Counseling
There is a consistent need for competent, Christ-centered counsel in order to edify believers, share wisdom from God’s Word, provide encouragement through life’s struggles and lead others to saving faith in Christ.
As a pastor Phil has provided counsel for over 35+ years alongside his wife Rita. His daughter, Marina, and son-in-law, Cade, are both licensed, master’s-level therapists who combined have over a decade of experience providing therapy in the mental health field. It is through Christian counseling that individuals find support, marriages are strengthened and families unified in the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ!

Cade and marina plan to bring their expertise in this area combined with scriptural truth to reach these families and individuals struggling, bolstering Phil and Rita's pastoral counseling efforts. In September 2018 Marina and Cade led the couple's retreat which was a successful endeavor full of positive feedback from the 14 couples that participated. 

​ "He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.” ​Malachi 4:6

Fostering Fellowship
We use our home as a gathering place for people both from our church and neighborhood at large. Taking advantage of every excuse we can think of, we celebrate special occasions, play basketball, ping pong, board games and so much more.  We even have made a point to celebrate American holidays such as Thanksgiving and the 4th of July as a way to bring people into the fold by sparking their curiosity in US culture. We also make use of our birthdays in order to extend invitations to non-believers or straying Christians.

These get-togethers create a fun atmosphere, making it a natural, easy-going way for people to come to know Christ as they spend time with fellow believers and hear their testimonies. The open social atmosphere increases awareness of what people's needs are in order to provide them with loving support and attention so that they know they are cared about.

Likewise this home environment protects youth from negative worldly influences and temptations. Many times parents call us to express gratitude that their sons and daughters were hosted at our home instead of being out in the world. A wonderful example of the positive impact these gatherings have made over the years is evidenced by how 6 youth who regularly played basketball at our home eventually wound up getting athletic scholarships for school! One of these individuals are now a deacon at our Church. 

Home Prayer Meetings
We have a standing weekly prayer vigil which was initially started when a beloved Pinheirópolis Church member was diagnosed with cancer in 2014. Although he entered heaven in 2016, this prayer vigil has continued with increased momentum, rotating between our home and other church member's households. With a committed heart for prayer, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic the group has become a daily meeting with an average attendance of 30 people.

Friendly Home
Our home has become known both in the region and internationally by various pastors and missionaries as a place where they will be graciously hosted. We put Romans 12:13 into practice by sharing with the Lord’s people who are in need and practicing hospitality. There is always room, even for the surprise visitor, to stay, eat, rest, and fellowship.

Not only is our home a gathering place for the neighborhood community but with Rita's enormous family there is always someone visiting, which provides further ministry opportunities as the love of Christ is shared to strengthen the faith of all who visit.

"Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality" Romans 12:13