Today we wrapped up the GC4 missional gathering conference. We were asked to speak at the breakout sessions, but I think we were more blessed by the folks at Solid Rock. We met some really amazing people.

We also heard some remarkable stories of work that’s being done around the world. Paolo Mato is a missionary to Sao Paolo, Brazil. I didn’t know this, but said Sao Paolo is that largest city in the southern hemisphere. There are over 2,000 slums! For more than a decade he has been ministering to people in those slums, especially caring for the children. He moved his family into the slums and holds church at night in order to get the runaways off the streets. He goes into the brothels, and witnesses to members of organized crime. Despite being ridiculed, kidnapped, and shot, he’s full of the joy of Christ and love for those folks in the slums. An amazing testimony.

Another was Faustin Ntamushobora from Nairobi. He was born in the Congo, the son of the village priest. He was next in line to be the one to sacrifice to the village ancestors. After hearing of the forgiveness and life offered by Jesus he became a Christian. He has since pastored in several African countries, including during the genocide in Rwanda!

We also heard from Hanz Finzel, the president of World Venture. He was a missionary to eastern Europe for many years, smuggling Bibles into communist countries. He was in Berlin when the wall came down….crazy.

All in all it was a good time and very encouraging to hear about the great work to show the love of Jesus and share his good news around the world.