Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça

Can you imagine worshipping under a sky full of stars? The Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça started just like that. In 1996, Apostle Celso Santos felt a calling to a specific area in Jardim Alvorada, where he encountered a distraught woman. He prayed for her, and from that moment, a prayer campaign began, right where the Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça stands today. The meetings took place outdoors. The sky was their roof, stars their lights, and paint cans their seats. This small gathering, full of faith, quickly expanded. People from all around wanted to join. The Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça was becoming a beacon of hope. Pastor Celso considered handing over his growing congregation, not feeling ready to lead a church. But a prophecy from a woman in Rio de Janeiro foretold a great ministry for him, reaching countless souls. He accepted his destiny. The first baptism took place at the Molive farm in March 1997. The first Holy Communion followed with 70 members. The “Circle of Prayer Columns of Fire” formed with eight women, and the first “Youth Covenant with Christ” group emerged. The Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça continued to grow. They moved to a larger location, accommodating 400 people. New ministries like “Operation Rescue” and “Youth Choreography” blossomed. The first “Ladies Congress” took place. By 2001, the church again outgrew its space. God directed them to the former Cine Horizonte. Pastor Celso hesitated, much like Jonah. The rent was high, and the building enormous, with 1620 seats. But he trusted in God and signed the lease. On January 15, 2001, the Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça officially moved into the old cinema. Some predicted its demise. Many members stayed at their local congregations, leaving only 60. Yet, the church thrived, fulfilling all its commitments. Miracles happened. Healings, liberations, revivals, and prophecies filled the space. The dream of building a dedicated temple took root. In 2003, a businessman donated a 2,000 square meter plot of land on Avenida Mauá. Construction began in February 2004, and the Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça found its permanent home. God’s faithfulness never faltered. In 2005, they moved to a building next to the construction site on Avenida Mauá. On December 5, 2005, Radio Esperança Viva (960 AM) launched, reaching a global audience through the internet. By 2006, thousands of Baptists belonged to the church, spanning Brazil and reaching Portugal, Spain, England, and Mozambique. Congregations flourished in Maringá, with three owned churches. In 2010, they opened a theological seminary, empowering leaders and enriching the pastoral body. The church purchased RTV Canal 10 in 2016, expanding its reach even further. Today, the Igreja Batista Renovada na Graça continues to grow. People are drawn to the manifest glory of God, fulfilling the prophecy spoken years ago.