Eduardo Lemos and Anna Marzia
At the heart of São Paulo’s coastal region, Guarujá’s centre remains unchurched
Guarujá is a coastal town (population 320,000) situated an hour’s drive away from the south end of São Paulo’s metropolitan area (population 23.5m) and is home for commuters working in São Paulo. It is known for its many beautiful beaches, which make it a popular weekend and holiday destination for ‘Paulistas’: residents in São Paulo state (which represents 22% of Brazil’s population and 32% of the country’s economy). At weekends and Summer holiday periods Guarujá’s population can swell to 2 million.
Guarujá (“narrow path”) is an island. It was named by the Tupi Indians believed to have associated the name with the nesting of ‘Guaru’ fishes there. Today, the main economic drivers are seasonal tourism, and port activities situated close to the largest petro-chemical district of Brazil. The borough is spread between less advantaged inland neighborhoods on one side, and the more affluent coastal city center on the other.
Preaching and pastoring for Paulistas
The Central Baptist Church Guarujá (CBCG) is situated in the more densely populated beachfront area. Here the Gospel is being faithfully preached by its pastor Wagner Santos. CBCG has 170 members, many newly and wonderfully saved. They are part of the circa 3000 reformed church-going believers (less than half Brazil’s average) only a small fraction of which are from the central part of town near to the sea where CBCG is located.
There are limited resources for the church to grow and undertake outreach activities; and it is to that situation that Eduardo and Anna Marzia feel called to work. They will support CBCG pastor and church with expository preaching and teaching, Bible studies, home groups, discipleship, outreach and social ministries. There is a keen desire to engage with both the Paulistas ‘coasters’ and the local ‘inlanders’.
The church is currently meeting in a rented industrial shed-like building, with a pressing need to find a more sustainable solution. Expensive rents in a prime location most suitable for the church outreach, need to be balanced against affordability. Eduardo will play a key supportive role in that project which will also require substantial fundraising: and they would value prayer and financial support.
Ministry in maturity
Eduardo is native Brazilian, and his wife Anna Marzia, Italian. They have two adult children living and working in the USA. Eduardo has spent 30 years in management and consulting before sensing the call to preach; and subsequently undertaking a pastor-training course at London Seminary. Eduardo will serve side-by-side with CBCG pastor, Wagner Santos, helping him in God’s growth of His church in knowledge and grace with many new believers turning to Christ, using both his maturing pastoral and expository capabilities and his business administration background.
During their preparation time in London, Eduardo and Anna Marzia have become members of Childs Hill Baptist Church who is supporting their call to Central Baptist Church Guarujá. Eduardo and Anna Marzia need to raise regular prayer and financial support from believers in the UK; they will offer regular updates of the work and progress in Guarujá to encourage your ongoing interest in their work; and they will encourage you to come visit them and receive a warm welcome and fellowship with the church in Guarujá.
