Hope for large Urban Centers

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Depto. Arte 20 priorities of the RegionsThe unions trace their goals in the project of evangelism for the big cities.

11 South American challengeEvangelizing more than 300 million in eight countries

18 Buenos AiresThe capital of Argentina is the main priority

Special Edition Integrated Evangelism Project 2013

Hope for LargeHope for LargeHope for Largeurban Centers

2 Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION 2012

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Our greatest challenge

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

E di tor: Felipe Lemos

Translator: Beth Vollmer Chagas

Graphic design: Victor Diego Trivelato

Cover: Art design on Shutterstock photo

13395/26646

Special Edition Integrated Evangelism Project 2013CA SA PU BLI CA DO RA BRA SI LEI RA

Ro do via Es ta dual SP 127 km 106 Cai xa Pos tal 34; CEP 18270-970 Ta tu, So PauloFone (15) 3205-8800 Fax (15) 3205-8900

General Manager: Jos Carlos de Lima Financial Manager: Edson Erthal de MedeirosEditor-in-Chief: Ru bens S. Les sa Production Manager: Reisner Martins

Art Director: Marcelo Souza Graphic Project: Levi Gruber Sales Manager: Joo Vicente Pereyra Shipping: Eduardo G. da Luz

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced by any means, without the prior written permission of the author and the Publisher.

A VISION FOR THE CHURCH

Preparing mature disciples is Gods ideal for all of His peo-ple. After all, He does not want to only receive baptized or reg-istered 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 heaven-ly kingdom. is vision of discipleship is confi rmed through more than 250 times the word disciple is mentioned within the New Testament. It always refers to the commitment of being like the Mas-ter (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 diff erent model of life

was established in the Great Commission Jesus left to His people, because the fi rst goal He set for the early church was to use His all-encom-passing power and authority to make disciples without regard to ethnic dis-tinctionsfrom all nations (Matthew 28:19) (Dallas Willard, e Great Omis-sion: Rediscovering Jesus Essential Teach-ings 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 Commis-sion. is is a worrisome reality, which is confi rmed by the spiritual shift and fra-gility of our members. John Wesley, the

great 18th century preacher said at that time e Church changes the world not by making converts but by making dis-ciples. (Milton Torres, (Org.), Pequenos grupos, grandes solues [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 priori-tize their process of discipleship and carry it out in a simple manner. Hav-ing this objective in mind, Jesus used a form of teaching with His disciples that

emphasized a practical method. He in-structed them by teaching through His own example. In this manner, Jesus be-came the content, the teacher, the envi-ronment and the visible truth... (Valberto Cruz and Fabiana Ramos, Pequenos gru-pos: para a igreja crescer integralmente [Small Groups: for the Church to Grow Completely, p. 33).

e Church needs this vision to grow in number and in quality! is is a view of a discipling process that permeates the life of the Church itself and makes it grow happily and healthfully! is pro-cess leads each one of its members and new converts from an initial level to ma-turity 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 disci-pleship, Herein is my Father glorifi ed, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. John 15:8

is is a simple, revolutionary concept. If someone understood simplicity, it was Jesus. In the book, Simple Church, om Rainer and Eric Geiger affi rm that Jesus came onto a complicated and polluted re-ligious scene. It was congested with vari-ous factions of Judaism (Sadducees, Phar-isees, Herodians, Zealots, and Essenes) to the point that they had developed a reli-gious system with 613 laws. ere were 248 affi rmative commands, according to their view, one for every part of the hu-man 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 command-ments: love God and and love your neigh-bor (Matt. 22:37-40). With this, the Lord was not lowering the standard, or abol-ishing the law, He was presenting His es-sence in one simple statement. Being sim-ple and prudent was one characteristic of Christ (Matt. 10:16).

erefore, 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 pow-erful statement, capable of transmit-ting power and a permanent, heavenly companionship.

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

Communion, relationship and mission are the base of a discipleship of the church

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3Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION 2012

CA SA PU BLI CA DO RA BRA SI LEI RA

Ro do via Es ta dual SP 127 km 106 Cai xa Pos tal 34; CEP 18270-970 Ta tu, So PauloFone (15) 3205-8800 Fax (15) 3205-8900

General Manager: Jos Carlos de Lima Financial Manager: Edson Erthal de MedeirosEditor-in-Chief: Ru bens S. Les sa Production Manager: Reisner Martins

Art Director: Marcelo Souza Graphic Project: Levi Gruber Sales Manager: Joo Vicente Pereyra Shipping: Eduardo G. da Luz

great 18th century preacher said at that time The Church changes the world not by making converts but by making dis-ciples. (Milton Torres, (Org.), Pequenos grupos, grandes solues [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 priori-tize their process of discipleship and carry it out in a simple manner. Hav-ing this objective in mind, Jesus used a form of teaching with His disciples that

emphasized a practical method. He in-structed them by teaching through His own example. In this manner, Jesus be-came the content, the teacher, the envi-ronment and the visible truth... (Valberto Cruz and Fabiana Ramos, Pequenos gru-pos: 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 pro-cess leads each one of its members and new converts from an initial level to ma-turity 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 disci-pleship, 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 re-ligious scene. It was congested with vari-ous factions of Judaism (Sadducees, Phar-isees, Herodians, Zealots, and Essenes) to the point that they had developed a reli-gious system with 613 laws. There were 248 affirmative commands, according to their view, one for every part of the hu-man 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 command-ments: love God and and love your neigh-bor (Matt. 22:37-40). With this, the Lord was not lowering the standard, or abol-ishing the law, He was presenting His es-sence in one simple statement. Being sim-ple 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 pow-erful statement, capable of transmit-ting power and a permanent, heavenly companionship.

