A new member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Márcia Ribeiro, had an unusual experience after coming to faith: She received her Bible instruction remotely as she prepared for baptism.

Normally, such studies are carried out in person, so that the prospective member can meet and get to know church members and/or a local pastor. But the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020 has upended life, introducing “Zoom meetings” and “social distancing” into daily conversation.

Márcia was one who used digital devices to strengthen their relationships during the pandemic. One time, a second cousin sent her a link to a biblical sermon broadcast on TV Novo Tempo, the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s South American network. The program was part of Holy Week, presented by evangelist and pastor Luís Gonçalves. Márcia watched and accepted the pastor's appeal, sending a message to the station's WhatsApp account. Her contact information was forwarded to the central Adventist church in Porto Alegre, in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

“Family members introduced me to Jesus as the only friend, Father, capable of unconditional love. I fell in love with the simplicity of communion with Jesus,” Márcia said.

Ricardo Silva, assistant pastor of the central church in Porto Alegre, contacted her. In March 2020, Márcia started studying the Bible with some friends through Zoom. The instructors were Ronaldo Hausen and Giovanni Pedruzzi, who have conducted the class in person for years, but changed to an online format due to the pandemic.

“The Bible transforms. It helps us find Jesus Christ, our Creator, Lord, and Savior, bringing faith, peace and changing all of life. And in this process, we are the biggest beneficiaries, as we learn much more than the students,” said Pedruzzi.

With her studies, Márcia began to learn things she had never heard before and was delighted to have access to this information.

Decision

 At the end of the Bible class, Márcia was baptized by pastor Álvaro Martinho on November 14th. On the same day, she also met one of the Bible teachers in person.

“Márcia was the first student I worked with virtually, online, and finally met her at her baptism. What a huge satisfaction! The power of the Holy Spirit is incredible! Of course, I always pray for each student and their difficulties, hence the power of God is manifested! It never fails,” said Hausen.

Currently, Márcia is involved with Women's Ministries and as a deaconess. And she is happy with the knowledge acquired throughout the year. “The knowledge of Jesus, as the only and true God, who has control of the universe, brought me peace and conviction in life. The hope of His coming and the extinction of evil brought lightness to my soul,” she exclaimed.

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