Here stands Congregação Cristã do Bonjardim. Its story began far away in Brazil. Let me tell you how this church came to be.
In 1938 Domingos de Sá returned to Portugal. He had emigrated to São Paulo in Brazil. There he discovered the Congregação Cristã no Brasil. Domingos brought his newfound faith back home. The original group of believers started in Porto.
Under the Salazar regime the church faced persecution. This led some members to leave Portugal. They sought refuge in France the Netherlands Luxembourg Switzerland and Belgium. These Portuguese believers founded new Congregações Cristãs in those countries.
After the Carnation Revolution in 1974 the church was finally recognized. The first public meeting place opened in Porto. This marked a new chapter for the Congregação Cristã do Bonjardim.
The church’s first prayer hall was on Rua do Bonjardim number 1061. This location became the headquarters for the Congregação Cristã in Portugal. The address is still Rua do Bonjardim 1061 Porto.
Since the 1990s the church has seen an influx of Brazilians. Many settled around Lisbon and in the south. The Congregação Cristã welcomed them.
By 2010 there were approximately 200 congregations in Portugal. They had around 30000 members. Most congregations were in the Douro River valley. Here the church became the largest evangelical denomination.
The Congregação Cristã believes in the Bible. They accept it as the infallible word of God. They believe in one God in three persons. These are the Father the Son and the Holy Spirit.
They believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He took on human form. He died for the sins of all people. They also believe in the personal existence of the devil.
Regeneration or new birth comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism in water is done by immersion in the name of Jesus Christ. They also believe in baptism of the Holy Spirit. This is evidenced by speaking in tongues.
The church observes the Lord’s Supper. They abstain from things sacrificed to idols from blood and from sexual immorality. They believe Jesus Christ took our infirmities upon Himself.
The Congregação Cristã believes Jesus will descend from heaven. The dead in Christ will rise first. Then those still alive will be caught up together with them. They will meet the Lord in the air. They believe in the resurrection of the dead both just and unjust. The unjust will go to eternal torment. The righteous will go to eternal life.
Remember the story of Domingos de Sá. His journey from Brazil brought this church to life. The Congregação Cristã do Bonjardim stands as a testament to faith. It overcame persecution and grew into a thriving community.