It is a historical event, since it’s the first time the municipality began its term with a prayer, symbolizing the surrender of governance to God.

At the mayor’s office, Pastor Engel celebrated Moro’s decision to consecrate the city to God. “You are presenting this municipality to the control of Jesus. This is the first time that Jesus is being placed as the Lord of this city. This will make all the difference,” he declared.

Engel’s Ministry is a spiritual landmark in the city. For decades, the church faced significant persecution as it established itself as the first evangelical community in Faxinal do Soturno, a region traditionally associated with occult practices. Despite the challenges, Engel’s ministry persevered and established a 24-hour prayer house, in a nearby hill, operating seven days a week. The impact of this dedication has made their “prayer hill” a point of reference for people from across the region

A God-Centered Start to the Administration

Days before the inauguration, Mayor Lourenço Moro and his wife, First Lady Liana Moro, visited the prayer hill to thank God and seek His protection. During the inauguration ceremony, the mayor reinforced his commitment to putting God at the center of his administration.

“We went up the hill, and Pastor Engel offered to be here at the start of our term to pray. This moment of prayer at the beginning of our mandate is to ask for God’s protection. Many say that what is happening in the world is due to a lack of prayer. Maybe that’s true. That’s why we set aside this time to ask for God’s blessing on our government,” said Mayor Lourenço Moro.

First Lady Liana Moro emphasized Engel’s persistence in maintaining the ministry in the city despite adversities. “We want to honor Pastor Joel for not giving up years ago. He could have left, but he persevered even in the face of so much persecution and struggle. Today, we live in a blessed city. We went to the hill for three reasons: to thank God for the prayers, to ask for God’s blessing on our administration, and to open the doors of the mayor’s office to this ministry,” she shared.

Pastor Tiago Engel, Joel’s son, also spoke about the spiritual transformation in Faxinal do Soturno: “It was very difficult when we arrived in this city. When we said we were from another religion, people would frown or even do bad things against us. Today, I respect and am friends with everyone. But the truth is one: Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. Our church, which prays 24/7, is available to pray for the city and this administration so that it can be different from the others.”

God’s Purpose for the City

Pastor Joel Engel had the opportunity to give a message, preaching the Gospel to the mayor’s office employees, recalling the challenges he faced over the years, and shared a prophetic vision that motivated him to stay in Faxinal do Soturno: “People here tried to kill me countless times in Faxinal do Soturno, and I never held any grudges against anyone. On the contrary, I understand that each person became a character in my story,” he said.

He also shared a dream he had about the city: “I saw a ball of fire above the prayer hill making a tremendous noise, as if it was rolling toward the city. From that fireball, thousands of little stars emerged, turning into liquid gold and painting Faxinal do Soturno in gold. The city looked like the New Jerusalem, surrounded by angels. That’s why I didn’t focus on the circumstances, but on how God saw Faxinal do Soturno.”

“This is the vision I have for Faxinal do Soturno: it is a place of God!” Engel emphasized. 

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Uma publicação compartilhada por Joel Engel יואל אנג׳ל (@pastorjoelengel)