Living Bread Ministries
Planting Churches Among the Desperately Poor
Living Bread Ministries
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.
Transforming Communities by the Power of the Gospel
Each of our church plants is ministering to needs in their community. Our church plant in Bom Jesus is no different. Since April we have been providing food for several families in the community. The members of these families consists of thirty five people. Since, April eight of them have come to know Christ, been through several months of new believer classes, baptized and are actively serving in the church. They have become a testimony of grace in the community.
New Believers from Bom Jesus Prior to Baptism
During this time we have distributed over 2,000 lbs of food at this young church. However, the idea is not to just give them food, but by the grace of God and the power of the Gospel to equip them to provide for themselves. We have seen a great transformation in people's lives. Before, they were completely lacking a foundation; without hope and perspective. Now, they are experiencing God's mercy and grace daily; giving them dignity, restoring hope, and strengthening them physically to work. They have come to understand that they are image bearers of God created with a God ordained purpose. With this understanding they have the faith and confidence to begin building a life for themselves and their families.
The Lord has been good to us this year. I hope you will take a few moments to read our newsletter to learn other ways the Lord is blessing.
New Partnership to Plant Churches Among the Poor and Needy
November 11, 2009
I was on my way to a prayer meeting this morning when the Lord gave us a wonderful blessing. I recieved a call from Brian Mininger owner of Home Innovations. Brian and his family want to partner with LBM to continue the church plant in Vila Safira. Up to now we have not been able to raise the monthly support to fund this church and our exisiting resources have been used. Faced with the possibility of not being able to continue the work, we decided to spotlight this church plant at our annual International Dessert Reception.
Children Waiting to Eat After a Bible Study
Brian attended this event and was moved by what the Lord is doing, through this church, in the most dangerous community in Porto Alegre. The church is growing by conversion. People are being fed spiritually and physically. They are reaching out and making an impact in the severe drug problem in the community as well. The Lord is working and Brian and his family want to be a part of it.
We need to raise $920 per month to fund this church plant. Home Innovations has agreed to match any monthly supporters for the church in Vila Safira up to $460 per month. That means that we only need to raise $460 per month to fully fund this church plant! Would you prayerfully consider investing $30 or $50 per month to plant a church among the desperatley poor in Vila Safira? Home Innovations will match your investment to make sure that we can continue to reach one of the poorest and most dangerous communities in Porto Alegre, with the life transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ. This offer is only available for the next several weeks, so please pray that the Lord will raise up the partners we need to continue this work.
I was on my way to a prayer meeting this morning when the Lord gave us a wonderful blessing. I recieved a call from Brian Mininger owner of Home Innovations. Brian and his family want to partner with LBM to continue the church plant in Vila Safira. Up to now we have not been able to raise the monthly support to fund this church and our exisiting resources have been used. Faced with the possibility of not being able to continue the work, we decided to spotlight this church plant at our annual International Dessert Reception.
Children Waiting to Eat After a Bible Study
Brian attended this event and was moved by what the Lord is doing, through this church, in the most dangerous community in Porto Alegre. The church is growing by conversion. People are being fed spiritually and physically. They are reaching out and making an impact in the severe drug problem in the community as well. The Lord is working and Brian and his family want to be a part of it.
We need to raise $920 per month to fund this church plant. Home Innovations has agreed to match any monthly supporters for the church in Vila Safira up to $460 per month. That means that we only need to raise $460 per month to fully fund this church plant! Would you prayerfully consider investing $30 or $50 per month to plant a church among the desperatley poor in Vila Safira? Home Innovations will match your investment to make sure that we can continue to reach one of the poorest and most dangerous communities in Porto Alegre, with the life transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ. This offer is only available for the next several weeks, so please pray that the Lord will raise up the partners we need to continue this work.
If you have any questions please contact us.
Rescued From Depression and Alcoholism
I got these testimonies from our church plants in Vila Safira and Vila Nova. I was greatly encouraged by what the Lord is doing. I hope you will be as well.
Marília and Fabiano are attending the church in Vila Nova. They are pictured with her son Gabriel. She is pregnant; due in December. She is a believer but had strayed from the Lord as a result of hardship in her life. Gabriel's father abandoned them. Her mother struggled with depression and recently hung herself. Marília also deals with depression. The Lord used all of this to get her and Fabiano into church. Fabiano has accepted the Lord and they are being discipled for church membership. They are planning to be married and baptized.
