Portuguese Ministries Report

Department Mission and Key Functions

The mission of the Portuguese Ministries Department is to reach all Portuguese-speaking individuals in our communities with the gospel of salvation. We aim to strengthen church membership in faith and doctrine, train leaders to fulfill the mission with excellence, and serve as a source of inspiration to the congregation. A special focus is placed on the next generation, through dedicated work with Pathfinders, Adventurers, and the youth of the church.

Major Accomplishments and Milestones

Over the current term, Portuguese-speaking ministries have seen significant growth, highlighted by the following accomplishments:

• Acquisition of the Brockton church building, with capacity for over 500 people.
• Brockton church also purchased its own bus, used to transport Pathfinders to the International Camporee.
• Establishment of the Waterbury Adventurers Club in 2022.
• Establishment of the Waterbury Pathfinders Club in 2023.
• Launch of the Taunton Adventurers Club in 2025.
• Participation of Pathfinders from Danbury, Waterbury, New England, and Brockton in the International Camporee.
• Organization of multiple community outreach events (“clothing lines”) where thousands of clothing items, shoes, toys, and other goods were distributed to those in need—each accompanied by Adventist literature.
• Evangelistic campaigns featuring renowned speakers from Brazil and the General Conference, resulting in numerous baptisms.
• Multiple couples’ retreats featuring professional counselors, greatly benefiting church families.
• Ongoing yearly leadership trainings to empower church leaders in their service.

Relevant Statistical Highlights

• Significant membership growth: Danbury now exceeds 130 members; Brockton has surpassed 400 members for the first time.
• Financial growth: Waterbury’s tithe and offerings increased approximately 300% in 2022. Brockton exceeded $700,000 in tithes and offerings for the first time.
• In proportional terms, Portuguese-speaking churches are among the most faithful in tithing. With only 6 churches and 1 group, they collectively generated over $1 million in tithes and offerings.

Notable Challenges and Solutions

The greatest challenge has been reaching the broader Portuguese-speaking population in our territory. In response, the department developed various strategies:

• One-on-one outreach efforts
• Advertisement in Portuguese, Cape Verdean, and Brazilian-owned businesses
• Distribution of Adventist literature in culturally relevant settings
• Targeted evangelistic campaigns with skilled, native-language speakers

These methods have proven effective in expanding the reach and impact of the Portuguese-speaking work.

Strategic Goals and Recommendations for the Next Term

• Expand the Portuguese-speaking work within the Conference, prioritizing church planting.
• Open a new church in Manhattan, NY (a core leadership group has already been identified).
• Establish at least two new churches in Connecticut and two in Massachusetts within the next 4–5 years.
• Strengthen and organize the current Portuguese-speaking group in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
• Launch Pathfinder and Adventurer clubs in Dorchester and Taunton.
• Increase the pastoral workforce from 3 to at least 6 pastors to plant new churches and reinforce existing ones.

We look forward to the continued growth and impact of Portuguese Ministries by God's grace.