OUR HISTORY
The Agape Missionary Center was born when a call from God showed the need to evangelize the drought area of Bahia. The men and women who had been called to serve there, either got no local support or were not adequately prepared. The call also revealed that there was a lack of Missionary work in the National and Transcultural fields.
Missionary Ana Rita Lima de Santana was the person who received this call from God while she was conversing with Him. God whispered in her ear, “Take a pen and paper and write!” As she started writing, God continued to inspire her by giving the name of the mission and its logo, showing her how to organize everything, and how people would join the board and support the work.
God showed her the way, and Missionary Ana Rita took a big step of faith. Even without money, she was convinced that God was guiding her and that she needed to fulfill and follow this new purpose in life. And she did not give up!
But Ana Rita’s relationship with God began long before that, when at the age of 14 she had the joy of knowing Christ. Born in the interior of Bahia, in a city called Cachoeira, Ana Rita is the daughter of a warrior mother who took care of her and eight other siblings. Ana’s father died when Ana was only two years old. After Ana was saved, her walk was difficult, but she was passionate! Ana Rita loved God more and more, every day.
Missionary Ana Rita went to the villages of her hometown sharing the love of God, meeting with home groups for evangelism and prayer vigils. As time went by and she wanted to be able to do more and give more. She felt that 24 hours was not enough to serve God. It was then that she received the call from God to be trained for missions, so she went to Betel Brasileiro, a theological institute, in João Pessoa, Pernambuco. This was a precious time of learning. After she completed her theological program, she spent eight years working with a Baptist Church, in Bahia. Then she heard the call of God to create the Agape Mission Center.
It was a great step of faith, because there were no financial resources, but she was convinced in her heart of Who was speaking and guiding everything: God. And if He wanted someone willing, she was it. If he wanted someone to fulfill his purposes, she had already said “Here am I.”
Every time Ana Rita received a “no,” she thought about Moses. How many times did Moses go to Pharaoh, and how many times did God harden Pharaoh’s heart. Moses did not give up. Ana Rita would never give up either.
It was in 2002 when the Agape Missionary Center began its first mission: Every three months it would send out missionary caravans to travel through the interior of Bahia to help churches with evangelism, and, at the same time, provide field experience for the students of the Agape Missionary Center. This work was extended throughout Brazil and lasted more than 10 years.
Then, in 2013, God gave a new challenge: He wanted the Word to reach more people outside of Brazil. Why? Because God sees no borders. The Agape Missionary Center accepted the challenge, and with the guidance of God, went on its first cross-cultural mission to the Cape Verde Islands, located just off the coast of Senegal in West Africa. We spent twenty-two days evangelizing in Cape Verde and brought more than 500 people to Jesus. Our hard work brought an invitation to create a theological Bible school in Cape Verde and so continue to evangelize the islands.
During the preparation process for the theological Bible school in Cape Verde, God’s call continued with the mission to Paraguay in 2014. There were also invitations to evangelize outside Brazil, and we went to Guinea- Bissau in 2019.
Today Agape has come far in responding to the call of God, and missionary Ana Rita remains steadfast, with the same heart and desire to train men and women, evangelize the unreached, and make disciples of all nations. “I want to continue giving my life to rescue many,” says Ana Rita.
The Agape Missionary Center continues in Brazil with the Agape Project for Brazil. It has also expanded outside of Brazil with the Agape Project for the Nations. This cross-cultural project plans to go to Portugal, and to as many other countries as God directs. We want to carry the message of the cross to the whole world so everyone will know of Jesus’ love. After all, “Agape” means “unconditional love.” And Jesus’ agape is the best!
MISSION
To expand the Kingdom of God, as well as its Justice, and to make disciples of Christ through the teaching of the Holy Scriptures, the dependence on the Holy Spirit, and the missionary vision of reaching the nations for the Kingdom of God, developing educational, missionary, ecclesial, and social work in Brazil, and in the world.
VISION
To be a Missionary Base of reference in theological and missiological education, in Brazil and the world, based on a high-quality management model, capable of contributing to the edification and integral mission of the church.
GOALS
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To reach all peoples, languages and nations by 2030;
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To win, consolidate, train, and send missionaries to the field, using biblical methods and tools, fulfilling the great commission until the return of our King Jesus;
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To be effective in spreading the gospel, and thus lead people to a personal encounter with Christ.
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STATEMENTS OF FAITH
FAQ
Is the Agape Missionary Center a legal entity?
Yes. The Agape Missionary Center is a Legal Entity, and registered with the Brazilian internal revenue service under the C.N.P.J. 08.228.985 / 0001-19, which offers legality to its operation.
How can I contact you?
You can contact us through our social media, this website contact form, and through the phones found here on our website: (71) 988186579 | (71) 988339491 | (71) 986351077
Are you linked to any denomination?
No! We are an Interdenominational institution. Our proposal is to serve all denominations.
At the end of the course, can I be considered a pastor?
No. The purpose of the courses is to educate and train. The ordination of pastors is the responsibility of the churches.
How does practical training take place in another country?
After completing the training, the student will be directed to a practical internship in a country previously chosen by the Institution.
Is it possible to study individual subjects at the Agape Bible School?
Yes. This occurs when a student requests a particular subject, paying the corresponding amount.
Will courses taken in other Bible Schools be used by Agape?
Yes, as long as they correspond to the academic level and the credit hours.
How can I contribute financially to Agape missionary work?
You can make a deposit to our bank account.
CAIXA ECONOMICA FEDERAL
AGÊNCIA 3843 OP 003 C/C 513-0
CENTRO ÁGAPE DE MISSÕES
Can anyone go with Agape on a mission trip?
Yes. As long as the person meets the criteria established by the institution.
NEWS
ABOUT ÁGAPE
March for Jesus 2018
Agape raises fund to build a Free-Range Chickens Farm in Africa
Agape helps missionary in Guinea-Bissau
JOIN US
The Agape Missionary Center is an institution that aims to make Christ known to all languages, tribes and nations. We treat men and women holistically, that is, we give them the possibility of having a dignified life and providing their own livelihood.
To this end, we count on the collaboration with our financial partners, so that together we can promote the expansion of the Kingdom of God on earth. Join us!