Hope for large Urban Centers

Hope for Large

urban Centers

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Special Edition – Integrated Evangelism Project 2013

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South American challenge

Evangelizing more than 300 million in eight countries

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Buenos Aires

The capital of Argentina is the main priority

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priorities of the Regions

The unions trace their goals in the project of evangelism for the big cities.

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Our greatest challenge

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reparing mature disciples is God’s ideal for all of His people. After all, He does not want to only receive baptized or registered members in a church, but He wants disciples who develop a complete and productive life on this Earth and who will become citizens of the heavenly kingdom. This vision of discipleship is confirmed through more than 250 times the word “disciple” is mentioned within the New Testament. It always refers to the commitment of being like the Master (Matt. 10:25; Luke 6:40).

When an individual understands the value of being a disciple and is willing to make a commitment to discipleship, it is understood that a different model of life

was established in the “Great Commission” Jesus left to His people, because “the first goal He set for the early church was to use His all-encompassing power and authority to make disciples without regard to ethnic distinctions—from all “nations” (Matthew 28:19) (Dallas Willard, The Great Omission: Rediscovering Jesus’ Essential Teachings on Discipleship, p. 5).

However, the historical undercurrents can carry us into great danger! When we do not make disciples of our converts, we run the risk of practicing the “Great Omission” instead of the “Great Commission”. This is a worrisome reality, which is confirmed by the spiritual shift and fragility of our members. John Wesley, the

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A VISION FOR THE CHURCH Communion, relationship and mission are the base of a discipleship of the church

great 18th century preacher said at that time “The Church changes the world not by making converts but by making disciples.” (Milton Torres, (Org.), Pequenos grupos, grandes soluções [Small Groups, Great Solutions], p. 59).

Reviving the concept and philosophy of discipleship is not an option for the Seventh-day Adventist Church today. It is a necessity! Healthy churches prioritize their process of discipleship and carry it out in a simple manner. “Having this objective in mind, Jesus used a form of teaching with His disciples that

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Official Organ of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brazil, Dedicated to proclaiming “the faith that was once entrusted to the saints.”

“Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

Rev. 14:12

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emphas structed own ex came th ronmen Cruz an pos: pa [Small Comple The in num of a dis the life grow ha cess lea new con turity a a decre and inc produc one of t pleship that ye my disc This If some Jesus. In Rainer came on ligious s ous fact isees, H the poin gious sy 248 affi their vi man bo one for on the s someth meanin ments: l bor (Ma was no ishing t sence in ple and Christ ( Ther church pertine continu disciple erful st ting po compan Retu making

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stop generating consumers or, in other words, people who enter the church and remain displaced because they never understood their role in the body of Christ. We should make it clear that our challenge is to win the greatest number possible of people, but insist that our task does not end with baptism. Making disciples of hope should be our main objective.

In 2013, we want to motivate the Church to advance in a united manner in its large movements and especially in its effort in large urban centers, but we need to emphasize a simple discipling process that leads each Seventh-day Adventist in South America to seek discipleship as their main lifestyle. This process involves the entire Church, leading the various areas and ministries to emphasize discipleship as the moving force behind our action.

Three words will be implemented to express the vision of a discipling Church: communion, relationship, and mission. Actually, these three areas are inter-related and inseparable. The steps along our journey in producing disciples of hope are represented by these essential words and we want every Seventhday Adventist in South America to understand that: Communion means dedicating the first hour of the day to spending time in God’s presence; Relationship involves participation in a community environment within a Small Group;

Mission leads to commitment to witness to someone, according to spiritual gifts and talents.

For each step on this discipleship journey, different types of activities will be developed so they may result in our main objective of making healthy disciples. Our goal for the different ministries is to contribute with activities that are aligned with the discipling process. A genuinely integrated evangelism movement will be implemented so that the purpose, the language, and the Church activities lead every Seventh-day Adventist in the South American Division to develop communion, relationship and mission.

New members will automatically absorb this vision as they are included into the discipleship cycle. Every new

member will be mentored by a discipler who will transfer, through words and example, his or her knowledge of Christ.

Those new to the Faith will go through three phases with the purpose of becoming mature and productive. These phases include: Conversion. This is the phase of Bible studies, when the new disciple will learn to know, love, and participate in communion with God; Confirmation. In this step the disciple will deepen doctrinal knowledge and will be guided toward relating to others by participating in a Small Group to be mentored and grow in the Christian experience; Empowerment. Within this process the disciple will be involved in the Missionary School, discovering and developing his/her spiritual gifts and talents to witness of Christ and to fulfill the mission.

This is a new vision for the Church.

It is new, not because it is unknown, but because it needs to be prioritized and put into practice. The vision is new because we want much more than numbers, we want people to be transformed and we want them to remain as branches on the vine. “Abiding in Christ is choosing only the disposition of Christ, so that His interests are identified with yours.

Abide in Him, to be and to do only what He wills. These are the conditions of discipleship, and unless they are complied with, you can never find rest. Rest is in Christ; it cannot be as something apart from Him.” (Ellen White, Selected Messages, vol. I, p. 110).

Discipleship is fundamental, therefore, for evangelization in small towns as well as large cities, where people, dealing with the busyness of the large urban centers, can become sensitive to the example of genuine disciples who have been transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Discipleship has an intimate relationship with the Seventh-day Adventist mission that includes, as exemplified in this publication, the evangelization of large urban areas, and large cities.

Join us to explore God’s vision for the Church, making mature disciples along the pathway to heaven, where we will finally reach our greatest hope.

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emphasized a practical method. He instructed them by teaching through His own example. In this manner, Jesus became the content, the teacher, the environment and the visible truth...” (Valberto Cruz and Fabiana Ramos, Pequenos grupos: para a igreja crescer integralmente [Small Groups: for the Church to Grow Completely, p. 33).

The Church needs this vision to grow in number and in quality! This is a view of a discipling process that permeates the life of the Church itself and makes it grow happily and healthfully! This process leads each one of its members and new converts from an initial level to maturity and productivity, bringing about a decrease in the number of spectators and increasing the number of those who produce. After all, being productive is one of the true tests of Christian discipleship, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples.” John 15:8 This is a simple, revolutionary concept.

If someone understood simplicity, it was Jesus. In the book, Simple Church, Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger affirm that Jesus came onto a complicated and polluted religious scene. It was congested with various factions of Judaism (Sadducees, Pharisees, Herodians, Zealots, and Essenes) to the point that they had developed a religious system with 613 laws. There were 248 affirmative commands, according to their view, one for every part of the human body, and 365 negative commands, one for each day of the year. Jesus came on the scene and turned the complex into something simple, presenting the core meaning of the law in two commandments: love God and and love your neighbor (Matt. 22:37-40). With this, the Lord was not lowering the standard, or abolishing the law, He was presenting His essence in one simple statement. Being simple and prudent was one characteristic of Christ (Matt. 10:16).

Therefore, His statement to the church that was being established is still pertinent for the church of today and continues to be one and the same: “make disciples”. It is only one, simple and powerful statement, capable of transmitting power and a permanent, heavenly companionship.

Returning to the radical model of making disciples is urgent! We need to

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Evangelism project 2013

Hope for Large Urban Centers

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ral communities also have those in need of the message. But the large cities, especially, present unprecedented challenges and opportunities. We need to witness to all, in large and small locations, but the urban regions need special attention.

More than a century ago, Ellen White had already presented this challenge, “Who are carrying a burden for the large cities?” (Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, p. 333). The answer also came from the same prophetic inspiration, “The time has come when, as never before, Seventh-day Adventists are to arise and shine, because their light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon them” (Letter 296, 1904).

The prophetic time is before us as God is motivating the Seventh-day Adventist Church throughout the world to make an impact on the urban centers.

This is also our opportunity to expand

our focus in the expansive South American cities through a special integrated evangelism project that establishes continual activities and permanent results.

Therefore, together with the worldwide church, we can advance boldly so that there is no more delay and we can see Jesus Christ returning soon in the clouds of heaven. After all, “We are in the waiting time. But this period is not to be spent in abstract devotion. Waiting, watching, and vigilant working are to be combined” (Christian Service, p. 85).

The mission is in our hands, the people have already “gathered” in the large urban centers and the signs indicate that the time will be brief. Why wait?

For those who have the great hope, the call is clear, “In preparation for the coming of our Lord, we are to do a large work in the great cities. We have a solemn testimony to bear in these great centers” (Last Day Events, p. 118).

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his is our birth certificate, which is recorded in Revelation 10. However, to fulfill this mission, we need to reach the people where they are. To facilitate our contact, people are more and more concentrated in large urban centers. If on one hand these urban centers and metropolitan areas secularize people, on the other they make our access easier. Additionally, living in these locations cause people to need more attention, be insecure, confused, and lonely, this in turn increases our responsibility to present the Bible truths that save, nurture, provide refuge, and bring hope. This is our greatest challenge today! Pastor Mark Finley often states, “Jesus loves the cities because that’s where people are, and Jesus loves people.”

There is no doubt that open hearts in need of receiving the message are to be found in all places and we should reach them. Small towns, little villages and ru-

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we were called by God for a special mission: to take the hope of Christ’s second coming to the world.

