We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him. 1Thessalonians 4:14 (GNT)

He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. Psalm 103:3-4 (GNT)

Our God is a God who saves; he is the LORD, our Lord, who rescues us from death. Psalm 68:20 (GNT)

Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. Psalm 23:4 (GNT)

The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the LORD who loves you. Isaiah 54:10 (GNT)

The LORD will help them when they are sick and will restore them to health. Psalm 41:3 (GNT)

He strengthens those who are weak and tired. Isaiah 40:29 (GNT)

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. Matthew 11:28-29 (GNT)

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me will live, even though they die; and those who live and believe in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 (GNT)

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. John 14:27 (GNT)

Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Hebrews 10:23-24 (GNT)

I have the strength to face all conditions by the power that Christ gives me. Philippians 4:13 (GNT)

So then, my dear friends, stand firm and steady. Keep busy always in your work for the Lord, since you know that nothing you do in the Lord's service is ever useless. 1Corinthians 15:58 (GNT)

For all of us must appear before Christ, to be judged by him. We will each receive what we deserve, according to everything we have done, good or bad, in our bodily life. 2Corinthians 5:10 (GNT)

But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 (GNT)

The comfort and hope from the Holy Bible in hospital environments.

We believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will take back with Jesus those who have died believing in him.

Come to me, all of you who are tired from carrying heavy loads, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke and put it on you, and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in spirit; and you will find rest. Matthew 11:28-29 (GNT)

11:25-26 (GNT)

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does.

Let us hold on firmly to the hope we profess, because we can trust God to keep his promise. Let us be concerned for one another, to help one another to show love and to do good. Hebrews 10:23-24 (GNT)

glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation. 1 Peter 5:10 (GNT)

The comfort and hope from the Holy Bible in hospital environments.Jesus those who have died believing in him. The comfort and hope from the Holy Bible in hospital environments.Jesus those who have died believing in him. that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. The comfort and hope from the Holy Bible in hospital environments.that I give you. I do not give it as the world does.

The Wordthat Heals

Our God is a God who saves; he is the LORD, our Lord, who rescues us from death. Psalm 68:20 (GNT)

Even if I go through the deepest darkness, I will not be afraid, LORD, for you are with me. Your shepherd's rod and staff protect me. Psalm 23:4 (GNT)

The mountains and hills may crumble, but my love for you will never end; I will keep forever my promise of peace." So says the LORD who loves

The LORD will help them when they are sick and will restore them to health. Psalm 41:3 (GNT)

He strengthens those who are weak and tired. ISSUE 234 – January-March 2012 – YEAR 64

T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l2

P r a y e r C a l e n d a r

Although Portuguese is the country’s official language, most of the population speaks other languages, such as Emakhuwa, with more than 4.6 millions speakers.

Locatedon theEastCoast ofAfrica andwithapopulationofabout20millionpeople,MozambiqueshareswithBrazilthepastasacolonyofPortugal,whichbequeathed both countries the use of the Portugueselanguage. Another commonality between the twocountriesisthatasignificantpartoftheirpopulationsuse traditional or native languages. However, inMozambique this fact is evenmore relevant, since themajorityof thepopulationdoesnot speak theofficiallanguage. “Emakhuwa, with over 4.6million speakers,is the most used language in our country,” explainsValente Tseco, General Secretary of Bible Society inMozambique(SBM). In 2011, the organization celebrated thecompletion and launch of the New Testament inEmakhuwa, but also on the Xirhonga and Cicopilanguages, which together have about 1.1 millionspeakers. “We praise God for the launch of thosepublications, which are key instruments for us tointensify the evangelization work that is our mainmission,”addsTseco. Thecountry’shigh illiteracyrate isoneof themajor challenges to evangelization in Mozambique,and SBM has been dealing with it through specificprogramswithencouragingresults.“We’vesuccessfullyimplemented a rural literacy project, and we couldnoticetheincreasingpositiveimpactoftheFaithComesByHearing(FCBH)program,withlisteninggroupsin

ninedifferentlanguages.It’sanimportantwork,since,withFCBH,peoplehavetheopportunitytolisten,learn,discussanddeepentheirunderstandingofGod’sWord.They become, therefore, great preachers,” points outSBM’sGeneralSecretary. Anotherhighlight,in2011,wasthedevelopmentby the organization of the Good Samaritan program,whose goal is to be a Christian answer to one of thegravestproblemsfacedbythecountry:thegreatnumberofpeopleinfectedbyHIVandsufferingfromAIDS.ItisaneducationworkthatpreparesChurchleaderstofightthestigmatizationofpeoplewhosufferfromthismalady,so the help offered to this part of the population canbemultiplied.“ChurchesnowareveryactiveinfightingandpreventingAIDS,aswellasinimprovingthequalityof life of those already infected. Christians, aware ofand touched by the problem, form a legion of peoplequalifiedtoofferfood,medicine,treatment,and,mainly,thecompassioncontainedintheWordofGodtothosebenefitedbytheprogram,”explainsValenteTseco. SBM, through theTAZIproject, also preparesandequipsChurchesforthediscipleshipforMuslims.“Today,inAfrica,thereisanIslamizationplanthatisstronglyactiveinMozambique.Sowe’vecreatedTAZIasawayofpromotingdialogandharmonywithMuslims.OurdesireistostrengthenpeaceamongMozambicans,and sharewith them the importance of Jesus in life,”concludesTseco.

