South American Division

Children undergoing cancer treatment in Brazil receive Bibles and hope

An initiative carried out at the Sergipe Governor João Alves Filho Emergency Hospital, in partnership with the Brazilian Publishing House and the Adventist Church in Sergipe, brought illustrated Bibles to 70 children and provided a moment of affection.

August 30, 2026

Brazil

Luciana Santana, South American Division, and ANN

Families received an illustrated Bible, the magazine "Our Little Friend," and the book "The Desire of Ages" as part of the "Jesus, the Best Gift" project kit.

A new initiative in Sergipe, Brazil, is providing illustrated Bibles and religious books to children with cancer and their families.

According to the National Cancer Institute (INCA), an estimated 7,560 new cases of childhood and adolescent cancer are expected per year in Brazil between 2026 and 2028. In the Sergipe region, INCA estimated approximately 90 new cases of cancer per year among children and adolescents aged 0 to 19 years between 2023 and 2025.

In response, the “Jesus, the Best Gift” project emerged. Made possible by a partnership between Brazil Publishing House (Casa Publicadora Brasileira, CPB ) and the Sergipe Mission, the project delivered 70 illustrated children’s Bibles to patients undergoing cancer treatment in the pediatric oncology ward of the João Alves Filho Emergency Hospital (HUSE).

With illustrations, colors, and language more accessible to children and young people, the illustrated Bible presents stories and messages of faith in a playful way. In addition to the Bible, the children also received an edition of the magazine Nosso Amiguinho (Our Little Friend), and parents received the book by Adventist pioneer Ellen White, The Desire of Ages. Organizers said the books are given to help provide emotional support to the caregivers accompanying the child during treatment.

70 families received hope and support with the special kit from the “Jesus, the Best Gift ” project. Photo: South American Division

For Jason Rosa, director of publications at CPB, the initiative represents an opportunity to use literature to convey a message of hope to children and families facing great challenges.

“When we deliver literature like this, we’re not just delivering a book. We’re bringing a message of hope, faith, and affection to a child and to the entire family who are going through such a delicate moment. We want each page to be a reminder that there is hope and that these families are not alone,” he emphasized.

Evandro Oliveira, the Sergipe Mission director of the publishing department, said partnerships between Adventist institutions around a common cause, such as “Jesus, the Best Gift,” are fundamental.

“This action shows how partnerships between institutions can make a difference. When HUSE, CPB, and the Adventist Church unite for a cause, we can broaden the reach of this message and offer more meaningful support to children and families,” he explained.

Children battling cancer appreciating the colors and contemporary language of the illustrated Bible. Photo: South American Division

Among the recipients of the literature was Sofia Oliveira.

At 13, Oliveira led a typical teenage life. While doing her schoolwork, she injured her leg. What initially seemed like a minor injury became a concern when the pain persisted for several days.

A search for answers led Oliveira to undergo a series of tests. She was diagnosed with cancer and would need to have part of her leg amputated.

While in treatment, the “Jesus, the Best Gift” project gifted Oliveira and her family a few books. For the Oliveira family, the gesture represented more than just the delivery of a book; it was a demonstration of care and love during a delicate time.

Oliveira’s father, Alberto Oliveira, was moved by the project’s initiative.

“The journey of fighting cancer is not easy. It’s lonely and full of uncertainties. We are constantly between life and death, and to have this support, with gifts that will strengthen our faith and nurture the hope that better days will come, is incredible. We will leave here lighter and stronger, even with the struggle Sofia has been facing. And we will also take home the Word of God,” he said.

The Humanization Management Team at HUSE values welcoming initiatives. Photo: South American Division

For Keila Galdino, HUSE’s humanization manager, caring for a child undergoing cancer treatment also means looking at the feelings, fears, and needs of the patient’s family. Representatives said the project supported those efforts.

“Humanization is fundamental because, when we talk about a child undergoing treatment, we are not only caring for the patient. We are welcoming an entire family,” Galdino said. “These are parents who also feel fear, anguish, and insecurity. Therefore, initiatives that bring affection, hope, and support help to make this period a little lighter, strengthening both the child and those who are by their side during the process.”

In addition to the books, the children and their families received words of comfort and prayer. Photo: South American Division

“For families like the Oliveiras, small gestures can take on great significance, especially when accompanied by a message of hope. Amid the challenges of cancer treatment, an illustrated Bible can serve as a reminder for a child and their family that they are not alone,” said representatives.

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