"The one who comes from heaven is above all" (John 3.31b)

Picture: PCSampaio, in Tokyo.

Do you know where you going to?
Do you llike the things that life is showing you?
Where are you going to?
Do you know!

Todays word from pastor Paulo Cesar Sampaio:

Above are lyrics from an old song... Humans pass by - shortly.


Only God is eternal! But, there is a problem! Many people act if they were not supposed to die! Yes, they think to be on earth forever and ever! Uau! They will have big surprise! We are not, not from this planet! We are from high above!. But above us, above all, there came a man whose name was Jesus Christ, the son of God Almighty, and he was rejected by all - by all!

Okay, so what to do?

1. Lets acknowledge that we are of "little value", better to say: of no value at all;
2. Lets acknowledge that we do not actually know where we are going to - unless we are true christians;
3. Lets acknowledge that God is love and so and it just can be spread out wherever, whenever, to whoever listens to the son - Jesus;
4. Lets acknowledge that, as human beings, we are extremely limited and do not know everything - not at all!;
5. Lets acknowledge that we need help - yes, we do need help, desperately, sometimes!;
6. Lets acknowledge that there are so many philosophies, religions, spiritual "ways" etc but none of them fits our need(s);
7. Lets acknowledge that Jesus Christ actually divided the world: b.C (before Christ) and a.C (after Christ)!!! Not bad!!!
8. Lets acknowledge that nobody else but Him (Jesus) had such a big impact in the world until today - until today!;
9. Lets acknowledge that there is a purpose on all things in life. Nothing happens "by chance". No!;
10. Lets acknowledge that the main purpose in our short life is to please Him (Jesus) and, under pressure/problems, get our salvation, after all.

Kindly think on these "10 commandments" while I pray on your behalf:

Todays prayer:
Father, I thank you in Jesus name for the many people who come to this site and read your word!
Father, I acknowledge that I am nothing, but you are everything and over everything and everybody, in heaven and on earth!
Father, I thank you for your caring towards me and my family.
In Jesus name. Amem.

"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good" (Romans 12.9)

Photo: PCSampaio, celebrating life...!!!

All you need is love - once sang John Lennon and other singers.

They still do! Well, they are not actually wrong! But not the "free love" these singers used to proclaim!

Love implies responsibility and loyalty - above all! Love must be sincere and unique!

We, human beings, do not have much time on earth - maybe 80/90 years, at the most!

Therefore, we should cling to what is good; not bad!

Do not waste your time hating people. Hate what is evil!

Start doing what is good.


This (the good things) will benefit many people - starting from yourself!

Come on! It is never ever too late to cling to what is good! Forget yesterday - this is past now! Forget tomorrow (you are not still there...!!!). Concentrate on today! You live each day and each day you must fight and win! Jesus will help you - always.

May God bless you today and ever!

Paulo César Sampaio - pastor
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com
Skype: pcesarsampaio

Life in the Tropics! Fortaleza City!

People outside Brazil has an image on this country as a "copy" of Caribbean - or something!!!

Well, to some extent, the beaches here are far more beautiful! Not to mention the food, the landscapes in general, the hospitality, the people!

Therefore, in case you've got some extra-money, jump on in down here and enjoy!

Paulo Cesar Sampaio

MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

Skype: pcesarsampaio

5585 9982.1165 mobile

This is quick note to say that we had a wonderful New Year's Eve at Bethfage Community Church, in Fortaleza - Brazil! My wife Katia R. Sampaio and myself - pr. P.C.Sampaio. In case you come over Fortaleza, do not forget to visit us. We will be more than happy! God bless you in 2008!

PCSampaio - pastor

MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

Skype: pcesarsampaio

pcsampaio@timbrasil.blackberry.com

See this video-greeting: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hcbn2eOvV9k

"How long, Oh Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you "Violence" but you do not save?" (Habakkuk 1.2)

Todays word from pastor Paulo César Sampaio

Matter of fact, millions of people suffer on a daily-basis... and call for help, and cry out, and do all kinds of things - but even so are not listened! Why is that so?

1. Lord actually sees all of us, regardless of places, situations, etc.;
2. The point is: there is a 'time' for Him to act;
3. We are always in a hurry and want things to be "fast-made".

Well, we should not fight against Him - not at all! We will never, ever win! Yet, we should all be humble and humbly wait for the time the Lord might act towards us! He wants to act now - today is the day! It all depend on our faith and on the good-willing of God Himself.


