José Carlos Pezini - December 2021 Update
Dear sisters and brothers, partners in the work of expanding the Kingdom of God in this world!
May grace and peace from God our Father be poured out in abundance upon your lives. I am very happy, and I pray constantly for you, thanking God for your generosity and love for us. In this difficult time, His love is expressed through the efforts you make, sharing with us so that through you we can live with dignity and develop our mission.
The pandemic is still present in Brazil. But my perception, in general, is that we have learned to live with it and life here in Brazil is slowly returning to normal.
On August 11, I had shoulder surgery. I had two torn tendons. It was a difficult time that required a lot of rest and care, but I continued mentoring pastors virtually. I still have four groups of pastors under my care. At the end of August, I gave an online lecture at the Conference of the Encontrão Movement of the Lutheran Church on how to enjoy biblical spirituality. It went really well. On September 4, I spoke with the pastors of the Presbytery of Greater São Paulo of the Independent Presbyterian Church on church revitalization. God has opened doors every day and I feel like a partner with God in His mission in this world. And, by His mercy, I see lives being transformed.
At the end of September, Odete and I traveled to the southern part of Brazil. On Saturday the 25th, we were in São Leopoldo speaking to a group of about 40 pastors from various denominations about church planting and revitalization and pastoral care. It was a really good time! We realized how much our pastors are suffering the consequences of the pandemic. Most of them feel tired and are worried about their churches. Through the actions of the Holy Spirit, we bring them a word of refreshment. We help motivate them to strengthen their relationship with God, and to remember that they are just instruments and that Jesus is the Lord of the Church. They can rest easy, knowing that Jesus always takes care of His bride, the Church, which He Himself purchased with His precious blood.
On Sunday the 26th, I had the privilege of preaching twice in a church that I have helped for eight years. Despite the pandemic, it has grown exponentially. It was a gift from God for us to see closely the result of the work of those God has used us to disciple. They are the fruits of work for His glory.
On Monday the 27th, Odete and I celebrated 46 years of marriage. So, we took the opportunity to celebrate and thank God for the years we lived together and went to visit the beautiful city of Gramado. But, as we are always at Mestre's (the Master’s) service, we stopped in Nova Petrópolis to visit a dear pastoral couple who are working in that city.
I was also able to meet with the four mentoring groups in September. We have been praying that God will bring a great revival in the lives of the local churches. I've also been giving lectures on church revitalization in the city of Pato Branco, Paraná. God is good all the time.
The board of the SARA Institute decided that it was time to resume mentoring retreats regionally. During this time of pandemic with its isolation, we realized that mentoring retreats are, in fact, the heart of SARA ministry. We believe that during these two years of pandemic, the retreats were sorely missed in the life and ministry of the pastors. For this reason, we decided to motivate the groups to restart the retreats. So we held the retreat for the group from Rio de Janeiro with 31 pastors and the group from Curitiba with 15 pastors.
Odete and I want to express to you our gratitude for being our partners in ministry. Without the help of each one of you, it would not be possible to do what we are doing. I want you to know that every pastor who regains his strength and falls in love with the ministry again is a direct result of your contributions. You are engaged with us on this journey. May God bless you greatly.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,
Pezini and Odete
Read more about Pezini’s ministry HERE.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of Pezini. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help with scholarships for church leaders and support for pastors and their families. You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.