Hairdresser Cristiane Andrade from Joinville, Santa Catarina, Brazil, often turned to Elindomir Leo Guedes for help whenever she encountered issues with her hair dryers. Guedes is a technician who specializes in maintaining beauty salon equipment and is a member of the Adventist church in the Vila Nova neighborhood of the same city.
What began as simple visits to repair the equipment essential to Andrade's work soon turned into moments of conversation about the Bible. On one of these occasions, she shared her desire to understand the Scriptures better, in search of answers to personal concerns.
Sensing her interest, Guedes invited her to attend services at his church and study the Bible. The initial curiosity grew and culminated in Andrade's baptism on November 21, 2024, during the Annual Council of the South Brazil Union Conference (USB), the administrative headquarters of the Adventist Church for Southern Brazil.
Adventist Identity
The baptism ceremony took place as part of the council’s program themed Identity. The event emphasized the importance of preserving Adventist history, doctrines, and lifestyle, highlighting the Church’s commitment to the mission of evangelization. Cristiane’s baptism was a symbol of this mission.
“My work is an instrument to bring the gospel to people. If it were to make money, I would close the doors of my business. The main objective is to talk about the love of Jesus. And thank God, He has given me this gift,” said Guedes, who accompanied Andrade to the ceremony with his wife, Adriana.
Andrade shared, “I am very happy with this decision of mine. Through Elindomir, I met Jesus and I am passing this on to my daughter as well,” she said. She also said that Valentina, her seven-year-old daughter, and Adventist Education student, played an important role in her decision by asking her to pray and trust in God.
South Brazil Union Conference Annual Council
The Annual Council brought together participants from the three southern states of Brazil, including leaders, district pastors, and volunteer members. They discussed the results of the Church's activities in 2024 and defined strategies for 2025. The theme presented will be worked on throughout the next year in all areas of the Adventist Church's activity in the region.
The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese website.
