Echoing Peter's reaction to Jesus' Transfiguration (Matthew 17), a small group of pastors and evangelists of the Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) met on October 10 and 11 to bask in our Lord's glory through study of his Word. Despite an 8 hour drive for one pastor and a 22 hour bus ride for another, the fellowship, encouragement and renewal in the gospel was worth the effort. In my role as WELS Friendly Counselor to the ILB, I had the privilege to attend, and -- despite a four day delay between flights to get here -- I agree it was worth the effort. It was good to be here!
I shared a study on 1 Kings 19:9-18, reminding us that God continues to work through his "still, small voice" in the gospel to save sinners. Pastor Roberto, an ILB home missionary in Presidente Prudente, led us in a discussion on evangelism. Pastor Elcy of Jesus Salvador congregation in Gravatai, guided our review of lay ministry. And Pastor Charles of Estela de Belem congregation in Dourados, provided a summary of ILB history from 1986 to 2011 and opened the discussion for future plans under God's grace.
But just as Peter, James and John could not stay because there was still work to be done, we also "came down from the mountain" to return to our ministries -- refreshed and renewed. For me, that means a few weeks of study with Evangelist Gilberto reviewing what the Bible says about Church and Ministry, and then guiding members of our Administrative Committee of Latin American missions on a field visit in the beginning of November.
Pastor Elcy, Pastor Roberto, Volunteer Missionary Charlie,
LATTE Missionary Natán, & Evangelist Gilberto
Thank you, Jesus, for our time together with you and each other!
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