Rodrigues Alves is a municipality in the interior of the State of Acre. The total population of the city is just over 16,000 inhabitants. The economy revolves around wood, livestock, and flour production. It is in this place that the colporteur Juneisson Mota, his wife, Gleicine Dias, and the couple's three children live.

Before engaging in the Ministry of Publications of the Adventist Church, the whole family worked in a small coal plant. Income for sustenance was taken exclusively from this activity. Upon meeting a colporteur, he decided to change course.

Mota started selling books three years ago. By motorcycle, boat, and also on foot, he travels all over the region, bringing hope through literature. There are many places that are isolated, but that doesn't stop him from going to these people. “When I arrive at a house in an isolated community, most of the time they don't have money. I sell in exchange for products, fruits, and flour. I take it to the city and sell it, so I get the value of the material”, he says.

History Rewritten

When Mota worked in the charcoal industry, he had an income around minimum wage. After starting colporteuring, the family's income increased. However, material blessings are only a complement to this work that has transformed lives. Through his ministry, 16 people have been baptized and another 14 are preparing to take that step.

“From his example and the importance of colporteuring, I see that many people need to be reached. Where the pastor cannot go, the canvasser goes. That's why I also decided to be a colporteur”, expresses José Ribamar, a farmer and brother-in-law of Mota.

Council of Publications

From August 9–12, the Northwestern Publishing Council took place. The event brought together Adventist Church area leaders and coordinators for the states of Amazonas, Acre, Rondônia, and Roraima.

With a focus on recruiting, training, and results, the leaders were inspired during the meeting. The official speaker at the event, Pastor Hélio Carnassale, led the moments of reflection at the beginning of each day's activities. Also present was Pastor Adilson de Morais, director of the Publications department for eight South American countries.

“Happiness and gratitude summarize this moment, seeing that God is guiding and confirming the direction we must continue to follow to fulfill the mission and purposes He has for this ministry”, highlights Pastor Fabiano Andrade, director of the northwest region.

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