A surfboard. That’s how it all began. Right here at Bola de Neve. Can you imagine? The very first services of this vibrant church were held not in a grand cathedral but in a surf shop. A simple longboard served as the pulpit.
Bola de Neve Church a unique neopentecostal church. It was founded in Sao Paulo in 1999. Its founder Rinaldo Luiz de Seixas Pereira is known as Apostle Rina. He was a pastor and a surfer. Unlike many churches Bola de Neve initially targeted young people. It embraced an informal atmosphere. The church also promotes extreme sports. Surfing skateboarding running and cycling are popular among its members. Many of its buildings reflect this with sports-themed decor.
Apostle Rina’s story is intertwined with Bola de Neve’s. After a severe bout of hepatitis he claimed a spiritual experience. This led him to dedicate his life to Christ. He started by leading evangelism at the Renascer em Cristo Church. The name Bola de Neve meaning snowball came from a dream. It symbolized something small growing into something huge.
Bola de Neve expanded rapidly. It now boasts hundreds of temples and cells across Brazil and internationally. It’s a testament to its unique appeal. The church’s popularity attracted a diverse range of followers. Celebrities politicians and athletes have attended.
Sadly Apostle Rina’s life ended tragically in 2024. He died in a motorcycle accident near Campinas. This was after accusations of domestic violence against his wife. His legacy however remains. Bola de Neve continues to thrive. It continues to spread its message of faith and community. The church’s distinctive identity persists. It continues to inspire many.
Here we stand before Bola de Neve. A testament to faith resilience and the power of a dream. A snowball that truly did become an avalanche. A church that truly embodies the spirit of its founder. Apostle Rina’s legacy lives on within these walls. And in the hearts of its faithful members.