A WINNING FAITH

Joel & Barb Wright / May-june 2014

“In all these things we are more than victors, through him who loved us..” Rom 8:37

It seems like much of the world is focused upon Brazil these weeks! Nice to know that no matter the outcome of the long awaited 2014 World Cup, all believers are declared as “more than victorious” in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:37). Heading into Brazil shortly before the World Cup April 29-May 22, 2014, Joel celebrated several weeks of Spirit-led and joy-filled days of ministry: celebrating a wedding, a baptism for two, speaking in six churches, visiting dozens of long-time friends and local pastors, speaking at two Theological Seminaries, visiting two Christian Publishing houses, celebrating fellowship with mission leaders and two published church historians. While at times tiring (two nights on planes, another three nights on bus seats, and ten different beds) the days were wonderfully packed with positive elements of the Kingdom of God. We thank you for your ongoing partnership to help make such days happen for God’s glory, asking you for further prayers of blessing on all that occurred.

FAITH ADVANCE

Two thumbs up photo above is a visit on May 14, 2014 with Dr. Guilherme Kochem, Philosophy teacher living in Mar de Espanha, Minas Gerais (near Rio de Janeiro). One year ago Guilherme concluded his Ph.D. Thesis in Philosophy in a partnership between a secular Brazilian university and the Lutheran Seminary of Chicago / University of Chicago (studying renown philosopher-theologian Paul Tillich). A personal friendship formed in Chicago, with Guilherme and wife Lilian now back in Brazil teaching Philosophy in regional public schools and ministering in churches. It is a joy to hear how Guilherme is able to intellectually verbalize and integrate reflective thought with Christian faith. In the overnighter in Mar de Espanha, Joel visited with extended family and pastors in town, speaking on the Book of Song of

Solomon for 100+ people gathered for a midweek family night at the local First Baptist Church. Pray for Guilherme and wife Lilian, trusting God for good and expansive days of ministry ahead. Many remarkable things are happening in Brazil as seen by the expansive ministries of the First Baptist Church of Sao Jose dos Campos. See more details on page 3.

RELATIONSHIPS CELEBRATED

One of the first elements of the Brazil trip on May 3, 2014 was a very personal and fulfilling day on the borders of the Guarapiranga Reservoir - Interlagos region of São Paulo. We have known William Souza since his childhood, often in our home learning English as we helped pastor in the city (1995-2007). William progressed in life to join a Pastoral Team in a local church and in business opened up his own language school for teaching English. Assisting numerous USA churches on mission trips, William met and now marries Katie McCullough, a Canadian gal full of Christian character and faith in God. In a remarkable display of patience and love, the loving couple saved their first kiss to be a public one on their wedding day. This display of self-control is almost unheard of in Brazil, and spoke deeply to God’s power to the some 300 people present. We ask for prayer for them as they still honeymoon in the USA and seek God´s initial direction together for their lives.

FRieNDSHIPS RENEWED AT the

BAPTIST SEMINARY OF SAO PAULO

On May 7, 2014 a visit was made with Seminary Director Dr. Lourenço Stélia Rega (shown with wife and professional psychologist Givanilda) and Missions leader Fani Chiang. Back at the Baptist Theological Seminary of São Paulo where Joel taught 1990-2007, Joel was invited to speak briefly to all the current students gathered that night for the special Chapel Hour. How rewarding to see the faithful continuity of the work there, representing ongoing Christian outreach through many dozens of creative ministries, the ongoing training of hundreds of leaders for the Kingdom!

DECLARATIONS OF FAITH

May 10, 2014, Saturday, was a special Baptism Day for Bianca Abreu and Raquel Hecke – close friends and high school classmates studying at the Pan American Christian Academy. We have known both of them from early childhood; Bianca receiving Christ as a young girl at the Interlagos Church where we pastored back in 1995-1996. How special to return to Brazil at this time and baptize these two young gals, and bring spiritual encouragement to many friends and family members (photo pool side at the home of Dave and Jan Santos, friends and family members gathered). Pray for Bianca and Raquel that they will continue to grow strong in their Christian faith.

FAITH advance (continued from page 1)

On May 17-20, 2014 Joel spent four days visiting and ministering in São Jose dos Campos and nearby Guarulhos, São Paulo. The First Baptist Church of São Jose dos Campos has become one of the largest churches in Brazil, a church led for 22 years by Rev. Carlito Pães. Receiving the call to be Senior Pastor at a young 27 years of age for the historic church of 600, the church has grown progressively now to a remarkable 10,000 members. Joel was first introduced on stage by Pastor Carlitos and led prayer for the first 8:00 am service, speaking in the following hour for the English language International service also held on their new campus.

