Millions fete gay pride in Sao Paulo

[Shammu]

Millions fete gay pride in Sao Paulo

SAO PAULO (Reuters) - An estimated 3 million gays, lesbians and transvestites paraded down the main avenue of Brazil's business capital Sao Paulo on Sunday, showing their pride in a blaze of colour and festive music, organizers said.

"We want people to address machismo, racism and homophobia ... which still exists in Brazil," Nelson Matias Pereira, president of the parade told the official news agency Agencia Brasil, adding that many families took part.

The Sao Paulo Gays, Lesbians, Bisexuals and Transvestites (GLBT) Parade Association said balmy temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) helped draw more than last year's 2.5 million marchers and that the turnout would be a world record.

A police estimate was unavailable, but nearly 900 officers were on duty to help maintain order.

On a five-day visit to Brazil, the world's most populous Catholic country, Pope Benedict attracted less than 1 million to listen to his calls to reinforce traditional family values.

During Sunday's parade, bands played on 23 "trios eletricos," or huge trucks, with their music blasted from massive loudspeakers.

For their 11th parade, the gays received official backing for the first time.

Brazil's ministers for Tourism and Sport, Marta Suplicy and Orlando Silva, attended the parade. The governor of Sao Paulo state, Jose Serra, and city mayor Gilberto Kassab were also there.

Sponsors included Brazil's state energy company Petrobras and the state-owned Caixa Economica Federal bank.

The parade is seen as a major cash cow, attracting large numbers of Brazilian and foreign visitors, who boost the receipts of hotels, restaurants and shops.

A study this year by consumer research consultants Insearch found that Brazilian gays were above-average wage earners and spent 40 percent more on leisure than heterosexuals.

Millions fete gay pride in Sao Paulo

[Shammu]

Another event that convinces me that this world is continuing it's slide into the pit of immorality! On one hand, it's sickening to witness it; on the other hand, I know that my Savior's return is close at hand!

[Faithin1]

Another event that convinces me that this world is continuing it's slide into the pit of immorality! On one hand, it's sickening to witness it; on the other hand, I know that my Savior's return is close at hand!

Amen, Brother.  These egregious events do indeed remind us that our Lord is coming soon.

[MusicMedic5150]

What if Jesus decided to come during the gay parade. 3 million lost souls looking up to see our saviour there. And Jesus proclaming I know none of you before me..... Jesus I ask you tonight to give me strength to help those that are lost to overcome this abomination, I ask you to give me peace and love in my heart as I pray for those lost and intertwined in the web of sexual perversion. Lord I pray that you speak to them and use me if you can to speak to them. To teach them of your teachings and how this abomonation must end. Lord forgive me of what I have sinned today give me strength and courage through your Holy word to combat this evil. Amen

[nChrist]

Hello MusicMedic5150,

It is completely right for all Christians to have a burden on their hearts for the lost. These are days when Christians can end up in jail, the hospital, or the morgue for trying to help these people, but the efforts will go on.

One of the first steps to Salvation is always recognizing sin, our lost condition, and the misery of wallowing in the darkness of that pit. Celebrations like this are really the powers of darkness thumbing their noses at GOD, rejoicing in their evil, and telling the world that they love the bottom of that pit. Some of them will accept JESUS CHRIST, but it appears that the vast majority are merrily on their way to hell. The Holy Bible does tell us that things like this will happen in the last days of this age, and nothing will be able to stop it. However, this does not relieve Christians of their responsibilities to the lost and the sharing of the GOOD NEWS.

We should be praying, trying, praying some more, and keep trying. Faith still comes by hearing and hearing by the WORD OF GOD. We also have the Promise of GOD that HIS WORD will never return void. GOD will use it, and HIS WORD will accomplish HIS Purpose. As Christians, we simply need to keep yielding to GOD and getting about HIS WORK that HE leads us to do. The ultimate is for us to be yielded completely to GOD - AND HIM working in and through us. We can and should trust GOD for the results - HIS Will be done! - And it will be!

In the meantime, we all need to be praying for guidance and strength to do HIS Will - whatever the task - large or small. HIS Way is the only Right Way for us.

Love In Christ,
Tom

Philippians 1:27-28 NASB  Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; in no way alarmed by your opponents--which is a sign of destruction for them, but of salvation for you, and that too, from God.

[Faithin1]

Amen, Brothers.  We all need to keep the lost in our daily prayers.  Satan has deceived them.  Therefore, their eyes are closed, and their hearts are cold to the Word of God.  Our government's endorsement of this abomination has only strengthened the forces of evil. 

Praise the Lord, Satan has already been defeated.  It's unfortunate that those who blindly succumb to his evil devices, do not realize they are on a sinking ship, and their only hope for survival is through one lifesaver.....Jesus Christ.  I pray that many will come to Jesus, before it is too late.