God called the Mike Ring family from the pastorate of South Carolina to southern Brazil to get in on the ground level of a church planting ministry that now includes three American missionary families along with two single lady missionaries. For the past 11 years the Rings have served in Porto Alegre, Brazil, the largest city south of Sao Paulo. Their first effort was to join with the Roger Crowder family of Baptist World Mission in planting a church in a residential area of the city called Tristeza. This name means sadness. They often say they are bringing "happiness" through the gospel to those living in "Sadness". This effort involved their first term on the field from 1991-1995. 

At the end of this term, a second work was planted in the neighborhood called Ponta Grossa. This work has been the Rings  primary focus for their second term. They now have organized and called a Brazilian pastor. They have administrated the construction of the facilities of the church. The church is growing and is becoming more self-sufficient. Other joint church planting efforts have been attempted in cities called Rio Grande, Santa Maria and most recently Julio de Castilhos. These churches have been the result of those saved and trained wanting to see their cities evangelized. 

Much emphasis has been put on the discipleship and training of men for the ministry. A Bible Institute was started that has been a tool to train national leadership. Two men have completed their courses and have been ordained and are currently pastoring. Several are in different levels of their training and different levels of participation in the ministry. The Rings firmly believe that the people are saved to serve the Savior.

Mrs. Tammy Ring has had an active ministry among the Brazilian ladies. They are being trained to do Bible clubs in parks, give one-on-one Bible studies to other ladies and to assist the local pastor in areas of need in the local church ministry. Currently she is involved with two ladies' studies involving ladies from two separate churches we have planted.

The Ring children, Nathan 16, Natalie 14, Noel 12, and Nicholas 10 are involved with the visitation and youth ministries of the churches. They sing in youth choirs, pass out invitations to special meetings, serve as teachers in children's church, etc. It is the firm conviction of the Ring family that God has sent them to southern Brazil to win the lost and train the c\saved to serve the Lord. To God be the glory for the many souls that have come to Christ and for the seven churches that have been or are being planted. But they are not finished yet! Their vision for the near future includes yet other church planting outreaches. 

Through the participation of the Brazilian church leaders, other areas are opening to the gospel. Currently in Guaiba, across the river from Porto Alegre, a Bible study has been initiated by Paulo and Manoel, two of Mike's students. They are having about five families come to their services every Saturday. They are already asking for the resources to rent facilities for services to be able to preach to more families. In Sao Sepe, a planted church from Santa Maria, whose Pastor studied and completed the Bible Institute program, is now in the process of planting a church on their own. This is the future of missions! This is the goal we strive to see by God's grace and for His glory! Planted churches planting churches and supporting church planters. We also are involved in missions world-wide. The ministry of Fundamental Baptist Church supports over 10 missionaries and projects, both in Brazil as well as other countries like Mozambique, Argentina and Senegal. Pray for the work and come and see first hand what great things God has done and is doing in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

 

Birthdays
Mike	Feb 18, 1957
Tammy	Apr 1, 1960
Nathan	Dec 5, 1985
Natalie	Sep 7, 1987
Noel	Mar 7, 1990
Nicholas	May 9, 1992
Nikayla	Sep 13, 2000
Anniversary - Jun 15, 1982

CP 8520 AG. TRISTEZA
91901-907 PORTO ALEGRE
RS BRASIL 

mikering@plug-in.com.br  

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P.O. Box 1195, Newnan, GA  30264  USA    (770) 304-8980

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