translation ESTER BUCK
photo SARAH CARVALHO
NOVIDADES NEWS
Hillsong Church in São Paulo Now it is Brazil’s turn to host a Hillsong church. Last month, Chris Mendez came to Brazil to present the church’s proposal to the press and guests
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illsong is a Christian church that belongs to the Australian Christian Churches denomination, located in Sydney and in other cities around Australia. It was founded in 1983, originally named Hills Christian Life Centre, by Brian Houston and his wife Bobbie Houston. Currently, Hillsong has churches spread throughout the world: London, Kiev, South Africa, New York, France, Stockholm, Germany, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Barcelona, Los Angeles and Moscow. The church became known worldwide for its worship ministry, Hillsong Music Australia. The group is also considered the greatest worship ministry in the world, with over thirteen million albums sold worldwide. Brian and Bobbie Houston lead it. Since 1992, the ministry has launched over 100 albums, including versions in various languages as well as specific projects for youth and children. The Hillsong Music albums are always among the TOP 25 on the charts in most countries, according to data from the CCLI (Christian Copyright Licensing International). People Just Like Us was the first Christian album to receive a gold album status in Australia, going platinum as well. All the live Hillsong albums reached gold album status in Australia. In Brazil, many of the Hillsong Music songs have already been translated and recorded by major names in
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Christian music such as Diante do Trono, André Valadão, Nívea Soares, Livres para Adorar, among others. “No Other Name” is the new album released by Hillsong Worship, with 11 original songs that are perfect for both individual and congregational worship, this album features the Hillsong worship team, including Reuben Morgan, Ben Fielding, Matt Crocker, Joel Houston, Nigel Hendroff, Outono Hardman, Annie Garratt, Jad Gillies, David Ware, Taya and Smith. It is with this church planting background and an established worship ministry that has become a reference worldwide that Hillsong is arriving in Brazil. The church’s location has not been defined yet. A field study is being conducted to choose an ideal location. Chris and Lucy Mendez who have led at the church in Sydney, Australia for ten years will lead the church. The church’s main vision is to love God above all things, love people and love life. Chris and his wife will move to Buenos Aires, where another church will also be opened. That will serve as the couple’s base. Until everything is set for planting these churches (São Paulo and Argentina), volunteer team will be formed to help in the preparation. The Hillsong church in São Paulo should open in the first quarter of 2016.