Mon arch an rence o United thin th refers t articles monish ties and outside 75% of tructio ties in o Some t tive: “Th ties has it has s die” (M to Geor upset w in the c ral Con

The proclamation of the message uses all methods possible

Monte Sahlin, Director of Research and Projects, for the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventist in the United States, found 107 articles within the Ellen White index where she refers to urban ministry. In 24 of these articles, instructions are presented admonishing the church to leave the cities and also establish our institutions outside city limits. On the other hand, 75% of the articles present specific instructions for a movement inside the cities in order to reach those city-dwellers.

Some texts are impressive and appellative: “The burden of the needs of our cities has rested so heavily upon me that it has sometimes seemed that I should die” (Manuscript 13, 1910). According to George Knight, “Ellen White was so upset with Adventism’s lack of progress in the cities that she questioned General Conference president Arthur G. Da-

niells’ conversion, suggested that in the face of what she perceived to be a lack of interest for city work, he was not qualified to continue to lead the denomination, and even went so far as to refuse interviews with him until he came up with aggressive strategies to reach the teeming millions of the world’s great cities” (http://www.adventistreview.org/20011549/story2.html).

It is interesting to note how she offered a well-balanced vision regarding the manner to face the reality in the large cities, clearly recognizing that many people live within the limits of the city, including Seventh-day Adventists. Her approach regarding the topic could be entitled, “from the outside in”.

According to her writings, within the cities a special ministry should be accomplished. Outside of the cities, rest and opportunity to regain one’s strength

should be found. Rural areas, outside the large urban centers, are ideal for physical and spiritual health; however reaching those living in large urban centers is the mission at hand. To present our great hope where there are concentrations of inhabitants, we have to work in a balanced manner, using the concept “from the outside in”. In other words, profit from the rural areas and reach the cities.

On the other hand, there are repeated messages from Ellen White that directs the church regarding the time to leave the large cities and flee to rural communities or distant places on Earth. She makes it clear that the time will come when our work in the large urban centers will die down until it shall be extinguished. “I am moved by the Spirit of God to say to those engaged in the Lord’s work, that the favorable time for Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

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Ellen White and the Urban Ministry

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Ameregrated hes conresults. worldoldly so we can n in the e are in d is not Waiting, re to be 85). he peohe large ndicate y wait? ope, the he comge work mn tesenters”

Spirit of prophecy

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ADRA and ASA projects are connected to the purpose to reach people in the urban cities

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The vegetarian restaurants are good examples of the centers of influence

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our message to be carried to the cities has passed by, and this work has not been done. I feel a heavy burden that we shall now redeem the time” (Manuscript 62, 1903).

“We are far behind in following the light God has given regarding the working of our large cities. The time is coming when laws will be framed that will close doors now open to the message.

We need to arouse to earnest effort now, while the angels of God are waiting to give their wonderful aid to all who will labor...” (Manuscript 7, 1908). “Work the cities without delay, for time is short” (Letter 168, 1909). This is the hour to make up for lost time and employ the prosperity that God has provided for us, as well as church unity, a clear missionary focus, and the availability of means of communication.

Among her counsel regarding the methods to reach large urban centers, Ellen White repeatedly mentions projects and activities in the area of health, which she refers to as medical-missionary work. Her vision on this topic is not 6

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only restricted to the presence of Seventh-day Adventist hospitals and clinics or even salaried denominational employees active in this area. She presents a ministry that involves Seventh-day Adventist health institutions, as well as including evangelism through medical ministers, vegetarian restaurants, literature and courses regarding health, and healthy lifestyle activities in the community, among others. “As physicians unite with ministers in proclaiming the gospel in the great cities of the land, their combined labors will result in influencing many minds in favor of the truth for this time” (Medical Ministry, p. 248).

On the other hand, during our journey as a church new resources will also emerge that can be useful and powerful tools to reach people within the large urban centers. Currently, means available included: low cost, excellent quality missionary literature, a powerful communication and media structure, modern schools, academies and universities that influence the life of thousands of non-Seventh-day Adventist families,

and an army of Small Groups that offer friendship, relationships and attention which are important necessities for those who live in large cities. Additionally, ADRA and Community Services are able to help relieve the suffering of many who live on the fringes of society by offering improved living conditions.

We have a special opportunity to hasten to the call, “Think of the condition of the poor in our large cities” (Testimony Treasures, vol. 2, p. 513). These are some of the means through which we can make the presence of the church relevant and reach many hearts. Other creative strategies may also be used. It is essential that all actions implemented become genuine “centers of influence” or “means of influence” as Ellen White referred to them. With a clear vision maintained, regardless of the profile of a “center of influence,” its primary mission should be service to the community, however its true commitment is to salvation. Service is always a bridge to salvation. As we serve, we offer people what they apparently are in need of. As we present salvation we are offering them what the really need. “The church is God’s appointed agency for the salvation of men. It was organized for service, and its mission is to carry the gospel to the world” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 9).

In this work there is a place for all

elemen God in ing rep ordaine to the t God is but als porteur secrate have kn who kn conside ies. Tim much t set in o nities m the Apo This action

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The medical-missionary work includes the evangelization of the big cities

elements of the church. “The cause of God in the earth today is in need of living representatives of Bible truth. The ordained ministers alone are not equal to the task of warning the great cities.

God is calling not only upon ministers, but also upon physicians, nurses, colporteurs, Bible workers, and other consecrated laymen of varied talent who have knowledge of the word of God and who know the power of His grace, to consider the needs of the unwarned cities. Time is rapidly passing, and there is much to be done. Every agency must be set in operation, that present opportunities may be wisely improved” (Acts of the Apostles, p. 158).

This urgent call will involve each action front of the church: the vari-

ous departments, food factories, New Time Media Center, schools, academies, universities, ADRA, Community Services, theology students, retired denominational employees, entrepreneurs, self-employed professional, the elderly, adults, youth, children, men and women, church leaders and members.

The inspired message expresses emphasis regarding the work of our publications, literature evangelists and publishing houses, “Books containing the precious light of present truth are lying

The health centers contribute to spread the Adventist message

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that ofd attenities for dditionervices ering of society ditions. hasten n of the ny Treaome of n make ant and ve strattial that e genueans of rred to tained, enter of should owever on. Sern. As we apparnt salvae really pointed . It was ssion is (Acts of

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Adventist Hospital Silvestre

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The distribution of millions of books and magazines has made the difference in the evangelization worldwide

ojects are to reach ban cities

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on the shelves of our publishing houses.

These should be circulated. Canvassers are needed who will enter our large cities with these books. As they go from house to house, they will find souls who are hungry for the bread of life, to whom they can speak words in season” (Colporteur Ministry, p. 23).

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Evangelism

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Evangelism in a World of Constant Change

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Around 1880, the Seventh-day Adventist Church established a strong emphasis in cities. At that time, we were few in number; only one Seventh-day Adventist church member for every 89,768 inhabitants of the world, however we faced a great challenge to fulďŹ ll the mission that God had placed in our hands.

To facilitate the understanding of our task, the General Conference began to publish an annual report regarding the mission in the cities that lasted from 1885 to 1899. In 1886, the report indicated 36 missionary projects already in progress, involving 102 denominational employees and 224 volunteers.

More t these s about t Around popula than 40 having mately cities; t ulation centrat In La tion is e more th tion alr eas. By inhabit grow fr million of the w ulation ies and in deve those w ica. Af will ha ery ten the pla to chal Ellen W is no ch that Go The wo essenti When result w ment su p. 304). she des ban are In ad challen centrat sion for sic reas

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For ventist words, day Ad bers am

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ventist for more than 26,000 people. In the United States 80 everal years later, between 1908 and 1910, Ellen White renewed the emphasis on the work in the citpercent of the population lives in urban areas, but only one in ies and insisted, in a clear manner, that the Sevenththree Adventist churches is located in these urban areas. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a metropolitan region with 2.4 milday Adventist Church was neglecting this mission.

More than 100 years have already gone by since she wrote lion, there are fewer Adventist today than there were in 1948.

If we consider the ratio of Adventists per person throughout these strong convocations, appeals, counsel and warnings about this subject. Since then many things have changed. the world, the data from 2010 indicates that there is 1 AdvenAround the year 1900, the world had only 12 cities with a tist for every 405 people. If we evaluate this same situation, however removing the urban centers, the ration will be 423 population of more than 1 million. Currently, there are more people to every Adventist. If we count only the large cities, than 400 cities with this population, with 20 of these cities the ratio becomes 953 people for every Adventist. having a population greater than 10 million. Daily approximately 200,000 people leave the rural area migrating to the 2. Unique urban issues. cities; therefore since 2008 more than half of the world’s population is concentrated in urban regions. By 2030, this conIn many parts of the world, a Global Mission pioneer runcentration should reach 60% of the worldwide population. ning an outreach effort in a small community brings out alIn Latin America, the situamost the entire population. tion is even more challenging: Trying the same thing in São more than 70% of the populaPaulo, and you are competing Latin America tion already lives in urban arwith theaters, cinemas, reseas. By 2030, the number of taurants, malls, concert halls, 1950 - 42% urban population inhabitants in these areas will clubs and numerous other 2007 - 76% urban population grow from 394 million to 742 places of entertainment. For 2030 - 84% urban population million people. At least 79% many who live in these reLatin America will have the second largest gions, church is something of the worldwide urban poppopulation concentration in large cities, ulation will be living in cituncommon, a relic of another only behind the USA that will have 87% ies and metropolitan areas era. For this reason, “In the population in urban centers. in developing countries, like cities of today, where there is those we have in South Amerso much to attract and please, ica. Africa and Asia alone the people can be interested The world will have almost seven of evby no ordinary efforts. Minery ten urban inhabitants on isters of God’s appointment 1800 - 3% urban population the planet. Th is reality needs will find it necessary to put 1900 - 14% urban population to challenge us! Still in 1910, forth extraordinary efforts in 1950 - 29% urban population Ellen White insisted, “There order to arrest the attention 2007 - 49% urban population is no change in the messages of the multitudes. And when 2030 - 60% urban population that God has sent in the past. they succeed in bringing toThe work in the cities is the gether a large number of peoessential work for this time. ple, they must bear messages of a character so out of the usual order that the people will When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movebe aroused and warned. They must make use of every means ment such as we have not yet witnessed...” (Medical Ministry, that can possibly be devised for causing the truth to stand out clearly and distinctly” (Manuscript 45, 1910). p. 304). If this work were essential in those days, how would she describe the reality and the necessities of the large ur3. Adventist dislocation from cities. ban areas of today?

