Houston, We Have a Problem…
An alert reader recently sent me some information about a new church in Houston, Texas called the Succeed in Life Center. A quick perusal of the website shows that the pastor is one Renato Cardoso–a distinctively Brazilian name.
Hmmmmm. A church in Houston being pastored by a Brazilian? Not impossible, but definitely…interesting. One automatically wonders who the church is affiliated with. A quick examination of the site yields this information, from the about us section:
SiLC is based in Houston and affiliated with churches that work in over 90 countries.
Not exactly forthcoming. Still, nothing to worry about, right? Let’s take a closer look at the pastoral staff. On that page we find information about Bishop Cardoso and his wife, Cristiane. Her bio intrigued me:
Missionary’s daughter? As a missionary in Brazil, I was curious if she was related to anybody I know. I clicked on the link to her blog. I scrolled down…articles on family living, church activities…and…WHOA!!!
Unmistakably a picture of Cristiane with her father and mother, and her father is none other than Bishop Edir Macedo, founder and big kahuna of the Brazilian group known as Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
I’ve written about this outfit before. They are the health-and-wealth “gospel” on steroids. They are also phenomenally wealthy, and expanding at a rapid pace around the globe. The church has spawned at least two spinoff churches with the same mentality.
So, what level of affiliation does Houston’s Succeed in Life Center have with the Universal Church? I moseyed on over to the Universal Church’s main website to find out. At first, I looked in vain for any links to the Universal Church in the US. I know they are there. Here, for example, is a picture of a Universal Church that has taken up residence in a former Catholic Church (file this under “from frying pan to fire”) in Philadelphia.
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So why no online presence for their US enterprises?
About to give up, I clicked on the “blogs” link and…JACKPOT!!!
And there they are, all three: father, daughter, and son-in-law. The people of Houston, Texas can rest assured that the Succeed in Life Center is, in fact, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God.
Not convinced? The following is from a site which gives information about trademarks:
Some questions I have:
Why no mention of the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God on the Succeed in Life website?
Why no mention of their US affiliate in any of the Brazilian material?
Why no US website like they have for the UK and South Africa?
Why all the secrecy as to their affiliations on the “about us” page?
For more detailed information about the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, I am making available (with the author’s permission) research done on them by one of my colleagues. You can download it here.
Talk back to the missionary: I would love to know if this chameleon act is being repeated in other cities in the US. If you suspect that it may be, leave me a comment or send me an e-mail.
Update I just posted an article that explains the fundamental doctrinal error of this group. You can read it here.
Huston, Texas or Houston, Texas?
I knew that didn’t look right. All fixed now. Thanks bro!
Yeah…it’s not like it was spelled correctly in any of the quotes you used. 🙂
I just wasn’t sure if perhaps there wasn’t an actual place called “Huston.”
I noticed that when I did the correction. I even thought about changing the title to “Houston, we have a spelling problem…”
I noticed that, but I did not have a way to comment from my RSS feed. I should have emailed you. Sorry bro!
It is interesting how they are hiding their true colors! Isn’t satan known as the deceiver? Hmm… I wonder with whom they are aligned.
Yeah, and I find it curious. They are not known for being shy about who they are. Why all this secrecy in the US?
They are in what used to be Saint Stephen’s Roman Catholic Church at Broad and Butler in Philadelphia.
Saint Stephen’s closed in 1993.
This CULT bought the property and they ruined the inside of it. That church was beautiful inside and they turned it into a giant broom closet.
I drive by this place every day on my way to work, and I’ve been curious as to what it was. The sign out front runs a steady stream of drug counseling, marriage help, and teen friendly messages, but does not mention a church.
I’ve been suspicious that it was a Scientology clone or a prosperity gospel organization, and your post confirms it.
Jeff,
Your suspicions are correct.
Interestingly, since I posted this their site has become far more open about the ties with the UCKG.
Cristiane’s father a missionary? Where did she get that idea from?
The reason they are so secretive is that they are a dangerous Cult (with a capital C) and they have had much bad publicity (and probably still do), so they think they can change their spots by being called a different name.
They are greedy thieves who rob the poor. They promise their congregations that if they give their money to God (to their so-called churches and temples) they will be blessed with health and wealth, which never happens. In the meantime they get richer and richer and more greedy, while the members of their congregation become poorer and poorer.
They are despicable. They are thieves. They live in luxury and the frightening thing is that they think they are saved.
I used to attend one of their temples (until God opened my eyes and I saw them for who they are), so I know what I am talking about – they have unquenchable lusts of the flesh.
