At the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s South American Division (SAD) in Brasília, Brazil, reception staff say they regularly assist not only visitors arriving at the front desk, but also callers from across Brazil seeking information about the Adventist Church, its education network, Bible studies, and the writings of Adventist pioneer Ellen G. White. Organizers said some of those initial calls have led to Bible study referrals and, in several cases, baptisms.

Elizabete Boger, a receptionist at the office, said her role often becomes a first point of contact for people with spiritual questions. According to Boger, the process typically begins with a conversation and then a referral to local pastors near the caller’s community, who provide follow-up and Bible studies. Boger said that during her 13 years working at the headquarters, she has seen baptisms each year that she connects to contacts initiated through calls she received.

Boger also said that some calls involve urgent emotional needs.

“There’s a group of people who call here, and I’m sure God is guiding them. They say, ‘I’m ready to take my own life, and the last option I had was to think about calling somewhere,’” she said

Boger said she sometimes spends extended time on the phone offering support and then follows up later. She noted that her training includes a second degree in psychology, which helps her respond in these situations.

When callers are based in Brasília or nearby areas, Boger said she and her husband, Herbert Boger, sometimes lead Bible studies directly.

“There’s a group of people who call here, and I’m sure God is guiding them. They say, ‘I’m ready to take my own life, and the last option I had was to think about calling somewhere,’” she said.

Boger also shared the example of Arismar Melo, who became interested in Adventist education while visiting family in Mato Grosso and later contacted the headquarters with questions. Boger said she invited Melo’s family to visit the SAD office, and that the relationship developed into ongoing contact with the local church. Melo said the welcome he received from Herbert and Elizabete Boger strengthened his interest in learning more about the Adventist faith.

“The attention that Pastor Herbert and Elizabete gave us was truly special. They both represent the church very well and, therefore, sparked our curiosity and further increased our desire to be part of the Adventist Church,” he shared. 

The report also highlighted the experience of Mara Ramos, a receptionist and secretary at the East Brazilian Union headquarters. Ramos recalled assisting individuals who contacted the church after encountering Novo Tempo media.

She shared one example of a woman named Islena, who called seeking a nearby congregation and was invited to attend church and begin Bible studies. Ramos said Islena later chose baptism after a period of study and spiritual growth.

Ramos recalls the moment. “Seeing [Islena] make that decision and knowing that it all started with a call that ended with me was something that profoundly impacted my vision of purpose and how much God can use us.”

Both receptionists described their work as more than administrative support, emphasizing the influence of first contact and the importance of connecting people with local church communities.

“Over time, I came to value more the importance of that first human contact and the silent impact it can have. And that's what made me see purpose in what I did every day,” they said. 

Boger said she views reception as a form of mission and intends to continue serving callers who want to learn more about the Adventist Church and its beliefs.

"I see reception as a mission, so I will continue working as long as I can with this goal in mind, to help these people who call and want to learn more about the Adventist Church and our faith," Boger concludes. 

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