South America

In Brazil’s capital, Adventist prayer walk brings thousands to congress building

Event also launches evangelism series for region

Brasília, Brazil | Liane Prestes

Moving – literally – to bring hope to the big cities of the South American Division, a group of 7,000 Seventh-day Adventists and friends gathered in the Brazilian capital for a March 10 prayer walk. Gathering in front of the Cathedral of Brasília, the group walked approximately 600 meters to reach the National Congress building.

Seventh-day Adventists from the 220 churches in and around the Federal District traveled to the area known as Plano Piloto in approximately 30 buses to intercede for the city.

The event is part of the Adventist Church’s initiative to bring hope to the big cities, and completed a period of 10 days of prayer and 10 hours of fasting that began on February 28 in South America. Understanding the commitment to pray for the people who live in the city, the group met for special times of prayer and praise.

For 40 minutes, the group participated in prayers addressed and also prayed especially for the families of the community. The meeting also inaugurated a series of evangelistic programs for the region.

Pastor Erton Köhler, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church for eight countries in South America, who was present at the Brasília event, said efforts such as these can produce positive effects for both the church and the capital’s residents.

"I believe this prayer walk had an impact on our Adventist Church members, who joined and discovered it's a great family who gathered for a noble cause. I think the walk also impacted the community of Brasilia," the church leader said.

Erton Köhler, president of the Adventist Church's South American Division, addresses supporters at the rally.

Erton Köhler, president of the Adventist Church's South American Division, addresses supporters at the rally.

Pastor Charles Brittis said this was one of the first initiatives in the direction to pray and work for the evangelization of the national capital. The pastor also said Sunday's effort demonstrates Adventists’ concern not only for the spiritual health of governments, but also of its citizens.

For young Raisa Santos, praying near national monuments reinforces the mission and social responsibility that has the Adventist Church to the country. "Without doubt, this event has had an influence on my spiritual life and the lives of everyone involved. From now on, I feel more responsible for bringing hope to people who live in this city," she said.

At the end of the event, the entire group went to the park of the National Congress for the final prayer a rally of Pathfinders. Messias de Souza, Brasilia’s regional administrator, who accompanied the prayer walkers, recognized the social importance the event signified.

"I hope the Adventist Church's work continues to bring hope to Brasília and Brazil, creating a work that raises the spiritual, moral and civility for our people," he said.

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