NEWS FROM HQ

Ministering for the Lord in Brazil

February, 2022

“And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Mark 4:40

 Dear Prayer Friends and Supporters,

            Greetings in the precious Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. May the Lord bless you for all your prayers of support as we ministered in Brazil.  Because of COVID-19, ministry has been difficult here in Brazil, but we could not have done anything without the grace of God. In these days we should have a faith that totally depends on the help of Almighty God, as He alone gives the strength and wisdom to accomplish this work. In Mark 4 we read that the disciples, when they were leaving with Jesus in the boat on the Sea of Galilee, met a great windstorm that beat on the boat, almost sinking it. So the disciples woke Jesus up as he was sleeping in the stern, “…and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish? And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful? how is it that ye have no faith?” Brethren, in these days we must have a strong faith to be victorious in ministry.

            The two of us returned to Brazil on October 8, 2021 after flights reopened between Canada and Brazil. We were able to travel and accomplish many things back in Brazil, which we will share with you now.

1. Inauguration of the Second Garanhuns Presbyterian Church, and Baptisms

            Pastor Lindinaldo and Professor Marisa had written us in May 2020, while we were in Canada (because of COVID-19). Their letter said that the Castainho Presbyterian Church members in Garanhuns had contributed to the construction of a second Castainho church building, some two kilometers from the first Castainho Church. This was done because many members were fearful to travel to the first church at night because of robbers. Actually this region of Vila Castainho is a very dangerous area to walk at night, and all Brazilian churches have Sunday night worship services. We thank God for this church construction.

            Then in July, Pastor Lindinaldo sent us an urgent request for help with the church construction as the work had stopped because of finances and the coronavirus. Pastor Lindinaldo explained some of the background to this situation. The Castainho Church members, who are living one to two kilometers from the church, wanted to have their own church building closer to their homes. They began to pray for a new church building. Later they started a fund-raising program with 73 members taking part. Finally, they were able to raise almost $5,900. They are a poor people, but they did their best to raise these funds for the construction of their church. By faith they started the work, having only 30% of the needed total cost.

            Joshua 3:15-16 reads: “And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.”  

            Yes, the waters of the Jordan were cut off as the feet of the priests touched the waters. This was an act of faith and obedience by the priests. So we also should move our feet into the Jordan with faith and obedience; in other words, the members of Castainho Church acted by faith after they prayed to the Lord. God saw their faith and prepared others to contribute. They urgently needed about $12,000 to complete the construction. After we prayed, our family was able to send them $3,600; Deacon Lee, who is living in the US, sent $2,400. After that we  asked Deacon Park of the Bethesda Korean Presbyterian Church in São Paulo, to help. He accepted our request and sent $6,200.  With these funds the work continued and was completed by the end of October, 2021.

            Finally, we were able to hold the inauguration ceremony on November 13, 2021, when we arrived at Garanhuns, in Northeast Brazil. We believe that God witnessed their strong faith and honest desires to have a church building.  

            After the inauguration ceremony, eleven new believers were baptized by Rev. Woo Sun Kim, to be members of the second Castainho Fundamental Presbyterian Church in Garanhuns  

2. Graduation of the Sertão Seminary

            We thank God that we could hold the graduation ceremony of the Sertão Fundamental Presbyterian Seminary in Patos, on November 20, 2021. The service was held at the Patos Fundamental Presbyterian Church, with six graduates receiving their Bachelor of Theology degree. Rev. Kim preached on the importance of being a faithful worker (I Cor. 4:1-2). Mrs. Kim gave a wrist watch to each graduate. After the graduation there was a dinner for all participants.

3. Preaching at the Sitio Apertado Church

            Rev. Kim’s family was able to contribute to the construction of the Sitio Apertado Church in Sao Jose do Bom Fim. The Sitio Apertado church was not constructed on land that could be used by poor farmers. These farmers grow corn, sweet potatoes, and greens on the lower and middle side of the mountain. Mr. Gervacio, who lived in the area, donated 1,000 square meters for the construction of the church. Then, Rev. Kim’s family was able to build a church, which had its inauguration back on July 28, 2006. After the inauguration, the church of almost110 people, gathered for Sunday worship. The worshipers walked to church from as far away as six kilometers. Rev. Kim was also able to install a chime-bell in the tower of the church, so the residents could clearly hear it.  

            However, in July 2021, the tower was destroyed by strong winds and heavy rain. Pastor Neimar, of the Patos Church, sent us an urgent message along with photos, when we were in Canada. They want to help to repair the damage, and needed a little over $6,000.  We were initially able to send $3,250. Later Rev. Kim received $1,730 from the Korean Presbyterian Church of Edmonton, Canada. Finally, Rev. Kim asked a deaconess of the Bethesda Korean Presbyterian church in São Paulo to help, which resulted in an additional $1,000. Now the construction is ongoing. Praise the Lord.

            On November 20, 2021, when Rev. and Mrs. Kim visited the Patos Church to preach at the graduation ceremony of the Sertão Seminary, Rev. Kim led a Bible study in the Patos Church the next day.  That evening, Rev. Kim visited the Sitio Apertado Fundamental Presbyterian Church to preach. Many members of the church were present for a worship service on Sunday night. The service was in the church yard because the construction was not finished yet.  Here is a picture of that worship service. 

4. Ten Recife Seminary Graduates

            We thank God that He gave us ten graduates from the Recife Fundamental Presbyterian Seminary, all receiving a Bachelor’s of Theology degree. Rev. Kim preached at the service, and Mrs. Kim gave a wrist watch to each of the graduates. We especially thank God that we had this many graduates during the pandemic. We are praying that God will make them good workers and faithful servants, in order to reach Brazil for Jesus Christ.  

                                                                                                            In Christ,                                                                                                              Rev. Woo Sun & Mrs. Sook Ja Kim