In addition to all the inspired counsel and appeals that While most people live in urban areas, most Seventh-day challenge us to look with attention toward the urban conAdventist churches, and institutions are located away from centrations, Gary Krause, director of the area of Global Misthis mission field. In many cases, urban churches, downtown churches, or those in more centrally located regions sion for the General Conference, presents at least three bahas an attendance originating from people who do not live sic reasons to face this reality. in the same region where the churches are located. Many 1. Sheer numbers. of their members commute from the suburbs to attend For example, in Stockholm, Sweden, there are 410 Adthese churches. Without proximity to the mission field, ventists living among a population of 1.25 million. In other the church becomes distant from the reality that it needs words, there are more than 3,000 people for every Seventhto reach. But the call is clear, “My duty is to say that God is day Adventist. In Kolkata, India, there are 558 church memearnestly calling for a great work to be done in the cities” bers among a population of 15 million. Th is means one Ad(Letter 150, 1909).

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worldwide project

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Worldwide Project Will Reach 650 Large Cities

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he urban evangelism project is an initiative endorsed by the General Conference and considers the priority of outreach to more than half of the worldwide population, which lives in urban centers with more than 200,000 inhabitants. Although historically Seventh-day Adventists have worked in large cities for decades, the current project is to make united efforts with a specific plan and strategy to mobilize evangelization in metropolitan areas and other large urban centers.

The General Conference plan embraces outreach initiatives in at least 650 major urban centers around the world with special emphasis in locations such as New York in the United States. With an approximate population of 19 million people

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who speak some 800 languages, New York symbolizes the type of challenge that has been set before the worldwide Seventhday Adventist leaders.

The plan, in general terms, is to equip pastors and church members alike to cooperate in an aggressive outreach effort to evangelize the world’s major cities by 2015, date of the next General Conference Session that will be held in San Antonio.

“Our Biblical message to the cities will unite us as a worldwide people and guard us from isolating ourselves from society and from each other. Our message to the cities of the world is that another city is coming: the New Jerusalem, a city of safety, hope and refuge with God at its center,” affirms Elder Ted Wilson, worldwide leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

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the size a remna to retur gospel o in the w nations (Matt. 2 the larg size of t In sp City

Tokyo São Pa Mumb Mexic New Y Shang Bueno Beijing Rio de Manila Osaka Cairo Mosco Istanb

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church h effort he next ntonio. rldwide ety and d is that safety, ed Wilhurch.

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South American Challenge is to Evangelize more than 300,000,000

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e are a worldwide church and in spite of our local and regional challenges we need to understand the size of the work that is before us as a remnant people. Jesus is not only going to return for South America, but “…this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come” (Matt. 24:14). A quick view of some of the largest cities of our planet shows the size of the challenge that we face: In spite of the size of the mission that

In every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Thousands may thus be reached…”(Prophets and Kings, p. 277).

these numbers present and a task that seems impossible, God has given proof that using simple or uncommon methods, He can bring about true missionary revolutions. “God’s messengers in the great cities are not to become discour-

City

Country

Population

Tokyo São Paulo Mumbai Mexico City New York Shangai Buenos Aires Beijing Rio de Janeiro Manila Osaka Cairo Moscow Istanbul

Japan Brazil India Mexico United States China Argentina China Brazil Philippines Japan Egypt Russia Turkey

36,669,000 20,262,000 20,041,000 19,460,000 19,425,000 16,575,000 13,074,000 12,385,000 11,950.000 11,628,000 11,337,000 11,001,000 10,550,000 10,525,000

SDA Members 3,882 118,533 10,000 53,093 37,897 6,274 22,998 3,300 17,865 30,775 476 289 3,500 61

Population per SDA Members 9,446 171 2,004 367 513 2,642 568 3,753 669 378 23,817 38,066 3,014 172,541

aged…. Let those engaged in soul-saving ministry remember that while there are many who will not heed the counsel of God in His word, the whole world will not turn from light and truth, from the invitations of a patient, forbearing Saviour. In every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Thousands may thus be reached…” (Prophets and Kings, p. 277).

The South American Division serves eight countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Each country has their culture, ethnic geography, and clearly defined economic and political challenges. Considering this, we have the same mission, but slightly different realities. There are 315,754,766 inhabitants compared to 2,037,772 Seventhday Adventists (December 31, 2011).

Th is means a ratio of 155 people per Seventh-day Adventist church member or only .65% of the population are SDAs. These numbers help us to analyze and understand the size of the mission that we still have to carry out in our Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

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region. Within this framework are the large cities, where we need to advance boldly with faith and power from the Holy Spirit. When we look at our urban centers, we recognized that many of them still have a small Seventh-day Adventist presence. Therefore, “We must ... do our best, pressing forward with all the energy possible to make an opening in the large cities. Had we in the past worked after the Lord’s plans, many lights would be shining brightly that are going out” (Medical Ministry, pp. 301, 302).

What should be done as we face this situation? All that remains is to accept the challenge of seeking the Holy Spirit, elaborate plans, join forces, focus our energy, invest resources, believing in the miracles God will bring about. “The Lord desires us to proclaim the third angel’s message with power in these cities. . . . As we work with all the strength that God grants us, and in humility of heart, putting our entire trust in Him, our labors will not be without fruit. ...many souls will be saved. The Lord ... sends ... the power of His Holy Spirit to convince

and to convert. All heaven will endorse your appeals” (Manuscript 53, 1909).

To facilitate awareness regarding the largest cities in each of our Unions and to also consider the presence of the Church in each one of them, it is important to have an idea of the numbers.

Following, is an analysis of our current position in the large cities as well as in their metropolitan areas. Reality indicates that in most cases we have grown more around the metropolitan centers than within them. The time has come to balance out this situation.

We

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School

South Brazil Union Conference Curitiba

City

Metropolitan Area

1,751,907 15,886 110 37 451 9

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

3,462,000 22,249 156 164 700 11

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Porto Alegre

City

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Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Metropolitan Area

1,409,351 8,769 161 54 170 4

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

4,092,000 29,613 138 226 740 12

Central Brazil Union Conference São Paulo Inapari

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Clinics

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

Designer

San Ygnacio

Guarulhos

Editor Texto

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups

C.Qualidade

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Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

1,221,979 28,013 44 54 135

Campinas Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

City

Metropolitan Area

11,253,503 80,503 140 380 3,262 24 1

City

1,080,113 5,230 207 36 50 1

20,262,000 118,533 171 742 4,220 37 1

Metropolitan Area 2,818,000 23,054 122 137 315 7

Eas

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School

West Central Brazil Union Conference Brasília Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

City

Metropolitan Area

175,000 1,639 107 2 38 1

3,930,071 21,484 183 230 773 7

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

Goiânia Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

City

Metropolitan Area

1,302,001 9,920 131 63 276 5

San Ygnacio

2,173,141 13,273 164 113 413 5

Southeast Brazil Union Conference

Inapari

Rio de Janeiro

City

Belo Horizonte

City

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Clinics

Guayaramerin

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

Metropolitan Area

6,320,446 20,677 306 223 463 6 2

11,950,000 37,845 316 327 1,052 9 2

Metropolitan Area

2,375,151 9,200 258 40 440 3

5,852,000 16,567 353 182 1,056 3

e

262,000 118,533 171 742 4,220 37 1

Area 18,000 23,054 122 137 315 7

East Brazil Union Mission Inapari

Salvador Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

City 2,675,656 25,776 104 219 1,085 10

Guayaramerin

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endorse 909). garding Unions e of the t is imumbers. current ell as in ty indigrown centers come to

Metropolitan Area 3,918,000 35,763 110 355 1,516 10

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Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

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Northeast Brazil Union Mission Fortaleza Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Recife

City

City

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Metropolitan Area

2,452,185 10,697 229 73 350 1

3,719,000 13,655 272 146 1,642 1

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Metropolitan Area

1,537,704 9,454 163 42 188 2

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

3,871,000 19,575 198 237 713 2

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

North Brazil Union Mission Belém

Inapari

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Guayaramerin

City

Metropolitan Area

1.393.399 16.450 85 115 390 8

2.191.000 24.183 91 185 836 9

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

São Luís

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

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Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Designer

