Photo: Reunion meeting with Rio Claro city pastoral leadership.
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FAVELA MINISTRY
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Saturday July 25th, 2015
Photo Above: living quarters in the favela (Sao Paulo, Brazil)
We had the great opportunity to visit a favela in São Paulo. If you have seen the movie, City of God, this favela was the recipient of some of the key drug kingpins that were driven out of Rio de Janeiro that the movie documented. If you don't know what a favela is, it is a neighborhood/slum that is marked by poverty, drugs and gangs. Many also use the term "Shanty Town." Generally, the police don't go in unless it is to gun down. You cannot just walk into these closed off places unannounced and without prior permission. We obtained permission from the drug kingpin through pastor Dirceu who ministers to the kids in this favela. This particular favela is one that Heidi Baker ministers at in partnership with pastor Dirceu Ribeiro to reach the children. It is because of this work that we were even able to get in. I asked the pastor how it is possible for him inside. He said the drug-lords like the work that they do with the kids and have allowed them access for this purpose. Please keep pastor Dirceu Ribeiro in prayer. He risks his life everyday ministering to the favela kids. He shares about Jesus and the hope of a better life outside of drugs! Amen.
As we walked through the compound with armed guards at every corner. We could hear them communicating on their walkie talkies saying, "They're okay, they are with the pastor." That was a very comforting thought. Our purpose in going to the favela was to see the plight and poverty of children that we will most likely be working with in the future.
Photo Above: Children at the ministry center's door inside the favela.
The guard that was watching our activities, stood in the doorway watching and listening to all that was going on. We attended as spectators witnessing first hand the pastor's daily ministry to the children as they gathered in tight quarters to sing, pray, hear the gospel and to be fed an afternoon meal. As we were about to leave, the guard that stood watch at the door, asked if I would pray for him.
I was delighted for the opportunity! I shared the gospel of salvation with him. He listened intently and then said he wanted to pray and receive Jesus Christ into his heart. As his eyes were closed, my hand on his chest, and his gun in his belt, tears flowed down his cheek and he received Jesus. AMEN!
Photo Above: Receiving instruction from pastor Dirceu Ribeiro about the do's and don'ts of going into the Favela.
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COMUNIDADE CRISTA
PARA TODOS OS POVOS
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Preaching Sunday July 26th, 2015
Ministered in two services on Sunday
Service #1: Special afternoon leadership service for church workers
Service #2: Regular evening church service
The afternoon leadership service was marked by the presence of God as the the Holy Spirit was present and moving upon the hearts as tears fell and so many were renewed in their relationship with Christ.
As well, we ministered in the normal Sunday evening service. The Holy Spirit continued what was birthed in the afternoon leadership meeting. Four people made first time decisions for Jesus and about 15 came forward to the altars to rededicate their lives to Christ. The Holy Spirit was moving powerfully as many were healed in their seats during the service.
SOME TESTIMONIES FROM THE EVENING SERVICE:
Photo above: This school teacher had a shoulder injury for 4 years in which she was not able to raise her arm, she had vertigo and severe neck issues. She came forward to show the church that she was completely healed. AMEN!
Photo above: This older man came forward to testify that his bad back was healed. He described feeling a pop in his back and at that moment, he could turn and bend in any direction and was completely pain free.
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An older woman came forward describing the intense heat she was feeling in her chest. She described the heart issues she had dealt with and the angioplasty she had. She felt her chest vibrating in strange sensations and all her discomfort and pain left. She said she felt God had truly done something for her.
Photo above: This woman had a car accident 20 years ago. She had had reconstructive surgery in one leg. Her nerves had been damaged and she could not bend or lift up that leg. During the service she was healed and could move the leg without any pain!
Photo above: Bishop Jose Macedo (blue shirt on the right)
Bishop José Macedo is the founding pastor of this church. He is also the co-founder of one of Brazil's largest non-denomination church organizations. It is amazing that by invitation he preaches weekly to the catholic priests by their request. Bishop José is a spirit filled preacher that does not preach an ecumenical message, but the solid message of the cross. To come to acquaintance with a man so well respected in the community and country is an honor for us.
Pastor Claudio Rimoni, another lead pastor from this church, came to Rio Claro to do a teaching/training session on behalf of All Nations for the city's pastors about prayer and intercession when we were preparing the local church for the October crusade of 2014. He was the link God used to bring us to this church in São Paulo.
Pastor Claudio invited us to his church to preach and we connected in an amazing way with the church and Bishop José. We shared our plans with the bishop about the orphanage, he was so excited and said he is well networked throughout Brazil and wants to partner with us for the work. Their ministry has opened 240 churches in India and many in Africa. This is a great missions minded ministry and definitely another God appointed divine relationship established as we prepare for the work ahead in Brazil.
Photo above: Pastor Claudio Rimoldi introducing us.
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IGREJA BATISTA DO CALVARIO
July 19th, 2014
2 Salvations & 8 Re-Dedications to Christ
Above photos: people up front to receive Christ.
We had the wonderful privilege to preach in this amazing church. God did so many amazing miracles and lives were impacted.
Photo Above: This woman had a hip and leg issue. Her leg was operated on as a result of a car accident many years ago and she was not able to bend, run, or walk without assistance. She experienced severe pain as a result of sciatic nerve damage. All her pain left and her movement was 100% restored. It was a great moment as the church rejoiced at this healing. Praise God!
Pastor Rogério is the pastor of this church as well as the president of the city's (Santa Gertrudes) Pastor's Council. He attended the All Nations Rio Claro Crusade last October and witnessed all that God did. He said the pastors of the city have been praying ever since about doing a crusade in their city. He asked All Nations to facilitate and preach at their crusade.This is a city hungry for revival! We are praying and believing for our own sound system to do these crusades in smaller communities. We have priced out a complete system for 30K here in the states to take to Brazil. It is about 1/3 of what it would cost to buy in Brazil.
