I always tell people that the two most important things I did in Brazil were to marry my wife Rosiléia and begin the work of the Baptist Congregation in Vila Esperança, Cubatão, São Paulo, Brazil. These both happened about 29 years ago. The church has continued to grow and serve the community where it is located.

The church has come a long way from its beginnings in the home of Marli and Samuel Cordeiro.

After about a year in the Cordeiros' home, the congregation was able to purchase a property 29 feet by 114 feet with a small concrete block and plywood house.

This building served the congregation for several years, as they saved money, bought adjacent properties, and constructed buildings to meet the needs of the growing church.

I always encouraged the church to do the best they could with what they had, but never turn down and gratefully accept any offers of assistance. Over the years, the congregation has built and rebuilt to meet their needs. Currently, they are meeting at the same location.

The current building has a multipurpose worship center, restrooms, classrooms, and a kitchen. The church is active in helping provide for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of its community.

The purpose of this fundraiser is to raise funds for the church to install tile flooring in the worship center. Next year, the congregation will celebrate 30 years of existence, and I believe it would be a wonderful way to celebrate its faithfulness and hard work. Let's help them cover the bare concrete.

Any funds that go beyond the goal will be used at the congregation's discretion for further improvements to their campus.

We hope to reach the goal of US$ 3000 by the end of this calendar year for the church to install the floor for its 30th anniversary.

As "A picture is worth a thousand words," the following are the church's social media pages. If you don't speak Portuguese, you can at least get an idea about the church from the pictures and videos.

Congregação Batista em Vila Esperança (Facebook Page)

cbvilaesperança (Instagram Page)