Sara: Retreat Ministry for Pastors in Brazil (Pezini) Update November 2024

Dear partners of SARA Ministries,

It is with great joy that we share how God has been faithful to our ministry among pastors in Brazil. Remembering Paul's guidance to his disciple Timothy, saying: "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this, you will save both yourself and those who hear you." 1 Tim. 4:16.

In these post-pandemic times, we are returning to normalcy, and we have seen that the SARA Ministry is also being renewed and finding ways to advance.

The SARA board offered training and alignment to the regional coordinators in 2024, and the retreats are happening again, bringing refreshment and encouragement to the pastors. There has also been an increase in mentoring requests from pastors across the country.

Recently, we were invited to participate in an event in the city of Recife, the capital of the State of Pernambuco in northeastern Brazil. Some pastors attended a workshop introducing the vision and practices of the SARA Ministry. The reception was excellent and impactful, and we are hopeful that in 2025, we will start a Regional Nucleus of SARA in northeastern Brazil, which is a significant challenge as it is the poorest part of the country. There were pastors from various denominations present at this workshop.

Below is a testimony from a young pastor from Recife who was with us for this workshop. In fact, he sent this message to a large group of other pastors in his connection network:

"...I had the opportunity to get to know this ministry whose purpose is to care for the pastor. I saw both my need and the importance of this work, so I will be registering. I encourage my dear ones to visit the website to learn about the work. Do not hesitate to seek help, as the consequences can be serious. Don't walk alone.

You strive to take care of others, but who takes care of you? If you don't take care of yourself today, tomorrow you won't be able to take care of anyone, and on top of that, you will need a lot of help."

Thus, we feel encouraged and willing to continue serving pastors in our country and collaborating to form a new culture in the exercise of pastoral vocation, where we stop working FOR God and start serving with the perspective that we work WITH GOD.

In Christ,

-Rev. Dr. J. C. Pezini

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the SARA: Retreat Ministry for Pastors in Brazil. This ministry helps restore and support pastors who are weary from a life of pastoral ministry. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help offer more regional groups and retreats. You may make a gift by mailing a check to our address below or you can give online using the following link.