Rick & Mirian Sturz
Campinas, São Paulo, Brasil
Anyone in ministry knows that there are many facets to the daily work that
resist neat and compact categorization. Therefore, I will highlight a few of the
areas where we have been privileged to serve.
1. Evangelism - For Rick, this is a primary ministry. There are several
projects which I run throughout the year that are specifically geared toward
evangelism. These are:
A. Promifé - a Portuguese-language acronym that translates as "Vacation
Missionary Project". This is run twice a year (January and July -traditional
vacation months) and involves mostly youth. We usually gather 100+ young people
that come together for a week of intensive evangelism involving door-to-door and
one-on-one evangelism, DVBS activities, open-air preaching and projection of the
Jesus film. Promifé always works alongside one or more local-area churches so
that the follow-up will be sure to happen. We often see hundreds of first-time
decisions for Christ!
B. Public High School Project - As a way into the schools, we offer a
lecture with the following title: The Spiritual Solution to Drugs and Alcohol.
The school director usually jumps at the opportunity. Then, using video clips
from some popular movies, a tailor-made message of man's descent into sin and
God's master plan for salvation is present and a compelling way to high school
students. This project is also run in tandem with a local church/pastor who is
often invited to become the school's chaplain and continue an effective ministry
on-campus.
C. Military and Law-Enforcement Project - The way into these circles is
by gaining the respect of the officers. We use the talents and skills of a
friend form the CO who has 5 black belts in 5 different schools of martial arts.
He has trained FBI agents, the elite troops for the US Army and officers from
the police academy. His expertise gains us entrance as well as credibility to be
able to present the Gospel to the men and women who attend a our hands-on,
training event. The results have been extremely positive.
D. Saturday-evening, open-air evangelism - Using the Jesus film as an
attraction, I (Rick) preach open-air, presenting the Gospel as clearly as
possible. I offer this tool to local churches who will often conduct a
Saturday-long, neighborhood outreach, culminating with an evening film and
preaching event. We have seen many hands raised to accept the Lord. Even more
thrilling is to hear of those that are baptized into their respective churches,
sealing their commitment to walk with Jesus.
2. Mirian has a beautiful singing voice and way with people. Her primary
ministry centers around a children's oncology hospital called Boldrini
Hospital. There, she sings in the weekly chapel services for patients, their
parents and hospital staff. Many are touched by the sound of her harmonious
singing to the point of shedding tears while they codling to her shoulder.
Mirian also serves as a volunteer chaplain to the patients and their families,
imparting words of love, care and encouragement to those who walk through a
wilderness of despair.
3. Publishing House - Rick was voted in as the president of the board of
our mission-owned publishing house in Brazil. Called "Edições Vida Nova" (New
Life Publications), the publishing house has long-held the position as Brazil's
premier publisher of top-notch academic and reference works for pastors,
seminary students and church leaders. As board president, Rick is ultimately
responsible for the oversight of this ministry.
4. Local Church - We are both involved in our local church in the city of
Campinas, São Paulo state. There, Mirian sings in the choir and worship team.
Rick teaches Sunday School and serves as an informal pastor to many of the
congregation, helping to augment the senior pastor's ministry.
5. Mozambique, Africa - Rick is privileged to join a team from the US on
their annual trip to Mozambique, Africa. Mozambique, like Brazil, is a
Portuguese colony, and hence, they speak Portuguese as well. Rick teaches
pastors in the morning times and then participates in door-to-door evangelism in
the afternoon and evenings. Two churches have been planted in and around Maputo,
the national capitol, over the last 3 years.
Thank you for your prayers on
behalf of these ministries!
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