Goal set to reach one-third of continent with gospel
Seventh-day Adventist church members across South America this weekend will pass out millions of pamphlets and magazines focusing on the second coming of Jesus in an effort to reach one third of the population. The project, called Live with Hope, will take place September 6.
The purpose is to “involve the church… [in] announc[ing] to the world that Jesus’ Second Coming is near, and that is the hope for the world,” said Erton Kohler, president of the Adventist Church in South America.
The initiative aims to involve most of the 2 million-plus Adventists living in South America in passing out materials. Magazines and pamphlets will also advertise Bible resource Web sites in both Spanish and Portuguese. The publications have been translated into 12 different languages for use on both Web sites.
Print copies will also be available in Braille for the blind and a special edition for the hearing impaired.
The church’s Hope Channel will broadcast a live sermon in Spanish and Portuguese Saturday, September 6, with live reports on the initiative from across South America. Church’s are planning a special follow-up service Saturday, September 13 for visitors.
Preparations have included placing advertisements on thousands of billboards, as well as decals on thousands of church members’ cars. The Adventist Church in South America is spending U.S. $1.7 million on the initiative.
Kohler said he feels Live With Hope will have a positive effect on the region.
“Jesus is coming very soon, and we are telling the good news as a whole church,” he said.