We Are One: Same Spirit, Same Mission South American Conference “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling” (Ephesians 4:4)
Last month, we wrote about a historic milestone for our ministries and partnership in the region through the first indigenous-led South American conference, which we helped make possible. We appreciate your prayers, as it was a wonderful, Spirit-filled time together.
Hosted in the outskirts of São Paulo, Brazil, around 600 people attended from several South American countries, the USA, Canada, the UK, South Africa, and Belgium.
Highlights: Heartful worship flowed in Portuguese, Spanish, and English. The church plant in Palmas, led by the Wilsons, was nationally recognized. The church plant in João Pessoa, led by the Blaylocks, was nationally recognized. The Belém church, led by the Dolans, was formally recognized as moving from a church plant to a church. Elba Dolan’s book on discipleship and the Kingdom of God (currently only in Portuguese) was released.
We were excited to see groups from the newer Belém and Palmas churches, as well as from the established Macapá churches. These and others from the more isolated northern areas made significant financial sacrifices to attend. The conference made an impact on these more isolated attendees as they experienced the interconnected larger work of belonging in the family of God. One comment from someone newly connected was that “it felt genuine like our regular Sunday services, just more people.” The body of Christ is truly global, and the conference felt like a family reunion.
We are thankful that, for the most part, all went smoothly. We continue to pray that people were challenged and return to their home churches with renewed vision for the expansion of the Kingdom of God.
Once again, thank you for your partnership with this mission to reach Brazil. |