The expansive ministry recently inaugurated both a school (Colegio Inspire) with 350 students, and a Pastoral Training /Lay Leader Institute for 200+ individuals in ministry (Instituto Propósitos de Ensino). Joel spoke again on Monday night for the combined seminary classes held on campus, speaking on Christ’s Incarnation and Biblical Foundations for Holistic Education. Carlito shares many ongoing contacts with Saddleback Church of California, and leads yearly church training conferences (Inspire) for 1500+ church leaders that travel from all over Brazil. Their yearly Christmas Theatre programs attract some 20,000 people each year. For more of this phenomenal growth and captivating ministry, please see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-KsmJxD_3U

CHURCHES AND PASTORS ENCOURAGED

It is difficult to summarize the impact of speaking in six churches, but suffice it to say that all opportunities were highly blessed. A summary below: May 04 – AM speaking at Comunidade Batista Boa Vista in Cidade Dutra / São Paulo (75 people) at this one year old

church plant led by former student and now Professor João Paulo Gouvea. May 11 – Sunday AM speaking at beloved Igreja Batista Memorial de Interlagos (Satélite), speaking on a Mother’s Day

theme from the life of Rachel (Genesis 29, 30, 35). How special to renew loving ties 100 beloved members we ministered with 1995-2007, encouraging former student Pastor Eli Teixera and family.

May 11 – Sunday PM. -- Santa Bárbara d’Oeste, a church of 200 (near Campinas). Visiting with special pastoral friend Elinaldo da Silva -- Pastor “Pita.” The friendship with Pita goes back as far as 1988 when we had recently arrived in country. Pita was a teenager trying to find peace in a grief torn tumultuous life and was one of our first `converts’ we discipled. His own father was killed in a fight, knifed to death, and Pita at a young age needed to help provide for his own mother, sisters and extended family. Not finding peace as a practicing Buddhist for several years, Pita eventually entered the New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Campinas and accepted Christ into his life. The presence of Jesus in his life began a radical change from within. Mentored weekly, Pita quickly grew in his faith and progressed in Christina ministry. After graduating from the Campinas Baptist Seminary Pita become a respected local pastor and community

leader. As well as pastoring the Memorial Baptist Church for the past 10 years, Pita is also a seminary professor and often speaks on the radio. (the photo shows Pita with his wife, Ana Paula and son Benjamin.)

May 14 – The First Baptist Church of Mar de Espanha, Minas Gerais (near Rio de Janeiro), visiting with Pastor Vitor Coutinho, speaking for the church of 150 on personal relationships.

May 15 - Pr. Isael de Araujo and CPAD Director Ronaldo Rodrigues de Souza Bangu, Rio de Janeiro. Sharing of latest published books and historical research on the First Swedish Baptist Church of Chicago / lives of early missionary pioneers Gunnar and Frida Vingren and Daniel Berg.

May 17-20 – Days of growing fellowship and speaking twice at the First Baptist Church of São Jose dos Campos (see photo to the right showing the students of the Bible Institute). The needs of the Seminary became apparent and we are seeking prayer on their behalf.

May 18, 2014 – PM - Penha, São Paulo. Visited with former student Pastor Leandro Seawright, preaching at the First Baptist Church of Vila Salete, Penha, a church of 200 (São Paulo). Peaching from the missionary journey of Philip (Acts 6-8, 21), over two dozen people came to the front of the church for times of confession of faith, prayer of personal dedication and spiritual renewal.

May 21 – Visiting and exchanging information with Dr. Gedeon Freire de Alencar (Historian of Assembly of God & Professor at the Baptist Seminary, São Paulo). We discussed conclusions from his published dissertation at the Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC), written on the life of Gunnar and Frida Vingren and the faithful dedication of these remarkable mission pioneers.

Wow! All in all what an incredible trip!!! All praise be to God; how many wonderful things God has done!!!! Pray with us as we seek further wisdom and strength for ministry ahead. Pray too for each of these leaders and stories shared -- that the Kingdom will advance and continue to hold. Thank you for all your continued faith and help, investing in our lives for the glory of God. Joel & Barb Wright

Converge Worldwide International Ministries / Portuguese-Speaking Initiatives Address: Joel & Barb Wright / 2172 Niagara Court, Elgin IL 60123 / (847) 841-8991

E-mail: joelbarbwright@yahoo.com