Shopping Mall in Brazil Hosts Exhibition About the Sanctuary

By: Rafael Brondani, South American Division, and Adventist Review

A traveling exhibition recently reproduced the structure and operation of ancient Israel’s wilderness sanctuary for thousands of people visiting Santa Maria Shopping Center in Brazil’s capital city of Brasilia. “Expo Santuário” took place November 28-29, 2020.

The tabernacle, as it is also known, was part of the history of the Hebrew people shortly after they were freed from their captivity in ancient Egypt. The goal of the exhibition was to create awareness about the tabernacle, its parts, and its symbolism. According to the biblical books of Leviticus, Daniel, Hebrews, and Revelation, they are theologically linked to Christ’s atoning death and intercession ministry.

Rúben Freitas, one of the pastors behind the initiative, explained that the activity took place during what has become known in Brazil as Black Friday. “We presented Jesus to those who had been looking for offers because He is the greatest offer of all time,” he said.

The exhibition consisted of a presentation of the sanctuary furniture and the meaning of each part in the tabernacle built by Moses in the desert. “But we also discussed our relationship to Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary and His work of salvation on our behalf. The idea was not to show an exact representation of the sanctuary but make it an interactive experience,” Freitas said.

Greater Awareness

Following security protocols due to the COVID-19 pandemic, viewers lined up to participate in the exhibition. Many were moved by the symbolism that the sanctuary brings to Christians and other students of the Bible. During Expo Santuário, more than 1,500 participants walked through the exhibition, organizers said.

Tiago was one of the visitors. He was walking around the mall when he came across the exhibition. For him, it was an opportunity to learn more about history. “It was an outstanding experience,” the young man said. “It gave me rewarding moments of reflection and information.”

Pentecostal pastor Adão Luís also visited and participated in the Expo. “There were moments of reflection. I managed to learn a lot,” Luís said.

Luís said he believes it was an initiative that delves into history to portray it in a way everyone can relate to. “Projects like this one should be replicated all across Brazil,” he said.

The original version of this story was posted on the Portuguese-language South American Division news site.