.

The cleanup is the first step in a broader schedule of outreach activities planned for the month.

On Janurary 11, beginning at 9 a.m., the church will host a community service event in the square, offering free services including health guidance based on the “Eight Natural Remedies,” blood pressure and glucose checks, clothing distribution, haircuts, legal guidance, psychological counseling, and spiritual support through prayer and Bible-based encouragement.

Two community-focused talks were also scheduled at the church: an entrepreneurship lecture and a session on treating everyone equally. Organizers said the talks were intended to combine practical support with education that helps strengthen families and neighborhoods.

Pahim said the January program was designed intentionally to build relationships and trust in the community.

Since the launch, he said, “We’ve said that we need the church to go beyond the four walls, being closer to the people.” An evangelistic program is also planned in the same area from January 18–24, featuring Bible messages, Bible studies, and worship.

The Rio das Ostras initiative is part of Caleb Mission 2026 across the Rio Fluminense Association, which oversees Seventh-day Adventist Church operations in Rio de Janeiro state’s central, mountain, and northern regions. Organizers reported more than 8,000 young people registered across the territory.

Adventist pastor Ricardo Alves, youth leader for the region, emphasized that Caleb Mission is intended to continue beyond January.

“The campaign scheduled for January will mobilize thousands of young people, but the vision is for the missionary movement to be active and continuous,” he said.

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