Article August 4, 2003 Issue

Pastor Hélio brings Christian healing to the neighborhoods of Rio de Janeiro

Leide Lessa with contributions from Hélio Ferreira Braga

ALMOST 20 YEARS AGO, Pastor Hélio Ferreira Braga founded the Pente Church of the Living Christ in Rio de Janeiro—a small, independent church with headquarters in the neighborhood of Bom Sucesso and four other churches in Rio de Janeiro, as well as one church in the city of Belo Horizonte. His church is designed to carry forward his vision that the Christ is available to save, cure, and guide people. Below are excerpts from a recent conversation between Leide Lessa of O Arauto da Christian Science and Pastor Hélio, a man who is "in service to the Lord."

Tell us about you and your family.

I started reading the Bible when I was nine. I went through a few denominations until I founded a church in 1984. I'm very happy. I've brought up my family. I have three married daughters and eight grandchildren. One of my sons-in-law is a pastor in one of our churches. Thanks to God, the whole family is on a good path. All of my grandchildren have jobs. They also study and are active in the church.

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