“Life with Jesus Christ.” That’s what Vida com Jesus Cristo means. Here at Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo, we find a place deeply rooted in faith. It’s a relatively young church. The Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo was founded in 2010.
Though details about its founding are scarce. Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo shares its roots with the broader Pentecostal movement. This movement has significantly shaped Brazil’s religious landscape. One prominent example is the Brazil for Christ Pentecostal Church.
The Brazil for Christ Pentecostal Church. It was founded in the 1950s by Manoel de Mello. Mello was a construction worker. He became known as “Missionary.” He came to São Paulo from Pernambuco. He converted in the Assemblies of God. Then he embraced the healing movement. It was known as the National Evangelism Crusade. Now, it is the Foursquare Gospel Church in Brazil.
Mello started his own church in 1956. It was called Igreja Pentecostal Brasil para Cristo. That means “Brazil for Christ” Church. Mello lacked formal education. However, he was an eloquent preacher. He used radio to spread his message. His program was called The Voice of Brazil for Christ. It aired for two decades.
Mello held meetings in public squares and soccer stadiums. These meetings featured healing and miracles. The Brazil for Christ Church grew. It expanded mostly in poor, working-class areas. These neighborhoods were in east São Paulo. They were mainly populated by immigrants. These immigrants came from Northeast Brazil.
The Brazil for Christ Church spread nationwide. It also has a small presence abroad. Small regional Pentecostal movements joined it. Many people left to start their own churches. These included the God is Love Pentecostal Church. Also, the House of Blessing Church. The Brazil for Christ Church was once part of the World Council of Churches. Mello stepped down in 1986. He died four years later, in 1990.
The Brazil for Christ Church faced challenges. It lost momentum to new charismatic movements. Internal problems arose. Many members left for other churches. One of them was the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God. Today, the Brazil for Christ Church maintains a significant presence. It has over 1,000 churches in Brazil. It also has foreign work in several countries. These countries include Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Portugal, and the United States.
In 2016, Brazil recognized the church’s importance. President Dilma Rousseff signed Law No. 13.279. This law established the National Day of the Brazil for Christ Church. It is celebrated on March 3rd.
Like the Brazil for Christ Church, Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo reflects the ongoing growth. It also reflects the diversity within Brazilian Pentecostalism. It offers a place for worship and community. It is located on Avenida Novo Horizonte.
Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo continues its mission. The church provides regular services. Services are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 PM. Sunday services take place at 6 PM. This offers ample opportunity. It offers opportunities for people to connect with their faith. It also allows connection with the community. The story of Igreja Evangélica Pentecostal Vida com Jesus Cristo is still being written. It is a testament to the enduring power of faith in São Paulo.