New England church celebrates 24th anniversary
On Saturday, February 19, 2022, the Igreja Comunidade Batista de Naugatuck celebrated their 24th anniversary. Rev. Jose Monteiro planted the church in 1998 with only seven members. Under Pastor Monteiro’s leadership the church has baptized 103 new believers and started seven new churches around New England. Since 1998 the church has given over $76,000 to missions through the BCNE to help share the Gospel. Rev. Monteiro says “I believe in reaching people for Jesus. Every day I meet people in the Brazilian bakery and talk to them. God does the rest.”
Igreja Comunidade Batista is one of 18 Brazilian churches affiliated with the Baptist Convention of New England. Brazilians have been a significant part of the BCNE for over two decades. The BCNE is rapidly becoming the network of choice for Brazilian evangelicals in New England.
Rev. Lierte Soares, pastor of Framingham Baptist Church in Framingham, Massachusetts and vice president of the BCNE, was on hand to help celebrate the anniversary with his sister church in Connecticut. Rev. Soares said “The resilience inside of a leader like Pastor Monteiro not only brings impact to one community but it leaves a legacy for the next generation.” Also representing the BCNE at the celebration was Rev. Joe Souza, BCNE Ethnic Ministry Director and pastor of Celebration Church in Middleton, Massachusetts, who said “Pastor Monteiro is one of the pioneers of Brazilian ministry here in New England. Celebrating the church anniversary with other pastors and leaders in the region is a testimony of God’s blessing and favor among the people groups He has called to expand His Kingdom here in this uniquely challenging mission field.” Also present was Rev. Edson Messor, the BCNE Latino Mobilizer. Rev. Messor said, “Pastor Monteiro's life and ministry has faced many obstacles and challenges, but after 24 years a very healthy ministry among the Brazilian community has emerged. It is a huge testimony of God's grace and favor!”
