L. Aguiar Valvassoura, pastor of one of the denomination¿s largest churches, Campinas, Brazil, Central Church of the Nazarene, addressed the delegates of the 26th General Assembly and asked that his name be removed from the ballot for general superintendent.

Valvassoura stated, ¿I would like to ask to take my name off the ballot. I heard the voice of God and . . . my heart is in Brazil.¿

He had continuously been one of the top five vote-getters throughout the balloting process. Prior to Valvassoura¿s announcement, John C. Bowling, Olivet Nazarene University president, was elected to the general superintendency on the 21st ballot but declined the election.

Valvasourra has been at Campinas Central Church for over 24 years. During that time, the church has grown from around 300 to 7,000 members. He has been instrumental in preparing for the launch of Brazil Nazarene University. He is superintendent of Brazil¿s Sudeste Paulista District, president of the National Board for the Church of the Nazarene, and a member of South America Region¿s RAC (Regional Advisory Committee). Additionally, he serves on the denomination¿s General Board.

He and his wife, Lucia, have three children.
--NCN News