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

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 num-ber possible of people, but insist that our task does not end with baptism. Mak-ing 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 Ad-ventist in South America to seek disci-pleship as their main lifestyle. This pro-cess involves the entire Church, leading the various areas and ministries to em-phasize 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 essen-tial words and we want every Seventh-day Adventist in South America to un-derstand that:

Communion means dedicat-ing the first hour of the day to spend-ing time in Gods presence;

Relationship involves partic-ipation 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 dis-ciples. Our goal for the different min-istries is to contribute with activities that are aligned with the discipling pro-cess. A genuinely integrated evange-lism movement will be implemented so that the purpose, the language, and the Church activities lead every Seventh-day Adventist in the South American Divi-sion to develop communion, relation-ship 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 be-coming 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 knowl-edge and will be guided toward relat-ing 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 tal-ents 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 be-cause we want much more than num-bers, we want people to be transformed and we want them to remain as branches on the vine. Abiding in Christ is choos-ing 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 com-plied 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, there-fore, for evangelization in small towns as well as large cities, where people, deal-ing with the busyness of the large ur-ban centers, can become sensitive to the example of genuine disciples who have been transformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Disciple-ship has an intimate relationship with the Seventh-day Adventist mission that includes, as exemplified in this publica-tion, the evangelization of large urban areas, and large cities.

Join us to explore Gods vision for the Church, making mature disciples along the pathway to heaven, where we will fi-nally reach our greatest hope.

Communion, relationship and mission are the base of a discipleship of the church

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Hope for Large Urban Centers

Evangelism project 2013

Ellen White and the Urban Ministry

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

This is our birth certifi cate, which is recorded in Revela-tion 10. However, to fulfi ll this mission, we need to reach the people where they are. To facilitate our contact, people are more and more con-centrated in large urban centers. If on one hand these urban centers and metropoli-tan areas secularize people, on the other they make our access easier. Additional-ly, living in these locations cause people to need more attention, be insecure, con-fused, and lonely, this in turn increases our responsibility to present the Bible truths that save, nurture, provide ref-uge, and bring hope. Th is is our greatest challenge today! Pastor Mark Finley often states, Jesus loves the cities because thats where people are, and Jesus loves people.

Th ere 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-

ral communities also have those in need of the message. But the large cities, es-pecially, present unprecedented chal-lenges and opportunities. We need to witness to all, in large and small loca-tions, but the urban regions need spe-cial attention.

More than a century ago, Ellen White had already presented this chal-lenge, Who are carrying a burden for the large cities? (Testimony Treasures, vol. 3, p. 333). Th e answer also came from the same prophetic inspiration, Th e time has come when, as never be-fore, 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).

Th e prophetic time is before us as God is motivating the Seventh-day Ad-ventist Church throughout the world to make an impact on the urban centers. Th is is also our opportunity to expand

our focus in the expansive South Amer-ican cities through a special integrated evangelism project that establishes con-tinual activities and permanent results. Th erefore, together with the world-wide 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).

Th e mission is in our hands, the peo-ple 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 com-ing of our Lord, we are to do a large work in the great cities. We have a solemn tes-timony to bear in these great centers (Last Day Events, p. 118).

Monte Sahlin, Director of Rese-arch and Projects, for the Ohio Confe-rence of Seventh-day Adventist in the United States, found 107 articles wi-thin the Ellen White index where she refers to urban ministry. In 24 of these articles, instructions are presented ad-monishing the church to leave the ci-ties and also establish our institutions outside city limits. On the other hand, 75% of the articles present specifi c ins-tructions for a movement inside the ci-ties in order to reach those city-dwellers. Some texts are impressive and appella-tive: Th e burden of the needs of our ci-ties 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 Adventisms lack of progress in the cities that she questioned Gene-ral Conference president Arthur G. Da-

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Spirit of prophecy

Ellen White and the Urban Ministry

our focus in the expansive South Amer-ican cities through a special integrated evangelism project that establishes con-tinual activities and permanent results. Th erefore, together with the world-wide 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).

Th e mission is in our hands, the peo-ple 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 com-ing of our Lord, we are to do a large work in the great cities. We have a solemn tes-timony to bear in these great centers (Last Day Events, p. 118).

Monte Sahlin, Director of Rese-arch and Projects, for the Ohio Confe-rence of Seventh-day Adventist in the United States, found 107 articles wi-thin the Ellen White index where she refers to urban ministry. In 24 of these articles, instructions are presented ad-monishing the church to leave the ci-ties and also establish our institutions outside city limits. On the other hand, 75% of the articles present specifi c ins-tructions for a movement inside the ci-ties in order to reach those city-dwellers. Some texts are impressive and appella-tive: Th e burden of the needs of our ci-ties 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 Adventisms lack of progress in the cities that she questioned Gene-ral 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 quali-fi ed to continue to lead the denomina-tion, and even went so far as to refuse in-terviews with him until he came up with aggressive strategies to reach the tee-ming millions of the worlds great cities (http://www.adventistreview.org/2001-1549/story2.html).

It is interesting to note how she of-fered a well-balanced vision regard-ing 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 Adven-tists. Her approach regarding the topic could be entitled, from the outside in. According to her writings, within the cities a special ministry should be ac-complished. Outside of the cities, rest and opportunity to regain ones strength

should be found. Rural areas, outside the large urban centers, are ideal for physi-cal and spiritual health; however reach-ing those living in large urban centers is the mission at hand. To present our great hope where there are concentra-tions of inhabitants, we have to work in a balanced manner, using the concept from the outside in. In other words, profi t 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 fl ee to rural com-munities or distant places on Earth. She makes it clear that the time will come when our work in the large urban cen-ters will die down until it shall be ex-tinguished. I am moved by the Spirit of God to say to those engaged in the Lords work, that the favorable time for

The proclamation of the message uses all methods possible

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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 (Man-uscript 62, 1903).

We are far behind in following the light God has given regarding the work-ing of our large cities. The time is com-ing 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 mission-ary focus, and the availability of means of communication.

