25th of April in Nisa

This year the land of cheeses and sausages has more flavor than ever. The population of Nisa depends on agriculture mainly for it's livelihood, craftsmanship, and the production of sheep cheeses, bacon and pork sausages. The granite industry has proven itself to be competitive in terms of quality, having won some international awards for excellence. Of all the populations of Alentejo that can trace their roots back to medieval times, not one can claim to have so perfect a heritage as Nisa. Nisa is on fire for Jesus.

A day with a difference

The hanged man

The message that Pastor César Farçoni ministered was that of the hanged man. The pastor played various roles and they all had one thing in common. They were hanged, strung up. He acts the life of someone who follows the worldly paths where the devil is king. Everyone who is dominated by any vices, sin, have a rope wound around their necks and there is only one way that they can be freed; this way is Jesus. He died for us on the cross and He has freed us from the gallows.

Evangelism with a Difference

In the morning Christians met together with the local residents, in the plaza of Nisa. It was not the traditional type of evangelism that one is used to seeing in the streets, a preacher speaking at the top of his voice that Jesus saves. It was of a very discrete and effective form, which does not impinge the word of God, and speaks of Jesus in a very special way. Without putting on a performance the local people could tell that there was something special in our brethren. It really is true, that the light of Jesus is apparent in the faces of those that follow Him. It must be pointed out that Nisa is a very small place, where everything is known and everything is noticed. We have come to notice that personal evangelism is very effective in these circumstances. It is evangelism that we give with our testimony. The President appreciated our presence We were a large group of brethren united by one single intention: to speak of Jesus and to glorify His name.

The Meeting

According to Pastor Vitória, supervisor of Regional Center 2 “the meeting was a true success”. Various Christian bands performed, amongst them: groups from the churches of Amadora, Tomar and the well known singer João Marcelo; finally Pastor Cesar Farçoni ministered through theater. About 400 people filled the Cine Theater to attend a real Christian show, filled to capacity. Christians and members of the council occupied all the available places. An elder of the Maná Church of Rana also gave his opinion, “it was very good, it was... a show with a difference ” and adds that “the church put on - a first class party for the people ”.

Projects

We are planning to take advantage of the door that God has opened for us and use the cine-theater to it's full potential with events for the general public. We are thinking about holding youth meetings, and intend to publicize these events in Nisa´s schools without mentioning the name of our church. And in the future we are planning to use this venue to show Christian films...