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SonjaMangasiandherson,Absalom,liveinVilanculos,Mozambique.Sheloves to hear her Talking Bible (adevice that allows her to listen thebiblicaltext).

Mozambique advances New Testament translations into native languages

3 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

C o v e r

The Word that HealsChristianvolunteerswork inhospital environments,bringing the comfort andhopeof theHolyBibletothesick,theirfamiliesandthemedicalcommunity.

Whileyouarereadingthisarticle,hundredsofthousands of people are in hospitals facingmomentsof affliction and angst due to health problems. Thesick,theirfamiliesandfriends,nursesanddoctorsface,on a daily basis, the diseases and their consequences,including physical, psychological and spiritual pains.However, at this precise moment, thousands ofvolunteers are beside those people bringing hope andshowing,inpractice,theloveofGod.Thisistheessenceoftheworkdevelopedbyhospitalchaplaincies,whichis supportedbyBible Society ofBrazil’sTheBible inHospitals program through the free distribution ofspeciallyproducedbiblicalliterature. Overthepast30years,studiesandresearchhaveshownthatthistypeofworkreachesresultsintermsofimprovingthequalityofthephysicalandspirituallifeofthosebenefited.Hospitalmanagers,doctors,nursesandsocial assistants have all seen the positive impacts andincludedtheseactivitiesaspartoftheoveralltreatmentprovided topatients. “Wecan see an increase inhope,confidence concerning the procedures to be done, inadditiontopeopleshowingmorecalmandperseverance,”confirms Siegfried Hildebrand, General Manager ofSanto Antônio Hospital, Blumenau (State of SantaCatarina),pointingoutthattheinitiativecontributestothehumanizationofhospitalenvironments.

WalterStreithorst,GeneralDirectorofBelém’sAdventistHospital(StateofPará),thinksthattheworkdevelopedbythechaplainciesisnowconsideredrelevantandacceptedthankstothequalityoftheactivitiescarriedout. “We have chaplains in all Adventist Hospitalsworkinginanintegratedmannertoprovideassistancetopatientsandtheir families.Withtrainingand love,they improve the spiritual condition of people,” saysStreithorst.

Systematized Work “MakingtheWordofGodavailableispartofJesus’plan,”emphasizesErníSeibert,SBB’sCommunications&SocialOutreachSecretary,quotingMatthew25:35-36: “Iwashungryandyou fedme, thirstyandyougavemeadrink;Iwasastrangerandyoureceivedmeinyourhomes,nakedandyouclothedme;Iwassickandyoutookcareofme,inprisonandyouvisitedme.”Accordingtohim,theestablishmentofTheBibleinHospitalsprogram,in1997,systematized and intensified an activity that had alwaysbeencarriedoutbySBB. In Brazil, hospital chaplaincies have evolvedremarkably in thepast years in termsofquality,mainlyby training volunteers and organizing the institutions.Individual efforts gave way to the systematization ofactivities.Today,mostvolunteersgo throughaselection

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T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l4

Paula,thehospital’sNursingCoordinator.“Withserenityandcare,theyareabletotransmitcalmtopatients,thuscontributingtotheresultofthetreatment,”sheconcludes. EmílioRibasInstitute,inSãoPaulo,consideredareferencehospitalforthetreatmentofAIDS,hasbeenconducting an exemplary work in this field since the1990s.ItscasewasthebasisforthedoctoratethesisthatRosana Chami Gentil has been developing. A nurse,professorofSantoAmaroUniversityandvolunteeratSãoPaulo’sPublicServants’Hospital,sheinterviewedpeoplebenefitedbytheactivitiescarriedoutbythechaplaincy,inordertotellthestoryofitsimplementationandpointoutthereasonsforitseffectiveness.“ThebasisisChristianityandlove,butwhatreallymadethischaplaincyestablishitselfandreachgoodresultswastheorganizationfocusedoncompetence,”summarizesRosana. “Vida” Christian Association of HospitalChaplaincies, headquartered in Contagem (State ofMinas Gerais), provides spiritual assistance based onBible principles at threemajor hospitals. Therefore, ithasateamofapproximately40people.“OurgoalistoserveGodinhospitals,andoneofthemostimportanttools is training volunteers,” says Chaplain MárciaNetto, the association’s President. “Through trainingand internships they gain knowledge and experience.Furthermore, they become aware of their role asmessengersoftheWordthatcomforts,”sheobserves.

