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Igreja em Joinville

Links between East Birmingham and Brazil began in 1996 when David Brennand (the then pastor of Glebe Farm Baptist Church) went to Brazil to attend a Go To The Nations conference. Since then, other Birmingham leaders have visited Brazil and 17 young Brazilians came to East Birmingham for three weeks in 1999. Frequent visits between Brazil and Birmingham have continued, and another is planned for August this year. 

The focus of Igreja em Joinville is relationships. During the 1999 visit, one Brazilian pastor was asked what he intended to achieve from the trip and replied “my big aim is to be with you.” 

Igreja em Joinville is based around small house churches and large celebration meetings. Each house church leader is also part of another house church where, together with other house church leaders, their own spiritual needs are met.

The depth of trust between members of the house churches and their leaders is shown by the extent to which members ask their leader for guidance on matters such as who to marry, or what their next job should be. Before answering, the house church leader will consult with other house church leaders in their peer group, and reply only after seeking the Lord's will together. One leader said: “trust builds up over a period of time as you lay down your own life down for your cell group.” 

Walmir Souza, a leader at Joinville, said: “My heart rejoices, because I can see God working very quickly. Kingfisher Language School is already a reality. It’s amazing that Brazilians and Koreans can study together, and together serve the Lord in Birmingham. May our Almighty God continue to show you every next step to fulfil together His will in your city, maybe your country, and why not, other nations.” 

“Isn’t it wonderful what God can do when we are in the correct place, doing what He wants.” 

The Vision 

God is building a bridge between England and Brasil, equally perfect at both ends. The following are the words to a song written by Leo Orsi, after God revealed his perfect 'Bridge of Love' in a vision at Joinville: 

The Lord has done mighty things with us, 

The Lord has done mighty things in us, 

He is building a bridge between us, 

He is building a bridge of love.

 

A bridge of love, 

A bridge of fellowship,

The foundation is Jesus, 

The eternal rock! 

 

O alleluia, alleluia, 

Alleluia, blessed be the Lord! 

O alleluia, alleluia, 

Alleluia, a bridge of love!

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