A Shepherd Formed by Grace: Lucas Cabral’s Story

This Sunday marks a joyful milestone in the life of Knox Baptist Church as we gather to ordain Lucas Cabral as one of our pastors. Ordination is not merely a moment of public recognition; it is the church’s affirmation of a man Christ has been shaping, gifting, and preparing for His flock.

As part of this celebration, we want to give our church family an opportunity to know Lucas’s story—to see the grace of God that has carried him from his childhood in Brazil to shepherding here in Calgary, and to hear how the Lord has been faithful in forming his calling, character, and conviction.

Below is Lucas’s personal testimony. We pray it helps you thank God for His work in Lucas’s life and join us with full hearts as we welcome him into the pastorate of Knox Baptist Church.

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I was born in the countryside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and moved to the capital city, Brasília, when I was two years old. My mom had me when she was young, and we were blessed with incredible support from my grandparents. Looking back, I can see how God was already showing His love by surrounding me with a family that cared for me so well. 

From a young age, my grandmother and mother brought me to church. I grew up in a very legalistic environment, which at times made my walk with the Lord and my understanding of church and family more difficult. Even though I didn’t have a present and active father figure, I always carried the desire to one day be a husband and a father. At 15, I decided to be baptized, and from then on, I began seeking to grow in my understanding of God and His Word. 

In 2016, my family moved to Canada, and the plan was for me to join them. But I sensed God leading me to stay in Brazil a little longer to finish my bachelor’s degree in Advertising and Marketing. During those years, I had the chance to visit Canada several times, and each visit confirmed in my heart that this was the place God was calling me to. Once I completed my studies, I finally made the permanent move to Canada to be with my mom, my stepfather, and my younger brother. 

Like many newcomers, I arrived full of excitement and dreams of using my creativity and skills in a career. But I soon realized that God had different plans for me. I arrived just one month before the pandemic closed borders and shut down daily life. Suddenly, I found myself in a small bedroom with no work, no opportunities, and many questions. That season of reflection was challenging, but it also became a time when God began to reshape my heart and deepen my dependence on Him. 

As things opened up, I took on different jobs—often in areas far from my training. Those experiences helped me mature, appreciate God’s provision, and reflect on how blessed I had been in Brazil. Then, in 2021, God gave me the opportunity to work at a small church near my home. There, I grew closer to Him and learned to serve in many different areas—administration, finance, sound, livestream, and especially communications, where I discovered how much I enjoyed using my creative gifts for the church. 

That same year, I met Tamara, who became my wife in 2023. Through her and her family, I came to know God in a much deeper way. With the guidance of my father-in-law, Pastor Ron, and my mentor and dear friend, Dr. Paul, the Holy Spirit confirmed in my heart that God was calling me into ministry. Through Scripture, prayer, and the encouragement of godly mentors and friends—including my pastor and close friend Nino—my sense of calling became clear: to serve God’s people through teaching, shepherding, and using the gifts He has given me for His glory. 

God led me to Alberta for further theological training and opened the door for me to serve with the Canadian National Baptist Convention. This was the first time I was able to use my creativity and skills in a ministry role, and it has been a joy to see how God can use even my background in marketing and design to serve His kingdom. 

I see pastoral ministry as a sacred calling to love, guide, and serve God’s people with humility and faithfulness. My prayer is that my life and testimony reflect God’s grace—that both the blessings and the hardships I’ve experienced would point others to Christ. 

To God be the Glory.

Amen. 

Lucas Cabral.