Três horas

I wonder how many American Christians would be willing to gather for three hours (três horas) on a Sunday morning with more fellowship afterwards? The community church in Porto Alegre just did. I am told the church has about 1,200 people. It is quite diverse in age, socio economic status and color. The gentleman on my right turns 89 later this month. On my left was a woman with a 3 year old. The service began with greeting and worship facilitated by a team of seven, with 3 guitars, a drummer, a keyboard player and 2 vocalists. Brazilians are very expressive in their worship. Then six people were baptized and prayed for with the worship team playing. Announcements came next, first about an upcoming all church retreat, and then about a youth retreat. We then observed the Lord's Supper with about a thousand people. They shares little pieces of the bread with one another and use real wine. Then one of the elders led us in prayer for members of the congregation who were sick or in the hospital. There are eight or nine elders who share duties jointly. There is no hierarchy. These are humble men Three couples who had labored for many years in youth ministry were released to pursue other ministry as they were shown appreciation and received prayer. Finally the preaching was ministered by a brother from the congregation who has been sent out to minister in other countries, principally in Europe. He taught on the three fold ministry of Jesus as prophet,priest and king,and how men specifically were to follow His example. At one point all the men stood up to pray for their family members and disciples. Perhaps the highlight was the pure joy expressed as people greeted one another. It was heart warming for me to observe.

Porto Alegre

Porto Alegre (roughly Happy Port) is the major city in the southernmost state in Brazil called Rio Grande do Sul, or great river of the south. This is my 4th or 5th visit overall. Greeted by my good friend Samir at rhe airport which like most of the city was inundated by major flooding last year. Am hosted by a couple, one a retired engineer, and his wife who has an art school on the premises. She specializes in mosaics. The property is like a museum with an overwhelming array of art works, antiques, artifacts and knickknacks. It really deserves a documentary. At night there has been a series of teachings by an Argentinian brother on the theme of the family. This church has about 1200 people. Seeing brethren from prior visits and speaking with new friends. One co.mon question that I receive is how have I learned Portuguese? I reply that I am still learning and not fluent. The actual answer is through various computer programs, periods of immersion and daily reading the Bible in Portuguese.