Jusandra is an alcoholic and suffers from depression. She accepted Christ through our church plant in Vila Safira. Today she no longer drinks and is being treated for depression. She is a blessing and is always ready to help out around the church. The Lord is working in her life reconciling relationships that were destroyed due to her alcohol abuse. Recently, she was able to reconcile with her daughter.
It is wonderful to see the Lord transforming lives and families for His glory. People are being rescued from the hopelessness and despair that comes from living in extreme poverty. Relationships are being restored and homes are being built upon the foundation of Christ. It is a great thing to witness the power of the Gospel. Praise Jesus!
Marília and Fabiano are attending the church in Vila Nova. They are pictured with her son Gabriel. She is pregnant; due in December. She is a believer but had strayed from the Lord as a result of hardship in her life. Gabriel's father abandoned them. Her mother struggled with depression and recently hung herself. Marília also deals with depression. The Lord used all of this to get her and Fabiano into church. Fabiano has accepted the Lord and they are being discipled for church membership. They are planning to be married and baptized.
Jusandra is an alcoholic and suffers from depression. She accepted Christ through our church plant in Vila Safira. Today she no longer drinks and is being treated for depression. She is a blessing and is always ready to help out around the church. The Lord is working in her life reconciling relationships that were destroyed due to her alcohol abuse. Recently, she was able to reconcile with her daughter.
It is wonderful to see the Lord transforming lives and families for His glory. People are being rescued from the hopelessness and despair that comes from living in extreme poverty. Relationships are being restored and homes are being built upon the foundation of Christ. It is a great thing to witness the power of the Gospel. Praise Jesus!
Reaching the Poor and Needy by Planting Churches
October 6, 2009
Yesterday I received an update from our church plant in Vila Safira. I sat in my office fighting back tears of joy and sadness. My heart is over joyed to see this young church plant growing and ministering to the community in a Christ exalting way. It is so exciting to see the Gospel penetrating such dark places and transforming them for the glory of Jesus. That is what the Lord is doing in Vila Safira and it's exciting.
Setembrino is a new believer at our church plant in Vila Safira. He is a
severe alcoholic and is in poor health. He is pictured in front of his home.
At the same time my heart broke for the people. It is hard for me to see the conditions they live in, especially once they are born again by the Spirit of God. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle to survive. As I looked at the pictures and read their stories I was reminded of Matt 25:31-46. Jesus said that at the final judgment He will separate people based on how they responded to the needs of the least among them. Not that doing things for the poor results in salvation, but that a clear indication of a regenerate heart is a burden for helping the least among us; the poor and needy in Vila Safira and all over the world. I was reminded that if what I do for the least among us will testify to the measure of my love for Jesus I need to do a lot more. He is worthy of much more!
These young parents are 15 & 17. He bags groceries and she does not
work. They are lost but the church in Vila Safira is reaching out to
them providing food and any help they can. Apart from a miracle of
God's grace this little girl will spend the rest of her life in abject poverty.
Join me in praying that LBM will break through and by God's grace be able to begin planting more churches among the desperately poor. Not just any kind of church, but churches that will boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Churches that the Lord will be pleased with when he comes to judge the world.
To learn more about LBM and our church planting efforts among the poor and needy contact us.
Yesterday I received an update from our church plant in Vila Safira. I sat in my office fighting back tears of joy and sadness. My heart is over joyed to see this young church plant growing and ministering to the community in a Christ exalting way. It is so exciting to see the Gospel penetrating such dark places and transforming them for the glory of Jesus. That is what the Lord is doing in Vila Safira and it's exciting.
Setembrino is a new believer at our church plant in Vila Safira. He is a
severe alcoholic and is in poor health. He is pictured in front of his home.
At the same time my heart broke for the people. It is hard for me to see the conditions they live in, especially once they are born again by the Spirit of God. My heart aches for my brothers and sisters in Christ who struggle to survive. As I looked at the pictures and read their stories I was reminded of Matt 25:31-46. Jesus said that at the final judgment He will separate people based on how they responded to the needs of the least among them. Not that doing things for the poor results in salvation, but that a clear indication of a regenerate heart is a burden for helping the least among us; the poor and needy in Vila Safira and all over the world. I was reminded that if what I do for the least among us will testify to the measure of my love for Jesus I need to do a lot more. He is worthy of much more!
