Brazilian Nikkei pastoral couple, Takero and Midori Oshima, dreamed of returning to their ancestor’s home in Japan. They had not returned for years. Finances were tight but Jesus miraculously provided for their dream.
Returning to Brazil just days before World Conference, they told of Bible Studies in Japan FM homes and worship gatherings, evidenced by this scene in the hall way.
What is your evangelism dream?
Categories: Thursday, Nov. 8
I know some of you have a special place in your heart for the Church.
I learn so much from the leaders around the world.
I keep learning from Jesus too.
Bishop Shembe (right), from South Africa, is a kind man. He is an international leader and very good at making peace. He came to the World Conference with his delegate and very good friend, Msawenkosi Wiseman Nyawose (left). Professor Msawenkosi is a lawyer and teaches Mercantile Law at the University. His name is a Zulu name and his mother calls him “Musa.”
Bishop Shembe said he and Musa have been friends since they were tiny babies. Bishop Shembe said he has learned about faithfulness from his friend, Musa.
Who are your good friends?
I wonder who of you will be church leaders together?
submitted by Yvonne Roller (FMCNA)
Categories: Saturday, Nov.10
Sandra Mistro is one of four women delegates to the World Conference. She speaks English and was at the airport to meet each attendee. The hospitality of the Brazilian church was seen, in each loving, carefully planned detail.
Categories: Wednesday, Nov. 7
Bishop Jim Tuan was re-elected to a second term on November 2nd in the Philippine Islands, and on the other side of the world, on the same day, Bishop Jose Ildo Swartele de Mello, was re-elected in Brazil– also to a second term.
Bishop Jim Tuan leads the Filipino Church with compassion for the cities. One Free Methodist Pastor saw the children living in the street–sleeping in the street. He championed a home for these children and gathered them in. International Childcare came alongside. Food and Elementary Education was lovingly provided for the children. Advocating for the children, some were able to re-connect with their families. The orphans remained in their “church home”. More than one hundred street children have been embraced by the FMC. While finding the cities a challenge to decode, the Filipino church launches ministry to the prisons and other wholistic ministries. One lay couple rose to the challenge to shepherd a church plant when the Pastor quit. “We’re available,” they responded. Their glass installing business pays the bills. Since June of this year, they have baptized 4 adults! The Filipino Acronym of STAFF defines the Free Methodist Posture, Submissive to the Lord, Teachable, Available, Faithful, Fruitful
In addition to Lay Pastors, 72 Bible College Students are preparing for ministry. Thank the Lord for the emerging leaders “to go to the other towns” in the P. I. Luke 4:43
NOTE: Bishop Ildo Swartele was so busy hosting the World Conference, we did not want to give him one more thing to attend to–an interview. Please pray as Brazil feels passionately about going to “the other towns also” in new iniatives in the cities, in wholistic ministries and in sold-out ministry to the youth. (As you can see by the photos and video, the Brazilian FMC has a passionate love for Christ!)
Categories: Wednesday, Nov. 7