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

only restricted to the presence of Sev-enth-day Adventist hospitals and clin-ics or even salaried denominational em-ployees active in this area. She presents a ministry that involves Seventh-day Ad-ventist health institutions, as well as in-cluding evangelism through medical ministers, vegetarian restaurants, liter-ature and courses regarding health, and healthy lifestyle activities in the commu-nity, among others. As physicians unite with ministers in proclaiming the gospel in the great cities of the land, their com-bined 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 jour-ney 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 avail-able included: low cost, excellent quality missionary literature, a powerful com-munication and media structure, mod-ern schools, academies and universi-ties that influence the life of thousands of non-Seventh-day Adventist families,

and an army of Small Groups that of-fer friendship, relationships and atten-tion which are important necessities for those who live in large cities. Addition-ally, 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 Trea-sures, 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 strat-egies may also be used. It is essential that all actions implemented become genu-ine 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. Ser-vice is always a bridge to salvation. As we serve, we offer people what they appar-ently are in need of. As we present salva-tion we are offering them what the really need. The church is Gods 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

elements of the church. The cause of God in the earth today is in need of liv-ing 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, col-porteurs, Bible workers, and other con-secrated 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 cit-ies. Time is rapidly passing, and there is much to be done. Every agency must be set in operation, that present opportu-nities may be wisely improved (Acts of the Apostles, p. 158).

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

The vegetarian restaurants are good examples of the centers of influence

ADRA and ASA projects are connected to the purpose to reach

people in the urban cities

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and an army of Small Groups that of-fer friendship, relationships and atten-tion which are important necessities for those who live in large cities. Addition-ally, 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 Trea-sures, 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 strat-egies may also be used. It is essential that all actions implemented become genu-ine 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. Ser-vice is always a bridge to salvation. As we serve, we offer people what they appar-ently are in need of. As we present salva-tion we are offering them what the really need. The church is Gods 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

elements of the church. The cause of God in the earth today is in need of liv-ing 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, col-porteurs, Bible workers, and other con-secrated 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 cit-ies. Time is rapidly passing, and there is much to be done. Every agency must be set in operation, that present opportu-nities 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, acade-mies, universities, ADRA, Community Services, theology students, retired de-nominational employees, entrepre-neurs, self-employed professional, the elderly, adults, youth, children, men and women, church leaders and members. The inspired message expresses em-phasis regarding the work of our publi-cations, literature evangelists and pub-lishing houses, Books containing the precious light of present truth are lying

ADRA and ASA projects are connected to the purpose to reach

people in the urban cities

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

The medical-missionary work includes the evangelization

of the big cities

The health centers contribute to spread the

Adventist message

on the shelves of our publishing houses. These should be circulated. Canvassers are needed who will enter our large cit-ies 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

Around 1880, the Seventh-day Adventi st Church established a strong emphasis in citi es. At that ti me, we were few in number; only one Seventh-day Adventi st church member for every 89,768 inhabitants of the world, however we faced a

great challenge to ful 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 citi es that lasted from 1885 to 1899. In 1886, the report indicated 36 missionary projects already in progress, involving 102 denominati onal employees and 224 volunteers.

Evangelismin a World of Constant Change

Several years later, between 1908 and 1910, Ellen White renewed the emphasis on the work in the cit-ies and insisted, in a clear manner, that the Seventh-day Adventist Church was neglecting this mission. More than 100 years have already gone by since she wrote these strong convocations, appeals, counsel and warnings about this subject. Since then many things have changed. Around the year 1900, the world had only 12 cities with a population of more than 1 million. Currently, there are more than 400 cities with this population, with 20 of these cities having a population greater than 10 million. Daily approxi-mately 200,000 people leave the rural area migrating to the cities; therefore since 2008 more than half of the worlds pop-ulation is concentrated in urban regions. By 2030, this con-centration should reach 60% of the worldwide population.

In Latin America, the situa-tion is even more challenging: more than 70% of the popula-tion already lives in urban ar-eas. By 2030, the number of inhabitants in these areas will grow from 394 million to 742 million people. At least 79% of the worldwide urban pop-ulation will be living in cit-ies and metropolitan areas in developing countries, like those we have in South Amer-ica. Africa and Asia alone will have almost seven of ev-ery ten urban inhabitants on the planet. Th is reality needs to challenge us! Still in 1910, Ellen White insisted, Th ere is no change in the messages that God has sent in the past. Th e 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 move-ment such as we have not yet witnessed... (Medical Ministry, p. 304). If this work were essential in those days, how would she describe the reality and the necessities of the large ur-ban areas of today?

In addition to all the inspired counsel and appeals that challenge us to look with attention toward the urban con-centrations, Gary Krause, director of the area of Global Mis-sion for the General Conference, presents at least three ba-sic reasons to face this reality.

1. Sheer numbers. For example, in Stockholm, Sweden, there are 410 Ad-

ventists living among a population of 1.25 million. In other words, there are more than 3,000 people for every Seventh-day Adventist. In Kolkata, India, there are 558 church mem-bers among a population of 15 million. Th is means one Ad-

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EvangelismLatin America

1950 - 42% urban population2007 - 76% urban population2030 - 84% urban populationLatin America will have the second largest population concentration in large cities, only behind the USA that will have 87% population in urban centers.

The world

1800 - 3% urban population1900 - 14% urban population1950 - 29% urban population 2007 - 49% urban population2030 - 60% urban population

Several years later, between 1908 and 1910, Ellen White renewed the emphasis on the work in the cit-ies and insisted, in a clear manner, that the Seventh-day Adventist Church was neglecting this mission. More than 100 years have already gone by since she wrote these strong convocations, appeals, counsel and warnings about this subject. Since then many things have changed. Around the year 1900, the world had only 12 cities with a population of more than 1 million. Currently, there are more than 400 cities with this population, with 20 of these cities having a population greater than 10 million. Daily approxi-mately 200,000 people leave the rural area migrating to the cities; therefore since 2008 more than half of the worlds pop-ulation is concentrated in urban regions. By 2030, this con-centration should reach 60% of the worldwide population.

