One month after its inauguration, the Adventist church in Catulé, in northern Minas Gerais, Brazil, is celebrating 22 baptisms and the completion of permanent church building.

Thomáz Pereira Lisboa, a carpenter and agricultural machinery operator, donated land for the construction. Motivated by the hope in the return of Jesus, he said he felt a strong desire to make the donation.

"The message of hope must be proclaimed everywhere, and no effort must be spared for it."

Before the church was built, the church members gathered under a thatched hut. Biblical worker Domingos Carlos Nunes Cardoso reported that earlier meetings took place under a pequi tree.

In mid-2024, construction of the permanent building began. Work parties were organized every Sunday and public holiday. With the support of business owners, pastors, and Adventist volunteers from other cities, the new building was completed.

While construction was underway, new members found the church. Recently, 22 people became baptized members.

"The Adventist message began to make a difference to the point that 25 Bible studies were taught in the community. Of these, 22 people accepted the message of hope and today are already part of our church. What began with two families under a pequi tree has become a temple erected, all to honor and glorify the name of God," emphasized Cardoso.

Giovanny Paul Chamba Hidalgo, pastor of the Adventist churches in Januária, Bonito de Minas, and Cônego Marinho, stated that the church in Catulé is the only religious reference point in the locality. According to Hidalgo, the Adventist presence extends beyond the church's walls: health fairs and campaigns to collect shoes, clothes, and food for families in need are part of the congregation's activities.

"The church in this community is relevant, friendly, and always present, meeting everyone's needs, and it has made a difference," concluded Hidalgo.

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