"I WAS FOUND" FINDS A HOME IN MIAMI TEMPLE
by Reinaldo Sanchez
Roger Da Silva, Bible worker at Miami Temple Church, believes “there is no one beyond the reach of God’s grace.” In fact, these words are part of the I Was Found mission statement, which is the passionate outreach program for youth/young adults (ages 17-30) in the Miami area.
Established in October 2009, I Was Found meets every Friday night at the church, having outgrown its original gathering place at Da Silva’s apartment. The group began with four Adventist young people desiring a closer walk with God, who had the additional purpose of establishing a stronger youth department at Miami Temple. God has blessed them and “increased their territory” with an average attendance of 35-40 young people meeting each Friday, 80% of whom are nonAdventist.
The premise of this ministry is simply to get into the Bible as a means of meeting the needs, concerns, and doubts found so prevalently in today’s world. There are no programs or gimmicks; just the simple study of God’s Word to find answers for which so many young people are searching; yet, are not finding in the voices of today’s world. There is an unwritten code of trust that enables all who come to express their feelings and concerns without the fear of being judged. It has become a refuge for the hurting and the searching. Says one member, “I honestly started going because my girlfriend was, but I have grown so much spiritually that I never want to leave.”
Da Silva works during the day with those who want more individual Bible study. His brother, Paolo is now conducting the Bible studies on Friday night. Because the group is becoming so large, they are planning to divide into smaller groups so people will feel more comfortable participating.
God has richly blessed this ministry with 13 baptisms, and it is believed many more will soon be saying, “I was found.”