SUMMER 2006 IN BRAZIL

We have begun our summer of mission trips in Brazil. In a few hours Brazil will play Australia in the World Cup. God, however, is playing a different game these days, which is salvation. Our American team traveled over an hour to a church located in the most dangerous part of Rio. As we arrived in the area, the gangs were armed and waiting for us. They gave us safe passage and we began looking for the church. Hundreds came to hear the Word. We knew that this night would be a powerful night. After minor formalities of introductions we proceeded to sing songs of praise and worship. The team was relaxed and singing with joy.

Many of our hymns such as “The Battle Hymn of the Republic,” “On the Cross” and many others are known by Brazilians, since they were translated long ago. However, this night would be a different night. I knew by the presence of God that something unusual was going to happen but I did not know what it was. The sounds of powerful praise from the congregation grew louder and louder. The finely-tuned combination of bass, guitar, drums and two guitars was as if they had known each other’s sound for many years. All chords and progressions moved to near perfection as the presence of God took over the place with a sweet aroma. After 30 minutes of music I saw tears and the glory of God all over that sanctuary. My first inclination was to conduct the offering and then preach, but I was locked into the presence of God. There was no way to leave the scenario before us.

In a matter of minutes I noticed a man coming in out of the street for prayer. Our team was standing against the altar of the church, all in position to receive those who needed prayer. After the first person came the second and the third. Then we saw gang leaders begin to come in from out of the street and kneel at the altar asking for prayer. Every time someone came in, the congregation would break into applause and shouts of “Hallelujah!” This went on for two and one half hours. We counted over 150 people who came to receive Christ: gang leaders, armed men, women, children and the elderly, coming to the sanctuary to receive prayer. These were not church members but street folks who happened to be passing by the church. All of them came asking for prayer and received salvation that night!

I will never forget the moment when I hugged a man who confessed Jesus Christ as his Savior over the microphone. It was the first time he had ever come into a church.

What really happened? God sent his glory to save the lost. The first June 2006 team came to Brazil to participate in a move of God, and was presented with the most beautiful service we have ever witnessed. Imagine souls pouring from the streets into the sanctuary to receive salvation! Three hours later, we sat on the bus pondering what the Lord had done. Hallelujah!

Rick Bonfim
Edited by Betty Mckinney