New Church Development in Brazil Update July 2024
Brothers and sisters, servants of Jesus Christ, may the peace of God that surpasses all understanding be with each one of you. I hope that all of you and your families are doing well, enjoying health and fellowship with our good God.
We are grateful to God for the lives of each partner who has blessed us in the development of God’s Kingdom here in Brazil. New Church Development is going very well, growing not only in number but also in maturity. We are planting four new churches with the money we received from our U.S. partners: Independent Presbyterian Church of Campeche in Florianopolis SC, Independent Presbyterian Church in Santa Felicidade, Curitiba PR, Independent Presbyterian Church in Liberdade São Paulo SP, and Independent Presbyterian Church in Iparana, Caucacia, CE.
The Campeche church in Florianopolis, SC, worships on Sunday evenings, has a children's ministry, hosts adult discipleship groups for men, women, and youth, and holds a Bible study on Wednesday evenings. Currently, about 40 people attend worship on Sunday.
The new church in Santa Feliciade is growing fast. It is using martial arts to proclaim the good news of the Gospel. The karate project for children and teenagers has allowed the church to expand its relationships within the community, making new friends and meeting new families. We are happy to see what God is doing in and through this church.
Independent Presbyterian Church in Iparana, Caucacia, CE, has grown faster than we imagined it could. God has done great things in our midst, bringing together people from different backgrounds. This is the church that started on the beach.
Our church understands the importance of the communion table as a place for sharing, reconciliation, strengthening, learning, counseling, and welcoming. Every first Sunday, we hold a very special and beautiful community breakfast full of delicious foods, ending with a beautiful service of thanksgiving to the Lord for all the benefits He has freely given us.
Youth Ministry occurs every second Thursday of the month. We meet with our young people to study current and relevant topics that are integral to their faith development.
The Office of Evangelization is planting churches nationwide in partnership with presbyteries and local churches. And thank God they are all doing very well. The Rev. Caio, Secretary of Evangelization, is doing an excellent job. Under his leadership, all pastors planting new churches undergo training and are evaluated by a group of experienced pastors, myself included, as well as a psychologist. This work has made success in church planting a reality.
I could say many other things about these churches, but we wouldn't have space for so much information. Other churches have been planted by pastors who are excited about what God is doing in Brazil. One of these churches is the new church in Cajazeiras, a city in Northeast Brazil, which was planted by Brazil’s first female pastor.
I am grateful to God for your faithfulness and generosity. The challenges are many, but together, we will win. May the Lord bless you in everything.
-Rev. Dr. J. C. Pezini
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation seeks prayers and gifts to support new church development in Brazil. God is at work among the Brazilian church plants, and we are excited about what's ahead. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help sustain current church plants and to help birth new ones. If you want to join this incredible ministry's growing network of supporters, please send funds to The Outreach Foundation, designated “New Church Development Brazil.” Send a gift via mail or click the link below to give online.