razilian citizens who, for religious reasons, do not participate in activities on Saturday will soon have their rights guaranteed by federal law. On December 13, the Work and Social Security Committee (WSSC) of the Brazilian House of Representatives approved the project of Representative Silas Brasileiro, which establishes that tests of public contest, and college entrance examinations, should be carried out from Sunday through Friday. In the hypothesis that the organizing entity needs to hold the tests on Saturday, the candidate who alleges and proves religious conviction, should be permitted the alternative of taking the test after 6:00 p.m.

This victory was achieved thanks to the intervention of Representative Geraldo Magela (PT-DF), who mediated discussions between churches and parliamentary members, obtaining his colleagues' support for the vindication. "The approval of this law is nothing more than regulating a right guaranteed by the Federal Constitution," Magela says.

According to Brazail constitution, "No one will be denied rights for motive of religious belief or philosophical or political conviction, unless they are invoked to exempt oneself from legal obligation imposed upon all, or one refuses to fulfill an alternative service, fixed by law."

After being approved by WSSC, the bill goes to the Constitution and Justice Committee. Many legislators collaborated with this bill, South American Division officials report.

Adventist World Headquarters
Hosts Annual Christmas Program
Thousands paraded into the virtual replica of the town of Bethlehem during the six-night December production of A Walk Through Bethlehem, hosted by the world headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

On each night of Walk Through Bethlehem, nearly 200 participants from the headquarters office exchanged their business attire for robes, angel wings and halos, costumes, taking the opportunity to slip into a role that allowed them to entertain, help the community, and tell of the birth of Jesus Christ. Guests met the three wise men, King Herod, a tax collector, prophets, priests, scribes, brides, and angels as they strolled the streets of the bustling marketplace. On the outskirts of the busy town, they saw the virgin Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus in the nativity scene.

Walk Through Bethlehem, now in its fifth year, added a new feature with one night entirely catering to the Hispanic community in the Washington, D.C., area.

On December 14, approximately 1,500 Spanish-speaking guests witnessed the sights and sounds of everyday life during the time of Christ's birth, in their native tongue.

The program this year saw some 10 to 11 thousand visitors during the six nights of the event, with 60 percent being first-comers. "Walk Through Bethlehem is an awesome chance to witness to our community," says Dick Stenbakken, director of General Conference Chaplaincy Ministries and co-creator of Walk Through Bethlehem. "We are able to tell about the greatest story ever told, the birth of Christ," he adds.

Africa Indian-Ocean Division
Reports Growth, Sets New Goals
Just 20 years old, the Africa-Indian Ocean Division reported significant membership growth during its short history. Organized in 1980 with 330,001 members, the church in the area has grown to more than 1,452,735 members, according to statistics announced at the division's year-end meetings on November 4.

Church administrators reported that although the 32 countries which comprise the division are among the poorest in the world, they have made every effort toward self-support at all levels.

The region is stretched by geography, with countries scattered on the mainland of Africa, and on the surrounding islands of the Atlantic Ocean and the Indian Ocean. Membership is comprised of many diverse people groups who are sometimes hostile towards one another.

Division president Luka Daniel is optimistic about the future. "I am glad to report that during the 20 years of our existence, we have learned how to live together and experience achievements together by the special grace of our Lord Jesus," said Daniel.

Immediately following the year-end meetings reports Daniel, delegates began a Strategic Planning and Evangelism Symposium.

Participants studied and set goals for outreach during the coming five years. "The challenge before us was made clear. We will baptize 1 million people in the next five years," Daniel said.

Strategic plans and commitment, determination and brotherhood marked the success of the meeting, Daniel concluded.-–Adventist News Network