A profound sense of faith permeates the very air around Igreja Batista Renovada. This Igreja Batista Renovada’s story began in 1996. God called Pastor Celso Santos to leave home. He was to follow a specific path. Celso arrived at a farm in Jardim Alvorada. There, he saw a sad woman. God prompted him to pray for her. Miraculous things happened.
From that day forward, a prayer campaign began. New people joined. Meetings took place outdoors. The sky served as the roof. Stars acted as lights. Paint cans became benches. Soon, a small yet powerful service formed. It was full of God’s virtue. The service expanded quickly. People from everywhere wanted to participate.
Pastor Celso helped many people. He considered passing them on to a new pastor. Celso did not desire to start a church himself. But God heard his prayers. A sister from Rio de Janeiro prophesied. She spoke of a great ministry. Many souls would be reached through Pastor Celso.
The first baptism of the Costa family occurred on March 27, 1997. It took place at the MOLIVE farm. The first Holy Communion had 70 members. The “Circle of Prayer Columns of Fire” formed. It included eight sisters. Also, the first “Youth Alliance with Christ” emerged.
Over time, participation increased greatly. The location became too small. In April 1998, the Igreja Batista Renovada moved. The new place seated 400 people. Attendance grew. Members stood so visitors could sit. The “Rescue Operation” and “Youth Choreography” ministries began. The “1st Ladies Congress” also happened.
In 2001, God again directed the Igreja Batista Renovada to move. This time, it was to the “old Cine Horizonte.” Pastor Celso hesitated. But God’s command was clear. The challenge was significant. The rent and property size were daunting with 1620 seats. Eventually, Pastor Celso obeyed. He trusted solely in God.
On January 1, 2001, Pastor Celso signed the lease. On January 15, 2001, the church moved. It went to the old Cine Horizonte. This stood on Av. Riachuelo, 200 Vila Operária. The “Youth Alliance with Christ” Congress occurred that same day. Some thought it would be the ministry’s end. Four hundred people preferred staying in nearby congregations. Yet God fulfilled His promises. With only 60 sustaining members, God was faithful. The church met all its obligations.
The Igreja Batista Renovada witnessed God’s extraordinary actions daily. His promises were real. Miracles happened such as healings and deliverances. There was also revival, anointing, prophetic words and more.
The pastor and church wanted to build a temple for God. In late 2003, a businessman donated land. It measured 2,000 m2. This land was for the temple’s construction. It is located at Avenida Mauá, 1008. Construction began in February 2004. Since then, God has been faithful to the Igreja Batista Renovada.
In 2005, God gave a new order. The church would move to Av. Mauá, 1008. This was next to the church construction. On December 5, 2005, a dream became reality. God blessed the church with Radio Esperança Viva 960 AM. This radio station has global reach through the Internet.
By 2006, thousands of Baptists spread across Brazil and abroad. The church exists in Portugal, Spain, England and Mozambique. It has various congregations in Maringá. Three temples are owned by the church. In 2010, the Igreja Batista Renovada opened its own Theological Seminary. It aims to train leaders and equip workers. Since then, members and pastors have seen leaders changed by biblical knowledge.