Capital Brazilian Celebrates 20 Years of Ministry

Story by Andre Hastick

Recently the Capital Brazilian Temple in Highland, Md., celebrated their 20-year anniversary, themed “And the Story Goes On.” Over the weekend, the congregation gave praises and thanksgiving to the Lord in recognition of all His blessings and guidance. Seven Pathfinders decided to be baptized during this momentous celebration as a result of recent Pathfinder club Bible studies.

Capital Brazilian began in 1998 with the vision of serving the Portuguese-speaking community in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area. Initially, a small group met in a member’s home, and in June 1999, they were formally recognized as a Seventh-day Adventist congregation.

During the commemorative worship service this year, Rick Remmers, president of the Chesapeake Conference, remarked on Capital Brazilian’s significant ministry and relevance in the community: “We are told to remember the acts of God on our behalf, and so today you come together to remember how God has worked over these past 20 years.”

Jimmy Cardoso, former pastor of Capital Brazilian, shared a message, reminding attendees that the work God did through Elijah can still take place today through willing vessels.

“It was a wonderful time and opportunity for all of us to recall and remember the history of our church since its beginning,” says Sandro Braun, pastor of Capital Brazilian, “and to see the hand of God working with us and through us during all these years.”