Feeling God’s Presence “Biblical literature brings patients closer toGod,”saysMaraRibeiroCarneiro,apastorwhoworksasavolunteeratMilitaryPoliceHospital’schaplaincyinNiterói(StateofRiodeJaneiro).“Afterprayingwithus,patients and their familieswill readby themselvesthe Bible Portions and pamphlets we distribute. This

andtrainingprocessintendedtocombinethewilltodogood with knowledge. “The training of our volunteerincludes from awareness of the work objectives tobiosafetyknowledge,”tellsFranciscoÂngelodeSáTeles,a member of the Brazilian Association of EvangelicalChaplains,whoworksinseveralhospitalsofBelém(StateofPará). The work organized by the chaplaincies opensdoorsandhelpstocreatestrongbondsamongchaplains,volunteers and employees of the healthcare institution.A little over one year ago, the Evangelical HospitalChaplaincy started to operate at Antônio TarginoHospital,inCampinaGrande(StateofParaíba).Thankstothewayvolunteerswork,theinitialunfamiliaritywassoonreplacedwithgreatadmiration.“Atfirst,Ithoughttheyweregoingtodisturbtheevolutionoftreatments,butexactlytheoppositehappened,”saysAndrezzaFabianiM.

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“Hearing God’s Voice”“ManypeopleaskmeiftheWordheals.AndIsaythat,inmy case, it healedmy soul and contributed to theworkdonebytheprofessionalsassistingme.Mypainwasexcruciating,andIwasabouttogiveup.Somedoctorsdidn’t believe in my recovery. That was the momentwhen God sent me Mara, and everything started tochange.Whenwepray,webelieve.But,inthatmomentof pain, I needed to see the materialization of God’slove.Andthat’swhatIfoundinMara”,Gabriela Fialho Correia, victim of an accidental gunshot that left her completely paralyzed, assisted by volunteer Mara Ribeiro Carneiro, Military Police Hospital of Niterói (State of Rio de Janeiro).

SBB develops specific publications for this work.

Streithorst: “With training and love, they improve the spiritual condition of people.”

C o v e r

5 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

“Salvation in a Pamphlet”

Launched officially in 1997, The Bible inHospitals program quickly grew: in the beginning itincludedjuts12hospitals;today,itispresentinalmost200institutions,directlybenefitinghalfamillionpeopleeachyear.Togetherwiththeevolutioninorganizingchaplainciesandtrainingvolunteers,theprogramexpandeditsreachtoeveryBrazilian state, in addition to offering support todoctors,nursesandotherhospitalemployees.Theentireprocessisdevelopedinpartnershipswithchaplainciesor

associationsofchaplainsthatareregisteredandthenstartto receive thematerials.Currently, SBBhas partnershipagreementswith62chaplaincies throughoutBrazil, and,in2010,itinvestedmorethanR$4million(aboutUS$2.2million)intheprogram. SBB counts on donations to develop this andotherprograms.Offeringscanbemadethroughthewebsitewww.sbb.org.br.Formoreinformation,call0800-727-8888(Brazil)orsendanemailtowebmaster@sbb.org.br.

The Bible in Hospitals

willcreateopportunitiestomeditateinordertobetterunderstand their situation, and see the presence andloveofGod,thesolecomfortandsalvationforafflictedspirits,”sheexplains. Among the several publications speciallyproduced by SBB to help the work developed byhospitalchaplainciesare:“InBedwithInfirmity”and“GodisOurRefugeandOurStrength”.Theprocessofselectingtextsisgenerallydonewiththeparticipationofchaplains.“Astheyareinchargeoftheworkcarriedout, andhave adeep sensibility for the realdemandsof spiritual assistance, they can guide us in choosingthe texts,” explains Paulo Teixeira, SBB’s Translation&PublicationsSecretary.OthertwohighlightsaretheLifeRecoveryStudyBible,whichsupportstherecoveryof people with different types of dependency, andthe Counseling Study Bible, which emphasizes thetherapeuticcontentofthebiblicaltextandisusedforpsychologicalcounseling.Bothpublicationsaresuitableas tools for the work carried out by chaplaincies’volunteers. According to missionary Josileide RodriguesFigueiredo,whoworksathospitalsinPortoAlegre(Stateof Rio Grande do Sul), the pamphlets and portionsdistributed by SBB are essential to complement theaction of volunteers. “Our mission is to respond toGod’scallingbyofferingcomfort,solaceandhopetoourbrothersandsistersinthemomenttheymost.Through

the partnership with SBB, people can keep printedmaterials,whichendupbeingtoolsoftransformationsandmiracles,”shepointsout. Pastor Eliomar Rego, chaplain of IBECOutreachAssociationthatoperatesformorethanfouryearsatSobradinhoRegionalHospital(FederalDistrict),believes that the quality of the biblical materialsproducedbySBBenhancestheworkofvolunteers.“Thebooksforchildrenareawonderfulexample.Theyfocusonreadingthestories,andcoloringthedrawings.And,forafewmoments,theyforgetthepain,”heexplains.