In Latin America, the situa-tion is even more challenging: more than 70% of the popula-tion already lives in urban ar-eas. By 2030, the number of inhabitants in these areas will grow from 394 million to 742 million people. At least 79% of the worldwide urban pop-ulation will be living in cit-ies and metropolitan areas in developing countries, like those we have in South Amer-ica. Africa and Asia alone will have almost seven of ev-ery ten urban inhabitants on the planet. Th is reality needs to challenge us! Still in 1910, Ellen White insisted, Th ere is no change in the messages that God has sent in the past. Th e 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 move-ment such as we have not yet witnessed... (Medical Ministry, p. 304). If this work were essential in those days, how would she describe the reality and the necessities of the large ur-ban areas of today?

In addition to all the inspired counsel and appeals that challenge us to look with attention toward the urban con-centrations, Gary Krause, director of the area of Global Mis-sion for the General Conference, presents at least three ba-sic reasons to face this reality.

1. Sheer numbers. For example, in Stockholm, Sweden, there are 410 Ad-

ventists living among a population of 1.25 million. In other words, there are more than 3,000 people for every Seventh-day Adventist. In Kolkata, India, there are 558 church mem-bers among a population of 15 million. Th is means one Ad-

ventist for more than 26,000 people. In the United States 80 percent of the population lives in urban areas, but only one in three Adventist churches is located in these urban areas. In Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a metropolitan region with 2.4 mil-lion, there are fewer Adventist today than there were in 1948. If we consider the ratio of Adventists per person throughout the world, the data from 2010 indicates that there is 1 Adven-tist for every 405 people. If we evaluate this same situation, however removing the urban centers, the ration will be 423 people to every Adventist. If we count only the large cities, the ratio becomes 953 people for every Adventist.

2. Unique urban issues. In many parts of the world, a Global Mission pioneer run-

ning an outreach eff ort in a small community brings out al-most the entire population. Trying the same thing in So Paulo, and you are competing with theaters, cinemas, res-taurants, malls, concert halls, clubs and numerous other places of entertainment. For many who live in these re-gions, church is something uncommon, a relic of another era. For this reason, In the cities of today, where there is so much to attract and please, the people can be interested by no ordinary eff orts. Min-isters of Gods appointment will fi nd it necessary to put forth extraordinary eff orts in order to arrest the attention of the multitudes. And when they succeed in bringing to-gether a large number of peo-ple, they must bear messages

of a character so out of the usual order that the people will be aroused and warned. Th ey must make use of every means that can possibly be devised for causing the truth to stand out clearly and distinctly (Manuscript 45, 1910).

3. Adventist dislocation from cities. While most people live in urban areas, most Seventh-day

Adventist churches, and institutions are located away from this mission field. In many cases, urban churches, down-town churches, or those in more centrally located regions has an attendance originating from people who do not live in the same region where the churches are located. Many of their members commute from the suburbs to attend these churches. Without proximity to the mission field, the church becomes distant from the reality that it needs to reach. But the call is clear, My duty is to say that God is earnestly calling for a great work to be done in the cities (Letter 150, 1909).

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10 Revista Adventista I ESPECIAL EDITION 2012

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worldwide project

Worldwide Project Will Reach 650 Large Cities

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

City Country Population SDA Members Population per SDA MembersTokyo Japan 36,669,000 3,882 9,446So Paulo Brazil 20,262,000 118,533 171Mumbai India 20,041,000 10,000 2,004Mexico City Mexico 19,460,000 53,093 367New York United States 19,425,000 37,897 513Shangai China 16,575,000 6,274 2,642Buenos Aires Argentina 13,074,000 22,998 568Beijing China 12,385,000 3,300 3,753Rio de Janeiro Brazil 11,950.000 17,865 669Manila Philippines 11,628,000 30,775 378Osaka Japan 11,337,000 476 23,817Cairo Egypt 11,001,000 289 38,066Moscow Russia 10,550,000 3,500 3,014Istanbul Turkey 10,525,000 61 172,541

The urban evangelism project is an initiative endorsed by the General Conference and considers the prior-ity 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 eff orts with a specifi c plan and strat-egy to mobilize evangelization in metropolitan areas and oth-er large urban centers.

Th e General Conference plan embraces outreach initia-tives 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

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

Th e plan, in general terms, is to equip pastors and church members alike to cooperate in an aggressive outreach eff ort to evangelize the worlds 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, affi rms Elder Ted Wil-son, worldwide leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We 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 Sh

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Worldwide Project Will Reach 650 Large Cities

Statistics

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

City Country Population SDA Members Population per SDA MembersTokyo Japan 36,669,000 3,882 9,446So Paulo Brazil 20,262,000 118,533 171Mumbai India 20,041,000 10,000 2,004Mexico City Mexico 19,460,000 53,093 367New York United States 19,425,000 37,897 513Shangai China 16,575,000 6,274 2,642Buenos Aires Argentina 13,074,000 22,998 568Beijing China 12,385,000 3,300 3,753Rio de Janeiro Brazil 11,950.000 17,865 669Manila Philippines 11,628,000 30,775 378Osaka Japan 11,337,000 476 23,817Cairo Egypt 11,001,000 289 38,066Moscow Russia 10,550,000 3,500 3,014Istanbul Turkey 10,525,000 61 172,541

In every city, lled 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).

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

Th e plan, in general terms, is to equip pastors and church members alike to cooperate in an aggressive outreach eff ort to evangelize the worlds 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, affi rms Elder Ted Wil-son, worldwide leader of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

We 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

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 Sav-iour. In every city, fi lled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Th ousands may thus be reached (Prophets and Kings, p. 277).

