South American Division

More Than 700 Adventists Are Invested as Young Leaders in Brazil

The celebration also set a new record: the largest investiture of this type in the more than 100 years of the denomination's existence in South America.

June 6, 2024

Brazil

Liseht Santos, with ANN Staff

Pastor Stanley Arco, president of the Adventist Church for eight South American countries, addresses hundreds of young people before their investitures

[Photo: Thiago Fernandes]

On May 31, 2024, at the BRB Mané Garrincha Arena in Brazil, a moving ceremony took place. 786 people from different parts of South America were invested as young leaders, marking a significant step in their history of dedication and service. These individuals had fulfilled a series of requirements demonstrating their commitment to God, the Bible, and caring for others. Many of them were visibly touched, shedding tears of joy as they realized their dream and received recognition for their dedication.

Aspiring young leaders at a time of prayer prior to the investiture at the Maranata convention

The event marked just the beginning of a journey for these individuals as they work to continue serving their community while also preparing other young people to do the same. This celebration also set a new record as it was the largest investiture of its kind in the denomination's more than 100-year history in South America.

Members shared with the South American Adventist News Agency (ASN) what the ceremony meant to them. Isacc Marquez, from the Adventist Church in Bolivia, explained: “The leaders of the Adventist Youth (JA) in my church provided great support to young people, including me. In appreciation, I decided to become a JA leader to also support the new generations. My wife and I witness the challenges faced by young people. They are a crucial group that we must nurture, guiding them toward the mission and a closer relationship with God. They will be the ones to carry on the preaching of the gospel.”

Isacc Marquez with the flag of his country

Young People who Save and Serve Humanity

Adventist young people are passionate about their mission, and among them is Zezito Júnior, 38, from the Northern Brazilian Union (UNB), one of the administrative regions of Brazil. In his testimony, he says, “The idea of salvation and service motivated me to prepare and become a Junior Adventist (JA) leader. New JA leaders should understand that the investiture is just the beginning of the work. They should work with unwavering faith and strength, as youth are often tempted to stray from good principles. We need more young leaders who are motivated to be a positive influence in the lives of today's youth and to teach them that there is a path that leads to salvation,” he says.

Zezito Júnior, with his Bible, the basis of his faith

The Church Trains Young People in Leadership

In the programs and campaigns of the Adventist Church, all gifts and talents are necessary. "My husband and I were invested in Maranata. We are involved in the church. As we worked on the activities, we made progress in meeting the requirements to be JA leaders. We must be involved in bringing other young people to church so that Christ returns soon," says Valeria Aguilar, 36, from Argentina.

Valeria Aguilar is dedicating herself to the care and development of new generations.

The Adventist Church in eight South American countries emphasizes the attention and care of new generations. They aim to understand and encourage young people to get involved in the mission of announcing the soon return of Jesus. This process also involves supporting leaders and providing opportunities for children, adolescents, and young people to continue the legacy started by others.