Manaus Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Hospital

Porto Velho

Depto. Arte

Metropolitan Area

1.014.837 17.754 57 156 641 4

1.283.000 22.692 57 211 713 4

Northwest Brazil Union Mission City

Metropolitan Area

1.802.014 29.320 61 244 1.454 9 1

2.062.344 45.207 46 397 2.420 13 1

Editor Texto

C.Qualidade

City

City

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies 14

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

428.527 26.357 16 304 960 4

Metropolitan Area 1.283.000 22.692 57 211 713 4

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

Par

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School Clinics

91.000 24.183 91 185 836 9

Buenos Aires

Inapari

City

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Clinics

Guayaramerin

Metropolitan Area

2.890.151 4.225 684 18 98 – 1

Córdoba

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

13.074.000 22.998 568 166 399 4 1

Rosário

Villa Hayes

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

San Ygnacio

1.329.604 3.473 383 31 46 2

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

1.193.605 1.814 658 15 45 1

Paraguay Union of Churches Mission Asunción Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Clinics

City

Metropolitan Area

542,043 2,000 271 8 27 1 1

Inapari

Guayaramerin

2,030,000 3,427 592 21 85 1 1

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

Ciudad del Este

83.000 22.692 57 211 713 4

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

320,782 250 1,283 1 12 1

Bolivia Union Mission

Santa Cruz de la Sierra Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Inapari

Guayaramerin

Cochabamba Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

La Paz Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

City 618,384 4,132 150 27 116 2

City 1,651,436 8,986 184 79 179 3

City 840,209 8,122 103 63 105 3

Metropolitan Area 1,147,176 11,004 104 89 236 4

Metropolitan Area 1,894,70 9,713 195 92 241 4

Metropolitan Area 1,941,940 23,810 82 201 191 10

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n

Argentina Union Conference

Designer

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Chile Union Mission Santiago

Metropolitan Region

Population (estimated) SDA Members Population/SDA Members Churches & Companies Small Groups

Valparaíso

Santiago Province

7,003,122 32,990 208 205 548 Valparaíso Region

Population (estimated) SDA Members Population/SDA Members Churches & Companies Small Groups

1,869,327

Santiago Commune

6,883,563 29,670 232 176 490 Valparaíso Province 907,452 2,915 311 26 47

227,360 1,035 219 7 21

Nor

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School

Valparaíso Commune

270,242 1,630 165 11 27

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

Concepción

Concepción Province

Bío-Bío Región

Population (estimated) SDA Members Population/SDA Members Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

2,236,443 23,450 95 150 325 9

Concepción Commune

1,334,928 10,291 96 58 148 5

229,665 2,417 95 15 47 2

Uruguay Union of Churches Mission Montevideo

Inapari

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

1,292,348 1,566 825 9 35 4

Villa Hayes

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San Ygnacio

Designer

Editor Texto

Sou Nor

Ecuador Union Mission Quito

Cidade

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies Clinics

2,239,191 7,326 306 332 325 3 1

Inapari

Guayaramerin

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

C.Qualidade

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Guayaquil

Cidade

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups 16

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2,526,927 6,667 379 304 376

Popula SDA M Popula Church Small G School

Trujillo

Inapari

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Inapari

Guayaramerin

804,296 36,425 22 572 1,129 4

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

South Peru Union Mission

Guayaramerin

Arequipa

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

San Ygnacio

South Peru Union Mission and North Peru Union Mission Lima Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

Cidade

Population SDA Members Population/SDA Member Churches & Companies Small Groups Schools & Academies

836.859 10.054 83 82 715 2

Inapari

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92,348 1,566 825 9 35 4

North Peru Union Mission

Guayaramerin

Cidade 8,472,935 61,803 137 652 2,489 15

Doctor Pedro P. Pena

Villa Hayes

Designer

San Ygnacio

Editor Texto

C.Qualidade

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17

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Number 1 Priority

26646 RA/special’12

E

Designer

Editor Texto

C.Qualidade

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ach large South American city represents a special challenge. However, one stands out among them because of its special necessities: Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, along with its extensive metropolitan region. Because of its size, influence, secularization and challenges to church growth, this city has been chosen as the number “one” priority for impact actions with the large urban centers.

Seventh-day Adventist presence in the region was established in 1895, by the pioneer Francisco Westphal, with the establishment of the first church and a congregation of 20 members. It was only in 1932 that the first church was inaugurated in Palermo, and in 1933 the first baptism was held there.

It has been 119 years since the days of Elder Westphal and today the reality is quite different. The Church has prospered. In the city of Buenos Aires, the Federal Capital, the population is 2,890,151 and we have only 4,225 members among 18 congregations. In the metropolitan region with its 1,074,000 inhabitants we have reached a membership of 22,998, in 166 churches and companies. We support four educational institutions with 977 students, not one within the city limits of the Federal Capital. Within the 18

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

past ten years, from 2002 to 2011, the number of members have grown 33% in the entire region. A total of 46 new congregations and seven pastoral districts have been established. Tithe has grown 623.27%, with an average annual growth of 22.25% and offering has had an increase of 504.95%, with an average annual increase of 20.50%. As a point of reference, the estimated inflation rate for 2011 was approximately 28%. In spite of the growth, however, it is evident that our presence within this metropolis, especially the Federal Capital, is extremely challenging. We have a ratio of one Seventh-day Adventist Church member for every 684 people.

Buenos Aires is a very comfortable metropolis with special attractions, a steady tourist flow, an intense nightlife, people with post-modern mindset, and all types of agitation, pressure, lack of time and the typical secularization of a large metropolitan area. Within this reality, many seem to leave God out of their plans, since they are so occupied with their personal interests.

In the city only 9.1% of the population consider themselves to be evangelicals, while 18% claim to be indifferent to any type of religion. This is one of the big obstacles for growth.

The reality can be better understood when we observe the growth of other

denominations within the city. In 1920, non-Pentecostal protestant religions owned only 24 churches in the metropolitan region and not one was Seventh-day Adventist. Our first church was inaugurated in 1932. During the same time period the Pentecostals only had one congregation. In 1992, reality demonstrated a reversal. The non-Pentecostal Protestants owned 90 churches with several of these belonging to the Seventh-day Adventists, while the Pentecostals had already reached a total of 120 churches. In other words, 57% of the evangelical churches were Pentecostal, considering that in 1920, they only represented 4%. In spite of the numbers not being more up-to-date, reality has indicated that the rhythm and growth profile have not changed. Within the past 20 years, more than half of the registration of new worship services within the country, Catholics, Evangelicals and others are concentrated within the city and its metropolitan region. There is no doubt that the population is open to spiritual questions. If we do not present the Truth, other groups are going to take advantage of this opening by presenting a superficial message. This is very clear when we look at the fact that throughout the country, 73% of those surveyed stated that they keep the Bible commandments, in spite of the fact

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In the city only 9.1% of the population consider themselves to be evangelicals, while 18% claim to be indifferent to any type of religion. This is one of the big obstacles for growth.

that the at 59%, A ge in the day Ad religion

1. Imp rela 2. Esta inst • Be • Gr • A • Ch 3. Invo with 4. Dist 5. Hold

One of the most challenging missions of South America is the capital of Argentina

that the least observed commandment at 59%, is the day of rest.

A general overview of the religions in the country presents the Seventhday Adventist Church as one of the religions with the largest number of

churches. It is described as having “a signifigant distribution throughout the Country” and reaches the “middle class sectors of the population” (Buenos Aires Religious Liberty Guide, Editorial Biblos, 2003, p. 270).

One example of a project in the urban context in the Argentine captial comes from youth. In the winter of 2005, four Seventh-day Adventist young people from the Liniers Church in Buenos Aires could not keep still facing this reality. They decided that once and for all they would put the Gospel of Jesus into action. Thus, Ayuda Urbana (Urban Help) a non-profit group was established with the objective of helping people who live on the streets and tell them about the love of God. At the beginning, the project was only a wonderful plan. But after the first Friday night when they went out on the streets to distribute food and tell people about God’s love, everything began to fall into place. On their first outing, they visited some people who lived under a bridge in the port neighborhood of Liniers. They took fruit, four sandwiches and a bag of clothing.

These young people began to commit themselves to the ministry; they wrote down the names of the people they helped so they could continue praying for them. They also recorded in their notebook the necessities of these individuals, and on the following Friday, they returned with all that they had collected to assist with these individuals specific necessities.

As time went by, these young men began to understand the language of the “homeless.”

They learned to imagine what it would be like if they were in the situation of those homeless individuals, and they began to embrace these people, sit and kneel beside them to better listen to their problems. The homeless began to see that they were being treated as equals that these young men were sincerely concerned for their well being...and the barriers began to crumble.

Once the young people had attended to their physical and emotional necessities, they could openly talk about Jesus.

When they share Jesus with people, they also pray with them and give those who can read, magazines and publications from the Seventhday Adventist Church (approximately 170 publications per outing). Also systematic studies of the Word of God are offered. Many people accept the studies, and thanks to the work of Ayuda Urbana, 36 people are studying the Bible, 38 are attending church and two of these individuals have been baptized.

IMpACTIng BuEnoS AIRES - 10 CHALLEnGES FoR 2013 1. Implement the discipleship vision with emphasis on communion, relationship, and mission.

