DALLAS (BP) — Brazilian Baptists enjoyed a small but lively fellowship on June 9 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center preceding the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).

The 26 Brazilian Baptists in attendance represented Florida, California, Texas and New England churches as well as their country of origin.

The purpose of the intimate gathering was to foster connection, worship and fellowship.

The Fellowship’s executive director, Ebenezer Santos, reminded the pastors, wives and missionaries present, “No one can stop God’s plans. We are gathered here because we are all family in Christ.”

Santos, who moved from Brazil to the U.S. in 1989, started his pastoral ministry among Spanish-speakers in Texas. In 2007 he became the pastor of Central Brazilian Church in Bedford, Texas.

In a short but encouraging message out of Matthew 28, Santos reminded those present that they are called to share the gospel and that mission calls them to be in movement wherever they are called to share it.

Charles Grant, associate vice president for convention partnerships with the SBC Executive Committee (EC), visited the group to thank them for their ministry and generous giving to the Cooperative Program.

“On behalf of the Executive Committee and (SBC EC President) Jeff Iorg, I want to say thank you for connecting with the SBC. We are grateful you have chosen to partner with us. …Continue to build, continue to set your eyes on God’s will.”

(EDITOR’S NOTE — Keila Diaz is a digital communications assistant with the Florida Baptist Convention.)