Flavio Valvassoura: Sketches

Flavio Valvassoura is field strategy coordinator for the Brazil South Field and superintendent of the Curitiba District. In addition, he is on staff at Campinas Central Church of the Nazarene with his father, Aguiar. He is also a member of the General Board and has pastored in Brazil and the U.S. Valvassoura earned his Ph. D. in preaching and leadership from Asbury Theological Seminary (ATS). Recently, he was elected at the General Board meetings as an international representative with the Board of General Superintendents and General Board Executive Committee for the revisioning of Headquarters. Valvassoura is married to Ana Paula and they reside in Campinas, Brazil, with their two daughters, Laura and Giovanna. Ana Paula is a practicing attorney working with civil and employment law.

What did you want to be when you grew up?

My mom says a firefighter. But I remember wanting to be a soccer player, of course, being from Brazil.

Anything people would be surprised to learn about you?

I was a musician-electric bass-and played in bars.

Your iPod contains what?

All kinds of music, including Gospel and Brazilian country music. Also, videos and family photos.

What does it mean to you to be involved in an international church?

It's like a dream becoming a reality to have representation in the global church. Also, it's a reward, in a sense, to the missionaries who came to Brazil and invested their lives to establish the Church of the Nazarene there. Now, the church is producing indigenous leadership. It's a joy, but also a huge responsibility.

Elaborate on what pioneer missionaries had in mind when they planted churches.

I remember being at the 2005 General Assembly with retired missionary to Brazil, Earl Mosteller. He was proud to see the results of he and his wife Gladys's investment, as he witnessed a variety of leaders from Brazil at the assembly and realized the role that the Brazilian church is playing today in the life of the broader Church of the Nazarene.

Help us get inside the mind of a Brazilian.

Brazilians are emotional, people-oriented, warm, and affectionate. We love family-both personal and church. My parents and siblings all live near each other. This reflects on our Italian roots and how that heritage has affected life in Brazil from food to family.

Is it true that Brazilians like to kiss?

Yes! It's a greeting. A way to show kindness and that we care for one another.

Most embarrassing moment?

Once, in the middle of the night in the grocery store, I slipped and fell on a wet floor and was covered in water. Everyone seemed to be watching me.

What did you do?

I laughed-along with everyone else.

Dream family vacation?

Italy and Greece.

Favorite authors?

Eugene Peterson and Philip Yancey.

Favorite food?

Churrasco, a special cut of beef that is grilled. Picanha is my favorite.

What's the best thing about your daughters?

Their smiles. Oh, boy! They are like sunshine in the morning. They can make a gloomy day turn into a beautiful day.

Have you known suffering?

Oh yes.

Care to elaborate?

I know what it's like to be betrayed and have my dreams shattered. But at the same time, I know the God of new beginnings. He's real!

Do you ever get bored in church?

Who hasn't? Especially when listening to a boring guest speaker or during reports.

How do you get into a mindset of worship?

I think of all the things the Lord has done for me and that's all it takes. When I look back and see how He found me, transformed me, and is shaping my life, I have enough reason to sing all day long.

Who do you emulate-want to be like?

From General Superintendent Jim Diehl, I'd take his smile and warm heart. From former ATS President Dennis Kinlaw, I'd take his wisdom and brilliant mind. From my dad, Aguiar, I'd take his character. From my wife, Ana Paula, I'd take her willingness to deny herself for ministry to others.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Alive, I hope.

How do you want to be remembered?

As a person who fulfilled God's purpose in my generation. "A man of God" summarizes it.

Holiness Today, March/April 2008

Please note: This article was originally published in 2008. All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at that time but may have since changed.