Independence or Death!

6/9/2017

Independence or Death!

When did the United States recognize Brazil

as an independent nation?

Dear Friend of PACA,

September 7 is Brazil’s Independence Day.

On the plain of Ipiranga, near the city of São Paulo, Dom Pedro I proclaimed the independence of Brazil on the 7 ^th of September of 1822. The United States recognized this new nation in 1824.

This historical day inspired Marcelle (a PACA Freshman) to pen a beautiful poem. As you read, you’ll get a perspective of past and current issues. Here’s an excerpt from her poem in Portuguese ( to read the complete poem, please click here).

Nas belas árvores que beijam a terra frutífera,

Nos rios e oceanos que se agarram ao céu que lhes encontra,

Nos pássaros que de manhã declaram seu cântico à natureza

E as onças astutas que caçam diaramente para sua cria alimentar,

Entre eles não há pátria mais amada, não há solo mais conhecido, gentil, essa mãe o Brasil...

O príncipe se rebelou

A população vinha agitada

Todos em seu governo a favor da independência apontou, e todas as ordens de Portugal com orgulho ignorou

Nenhuma medida das Cortes era aprovada sem primeiro por ele passar,

Quando o clima esquentava, o fogo se espalhava e difícil era o suportar...

As you know first-hand, Brazil is a great nation with great people but going through difficult moments politically and economically. We finished our school flag-raising ceremony this morning by praying together for this country because Psalm 33:12 (NIV) says “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.”

When you read that the last part of our mission statement, it says “… who impact their world through Christ.” Our students don’t have to wait to become adults to make a difference in Brazil. They impact Brazil now with their prayers and by being strong and courageous in their faith.

We are grateful for friends like you that pray over us and for this great nation.

Sincerely,