Yes, you read that correctly. I don’t know much about Brazil, but I do know it’s not in Europe. So why is the Europe Team going to Brazil?
Remember middle school social studies? During the 15th and 16th centuries, Portugal led the world in exploration. Portuguese-speaking colonies sprang up across the globe, including one very large region in South America. As a result, Brazil and Portugal still share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties—and strong connections among believers too!
Dr. Artur Villares, president of the Lutheran Church of Portugal, actively fosters relationships with Portuguese-speaking Christians in Brazil and with our sister church there, the Brazilian Lutheran Church. Because the Europe Team treasures these partnerships, we not only support missionaries on the ground but also appoint stateside representatives to focus on specific churches. We are especially blessed to have Rev. Dr. Ken Cherney of Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary, Mequon, Wis., serving as our representative to Portuguese speakers. Prof. Cherney is a former missionary in Brazil, speaks Portuguese, and enjoys a long-standing friendship with Pastor Villares. Over the Christmas holidays, Dr. Cherney and his wife, Kris, traveled to Brazil to build relationships, encourage leaders, and—most joyfully—celebrate the ordination of a new pastor.
Pastor Gilberto, Marta, Missionary Charlie Flunker, and Dr. Cherney
Saying they “traveled to three locations” sounds simple, but the reality is closer to visiting congregations in Maine, New Mexico, and Florida on a single trip. Brazil is larger than the continental United States, and these small congregations are separated by vast distances. That isolation means they rarely have the opportunity to gather with fellow believers for encouragement. Dr. Cherney’s visit, therefore, was especially meaningful.
Their first stop was Fortaleza, a city in northeastern Brazil. There, Dr. Cherney met two gifted Lutheran leaders, Daniel and Marcelo, who hope to join fellowship with the Lutheran Church of Portugal. Daniel pastors a small congregation, holds a PhD in philosophy, and has written several books, including a defense of the doctrine of objective justification. Marcelo, a member of Daniel’s congregation, is currently completing graduate studies. Both men are warm, passionate about Lutheran theology, and deeply committed to ministry.
Ordination and installation of Gilberto Andrade da Silva
From Fortaleza, Dr. Cherney and Kris traveled 14 hours to Dourados, a city of 265,000 in southwestern Brazil, for a very special event. On December 28, 2025, Gilberto Andrade da Silva was ordained and installed as pastor of Star of Bethlehem Congregation in Dourados (pictured above), as well as a daughter congregation located six hours away. Gilberto is a humble, friendly man who speaks easily about his deep love for the Lord, for Scripture, and for souls. His wife, Marta, is a joyful and supportive partner in his ministry.
Missionary Charlie Flunker and his wife, Beth, began serving in Dourados in 1989, and later served the daughter congregation as well—that’s nearly 40 years of faithful service! Beth has returned to the United States for health reasons, and now that Gilberto has been installed, Charlie plans to conclude his work and join her in retirement. Charlie and Beth, thank you for your tireless dedication to God’s people in Brazil. We pray that the Lord bless you with many happy years ahead, and that he richly bless Gilberto, Marta, and the congregations they serve.
Pastor Gilberto and his wife, Marta
Finally, Dr. Cherney and Kris traveled 24 hours to Governador Valadares, a city of 260,000 more than 1,000 miles to the east. There they met with Evangelist Denício Godoy, who translates materials into Portuguese and manages the Brazilian Lutheran Church’s online presence. Denício also works as a radio announcer and is completing certification to teach in public schools.
Please join me in thanking God for our brothers and sisters in Brazil—for faithful leaders and members, for a new pastor, and for the strong partnership we share with the Lutheran churches in Portugal and Brazil. As Dr. Cherney put it, “If you’re a WELS member, you have Brazilian brothers and sisters in Christ who love and respect your church and are excited to partner with you in bringing the unconditional gospel to their country. They would want me to send you um grande abraço em Cristo – a big hug in Christ!”
Written by Jennifer Wolfgramm, world missionary in Europe
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