Anyone who walks through the doors of the Universal Church, walks into their new home. Where, you can find and receive physical, emotional and above all, spiritual support through our daily meetings, 1-2-1 sessions with one of our Pastors, the weekly Food Bank and the activities of the Community Groups.
Over the years, the work of the Universal Church has seen a rise in interest and has reached 34 locations in the UK. However, it all began in a small bandstand in Rio de Janeiro, where Bishop Edir Macedo began holding services out of his fervent passion for the needy.
As the crowd grew, his services moved into local halls until the church officially opened in a funeral Parlour. Since then, the church has expanded not only across Brazil but all over the world.
The Universal Church has been able to reach over 140 countries and still continues to grow because of men and women of God who willingly offer their lives to serve others. From the Bishops and Pastors of the churches, to the assistants and members, all play a part in this great work of helping those in need.
You could say that the same love and fervour found in Bishop Macedo which provoked him to start this great work is also found in the hearts of the Bishops, Pastors and members of the Universal Church.
When Pastor Edgar, who now works in our branch in Plymouth, started attending the Universal Church, he had reached rock bottom. He was a youth emerged in a life of crime and he had already been arrested several times. Today, he has restored his life and is happily married. He said, “Today, I am where I am because the church opened its hands to take care of me”.
The extensive support of the Universal Church has catered to everyone from different walks of life and with various problems. From a young adult to those more senior in age, and by paying visits in prisons, hospitals and people’s homes.
Most importantly, the work of the Universal Church has helped many give life a second chance and change their outlook on their problems in order to tackle them head on.
Keisha from Wood Green gladly expressed, “I came from a broken family, but when I arrived in the church, I found hope. I now have a blessed marriage, a restored family and true happiness. I thank God for the Universal Church!”
Nicole first entered through the doors of the church in Stratford as an atheist. The support and guidance she received from the Pastors and assistants helped her to develop her faith and trust in God. Today she eagerly testifies, “The Universal Church was like a mother to me. The church led me to know God and I have since experienced a life transformation”.
The Bible also describes the church as our mother and it is easy to see why – in the house of God, no matter your background, you will be accepted and taken care of.
This Sunday, the Universal Church will be celebrating 46 years of age. Which also means 46 years of sacrifice, persecution and perseverance in order to spread the good news of the gospel to as many people as possible.
Along the years, the church has endured many setbacks but also countless of victories, such as the inauguration of the Temple of Solomon in Brazil in 2014, the purchase of the TV network, Record in 1989 and receiving even the most disadvantaged in life and helping them get their life back on the right track.
To commemorate, a special meeting will be held in all of our Universal Churches across the UK. If you would like to bring a gift to your spiritual mother, you can invite someone to join you as there is no greater gift you could offer to God.
It will be a huge celebration, so come in your best clothes and don’t forget to spread the word! You are invited to attend at your local Universal Church at 10am (also at 7:30am).
If you have benefited from the work of the Universal Church you are not alone! Visit our social media platforms to read how the church has played a part in the restoration of many lives and families. If you would also like to express your gratitude to God and the church, you can do so by leaving your comments there!
Event: The Universal Church’s 46th Anniversary
Date and Time: Sunday, 9th July at 10am (also at 7:30am)
Location: At your local Universal Church
