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\u2022 The first temple<\/strong> opened on July 9, 1977<\/strong>, in a former funeral home. \u2022 Join us this Wednesday, July 9,<\/strong> for a special service at 7 PM<\/strong> as we celebrate 48 years of spreading the Gospel.<\/strong> <\/p>\n The bandstand grew too small, leading The Universal Church of the Kingdom of God<\/strong> to transform an old funeral home into its first temple, which opened on July 9, 1977<\/strong>, in the Aboli\u00e7\u00e3o neighborhood<\/strong> of northern Rio de Janeiro. Now, more than 12,000 temples<\/strong> can be found throughout Brazil and in over 150 countries.<\/strong><\/p>\n The voice of a man who left everything to preach the Gospel now resonates in 100 different languages and dialects<\/strong>. Today, thousands of pastors, their wives<\/strong>, and more than 626,000 volunteers<\/strong> proclaim the Word of God throughout the world. The speaker and microphone have evolved\u2014the propagation of the Gospel today occurs through: <\/p>\n These nearly\u00a018,000 days of history<\/strong>\u00a0have included: We thank God for these experiences!<\/strong> Each challenge has provided opportunities for learning and growth, affirming that one thing remains constant: the Word of God.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Bible has always been the foundation<\/strong> of this work and continues to guide it and mold it every day. As described in 2 Timothy 3:16-17<\/strong>, every step of The Universal Church is influenced by Scripture. From each Altar, we do not preach a doctrine but, instead, we preach: <\/p>\n A key aspect of our dedication is conveying the essence of the Word of God as clearly and simply<\/strong> as possible. There\u2019s a popular saying, \u201cWords convince, but examples carry.\u201d Before teaching, The Universal Church puts its teachings into practice. The fruits of these 48 years are evident through: Whether we are in schools, prisons, orphanages, nursing homes, hospitals, or cemeteries, whether planning events months in advance or responding to unforeseen disasters, The Universal Church spares no effort to support those in need and experiencing neglect, often reaching individuals who may not even be aware of its existence.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For those wondering how we can give so much without expecting anything in return, face numerous challenges, overcome them, and continue to open temples in Brazil and worldwide, the answer is straightforward: obedience<\/strong> to the Word of God, submission<\/strong> to the Holy Spirit, and learning and maturing<\/strong> through each situation lived.<\/p>\n There is still much to do, much to learn, and billions of souls to reach<\/strong>. Thus, The Universal Church continues to advance until the return of the Lord Jesus, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 15:58,<\/strong> \u201c\u2026 steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n This Wednesday, July 9<\/strong>, we invite you to a special service at 7 PM<\/strong> as we celebrate 48 years of The Universal Church<\/strong> fulfilling its mission to spread the Gospel. Before this special service, pastors will wash the feet of those attending, as the Lord Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. How beautiful upon the mountains Are the feet of him who brings good news, Who proclaims peace, Who brings glad tidings of good\u00a0things,\u00a0Who proclaims salvation\u2026 (Isaiah 52:7)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Everyone is welcome, regardless of religious beliefs or background.\u00a0Come as you are. <\/strong>For locations of The Universal Church nationwide, please\u00a0click\u00a0here<\/a>. For more information, please\u00a0call\u00a01-888-332-4141<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0text 1-888-312-4141<\/strong>.<\/p>\n
\n\u2022 Now in 150+ countries<\/strong> with 12,000+ temples<\/strong> and 626,000+ volunteers<\/strong>.
\n\u2022 The Gospel<\/strong> is shared in 100 languages<\/strong> through radio, TV, the internet, and print.
\n\u2022 Stood firm through persecution<\/strong>, legal battles<\/strong>, and media attacks<\/strong>.
\n\u2022 Built on the unchanging foundation of the Bible and obedience to God<\/strong>.
\n\u2022 15+ social programs<\/strong> help those in prisons, nursing homes, and more.
\n <\/p>\nYou\u2019re Invited!<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Pastors will wash the feet of attendees, as Jesus did for His disciples.
\nWe will study the Word, seek the Holy Spirit, and reflect on this journey of faith.
\n\u2022 Everyone is welcome!\u00a0<\/strong>For more info, call\u00a01-888-332-4141\u00a0<\/strong>or text\u00a01-888-312-4141.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\nFrom a Funeral Home to Global Outreach<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Radio and television stations
\n\u2022 The internet
\n\u2022 Printed newspapers like the Universal News<\/a><\/span> (Folha Universal<\/em> in Brazil), which reaches over 1.7 million people weekly<\/strong><\/p>\nChallenges That Shaped the Mission<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Persecution
\n\u2022 Biased news coverage
\n\u2022 Defamation
\n\u2022 Slander
\n\u2022 Legal proceedings that led to the imprisonment of Bishop Macedo (depicted in the movie Nothing to Lose<\/em>)<\/p>\nThe Bible: Our Unchanging Foundation<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Repentance
\n\u2022 Baptism in water
\n\u2022 Baptism with the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38)
\n\u2022 Intelligent faith (Romans 10:17)
\n\u2022 Rational worship (Romans 12:1)
\n\u2022 Practice of the Word of God (James 1:22)
\n\u2022 Faithfulness (Malachi 3:10)
\n\u2022 All that is in Holy Scripture<\/p>\nBeing Before Doing<\/h4>\n
\n\u2022 Countless testimonies<\/strong>
\n\u2022 15 social programs<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Various humanitarian efforts<\/strong> worldwide<\/p>\nObedience to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit<\/h4>\n
\n <\/p>\n
\n <\/p>\nJoin Us for a Special Celebration \u2013 48 Years of Spreading the Gospel<\/h4>\n
\n <\/p>\n
\nDuring this service, we will:
\n\u2022 Study the Word of God<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Seek the Holy Spirit<\/strong>
\n\u2022 Pray for the souls<\/strong> and for the work of God in this world
\n\u2022 Receive a special message <\/strong> reflecting on these 48 years of The Universal Church serving the Lord Jesus\u2014The lessons learned and how they relate to your life.<\/p>\n