A Divine Calling to Brazil
In the early 20th century, Gunnar and Frida Vingren, driven by a divine calling, left their native Sweden to embark on a mission that would transform Brazil. Gunnar Vingren, born in Östra Harg in 1879, was raised in a devout Baptist household. At 18, he felt a deep call to missions, promising God, "I went up to my room and there I promised God to belong to Him and put myself at His disposal, for the honor and glory of His name."
The Birth of a Movement
This commitment would lead him to the United States in 1903, where he studied at the Swedish Baptist Theological Seminary.
Frida Vingren, born Frida Maria Strandberg in 1891, sensed a similar calling in her youth. After the loss of her mother, she devoted herself to nursing, eventually leading a ward at Sabbatsbergs Hospital. Her spiritual journey deepened when she joined the Philadelphia Church in Stockholm, where she was baptized by Pastor Lewi Pethrus and soon after received the baptism of the Holy Spirit.
In 1910, Gunnar and Daniel Berg, guided by a prophetic vision, arrived in Belém, Brazil. They preached among local Baptists, leading to the founding of the first Assemblies of God church in Brazil on June 18, 1911. The miraculous healing of Celina de Albuquerque, who was cured of an incurable disease, was a powerful testament to Jesus’ healing power and confirmed their mission's divine support.
Frida joined Gunnar in Brazil in 1917, and they married soon after. Together, they faced opposition and persecution but remained steadfast. Their ministry emphasized the empowerment of local leadership and women’s roles in evangelism. Frida, in particular, became a prominent figure, contributing to evangelistic activities, writing, and social work. She courageously ministered in remote areas, including leprosariums, demonstrating profound compassion.
Despite trials, including health challenges and cultural adjustments, the Vingrens' faith and dedication enabled the Assemblies of God in Brazil to flourish. By the 1930s, the movement had grown significantly. Even after their return to Sweden, their legacy endured, inspiring countless others to follow their example of faith and resilience. Jesus was at the heart of their mission, guiding and sustaining them through every challenge.
