Meet Samy Anderson | Tampa Bible Presbyterian Church
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Welcome, dear church family and friends! As we continue our journey together at Tampa Bible Presbyterian Church (Tampa BPC), I am grateful for the opportunity to share with you some of my notes and reflections from our recent podcast interview with the Orlando Church Planting Network. My hope is that these thoughts will encourage you and provide further insight into what God is doing in and through our growing Brazilian community in Tampa.
1. Our Tampa Story: From Brazil to Blessings in Florida
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of Cabo de Santo Agostinho, Pernambuco, in the northeast of Brazil, surrounded by amazing beaches and vibrant culture. The Lord called me early in life—thanks to the faithfulness of my family and leaders who brought me into the church. I was baptized at age 17 and began serving in youth ministry soon after.God’s call led my family and me to the United States in August 2023. Soon after, I was invited by Pastor Samuel Vitalino to help plant a church in Tampa, as several Brazilian families were driving every Sunday to Orlando for worship. This remarkable journey allowed us to witness God’s faithfulness in raising a new gospel community in Tampa.
2. What I Love About Tampa
Tampa is a vibrant and relaxed city that reminds me of home, with its beautiful beaches and welcoming atmosphere. My favorite beach is Honeymoon Beach—it’s a wonderful place to rest and reflect on God’s creation. And yes, I enjoy American food too—Cracker Barrel is a favorite spot, as well as our local Brazilian restaurant, Botteco Dumanolo.
3. The Vision: Gospel Growth and a Family in Christ
Our vision at Tampa BPC is simple and biblical. We want to be a biblical, confessional, and missional church, loving God, serving people, and building a strong community in Christ. In a short time, our church family has grown from just four families to more than 35 families—now over 110 people worshiping together.We have seen God especially at work among Brazilians in Tampa, but our heart is also to reach Americans and people of every nation with the gospel. God is even opening doors in Riverview, where many families are driving 45–50 minutes to worship with us. We pray and consider planting new churches as God raises up leaders.
4. Challenges Facing Our Community
Many in our church face the real struggles related to immigration—documentation, uncertainty, and separation from family back home. One big challenge is building a strong and engaged leadership team, especially when people work long hours in a new country. Despite these challenges, we see God helping us step by step as we depend on Him.
5. Lessons Learned: Church Planting in a New Context
Planting a church in the U.S. has taught me that strong relationships are just as vital as sound doctrine and theological training. The American and immigrant contexts are very different from Brazil; sometimes, it feels like starting ministry all over again. Emotional struggles are real for our community—many miss their homes, families, and the life they left behind. The gospel gives us hope and courage to persevere.
6. Gospel Hope for Brazilian Immigrants
Many come to America seeking financial opportunity and security. Money can become an idol, but our desire is that everyone who comes to Tampa BPC finds the true riches of knowing Christ. The gospel answers our deepest fears and longings, reminding us that our true home is not here, but in the heavenly kingdom God is preparing for us.
7. What’s Next for Tampa BPC?
Thanks to God’s blessing, our current space is too small for our growing church! Please pray as we search for a larger place to gather. We are also preparing to train more elders and deacons for the church, investing in healthy, biblical leadership. Our prayer requests are for a new meeting space and for sufficient financial resources as we grow.
8. How to Connect
If you are looking for a church home in Tampa, especially within the Brazilian community, we invite you to connect with us:Instagram:@tampabpcYouTube:Tampa BPCPhone: 321-339-9259
9. Final Encouragement
Church planting is about preaching the Word of God faithfully and investing in real, loving fellowship. Let us make our church feel like a family and never forget our dependence on the Lord in all things. Please continue to pray for the work here—that God would raise up leaders, provide resources, and use us to reach many with the hope of the gospel.Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. May the Lord bless you and use Tampa BPC as a light to the nations!In Christ,
Pastor Samy Anderson
For more, watch our latest service above and connect with us online!