Roberto Firmino, a former soccer player, revealed that he was installed as a pastor of an Evangelical church in Brazil. The former striker for Liverpool, Firmino, posted pictures from his founding church in Maceio’s consecration ceremony on social media last month.
Firmino posted on Instagram, saying, “This church was BORN in the heart of God and we are extremely grateful for the privilege of witnessing up close all that the Lord has done.”
Per Mike Connect, he expressed gratitude for the ceremony, calling it “a memorable and unforgettable night.”
“The Bible says in Ephesians 3:20, ‘Now to him who is able to do infinitely more than all that we ask or think, according to his power that works within us.’ It’s all about [H]is power since in us there is no merit. It has never been our goal to open a church or hold a ministry office. God knows that very well,” he continued.
Following his “encounter with Christ,” Firmino noted a “longing” that “burns in our hearts” to let “people know this love that has reached us.”
“Now we have another craving and responsibility. Be pastors after God’s heart and who cooperate with the Kingdom,” he said, adding that he was “flabbergasted when we see the size of God’s mercy upon us.”
“He really picks the unlikely! Thank you, Jesus. Thank you [Pastor] Jairo and [Pastor] Keila for pushing us and believing in us.”
In 2021, Firmino and his spouse, Larissa Pereira, established Manah Church. According to 3news.com, he was baptised in 2020 in a swimming pool at the residence of his former teammate Alisson Becker.
“Jesus is love. [There is] no explanation. Just believe it. Just believe and feel the Holy Spirit,” Firmino said at the time of his baptism.
Firmino won the 2021–22 Champions League, the FA Cup, the EFL Cup, and the Premier League while he was a player for Liverpool, according to Premier Christian News. In addition, he has 55 caps for Brazil and, with 82 goals, is the highest-scoring Brazilian in Premier League history.
When a football player plays for their nation in an international match, it’s known as a cap.
Firmino will play football for Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League for the final two years of his contract, despite assuming his new pastoral job.