Dont they no that u dont need 2 give all ur $ so that u can get a bleassing, how they come up with that. Me and my boyfriend was gone to a service and all they talk about was $, they said God is not a dedtor to nobody so u give more the more ur gonna get. I never hear that in my life, thats some crazy twested story, aint it. Im white and theres no white peple there ether. Why, becoz them peple in charge are fooling the minurity in that church. The minurity peple will get more poor and they dont no what theyr in for. I coudnt belive the pastor said u got no choise if u got to pay ur rent or give it to the church. He said u best give it to the church. I coudnt belive my ears. I fell sorry for them black peple.
These people run a Bible-based cult. They are money-hungry and they think they are saved. They have a hunger for material things. I agree whole-heartedly with Andrea and with Kristina.
We must warn people against them. I have heard of people who have attended this cult and have had nervous breakdowns and years later they are still suffering from the breakdown.
I made what I thought was a friend recently. She suddenly became insisstent that I come and try her new church. I was curious tho I have a happy church home already. She had given me a brochure and it was something called Succeed in Life. Way on the other side of Houston from me (and her) she offered to drive me. I figured no harm no foul and it was a Friday nite. Then I noticed from the brochure that they operate 7 days a week. Every week. So. I went And they sat Mencken and asked me to spill my guts about my life. Very one on one. Very nice looking young men with very Hispanic accents. Then they had service. And everyone stands up in front of the pulpit in rows and we get shouted at and asked to repeatmthings over and again while someone comes and prays (pushed down on your head and does some major Holy Ghost ‘Satan come out’ praying. And more repeating shouts to repeat the pastors words. Inwas told to give fbm just 13 weeks of coming at least 1 nite, preferably more, and Sun. Morn and they would change my life. Now that’s over 2 months away from my chuch Sun morn and that isn’t gonna happen. Besides the service with th hands on yelling and the prying into my life isn’t for me. Well. My ‘friend’ was sure I’d come Sun and i hated to hurt her feelings but I knew in my heart that God didn’t want me there. I guess what bugged me most was that none of the people running this were American born. So I begged off Sun and my ‘friend’ dropped Jenkins a hot rock and went on about how every day of her life would be taken up at church and she was only interested in bring people to her church (not God, mind u) I have only read about cults. Like Jonestown and Waco. I had never been around one and even I could tell this. Is what they r about! Warn people! I intend to! I’d say close call but I not a sheep. Thank God for that!
There’s plenty of churches out there but you don’t really know what’s what because there’s so many denominations. If your somebody that’s seeking God and you want eternal life, you have to pray to Jesus Christ, you have to read the bible and ask for understanding and wisdom. You have to have a close relationship with Jesus because nobody else can fulfill that part in you.
If your in a bad church, you should leave but don’t leave the body of Christ altogether. Ask God to lead you to where you need to be. If you think your in a church but your not sure, pray a lot about that, wait for God to tell you where He wants you, in the meantime, take the good part that’s in it, the scriptures from the bible, read it and study it for yourself, take the praise and worship time and worship God with the other people because believe it or not, not everybody in a not so sure church is bad and with the people that you meet, take the time to have friendly conversation.
My best advise is to pray every morning and night to stay close to God. If your giving offering and tithe which is good by the way because your helping people hear the word, make sure you get the tax benefits – that’s everybody’s right. But first, ask God what you should give, ask God to put the right amount in your heart because you’re doing it for God’s work.
I know somebody who goes to this church, she likes to hear God’s word, the people are ok, she doesn’t want to judge because that’s not her job. She’s there to hear the pastor preach and then she prays about it. She doesn’t want to get caught up in too much because of bad experience.
So only God knows somebody’s heart when going to church. Pray, pray and pray some more.
