‘A God Who Loves Our Language’
Moussa, a former Muslim from West Africa turned church planter in Brazil, knows firsthand the importance of reaching people in their heart language. “With many West African refugees here in Brazil, we’re challenged to minister in Arabic, a language that is very special for them, for us,” Moussa said. To...
When Courage is Contagious
When Paula Emília first heard that she had breast cancer in 2007, she quickly despaired. Her medical background told her just how serious this was. “I felt the floor disappear from under my feet. It was such a bad feeling,” recalls Paula, who lives in Brazil. “I wished that I...
Fernando's Baptism
As Pastor Joel Vande Werken packed up his study a few months ago in preparation for his move to Whitinsville, MA and Fairlawn CRC, he picked up a Cada Dia devotional booklet in Portuguese. He thought for moment about adding the booklet to the “give away” pile, but decided to...
Not Random
God often uses what seem like random circumstances to bring people to faith. Clarice is incarcerated in the city of Piracicaba, Brazil. Someone in the prison gave her an old Cada Dia, the devotional booklet produced by Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI) Portuguese media team. It transformed her life...
Different Cultures, Same Gospel
Miguel Jacob is of Lebanese descent and operates a quiberia in São Paulo, Brazil. A quiberia is a booth where Miguel sells kibbehs, a meat dish native to his Lebanese culture. Edione Madruga is a member of the Águas da Prata Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Her husband has been Miguel’s...
Christmas Around the World
What does Christmas mean to people in other countries? Back to God Ministries International serves a widely diverse cultural audience. Our indigenous ministry leaders shared some of the traditions and challenges of celebrating Christ’s birth in the places they serve. In China, Christmas is about the magical power of love...
God’s Word Saves Maxwell’s Marriage
A little over a year ago, Maxwell’s marriage and his entire life were on the verge of collapse. His despair was so deep; he didn’t think he’d ever escape it. Then, someone gave Maxwell a copy of the Christmas Cada Dia, the Portuguese language version of the Today devotional. Both...
The Olympics: All Eyes on Brazil
People all over the world will be watching what happens in Brazil over the next three weeks. As athletes and fans from 115 nations gather in Rio de Janeiro to compete for Olympic medals, the Brazil-based outreach of Back to God Ministries International (BTGMI) will be quietly sharing the Gospel...
Weddings and Recommitments in Brazil
Tiago and Fernanda were scheduled to be married the week before a marriage conference sponsored by Back to God Ministries’ Portuguese team in Brazil. Because they didn’t have money for a honeymoon, a family friend gifted them with registration to the event, which was to be held at a nice hotel...
“I have heard your prayer”
Aline Rodrigues was devastated. Her husband Rodrigo lay in a hospital bed in Piraquara, Brazil with a 3% chance of survival. The doctor told her: “His kidneys, liver and spleen are no longer working; he is having respiratory failure.” He gave the somber diagnosis “aortic dissection." “I cried so much...