It is criticized, badmouthed, persecuted, ridiculed, imperfect, has made many mistakes in its attempt to do things right… but I owe my very life and happiness to its work.

I’m not a fanatic, nor do I put this organization above my relationship with God (because it also taught me that). Through the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, back in 1985, I discovered God and was made into a real person.

On this day, July 9, the UCKG complete 35 years of existence. So I decided to list 35 reasons (I could add many more) that express why I love this church.  Here goes:

1. Whenever I have been in need, from the first Friday I stepped foot in the UCKG in Lapa (Sao Paulo, Brazil), its doors have always been open. Every single day.
2. Because I was made to feel welcome and not criticized for coming from a Catholic background.
3. Because it is here that I received a word of hope, when there was no hope in me.
4. Because its pastors literally give their lives for the people.
5. It is a college of life – what I learned there I could not find anywhere else.
6. This is where my family found salvation.
7. For the fearless fight against the forces of evil, daily on the front lines of the battle.
8. Because it does not accumulate wealth but invests it in spreading the Gospel.
9. Because it teaches the truth, no matter whom it hurts.
10. Because it is not looking for quantity members, but for quality Christians.
11. Because it places importance on saving people, above all else.
12. Because their pastors are brave and do not not fear anything.
13. Because it learns from its mistakes and moves on, daily improving.
14. Because it does not tolerate bad pastors who are dishonest with God and His sheep.
15. Because it is the same wherever you go: one spirit, one faith, one God, one ideal.
16. Because it teaches an intelligent faith.
17. It does not trick people with emotions.
18. Because it is active 24 hours a day, saving souls somewhere, somehow serving God.
19. Because its leader does not seek his own glory, but God’s.
20. Because it sees people’s potential.
21. Because it is not a bunch of blah-blah-blah, but demands results from people’s faith.
22. Because it is not afraid of entering difficult places to rescue people the lost.
23. Because it is an innovator — a pioneer in everything it does.
24. Because it teaches fearless sacrifice rather than a cheap, easy gospel that will not save anyone.
25. Because it trains people for eternity, rather than simply making them feel good in a meeting.
26. It’s where I learned the basis of a happy marriage.
27. It’s where I found my beloved.
28. For the thousands of assistants and volunteers who work tirelessly for it.
29. It is what it is — no make-up, no hypocrisy.
30. Because it is misunderstood by some, and loved by those who truly know it.
31. Because it is today, what the 300 were in the time of Gideon.
32. Because it’s where the rich receive the same treatment as the poor.
33. Because it is impossible to belong to it and have a complacent faith.
34. Because it teaches the Word that changes the lives of those who listen and practice it.
35. Because it will be too busy doing what it always does on this day, the 9^th , to celebrate its own birthday.

And you? Would you like to add at least one reason? Write it down.

Bishop Renato Cardoso

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