The Brazilian Bible Society (or SBB) has officially made history by formalising the handover of the land title deed for the City of the Bible (City of the Bible) project. The handover ceremony took place on 29 July 2026 at the SBB’s headquarters in Barueri, São Paulo.

Located at Kilometre 42 of the Castello Branco Motorway, Santana de Parnaíba, this site will support SBB’s efforts to expand the production, distribution and access to the Bible in the future.

 

The event was attended by church leaders, the organisation’s management, partners and invited guests. Hélio de Souza Silva attended on behalf of Santana de Parnaíba City Council, accompanied by Faeis Kadri, the former landowner, who formally signed over the title to SBB. SBB’s Communications Manager, Luciana Krüger, chaired the proceedings. Meanwhile, Reverend Esequias Soares da Silva, a member of the SBB Advisory Board, read a Bible verse and led a prayer of thanksgiving.

 

The City of the Bible: A Dream Beginning to Come True

The Executive Director of SBB, Rev. Dr Erní Walter Seibert, outlined the plans for the Bible City development project to all those present and described the handover of these land certificates as a significant milestone for the organisation. He also expressed his gratitude to the church, partners and supporters who have participated in this initiative.

“For many people, this is a dream come true. Now is the time for us to have a plot of land on which the City of the Bible will be built,” said Rev. Erní. He added that this project marks a new chapter for Bible ministry, both in Brazil and internationally. “We hope that the establishment of Bible City will spark a major movement that brings the Word of God to ever more people.”

 

Signing of a Historic Document

The highlight of the ceremony was the signing of the deed of transfer by Faeis Kadri in the presence of public officials and a notary. The document was then symbolically handed over to Rev. Dr Erní Walter Seibert and presented to Rev. Esequias Soares da Silva as a representative of the SBB executive committee.

 

Kadri revealed that he understood just how important this project was after gaining a deeper insight into the mission championed by SBB. “This is not merely an ordinary property transaction. We are working on a grand and noble project,” he said. The invited guests also signed a Bible which will later be placed alongside the foundation stone for the construction of the City of the Bible. This moment symbolises faith, gratitude and a shared commitment to biblical ministry.

 

Gratitude and Commitment to the Future

Rev. Esequias Soares stated that the receipt of this land certificate marks a historic milestone for SBB, the churches, and all God’s people. He emphasised that this achievement is the result of prayer, hard work and cooperation between various parties.

 

“This area is specifically designated for Bible production. It is an answer to prayer and the result of the efforts of our brothers and sisters at SBB, the management team, and all staff,” he said. Dr Antonio Cabrera Mano Filho, First Vice-Chair of the SBB Advisory Board, led the closing prayer and emphasised the importance of continuing the organisation’s mission. “This is the beginning of the next dream: the dream that the Brazilian Bible Society will continue to carry out its mission.”

 

The Bible as the Centre of Ministry

The presentation of this certificate marks a new chapter in the history of the Brazilian Bible Society. Since 1948, the Bible has always been at the heart of the SBB’s mission, with the organisation continually striving to improve production, expand the reach of Bible distribution, and facilitate public access to the Holy Scriptures.

 

The Bible City project is a tangible manifestation of that commitment—a project designed to serve the church, the community, and society at large by bringing God’s Word, hope, and faith in Christ to transform the lives of many people.

 

Translated from: UBS Community