Washington’s life has always been tied to Adventist education. When floods washed away his beloved school, he left everything he had built to move and help rebuild the school. Today, students are thriving, but they still need a church. Your 13th Sabbath Offering will help give them a place to worship for generations to come.
Washington’s life began at a school his father helped build—and he’s been part of its mission ever since.
He was born on the campus of Northeast Brazil Academy in 1959. He took his first steps there, played his first games there, and said his first prayers there. For Washington, the school wasn’t just a place to learn—it was home.
His father was one of the founders of the school in 1943 and among its first graduates. Washington studied, graduated, and eventually built a successful life with his family in the city of Recife. When his son, Igor, was born, Washington knew the school would be a place where his son could grow in faith. But that dream nearly washed away.
In 2000, a flood destroyed Northeast Brazil Academy. Washington was devastated. But he never lost faith. He believed Adventist education would return.
“I felt bitter. Because it was a place where I was born, a place where I received my first education, right? And the school had a motto: educate for eternity. And seeing that rain, that flood wiping everything out. It hurt in the bottom of my heart, a lot.”
Years later, he heard the news. God was opening a new door. A new school would be built. Washington knew he had to be part of it, even if it meant leaving behind everything he had built in the city more than an hour from the school.
He prayed for a job transfer. His supervisor offered a position in another state, but Washington refused and told the supervisor that he wanted to be near the new Adventist school. His supervisor agreed to his preferred location, and Washington took that as a sign to go.
He sold two houses and donated the money to the school. He paid tuition for students who couldn’t afford it. He even gave away his own home to the school’s first principal. He was fully committed to the mission.
In 2014, Pernambucano Adventist Academy opened. And the first student to walk through the doors? Igor.
The first day of school was fantastic. I didn’t go to work, I was there from the beginning, I took photos, I filmed. The first day of school was a big day for me.
I can have the opportunity to say that I've been an Adventist since I was born, and I was the first to be baptized here, when the school was formed… and I think it's always been very good for me, it's always shaped my character and the way I think.
Washington’s prayers had come full circle. His son was now part of the school that meant so much to him.
Today, Washington is retired, but his heart is still with the school. There’s just one thing missing—a church. Right now, students worship in an auditorium that isn’t sufficient for their needs, and they need a dedicated space.
“The creation of this new church will boost the mission school and the creation of new missionaries for world mission.”
Your 13th Sabbath Offering will help build that church, giving students a place to worship for generations to come. Thank you for your support.
