Source: The Health Connection Newsletter | 3rd Quarter 2025
Maringa, Paraná | South American Division (SAD)
Adventist Recovery Ministries continues to expand in Brazil as Unions take action to equip pastors, health professionals, and church members to serve as facilitators of Journey to Wholeness (JTW) recovery groups. From May 8-26, 2025, Brazil Central Union, Brazil Midwestern Union, and Brazil North Union held facilitator trainings with hundreds of
participants inspired by the testimonies of others who were already leading these JTW 12-step Christ-centered groups. Since 2020, churches in Brazil have been passionately ministering to people struggling with addictions, compulsions, and emotional trauma through JTW recovery groups, resulting in emotional healing and spiritual transformation. An example of this is the Southern Union. Following a facilitator training held in 2024, JTW groups were established, and on July 18, the graduates completed the 12-month cycle. Débora’s confession, “I surrendered my life and my will to God’s care,” echoed through testimonies of healing and new beginnings from participants. The JTW program blends group sharing, Bible study, and spiritual support across 12 steps to help participants reconcile with God, others, and themselves. Participants describe healing as a listening, loving discipleship rooted in Scripture, enabling restoration of life, relationships, and serenity in Christ.. Praising the journey, pastors and coordinators emphasized Jesus as the Way to a full life. With gratitude and emotion, graduates prepared to mentor new groups, multiplying hope and transformation beyond Maringá to more cities in the North Parana Conference. As a result of JTW, many are being baptized, committing their life to Christ.