2. Establish four centers of influence utilizing the following church institutions: • Belgrano Adventist Clinic.

• Granix Restaurant • Adventist Schools • Churches in the Federal Capital.

3. Involve 3,000 young people in a great evangelistic movement with Calebe Mission.

4. Distribute 300,000 DVDs “The Last Hope”.

5. Hold a special project to reclaim backsliders, involving 6,000

former-Seventh-day Adventists and rebaptized 500 of these individuals.

6. Reach 4 million people with a special evangelism project through the new Time Radio.

7. organize 167 evangelism campaigns in Greater Buenos Aires between the months of August and September, involving 75 pastors, 60 theology students and 40 volunteer evangelists.

8. Carry out harvest evangelism via satellite, from Buenos Aires for the entire country with the evangelist, Pastor Luís Gonçalves in September 2013.

9. Lead 3,000 people to baptism.

10. Plant four new churches.

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

19

26646 RA/special’12

Shutterstock

n 1920, eligions he metwas Sevchurch ing the als only reality on-Penhurches g to the he Pentotal of % of the ecostal, nly repbers not as indith prohe past e regiswithin cals and the city There is is open ot presgoing to by preTh is is act that of those the Bithe fact

Good Example

Designer

Editor Texto

C.Qualidade

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26646 RA/special’12

East B

Art: Victor Hugo Flores

Confer Missio BC CBaC CBaC SBC SBC SwBM SwBM SeM

Designer

north

Confe Missio

Editor Texto

LAC PSC MAC WPM SMM

C.Qualidade

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20

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

priorities

Regions define their priorities I

East Brazil Union Mission

Art: Victor Hugo Flores

Conference or Mission BC CBaC CBaC SBC SBC SwBM SwBM SeM

City Salvador Feira de Santana Juazeiro Itabuna Ilhéus Vitória da Conquista Barreiras Aracaju

Southeast Brazil Union Population 2.675.656 556.642 197.965 204.667 184.236 306.866 137.427 571.149

Conference or Mission

City

ESC CMC EMC SMC RFC RJC – SRC SESC

Vitória Belo Horizonte Governador Valadares Juiz de Fora São Gonçalo Rio de Janeiro Vila Velha

Population 327.801 2.375.151 263.689 516.247 999.728 6.320.446 414.586

26646 RA/special’12

n addition to the large metropolitan areas with their millions of inhabitants, each conference or mission in the South American territory has a city, which in 2013 shall receive special attention. Each one of these cities represents the largest population concentration in the region and at the same time the greatest local challenge. Within the emphasis in the large cities, they will receive special projects, support and investment with the objective of expanding and consolidating the Church presence in this region. In each city we will begin to write a new story. We do not have any time to waste. “As a people we need to hasten the work in the cities...” (Evangelism, p. 30).

Designer

north Brazil Union Mission Conference or Mission

City

LAC PSC MAC WPM SMM

Belém Marabá Sao Luís Santarém Imperatriz

northwest Brazil Union Mission Population 1.393.399 233.669 1.014.837 294.580 247.505

Conference or Mission

City

WAC SRC CAmC ARC

Porto Velho Ji-Paraná Manaus Boa Vista

Editor Texto

Population 428.527 116.610 1.802.014 284.313

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

21

C.Qualidade

Depto. Arte

Argentina Union Conference Conference or Mission SAC NAC BoC NwAM CAC EAM

City Neuquén Formosa Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires Partidos del Gran Buenos Aires Santiago del Estero - La Banda Rosário Mendoza y Gran Mendoza

Population 362.673 233.223 2.890.151 11.916.129 333.866 1.193.605 966.745

City

ECPC– WCPM PNC NPM NPM NePM

Lima – Norte Trujillo Chiclayo Piura Tarapoto

Population 4.420.182 804.296 574.408 450.363 117.184

Chile Union Mission Conference or Mission

City

MChC – SMChM PCM CSChC CPM AACH NCM CCM

Gran Santiago Valparaiso Concepción La Serena Temuco Antofagasta Rancagua

26646 RA/special’12

City

SCC CSR CRGSC SoPC – CPC NPC RGWM NSCC

Florianópolis Porto Alegre, Zona Norte Porto Alegre, Zona Sul Curitiba Londrina Santa Maria Joinville

6.883.563 907.452 989.422 427.794 303.813 360.473 214.344

Editor Texto

C.Qualidade

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421.240 706.990 702.361 1.751.907 506.701 261.031 515.288

Conference or Mission

City

PC

Recife

1.537.704

CPM CPM NCC NCC NBM NBM

Caruaru Petrolina Fortaleza Teresina - PI Natal – RN João Pessoa - PB

314.912 293.962 2.452.185 814.230 803.739 723.515

AlM

Maceió

22

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

PUCM

Asunción

Population 542.043

Ecuador Union Mission Missão

City

SEM NEM

Guayaquil Quito

Population 2.526.927 2.239.191

Conference or Mission

City

SCPC SPM SEPM LTM CAM EPM

Lima - Sul Arequipa Cuzco Juliaca Huancayo Pucallpa

Population 4.052.753 836.859 358.052 225.146 323.054 204.772

Conference or Mission

City

WBM CBM EBM

La Paz (metropolitan area) Cochabamba Santa Cruz

Population 1.552.156 1.052.642 2.102.998

Conference or Mission

1. G

2. S

3. S

City

UUCM

Montevideo

5. w Population 1.292.348

6. S

7. E

8. n Central Brazil Union Conference Conference or Mission

City

APL – APS SPC CSPC SwSPC WSPC SPVC

São Paulo Santos Campinas Sorocaba Ribeirão Preto Guarulhos

9. A Population 11.253.503 419.400 1.080.113 586.625 604.682 1.221.979

10. n

11. n

12. C

13. n

14. S

15. E

Population

932.748

The should the resp guide, b sources in a spe So th vance a resourc special when c truly re fields, in a fund lion (fif The to be m its diffe ing chu specific The follows

4. C Uruguay Union of Churches Mission

Population

northeast Brazil Union Mission Designer

City

Bolivia Union Mission Population

South Brazil Union Conference Conference or Mission

Conference or Mission

South Peru Union Mission

north Peru Union Mission Conference or Mission

Resou

Paraguay Union of Churches Mission

west Central Brazil Union Mission Conference or Mission

City

CPLC CBC MGC TM SMGC

Brasília Goiânia Cuiabá Palmas Campo Grande

16. B Population 2.570.160 1.302.001 501.098 228.332 786.797

17. P

18.U

Tot

42.043

tion

26.927 39.191

tion

52.753 36.859 58.052 25.146 23.054 04.772

ation

52.156 52.642 02.998

The call of God is clear regarding the work that should be accomplished in the large cities. However, the responsibility is in our hands. It is His desire to guide, bless and equip, but we need to apply the resources that we have been received in this direction in a special manner.

So that this movement in the large cities can advance and be well structured, a large investment of resources will be necessary. Any propriety, rental, or special project has a higher cost in these locations when compared to smaller towns. So that something truly remarkable can take place within the unions, fields, institutions and the South American Division, a fund is being collected that will reach US$ 50 million (fifty million dollars).

The amounts indicated below include investments to be made by the Seventh-day Adventist Church at its different levels. These investments include building churches, schools, academies and other projects specifically in the large cities.

The participation of each institution will be as follows:

The investments shall be channeled toward several priority initiatives that go beyond the regular projects.

All initiatives will be based on the integrated evangelism concept, involving each area of the church in the Mission. “The Lord desires that the cities shall be worked by the united efforts of laborers of different capabilities” (Gospel Workers, p. 345).

1. Purchase land in more challenging regions.

“The light given over and over again by the Spirit of God is: Enter the large cities, and create an interest among the high and the low. Make it your work to preach the gospel to the poor, but do not stop there.

Seek to reach the higher classes also” (Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, p. 400).

2. Establish different centers of influence. “Our workers should present … a plain statement of our plan of labor, … to establish this work on a firm basis.

Some of these will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to invest the Lord’s means in a way that will advance His cause. They will fulfill His purpose by helping to create centers of influence in the large cities” (Gospel Workers, 361).

1. General Conference 2. South American Division and its institutions

U$ 250.000 U$ 6.950.000

3. South Brazil Union Conference

U$ 10.000.000

4. Central Brazil Union Conference

U$ 10.000.000

5. west Central Union Conference

U$ 4.000.000

ation

6. Southeast Brazil Union Conference

U$ 2.500.000

92.348

7. East Brazil Union Mission

U$ 2.500.000

8. northeast Brazil Union Mission

U$ 2.500.000

9. Argentina Union Conference

U$ 2.500.000

tion

10. north Brazil Union Mission

U$ 2.000.000

53.503 19.400 80.113 86.625 04.682 21.979

11. northwest Brazil Union Mission

U$ 2.000.000

12. Chile Union Mission

U$ 2.000.000

13. north Peru Union Mission

U$ 800.000

14. South Peru Union Mission

U$ 800.000

15. Ecuador Union Mission

U$ 500.000

16. Bolivia Union Mission

U$ 400.000

17. Paraguay Union of Churches Mission

U$ 150.000

18.Uruguay Union of Churches Mission

U$ 150.000

Total

u$ 50.000.000

3.Establish New Time radio and TV stations (open channels, cable channels, subscription channels); 4. Hold harvest evangelism, involving administrators, ministers, teachers, literature evangelists, physicians and volunteer evangelists such as youth, women, musicians among others. Each large city can have a challenging goal of volunteer evangelists trained to work in projects. “O that we might see the needs of these great cities as God sees them! We must plan to place in these cities capable men who can present the third angel’s message in a manner so forceful that it will strike home to the heart” (Manuscript 53, 1909).

