A práxis pastoral entre os imigrantes alemães e seus descendentes na região Noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

The reflection of this study is based on the contribution of pastoral practice in the German immigration in the region that today comprises the micro area of Santa Rosa / RS, focusing more on the location of Lajeado Terrêncio, municipality of Novo Machado / RS, without, however, fail to look to other places that have experienced similar facts. Pastors are faced with the trauma of immigration saga of the German-Russians in our country. Some traits are perceived to this day. They had migrated to areas in Eastern Europe, especially Russia, to seize the opportunity offered by an expanding empire. They tried to build the dream of a better life and future of their children, as in Germany ruled over quota, the shortage of food and lack of employment. Meanwhile, the situation of the Germans was extremely difficult due to the policy of Russification by the government, militias and nationalists installation of civil wars. Finally, after the first world war, who did not migrate in time was literally kicked out of their land. Who was able to migrate to the new continent was freed from such threats. Along with these came also a smaller percentage of Germans from Germany, who came to live together. Undoubtedly, to get to southern Brazil, faced with new problems. A place of wilderness without roads, homes, commerce, industries, schools, hospitals, etc.. How to survive these challenges and build the future of their children? That difficult adjustment enters a differential, the pastoral. Seeing no alternative, the few pastors have looked to take care of these people. After arranging a place of worship on Sundays preached the message of encouragement from the gospel, that kept alive the hope of the individual, teaching him to live by faith in God and with much effort, they could build the future. During the week did visitations. Often, their wives, also helped families with practical actions. The church became the community center in the first decades, the center of human development.