PRESIDENT

Born in Minas Gerais, Brazil, but raised in the city of Volta Redonda, Rio de Janeiro (RJ), he received the call to ministry very early. At 21, in 1981, he started seminary at Seminário Presbiteriano do Sul, in Campinas, Mato Grosso (MG). He was ordained in 1986 and has since served God in the Presbyterian Church of Brazil. Husband to Celi and father to Fernanda and Junior.

Pastoral Experience:

• 1 year - Fifth Presbyterian Church in Volta Redonda, RJ.

• 5 years - Presbyterian Church of São Miguel Paulista, Capital of São Paulo

• 8 years - Presbyterian Church of Boa Esperança, in Nova Iguaçu, RJ

• 7 years - Presbyterian Church of Unaí, MG

• 16 years thru present - Luz do Vale Presbyterian Church, in Camboriú, Santa Catarina (SC)

Education:

• Postgraduate Degree in Urban Theology

• Bachelor's Degree in History

“All of this, just so that God can be glorified through my life.”

MISSIONARY LEAD

Born in São Roque - São Paulo (SP), husband of Laura, father of Ester, Benjamin, Ana, José and Maria.

Pastoral and Missionary Experience

• 2 years - Assistant Pastor - Reformed Church of Blumenau, Santa Catarina (SC)

• 2 years - missionary in Presidente Prudente - SP

Education:

• Bachelor of Theology - International Reformed Theological College

• M. Div - International Reformed Theological College

• Postgraduate Missiology/Missionary Care - International Reformed Theological College

• Postgraduate in Anthropology - Instituto Líbano

SECRETARY

Sinner saved by grace, dedicated husband of Luana and loving father of Aurora. Born in Paraná, Brazil he has lived in Blumenau, SC since he was 4 years old. At age 23, he heard the voice of the Good Shepherd and has since dedicated himself to serving the Church of Christ, both locally and universally.

Ministry Experience:

• Ruling elder - Reformed Church of Blumenau, tenure of 6 years

Education:

• Completed several courses in Biblical Counseling, focusing on issues such as depression, anxiety and ADHD, striving to show how the Bible offers all the answers.

• Degree in Philosophy from Centro Universitário Internacional

• Student of Dr. and Pastor Jonas Madureira at Academia Virtude

VICE PRESIDENT

Born in Demotte, Indiana, USA, where he was raised in the Christian Reformed Church. Husband to Lorena, father to Josiah and Jonah. Founder of the US Non-profit organization, Smoldering Wick Foundation, and founder of its Brazilian counterpart, Associação Agua Viva de Blumenau.

Through the redemptive work of Christ in his life and unfortunate life events that led Calvin to a time of retreat over a decade ago, God has used those hardships and gifts to now bring to life a retreat center for His glory.

Ministry Experience:

• Youth group leader over the course of adult life

• Former deacon at Granada Presbyterian Church

Business Experience:

• Former C-level executive of a publicly traded company

• Entrepeneur

• Certified Public Accountant since 2010

Education:

• Bachelors in Management and Accounting from Purdue University

TREASURER

Born in Lima, Peru but migrated to the United States when she was 6, spending the majority of her time in Miami, Florida, Lorena grew up in the Catholic Church and felt the presence of the Holy Spirit at age 13. Life events made her feel unworthy of God’s love until she finally accepted His irresistible grace at age 23. Wife to Calvin and mother to Josiah and Jonah.

Ministry Experience:

• 11 years - Youth group leader at Granada Presbyterian Church and various volunteer roles

• 3 years - Discussion group leader at Moms of Preschoolers (a Christian ministry now known as The MOM Co)

• 11 years - active member of Bible Study Fellowship

Education:

• Masters and Bachelors in Accountancy from Florida International Universiy

• Certified Public Accountant since 2012