Th e South American Division serves eight countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Bra-zil, Chile, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Each country has their cul-ture, ethnic geography, and clearly defi ned economic and political chal-lenges. Considering this, we have the same mission, but slightly diff erent re-alities. Th ere are 315,754,766 inhabit-ants compared to 2,037,772 Seventh-day Adventists (December 31, 2011). Th is means a ratio of 155 people per Seventh-day Adventist church mem-ber or only .65% of the population are SDAs. Th ese numbers help us to ana-lyze and understand the size of the mis-sion that we still have to carry out in our

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

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Inapari Guayaramerin

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Doctor Pedro P. Pena

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SanYgnacioPorto Alegre City Metropolitan Area

Population 1,409,351 4,092,000SDA Members 8,769 29,613Population/SDA Member 161 138Churches & Companies 54 226Small Groups 170 740Schools & Academies 4 12

Curitiba City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,751,907 3,462,000SDA Members 15,886 22,249Population/SDA Member 110 156Churches & Companies 37 164Small Groups 451 700Schools & Academies 9 11

South Brazil Union Conference

Campinas City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,080,113 2,818,000SDA Members 5,230 23,054Population/SDA Member 207 122Churches & Companies 36 137Small Groups 50 315Schools & Academies 1 7

Central Brazil Union ConferenceSo Paulo City Metropolitan Area

Population 11,253,503 20,262,000SDA Members 80,503 118,533Population/SDA Member 140 171Churches & Companies 380 742Small Groups 3,262 4,220Schools & Academies 24 37Clinics 1 1

GuarulhosPopulation 1,221,979SDA Members 28,013Population/SDA Member 44Churches & Companies 54Small Groups 135

Goinia City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,302,001 2,173,141SDA Members 9,920 13,273Population/SDA Member 131 164Churches & Companies 63 113Small Groups 276 413Schools & Academies 5 5

West Central Brazil Union ConferenceBraslia City Metropolitan Area

Population 175,000 3,930,071SDA Members 1,639 21,484Population/SDA Member 107 183Churches & Companies 2 230Small Groups 38 773Schools & Academies 1 7


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East Brazil Union MissionSalvador City Metropolitan Area

Population 2,675,656 3,918,000SDA Members 25,776 35,763Population/SDA Member 104 110Churches & Companies 219 355Small Groups 1,085 1,516Schools & Academies 10 10

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 ur-ban 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 Lords 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 en-ergy, invest resources, believing in the miracles God will bring about. The Lord desires us to proclaim the third an-gels 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 la-bors 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 im-portant 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 indi-cates that in most cases we have grown more around the metropolitan centers than within them. The time has come to balance out this situation.


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Campinas City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,080,113 2,818,000SDA Members 5,230 23,054Population/SDA Member 207 122Churches & Companies 36 137Small Groups 50 315Schools & Academies 1 7

Central Brazil Union ConferenceSo Paulo City Metropolitan Area

Population 11,253,503 20,262,000SDA Members 80,503 118,533Population/SDA Member 140 171Churches & Companies 380 742Small Groups 3,262 4,220Schools & Academies 24 37Clinics 1 1

Goinia City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,302,001 2,173,141SDA Members 9,920 13,273Population/SDA Member 131 164Churches & Companies 63 113Small Groups 276 413Schools & Academies 5 5

West Central Brazil Union ConferenceBraslia City Metropolitan Area

Population 175,000 3,930,071SDA Members 1,639 21,484Population/SDA Member 107 183Churches & Companies 2 230Small Groups 38 773Schools & Academies 1 7


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Southeast Brazil Union ConferenceRio de Janeiro City Metropolitan Area

Population 6,320,446 11,950,000SDA Members 20,677 37,845Population/SDA Member 306 316Churches & Companies 223 327Small Groups 463 1,052Schools & Academies 6 9Clinics 2 2

Belo Horizonte City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 2,375,151 5,852,000SDA Members 9,200 16,567Population/SDA Member 258 353Churches & Companies 40 182Small Groups 440 1,056Schools & Academies 3 3

East Brazil Union MissionSalvador City Metropolitan Area

Population 2,675,656 3,918,000SDA Members 25,776 35,763Population/SDA Member 104 110Churches & Companies 219 355Small Groups 1,085 1,516Schools & Academies 10 10


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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 im-portant 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 indi-cates that in most cases we have grown more around the metropolitan centers than within them. The time has come to balance out this situation.

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Northeast Brazil Union MissionFortaleza City Metropolitan Area

Population 2,452,185 3,719,000SDA Members 10,697 13,655Population/SDA Member 229 272Churches & Companies 73 146Small Groups 350 1,642Schools & Academies 1 1

Recife City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,537,704 3,871,000SDA Members 9,454 19,575Population/SDA Member 163 198Churches & Companies 42 237Small Groups 188 713Schools & Academies 2 2


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North Brazil Union Mission

Northwest Brazil Union Mission

Belm City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1.393.399 2.191.000SDA Members 16.450 24.183Population/SDA Member 85 91Churches & Companies 115 185Small Groups 390 836Schools & Academies 8 9

Manaus City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1.802.014 2.062.344SDA Members 29.320 45.207Population/SDA Member 61 46Churches & Companies 244 397Small Groups 1.454 2.420Schools & Academies 9 13Hospital 1 1

So Lus City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1.014.837 1.283.000SDA Members 17.754 22.692Population/SDA Member 57 57Churches & Companies 156 211Small Groups 641 713Schools & Academies 4 4

Porto Velho City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 428.527 1.283.000SDA Members 26.357 22.692Population/SDA Member 16 57Churches & Companies 304 211Small Groups 960 713Schools & Academies 4 4


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Asuncin City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 542,043 2,030,000SDA Members 2,000 3,427Population/SDA Member 271 592Churches & Companies 8 21Small Groups 27 85Schools & Academies 1 1Clinics 1 1


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North Brazil Union MissionBelm City Metropolitan Area

