Have you ever had a Bible study in a taxi? Inácio makes sure his yellow taxi is used for more than just driving people around.
Welcome to the beautiful nation of São Tomé and Príncipe located off the coast of West Africa. The people here are friendly and kind. Among the 200,000 people of this country, there are approximately 8,000 Seventh-day Adventists who worship in nearly 70 congregations. The Adventists in this region are working strategically to grow the church. Members participate in church growth initiatives and in starting new groups of believers.
[Clips of São Tomé and Príncipe]
Meet Inácio, a taxi driver on the island of São Tomé. When Inácio doesn’t have passengers, he parks his yellow taxi at Giovanni Avenue where he has made many new friends. He connects with other taxi drivers and store employees, like the barbers in this barber shop.
Every week, Inácio studies the Bible with his barber friends. They ask many questions and are happy to receive a friendly visit where they can learn about God. But Inácio’s new friends had a complaint.
“They complained to me that they needed a Bible to follow the studies. So I talked with pastor Eliseu, and I asked him for Bibles. He gave me five books. You see, these are study Bibles. In the back, there are several lessons we use. This contribution enhanced our Bible studies here at the central square.”
This is Inácio’s daily routine. As he travels around town, he engages everyone he meets in biblical discussion. Sometimes, the studies even happen inside his cab! Other times, he comes across people who don’t agree with the message, but he lovingly points them back to the Bible. He believes the word of God can bring clarity to any issue.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. There is no gain if you are in a place with people, and you know God’s word, but you won’t share the gospel.”
“I saw many people going down to the baptismal waters with gratitude for someone, like me, who remembered to tell them the good news.”
“My mission is not to convert the people; it is to do God’s work and allow the Holy Spirit to do His part.”
Inácio, like many Adventists in São Tomé and Príncipe,are enthusiastic about growing God’s church. In fact, the local churcheshave to keep up with the rapidly increasing number of new believers!Local leaders are now praying for the means to construct new churches. There are dozens of congregations on the island, but many meet in rented spaces, crowded basements, and rundown structures.
This quarter, a portion of your 13th Sabbath Offering will sponsor construction of a new church in São Tomé and Príncipe. It will also provide Bibles in Portuguese for the local children. Please pray for the 13th Sabbath Offering projects to continue to expand the Adventist Church in São Tomé and Príncipe as well as in Mozambique.
