The Igreja do Nazareno Central de Paulista in Paulista, Brazil, used Easter weekend as an opportunity to evangelize to its community.

The weekend activities began on Saturday with a children’s evangelism event. On Resurrection Sunday, church members carried out their tradition of loudly proclaiming “He Lives” to the neighborhood as they marched into the church.

“We unite the church in this purpose, and we go out in the middle of the buildings and streets of the neighborhood around the church, taking the message [through songs and prayers] that Christ Lives, that He is resurrected,” said Pastor Angela Pinheiro.

During this year’s march, more than 70 people left their homes to share the message of the empty tomb to homes that needed hope. About 320 homes received this transformative message on a morning filled with the presence and grace of the Lord.

The church always ends the march with a breakfast in the church, where together they celebrate with Communion at the table, giving thanks for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

On the previous day, the church’s children’s ministry organized a missions day. The purpose was to unite the church families in order to bring the message of salvation. Parents or guardians from the church led and encouraged their children to practice the Great Commission of the Lord, guiding them when preaching and praying for people from the community.

Leaders from the children's ministry prepared the children for the event before going out to the streets. During the evangelism, they guided the families, providing necessary support. The families, along with the team, went to two public squares in the neighborhood.

“In the preparation, we explained to the children what they would do that afternoon,” said Gabriela Mariz, leader of the children’s ministry. “We told them it would not be a moment of fun, although it should be done with joy. Glory to God, we saw that everyone was very focused on the goal, and with joy, they impacted many children and adults.”

Using several strategies such as a prayer hula-hoop, coloring books, and performance, the church illustrated the death and resurrection of Jesus. The result was that approximately 12 children accepted Jesus into their hearts. The children's prayers welcomed many people to hear the gospel message. Their joy and enthusiasm to share the gospel message were evident to all who came. 

“In fact, it was a memorable moment for the parents and unforgettable for the children,” Mariz said. “We believe this is just the beginning of something great that the Lord has in store for the families and children of the church.”

--Church of the Nazarene South America