Population 1.393.399 2.191.000SDA Members 16.450 24.183Population/SDA Member 85 91Churches & Companies 115 185Small Groups 390 836Schools & Academies 8 9

So Lus City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1.014.837 1.283.000SDA Members 17.754 22.692Population/SDA Member 57 57Churches & Companies 156 211Small Groups 641 713Schools & Academies 4 4

RosrioPopulation 1.193.605SDA Members 1.814Population/SDA Member 658Churches & Companies 15Small Groups 45Schools & Academies 1

CrdobaPopulation 1.329.604SDA Members 3.473Population/SDA Member 383Churches & Companies 31Small Groups 46Schools & Academies 2

Argentina Union ConferenceBuenos Aires City Metropolitan Area

Population 2.890.151 13.074.000SDA Members 4.225 22.998Population/SDA Member 684 568Churches & Companies 18 166Small Groups 98 399Schools & Academies 4Clinics 1 1


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Ciudad del EstePopulation 320,782SDA Members 250Population/SDA Member 1,283Churches & Companies 1Small Groups 12Schools & Academies 1

Asuncin City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 542,043 2,030,000SDA Members 2,000 3,427Population/SDA Member 271 592Churches & Companies 8 21Small Groups 27 85Schools & Academies 1 1Clinics 1 1


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Santa Cruz de la Sierra City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 618,384 1,147,176SDA Members 4,132 11,004Population/SDA Member 150 104Churches & Companies 27 89Small Groups 116 236Schools & Academies 2 4

Cochabamba City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 1,651,436 1,894,70SDA Members 8,986 9,713Population/SDA Member 184 195Churches & Companies 79 92Small Groups 179 241Schools & Academies 3 4

La Paz City Metropolitan AreaPopulation 840,209 1,941,940SDA Members 8,122 23,810Population/SDA Member 103 82Churches & Companies 63 201Small Groups 105 191Schools & Academies 3 10

Bolivia Union Mission


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Chile Union MissionSantiago Metropolitan Region Santiago Province Santiago Commune

Population (estimated) 7,003,122 6,883,563 227,360SDA Members 32,990 29,670 1,035Population/SDA Members 208 232 219Churches & Companies 205 176 7Small Groups 548 490 21

Valparaso Valparaso Region Valparaso Province Valparaso CommunePopulation (estimated) 1,869,327 907,452 270,242SDA Members 2,915 1,630Population/SDA Members 311 165Churches & Companies 26 11Small Groups 47 27

Concepcin Bo-Bo Regin Concepcin Province Concepcin CommunePopulation (estimated) 2,236,443 1,334,928 229,665SDA Members 23,450 10,291 2,417Population/SDA Members 95 96 95Churches & Companies 150 58 15Small Groups 325 148 47Schools & Academies 9 5 2

North Peru Union MissionTrujillo

Population 804,296SDA Members 36,425Population/SDA Member 22Churches & Companies 572Small Groups 1,129Schools & Academies 4


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MontevideoPopulation 1,292,348SDA Members 1,566Population/SDA Member 825Churches & Companies 9Small Groups 35Schools & Academies 4

Uruguay Union of Churches Mission

South Peru Union Mission and North Peru Union Mission

Lima CidadePopulation 8,472,935SDA Members 61,803Population/SDA Member 137Churches & Companies 652Small Groups 2,489Schools & Academies 15


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Ecuador Union MissionQuito Cidade

Population 2,239,191SDA Members 7,326Population/SDA Member 306Churches & Companies 332Small Groups 325Schools & Academies 3Clinics 1

Guayaquil CidadePopulation 2,526,927SDA Members 6,667Population/SDA Member 379Churches & Companies 304Small Groups 376


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North Peru Union MissionTrujillo

Population 804,296SDA Members 36,425Population/SDA Member 22Churches & Companies 572Small Groups 1,129Schools & Academies 4


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South Peru Union Mission

MontevideoPopulation 1,292,348SDA Members 1,566Population/SDA Member 825Churches & Companies 9Small Groups 35Schools & Academies 4


South Peru Union Mission and North Peru Union Mission

Lima CidadePopulation 8,472,935SDA Members 61,803Population/SDA Member 137Churches & Companies 652Small Groups 2,489Schools & Academies 15

Arequipa CidadePopulation 836.859SDA Members 10.054Population/SDA Member 83Churches & Companies 82Small Groups 715Schools & Academies 2


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Buenos Aires, Number 1 PriorityIn 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.

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

Buenos Aires

Each large South American city represents a special chal-lenge. However, one stands out among them because of its special necessities: Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, along with its exten-sive metropolitan region. Because of its size, influence, secularization and chal-lenges to church growth, this city has been chosen as the number one pri-ority 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 real-ity 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 mem-bers among 18 congregations. In the metropolitan region with its 1,074,000 inhabitants we have reached a mem-bership of 22,998, in 166 churches and companies. We support four ed-ucational institutions with 977 stu-dents, not one within the city lim-its of the Federal Capital. Within the

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 dis-tricts 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 aver-age annual increase of 20.50%. As a point of reference, the estimated infla-tion rate for 2011 was approximately 28%. In spite of the growth, however, it is evident that our presence within this metropolis, especially the Federal Cap-ital, 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 night-life, 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 oc-cupied 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 met-ropolitan region and not one was Sev-enth-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-Pen-tecostal Protestants owned 90 churches with several of these belonging to the Seventh-day Adventists, while the Pen-tecostals had already reached a total of 120 churches. In other words, 57% of the evangelical churches were Pentecostal, considering that in 1920, they only rep-resented 4%. In spite of the numbers not being more up-to-date, reality has indi-cated that the rhythm and growth pro-file have not changed. Within the past 20 years, more than half of the regis-tration 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 pres-ent the Truth, other groups are going to take advantage of this opening by pre-senting 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 Bi-ble commandments, in spite of the fact

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

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

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Buenos Aires, Number 1 Priority

Good ExampleOne 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-pro t 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 rst Friday night when they went out on the streets to distribute food and tell people about Gods love, everything began to fall into place. On their rst 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 speci c 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 Seventh-day Adventist Church (approximately 170 publications per outing). Also systematic studies of the Word of God are o ered. 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.

