In South America, a new Apostolic Faith work was recently established in Itanhaem, Brazil. In addition, special meetings were held in Chimbarongo, Chile, and drew participants from four of our Chilean congregations. 

These events took place during a trip to South America made by Sam Ajayi, Director of the Work. He arrived in Sao Paulo on Wednesday, April 22, and was met by Nivaldo Peixoto, who leads our work in Brazil. The two then drove two hours south to Itanhaem, which is the second oldest city in Brazil, having been established in 1532. Located in the southern coastal region of Sao Paulo state, it is part of a sixteen-mile unimpeded beach area.

This new work is anchored by Josias Luiz do Carmo, formerly the pastor of our church in Sao Paulo, and his family. Originally from Itanhaem, Brother Josias moved his family here after a devastating fire destroyed their previous home. During this visit, a storefront area was secured as a regular meeting place and an outreach effort was made in the city and along the beaches. The group distributed literature, introducing people to the Apostolic Faith and inviting them to attend church services.

Before leaving Brazil, Brother Sam requested prayer for the people in Itanhaem to take advantage of the opportunity they have been offered.

The Chile special meetings began on Thursday, April 30 with an evening evangelistic service. Brother Sam led the meeting, which included congregants from our churches in Chimbarongo, Hualane, Limavida, and Romeral. In addition, Doug Guddat attended from Santiago, and others joined online from Europe and the United States, including Catey Hinkle of Portland, Oregon, who interpreted.

The opening message was given by Eladio Retamal, the Limavida pastor. Taking his text from Matthew 25:1-13, he posed the question: “How is my life before God?” The message challenged everyone to make certain that their lives are pleasing to God.

Bible teachings were held on Friday and Saturday mornings. The first was on “Preparing for the Rapture” and reminded that this trip will be the most important of anyone’s life. The subject of Saturday’s teaching was “The Marriage Supper of the Lamb” using Revelation 19:6-9. The congregation was exhorted to maintain righteousness to be ready for the greatest celebration in the history of this world.

Evening evangelistic services took place on Friday and Saturday. Friday’s message was given by Israel Garjado Mondardes, the leader of our work in Chile. He encouraged everyone from John 21:15 to “Come and Dine” by taking advantage of the bountiful spiritual food provided by the Lord during the special meetings. The message on Saturday was based on Matthew 22:8-14 and stressed the importance of wearing the spiritual wedding garment of righteousness.

During the service on Saturday evening, the congregation was surprised and delighted to be joined remotely for a short time by the Superintendent General, Sola Adesope. He greatly encouraged everyone with an admonition to hold firmly to the standards of this Latter Rain Gospel.

The concluding service took place on Sunday, May 3. It included the announcement that next year’s gathering, should the Lord tarry, will be held March 24-28 and will be a camp meeting. Also, combined evangelistic and outreach services will be held during the year among our five congregations in Chile: Chimbarongo, Limavida, Rauco, Hualane, and Romeral.

As the meeting continued, the message was given from 2 Chronicles 20:14-25, noting that King Jehoshaphat used praise to defeat the enemies of Judah. At the close, the congregation applied this formula in prayer. As the saints went to the altars, there were tears of rejoicing, praise, and consecration.

The special meetings left everyone refreshed and renewed in the Spirit. Brother Sam returned home, giving glory to God for His goodness and for what He accomplished on this trip.