[B-roll of Amazon river]

Traveling through the Amazon river is a unique experience. This river stretches 4,000 miles and ranges from 6 miles wide in dry times to 30 miles in the wet season. The people living along the banks of the Amazon are named “Ribeirinhos.” They get to experience raw nature in a pristine environment.

[B-roll of people-Ribeirinhos]

Amair Jesus is a Ribeirinho living in the waterside community of Rosa de Saron. He is an active church member who strongly believes he has a part to play in fulfilling the gospel commission of Jesus. Amair has accepted the task to carry hope along the mighty Amazon.

[NAT SOUND]

As Amair prepares to visit a village, he first empties the water from his canoe.p

Then he paddles to his destination, navigating a dangerous river, full of crocodiles, snakes and fish--larger than a human being. Amair doesn’t want to waste any time, unless he takes an active part in the mission work, how will the love of Jesus reach the entire world?

Amair pauses to ask God for an abundant blessing on his efforts. He can deliver words of truth, but only the Holy Spirit can open the heart to God.

[NAT SOUND-Reaching the House]

Today, Delourde is going through a difficult time in her life, but the message she hears rings sweet in her ears. Amair, shares about a new home and a new world, where things are made perfect--a place where there’s no pain, suffering or tears.

[NAT SOUND of Bible study]

At the end, they pray together asking God for peace and a blessing upon this household. Outside, there’s a group of children playing. So Amair stops to talk with them about God’s exciting plan for each of their lives. The Ribeirinhos appreciate the spiritual nourishment and attention they receive, this simple visit speaks to them of a caring saviour.

Amair Jesus - Lay Seventh-day Adventist Member

“First, as we go out to visit people in the villages we know, we try to identify needs they have. We try to help them a little, as we are able. In this way, we get closer to them to make friends. Afterwards we present the word of God to them. We know that it’s through benevolent deeds that we can break down barriers. So we can bring them the gospel.”

The vast length and the wide region of the Amazon system makes this a challenging mission field for Amair, and the pastors working along the river. But unless they nurture people regularly and disciple them to bring others to Christ, the mission will not move forward.

So the local Seventh-day Adventist leaders, made plans to build a floating church that can navigate to the many villages along the Amazon river. This was inspired by the mobility of Luzeiro missionary boats. Now, a one-of-a-kind church will float, to connect Ribeirinhos to an Adventist pastor and active members like Amair. Can you imagine a Seventh-day Adventist congregation floating past villages every Sabbath? This may be, one of the world’s first floating churches--navigating the dark waters of the Amazon river with the bright hope Jesus brings!

Please pray for the floating church in the Amazon river and remember to support the 13th Sabbath Offering, this quarter. A portion of the funds will sponsor construction of a floating church, as well as a Chapel at the Adventist College in Manaus, Centers of Influence in Asuncion and Montevideo, and new church plants in these countries.

Thank you for your prayerful support of Adventist Mission!

[AdventistMission.org]