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The Astoria Project - Executive Summary |
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Description of the Project As new immigrant populations move into the Astoria-Long Island City neighborhoods, the need to provide Christian congregations for the Portuguese-speaking (Hisportic) populations becomes more urgent. The large and growing Brazilian community is virtually unreached as the estimated ratio of the number of Hisportic churches (5000:1) cannot reach the largely evangelical or receptive Brazilian population of about 50,000 persons. The objective is to open a congregation within the Astoria-Long Island City neighborhoods to evangelize and minister to this people group. Who will Guide the Project? The Hisportic Christian Mission (HCM), incorporated in 1984, has over 20 years of church planting experience with the successful establishment of over 41 churches along the eastern seaboard of the United States. The Mission is directed by Wayne A. Long, a bilingual pastor, who served 7 1⁄2 years as a missionary in Brazil. He effectively directs this ministry of church planting utilizing Brazilian pastors to reach the Hisportic community. The Mission is a Restoration Movement related organization supported by Christian Churches and individuals around the United States. The Mission is directed by a Board of Directors who provides guidance and continuity to the Vision of planting Hisportic churches in every Hisportic community throughout the United States. The Astoria Project has a Local Steering Committee to support, sustain, guide and evaluate the progress and needs of the new church plant. This committee is comprised of local church leaders and pastors who are integrally involved in orientation and support of the local Brazilian pastor and his community. Who will be the Missionary? Pastors Marcelo and Vera de Lima serve as evangelists for the Astoria Project. The new church they are planting will be called the Light for the World Christian Church. Marcelo became a Christian shortly after his arrival in the United States from his native Brazil. He was baptized at the Antioch Christian Church, Port Chester, NY. Following his baptism, Marcelo sought every opportunity to serve the cause of Christ. The church recognized Marcelo’s leadership electing him a deacon, elder, evangelist and finally ordaining him to the Christian Ministry. Hestudied at the Colegio Biblico a theological school in Eagle Pass, Texas. Marcelo and Vera rented an apartment in Astoria in fall 2004.
The Astoria project is a four year plan for location of a pastor, evangelism, church development and movement toward self-sufficiency for a Hisportic congregation. The goal is a congregation of 100 people by the end of 2009. Funding for the new Astoria church plant comes from American congregations, individuals, foundations and grants. The challenge is great to place a congregation in this needy neighborhood. This project fulfills Jesus' Great Commission to "Preach the Gospel to every nation". The Hisportic Christian Mission exists to serve these people with the assistance of mission-minded Christians around the world. Will you partner with us? Why Plant New Churches? * Church planting is the most effective means of evangelizing people under heaven. Ethnic churches help new immigrants adjust to their new life in America Churches are generally formed before clubs and associations. It is in these settings that family, social, and recreation bonds are strengthened.
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