Inaugurating New Facilities

Brazil

SETI dorm and future lifestyle center.

As the year 2016 started, so did the Evangelistic Health Program at Espirito Santo’s Evangelistic Training Institute (SETI) in Brazil. The students were excited to learn principles from the Bible and Spirit of Prophecy that will help them improve their own health and aid others in doing the same. In their classes, the students study the eight laws of health, nutrition, hydrotherapy, massage therapy, principles of Christian relationships and much more. After finishing the training program, they will be better able to help their communities, preach the Seventh-day Adventist health message, put on health fairs and cooking classes, coach people on how to live healthier, happier lives and witness for God in many other ways.

Part of a healthy lifestyle is to have a healthy family. Marriage and family are gifts from God! “God celebrated the first marriage. Thus the institution has for its originator the Creator of the universe. ‘Marriage is honorable’ (Hebrews 13:4); it was one of the first gifts of God to man, and it is one of the two institutions that, after the Fall, Adam brought with him beyond the gates of Paradise. When the divine principles are recognized and obeyed in this relation, marriage is a blessing; it guards the purity and happiness of the race, it provides for man’s social needs, it elevates the physical, the intellectual, and the moral nature.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 46.

Unfortunately, families today are under attack and God’s perfect institution is being broken. Even in Christian homes where the love of God should be demonstrated by precept and example, broken relationships are becoming more and more common. Knowing that dysfunctional homes are common even among Seventh-day Adventists, SETI organized a camp meeting earlier this year with the theme, “The Third Elijah and the Restoration of the Family.” Many families came to the camp meeting along with young singles who one day will raise their own families. Very important messages were presented including “Raising Children,” “The Role of the Priest of the Home,” “Revitalizing Your Marriage” and others.

Pastor Cody preaching at the camp meeting.

The main speaker, Pastor Cody Francis, shared wonderful principles from the Bible and the Spirit of Prophecy on how to revitalize the marriage and family. The SETI staff and students as well as their guests were blessed by his presence. Besides presenting messages to the group, he also helped people on an individual level, interacting with them and giving personal advice. The camp meeting participants went away uplifted and blessed! Here are a few testimonies they shared:

“Participating in this first camp meeting at SETI was very important to our family. We were very happy with the messages presented about family and raising children. I confess that I came to camp meeting discouraged and thirsty for spiritual enrichment, but I went home inspired with renewed strength to persevere in the path heavenward.

“Pastor Cody Francis presented messages full of joy, sympathy and kindness that met the needs of our hearts. We had the opportunity to talk to him privately about our children’s education, which clarified some questions we had. This helped us to define our goals and make decisions to improve our family life with Christ. We are grateful to God for such an opportunity, for it was very beneficial. We only wish we could have had more time to enjoy Pastor Cody’s experience! May God strengthen and bless everyone that took part in this blessed camp meeting.” —Giselle Maria

Giselle and children (camp meeting attendees)

“In a wonderful place amidst nature, we benefitted from inspiring messages while enjoying the company of dear brethren and friends. The camp meeting increased our desire to study ever more of the Word of God and follow His ways.” 
—Gabriela Faé

“The restoration of the family is an extremely important theme for God’s people today. In every message preached, we could hear the voice of God inviting us to learn even more. His Holy Spirit worked upon our hearts, and I can affirm that everyone that was willing to grow in grace left this camp meeting nurtured and instructed on God’s purpose for our families! This theme is so relevant to be proclaimed as part of the last warning to a perishing world.” —Rodrigo de Jesus

“The camp meeting was excellent. The theme was uplifting, enlightening and needful for the time we live in. I needed to hear every sermon that was preached. In just a short time, I gained experiences that will last a lifetime! I could see God working and I could see people thirsty for His living water. I was highly blessed to be there!” —Jonathan Felix

It is absolutely rewarding to see families and young people interested in learning and applying God’s will to their own lives. Praise be to God that He brought His people together for such a grace-filled time. May His instruction be heeded by every family! “One well-ordered, well-disciplined family tells more in behalf of Christianity than all the sermons that can be preached. Such a family gives evidence that the parents have been successful in following God’s directions, and that their children will serve Him in the church.” Adventist Home, 32.

The new cafeteria at SETI.

Last year, Espirito Santo’s Evangelistic Training Institute began building a new cafeteria. It took a lot of effort to build it, and the finishing touches were a race against time—in fact, the last few details were completed during the camp meeting. Nevertheless, the guests enjoyed their meals in the pleasant, organized new cafeteria—a true blessing from Heaven.

SETI’s guests also had the privilege of enjoying the comfortable new dormitory inaugurated at the camp meeting. One of the best things about the dorm is the wonderful view of the mountains to be seen through the windows. Thank you for your support of SETI’s building projects which made possible not only this camp meeting but many evangelistic health training programs to come.

Current projects include the construction of a large greenhouse to improve the agricultural program and the completion of the lifestyle center. Once the lifestyle center is finished, SETI’s influence through health ministry will extend to the neighboring communities and beyond. People will be greatly blessed to have such a facility available nearby. Not only that, but the students will be able to practice what they learn in class by helping to treat the lifestyle center guests. The center will be opened as soon funding comes in for its completion. Please pray for the SETI staff and students to be able to serve the Lord with all the capabilities He provides!

By Silveli Teodoro of Espirito Santo’s Evangelistic Training Institute. Donations to this ministry may be sent to Mission Projects International, PO Box 59656, Renton, WA 98058 or made online at www.missionspro.org, marked “Brazil—SETI.”