Youth Worker from Brazil Ordained

A youth worker from Brazil, a former soldier and a woman who leads services in British Sign language were among the people recently ordained as Priests and Deacons in the Church of England.

Amongst the Deacon candidates is Luiz Lima, whose journey to becoming a Deacon started in Brazil, Luiz’s birthplace.  He explains: “I had the privilege to experience many years in a vibrant growing church there, where I became a Christian and was inspired by the lives of many faithful and also active Christian friends and family members. “

During his university years he felt called to ministry and ordination. He took a few months off and travelled to Canada to experience different aspects of life, language and culture and was ultimately led to a full time position as a church youth worker in Bradford, UK.

“It was whilst working in Bradford, on a very large council estate, that I felt God confirming his calling into my life. After I married my fiancée, Jessica, we served in two churches in the Nottingham area including Holy trinity Church in Southwell.”

The Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham encouraged him to go through the process of discernment recommending him for training and ordination. “That process was both exciting and hard as you allow others to discern and scrutinise with you what God is placing in your heart.”

“We feel truly blessed by God’s provision, love and guidance throughout our lives and hope to share and experience God’s goodness alongside those whom we come to meet in this new chapter of our lives.”

The other Deacon candidates are: Mark Orr, Mary A’herne-Smith, Cora Fryer, Jane Walker and Rob Wiggins.

The Priest candidates are Susan Bloomfield, Kate Byrom, Maureen Collins, Michael Johnson, Georgie Hadley, Sam Hustwayte, Debbie Lord, Wendy Murphy, Stephen Parker, Lynn Raynor and Bruce Rienstra.