“MyhusbandwashospitalizedwithAIDS,andIwasHIV-positive as well. Our life was dark. Back then,therewasmuchprejudice,andwedidn’thaveanyonetotalkto.ButI foundaBiblepamphlet thatguidedmetosalvation.Withthechaplaincy,Ifoundfreedomto talk, clear doubts and seek guidance.Theyhelpedme face my grief when my husband passed away,and they gave me courage to keep on living. Faithand the certainty of God’s love savedme, and havehelpedtosavealotmorepeoplethroughtheyears”,Lucinéia Ferreira Ramos Souza, assisted by Emílio Ribas Hospital’s chaplaincy in 1993; currently she is a chaplaincy assistant and works at Emílio Ribas Institute administration.

C o v e r

TheHolyBiblecontainsseveraltextssuitabletobereadwhenfacingdifficultmomentsinlife.Checksomeofthembelow.

Disease: Psalms41:1-3,68:19-20,103:1-5,and146;Isaiah54:10;Romans5:1-5;James5:14-15;1Peter5:10-11.Terminal Disease: Psalm23;Romans8:18-30;2Corinthians

5:1-10.

Seeds of Hope

Grief: John11:25-26;1Corinthians15:50-58;1Thessalonians4:13-18.Feeling of Abandonment: Psalms22:1-11,139:1-12;Isaiah49:14-16;Philippians4:10-13;Hebrews10:19-25.Tiredness & Despair:Psalm34:14-22;Isaiah40:25-31;Matthew11:28-30;Hebrews12:1-3.Fear: Psalm4:8;Isaiah41:13;Luke8:22-25;John14:27and16:33;Romans8:31-397.

Eleny Vassão started her work as a hospitalchaplain 29 years ago at São Paulo General Hospital,wheresheworkedfor22years.Duringthatperiod,sheimplementedtrainingcoursesforvolunteersandstartedtowritebooksabouttheworkofbringingtheWordtohospital environments. Some books written by ElenyVassãoinclude:InBedwithInfirmity,alreadytranslatedintoSpanishandEnglish;PsalmsfortheSick;andGodisPresent–God’sSupportforGrief.Anewbookaboutdepressionwillbepublishedin2012,andothersarebeingprepared:onespecificfortheelderly,oneforhealthcareprofessionals, and a third one on stress. Today, ElenyVassão is a reference for chaplains and volunteers inBrazilandabroad.HerworkatEmílioRibasInfectiousDiseasesInstituteisconsideredamodel.InadditiontobeingthePresidentoftheEvangelicHospitalChaplaincy

Association(ACEH),shecoordinates AconchegoHome, which offersshelter to patients andtheir relativeswho cometoSãoPauloforhospitaltreatments.The Bible in Brazil: What motivated you to work in hospitals?God put a huge lovefor people who suffer

inmyheart, especiallypatientshospitalized.Throughthe work developed at São Paulo General Hospital’sChaplaincy,Iputtogetheragoodteam,andwestartedtooffercourses, thussharingwithotherbrothersandsisterstheexperienceswehaveincomfortingthesick.Then,manyhospitalchaplaincies started toappear inBrazilbasedonthebooksIbegantowrite.Today,wearepresentin13countries.The Bible in Brazil: How would you describe the main objective of this work?Thegoalofthisministryistobring,throughtheWordofGod,theknowledgeofJesustothepatients,sinceheistheonlyonewhocanheallivesbyhealingthesoulandofferingsolace, forgiveness,peace, joyandhopeto liveandtodie.The Bible in Brazil: How does the partnership between ACEH and SBB work?For more than 20 years SBB has been donating greatvolumes of biblical literature, with diversified themes,texts and images, to our chaplaincies. These materialshavebeenextremelyuseful.Patients,theircaregiversandalso healthcare professionals and hospital employeesareassistedonadailybasis,receivingbiblicalliteraturethatcomfortsandhelpstosolvepersonalconflicts,thusprovidingmorehopeandqualityoflife.

Interview: Eleny Vassão, Internationally Acclaimed

Author

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Disease: Psalms41:1-3,68:19-20,103:1-5,and146;Isaiah54:10;Romans5:1-5;James5:14-15;1Peter5:10-11.Terminal Disease: Psalm23;Romans8:18-30;2Corinthians

5:1-10.

7 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

By organizing a series of five editions of theMeetingofVisuallyHandicappedPeople,inOctoberandNovember,2011,SBBopenedupnewopportunitiesforparticipants to share their experiences, thuspromotingthe objectives of The Bible for the Visually Impairedprogram.“Theseeventsarealwaysveryproductive,andcontributetothepromotionoftheactivitiescarriedoutand to increase thenumberofpeoplebenefitedby theprogram,” says Erní Seibert SBB’s Communications &SocialOutreachSecretary.

The 5th editionof the event tookplace at theBible Museum in Barueri (State of São Paulo), on October 22,andwasattendedbyapproximately400people.OneofthehighlightswastheannouncementofthewinnersoftheLiteraryContest“TheParableoftheProdigalSon”ofshortstoriesandpoetry.Authorsofunpublishedtextsaboutthethemewereawardedtheprizes.ThecontestwaspromotedbySBBfromApriltoAugust,withdozensofparticipantsfromseveralBrazilianstates.

