“The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher” (Luke 6:40 NIV).

Education and mission are two sides of the same coin. If you have any doubts about this, just take a look at Jesus’ ministry. The Savior always had practical and spiritual lessons in his teachings (Matthew 11:29). It seems to me somewhat wasteful to bring the message of salvation to someone without expecting practical changes to occur.

I have always enjoyed teaching, and over the years, I have discovered that I have a certain talent for it. After some time, I realized that this talent was developed largely thanks to my knowledge of God, His Word and the topics it addresses. I realized that by studying the Bible, analyzing Jesus’ teachings, and delving deeper into biblical commentaries, I was better able to absorb other types of content. Conversely, the more I improved my secular knowledge, the more I was able to delve with greater pleasure into the sea of topics the Bible addresses.

This has shaped much of my ministry and, consequently, the way I work in the mission field. I have dedicated most of my time to teaching, whether at church, in a classroom or in informal conversations in a taxi. I once heard a great Brazilian educator, Professor Guy José Leite, say, “A true teacher cannot go a day without teaching someone something.” Here in Guinea-Bissau, I try to put this into practice every day, especially with children.

One of our activities in Guinea-Bissau is in elementary schools, where we seek to contribute to the education of children by bringing them relevant life knowledge that can help them understand more about God’s plan for their lives (chaplaincy). We work with music, stories, science, sports and other subjects. The profile of Guinea-Bissau children is quite complex for us, who come from another culture, but little by little, we are seeing results. I recall that initially, it was very difficult to get their silence and attention for a simple prayer; today, that is no longer a problem.

When we welcome a new student to school, it is fascinating to see that even their veteran colleagues teach the newcomer that they should close their eyes and be silent during prayer. The practical impact of this is that the other teachers are finding their lessons easier, as the children are gradually transforming their behavior, becoming more attentive and engaged during class.

I recently received a thank-you letter from one of the schools, Nam Madana N’ghala Wid, that filled me with joy. Here is an excerpt:

Thanks to your contribution, today we have a group of more confident, happy and motivated children, discovering talents, strengthening values and learning the importance of teamwork, harmony and faith. The children’s choir is becoming a living blessing in our school environment, bringing light, voice and hope to all who listen.

Pastor Vanius, your presence in our school represents more than technical or musical assistance. It is a sign of your commitment to the comprehensive education of our children, which goes beyond the classroom and extends to their souls and hearts.

Receiving this testimony was further evidence that, despite our imperfections, we are on the right path. Even when we think things are not working, when we think we are not doing so well, God is at work, carrying out the transformative work through the Holy Spirit. It is also clear that the reach of this work is not limited to the children, but also extends to parents, siblings, uncles, neighbors, teachers and others who interact with them.

Our goal is to open Adventurer and Pathfinder clubs in these schools, and to achieve this, we need more people who can dedicate their time, talent and resources to missionary work. Supporters like you have already been instrumental in the mission field, becoming a catalyst for the Light to reach and illuminate the lives and hearts of many people. Rest assured, without your participation, this work would be much more difficult. If you are not yet a missionary or a donor, consider becoming involved in the work of education to transform the present and eternal future of the millions of unreached people around the world.

“True education means more than preparation for the present life. It concerns the whole being and all possible existence of man. It is the harmonious development of the physical, mental, and spiritual faculties. It prepares the student for joyful service in this life and for the highest service in the life to come” (Ellen White, “Education,” p. 13).

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