On Wednesday 29th July, London welcomed Bishop Renato and Cristiane Cardoso for the Family Gathering Night at the Rainbow Theatre in Finsbury Park. Although the service was scheduled to begin at 7:30pm, people began queuing as early as 5pm to secure their seat in the main auditorium. Families travelled from across London and different parts of the UK, united by one purpose: to strengthen their homes and place their loved ones before God.
The evening began with families presenting their requests and vows on the Altar, followed by a special prayer led by the bishops for every family present.
Bishop Renato and Mrs Cristiane then shared a message centred on a topic every family can relate to: the climate of the home. Drawing a comparison between the weather and the atmosphere within a family, they explained how the environment we create at home can either bring peace and joy or create tension and conflict.
“Sometimes we experience all four seasons in one day,” Bishop Renato said. “The same can happen in our homes. You leave on good terms, but after exchanging a few sharp messages, you become afraid to go back home because it feels like winter.”
They explained that every home has its own climate, one that is not determined by the challenges people face, but by the words, attitudes, and reactions expressed within it.
Mrs Cristiane highlighted that everyone has the power to influence the climate of their home, but this change begins with their spiritual life.
“When we become emotional, we react with frustration and anger and say whatever comes into our minds,” she explained. “But faith teaches us to respond differently.” She encouraged people not to wait for someone else to change first, but to take responsibility for their own actions. “The climate depends on me deciding that I am going to solve the problem,” she said.
The message was reinforced through Proverbs 15:1: “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Expanding on this point, Bishop said: “When it is cold, you put on a jacket. When it rains, you use an umbrella. You adapt. In the same way, people need to learn how to respond when they return home and find someone upset, tired or frustrated. A single word spoken without care can affect the atmosphere and damage relationships.”
Referring to Proverbs 18:21, he shared: “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.”
“If you said everything you thought at work, would that be wise?” he asked. “But sometimes when we come home, the filters are removed.” He reminded everyone that the home should be a place of peace and joy.
“If there is no joy at home, where will you find joy? Your home should be a piece of heaven. It is the one place where you have control over the climate.”
Another important lesson focused on the importance of timing. Mrs Cristiane explained that, especially in relationships, it is not only what we say that matters, but also how and when and we say it. Sometimes the most loving response is recognising that the other person is already carrying many burdens and choosing a better moment to address an issue.
Those present were also encouraged not to reopen old wounds or repeatedly bring up past mistakes, as this only damages the atmosphere within the home. Instead, the focus was placed on forgiveness, letting go of the past and moving forward together as a family.
“It is impossible to treat people well if you are not well yourself,” Bishop Renato added.
He explained that what is visible on the outside often reflects what is happening within a person. Therefore, the first climate that needs to change is the one within the heart.
Referring to Joel 2:23, Bishop Renato spoke about the importance of the latter rain, which represents the Holy Spirit.
“You will not be able to consistently apply what you have heard tonight without the Holy Spirit.”
He emphasised that through the Holy Spirit, a person receives the peace, joy and strength needed to overcome challenges and impact those around them. When a person’s life is transformed, this change can also extend to their home and family
As the night drew to a close, those who desired to receive the Holy Spirit came forward to the Altar, dedicating that moment to seeking the Presence of God in prayer.
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