Between August 23 and 29, 2025, every seat at the Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was filled with participants attending a free course designed to help people quit smoking. More than 50 participants attended, filling every pew with individuals seeking to overcome tobacco addiction.

The course was organized by a multidisciplinary team that provided information, counseling, and group support. Each evening, health professionals and volunteers presented topics including the physical effects of smoking, strategies for dealing with withdrawal, and the role of social and community support in maintaining change.

Aline Soares, a smoker for 18 years, learned about the course through social media and decided to give it a try. “Honestly, I thought I’d never be able to quit, but here I learned that it’s possible,” she said.

"Quitting smoking isn't just about kicking a habit. It's about regaining your freedom, your health, and improving your family life," explained Dr. Jônatas Teixeira, one of the course coordinators. "The motivation of the Governador Valadares Central Adventist Church is to promote health for society," Teixeira emphasized. 

Stories of Change

For Emerson, another participant, the course marked a turning point.

“I was able to quit smoking on the first day. It was a true miracle. The lectures, the medication, and especially the prayers gave me strength. I’m very grateful to the team and recommend this course to anyone who wants to change their life,” he said.

But the impact extended beyond participants. Volunteers who assisted throughout the week also shared in the experience. Rayssan Cruz, leader of the Governador Valadares Central Church, explained that the congregation invites volunteers about two months before the course, and they consistently respond with enthusiasm.

"Their motivation is to serve, to help. Seeing these smokers' struggles overcome is the reward," says Cruz.

According to him, witnessing the process from beginning to final transformation also strengthens the volunteers spiritually. He added that watching the process from beginning to end also has an effect on the volunteers.

“They see firsthand the changes that take place. This generates gratitude, personal growth, and renewal in their own lives.”

The original article was published on the South American Division Portuguese news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.