We all need help at a certain (or many!) point of our lives! When in troubles, we should not be shy to wave a flag with a sign: "Help wanted". God is love and it (love) may come from many different directions... We never know! We find helpers today. Tomorrow, we might be equally helpers! Help someone in need today - today.

Todays prayer
Father, help me help others, for I know that I shall need help from them someday. Fill my heart with joy and love and willing to help people in need. In Jesus name. Amen.

Paulo César Sampaio - pastor
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com
pcsampaio@timbrasil.blackberry.com

Who is the brazilian?

A recent research carried out by the brazilian government came to the following data:

* Monthly rate per capita: USD 418,00 a month.
* Population: 49% men and 51% women.
* Children per couple: 2
* 40% do not live in the city where they were born.
* 62,9% are economically active i.e. they work.
* 3,2 persons compose a family in Brazil.
* 22% of population have a computer at home.
* 17% have access to Internet.
* 93% have television at home.
* 74,5% have telephone at home.
* 84% have running water at home.
* 71% have eletric power at home.
* 87,5% have garbage collected at home on daily basis.

Well, it is not "that bad"...- a brazilian would say. A visitor from US, Europe or Japan should - on the contrary - possibly say: "That's a disaster for a country which plans to be included in the first world"! Brazil lacks a whole lot! Yeah - nobody can deny it!! But, anyway, it used to be worse - believe me! We have a lot to do...

All we need is: good willing to do the right thing + respected politicians who "feel" the need to change + a lot of work, a lot of work! Maybe, within the next 500 years... things might be better... What!? That's too long time to get better!? NO, it is not! Europe, for example, has - hum, more than 2007 years...

Paulo Cesar Sampaio - pastor and student of Journalism.
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

What have we done so far!?

Photo: beach in Fortaleza - Brazil

August is coming to an end! Within short time, we shall enter the "ber-monthes" (Sep-Oct-Nov-Dec)!

Has any project come to reality so far? No!? Why not!? Well, please mark:

1. I had no project or whatsoever - so far!;
2. I tried my best but could not get it...;
3. Lula, president of Brazil (or Bush!) is the sole guilty-soul for all wrongdoings...;
4. I do not know; what are you talking about!!!???
5. Only God knows it...

In fact, He knows all things! The point is that, for many people, the "guilty" is the other; not oneself - not "us"! So what!? What to do?

1. Think, think hard - project yourself for tomorrow;
2. Do - not only 'think', but do really do something;
3. Do not expect much from others... They may not come at the proper time...;
4. Put your faith on Him (Jesus Christ). He changed lives of billions so far!;
5. Wake up! Get up to reality!

Today is a good day. Tomorrow will be better. The "possible things" you should do now. The "impossible" things are God's specialty - ever, for ever.

Yours in His love,

Paulo Cesar Sampaio
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

Political Scandals in Brazil - as usual!

Amazing 'disgrace' - what a bad thing we should all admit! In Brazil, it seems that political scandals do not come to an end! Renan Calheiros, president of National Congress is about to be kicked off because he was caught in a scandal.

Calheiros had his personal accounts paid by a lobbyist. The latter used to give money to a journalist with whom Calheiros had a baby-girl of 3 years old. On behalf of Calheiros, the lobbyist used to give money to the journalist on a monthly basis.

Matter of fact, Calheiros has not been someone to be trusted in - not at all! We all know about his political past... The worse of all is that the man does not want to be moved away from the presidency of Congress - by no means! He insists on being the president! The country is stopped! What to do! Okay: let the federal force gunmen 'fire him' - or, at least, move him away... Please!

Scandals are abundant in Brazil since Mr. Lula took over in 2003! For sure, we had other scandals before, but not almost on a weekly-basis - no, not at all! The press has been playing extremely important role for the true development of the country - by naming the problems and, on some occasions, appointing the solutions.

Amazing 'grace' - Brazil should be, at the moment we might have better politicians at the wheel...

Paulo César Sampaio - pastor and student of journalism
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

"Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear..." (Matthew 6.25a).

Todays Word from Pr. P.C.Sampaio
Today we see some magazines at stands proposing-suggesting a more simple life! Well - that is good" For a long time, magazines, newspapers, etc., have been preaching that he who can buy more, he who can consume more, should be all happier... for evermore! It seems that people (ok: just some!) have awaken up to reality! To have more is not - by no means - a warranty for happiness. Not at all!

