Commitment ceremony confirms women's dedication to mission
Approximately 500 women are trained and invested during online training.
South American Division (SAD)
[Brazil] In May 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the mother of Márcia Santos, a member of the Adventist Church of Penha, east of São Paulo, capital, was infected with the coronavirus. Her fragile situation left the family on alert, with expectations that she would not survive. Contrary to what the doctors believed, Márcia's mother recovered.
At the end of the month, it was Márcia's turn to go through the same tribulation as her mother. “I have asthma and hypertension, but God did not allow me to be intubated. God healed me!” she declares.
The following month, Márcia's sister suffered a stroke and had an aneurysm.
Disillusioned by doctors, the family once again expected the worst. “But God allowed my sister to live,” says Márcia.
Hope in mourning
Finally, the year 2021 arrived and Márcia expected to live months different from those faced in the previous year. However, early in the year, she had to deal with a sad situation: the death of her mother. “She lived with us all this time. We made an appeal and studied the Bible with my mother. She planned to be baptized at the end of January, but God thought it best for her to rest. I am sure that on that day, in the clouds of Heaven, I will find my mother again, and she will find her children, because I have two brothers who have passed away,” Márcia shares.
This hope nourished in Marcia's heart motivated her to preach about God's love to people.
“I'm working to see Jesus return soon. We cannot repay God for all that He does for us, but in the midst of struggles, we can be a blessing in the lives of others. We women have been called to bring the gospel to the whole world. I consider myself a woman in mission,” says Márcia.
Women in Mission
Like Márcia, about 500 Adventist women from the eastern and northern regions of the São Paulo capital were invested last weekend, as a symbol of a commitment to God, to spread the biblical message of salvation to people. The ceremony took place simultaneously in eight churches, during an online program held at East São Paulo Conference, the Adventist Church's regional headquarters. The event was broadcast live on YouTube and trained women for the evangelistic initiatives throughout the State of São Paulo during this year.
Entitled “Women in Mission,” the event was organized by the Women’s Ministries directors from the eastern and northern regions of São Paulo. “Through this program we seek to motivate women for a great evangelism movement that we will have between the 5th and the 12th of June. We encourage our women to carry out different projects and use technology to reinvent themselves, in order to reach other women for Christ in this pandemic,” explains one of the WM leaders.
Commitment
On social media, the women who participated in the training confirmed their commitment to God through the publication of photos and comments.
“We women have a very beautiful role in saving souls,” commented Suely Sousa.
"And I know that Christ Jesus is immensely happy for each woman who are ready to go,” wrote Alice Felix.
“I am very happy to be part of this beautiful ministry,” shared Nilma Estelato.
Written by Vanessa Moraes
Photos: WM Brazil
Published in Mosaic newsletter, 2021 Q1, Winter issue
