A couple of weeks ago, Pastor Elcy of Jesus Salvador congregation located in Gravataí, Brazil had the privilege to welcome two men into his congregation through confirmation. While adult confirmations are always a reason for rejoicing, these two men have an interesting story. One of the men confirmed, Alcides, was one of the first participants in our mission’s EFL (English as a Foreign Language) program that began three and a half years ago.

Ever since he began the English classes, Alcides expressed an interest in studying the Bible. A self-proclaimed “spiritual wanderer”, he would occasionally come to worship and Bible classes. After a couple months of EFL class, Alcides accepted the opportunity to participate in a Bible Information Class (BIC). When the course was over he graciously thanked the pastor for many lessons, but confidently stated his disagreement with the Bible in several areas.

As time passed, Alcides continued with English classes even as the teachers would rotate in and out. More importantly, however, Alcides continued to come to Sunday worship where he could hear Law and Gospel. One day Alcides approached our congregation’s new Brazilian pastor, Pastor Elcy, with a request to visit his good friend, Bento, who was having a spiritual crisis.  After some initial visits, Pastor Elcy was able to begin a BIC class with Bento, and Alcides was willing to participate again. Recently this course came to an end and both Alcides and Bento confessed their faith in God’s Word and in the teaching of the Lutheran church.

Within the last three years of EFL classes there have been many other opportunities to spread God’s Word with students and interested prospects. However in the case of Alcides, we are reminded of the power of God’s Word that is always at work – sometimes not at the pace that we desire, but at pace that God desires!