Brazilian Evangelists Use World Cup Finals to Bring Fans to Christianity

Only two World Cup matches remain, and Brazilian Evangelicals plan to use those games to share the gospel with soccer fans. 

With 90 percent of Brazil’s population identifying as Christian, there is a huge number of Christians available in the nation to spread the love of God. Most of the Christians are Catholic; however, Evangelicals are increasing in number. In 2010, 22 percent of Brazilians identified as Evangelical, compared to 15 percent in 2000. 

About 1,000 Christians plan to surround the Maracanã soccer stadium on Saturday, the day before the World Cup final, as a symbol of peace. Already, Christian groups have gotten involved in using the games to bring people to Christ. The Child Evangelical Fellowship of Brazil gave away soccer balls with the colors of Evangelism, along with an explanation of what the colors mean (gold is heaven, black is sin, red is atonement, white is righteousness, green is growth). Another group, the Brazilian Baptist Home Mission Board distributed yellow cards to spark conversation about sin and being made right with God. 

Bible Society of Brazil Rudi Zimmer said, "Brazilians are football-mad. We want the Bible to have a prominent presence amidst all the excitement. It's an unprecedented opportunity for churches and Christians here to share God's Word with local and foreign fans, and we want to equip and encourage them to do that."

Publication date: July 10, 2014