Serving as a Missionary

Pastor Roberto completed his seminary training in 2009 and serves as a home missionary for the Igreja Luterana Brasileira - Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) to start a new congregation in the city of Presidente Prudente in Southeastern Brazil.

 LATTE Professor Natán & Pastor Roberto

How are you using your seminary training now?

At this moment, I am giving Bible Studies in the houses of the people, that is to say, I have different studies in some houses on different days of the week. On Sundays, I gather with my family for Bible studies, or sometimes we listen to a sermon that was recorded in Dourados, or other times I myself preach.

What are some of your joys in the ministry?

I am happy to be able to share my joy in knowing that Christ died for all of my sins, and to share salvation in Christ with other people.

Pastor Roberto Teaching a Bible Study

What are some of the challenges in your ministry?

There is always a challenge when one handles God's Word. First, our challenge is to study the Word carefully in order to be as faithful as possible. Then the challenge is to share these truths from the Word with other people.

What is your favorite Bible passage?

 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ. - Romans 10:17

Professor Natán, Pastor Roberto, Pastor Elcy, & Pastor Charlie

Field Visit

Last month, three WELS Representatives arrived in Brazil for a 14-day tour of Igreja Luterana Brasilera (ILB) – The Brazilian Lutheran Church. Pastor Robert Smith serves as the chairman for our Administrative Committee for Latin American Missions (AC-LA) as well as liaison to LATTE, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre serves on the AC-LA as the newly appointed liaison to Brazil; and Dr. Robert Anderson serves on the WELS Board for World Missions (BWM).  Read below as they share their observations.

 Friendly Counselor Natán, Mr. Ernesto LaTorre, Pastor Robert Smith, 

& Dr. Robert Anderson

In contrast to the densely packed cities are the vast expanses of farmland in central

and southern sections of the country. Smaller cities and a slower paced life allow

us to work with the people to spread the Gospel message. Worshiping with our

brothers and sisters in Gravatai and Dourados warmed my heart and reassured me

that the work of the Holy Spirit through WELS missionaries for the past 24 years

has born much fruit. I am left with the prayer ta, 'Times New Roman', serif;">

In contrast to the densely packed cities are the vast expanses of farmland in central

and southern sections of the country. Smaller cities and a slower paced life allow

us to work with the people to spread the Gospel message. Worshiping with our

brothers and sisters in Gravatai and Dourados warmed my heart and reassured me

that the work of the Holy Spirit through WELS missionaries for the past 24 years

has born much fruit. I am left with the prayer that our Lord will allow us to continue assisting the ministry in Brazil."

-- Dr. Robert Anderson, WELS Board for World Missions Member

"Our trip to Brazil brought many memorable moments. One of them was the church dinner held on a Sunday night in Dourados. The church had prepared a special meal in the Brazilian style of churrascaria, which includes various meats roasted on spits over a barrel of Brazilian charcoal. As the meal was starting, there was a thunderstorm going on outside, and the lights started to flicker. Just a couple minutes later everything went dark. That did not stop the meal. Some people turned on their cell phones to provide light, others their cameras. Together with a flashlight or two there was enough light to continue. And then, just about when everyone was done eating, the lights came back on. 

This event made me think a little bit about the bigger picture. Brazil is a land like any other, filled with people who live in the darkness of sin and unbelief, people who need the light of a Savior. The darkness seems overwhelming, considering that we have only two rather small congregations in the middle of a land of 200 million. Nevertheless, Jesus sends us out with the light of the gospel. Just as with the light of the cell phones was enough for the meal, so the light of the gospel, even though the workers are few, will shine and accomplish God's purpose in Brazil."

-- Pastor Robert Smith, WELS Administrative Committee-Latin American Missions Chairman

  

 

Work in South America

Bolivia

Contact with concerned Christians in Bolivia started in 2007. Nine LATTE teaching trips have been made to teach main doctrines of the Bible. There has been significant growth in understanding Scripture, including the ability to distinguish between law and gospel. There is still much to be done, however, especially in the area of practice where we have not had a physical presence in Bolivia to help with the follow through. A LATTE professor and his wife on site for three years will be a great blessing to the work of determining whether a confessional Lutheran church can be established in this country.

Brazil

Brazilian Lutheran Church (ILB) has decided to continue its mission efforts in Presidente Prudente in southern Brazil.  Another six baptisms and three adult confirmations in Dourados and Gravatai show God's grace in action. WELS and ILB representatives plan to meet in November to discuss how to support the development of the Brazilian Lutheran Church's gospel ministry and direction for the future.  One semi-retired missionary and two national pastors serve the two congregations. One LATTE Professor continues to serve as Friendly Counselor to Brazil and provide theological training in Portuguese as requested.

Colombia

The membership growth of the church in the Medellin and in the Quibdo and Pereira areas is encouraging. The willingness of the church of Medellin to relocate Pastor Henry and partially support him shows the seriousness with which it considers mission work. In contrast, the growth in Bogota has been very limited in spite of mission opportunities. The need to work with the Bogota congregation is urgent and to that effect a visit by WELS reps has been planned for this year. LATTE continues to provide seminary training with both onsite visits and online classes depending upon the course and availability. 

Bible Passages & Hymns - Portuguese

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Portanto, vão e façam discípulos de todas as nações, batizando-os em nome do Pai e do Filho e do Espírito Santo. 

- Mateus 28:19 (Matthew 28:19)


Porque Deus tanto amou o mundo que deu o seu Filho Unigênito, para que todo o que nele crer não pereça, mas tenha a vida eterna. 

- João 3:16 (John 3:16)


Jesus Me Ama 

(Jesus Loves Me)



Cristo me ama, eu sei bem.


A Palavra assim mantém


Que as crianças são daquele


Que é nosso amigo fiel.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.
    

A Bíblia assim o diz.


Cristo me ama, me salvou


Meu pecado perdoou.


Sobre a cruz por mim morreu.


Vida eterna ganho eu.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.
    

Sim, Cristo me ama.

A Bíblia assim o diz.