Although Paraaba is the third poorest state in the country (according to the information of the inhabitants themselves), it is the cradle of Latin America’s largest Christian-conservative event, the Christian Consciousness. I was very happy to receive an invitation to participate. , on behalf of The Let’s Get Back to the Gospel, to interview the speakers and post something on the Internet (all for an indication from Norma Braga, thank you Norma!). The more than 24 hours to and from the bus seemed to me little compared to the week of construction and unique experiences god gave me.
Although I was there to interview, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the youth of the Zona Sul Congregational Church shortly after my arrival at the hotel (which was repeated on the last day, by the sons of the Mighty Crento, a humorous vlog). What was supposed to be a 20-minute conversation resulted in seven days of brotherhood, association and learning. Did you want, like me, to interview the stakeholders?Together we were able to interview 20 preachers (videos here soon)! I was able to talk to Mauro Meister, Adauto Loureno and Paulo Cézar of the Logos Group (with the boys in front of the camera); the boys talked to Norman Geisler, Hernandes Dias Lopes, Augustus Nicodemus, Saint M-rcius, Russell Shedd, Norma Braga, Silas Campos and many others (with me in front of the camera). It was great to share the hard work; Thank you very much Jitana, Lincoln and Jorge!
- The moments of communion with the event’s preachers were as interesting as the talks.
- For a destination of fate (thank God!).
- Not only did I stay in the same hotel as virtually every speaker at the event.
- But I dined and had lunch with them.
- Have I been able to meet better men who previously had access to books and messages on the Internet?and I was amazed at what I saw.
- I never expected someone as intelligent and studied as Adalto Loureno to be so humble and gentle.
- That Russell Shedd was a gentleman and that Augustus Nicodemus would be so funny.
- I could offer enthusiastic feedback to so many and for so long that no one would have the patience to keep reading.
- But I have to keep this on file.
- It is common to see men in the pulpit and idealize them as intangible beings.
- Almost glorified.
- When in fact they are like the people we are.
- And it is precisely because these are people who could also record the negative points of the event.
- But it would be cowardice to do so.
- These were moments so infinitely blessed that I prefer to keep the little discomforts to the most intimate.
I also had the honor of meeting Pastor Euder Faber, director of the VINACC and the event. Although he was a low man, he was an instrument of God for great works. More than half a million reais invested in a free event where more than 60,000 people were able to hear the proclamation of the true gospel is a unique challenge. I pray that God will continue to thank Pastor Euder and his family, and that the Christian conscience will continue to walk.
I also saw the great friend Slénio and his beloved wife, Selma, who blessed our country with unique music, it was wonderful to talk to them, plan new events and hear it play for an audience that at first seemed strange, but in the end. songs, his eyes were closed and his lips trembled.
Speaking of the audience of the event, I cannot fail to record its diversity, coming from the most diverse theological and confessional circles, all gathered in praise of the Lord, and let us not deceive ourselves, the diversity of beliefs in this place does so. It does not mean that the event was ecumenical or theologically “loose”. Were strong preachings in the doctrine, biblical depth, and fundamental doctrines of Christianity set out day after day, seminary after seminary, round table after other?and the event only takes place every year. I can only believe that the Word of God has caused the collapse of the walls of denominations and that believers who diverge on secondary issues are increasingly joining the central themes of Christ’s message every day.
As one of the boys who accompanied me said, this event was worth a semester of the seminary, close contact with the preachers made us take many doubts and learn a lot from the great men of the country in their fields and their research. Do you know this church atmosphere, where everyone talks after service with the kind preacher?This is exactly what makes the Christian Consciousness offer us unique moments of conversation and communion.
There have been so many moments that I can’t even write down my perceptions about everything, but something has to be written down here, it’s common to applaud those in the pulpit, but we rarely look at those who serve at the base. I thank God for the lives of men like Pastor Valker Sales Neves and his father Valdez, for the affection with which I and the speakers of the event served me, taking care of all our transport. As one of the preachers put it, ” Valker. es an exemplary guy!Are your dedication, selflessness and spirit of service a model for the Brazilian church?. Meeting a pastor who volunteered to help behind the scenes and the most exhausting services, always smiling even when things went wrong, was simply unique. I’m not even worthy to untie this man’s tennis shoe.
I’m certainly unfair not to say everything I should, but it’s getting longer, but can I leave a tip before I finish?Take part in the next Christian Consciousness! As far as I’m concerned, I’ll be there every year and try to take as many friends as possible, not to fill the event (there are already a lot of people!), but to offer the most beautiful moments of construction to as many friends as possible.
By Yago Martins © Return to the Gospel
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