One day my friend invited me to an event of the churches united it was a chant youth competition, it was ok. She asked if i could go to her church so i did but after my church service. When i got to her church i knew something was wrong, i saw the little symbol with red outlining and i recognized it from those crazy paid programs played at 12 at night. They put us in different groups and preached to us about how people will challenge “their faith”. Then they asked if i could go next sunday or wednesday or thursday. My response was im sorry I attend my church. I was talking about it at my church and they literally told me ” I have heard very bad things about them, its all operated by Brazilians make up an excuse and dont go back”. I took their advice. That place just gives off a bad vibe. My friend asks me every sunday and i say No. Today i saw when the paid program came on, i usually change it right away because it just creeps me out.I decided to watch 2 minutes of it, i grabbed my phone and called the person on the other line sounded like she did not even want to be there. The first words out of my mouth where” excuse me ma’am were am i calling”..she just hung up on me. I just wanted to make sure the name of it, that was VERY RUDE, and you want people to call? I said to myself ill call again maybe i can get answers. I called same person answered i couldn’t even comprehend the words coming out of her mouth, i asked “what exactly is this for” …i mean they tell you to call but for what?? her response was “what your watching on tv” she asked if i had prayers that i wanted broadcasted on tv…i said yes she said phone and name….. i asked excuse me what religion is this….She hung up on me……..btw the conversation was in spanish with her …VERY VERY RUDE!!! No i did not call because i intended to give her my info i called because to me this so called group that helps with ALL problems its very very fishy. Reminds me of the Warren Jeffs mormon Cult. Oil and a rose are not things that are going to cure you. You need to read the bible and pray. I hope that people open their eyes about this, its a shame and disgrace. i agree 100 percent with this article.
Vanessa that girl shouldnt hung up on you VERY RUDE your right. theres this guy i know and he cant get out i think hes stuck he can’t live coz theyll come after him. hes an asistant and they dont give him they work him all daylong. hes scared to daeth and he dont know where to go. Ppoeople their rude and their not christian coz they dont love like the bible says. they dont want poeple to talk they dont sosholize they have caleb for old poeple i guess thats good. they have sisterhod to me its just not real i think their fakin it. they look pretty but i dont know if their forreal. theirs this woman i seen her she coud be japanise she talk to poepple shes nice. theirs anuther woman but she dont talk to poepple shes very preety but i dont know they tol me shes the qife ofthe pastor. man i just dont know i cant makeup my mind onthem poepple but your right vanessa, theirs something fishy goin on.
I know somebody there too. she’s saying that she’s very upset she doesnt feel right. she opened up to me and told me that she actually gave alot of her $$$ away and she’s scared. she told me that they say not to talk about your problems to poeple in the church only god can take take care of them. i feel bad for her because she likes the poeple there and at first she had no problem she got better from a lot of things but the pastors and a cuple of poeople hate her. they dont want to see her there, the pastors look at her with hate in there eyes. thats not god’s love, is it? she said if you dont look right they dont like you and if your not from brasil they look down on you. she’s scared ’cause she doesn’t know what to do its like she’s brainwaished or something. i told her to leave but she said they know a lot aobout and she doesn’t want them to hurt her.
I’m the one Fran wrote about and here’s the deal.
I haven’t been a member of the church for many years, but I went in with a lot of issues, things that happened in my past that I carried with me for too many years. Prior to attending the church, I’d been part of many “church” organizations that were very, very disturbing, to say the least. I had a lot of internal rage because of all my painful experiences from churches and life in general.
Through this church, however, I’ve made some really good progress. I’ve been able to talk to some people and began the process of being frank and sincere, and most importantly, receiving healing from God and help through a handful of folks.
However, the devil’s been very skillful at manipulating my thoughts in that everybody under the sun is always out to get me. And I believed it. I would do well for a while, fall down, then I’d have to get up and start all over again, over and over. Most definitely, a very exhaustive cycle that I know I wouldn’t be able to maintain any longer.
I talked to Jesus, sometimes my throat would hurt, I prayed, I asked Him to show me what to do. And this is what happened to me, just very recently – not even 24 hours ago, I came across a total stranger who said to be patient, not to go against what God is showing me in being kind and loving to people. Then, this lady started singing a couple of verses that I can’t even remember now. I didn’t understand what was happening, I was just blown away.
And so, it’s in my nature to be part of a church no matter what has happened to me. I can’t keep hopping from church to church because there’s no such thing as a perfect church. Whatever problems I have, I know I need to learn how to take care of them right where I am. Additionally, I know that I ought to focus on Biblical teachings and the goodness of the church and its people.
A member of Succeed in Life Center!
Fran’s friend – a member of Succeed in Life Center – it appears the cult has brain washed you. That is one of the first things they do, together with putting fear into you. You say you cannot keep hoping from church to church, but you are not hoping from church to church – you belong to a CULT who have done to you what they are very good at doing: taking up all your time, most of your money, your discernment and your mind. My advice is leave right now. Leave without any fear of being found or hurt by them because the Lord God will protect you. I used to belong to the cult and believed everything they said, but God opened my eyes and when I saw them for who they are: fraudsters, robbers, liars, blasphemers I couldn’t get away fast enough. They had all my contact details but they never came after me or communicated with me in any way.
GET OUT OF THAT CULT AND BE FREE BEFORE IT DESTROYS YOU PERMANENTLY.