Look at picture above! Can you see some extra-ordinary things! No!? Are you sure!? Ok: indeed, that simple way of living is a first-step to happiness! In other words: family is the first environment from where happiness should burst out - come out. I do not know your family background... Yet, I can say that your family is responsible (50%) for who you are!

How is that!? Simple: if you have a nice-and-friendly family, chances are that you might grow up bearing a solid base-foundation. You might be a mature person, ready to face adversity and conquer it all... On the other hand, if you have too many problems in your own living-room, chances are that you might grow up as imature - a person full of anxiety, hatred, etc. But, do not be so sad! There is a way out of the caos. Yes - there is, indeed...

Religion, the true religion manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. He said: I am the truth, and the way and the life. Have you been lost lately? Have you been wandering around with no place to go? Have you been in doubt about what to do in your life? Millions have been facing the same thing. No big news! But you should not worry too much! Not at all! Deliver your life to Him (Jesus Christ) and He will take care of you... Hey, hey - a warning: do not ever think that you should not do your part in the deal, buddy! You should search, you should seek, you should see the chances that God has been daily giving you... and, most of the times, you keep your eyes blind - blind - blind! Come on: wake up to reality! Open up your eyes!

Prayer of today:
Father, I thank you for all the chances that you have been giving to me. Open up my eyes to see - to see! I have been longing for a meaningful life and I do know that I can only find a full and rich life in You!. In Jesus name. Amem.

May God bless you today and ever!

Paulo Cesar Sampaio
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

"(...) the only thing that counts is faith expressing through love" (Galatians 5.6b).

Todays word from pastor Paulo César Sampaio
Matter of fact, millions of believers world-wide think that faith is enough to conquer all odds!

Well, faith is actually a vital element of transformation, of restoration, of communion among brethren.

Yet, it must be equally said that faith ought to be transformed into something "touchable" - that is to say: faith ought to be in love, in deeds; not only words!

Next time you see someone saying to accomplish things, etc., simply ask him (her) a question: have you done, done something to justify-confirm your said faith? Deeds, have you got any? Watch the reaction... and then get to know whether that mr. or ms. has actually been behaving like a true christian.

Todays prayer
Father, help me transfom my said faith in deeds of love. Help me to conquer all odds with my deeds of love - in faith. I am not able to do it all by myself. But, father, I do know that you are able to do all things for me. That my life be an expression of both: faith and deeds, in Jesus name. Amen.

Paulo César Sampaio - pastor
Skype: pcesarsampaio
MSN: pc_sampaio@hotmail.com

NATURE - YOURS TO ENJOY AND TREAT

He who works his land will have abundant food, but he who chases fantasies lacks judgement" (Pv. 12.11)

Today, we hear all over that nature has been suffering from the wrong doings of mankind. Pollution, devastation, lack of carefulness, overheating, etc.

All this has been simply and terribly caused by all of us! Nobody is exemption to the rule! Nobody! In all we do, in all we think, it might have some ecological effect! That’s for sure!

Some think that matters of nature should not worry us that much! Some think that the problems nature faces today are "something" for the future generations! Well, the "dude" does not understand that – in future, his descendants will still be here – on earth!, suffering the consequences...

The word of God says that "he who works his land will have abundant food". As far back as we can remember, the planet earth is big enough to feed everyone. Where is the problem, then!? Well, it is in you, in me, in us! We should take more care of our land, of our city, of our country and planet! This is a question of life – today and ever!

Let us not be like "he who chases fantasies...". Let us all be intelligent. The earth will "thank" us. So our children and grandchildren...

Veritas et Vita

2007 has just begun!

“Thus far has the Lord helped us” (1Samuel 7.12).

Frankly speaking, we, brazilians, think that God is also brazilian! Therefore, all things must (should) go well because – after all!, God is a brazilian – just like us! That’s a big and obvious mistake!

The point is that, at the end, things go wrong and we must find someone to be guilty, someone to be punished, someone to be “executed” because, for God’s sake!, someone did it all wrong! – not me, not you, not us, for sure!

Read this: “ Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Will he not first sit down and estimate the cost to see if he has enough money to complete it?” (Luke 14.28). The problem is that this command of Jesus has not actually been obeyed to its entirety-completeness. People usually think that going to church(es); saying some prayers; doing some “spiritual exercises”… things might go well! Well, that’s not true at all! Life is not that easy – buddy!