These young parents are 15 & 17. He bags groceries and she does not
work. They are lost but the church in Vila Safira is reaching out to
them providing food and any help they can. Apart from a miracle of
God's grace this little girl will spend the rest of her life in abject poverty.
Join me in praying that LBM will break through and by God's grace be able to begin planting more churches among the desperately poor. Not just any kind of church, but churches that will boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Churches that the Lord will be pleased with when he comes to judge the world.
To learn more about LBM and our church planting efforts among the poor and needy contact us.
Share Christmas 09
Sept 29, 2009
Once again it's time for Share Christmas. This year our church plants will be providing school supplies and a hygiene kit for children in their communities. Each church will be distributing the gifts the week of Christmas at evangelistic services. Your $15.00 gift will meet a basic need while giving us an opportunity to address the most important need of all.
Children who received gifts last year
To learn more or to participate please visit the Share Christmas website. Thank you for helping us share the true meaning of Christmas with the desperately poor.
Once again it's time for Share Christmas. This year our church plants will be providing school supplies and a hygiene kit for children in their communities. Each church will be distributing the gifts the week of Christmas at evangelistic services. Your $15.00 gift will meet a basic need while giving us an opportunity to address the most important need of all.
Children who received gifts last year
To learn more or to participate please visit the Share Christmas website. Thank you for helping us share the true meaning of Christmas with the desperately poor.
Feeding the Poor Spiritually and Physically
September 22, 2009
We are planting churches among the desperately poor in southern Brazil. The people in our church plants live in abject poverty and without our help most of them would be forced to survive by eating from the garbage. It is sad to think of children digging through refuse to find a meal but it is a harsh reality of life in much of the world.
We believe that the local church has a responsibility to address these type of needs in its community. How could we plant churches among the poor and needy and not address this very basic need? Each of our church plants operates various feeding ministries to reach out to their community. Some offer meals at the church, breakfast before Sunday school, and others have feeding ministries for the homeless. All of them provide families with monthly food kits, which make the difference between having to eat from the garbage or not. In addition, the churches meet emergency needs for food.
Pamela is a new believer. Her family receives a food kit
from our church plant in Vila Safira.
The Lord uses these ministries to open doors for the Gospel and they have been a key part of church growth. The poor come to see that the church really cares for them and the Lord draws them to himself. Further, scripture clearly teaches that we have a moral obligation to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. What better way to do that than through the local church.
As you might imagine these types of outreach ministries require resources to operate. We need monthly partners to give $15.00 to provide one family with a food kit each month. Your gift will literally keep people from eating from the trash for survival!
If you would like to provide food for hungry
families please click here.
Would you consider sharing this post with your circle of influence? You could email it or post it on a social network like facebook or twitter.
We are planting churches among the desperately poor in southern Brazil. The people in our church plants live in abject poverty and without our help most of them would be forced to survive by eating from the garbage. It is sad to think of children digging through refuse to find a meal but it is a harsh reality of life in much of the world.
We believe that the local church has a responsibility to address these type of needs in its community. How could we plant churches among the poor and needy and not address this very basic need? Each of our church plants operates various feeding ministries to reach out to their community. Some offer meals at the church, breakfast before Sunday school, and others have feeding ministries for the homeless. All of them provide families with monthly food kits, which make the difference between having to eat from the garbage or not. In addition, the churches meet emergency needs for food.
from our church plant in Vila Safira.
The Lord uses these ministries to open doors for the Gospel and they have been a key part of church growth. The poor come to see that the church really cares for them and the Lord draws them to himself. Further, scripture clearly teaches that we have a moral obligation to help our brothers and sisters in Christ. What better way to do that than through the local church.
As you might imagine these types of outreach ministries require resources to operate. We need monthly partners to give $15.00 to provide one family with a food kit each month. Your gift will literally keep people from eating from the trash for survival!
If you would like to provide food for hungry
families please click here.
Would you consider sharing this post with your circle of influence? You could email it or post it on a social network like facebook or twitter.
Join LBM in Brazil - July 2010
September 9, 2009
We have begun planning for our summer 2010 mission trip(s). We are currently recruiting members for a group to spend July 9-20 with us in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We will be serving with our church plants among the desperately poor in the city. We will be involved in children and women's ministries, feeding and homeless ministries, and various other outreach events. This will be an opportunity for you to come alongside young churches whose membership consists primarily of new believers to encourage and equip them as they minister in their own communities. Below is a video that will give you a good idea of our work and the types of ministries you will be serving in.
