Below is an update on our first church plant in Brazil, Igreja Bastista Viva in Porto Alegre. Here Pastor Tiago (who recently became the pastor there) shares about the current ministry situation.
Good evening,
I thank God for all the prayers, words of encouragement, and financial support. I write this update with a heart that overflows with joy and encouraged by what God has done at IBV. My family and I are adapting well. We were well received by the church members and neighbors. I am thankful to God for Pr. Magioli and his family who planted the good seed with much care and today we are harvesting the fruit of their labor (John 4:35-38).
On Wednesday evenings we are learning about and spending time in prayer. We are experiencing good attendance with a good mix of believers and non-believers. In the prayer service we encourage everyone to first praise God for answered prayers and secondly place before God their worries.
This is a family that Pastor Tiago (on the right in the black shirt) has been working with recently, doing Bible studies, praying with them, and providing assistance. The parents Fluvia and Felipe are drug users, and they have recently had twins. This photo is from their recent baby dedication.
Sunday evenings we are working on self esteem and fellowship with other believers. To encourage fellowship, after the service we celebrate those who had birthdays that week (it has been a wonderful time). Simultaneously with the evening service we have a children’s service. This month we have been teaching the children about the birth and life of young Jesus, always reviewing the previous lessons to help them learn.
During the week, from Tuesday thru Friday, I am in the office during the morning hours. Everyday, since the beginning, we have seen people coming by seeking counseling or guidance. On Tuesdays I touch base with the members of the church via phone, seeking to know their needs and scheduling visits when possible. We also connect with those who visited the church the previous Sunday, usually during this time we present Christ to them more clearly.
Feb. 10th we held the food distribution service. The members of IBV love this ministry and are very involved with it. To God be the Glory. Through the food distribution service we are seeing doors open in a neighboring community for us to spread the Gospel. I believe that soon we will preaching the message of salvation in this community.
We currently have 6 people preparing for membership, some through baptism others through reconciliation. In March we begin, along with Sunday School, a class called “welcome to the family” with these folks in mind.
Prayer needs:
- For those preparing for membership
- New Sunday School class (starting 3/13)
- The families in the church
- The ministries in the church returning to regular schedules in March
- My family’s health (Tiago = reflux, Joice = pregnancy)
- The furthering of God’s Kingdom in our community
Once again I’d like to thank you for the partnership and believing in our work.
Love in Christ,
Tiago Matias e família