Church-going is important; saying prayers is important; doing some – ok, say – “spiritual exercises” might help, but some action(s), some action(s) will do it all, will transform it all, will perform miracles just in front of you or inside of you! We should do the “possible things”. Let the Lord do the impossible ones…

You might still be recalling things of past 2006! Well, forget them! Take care of you now – in 2007 and open your eyes (spiritual, mainly!) to 2008! Remember: mistakes of 2006 must, must not be repeated in 2007, 2008, 2009! Do not be so stupid to make the same mistakes again and again! Ok, make NEW mistakes but NOT the same old ones… please!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1.9).

May God help you all to have a blessed 2007!

What's happening to the old beautiful Rio de Janeiro - Brazil?

Picture: Ernesto Carrico/ O DIA

First of all: lack of authotity, this is first and main problem! No police force enough to combat so many bandits - all over! Worse of all: many policemen are somewhat involved in the bandit force(s)... and this can only turn things even more difficult to the "real" police. Last week of Dec-06, lots of buses were burned - people were inside! and got to be killed, too. A complete disaster! This is civil war going on in Brazil and government fake(s) to see and take care of...

Why the turmoil(s) from bandits all over? Mainly because the police has been trying to "control" them at penitenciaries plus avoiding them from trading drugs in the mountains (ghettos) that surround Rio de Janeiro.

Now, after lots of attacks from criminals; buses burned up; tourists robbed even at the airport (!), the crisis installed all over Rio de Janeiro. The elected governor, Mr. Cabral, decided to request the National Security Forces - a group of about 600 men, destined to land at Rio in order to help the local state police to "clean up" things... Well, let's see it, buddy! I myself do not believe this will solve the issue, but something should be done... today, now!

Veritas et Vita

Christimas time's just come! What to do now?

First of all, this is not just a time for shopping - spending your hard-earned money on "gifts" to all the beloved ones! Why do we have (must!) to give so many gifts at Christmas? Worse of all: very often we are kind of forgotten or - at most! - get some un-valuable gifts in return! Oh well!, come on!, let's concentrate on the most important thing: the reason why Christ-mas exists: this is because 2006 years ago, a man named Jesus was born in the distant land of Israel!

Best of all: Jesus was born, lived a perfect and sinfull life, preached the good news of salvation, was then persecuted and crucified because of his message (revolutionary - at that time..) - Jesus was burried, but raised from the dead, then he was lifted up in heavens, sat down at the right hand of All-mighty God and stands as an intercessor for you and me! Wow! that's awesome! 100 per cent true! 100 per cent worth of faith and must be passed on to all the world.

Do not get "clung" on gifts, do not get too much involved in festivals or whatsoever. Do get involved in celebrations for the reason of Christmas - the Christ of God! Okay - you say you're not "religious"!? Well - who said Christ was religious? Who said Christ paid any attention to religious? For God's sake: Christ was crucified exactly - precisely - mainly because he was not, not religious, like the pharisees at that time! Religion will not lead you up to heavens. What? You do not believe in heavens, you say that the earth is your definitive place to be? You mean it? Well, I will pray on behalf of you - brother! I can see you may NOT have a good 2007... But, if you're a christian: then blessed you are!

Anyway: Happy Christmas and a blessed 2007.

"They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing" (Psalm 92.14).

Antonio da Silva, brazilian, believer, 72-year-old retired, started worrying too much because he was growing older. He had heard that growing older was very bad indeed, distressing and, worse of all, destined to be forsaken by his family. He then decided to write a letter to the heavenly Father. So he did:

"Dear heavenly Father, how can I actually express my love for you and how grateful I am for such a long life you have given to me until today. Also, I thank you for the wonderful wife and sons you sent to me. You have been so good to me, Father. Thanks indeed! But, I must say something: over the past days, I have been too much concerned about my future... The point is: I am growing older. What happens if I die now, or even go to a rest home, huh?"

Father reminded Antonio to read Psalm 92, in the Bible. Growing older is part of anyones life. That is not the end of the world, but the beginning of a new one full of new friends, attractions and opportunities to grow!