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ation

Resources and Investments

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23

Church planting

Tra existing to work secular

Sm Groups church plantin

Church planting in the context of

BIg CITIES

T

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to concentrate in just one place, due to the evil that was there, but to go out to evangelize the big cities.

Another example comes from the strategic cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. This region had been literally affected by evilness; even the family of a devout man named Lot. Nowadays, the mission is to enter big cities for the proclamation of bibli-

urb public u Small G conside modern

cal truths. This is the moment in time were Adventists should play their part.

This is the time to present the salvation gospel to those places. And the best way to do it is establishing influence centers to plan new churches.

In order to reach big cities within the context of the planting of new churches, the strategy goes through the following items:

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he deliberate planting of new churches is based on the Bible and in the Spirit of Prophecy. In texts like Jonah 1:2 and 3:10, God tells the prophet: “Arise, go to Nineveh.” There are parts like in Genesis 4:17 where is possible to see the first city that was established by Cain as an act of his rebelliousness against God. God’s original plan was that people were not

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Small groups: to have Small Groups, deliberately established for church planting, as the foundation for planting of new churches.

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Influence centers: To establish influence centers in rented places to offer help to the important needs of those who live in big cities and, after that, to present the great hope to them. Marriage Encounters meetings and Health conferences could be examples of influence centers.

example, was of 700 churches established annually. There are, at least, two fronts that should be highlighted. One of them is related to the churches founded with no Adventists presence in a pioneer initiative that involves great effort. The other one has to do with churches established in regions, or even neighborhoods, thanks to the “driving force” of a bigger congregation. Statistics show that, in 2011, 35% of the churches were planted in places without Adventist

presence and 65% were planted in neighborhoods of big cities.

Until 2015, the South American Adventist Church Headquarters wants to open 9,000 churches within this concept. “Church planting, as it is occurring, is one of the most solid strategies we´ve done until now. Before this new strategy we had isolated initiatives. Now we work with a well defined purpose,” affirms pastor Erton Köhler, the South American Adventist Church leader.

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Training: To train churches already existing in big cities, to get to know and to work wisely with postmodern and secularized minds.

Mother Churches: to strengthen the already existing churches so that they can become generators of new churches, transplanting members that live in those neighborhoods to new places where they can start a new work.

The first year balance of the project in South America shows that the deliberate strategy of planting new churches brings good results. In 2011, there were 1658 established churches, directly related to church planting, while the historic rate, from 2005 to 2008, as an

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Secret of success: Pastor Köhler explains why church planting has resulted in success in such a short period of time, especially when compared to the years before. In his opinion, one of the strong points of this project is the previous training of pastors and church leaders of the bigger churches, the mother churches that give origin to new congregation. Another aspect highlighted by the South American Adventist Church leader, is the strategy to connect the purchase of the land of the future church to the planting itself. This diminishes the planting of churches in

The main church helps strengthen new congregations

poor conditions which discourages new members and is of no interest to the local community. “Today, near 65% of congregations established in South American territory started with the land already purchased or inaugurated buildings,” stated the president.

Another secret is the structure of the leadership that migrates from the bigger church to the new one, generally, with dozens of members, a better financial condition and using its abilities and expertise to collaborate.

Church planting theory, according to specialists, such as pastor Emilio

Abdala, is successful as long as the new congregation can be financially self sufficient, and has a consolidated leadership and clear missionary focus.

It is for that reason that all investments, in every aspect, are the biggest that have ever been used by the Adventist Church in South America. Apart from the financial resources for the purchase and creation of models for the church construction, there are also investments for training; creation of bases in Small Group and biblical classes and missionary couples which give support in terms of the developing future leaders.

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urban Evangelism: to develop public urban evangelism series, having Small Groups as the foundations and considering the secularized and postmodern thinking.

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Evangelism project 2013

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The integrated evangelism project for 2013 is structured within this discipleship vision

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2013

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od has a vision for His church, which He presented in His commission to the first Christians, stating, “Go… make disciples …” (Matt. 28:19). His desire, however, is to see this fulfilled during our time.

As a church, in the South American Division, we want to accept this challenge and through a disciple process, shape mature and committed Christians, decrease apostasy, develop a healthy church and genuinely prepare a people to meet the Lord.

Our discipleship vision is simple, in the same manner the Christian walk and spiritual growth should be uncomplicated. It is composed of only three elements: communion, relationship and mission. In other words, this means:

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• Separate the first hour of the day for communion with God, using the devotional resources we have available: the Bible, Sabbath School Bible Study Guide, Daily Devotionals and Spirit of Prophecy books.

• Join a Small Group, developing healthy, loving relationships, Bible study and spiritual growth.

• Fulfill the mission witnessing to at least one person about the biblical assurance of the soon return of Jesus Christ. Each individual will actively work, according to his or her spiritual gifts and talents.

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Church planting, especially in large urban centers Each Conference or Mission will work aggressively in the chosen city to plant new churches in the more elite and challenging regions. At the same time, each pastoral district will plant one new church per year.

Impact Hope This is the opportunity for us to go to the streets and present our great hope. The “E-Day” -- Day of Esperança (Hope) will be April 27, when we will finish distributing the book A Grande Esperança (From Here to Forever) to each home, with maps guiding the distribution so no home will be left behind.

“Thousands of books containing the precious light of present truth should be placed in the homes of the people in our large cities” (Southern Watchman, November 20, 1902). In the locations where the book has already been distributed, a DVD, entitled “The Last Hope,” presented by Elder Luís Gonçalves, will be distributed.

Relationship: Encourage each disciple to experience life in community by participating in a Small Group. The Holy Week program will be held through these Small Groups, from March 24 – 31, beginning in homes and culminating in the church setting from Friday through Sunday. At the same time, the Small Groups will serve as the basis for church planting, especially in the large urban centers, but in the pastoral districts as well. “Of equal importance with public effort is houseto-house work in the homes of the people. In large cities there are certain classes who cannot be reached by public meetings.

These must be searched out as the shepherd searches for his lost sheep” (Gospel Workers, p. 364).

Mission: Incite each disciple to use their gifts and to participate in witnessing movements within the following initiatives:

centers, all members can participate in different ways according to their spiritual gifts. In a united effort, we are going to aggressively announce the coming of our greatest hope, making mature and productive disciples.

“The lay members of our churches can accomplish a work which, as yet, they have scarcely begun. …They should feel a love for souls, a burden of labor for them, and should make it a study how to bring them into the truth. They can distribute our publications, hold meetings in their homes, become acquainted with their neighbors, and invite them to come to these meetings. Thus they can let their light shine in good works...” (Testimony Treasurers, vol. 3, p. 249).

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Satellite and web Evangelism This main harvest effort will result from friendship evangelism, missionary partners, Bible classes and Small Groups.

During the campaign Pr. Luís Gonçalves will be preaching from a home to church members and friends who will be gathered in Small Groups in their own homes. In Portuguese, the program will be held from November 17 – 23 and in Spanish from November 24 – 30.

In spite of emphasizing special emphasis in the large urban

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Communion: Our efforts will continue in the task of motivating every church member to separate the first hour of each day for communion with God, as they seek baptism of the Holy Spirit and the latter rain. This is the basis and also

the beginning of our journey within the vision of revival and reformation. The individual who begins on his or her knees remains standing. When we begin with God, we are able to make a powerful impact on those around us, presenting them with our great hope. The main emphasis of this effort will take place with a ten-day outcry for the latter rain, from February 28 to March 9. The final Sabbath will be convocation to fasting and prayer for the entire church.

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All the varied church efforts and projects should serve as support and reinforce this vision, providing opportunities so that our disciples may grow in their journey with God. Isolated or independent actions involve individuals, however they do not develop, therefore we need to integrate efforts within this vision. This is the inspired plan for growth within the twentyfirst century Seventh-day Adventist Church, which hopes to see Christ returning within this generation. This is the simplest and most efficient direction for spiritual growth and shaping mature Christians.

The integrated evangelism project for 2013 is structured within this discipleship vision. Present in this plan are three actions, which are first applied to impact the large urban centers—the greatest objective of the church within the South American Division territory for 2013. However, at the same time, these three areas of action are the basis for work for each church and member throughout our territory, regardless of size or location. The large cities are an annual emphasis, but healthy growth and integrated work need to be permanent goals for us.

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how can the local church participate “The Lord now calls upon Seventh-day Adventists in every locality to consecrate themselves to Him and to do their very best, according to their circumstances, to assist in His work” (Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, p. 350).

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1. Me leade self-e “Our these m of labo Some o Holy Sp a way th pel Wor a. M zilian S neurs.

9/06-08 annual

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2. Local campaigns to purchase land, build new churches and plant new churches.

