Rev. Dr. Jose Carlos Pezini
Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails. (Proverbs 19:21)
When I look back on my ministry, I realize how much this verse is true in my life, especially now when we are in the process of moving out of the U.S.A. During our years in America, I made many plans but God ordered them according to his purposes. For the past ten years while serving God as part of The Outreach Foundation family, I saw God changing many things according to his will in order to fulfill his purpose.
Let me review my most recent travels for The Outreach Foundation. The trip to Portugal at the end of November was very fruitful. The main purpose of this trip was to train church planting pastors and to coach and mentor leaders. I taught at the Center for Leadership Training in Lisbon. Especially exciting was the end of this trip when I participated in the graduation ceremony of the Leadership Training Center.
In December, I went to Brazil to talk to the leadership of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil (IPIB) about my ministry with and among them. I also met with leaders of the Center for Church Planting (CTPI) to speak about our partnership and preparation for my move to Brazil. I felt that both the IPIB and the CTPI are very excited and have great expectations for me.
During that time, God really confirmed to me that my move to Brazil is not our initiative but God’s purpose. During my time in Campinas, I met the Rev. Casso Mendonça Anunciação, Executive Director of the Evangelism Department, and the Rev. Erivaldo Moura, Director of the Missionary Training Center (CTM). The meeting was great, and they defined the curriculum that will be used at the CTM to emphasize evangelism and church planting.
Back in the United States I started the hard work of preparing to move to Brazil. I didn’t realize the stress that we would face in this time of transition. We couldn’t sell our house, so we had to put our furniture in storage to prepare the house for renting.
I also had to make another trip to Brazil in March to rent an apartment and apply for the documents that are required for us to ship our belongings to Brazil. I learned that many things have changed in Brazil since I left sixteen years ago. Obtaining the legal documents to take up residence again was particularly stressful. But praise God, the details are falling into place.
Update from Brazil
Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ from the beautiful city of Curitba in southern Brazil.
Odete and I arrived in Brazil on Sunday, April 29. We have been here only one week, but it feels much longer! Now our Brazilian documents are updated, and we have access to phone and internet. My sister loaned us a mattress and someone else has loaned us a microwave. So we can eat and sleep while we await our shipment to be freed from customs. This coming Sunday we plan to go the IPI church not far from the place where we live.
I praise God for everything that is happening in my ministry up to now, even the stress we are facing, for it is part of what God is doing in us. I would like to thank each one of you for your friendship and prayer support during all the years I have been a part of The Outreach Foundation family. I give thanks to God for everything he has done in my life. I have been blessed with everything I need in order to accomplish my calling.
Blessings to you all,
J.C. Pezini