ThecityofTaguatinga (Federal District)heldonNovember11 its first editionof theMeeting,whichwasattendedbyabout150people, including40visuallyimpairedpeople.Thespeakerstalkedaboutthemesrelatedtoovercomingobstacles,family,hope,andsolidarity.At

theendoftheevent,SBBdeliveredafullBibleinBrailletoTaguatinga’sBrailleLibrary.Thedonationwasatouchingmoment, andmotivated people present to register withSBB’sprogram.

The1stMeetingofVisuallyHandicappedPeopleofRecife(StateofPernambuco)tookplaceonNovember18 and was attended by 65 people. Pernambuco’sAssociation for theBlind and SBBpresented a lecturewith emphasison the importanceofTheBible for theVisually Impaired program. “One of the highlights oftheeventwastheperformanceof“SolMaior”orchestra,which touched everyone present,” says Clóvis Moraes,SBB’s Regional Secretary in Recife. Another highlightwasthepresenceofwinnersofthe2011LiteraryContest,MariaArethaandClaraBetânia.

InManaus, about 240 people attended the 1steditionoftheeventonNovember19.“Itwasamilestonein our history of integration with this audience,” saysAcyr de Gerone Junior, SBB’s Regional Secretary inBelém. “It wasmoving to see the joy felt by everyonepresent during the theater performance that portrayedthe story of the prodigal son,” he added. During theevent,SBBdonatedacopyofthefullBibleinBrailletoManaus’AssociationfortheVisuallyImpaired.

Closing the series of meetings, on November22,theeventwasheldinBeloHorizonte(StateofMinasGerais),withanattendanceof180peopleandperformancesofSãoRafaelInstitute’sChoirandBand,aschoolknownfor assisting the visually impaired. “Itwas an extremelyimportanteventforpromotingthegoalsoftheprogramdevelopedbySBBtothisaudience.We’realreadythinkingof holding a new event in 2012,” says Marcos Lovera,SBB’sRegionalSecretaryinBeloHorizonte.■

Bible in Action

Meetings Throughout Brazil

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TheBible for

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Joinville receives Bible in Braille OnNovember23,BibleSocietyofBrazildeliveredthesixthcopyofthefullBibleinBrailleintheStateofSanta

Catarina.This time, the institutionbenefitedwas Joinville’sAssociation for theVisually Impaired (AJIDEVI). ThedonationwasmadeduringtheBreakfastwithChristianLeadershipsorganizedbySBB’snCuritibaRegionalOfficeat Joinville’sCityCouncil. In addition to theBraille version,AJIDEVIalso received the fullBible inAudio fromCouncilmanOdirNunes da Silva, Chairman of theCity Council. “Nowwe can bettermeet the demand of ouraudience,”pointedoutOníziadaSilva,AJIDEVI’sPresident,duringtheceremonythatwasattendedby125people,46ofwhichwerevisuallyimpaired.

Inordertodiscusschemicaldependencyandtheimportance of spiritual strengthening in the process ofrecoveryandsocialreintegration,SBBorganizedtwomoreSeminarsonChemicalDependency:oneinRecife(StateofPernambuco),onOctober5,andanotheroneinBrasília(FederalDistrict),onNovember22.

The event held in Recife was attended by 78representatives from organizations operating in this field,including both volunteers and healthcare professionals.“Therewasperfectintegrationamongattendees,whoactivelyparticipated in the debates, complementing the lectureswith important testimonies,” said Clóvis Moraes, SBB’sRegionalSecretaryinRecife.Accordingtohim,theseminaraccomplisheditsmainmission:“topromotetheintegrationoftherapeuticcommunities,thuscontributingtotheexchangeofknowledgeinordertocomeupwithjointsolutions.

TheeditioninBrasíliatookplaceattheEvangelicalMilitary Chapel, and was attended by approximately300 representatives and volunteers from therapeutic

communities,healthcareprofessionalsandpeopleinterestedin the theme. The event included the introduction ofThe Bible in Dependency Recovery project, as well asthe lectures “Overcoming Dependency” and “Faith inRecovery.”ParticipantscouldgettoknowthedetailsoftheworkdevelopedbytheStateCouncilforAnti-DrugPolicies(CONEN).“We’rethinkingaboutorganizingnewseminarsin other towns assisted byourRegionalOffice. I believethistypeofevent,whichproducesverygoodresults,mustbemultiplied,”saidJesséPereiradaSilva,SBB’sRegionalSecretaryinBrasília.

