On the morning of Saturday, 25 July, Bishop Edir Macedo conducted a special service at the Universal Church in Tel Aviv, Israel. The occasion marked a historic moment for the church: for the first time in the country, three couples were consecrated to devote their lives to the Work of God.
Bishop Macedo began the service by praying for everyone present before inviting the couples Ricardo and Alessandra, Gabriel and Paula, and Benny and Monique to the Altar. The bishop explained that those who decide to serve God on the Altar must place His will above their personal interests, plans and desires.
To illustrate the depth of this commitment, Bishop Macedo mentioned the example of Elisha, who left his former life behind after being called to assist the prophet Elijah (see 1 Kings 19:19–21). Elisha’s willingness to sacrifice everything for God paved the way for him to accomplish an even greater work than that of his predecessor.
In the same spirit, the founder of the Universal Church determined that the new pastors being consecrated would accomplish works even greater than those he and the other bishops and pastors have been doing in the Work of God.
“We are going to consecrate you here now so that you may do better than we have been doing, for the glory of God,” said Bishop Macedo.
Together with Bishops Domingos Siqueira and Gustavo Boccoli, Bishop Macedo then anointed the couples, praying that God would grant them a double portion of the anointing he and the other bishops had received, enabling them to be fruitful in their ministry and reach many souls.
Following the consecration, the newly ordained pastors prayed in three different languages: Russian, Arabic and Hebrew. This moment reflected Israel’s cultural diversity and reinforced the Christian mission of spreading the Gospel among people of different nations and backgrounds.
The consecration of pastors is one of the most significant moments in the ministry of those who dedicate their lives to serving God. Far more than a ceremony, it is the spiritual confirmation of a calling that is often preceded by years of commitment, sacrifice and dedication to winning souls.
These couples left their countries of origin to devote their lives to serving God and caring for people in a nation that has repeatedly been affected by war and conflict. Rather than being discouraged by these circumstances, they have dedicated their time and strength to supporting the local population and fulfilling the command given by the Lord Jesus: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15).
Their consecration represents not only the beginning of a new chapter in their ministry, but also the continuation of a mission that knows no borders: to bring faith, hope and salvation to all who are willing to receive the Word of God.
