God Never Gives Up

The church in Alagoinha began 10 years ago when I went to give a Bible study to a group of about 20 people, one of which was Antônio Germano. His wife had died just some months before, so I never had the privilege of meeting her.

Antônio was excited to hear the Gospel. He had already been baptized biblically but was meeting with a denomination that was not teaching truth. He kept insisting that I come back to help begin the church. Ricardo Sobral and I went and simply asked him what was stopping him from beginning to meet and call others to meet with him. So, that is what he began doing. The church grew to around fifteen members in a short time but, not too long after that, dwindled back down to four faithful members. Part of the reason is that Antônio is a very zealous man. He is zealous for God's word and God's will, but he has a hard time encouraging others to continue in their faith. A lot of times he comes off sounding like he wants to make them do God's will. We have tried to help him learn to talk to others and encourage them, but he has a hard time changing his ways. He is pushing 70 now. If you are getting close to 70 or have already passed this mark, may God bless you. I am not saying that everyone who is close to or over the age of 70 is not willing to change but it is hard to do so. It's hard at any age.

After years of involvement and trying to help Antônio change, I gave up. I did not know what else to do. There was no one else that would lead and teach, no one with the zeal and perseverance that could carry the light to others in this city. I prayed off and on for this town and the church. This month, I met someone who might be an answer to prayer. Fabiano is not yet a Christian, but he has the desire to see the church grow. He also knows Antônio's limitations and seems to be willing to hear (throwing out the bad and keeping the good) and to work with him. He knows how to plan and execute plans. I am excited and praying.

Please pray too for Alagoinha, the church, Antônio, and Fabiano.

Comments

The Second Generation, Part II

In 1993 when we came in contact with a young struggling couple in Caruaru, Paulo and Simone, we never imagined what plans God had in store for them. Now 18 years later (Wow, has it been that long?), after conversion, ups and downs, growing pains, working to further the Kingdom and living it, they have had the pleasure to witness the beginning of their daughter's life in Christ. Juliana (age ten) was baptized by her older brother, Jheymerson, who was also ten years old when he gave his life to Jesus. What a wonderful blessing to have one's whole family saved in Christ! Maria and Cícero were also converted when we lived in Caruaru, though single at the time. They dated and got married, the ceremony performed by yours truly. Maria has been faithful to Jesus all these years though going through several difficulties. Cícero, on the other hand, fell away, but came back and renewed his life and his marriage, and now, along with Juliana, his daughter Vitória (age ten) was baptize...

The Fall of a god

A lot has happened since the last time we talked. The World Cup has ended, and Brazil was not the champion, in fact the country was shamed by a 7 to 1 loss to Germany . There were not many riots as people were expecting to happen. People just went back to work and still a over a month later talk about how bad Brazil played. The expectations to win a World Cup have been pushed back many years. Germany seems to be the favorite to win the next World Cup. There are many Brazilians who, I guess you could say, worship soccer. Yes, soccer is their "god". They may not think so. I am sure they would all deny this fact because it sounds outrageous, but they eat, sleep, and drink soccer. They stay out late at night with strangers at soccer matches instead of being with their families at home. They take their meals in front of a soccer game on TV instead of eating at the table with their famili...

Everlasting Father

by David McKinney Beliza first met the church in 2009. Along with her came her little brother Kauã. He was two years old at the time. He has had the privilege of growing up in the church. This means that God has used many people to influence him in the process of his conversion. He has participated avidly in Sunday School, VBS, tagged along with big sister to all kinds of youth devos and retreats, studied the ...

McKinney Report

Search This Blog