BGFM History at a Glance
The BGFM ministry began in 1939 in Sobral, Ceará located in Northeast
Brazil. The Mission was officially organized in 1945 and incorporated
in the State of Illinois in 1955. In the '40s and '50s the missionary
ministry was difficult due to religious opposition and unimproved
roads. However, during those years a good number heard the Gospel
and small churches were established along with special training schools
for men and women.
1960-1979
The seeds planted in those early years began to flourish. A good number
of new missionaries joined those that did the early planting. New
churches were established along with several special ministries. Those
ministries were Radio, Film, Theological Education by Extension, Bible
Camp, and Bible Institute. The special training schools for men and
women continued. BGFM missionaries spent many hours weekly in training
Brazilians both in the local church and through the special ministries.
As a result the Brazilian leadership grew in all areas of our ministries.
An association of churches was established providing fellowship for
all of the churches and opportunity to plan and set goals together.
A national missionary organization was established for sending out
Brazilian missionaries.
1980-1999
Working along side Brazilian brothers and sisters
provided a new emphasis in the ministry. The leadership of the association
of churches went from being all missionaries to all Brazilians or
a good balance of the two. During these years many churches were turned
over to Brazilian leadership. Many of the special ministries included
Brazilians in important positions or roles. During the early '80s,
the BGFM and the GMU (Gospel Missionary Union) began joint administration
of the SIBIMA Seminary. This school has had a vital part of training
leaders, many of who are now serving as pastors in our churches. Both
missionaries and Brazilians are involved in teaching in the Seminary
and Bible Institute. The millennium ended with many of the BGFM goals
realized especially in relationship to establishing national churches.
2000-Present
Now what? What lies ahead?
We are grateful that there are over 40 established national churches
with Brazilian pastors. Five Brazilian families are serving as home
missionaries and one young lady is serving on the Amazon, all supported
by Brazilian churches. Our Brazilian churches have a vision for reaching
their communities and distant fields. This vision will continue to
grow as we turn over churches to the Brazilians and as they carry
on the process of evangelism and training leadership.
The special ministries of BGFM
have always been vital to our total ministry. The Seminary, Bible
Institute, Priscila Training School for Women, and Theological Education
by Extension will all continue in the important task of training believers
for service. Christian Elementary Schools, Radio, Videos, Bible Camps
will continue to be used for evangelism, training, and fellowship.
God has richly blessed BGFM with
23 families and three single ladies serving as missionaries on our
fields in Northeast Brazil. At present we minister in the states of
Ceará, Alagoas, and the Rio Grande do Norte. Together, with
our Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ, we will continue to
reach out to Brazilians with the Gospel message. Stateside, we have
two families serving in the home office along with some part time
administrative assistance. Five couples and a single have retired
since 1993.
