• Posted:
  • September 19, 2024
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  • News
  • Reflections

A Fresh Season: Introducing the Portuguese Campus!

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During kickoff weekend (September 7/8, 2024), Pastor James Paton announced the exciting news that 2or3 Church will be adopted into the FAC family as FAC em Português—forming the Portuguese Campus this coming October! To learn more about their story, we spoke with Pastor Alexandre, Associate Campus Pastor, who shared a glimpse into the journey and vision that brought them to FAC.

FAC: In the months leading up to 2or3 being adopted into the FAC family, what did you sense God saying to you about the direction of 2or3 Church?

“2or3 Church started in Pastor Pedro’s basement 8 years ago, founded on the promise that Jesus would be present in every moment, whether in a small or large group (Matthew 18:10, 20). This promise gave us the resilience to stay focused and strong in reaching Portuguese-speaking people, even when we faced tough obstacles.

As an ethnic group, our biggest challenges were managing the cultural shock experienced by newcomers and building a legacy for the second and third generations. We believed that being part of a Canadian denomination would be a divine solution. Since then, we have been praying about joining a church where the first generation could worship in Portuguese and where there would be English programming opportunities for the second and third generations. God eventually brought us to FAC!”

FAC: What were your initial thoughts when this adoption began to become a possibility?

“In the beginning, our leadership was amazed by the many signs God gave us: dreams, visions, words of knowledge, deep conversations, divine appointments, and more. From our first conversation with Pastor James and Pastor Kyle, our hearts were filled with expectancy and faith that God would fulfill every word He had spoken to us. Now, we feel like the author of Psalm 126—though it is real, it feels like a dream—an undeserved and divine dream!”

FAC: Tell us about the 2or3 Church community! Who are you, what are you like, and what are some of your major values?

“Our community is simple, made of people passionate about Jesus, the Bible, souls, soccer, and lots of food—especially barbecue! We started with 8 people and now have more than 160, not including those who joined other churches in the city or moved out of the province. We’ve had the privilege of baptizing over 50 people and sharing the good news of Jesus with many others. Our community values Jesus, His kingdom, relationships, and hugs (not kidding!).”

FAC: How have you sensed God at work in your community these days?

“After intentionally seeking God through fasting and prayer, we noticed that not only our hearts, but also our eyes and ears were open and sensitive to God’s move among us. We saw our people strengthening their relationships, actively pursuing God, reading the Bible, developing a hunger for souls, and caring for others—things that only God can powerfully accomplish in a community. We sensed that God was preparing something new, a fresh season for His people.”

FAC: What are some ways we can be praying for the Portuguese community as the adoption happens this fall?

“We must emphasize how deeply we depend on your prayers. Please pray for:

  • Our community to maintain the same energy and engagement in this new season at FAC.
  • Boldness and love in reaching Portuguese-speaking people in this city.
  • Creative and effective strategies to share the Gospel.
  • A sense of unity and fellowship with our new FAC family.”

As we enter this new season, we’re eager to see how God will work through this new expression of FAC. Let’s be all-praying and all-helping as we welcome FAC em Português, gathering at the FAC Deerfoot location on Saturday nights at 6:30 pm beginning October 26, 2024.

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