The Brazilian House of Representatives gave special recognition on April 26 to the country’s Pathfinder movement, a Seventh-day Adventist organization dedicated to assisting the social, spiritual, and physical development of young people.  During the event at the Plenary Assembly Hall, seven politicians gave speeches thanking the Adventist Church for the work of Pathfinders in Brazil. 

More than 350 uniformed Pathfinders attended the ceremony, including the first two Pathfinder directors in the country, Oswaldo Fukner and Edgar Turcilio, along with Wilson Sari, who brought the Pathfinder concept to Brazil 40 years ago.

Jose Maria Barbosa, youth and Pathfinder director for the Adventist Church in South America, says the recognition is “well-deserved” and especially honors those who began the Pathfinder movement in Brazil.

“These have been years of struggle, effort, with much desire to see the young people using their energies toward things which are wholesome and useful,” says Barbosa.  “We express our gratitude to parents, leaders, and to God for inspiring those who went before us.”

The event was broadcast on several local television channels, including the Adventist station ADSAT/Novo Tempo (New Time).  Barbosa also mobilized Pathfinder leaders nationally to work with churches that had access to Novo Tempo for a “recognition festivity for the accomplishments of Pathfinders.”

In June 2000, the Adventist Church received recognition from the House of Representatives for services rendered to the Brazilian Nation. In May 2000, the House of Representatives honored the Adventist Publishing House, and, in 1998, it recognized Adventist education.