Each Conference or Mission will organize local campaigns with challenging and defined projects to involve member collaboration. “God’s work is now to advance rapidly, and if His people will respond to His call, He will make the possessors of property willing to donate of their means, and thus make it possible for His work to be accomplished in … the large cities that are waiting for the message of truth” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 184).

Elder Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference. b. Meeting of the Seventh-day Adventist entrepreneurs and professionals from the Spanish-language countries. Special guest Elder Mark Finley from 2/1016/2013, along with special meetings in the capital of each country.

Paraguay Union of Churches Mission – 2/09 Uruguay Union of Churches Mission – 2/10 Argentina Union Conference – 2/11 Chile Union Mission – 2/12 Bolivia Union Mission – 2/13 South Peru Union Mission – 2/14 North Peru Union Mission – 2/15 Ecuador Union Mission – 2/16

3. Large urban churches dividing to plant new congregations in challenging regions.

In more elite regions or those apparently difficult for public evangelism, the work is slow. For this reason, a nucleus of members needs to accept the challenge of leaving the main church and plant a new congregation. From the time a select group of members exists and an appropriate location is established for meeting, it becomes easier to attract individuals from the region.

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1. Meetings of lay business leaders, entrepreneurs and self-employed professionals.

“Our workers should present before these men a plain statement of our plan of labor, telling them what we need…

Some of these will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to invest the Lord’s means in a way that will advance His cause” (Gospel Workers, p. 361). a. Meeting of the Federation of Brazilian Seventh-day Adventist Entrepeneurs. Presentation of the project on 9/06-08/2012, in Fortaleza, during the annual meeting with the presence of

Businessmen work for the project of evangelism in the big cities

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his is the vision behind the worldwide and South American project to impact the large urban centers in 2013: dedicated involvement and consecration of each member, according to their spiritual gifts and talents in each area of activity of the Church, all within a framework of integrated evangelism. Each disciple, acting within the vision of communion, relationship and mission, does his or her best to save others and see our greatest hope accomplished. As we act in a combined effort with the same focus, we build a healthy church and we open the doors for the powerful working of the Holy Spirit.

We may have different and creative forms of working in this impact movement in the large cities. Some of the more representative actions, however, will include:

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5. Groups of members opening churches in the neighborhoods where they live.

Many of our members travel from their neighborhoods of residence, where there is no established church, to another location where they can congregate. This is a common reality in the large cities.

We need to awaken within our church members the desire to faithfully plant a church near to their home. After all, they may make long trips to reach their church, however their neighbors will not do the same. “The believers in these cities are to work for God in the neighborhood of their homes” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 128).

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7. Keep the church open daily.

Many times when people are in greatest need or when they have free time, our churches are closed.

We hold worship services adapted to our culture and our reality. However, why not keep the church open every day, making it accessible to people at the time that they want a place of peace, refuge and support? Our churches are many times expensive assets that are underused. We invest great effort to build them, and they are used for a few hours during the week. The doors to our churches can be opened for social project, worship services, counseling, or simply as a place for personal meditation. Volunteers, self-employed professional, housewives, retirees or local leaders can alternate daily assistance.

8. Advertise the church services in our printed material and communication outlets.

Each church bulletin, small newsletter, magazine with outside readership or other missionary material can include a space to report to the community regarding the various activities the church offers. The same information can be reported through our radio and TV programs, as well as on Internet sites and social networks, which are especially directed toward the public outside of the church.

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6. Make the church more relevant and useful to the community where it is situated.

There are many privations and necessities in the community where the church is located, which could easily be met by our ministers, members and professionals. Many times, however, we are isolated.

The community does not feel any benefit from our presence there. As we demonstrate our love to them and help them, we are genuinely opening the doors

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so that they come, visit us and become interested in our message. Projects can be held to provide improvements in the region where the church is located or will be planted, such as vocational courses in more needy areas, health projects, family therapy groups, among others. An extensive list of creative possibilities can be elaborated. The role of Seventhday Adventist Community Service within these action areas will be fundamental.

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4. Seventh-day Adventists witnessing and evangelizing friends from their same social and professional class.

People who have the same affinities are better able to understand each other and as a result create a climate of acceptance and openness, in addition to knowing the best approaches to present our hope. We cannot miss the opportunities that these social or professional affinities offer. “Personal, individual effort and interest for your friends and neighbors will accomplish more than can be estimated” (Welfare Ministry, p. 93).

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4. Si Church 5. Ne the pro the cam 6. M of the p New A 7. Se lite, dir guese -

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How will the promotion be carried out?

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s with all other extensive projects the Church has undertaken, all efforts need to be coordinated to promote and implement the integrated evangelism project. Our work strategies include: 1. A special issue of the Adventist Review presenting the project in the month of February.

2. A special issue of Ministry and Elder’s Magazine on church planting in urban centers and a special emphasis in later issues with a vision toward revival, reform, discipleship and evangelism.

3. Various advertisements in the Sabbath School Bible Study Guide.

4. Sites, blogs, and social networks administrated by the Church promoting the five main initiatives.

5. New Time Radio and TV promoting and accompanying the projects, as well as aligning some of their programs with the campaign emphasis.

6. Monthly article with testimonies regarding the progress of the project in the Adventist Review and in South American New Agency (ASN) articles.

7. Seminar on church planting in urban centers, via satellite, directed toward ministers and church leaders, in Portuguese - March 5 and in Spanish March 6.

THE InSpIRED InvITATIon The words of Ellen White, messenger of the Lord, extend an inspired invitation to each and every Seventh-day Adventist in South America: “Shall we not do all in our power to advance the work in all of our large cities? (Counsels on Diet and Health, p. 471). “Who among God’s professing people will take up this sacred work, and labor for the souls who are perishing for lack of knowledge? The world must be warned.

Many places are pointed out to me as in need of consecrated, faithful, untiring effort. Christ is opening the hearts and minds of many in our large cities” (Selected Messages, vol. 2, p. 403).

“The work of God in this earth can never be finished until the men and women comprising our church membership rally to the work, and unite their efforts with those of ministers and church officers...” (Gospel Workers, p. 351).

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ADDITIonAL InFoRMATIon RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Discipleship: Personal Ministries – Everon Donato 2. Revival and Reformation– SAD Vice-President – Bruno Raso a. Spiritual Journey – Stewardship Ministries – Miguel Pinheiro b. 10 Days of Prayer – Revival and Reform Coordinator – Bruno Raso c. Day of Fasting and Prayer – Women’s Ministries – Wiliane Marroni 3. Impact Urban Centers – President – Erton Köhler a. Special Fund: Treasurer – Marlon Lopes b. Church Planting: Global Mission – Edison Choque c. Missionary Book: SDA Vice-President – Almir Marroni d. DVD: Evangelism – Luís Gonçalves 4. Holy Week: Personal Ministries – Everon Donato 5. Satellite Evangelism: Evangelism – Luís Gonçalves a. Promotion: Evangelism – Luís Gonçalves b. Strategy: Personal Ministries – Everon Donato c. Coordination: Assistant to SAD Presidency – Edward Heidinger 6. Promotion in Sabbth School Bible Study Guide and production of special magazines: Assistant to SAD Presidency – Edward Heidinger 7. Special issue of Adventist Review: Assistant to SAD Presidency – Edward Heidinger and publishing houses 8. Special magazine issues “Elder’s Magazine” and “Ministry ”: Ministerial Association – Carlos Hein 9. Project promotional video: Communication Department – Edson Rosa and Evangelism – Luís Gonçalves 10. Propaganda: Communication Department – Edson Rosa 11. News Disclosure: ASN – South American News Agency – Felipe Lemos 12. Internet: SAD Internet – Rogério Ferraz 13. Special Songs for Music Ministry CD/DVD: Youth Ministries – Areli Barbosa

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A worldwide vision MISSION TO THE CITIES “Modeling Christ’s Caring Compassion in the 21st Century” Comprehensive Urban Evangelism

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The world’s cities present a formidable challenge for the Seventh-day Adventist Church. More than half of the world’s population lives in cities with approximately 200,000 people moving from rural communities to urban communities every day, globally. This is around 70 million per year, or 130 every minute. (www.worldchanging.com) THE CHALLENGE “In 2008, for the first time, the world’s population was evenly split between urban and rural areas.” (www.Population Reference Bureau, 2010) “Fewer than 30% of the world’s 2.5 billion people lived in cities in 1950. By 2050 almost 70% of the world’s estimated 10 billion people will do so according to the United Nations” (Christianity Today, Urban Urgency, August, 2010).

For decades faithful Seventh-day Adventists have been living in and effectively sharing their faith in many of the world’s great cities. This initiative Mission to the Cities strongly affirms the work that these consecrated administrators, pastors, and lay people have done and are doing for Christ in urban areas.

It will help nurture existing outreach activities and strengthen what God is already doing through His people. Nevertheless, in spite of our diligent efforts, the Seventh-day Adventist Church has a relatively small presence in most of the world’s 32

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DIVINE COUNSEL Jesus loves cities because He loves people and cities are where most people live. The Gospels describe Jesus relentless passion to reach people living in the cities of His day.

“And Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and disease among the people. But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered like sheep having no shepherd.

Then He said to His disciples, “the harvest is truly plenteous but the laborers are few, therefore pray the Lord of harvest to send laborers into His harvest” (Matthew 9:35-38).

