Guam, part of the Marianas Islands, is an island in the Pacific Ocean and a major tourist destination because of its beaches and coral reefs. It has a population of 162 thousand, including many immigrants from Micronesia, the Philippines, and Japan.
Located 7184 miles from the United States, Guam has been an American territory since 1898 and a strategic point for the US Military. It is the home of the Andersen Air Force Base in the island’s northern area and Naval Base Guam in the south. Six thousand US soldiers are serving in Guam. It played a crucial role in the Vietnam and Korean Wars.
Nevertheless, the island’s major problems are poverty, precarious housing, substance abuse, imprisonment, high dropouts in school, teenage pregnancy, and the highest suicide rate in the US. Most suicide cases are between the ages of 14 and 30. Also, cancer, hypertension, stroke, and diabetes have been significant health issues faced by the people of Guam.
Rampant substance abuse has destroyed many families—addiction to all kinds of substances, including amphetamines. The most prominent addiction is to betel nut, the region’s highest cause of oral cancer and also considered the most addictive substance globally. It makes its users lose their teeth and become disfigured. Unfortunately, this drug is legal on the island.
Two years ago, Pastor Samuel Macedo and his wife, Bruna, traveled to Guam on a mission: to open The Universal Church for the rescue and salvation of the families in the region. They began without a building and evangelizing from door to door. Today, The Universal Church in Guam has faithful congregants, many testimonies of life transformations, and several projects reaching out to the community.
On Sunday, October 23rd, 2022, Bishop Joshua made a missionary trip to Guam and spoke at the Showdown of Faith Event. More than 600 people attended and were blessed in this gathering of faith. They received strong prayers for healing and deliverance from depression and suicidal thoughts.
Extraordinary miracles took place on this special day. Mikiko, who suffered a stroke two years ago and could not walk, began to walk freely through the power of faith and prayer.
Most importantly, Bishop Joshua gave a message of faith to those who felt rejected: “If your father, mother, a family member, a friend, husband or wife, has rejected you, God will never reject those who come to Him. Jesus said, ‘All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.’ (John 6:37)”
Bishop prayed for the soul’s salvation and peace from the Holy Spirit; many received this peace they could not find anywhere else.
Joyful members of the Youth Power Group (YPG) performed, bringing hope to the parents praying for their children lost in rebelliousness and addiction.
The Universal Church in Guam is located at 103C Yigo Town Center (behind the Bank of Guam). It is open seven days a week and has services from Monday to Friday at 10 am, 3 pm, and 6:30 pm, Saturdays at 8 am, and Sundays at 8 am, 10 am, and 6 pm.
Residents of Guam can call 671-971-7171 for more information.