Brasília and Recife Hold Seminars on Chemical Dependency

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TheBibleandPeace

9 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

P r o j e c t

A new program developed by Bible Society ofBrazil (SBB) intends to connect theBrazilian youth totheWordofGod.ItistheYoungEvangelistMovement,created in order to facilitate evangelization activitiesandmobilizations targeting young people. Inspired bythe successfulPartner inEvangelismprogram, thenewprogramtargetsorganizationsandchurchesthatdevelopevangelisticactivitieswithyoungpeople.Withtheslogan“The Word in Movement,” the new initiative will belaunchedinthefirstquarterof2012.“Wewanttoestablishagreatnetwork to spread theGospel, thusmaking thebiblicalmessage present on the daily routine of youngpeople,”explainsErníSeibert,SBB’sCommunications&SocialOutreachSecretary. ThebiblicalbasisoftheprogramisthetextfromJeremiah1:6-7:ButtheLORDsaidtome,“Donotsaythatyouaretooyoung,butgotothepeopleIsendyouto,andtellthemeverythingIcommandyoutosay.”“The

youngcanandmustbespokespeoplefortheWordthatTransforms,”saysSeibert,pointingoutthat,inordertopreparethisaudiencewithagoodbiblicaleducation,SBBhasbeendevelopingspecialmaterialswiththelanguageoftheyouth. And it is precisely suchmaterials that will bethemainworktoolsofthosewhoengageintheYoungEvangelistMovement.“Someofthemwillbedistributedwithout charge by SBB,” explains Mário Rost, SBB’sInstitutional Development Manager and nationalcoordinatoroftheprogram.Othermaterialswillbesold. SBB prepared a wide variety of publications.There are Study Bibles, Bibles with Notes for YoungPeople,andBibleeditionswithamodernandbolddesign.AllBiblesfeaturethebiblicaltextoftheNewTranslationinToday’sLanguage(NTLH),atranslationwithaneasy-to-understandlanguage.AndthereareBiblePortionandpamphletsfocusedonthisaudiencetoo. ThemaincommunicationchanneloftheYoungEvangelist is its Fan Page in Facebook (www.facebook.com/jovemevangelizador). “Through it, one will beable toget the latestnewsabout theprogram, and trackthe mobilization actions scheduled,” tells Rost. To jointhismovement, youngpeopleonlyhave to“like”YoungEvangelist Movement’s page on Facebook and tell theirfriendsaboutit,inadditiontomakingacommitmenttopray,readtheBibleandspreaditsmessage.“So,let’sjointhismovement!,”invitesthecoordinatoroftheprogram.

The Word in MovementFocused on young people, SBB’s program has the objective of connecting the Brazilian youth to the holy teachings.

Some Young Evangelist Movement work tools.

9

ThemaincommunicationchanneloftheYoungEvangelist is its Fan Page in Facebook (com/jovemevangelizadorable toget the latestnewsabout theprogram, and trackthe mobilization actions scheduled,” tells Rost. To jointhismovement, youngpeopleonlyhave to“like”YoungEvangelist Movement’s page on Facebook and tell theirfriendsaboutit,inadditiontomakingacommitmenttopray,readtheBibleandspreaditsmessage.“So,let’sjointhismovement!,”invitesthecoordinatoroftheprogram.

Some Young Evangelist Movement work tools.

9

T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l10

I started 2011 with the goal of reading theWordofGodin42days.Thosedayshadahugeimpactonme,almostsupernatural!Atfirst,Idecidedtoreadforthecontest,sincethereweregoingtobeprizesforthewinners,butsastimewentbyIbegantofallinlovewithit!Sometextschangeda lotofmyconcepts.IhadalreadyreadtheBibleothertimesbefore,butthistimeitwasn’t thesameexperience,becauseIwasconfronted inadifferentway, influenced to really leadavirtuous life.Some dreams had already died because of my hurriedattempttoachievethem,whichmanytimesfrustratedme!

But, reading the Word, I was encouraged todream again by the wonderful stories of our heroes

of faith! I finishedreading theBibleonedayaheadofschedule.IcompletedonFebruary10,2011,and,tomysurprise,manyofmyforgottendreamsarerealizedtoday.

The Word inspired me to invest in dreamsagain.But,thistime,withanoptimisticviewpointandfocused on the Kingdom, which brought me God’sGracetofulfillthem,withoutnoticingIwasdoingit.Godiswonderful!Today,IaccomplishthingsthatIhadlonggivenuptodo.Butthose42daysmademeopenmyeyesandseethatwithGodanythingispossible,thattheWordgeneratesfaith!

Testimony sent via email by Roger Willy Ribeiro dos Santos.

Testimony

The Word Generates Faith

11 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

“I am very happy. From now on, we canunderstand God’s things because we have the Biblein our language.” The statement from Chief LourivalTembésummarizesthefeelingthattookovertheTembépeoplewhen they received, onNovember 25, theNewTestament translated into the language that speaks totheir hearts. The ceremony took place at the Tekohawsettlement–locatedclosetoParagominas(StateofPará)–andwas attendedbymissionaries, translators andoverone hundred people from different tribes, such as theMakuxiandtheGuajajara.EveryonegatheredtothankandpraiseGodforhisWord.

The Tembé New Testament took 20 years tobecompleted,anditistheresultofthejointeffortsofthree organizations: Evangelical Missionary LinguisticAssociation(ALEM),SILInternational(Brazil)andBibleSociety of Brazil (SBB). “We’ve accomplished anotherstepinourgoalofmakingtheBibleavailable ineverylanguage.It’simportanttocelebrateandthankGodforthis feat,” says JoséCarlosAlcantaradaSilva,ALEM’sExecutiveSecretary,pointingoutthatthereisstillalottobedone, since there are2,078 languages intowhichnotevenaversefromtheScriptureshasbeentranslated.

