There is something amazing
that happens, when you take a seed that is hard, dry, old and lifeless, then place
it in soil moistened with water, add light from above, and wow, life!
After more than four
decades of exposing folks to Christ’s Gospel in Brazil, being a part of “planting”
seven churches in this part of the Brazilian field, and now helping and seeing the
eighth plant sprout, is so thrilling!
However, looking back
I cannot forget how several of these churches were difficult to bear fruit, cultivated
for years while experiencing little growth. At times so discouraged, quitting
seemed like a viable option. I had (and still have) to be reminded that Christ’s
church assembles as congregations of defective sinners, totally forgiven by God,
yet we still, among other flaws, find it so hard to forgive each other. Sometimes
we are like very nice “religious porcupines” that end up injuring one another. Ephesians
4:32
This new “sprout” is on
the fastest growing side of our city. Three years ago, pastor Reginaldo started
a home Bible study that quickly developed into a group of believers that out
grew living room space and went to rented facilities. Now their present
location is no longer adequate.
After a year of prayer,
planning, consultation, and vision building, it was decided to move toward building
facilities that would match our faith, hopes and dreams.
Months were spent to
locate a strategic piece of property on the growing side of our city. A search committee
was formed and last month property was purchased through a generous donation authorized
by our Baptist Mid-Missions co-workers here in NE Brazil.
If you would like to
see the new property location, copy and paste these coordinates: 9°24'30.25"S 40°33'27.13"W to search
in Google Earth or just Google them; click on bottom left satellite option, and
rejoice with us!
Plans have started on
architecting buildings to meet the needs of this new church. Because the area
has a high percentage of young couples, we want to accommodate these young
families as they come to Christ and learn to live out His teachings. Because
this is a band new ministry, we do not have the traditions of the past; this will
allow us new opportunities and innovative ideas as how to do church forward. On
March 21st at 6 in the morning, the core group met on the newly purchased
property to thank God and ask for wisdom. Will you pray for me as we work through
this process of matching the facilities to a young church that needs to reach
out to her community?
Because there is so
much excitement, several families from our other area churches want to congregate
with this new plant core group. Co-worker
Reginaldo and the leadership are putting a limit on how many from our other churches
can be a part of this new group. He said
it so well “we want to plant a new church not transplant a church, into this
community”.
So, for this new
sprout to grow, families must be exposed to the Good News of Jesus Christ in ways
that are relevant. Those who hear His voice will come to Him… that is why we’re
here planting on the south side of the field.
