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Portuguese-Speaking Adventist Churches Unite for Mission and Discipleship in the GTA

January 28, 2026 | Jefferson da Silva | Toronto Brazilian Seventh-day Adventist Church

On Saturday, January 17, Portuguese-speaking Seventh-day Adventist churches from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) gathered for a special joint event focused on mission and discipleship, reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the gospel and strengthening mission-oriented leadership.

The gathering took place at the Portuguese Adventist Church, bringing together members, leaders, and guests from different Portuguese-speaking communities, united by one language, one faith, and one mission.

The event was honoured by the presence of Ontario Conference President, Pastor Jakov Bibulović, who attended with his wife and daughter. During the program, Pastor Bibulović officially introduced Pastor Mario Gomes as the new pastor of the Portuguese Adventist Church, in a meaningful moment marked by prayer, gratitude, and celebration.

The event was organised by the Toronto Brazilian Adventist Church, which invited the Portuguese-speaking churches of the region. Overall leadership of the program was provided by Pastor Jefferson da Silva, with support from Sandra Machado, Evangelism Ministries Leader at the Toronto Brazilian Church.

Represented churches and groups include the Toronto Brazilian Adventist Church, the Portuguese Adventist Church, the Espaço Novo Tempo Group, the Angolan Group, the Durham Portuguese-Speaking Adventist Community, and Heart Lake Church.

The program was further enriched by special music from the Ruaj Quartet, offering moments of worship and spiritual reflection.

This gathering was part of a broader mission-focused initiative that began on January 10 with discipleship preaching, mission planning, and leadership training for Small Group development.

The mission initiative continues with an Online Week of Prayer from January 18 to 22 and will conclude on January 24 with a special prayer vigil and a fellowship breakfast.

More than a single event, this gathering reinforced unity, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to fulfilling Christ’s mission together across the Greater Toronto Area.

Jefferson da Silva
Pastor, Toronto Brazilian Adventist Church