RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL.- One of the five oldest men in the world is Brazilian. His name is Moacir Gonçalves de Jesús and in fact, he is from Jesus himself. He is a Christian, even at 117 years old, he still attends the Adventist Church. He’s not as often as before, but he’s always present at special services.
Considered the oldest man in Brazil, Moacir lives in Rio das Ostras, in Rio de Janeiro. Last Thursday (8) he celebrated one more anniversary, together with his relatives. His record was registered four years ago by the National Social Security Institute (INSS), based on the retirement record.
Moacir is a man who knows a good part of Brazil. He was born in Bahia, he moved to the city of Río de las Ostras almost five years ago to live with Auriene Reyes de Jesús, his granddaughter who was raised by him. Today she is the one who takes care of him. “He is in optimal health, even better than mine,” she says.
“Of course, he doesn’t have as much clarity in his speech, due to his age, but he’s super good,” highlights the granddaughter. It was even she who made her grandfather know Christ. Moacir went on to attend church with Auriene and received Bible studies.
Although he was illiterate, he showed an interest in Bible teachings. So, three years ago he was baptized in a ceremony on the beach. His pastor offered him a baptism in a tank, with hot water, but he wanted it to be in the sea, as he dreamed.
At 117 years old, Moacir can no longer spend as much time in the temple. But the members of the church go to his house for domestic services. “He sings, claps his hands, prays. He understands everything,” says the granddaughter.
Moacir knows at least 21 states in Brazil, as he has traveled a lot. Although he has never realized his dream of being a military man, he remembers something exciting. Moacir received a medal from President Getúlio Vargas.
His birthday party even had a special decoration. With the right to cake of his own figure. “He doesn’t take off his beret for nothing,” says Luciano Souza, who organized the commemoration. His wife died five years ago when he was 83 years old.
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