Paul Vieira

Some of you might be wondering where I am. It seems I’ve fallen out of the blogging world. My web presence is weak these days. There is a reason for this. My book came out 2 years ago this month and for the last 2 years I’ve been on a journey to find my place in Babylon. I feel like Daniel who was taken from the religious world of his homeland and tossed into the turbulent waters of a foreign culture. Babylon became his home and God used it to train and position him for his destiny. I’ve been in a two year shift that has not only changed how I express my spirituality but also a shift in how I make a living. After years in professional Christian ministry, I’ve spent the last 2 years teaching English to newcomers from all over the world. Recently, I accepted a job coordinating an English program at the University of Winnipeg. I have a strong sense that God is directing my path and I’m excited to see where it leads.

The organized church is far behind me now that I’ve spent this time in “Babylon.” Life is good and I’ve never been so content as I am now. I hope to write about it more in the days ahead. For now, I leave you with a passage at the end of my book. It is my farewell to the church:

Well this is it. We’ve come to the end. Although, I have spent the last several years mostly outside the walls of the church, I have never formally said, “Goodbye.” In some ways I have had one foot in and one foot out, as I have continued to speak in churches on Sunday mornings in my travels. However, I must go now. I must find my way out into the world that so desperately needs to see Jesus and hear Jesus through me. I have a house to build and garden to plant. I have to raise my kids and see them find their own place in this world. I am compelled to follow this path to its end.

I imagine for awhile, if you’re interested, you may hear or see me talk about the themes contained in the pages of this book. I am willing to further discuss it. I expect a flurry of activity for a season, as readers wrestle through the issues that this book raises. I am open to hearing from you and talking through what needs to be said. However, honestly, it has always been my intention for this book to be a farewell message to the institutional church. I am leaving for “Babylon” and I don’t imagine I’m ever coming back. I don’t know how much longer we will have to talk. Perhaps it will be longer than I think. Inevitably, and probably sooner than later, I will be gone. This is what I leave with you.