Growing Gospel Partnership in Brazil
Joyful fellowship with Jader and his wife Andressa.
Last month Bert Turner (Pastor at Covenant of Grace Church, Copley, Ohio, USA and SGC Representative to Brazil) travelled to Brazil with his wife Karen. Bert brings us this update below…
Overview
“Deepened relationships” best summarizes the precious fruit of our most recent trip to Brazil. Karen, my wife, and I sensed the Lord weaving our lives more closely together with those of our dear friends. While agreement on Scriptural truth is foundational, it is through deepened relationships that those truths become truly transformative.
I am deeply grateful to travel alongside Karen. She is a delight and connects naturally and warmly with everyone. We had the privilege of visiting four cities in three states.
It was also a joy to have Hope Tumino, a budding missionary from our church, join us for ten days. Hope previously completed a ten-month internship at Rancho3M in Mexico, which strengthened her desire to pursue missions with Sovereign Grace Churches. Hope was a big hit with the Yamashiro kids and pets.
Bert & Karen Turner.
Igreja Cidade Cinco – Pastor Fábio Leal
São Paulo
It was a joy to preach and spend time in fellowship with the leaders. I have enjoyed a warm relationship with Fábio since 2021. The church is vibrant and clearly reflects Gospel values and virtues.
In 2024, Fábio expressed interest in exploring partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches. He is interested in Gospel Coaching and hopes to attend the Pastors Conference this year. Please pray for the Lord’s guidance in our developing relationship and for favor in the U.S. visa process.
Pastor Fábio with his wife Ani and family at Igreja Cidade Cinco.
Igreja CasaVide – Pastors Rafael Yamashiro & André Casamiro
São Bernardo do Campo, São Paulo
CasaVide is a loving church marked by rich Gospel culture and values. Rafael and I began meeting monthly in January 2024, and in July he and André signed a letter of intent to pursue partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches.
Our long-time friend and Sovereign Grace pastor, Fabiano Medeiros, attends CasaVide. During this trip, we enjoyed excellent fellowship and meaningful conversations about partnership. It was a privilege to preach at the Sunday service.
André and his wife, Deanna, are eager to attend the Pastors Conference in November. Please pray for continued growth in our relationship and wisdom in serving this church well.
Hope Tumino and the Yamashiro kids.
Igreja Horizonte – Pastor Jader Bitencourt – Campus Outreach – Jeff Dowdy
Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais
In 2021, Jader began exploring partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches in connection with a church plant in Porto Alegre. In 2025, he relocated to Belo Horizonte to join the pastoral team at Igreja Horizonte, a Reformed and continuationist church.
Jader indicated that the church may have interest in partnership with Sovereign Grace Churches. We had excellent fellowship with Jader and his wife, Andressa. I also met with Jeff Dowdy, the lead pastor, over lunch. We had a productive conversation and identified potential opportunities for future collaboration.
Igreja Graça Soberana de Rio Grande – Pastor Emerson Soares
Rio Grande, Rio Grande do Sul
It was a joy to make my ninth visit to this Sovereign Grace partner church. I have come to know personally and love many of the members.
We shared dinner on Friday evening with the leadership team, which was deeply encouraging. These leaders have faithfully served the church in sacrificial ways, including shepherding the congregation for nine months while Emerson and Tati were in Louisville attending the Pastors College.
On Sunday, I preached from Psalm 139 during the main service and taught a Biblical Counseling class during the adult discipleship hour. The church was full and highly engaged. We also met several new members, including some who had recently been converted and baptized. This is encouraging fruit! The church concluded the day with a joyful congregational meal together.
Please pray for the Lord to strengthen and supply the needs of the church.
Preaching at Igreja Graça Soberana de Rio Grande.
Igreja Cristã Nova Vida – Bishop Walter McAlister
Rio de Janeiro
The Igreja Cristã Nova Vida denomination includes approximately 140 Reformed and continuationist churches throughout Brazil, as well as several in Portugal. Notably, they have adopted the Sovereign Grace Statement of Faith, with minor adjustments related to church polity.
I attended a weekly pastors’ gathering and later shared an extended lunch with Walter, the Presiding Bishop. He is a thoughtful and insightful leader with a strong grasp of church history and ecclesiology. I am grateful for the growing relationship and look forward to seeing how the Lord may develop it further!
Deepening friendships with Rafael, André and Emerson.
We are so excited to see all that the Lord is doing in Brazil! Please continue to pray for Bert and Karen as they serve the churches there; that the Lord would continue to establish the work of their hands, and that many would come to know the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ in Brazil and beyond!