We have begun planning for our summer 2010 mission trip(s). We are currently recruiting members for a group to spend July 9-20 with us in Porto Alegre, Brazil. We will be serving with our church plants among the desperately poor in the city. We will be involved in children and women's ministries, feeding and homeless ministries, and various other outreach events. This will be an opportunity for you to come alongside young churches whose membership consists primarily of new believers to encourage and equip them as they minister in their own communities. Below is a video that will give you a good idea of our work and the types of ministries you will be serving in.
30 Years As a Witch Doctor
August 24, 2009
In Porto Alegre, Brazil there is a huge presence of religions like Macumba, and Umbanda. In fact, there are 30,000 Macumba Centers in the city. We have numerous people in our church plants that have spent their lives involved in these religions. Vilma is a member of the church in Vila Nova. Prior to conversion she spent 30 years as a witch doctor in Umbanda. Her daughter, Fabiane, was reached with the Gospel at the church in Vila Nova and through her Vilma came to know the Lord.
A couple weeks ago Vilma and one of her grandsons were also baptized into the church. They are the only Christians in their family. We are praying that Vilma's husband and her other grandson will come to know the Lord. You can watch her baptism below.
In Porto Alegre, Brazil there is a huge presence of religions like Macumba, and Umbanda. In fact, there are 30,000 Macumba Centers in the city. We have numerous people in our church plants that have spent their lives involved in these religions. Vilma is a member of the church in Vila Nova. Prior to conversion she spent 30 years as a witch doctor in Umbanda. Her daughter, Fabiane, was reached with the Gospel at the church in Vila Nova and through her Vilma came to know the Lord.
A couple weeks ago Vilma and one of her grandsons were also baptized into the church. They are the only Christians in their family. We are praying that Vilma's husband and her other grandson will come to know the Lord. You can watch her baptism below.
Returning to the US
August 12, 2009
It has been an exciting few weeks. We have been very busy here in Brazil. It has been a wonderful trip but we are looking forward to getting home. The Lord is blessing the work of LBM in Brazil and we are so grateful.
The church plants are doing well. The Lord is drawing people to Himself and growing these churches by conversion. The two new works are doing very well and we are thankful for the fruit we have already seen. These churches are ministering to needs and by the power of the Gospel individuals and families are being transformed. We know that the Lord will continue to transform each of these communities.
Above is a video of one of the seven baptisms in Vila Nova last Sunday. Wagner is 19 and he is the first believer in his family. He used to be a drug runner for a local dealer. Now he is serving Jesus! We are praying that as we return to the US the Lord will open doors for us to share what He is doing through LBM. We want to tell Wagner's story and the stories of others who are being changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are willing to go wherever and share about the wonderful work the Lord is doing. If your church or small group would like to learn more about LBM and what is going on among the desperately poor in southern Brazil please let me know.
We will leave tomorrow and arrive home on Friday afternoon. Please pray for a safe and uneventful trip. Thank you and God bless.
It has been an exciting few weeks. We have been very busy here in Brazil. It has been a wonderful trip but we are looking forward to getting home. The Lord is blessing the work of LBM in Brazil and we are so grateful.
The church plants are doing well. The Lord is drawing people to Himself and growing these churches by conversion. The two new works are doing very well and we are thankful for the fruit we have already seen. These churches are ministering to needs and by the power of the Gospel individuals and families are being transformed. We know that the Lord will continue to transform each of these communities.
Above is a video of one of the seven baptisms in Vila Nova last Sunday. Wagner is 19 and he is the first believer in his family. He used to be a drug runner for a local dealer. Now he is serving Jesus! We are praying that as we return to the US the Lord will open doors for us to share what He is doing through LBM. We want to tell Wagner's story and the stories of others who are being changed by the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are willing to go wherever and share about the wonderful work the Lord is doing. If your church or small group would like to learn more about LBM and what is going on among the desperately poor in southern Brazil please let me know.
We will leave tomorrow and arrive home on Friday afternoon. Please pray for a safe and uneventful trip. Thank you and God bless.
Bio
Living Bread Ministries exists to be used by the Holy Spirit to create worshipers of Jesus Christ among the desperately poor of Latin America. To accomplish this we are planting churches among the poor and equipping those churches to minister to their community for the glory of Christ.