Article | - 8:21 pm
Bishop Edir Macedo recorded a video alongside Marcia Pires, wife of Bishop Marcelo Pires, responsible for the evangelistic work of The Universal Church on the African continent, to share a message of faith and hope aimed at women and all those facing moments of affliction.
In the video, the bishop stated that in moments of anguish, it may seem to the distressed person that God is distant. However, the bishop emphasized, “Whether we are in sin or not, God is always present when we call upon Him with all our hearts.” He also emphasized Márcia’s testimony, a powerful story of triumph that will be elaborated in a book.
Marcia shared her life story, which has been filled with challenges since her childhood. She revealed that she was raised by her maternal grandparents after her mother, seeking to fill a void in her life, chose to have a child on her own but struggled to cope with motherhood.
During her school years, Márcia felt different from other children because her parents were absent. This created feelings of inadequacy and deep sadness. During her pre-adolescence, she faced an even greater trauma: abuse by an uncle. Márcia reported feeling guilty and unable to find happiness or success in life.
Today, she shares her story as an example—that it is possible to overcome pain and find peace with faith as the foundation. Check out the full video with Marcia’s testimony:
On Sunday, January 19th, Bishop Edir Macedo held a special prayer for all distressed women. The event was broadcast from the ruins of Shiloh in Israel, where Hannah, a biblical character, prayed fervently to overcome her bitterness (1 Samuel 1-2). In every temple of The Universal Church worldwide, this prayer for the afflicted women was broadcast during the Sunday morning service. The congregations united in prayer and cried out to God in faith, along with the bishops, for those in distress.
Hannah, as recorded in the Bible, lived in deep anguish because she was unable to have children while being constantly humiliated by another woman. Her pain led her to cry out to the Lord in prayer. Hannah is an example of faith and perseverance, showing that, even in times of suffering, the search for God can transform lives.
And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the LORD and wept in anguish. (1 Samuel 1:10)
Women who are struggling emotionally or spiritually are invited to come this Sunday, January 26th, at 10 AM to The Universal Church for the Cry Out For Troubled Women With the Anointing of the Oil of Joy.
Additionally, participants can bring a bottle of their favorite perfume, which will be blessed during the meeting, in memory of the woman who poured perfume at the feet of Jesus, as recounted in the Gospel of John 12:3-8.
If you are distressed, know that God understands your pain and can bring comfort and renewal. All are welcome regardless of religion or background. Come as you are. For locations, please click here.
For more information, please call 1-888-332-4141 or text to 1-888-312-4141. For those who live in areas without a location of The Universal Church, you may also connect to our Virtual Church via Zoom Conference.
