Watermelon, one of the most cultivated fruits in Roraima, Brazil, gained an even greater purpose during the Caleb Mission, a project in which young people dedicate their vacations to evangelism and community service. Known for the quality of production in the state and favored by the climate, watermelon has become an instrument to strengthen the preaching of the gospel.

The initiative came from farmer Reginaldo Rocha, a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Vicinal 10, Nova Colina, Roraima. While harvesting, he had the idea of donating his entire watermelon production to financially support the project's actions.

"One morning, I was there taking the watermelons in the field, and an idea came to my mind. I decided to share with the pastor that I was talking about the Caleb Mission and the need for resources for the preaching of the gospel, and he accepted the idea, like a good warrior," he said.

Rocha needed volunteers to carry out the harvest. As soon as he received the call, Edeilson Braz, pastor of the local church, mobilized young people from the church to answer the call. "He told me, 'Pastor, I want to donate all the watermelons for the mission. I just need help to harvest.' At the same time, I made some calls. We gathered the young people and spent the whole day on the property harvesting," he said.

Volunteers visit during the afternoon.

Photo: South American Division

João, Reginaldo's son, became a "Caleb."

Photo: South American Division

Distribution of snacks on evangelism nights.

Photo: South American Division

Meetings and visits with Calebs' team.

Photo: South American Division

In all, an estimated 790 watermelons were harvested. In addition to the donation of production, Rocha also offered free transportation of the fruits to Nova Colina, covering approximately 49 kilometers (30.5 miles). Starting on the following Friday, a great effort began to sell the watermelons, allocating all the proceeds to the missionary project.

For 30 days, nine missionaries dedicated themselves fully to evangelistic activities in the region by conducting Bible studies, providing missionary visits, participating in community service, and leading evangelistic programs.

"One of the volunteers who left his home and his comfort zone to serve in the mission was precisely the son of brother Reginaldo," Braz said. João, Rocha's son, decided to join the Caleb Mission team as a volunteer.

As a result of this work, 63 people decided to be baptized.

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