A Family Transformed by the Power of the Gospel
Pamela and Milton live in Vila Safira. They began "dating" when Pamela was eleven. By age twelve Pamela had given birth to their first child. Now age 21, she is the mother of four children. She and Milton live together, but they are not married.
Through our church plant in Vila Safira, Pastor Jocelito and his wife (Luciane) have been reaching out to Pamela and her family. Several months ago she came to know the Lord, but because of her living situation has been unable to join the church. However, she has been attending new believer classes; learning what the Christian life is all about. In the process she was taught God's plan for her family. Of course Pamela was convicted about her situation, but Milton was not a believer and did not see the problem. This is very common specifically among the poor in Brazil.
Pastor Jocelito and Luciane (left) Milton and Pamela (right)
Rodrigo, Gabriela, Manuela, Lucia (left to right)
This left Pamela in a very bad situation. She knew that living with Milton outside of marriage was wrong. At the same time, what was a 21 y/o mother of four living in abject poverty to do? This is a very difficult situation in which many women in our churches find themselves. The church's response has been to love and encourage them, while at the same time holding them accountable. They exhibit grace while maintaining a standard of holiness.
Time and again we have seen the Lord work resulting in the salvation of the children and boyfriends of these women. This of course leads to marriage. I am excited to say that this is the case for Pamela and Milton, as well. Due to her witness and the witness of the church, he recently received Christ and is going through new believer classes. They have set their wedding date for March 28, 2010. This will be an extra special day because after their wedding they will both be baptized and join the church in Vila Safira.
What a great testimony of the grace of God! It is also a testimony that illustrates the importance of church planting especially among the poor and needy. We are literally seeing individuals, families, and whole communities being transformed by the power of the Gospel.
Through our church plant in Vila Safira, Pastor Jocelito and his wife (Luciane) have been reaching out to Pamela and her family. Several months ago she came to know the Lord, but because of her living situation has been unable to join the church. However, she has been attending new believer classes; learning what the Christian life is all about. In the process she was taught God's plan for her family. Of course Pamela was convicted about her situation, but Milton was not a believer and did not see the problem. This is very common specifically among the poor in Brazil.
Pastor Jocelito and Luciane (left) Milton and Pamela (right)
Rodrigo, Gabriela, Manuela, Lucia (left to right)
This left Pamela in a very bad situation. She knew that living with Milton outside of marriage was wrong. At the same time, what was a 21 y/o mother of four living in abject poverty to do? This is a very difficult situation in which many women in our churches find themselves. The church's response has been to love and encourage them, while at the same time holding them accountable. They exhibit grace while maintaining a standard of holiness.
Time and again we have seen the Lord work resulting in the salvation of the children and boyfriends of these women. This of course leads to marriage. I am excited to say that this is the case for Pamela and Milton, as well. Due to her witness and the witness of the church, he recently received Christ and is going through new believer classes. They have set their wedding date for March 28, 2010. This will be an extra special day because after their wedding they will both be baptized and join the church in Vila Safira.
What a great testimony of the grace of God! It is also a testimony that illustrates the importance of church planting especially among the poor and needy. We are literally seeing individuals, families, and whole communities being transformed by the power of the Gospel.
Posted by Patrick at 12/1/2009 7:06 PM 
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Needy whole Gospel world missions Brazil South America world hunger poverty Living Bread Jesus Chirst Gospel poor and needy world poverty feeding ministry
Categories: uncategorized
Tags: Needy whole Gospel world missions Brazil South America world hunger poverty Living Bread Jesus Chirst Gospel poor and needy world poverty feeding ministry
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