João Regina Vieira, a pioneer of the Adventist Church in Cape Verde, dies in New Bedford

João Regina Vieira, affectionately known as Djodjoi, one of the pioneering figures of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Cape Verde, passed away in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in the United States of America. His death leaves a lasting impact on family members, friends, fellow believers, and members of the community who accompanied him throughout his long life and religious dedication.

Born on May 5, 1934, the son of Regina Vieira, João Regina Vieira built a life marked by work, family, and a commitment to the Adventist faith.

His religious journey began at a young age. In February 1949, he was baptized by Pastor Arlindo Miranda in a ceremony held at the Church of Nossa Senhora do Monte. From that moment on, he embarked on a journey of faith that would span more than seven decades.

Throughout his life in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, Djodjoi held various positions. He served as an elder and deacon, was director of the Sabbath School, head of Missionary Work, and youth secretary. He also participated in the Pathfinders’ Progressive Class and contributed to other areas of the church.

More than the positions he held, he stood out for his spirit of service and his dedication to the religious community. His journey is part of the history of a generation that helped establish, strengthen, and spread the Adventist message in Cape Verde, during a period marked by challenges and the need for perseverance.

In his professional life, Djodjoi worked for 24 years at Mr. Eduardo Camilo’s trading company before emigrating to the United States. It was a long phase of his professional and social life, which ran parallel to the building of his family.

On July 9, 1959, he married Joana Lopes de Pina, who has also since passed away. The couple had three children: João Josué de Pina Vieira, Artur de Pina Vieira (now deceased), and Anita Regina de Pina Vieira.

Family played a central role in his life, and his legacy lives on through his children, relatives, and the generations who have inherited his values, teachings, and memories.

On March 31, 1979, Djodjoi emigrated to the United States, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. In the diaspora, he maintained his connection to the Adventist Church and the Cape Verdean community, continuing to live out his faith and preserve his ties to his homeland.

Although he spent decades in the United States, he maintained a special connection with Cape Verde. After emigrating, he returned to the country only once, in May 2004.

One of the most recent tributes to his life took place on December 28, 2024, at the New Bedford Adventist Church. The ceremony was organized and led by Pastor António dos Anjos and brought together family, friends, and fellow believers to recognize Djodjoi’s life, testimony, and service over the decades.

The story of João Regina Vieira goes beyond the dates and roles he held. His life also represents a part of the history of the Adventist Church in Cape Verde and of the Cape Verdean community in the diaspora.

We are left with the memory of the young man who embraced the Adventist faith in 1949, of the man who served in various areas of the church, of the worker who dedicated 24 years to the same company, of the husband and father, and of the emigrant who crossed the Atlantic in 1979 to begin a new chapter of his life in New Bedford.

With his passing, one of the pioneering figures of the Cape Verdean Adventist community is physically gone, but the legacy of faith, service, and perseverance built up over decades remains.

His life is a chapter in the history of the Adventist Church in Cape Verde and of the Cape Verdean community in the United States. Our condolences go out to his family, friends, and the Adventist community at this time of farewell.