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n a world where disasters seem to grow in scale and frequency, some dedicate their lives to being a beacon of hope during crises. Mario Oliveira is one of those individuals. For more than two decades, Mario has worked at the forefront of disaster relief, coordinating emergency responses as the director of Emergency Management for Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International. Through his work, he has witnessed the power of compassion and the transforming impact that serving others can have—not just on those who receive aid but also on those who give it.
Mario’s journey began in Angola, a nation ravaged by civil war, when he arrived in 1998 with his family to serve as ADRA’s country director. His mission was clear: to provide vital nutrition, healthcare, and education to those displaced by the conflict.
“I didn’t plan on being a humanitarian worker, but when I saw the devastation around me, I knew I had to make a difference,” Mario shares. “It wasn’t just about providing aid—it was about walking alongside people, empowering them to rebuild their lives.”
One experience left an indelible mark on Mario’s heart. While visiting a hospital in Wamba, he met Maria, a malnourished 10-year-old girl. After a month of life-saving aid from ADRA, Mario returned to find Maria completely transformed. “It was in that moment I understood the true power of our work,” Mario reflects. “Our mission isn’t just a job—it’s a lifeline.”
That moment transformed Mario’s life, strengthening his commitment to ADRA’s mission and inspiring him to pursue a master’s in humanitarian work in Switzerland. “I realized I needed to combine hands-on experience with academic training to serve better, especially as global disasters continue to grow.”
It wasn’t long before Mario’s decision to focus on disaster response proved prophetic. “The world is seeing more disasters, larger in scale and more devastating in impact. I chose to focus on humanitarian emergencies because they will only continue to increase, and I want to be ready when they do,” Mario explains.
Through it all, Mario has learned a powerful lesson: true transformation doesn’t come from imposing solutions—it comes from empowering the people you serve to be agents of change in their own lives. “We think we have the answers,” Mario reflects. “But the people we serve—they know the solutions. They just need the resources to make their vision a reality. Our job is to partner with them, not do it for them.”
ADRA’s ability to partner with local communities in times of crises is one of its greatest strengths. Whether it’s mobilizing local volunteers or providing immediate relief to devastated areas, ADRA, part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, ensures that help is never far away. “When a community is in the depths of despair, it’s not just about giving them aid—it’s about showing them that they haven’t been forgotten,” Mario says. “To be there for them in their darkest moments, to be the hands and feet of Christ—that’s the greatest reward.”
Mario’s mission is not just about responding to immediate needs; it’s about sowing seeds of hope that will endure. “I dream of a world where ADRA is no longer needed because peace and stability reign,” Mario says with unwavering hope. “But until that day comes, we continue to grow, to learn, and to serve with a heart full of compassion.”
From the war-torn villages of Angola to the refugee crisis in Armenia, Mario has been a steadfast witness to the difference one life, one act of service, can make. And through it all, his message is simple: true service to others is not about seeking recognition but about being a vessel of love in a world that so desperately needs it.
“Service,” Mario says, “it’s not a duty—it’s a calling. It’s about standing in the gap and being the light for those who are suffering. This is what ADRA is all about: reaching out to those who need us most and showing them that they are not alone.”
Mario’s story is a living testament to the mission of ADRA. It’s a story of selfless service, unwavering faith, and the transformative power of compassion. To watch it, visit bit.ly/4kcbcHk.
About ADRA
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is the international humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, serving more than 120 countries. Its work empowers communities and changes lives around the globe by providing sustainable community development and disaster relief. ADRA’s purpose is to serve humanity so all may live as God intended. For more information, visit ADRA.org.
When you give to the mission offering during Sabbath School, a portion of that offering helps fund ADRA’s ministry around the world. Thank you for your generous support.