1. Implement the discipleship vision with emphasis on communion, relationship, and mission.

2. Establish four centers of infl uence 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 Lus Gonalves in September 2013.

9. Lead 3,000 people to baptism.10. Plant four new churches.

IMpACTIng BuEnoS AIRES - 10 CHALLEnGES FoR 2013

denominations within the city. In 1920, non-Pentecostal protestant religions owned only 24 churches in the met-ropolitan region and not one was Sev-enth-day Adventist. Our fi rst church was inaugurated in 1932. During the same time period the Pentecostals only had one congregation. In 1992, reality demonstrated a reversal. Th e non-Pen-tecostal Protestants owned 90 churches with several of these belonging to the Seventh-day Adventists, while the Pen-tecostals had already reached a total of 120 churches. In other words, 57% of the evangelical churches were Pentecostal, considering that in 1920, they only rep-resented 4%. In spite of the numbers not being more up-to-date, reality has indi-cated that the rhythm and growth pro-fi le have not changed. Within the past 20 years, more than half of the regis-tration of new worship services within the country, Catholics, Evangelicals and others are concentrated within the city and its metropolitan region. Th ere is no doubt that the population is open to spiritual questions. If we do not pres-ent the Truth, other groups are going to take advantage of this opening by pre-senting a superfi cial message. Th is is very clear when we look at the fact that throughout the country, 73% of those surveyed stated that they keep the Bi-ble commandments, in spite of the fact

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

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

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

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

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Regions defi ne

their priorities

East Brazil Union Mission

Conference or Mission City Population

BC Salvador 2.675.656

CBaCCBaC

Feira de SantanaJuazeiro

556.642197.965

SBCSBC

ItabunaIlhus

204.667184.236

SwBMSwBM

Vitria da ConquistaBarreiras

306.866137.427

SeM Aracaju 571.149

north Brazil Union Mission


LAC Belm 1.393.399PSC Marab 233.669MAC Sao Lus 1.014.837WPM Santarm 294.580SMM Imperatriz 247.505

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Regions defi ne

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In 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 ci-ties... (Evangelism, p. 30).

priorities

Southeast Brazil Union


ESC Vitria 327.801CMC Belo Horizonte 2.375.151EMC Governador Valadares 263.689SMC Juiz de Fora 516.247RFC So Gonalo 999.728RJC SRC Rio de Janeiro 6.320.446SESC Vila Velha 414.586

East Brazil Union Mission


BC Salvador 2.675.656

CBaCCBaC

Feira de SantanaJuazeiro

556.642197.965

SBCSBC

ItabunaIlhus

204.667184.236

SwBMSwBM

Vitria da ConquistaBarreiras

306.866137.427

SeM Aracaju 571.149

north Brazil Union Mission


LAC Belm 1.393.399PSC Marab 233.669MAC Sao Lus 1.014.837WPM Santarm 294.580SMM Imperatriz 247.505

northwest Brazil Union Mission


WAC Porto Velho 428.527SRC Ji-Paran 116.610CAmC Manaus 1.802.014ARC Boa Vista 284.313

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Resources and InvestmentsTh e 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 re-sources that we have been received in this direction in a special manner.

So that this movement in the large cities can ad-vance 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, fi elds, institutions and the South American Division, a fund is being collected that will reach US$ 50 mil-lion (fi fty million dollars).

Th e amounts indicated below include investments to be made by the Seventh-day Adventist Church at its diff erent levels. Th ese investments include build-ing churches, schools, academies and other projects specifi cally in the large cities.

Th e participation of each institution will be as follows:

Argentina Union Conference


SAC Neuqun 362.673NAC Formosa 233.223

BoC

Ciudad Autnoma de Buenos Aires 2.890.151

Partidos del Gran Buenos Aires 11.916.129

NwAM Santiago del Estero - La Banda 333.866CAC Rosrio 1.193.605EAM Mendoza y Gran Mendoza 966.745



PUCM Asuncin 542.043

Misso City PopulationSEM Guayaquil 2.526.927NEM Quito 2.239.191

Ecuador Union Mission

north Peru Union Mission


ECPC WCPM Lima Norte 4.420.182PNC Trujillo 804.296NPMNPM

ChiclayoPiura

574.408450.363

NePM Tarapoto 117.184

Chile Union Mission


MChC SMChM Gran Santiago 6.883.563PCM Valparaiso 907.452CSChC Concepcin 989.422CPM La Serena 427.794AACH Temuco 303.813NCM Antofagasta 360.473CCM Rancagua 214.344

South Peru Union Mission


SCPC Lima - Sul 4.052.753SPM Arequipa 836.859SEPM Cuzco 358.052LTM Juliaca 225.146CAM Huancayo 323.054EPM Pucallpa 204.772

Bolivia Union Mission


WBM La Paz (metropolitan area) 1.552.156CBM Cochabamba 1.052.642EBM Santa Cruz 2.102.998



UUCM Montevideo 1.292.348Conference or Mission City Population

SCC Florianpolis 421.240CSR Porto Alegre, Zona Norte 706.990CRGSC Porto Alegre, Zona Sul 702.361SoPC CPC Curitiba 1.751.907NPC Londrina 506.701RGWM Santa Maria 261.031NSCC Joinville 515.288

South Brazil Union Conference

Central Brazil Union Conference


APL APS So Paulo 11.253.503SPC Santos 419.400CSPC Campinas 1.080.113SwSPC Sorocaba 586.625WSPC Ribeiro Preto 604.682SPVC Guarulhos 1.221.979

west Central Brazil Union Mission


CPLC Braslia 2.570.160CBC Goinia 1.302.001MGC Cuiab 501.098TM Palmas 228.332SMGC Campo Grande 786.797

northeast Brazil Union Mission


PC Recife 1.537.704

CPMCPM

CaruaruPetrolina

314.912293.962

NCCNCC

FortalezaTeresina - PI

2.452.185814.230

NBMNBM

Natal RNJoo Pessoa - PB

803.739723.515

AlM Macei 932.748

1. General Conference U$ 250.000

2. South American Division and its institutions 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

6. Southeast Brazil Union Conference U$ 2.500.000

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

10. north Brazil Union Mission U$ 2.000.000

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

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23Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION 2012 23Revista Adventista I SPECIAL EDITION 2012

Resources and InvestmentsTh e 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 re-sources that we have been received in this direction in a special manner.