A Journey of Two Decades In total, two decades were dedicated to the

conclusion of the Tembé New Testament. During thisjourney, the team faced several difficulties, including thelackofresources.“WhatgaveusstrengthtocontinuewasthecertaintythatweweremakingGod’swill,”remembersQuéziaMosti, amember of the translation team. “Now,withthismissionaccomplished,we’llcontinuetosupporttheTembépeopletostrengthentheirlanguage,”shereveals.

The Tembé New Testament is based on theGuajajaraNewTestament.Makinguseofthesimilaritybetweenthetwolanguages,in1991,NorvalOliveiradaSilva started to adapt the text, together with his wifeLaudicéia deMelo Silva, and the missionaries QuéziaMostiandLídiaCorrea.In1996,PauloCésarDuartedeOliveirajoinedtheteam.Duringthewholeprocess,themissionaries were helped by 14 native translators. Thefinaltextgotreadyin2009,whenitwassenttoSBBfortheprocessofeditionandprinting,whichwasdoneinSouthKorea.

In early 2011, the 1,500 copies 1.500 of theTembé New Testament started to be distributed freeof charge to the population. “This project will enrichour culturewith theWord ofGod.Our languagewillbe passed on to our children and grandchildren, andwe’llcontinuetoteachtherighteouspathinourtribe,”celebratedMoreira,amemberoftheTembépeople.■

Translation

language.It’simportanttocelebrateandthankGodforthis feat,” says JoséCarlosAlcantaradaSilva,ALEM’sExecutiveSecretary,pointingoutthatthereisstillalottobedone, since there are2,078 languages intowhichnotevenaversefromtheScriptureshasbeentranslated.

In total, two decades were dedicated to theconclusion of the Tembé New Testament. During thisjourney, the team faced several difficulties, including thelackofresources.“WhatgaveusstrengthtocontinuewasthecertaintythatweweremakingGod’swill,”remembersQuéziaMosti, amember of the translation team. “Now,withthismissionaccomplished,we’llcontinuetosupporttheTembépeopletostrengthentheirlanguage,”shereveals.

DetailsOrigin: The Tembé are the western branch of theTenetehara.TheeasterngroupisknownastheGuajajara.Meaning of the Name:TembéorTimbémeansflatnose(Source:MaxBoudin,linguist).Language:LinguisticfamilyofTupi-Guarani.Location: TheylivemainlyintheStatesofParáandMaranhão.Population:1,500(Funasa,2010).Tekohaw Settlement:PartoftheAltoRioGuamáreservation, located inSoutheastPará,on thebanksofRiverGurupi,about100milesfromParagominas(Pará).

After 20 years of work, the New Testament in the native language of Brazilians who live in the States of Pará and Maranhão is launched.

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Good News Reaches the Tembé People

Atage17,hepreachedhisfirstsermonatConfortoBaptistChurch,inVoltaRedonda(StateofRiodeJaneiro).Sincethen,LécioDornashasbuiltalifededicatedtotheGospelasapastor,authorandteacher.Now,heisgettingready to lead theMinistry for Brazilians project that isbeingimplementedbytheAmericanBibleSociety,withthesupportofBibleSocietyofBrazil(SBB),whosegoalistomakeHolyScripturesinPortugueseavailabletoBrazilianslivingintheUnitedStates.“Thisworkstartswithagreatexpectationofsuccess,sinceitwillbeledbyadedicatedpastor,anexpertonReligiousEducation,and,aboveall,amanofGod,”saysRudiZimmer,SBB’sExecutiveDirector.

As a pastor, teacher and speaker, he has taughttheWordofGodthroughoutBrazil,inadditiontohavingpreached as a missionary in different countries, like theDominican Republic, Haiti, USA, Lebanon, Iraq, andIndia. Approximately 20 years ago, he started to writeand edit books about themes like biblical study, SundaySchool, devotionals, Christian life and children’s stories

in 19 publications. Furthermore, Dornas has also beenworkingintrainingandqualifyingevangelicalleadershipsasacoordinatorandteacherofHaggaiInstituteofBrazil’sTeachingWorkshop,inadditiontoparticipatinginBibleSociety of Brazil’s Biblical Sciences Seminars. “WhenanalyzingtheactivitiesI’vecarriedoutthroughoutmylife,IclearlyseetheprocessofGodpreparingmeforthisnewchallenge.Ipraythathekeepsonblessingmylifeandmyfamily,”pointsoutDornas.

AsaSBBvolunteersince1997,whenhewaselectedChairmanofCuiabáSBBChapter(StateofMatoGrosso),LécioDornashashadanoutstandingperformance.DuringSBB’s15thGeneralAssembly,heldthatyear,hewaselectedamemberoftheConsultingCommittee.Then,hebecameamemberoftheteamofBiblicalSciencesSeminars’speakers,and, in 2000, was electedmember of the AdministrativeAssembly. Since the 2009 General Assembly he was amemberofSBB’sNationalBoardofDirectors,fromwhichheofficiallywithdrewhimself onDecember 13, 2011, toembracehisnewwork.HewaspraisedbySBBonthisday.SBB’sExecutiveDirector,inthepresenceoftheSpecializedSecretaries,handedhimarecognition plaque for his work for the Bible Cause in Brazil.