Underlying Jesus evangelistic strategy to reach the multitudes was caring compassion. What He taught He lived.

Christ’s method was simply meeting needs in the Father’s name and sharing the Father’s love and truth in a broken, hurting first century world (Ministry of Healing, p. 143). His first Century strategy has not changed in the 21st Century.

The Holy Spirit moved repeatedly upon Ellen G White’s mind regarding the need to develop broad, visionary plans to reach the teeming multitudes living in the cities. Here are two of her most significant statements regarding our work in the cities.

“There is no change in the messages that God has sent in the past. The work in the cities is the essential work for this time. When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed” (Medical Ministry, p. 304).

“The importance of making our way in the great cities is still kept before me.

For many years the Lord has been urging upon us this duty, and yet we see but comparatively little accomplished in our great centers of population. If we do not take up this work in a determined manner, Satan will multiply difficulties which will not be easy to surmount. We are far behind in doing the work that should have been done in these longneglected cities. The work will now be more difficult than it would have been a few years ago. But if we take up the work in the name of the Lord, barriers will be broken down, and decided victories will be ours” (CME, p. 14).

APPLYING DIVINE COUNSEL Ellen G White’s divinely inspired view of ministry in the cities includes comprehensive urban evangelism integrating physical, mental, social and spiritual outreach approaches to model the ministry of Jesus. It envisions pastors and laity united in mission, departments and ministries cooperating together, church-based lay training schools, city centers and rural training retreats working in unison to impact the city for Jesus. It includes the involvement of every entity and church member in an all out visionary strategy to reach as many people as possible.

The proposal in this document includes a comprehensive and sustained approach to reaching people living in the cities including fostering spiritual revival, establishing friendships, building relationships, personal witnessing, health ministry, youth ministry, community service, home groups, literature distribution, centers of influence, ministry to the impaired and disadvantaged, media outreach, public evangelism, and church planting. It includes all of our medical and educational institutions. It envisions the active involvement of every segment of the Church including Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

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major cities. Our impact in the world’s great population centers is far less than our Lord’s desire for His Church. Mission is deeply embedded within the heart of God. He is, “not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He is a God who desires all “to be saved and come to knowledge of the truth” (2 Timothy 2:4). His heart of divine compassion is broken over lost people. The New Testament Church caught Christ’s vision of reaching people in the cities and planted churches in Jerusalem, Antioch, Ephesus, Rome and throughout the Mediterranean world.

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IMPLEMENTING DIVINE COUNSEL: THE PLAN This plan envisions comprehensive evangelism initiatives in over 650 of the world’s major cities from 2012-2015 beginning in New York City. Why New York? It is one of the most populous and influential centers in the world.

New York is one of the challenges for worldwide evangelism

The New York City Metropolitan Area’s population is the United States’ largest, estimated at nearly 19 million people distributed over 6,720 square miles. New York exerts a significant

impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and entertainment. As many as 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world. It is the home of the United Nations. The nations of the world look to and are represented in New York City. If we reach the people of New York we reach the cultures of the world.

Speaking of New York City, the messenger of the Lord declares, “This work should be continued in the power of the same Spirit that led to its establishment. Those who bear the burden of the work in Greater New York should have the help of the best workers that can be secured. Here let a center for God’s work be made, and let all that is done be a symbol of the work the Lord desires to see done in the world” (7T, p. 137).

The General Conference, the North American Division, the Atlantic Union, the Columbia Union, the Greater New York Conference, the Northeastern Conference, the New Jersey Conference, and the Allegheny East Conference are cooperating to develop visionary, comprehensive evangelistic strategies for New York City including plans for fostering spiritual revival, equipping church members, broadbased, multi-faceted community outreach, personal and public evangelism, church planting and nurturing new converts on a sustained basis.

It is imperative that we inspire and equip church members to be actively

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administrators, departmental directors, pastors, educators, health workers, chaplains, literature evangelists, and most importantly lay people. It encourages every church member living in the world’s cities and those living around the cities to become actively involved in sharing their faith. It urges each member of the World Church to earnestly pray for God’s Spirit to awaken a spiritual interest in the hearts of people living in these large metropolitan centers and create receptivity for God’s last day message.

We cannot be content when tens of millions of people in the cities do not know Christ and are totally unaware of His last day message to the world. Yet the task of reaching the teeming multitudes in the cities is beyond our capacity to accomplish.

No carefully crafted strategy will accomplish God’s goal.

Only as the Holy Spirit gives life to our plans and empowers our actions will they be effective. Spiritual renewal is at the heart of all we do. Revival is paramount for “Only the work accomplished with much prayer, and sanctified by the merit of Christ, will in the end prove to have been efficient for good” (DA. p. 362).

The call to reach the cities is personal. It is a call to a deeper experience with Christ ourselves and a call to earnest intercession as well as comprehensive planning and implementation. It is built completely on the foundation of revival and reformation for it is only going to be accomplished by the power of the Holy Spirit.

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involved in a sustained and ongoing evangelistic approach that does not culminate with a major public evangelistic meeting. A continuous emphasis on urban evangelism under the guidance of the Holy Spirit will constantly reach more people for the kingdom.

A major focus of “Mission to the Cities” is conducting 150-200 evangelistic meetings in New York City targeting varied ethnic and language groups in June of 2013. World Divisions will be invited to send some of their best evangelistic workers to participate in this massive outreach which will be a culmination of intense ongoing and sustained preparation and seed-sowing evangelistic activities. As indicated, these activities will continue after the June 2013 evangelistic outreach. During the June 2013 evangelistic outreach, an International Field School of Urban Evangelism focusing on all aspects of city mission and outreach will be conducted for the local and overseas evangelists during the evangelistic series.

As part of the overall plan for this quinquennium, in the very near future each of the thirteen World Divisions will choose a city within their Division territory based on the timetable included in the Addendum of this document and develop comprehensive strategies to reach the people in their designated city. Division leadership will need to consider strategies which are applicable and sustainable in their respective Divisions. Master plans to reach these large urban areas, as well as budgets, will need to be put in place.

The target goal is for each Division to conduct their major evangelistic reaping campaigns targeted at one city in their division by early 2014.

As part of the overall plan, each of the nearly 130 Unions, in the near future and in conjunction with their division leadership, will choose a city within their Union Territory and will develop comprehensive strategies to reach the people in their designated city. Strategies will be formulated and action plans implemented in harmony with the cultural diversity and unique character of each Union. Research and discussion will take place with those who have been engaged in urban evangelism. The goal is for each Union to conduct a major evangelistic reaping series in their target cities during the last quarter of 2014.

Again, as part of the overall plan, each of the over 500 Conferences/ Missions/Fields will choose a city within their Conference and will develop comprehensive strategies to reach the people in their designated city. Conference/Mission/Fields administration along with local pastors will develop plans that reach both their chosen city and also their local churches for a comprehensive evangelistic initiative in 2015 just before the General Conference Session in San Antonio.

To accomplish an initiative this large will involve administrators, departmental directors, pastors, and lay people. It will involve churches and institutions, conference and supporting ministries, adults and youth, men and women, children—all of us. This is much more than 650 evangelistic meetings in major cities. Although there is a strong reaping component, this initiative is an all-inclusive comprehensive strategy urging every entity of the Church to place priority on mission and reaching lost people, especially in the urban centers of population on a sustained and ongoing basis.

A DIVINE APPEAL AND PERSONAL COMMITMENT God’s heart is broken over lost people in the world’s cities and large metropolitan areas. It will take extraordinary vision and faith to put these plans into action but can we do any less than our Lord asks of us? Can we be content when tens of millions in the cities are totally unaware of Jesus and His love? Can we be satisfied with our current growth rates when the majority of earth’s population is unaware of God’s special truths and three angels’ messages in this critical hour of earth’s history? May our hearts beat with His in participating with Him in His mission to reach the cities. May the burden of His heart be the burden of our hearts.

With eyes divinely anointed may we look beyond what is to what can be and what will be. May we by faith catch the vision and see tens of thousands of Seventh-day Adventists actively involved in witness, mission and making disciples for the Master. May each department be focused on mission.

May every church be alive with the spirit of mission and thousands of new churches be planted in the world’s major cities and tens of thousands of new believers rejoicing in the glorious hope of the three angels’ messages. Remember that “When the cities are worked as God would have them, the result will be the setting in operation of a mighty movement such as we have not yet witnessed” (MM, p. 304).

God has promised the mighty movement. He will fulfill His promise as we humbly submit to Him, laying our plans at His feet, following His instruction in the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy, and plead with the Holy Spirit for the power to accomplish the task entrusted to us by heaven itself. We enthusiastically anticipate Christ’s soon second coming when thousands upon thousands of saved people from the large cities and the rural areas will ascend together to meet the Lord in the air and be taken to our homes in the New Jerusalem, the ultimate city and safe haven for God’s people throughout eternity. Let us dedicate ourselves to God’s comprehensive plans for “Mission to the Cities.”

Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION • 2012

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MAIN DATES 2013 Satellite seminar about church planting in urban centers March 5th - Portuguese March 6th - Spanish

10 days of clamor by the later rain February 28th to March 9th

World day of fasting and prayer March 9th

Easter Week March 24th to 31st

Impact Hope April 27th

Satellite Evangelism November 17th to 23rd - Portuguese November 24th to 30th - Spanish