So that this movement in the large cities can ad-vance 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, fi elds, institutions and the South American Division, a fund is being collected that will reach US$ 50 mil-lion (fi fty million dollars).

Th e amounts indicated below include investments to be made by the Seventh-day Adventist Church at its diff erent levels. Th ese investments include build-ing churches, schools, academies and other projects specifi cally in the large cities.

Th e participation of each institution will be as follows:

Th e investments shall be channeled toward several priority initiatives that go beyond the regular projects. All initiatives will be based on the integrated evan-gelism concept, involving each area of the church in the Mission. Th e Lord desires that the cities shall be worked by the united eff orts of laborers of diff erent capabilities (Gospel Workers, p. 345).

1. Purchase land in more challenging regions. Th e 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 di erent centers of in uence. Our workers should present a plain statement of our plan of labor, to establish this work on a fi rm basis. Some of these will be impressed by the Holy Spirit to invest the Lords means in a way that will advance His cause. Th ey will fulfi ll His purpose by helping to create centers of infl uence in the large cities (Gospel

Workers, 361).

3.Establish New Time radio and TV sta-tions (open channels, ca-ble channels, subscription channels);

4. Hold harvest evangelism, involving administrators, minis-ters, teachers, literature evangelists, physicians and volunteer evangelists such as youth, women, musicians among oth-ers. Each large city can have a challenging goal of volunteer evangelists trained to work in proj-ects. O that we might see the needs of these great cities as God sees them! We must plan to place in these cities capa-ble men who can present the third angels message in a manner so forceful that it will strike home to the heart (Manuscript 53, 1909).


PUCM Asuncin 542.043

Misso City PopulationSEM Guayaquil 2.526.927NEM Quito 2.239.191


SCPC Lima - Sul 4.052.753SPM Arequipa 836.859SEPM Cuzco 358.052LTM Juliaca 225.146CAM Huancayo 323.054EPM Pucallpa 204.772


WBM La Paz (metropolitan area) 1.552.156CBM Cochabamba 1.052.642EBM Santa Cruz 2.102.998


UUCM Montevideo 1.292.348


APL APS So Paulo 11.253.503SPC Santos 419.400CSPC Campinas 1.080.113SwSPC Sorocaba 586.625WSPC Ribeiro Preto 604.682SPVC Guarulhos 1.221.979

1. General Conference U$ 250.000

2. South American Division and its institutions 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

6. Southeast Brazil Union Conference U$ 2.500.000

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

10. north Brazil Union Mission U$ 2.000.000

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

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Church planting in the context of

BIg CITIES

Church planting

The deliberate planting of new churches is based on the Bi-ble and in the Spirit of Proph-ecy. In texts like Jonah 1:2 and 3:10, God tells the prophet: Arise, go to Nineveh. Th ere are parts like in Genesis 4:17 where is possible to see the fi rst city that was established by Cain as an act of his rebelliousness against God. Gods original plan was that people were not

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 Gomor-rah. Th is region had been literally af-fected by evilness; even the family of a devout man named Lot.

Nowadays, the mission is to enter big cities for the proclamation of bibli-

cal truths. Th is is the moment in time were Adventists should play their part. Th is is the time to present the salvation gospel to those places. And the best way to do it is establishing infl uence 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:

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

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

In uence centers: To establish infl uence centers in rented places to of-fer help to the important needs of those who live in big cities and, after that, to present the great hope to them. Mar-riage Encounters meetings and Health conferences could be examples of infl u-ence centers.

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

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.

Th e fi rst year balance of the project in South America shows that the delib-erate strategy of planting new churches brings good results. In 2011, there were 1658 established churches, directly re-lated to church planting, while the his-toric rate, from 2005 to 2008, as an

Secret of success: Pastor Khler explains why church planting has resulted in success in such a short period of time, especially when com-pared 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 high-lighted by the South American Adven-tist Church leader, is the strategy to connect the purchase of the land of the future church to the planting itself. Th is diminishes the planting of churches in

Example of a temple in a metropolis: Curitiba Central Church

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Church planting in the context of

BIg CITIEScal truths. Th is is the moment in time were Adventists should play their part. Th is is the time to present the salvation gospel to those places. And the best way to do it is establishing infl uence 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:

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

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

In uence centers: To establish infl uence centers in rented places to of-fer help to the important needs of those who live in big cities and, after that, to present the great hope to them. Mar-riage Encounters meetings and Health conferences could be examples of infl u-ence centers.

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

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.

Th e fi rst year balance of the project in South America shows that the delib-erate strategy of planting new churches brings good results. In 2011, there were 1658 established churches, directly re-lated to church planting, while the his-toric rate, from 2005 to 2008, as an

example, was of 700 churches estab-lished annually. Th ere 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 eff ort. Th e other one has to do with churches es-tablished in regions, or even neighbor-hoods, 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 neigh-borhoods of big cities.

Until 2015, the South American Ad-ventist Church Headquarters wants to open 9,000 churches within this con-cept. Church planting, as it is occur-ring, is one of the most solid strategies we ve done until now. Before this

Hope for large Urban Centers

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