I am sharing a real-life incident that happened recently. It demonstrates the transforming power of providence, and the circumstances that led to the conversion of a man and his family as a result of the Great Controversy Project (GCP).
I was speaking at the vibrant Central Seventh-day Adventist Church in Brasilia, Brazil. In the course of my message reference was made to the encouraging progress of the Great Controversy Project, along with an update on the project.*
During the service I emphasized how this project honors Ellen White’s desire that The Great Controversy be distributed more than any other book she wrote, because, she said, in it “the last message of warning to the world is given more distinctly than in any of my other books” (Colporteur Ministry, p. 127). I further noted that the effectiveness of the spread of The Great Controversy should not be judged by the lack of immediate results. Instead, we are assured that it would have a twofold impact: One group of readers would courageously respond to the message and immediately begin to obey God’s truth; while another, larger group would wait to take their stand “until they see the very events taking place that are foretold in it” (The Publishing Ministry, p. 357).
When I finished my sermon, I met Marcelo Pereira dos Santos. Marcelo and his family excitedly approached me. He proudly shared that he is part of the first group of readers Ellen White referred to: the ones who accept the truth immediately after reading The Great Controversy.
Marcelo described how he met an older Christian couple who gave him a copy of The Great Controversy. He read it and was deeply impressed. He tried unsuccessfully to find more information about the author of the book. Then, while visiting another city, he received a copy of The Great Hope. It was similar to the book he had read earlier, and he noticed that it was written by the same author, Ellen G. White. This time the book had the address of the local Seventh-day Adventist church in the back of the book.
He immediately visited the local church, which happened to be holding evangelistic services. He faithfully attended the meetings and noted, “My family and I haven’t missed a service since.”
Here’s how Marcelo concluded his testimony: “On a Sunday we heard a sermon about baptism. The pastor invited people who wanted to be baptized to come forward. My wife and I got up. We were already doing Bible studies, and the decision to be baptized motivated us even more. Finally, on November 19, 2012, I, my wife, and our oldest son were baptized. We understand that this is only the beginning of a new life. I hope my life and testimony will be useful to many others who have not yet realized the infinite love of God; who see the declaration of love embodied in God’s Word, the Bible.”
The complete and inspiring account of how God miraculously used circumstances and providence is in the January issue of The Great Controversy Project Newsletter (publishing.gc.adventist.org). Marcelo’s testimony is an illustration of how God will powerfully bless His Word and our efforts as we give Him something to bless. n
* The 13 world divisions of the church have committed to encourage their members to read or reread The Great Controversy, and to print and distribute 175 million copies of the The Great Controversy, or the abbreviated version, The Great Hope, during 2012-2013. As of December 2012 the worldwide church has reached more than half of its targeted goal, with more than 90 million copies printed and distributed. By the grace of God the global church will distribute more than 175 million copies by the end of 2013.
