An initiative of the Adventist Church in the southern region of Maranhão promoted an afternoon of visits to the students of the Novo Tempo Bible School, which occurred on Sabbath, January 16. The school is made up of people who, when they follow the TV Novo Tempo programs, show an interest in going deeper into the study of the Bible and have access to materials that help in understanding various themes. In the region of Imperatriz alone, there are more than 3,130 students.
Responsible for the missionary action department in the region, Pastor Valleide Maximo explains the purpose of the visits was to meet and get closer to these students, sharing with them a word of hope. In addition, they offer supplements for learning the Bible. “We know that this pandemic has certainly brought difficulties for many families. Many have lost relatives and we want to carry a message of hope and comfort. So this moment was ideal to get to know them and so that we could pray for them, asking for God's blessing on homes ”, he explains.
The more than 60 pastors who gathered in the city of Imperatriz were divided into pairs. Each received the name and address of a Bible School student who wished to receive a face-to-face visit that was previously scheduled. The initial contact was made by the senior pastor of the Novo Tempo Bible School in the region of Imperatriz, Alexandre Sacha. Taking a gift kit, which included study guides and Superbom products, and adopting proper hygiene measures (due to COVID-19), they were in 28 homes.
Pastors Nonato Melo and Charles Souza formed one of the visiting pairs and reported what it was like to participate in this initiative. They say they were very well-received and met a couple that was delighted with TV Novo Tempo, mainly due to the way the Bible is taught in the programs. It was clear to them the impact the channel has on viewers' lives. “They are people who would not otherwise be reached by knowing the Word. Novo Tempo reaches out and, as a result, marks the lives of these people. Being in touch with them is fantastic and very stimulating ”, describes Souza.
The pastors also highlighted the proximity the face-to-face visit brings to those who only have contact with the denomination through TV. “When you watch a program, you see everything in the distance. But with the visit, [one] feels something much closer and more personal. This moves the person and us too,” adds the pastor.
Proximity
Administrative secretary Rosângela Barreto has been watching TV Novo Tempo for two years. In that time, she completed Bible studies and even went to an Adventist church. Upon receiving the visit on Sabbath, she was very happy as she considered it to be a response to a request she made in prayer. “On the same night that I asked God for some answers, I got the call asking if I was willing to receive representatives at my home. So, it was a great joy and I am grateful for this opportunity”, she reports.
You can also become a student at the Novo Tempo Bible School and learn about the Bible. To learn more, visit biblia.com.br.
This article was originally published on the South American Division’s Portuguese news site