If you, dear reader, are facing the same problem (worring too much because you are growing older), better follow Antonios example: read Psalm 92 and start doing things: visit your own family-relatives, friends. Visit the doctor regularly. Go to church regularly. Get some new friends. Be easy. Be gentle. Be a true christian.

Remember: worry is futile; faith is fruitful.

Veritas et Vita

Extreme Violence in Brazil
This past week-end, the city and state of Sao Paulo - biggest in Brazil and in Latin America -was flooded with violence. Total of 65 buses were burned, over 50 people were dead (shot by criminals - until today 15.05.2006) and over 115 people are still kidnapped by gangs in over 44 penitenciaries all over the state.

The mentor-chief of the whole violence is a criminal organization called PCC (First Command of Capital - initial letters in Portuguese) centered in Sao Paulo City. Criminals are commanded from the "indoors of cells", that is, from the very cell of the penintenciaries - all via mobile phones, which were supposed NOT to function inside the cells ... but all in vain!

State and federal governments are taking steps to put all the gangs off-work. Some especialists say that police forces will have a lot of work... The problem is not just of "police", but also - mainly, some should clearly state - of "social injustices all over"... Well, let's see how this turmoil will come out...

Should Israel withdraw even further?
"We cannot continue to control parts of the territories where Palestinians live", said Mr. Olmert - Prime Minister of Israel, on his first policy speech.

Well, to some extent, Mr. Olmert is absolutely right. On the other hand, a question lingers on: how far back should Israel withdraw? How far back should jews withdraw without compromising the sovereignty of Jerusalem? Mr. Olmert also declared that: "There is not any Jewish state without Jerusalem under the strict control of Israeli".

Mr. Olmert also urged for the implementation of the US-plan to peace known as "Road Map". It seems that peace is actually very, very far ahead - if ever!

What to do now? What about pray and act? Ora et labora, in Latim.

Shalom! Salam! Peace, today and ever!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY 2006 TO ALL
Before I forget, I must confess this 2005 has not been - by no means - an "easy" year... Not at all! Maybe the same thing happens with my readers - all over! Well, we should not dismay, faint or something... NO! God Himself has new and blessed plans to each one of us, in the coming year 2006! How do I know it? I just know it -and you should believe me. Better saying: believe Him (Jesus Christ). Not to believe in something, or someone above us, is something very frustrating - devastating, to some extent. People get depressed easily when they do not have a target, someone to share their feelings, their emotions, their projects for the future.

In 2006, may the lord Jesus Christ be upon your life in order to bless you in every possible way. May all your dreams come true in 2006. Remember: if you got a dream not true, then that's the best for you. He knows better than you do... but he sees your tears and prayers... and shall confort you ... in every way.

May Chidiac - lebanese journalist, will soon be back

Lebanon1' prominent TV anchorwoman was mutilated in assassination attempt on September 25, reported the LBC TV, in Lebanon. She is known for her courage in criticizing Syria, when no one could even utter a word. Chidiac is 40 years old and a rightist journalist.

She described the assassination attempt: "I turned to the back seat to put something and someone pressed a button to detonate the bomb. In a split second, I flew to back seat and saw my severed arm in front of me. At that time, I had not realised that I had also lost my leg".

Chidiac works in a christian TV and declared that she should be back to work as soon as prosthetic limbs are made for her. It is clear that the evil hands are still everywhere - especially in the middle east, reported an important lebanese journalist. The cowardly attackers tried to stop the voice of freedom in Lebanon, but did not succeed. The whole world repudiate such act of terror and violence against Chidiac. Peace on earth - mainly in the Midlle East.

VARIG - Brazilian Airlines...

In Brazil, newspapers today, 18/11, report that Varig - one of the biggest arlines in the world - has been undergoing a massive economic turbulence. 150 pilots were fired because they have no planes to fly! There are 16 jets in the ground in need of maintainance! (another jet-company!). Pilots had been receiving their wages monthly - although not in operation. Varig lost 346 millions of U S Dollars in the last three monthes!

Varig representatives have been trying to negotiate some loans with brazilian government in order to overcome this difficult moment. TAP (portuguese state airline) has been in talks with Varig in search of a joint-venture. Maybe this might really help to save the brazilian Varig.

On the other hand, if you, dear reader, like to fly, Varig Training Center, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, offers you a Flight Simulator (real one!) for USD 190,00 a day plus 5 per cent state taxes! The good thing: you could help Varig to survive and, who knows, you may start your pilot career...