Adventist Woman in Brazil Makes Handwritten Copies of the Bible

Eliana Selmer displays the second Bible she wrote as a gift for her daughter. [Photo: Matheus Drobenko]

In southern Brazil, a 65-year-old retired nurse is inspiring her entire church with a remarkable act of devotion.

Eliana Selmer, a Seventh-day Adventist from Castro, Paraná, began hand-copying the Bible in 2006 to help her better memorize Scripture.

Each morning before work, she spent 45 minutes transcribing a page—a practice she kept for over four years. Using 35 pens, she filled 2,500 handwritten pages across four volumes.

Her first completed Bible became a treasured gift to her son. Then, she started a second copy for her daughter—this time writing the words of Jesus in green ink.

Her dedication caught on. Women in her church followed her example, and eventually, over 140 members joined a collective Bible-writing project.

Each volunteer hand-copied a chapter, and together they created a beautifully illustrated, handwritten Bible.

Church pastor Luiz Ferreira says the effort has brought people closer to God’s Word—not just as a book for worship, but as part of their daily lives.