On November 10, 2024, the South American Division (SAD) launches the Bible +1 project during its Annual Council meetings. This initiative seeks to encourage the study and sharing of the Bible among younger generations. With a creative and unique approach, it will serve as a special gift for children and youth up to 15 years old who have been baptized.

Representatives from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Peru gathered to learn more about this new development. The Bible +1 has been crafted with accessible and engaging language tailored to this age group, making the study of Scripture an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Bible +1 

The project's main idea is that the Bible +1 is a starting point for the newly baptized to become involved in discipleship. Thus, upon receiving their baptism kit, children, preteens, and teens are encouraged to study and share their discoveries with one more person, either in individual or group meetings. 

The fastest-growing age group for baptisms is up to 15 years of age. In fact, in the last 14 years alone, 1,127,567 people from this specific age group have been baptized. This figure represents 38.5% of all baptisms in this period, reflecting the importance of preparation and the production of materials aimed at them. 

Udolcy Zukowski, director of Adventurer and Pathfinder Ministries at the SAD, explained that the departments involved in the project worked on the idea of ​​having a Bible that would be attractive to new generations so that they could identify with it.  

"The goal is not just to get the Bible as a gift. The challenge is to somehow motivate them to give the Bible study to someone and win one more person," he added, referring to the fact that the name of the project is Bible +1. 

Zukowski also detailed that within each Bible a page was added for each ministry involved – Adventurers, Pathfinders, Children, Teens, and Adventist Education – with specific guidelines to help them. The material also has a Bible year and a complete doctrinal study. 

A Great Mission 

For the Children and Youth Ministry Director at the SAD, Gláucia Korkischko, this Bible came with a specific difference. In addition to the zero cost, "it will be given at baptism as a new missionary incentive to convert one more," she said. 

"It is the missionary agency in the church, in the school, in the club. That is what we want for the new generations: to manage them as missionaries of the kingdom," concluded Korkischko with hope for the project that will begin in 2025. 

A Missionary Education 

In fact, one of the biggest concerns has been the right approach "so that they feel remembered according to their age group, and what they are experiencing," explains Antônio Marcos Alves, director of the Education Department at the SAD.

He also points out that the Bible +1 "will help create a missionary mentality. There are already other initiatives, and this Bible will be part of that." He stated that baptism is a very special moment for children, adolescents, and their families, but also for the Adventist Education Missionary Agencies, an area in schools and colleges that receives students who wish to volunteer to carry out social projects in the community. 

Alves also recalled the relationship of parents with Adventist Education and pointed out that every year thousands of students are baptized, including some who are the first Adventists in their families. Therefore, the Bible +1 will be a very helpful material for studies and mission. "Starting next year, we will have a correct direction for this special Bible, and I am sure it will be a blessing," he said. 

Mission Agents 

The project reflects the Adventist Church's focus on new generations, recognizing their potential to be missionaries and share the message of Jesus in their own language, which captivates them and empowers them to conquer others. In this way, it involves them and expands the reach of the gospel among families, friends, and communities. 

The project's launch intends to prepare a generation of disciples who actively participate in the study and experience of the Word of God, regardless of their age.  

The original article was published on the South American Division Spanish website.