Challenges & GoalsAmongthemanychallengesofhisnewrole,Dornas

pointsouttheneedtoidentifyandlocatethelinksoftheBrazilianChristiancommunity in theUSA, inorder toestablishanetworkofrelationshipsthatcanopendoorsto spread theWord ofGod. “My goal is tomake surethat every Brazilian living in the U.S. has an English-PortuguesebilingualBible.Then,whentheMinistryforBrazilians’structureiscompletelyorganized,we’llexpanditsinfluencebytryingtoreachBraziliancommunitiesinCanada,aswellasinCaribbeancountries,”heexplains.Inordertoovercometheobstaclesandachievethesegoals,thecoordinator intendstoworkwithrelational intelligence,joining together existing structures and ministries.“Through cooperation, we’ll have the conditions toaccomplishthetaskofbringingtheWordthattransformslivestotheentirepeopleofGod,”heconcludes.■

Profi le

Dedication to the WordAfter 30 years preaching the Gospel and 14 years as SBB’s volunteer, Pastor Lécio Dornas assumes the leadership of the Ministry for Brazilians project, in the United States, certain that God has prepared him for the new task.

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13 T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l

Approximately 200 people attended the openingceremony of Bible Society of Brazil’s Regional Unit inManaus(StateofAmazonas)onthenightofDecember15.“Fromthisunit,we’llhavetheopportunityofstrengtheningourrelationshipswithChristianChurches,whichareourmainpartnersinsowingtheWordofGod,”summarizedMarcosGladstone,SBB’sCoordinationofRegionalOfficesSecretary, during the event. Linked to Belém RegionalOffice(StateofPará),ManausRegionalUnitwascreatedtoenhancetheservicesprovidedintheStatesofRoraimaandAmazonas.“NowwecanguaranteeadiversifieddistributionofScripturesforaffordableprices,inadditiontobeingabletoprovideassistancetodestitutecommunitiesintheregionthroughSBB’soutreachprograms,”celebratedGladstone.

Inchargeofconductingtheopeningceremony,ErníSeibert,SBB’sCommunications&SocialOutreachSecretary,dedicated“allthepraiseandglorytoGodforthismoment”.

Seibertalsodelivered thebiblicalmessage,whichwasbasedon John20:31.“The thingsGodwanted tobewrittenareintheHolyBible.Godhaswrittensothatwecanbelieve.JesusisthecoreoftheScriptures.ThisiswhyBibleSocietiesexist:todistributetheBibletoeveryone,inalanguagepeoplecanunderstandandforapricetheycanafford,”hestressed.

One of the most touching moments of theceremonywastheparticipationofmembersoftheTicuna

Opening

Closer to Roraima and AmazonasSBB opens Regional Unit in Manaus to make the population of both States even closer to the Word of God.

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T h e B i b l e i n B r a z i l14

people, one of the largest in the Brazilian Amazonia,consistingofabout43thousandpeople.LedbyDomingosTicuna, inchargeof readingPsalm119:97-114, they sanghymnspraisingGodintheirmothertongue.ThebiblicaltextwasalsoreadinPortuguesebySadiCaldas,ChairmanofSBB’sChapterintheStateofAmazonas.

Acyr de Gerone Junior, who is in charge ofBelémRegionalOffice,pointedout the sizeof the regionhe serves–which includes the States of Amapá, Amazonas,Maranhão, Pará, Piauí, and Roraima–, as well as itschallenges. “This portion of land represents 44% of the

Brazilian territory. And, thankGod, nowwe’ll be able toprovidebetterservicesinAmazonasandRoraima,stateswithsomanypeculiarities,”saidtheRegionalSecretary.Sharingthe sameopinion,ReuelKlayberFerreira, theManagerofManausRegionalUnit, pointedout that hisworkwill bechallenging.“MayGodgiveusthegraceforaccomplishingthishonorablemission,”heaskedwithemotion.

Check,onthephotos,somemomentsofManausRegional Unit opening ceremony in its 9,500 sq. ft.building,whichhasastore,areafortheoutreachprograms,auditorium,stockroom,andparkinglot.■

1 – Marcos Gladstone and Domingos Ticuna in charge of the official opening. 2 – Everyone united in prayer for the Regional Unit. 3 – Praising God in the Ticuna language. 4 – Erní Seibert conducts the opening ceremony. 5 – SBB acknowledges the efforts made by Councilman Amauri Colares (right) for the implementation of the Unit. 6 e 7 – Store favors the display of the Holy Book in a well illuminated area. 8 – Service Area: comfort for customers. 9 – Social Outreach: area dedicated to serving partners, donors and volunteers of the programs. 10 – SBB partners socializing.

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