It all began with just a Bible, a speaker, and a microphone—set up in a small bandstand in Méier, a neighbourhood in Rio de Janeiro. It was there that a young Edir Macedo began his mission: to share the message of the Gospel with as many people as possible, in obedience to Jesus’ command in Matthew 28:19–20. Now, nearly five decades later, much has changed, but the heart and mission remain the same.
The bandstand quickly became too small. On 9th July, 1977, a former funeral parlour in Abolição, in northern Rio de Janeiro, was transformed into the very first Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
Fast forward to today, we have over 12,000 churches in Brazil, and are present in more than 150 countries worldwide, expanding into previously unreached areas like Sri Lanka, the Maasai region, Guinea-Bissau and Ukraine.
What started with one man’s voice is now spoken in over 100 languages and dialects, through hundreds of bishops, pastors, their respective wives, and more than 626,000 volunteers. The original speaker and microphone have evolved into radio stations, TV programmes, websites, social media, and printed newspapers—but the message has remained unchanged: a love for souls and unwavering dedication to serving God and others.
Of course, the journey has not always been easy. Over the past 48 years which equates to almost 18,000 days—the Church has faced persecution, false accusations, legal battles, and even the imprisonment of Bishop Macedo. Yet, instead of hindering its progress, these challenges have helped the Church grow stronger, wiser, and more mature.
The impact of these 48 years is evident in countless testimonies, 15 social programmes and extensive humanitarian work all around the world. Whether in a school, a prison, an orphanage, a nursing home or a hospital.
However, there’s still plenty to do, more people to help, and more lives to reach. The Universal Church is committed to carrying on, just as the Bible encourages in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “…be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
It’s clear that choosing to follow God does not mean we are exempt from problems or setbacks. Look at Jehoshaphat in the Bible—when he was faced with his enemies, he didn’t try to handle it all on his own. Instead, he stood before God and the people, proclaimed a fast, and asked for God’s help. That wasn’t a sign of weakness, it was being sincere and letting Him take control.
Over the past 48 years, in certain situations when the Universal Church has faced challenges, we have said, like Jehoshaphat, “Lord, we don’t know what to do.” Each time, God has intervened and through His wisdom, shown us the way. Without a doubt, this has been a powerful tool.
But, what’s the secret? How is it that in the face of adversity, we are still able to progress?
Join us this Wednesday, 9th July, at a Universal Church near you for our School of Faith Bible Study, where we will be revealing the secret and how you can apply it in your life as well.
Event: 48 Years of the Universal Church
Day and time: Wednesday 9th July at 7:30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: Your local Universal Church