Interesting info… I drive by these guys every day on the way to work, and I always wondered what their deal was. I’m not terribly surprised to see that they’re pretty shady and trying to scam money out of people going through a tough time. Whoever heard of a place called the Succeed In Life Center anyways? They sure got plenty of money for a nice building and electronic sign somewhere, and I have a feeling that it isn’t from wealthy donors.
I attended the marriage courses at this church that were led by Pastor Renato but approved by the state of Texas. Because of this attending the course means you are exempt from paying the marriage license fee. The course was extremely helpful in understanding the way a relationship should work. I must say I received the best advice there. God was mentioned, but as Pastor Renato promised during the first class, the class focused on dealing with the relationship and there was not much talk about religion– save the optional prayer at the end of each session.
We were all invited to come to services, but not badgered. I never went. After the courses were over, I had no issues cutting ties with the church and know others that have not returned since the course. I don’t see them as being a cult any more than the huge Lakewood Church. In fact, what church doesn’t have one or too evangelical attendees? That doesn’t make the church a cult…
You guys who speak bad about this place, must not have been there before. I have gone for years and I am American. You say they are a cult, but let your family member be in the hospital, they will go to visit them the same day and charge nothing. Come crying and the pastor will stop whatever he is doing and talk to you. Ask for a house blessing, they will go, and charge nothing. I sat for hours in counselling and no one ever asked me for a penny. You guys don’t know what you are talking about. But remember, even Jesus was persecuted and called the devil. No surprise.
You guys who speak bad about this place, must not have been there before. I have gone for years and I am American. You say they are a cult, but let your family member be in the hospital, they will go to visit them the same day and charge nothing. Come crying and the pastor will stop whatever he is doing and talk to you. Ask for a house blessing, they will go, and charge nothing. I sat for hours in counselling and no one ever asked me for a penny. You guys don’t know what you are talking about. But remember, even Jesus was persecuted and called the devil. No surprise.
they are the same church as “pare de sufrir” on westpark and 59 in houston,tx. I have seen the “succeed in life center” van coming back and forth from “pare de sufrir” building when it was still small here on beechnut st., now they are building this huge building right there on westpark. I don’t believe they want to mention their ties between them two either; that’s what led me to be very suspicious…. it’s sad how they lure the spanish community now going for English-speaking communities.
The problem is the paster renato cardoso, hes not a good paster coz I dont think he believe what hes saying, people come and they leave, they dont stay. But why dont the people stay and the problem is its not a real church its like an organisashion so that they can try to help people that have problems. So hes like this, renato cardoso is like seeing people when u want help. But hes not here in this city i heard he went back to brasil for mishions in soa polo. So hes going allover opening mishions but hes not realy helping people if you read his blog, he dont stick to 1 thing, hes like allover the place coz hes not a real paster. i hear people saying if if u speak up tho they tell u got a demon u cant win for losin Im thinkin that people there are good , their looking for worshiping god so they go but its like a trap coz that pastor is takin people down the wrwong way. man i dont get that place fur sure its no church, i dont know how to disscribe it but like a membersip with a fee. thats dope
for those who are against this cult you are absolutely right they control your life with constant donation to help the church and god reward is at hand yet one the ones who are for them yes they do have time to listen, pray and visit the sick relatives at the hospitals and dont ask for money – how blind and dumb can you be of course they will do all this andlater in the church service 7 days a week you have to give offerings which is a kind of payment then the trips to Israel campaign whereby you donate large some of money for a change of life whatever your desires are – ten years you get followers believing the best in god words yet the pastor especially renato cardoso is a very clever charming and calucating person you work on his charm with perfection and honety in god name yet he is not honest but cruel with words and action when he is aware that his term is up for the next projet of opening more organisation called universal church of the kingdom of god he has not time for the person or individual cruel renato cardoso
You people are to be ashamed of yourselves. Succeed in Life is NOT a cult. I have been going there for quite some time now and everything they teach/preach is from the bible, they don’t beg for money, they don’t force you to pray or do anything against your will. The Pastor’s and Pastor’s assistant are friendly.
Lets say everything you think is true about your opinion of them, why would you get on a public website for anyone with access to read such? This is exactly what Satan wants you to do and that is voice yourselves in a destructive manner that will lead you all straight to hell!
All of you need to go to the Book of Proverbs and study the entire book because there you will learn KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, COMMON SENSE and GOOD JUDGMENT.
It is not good to go to multiple churches because each church/denomination has their own way of doing things and it can cause confusion and that is what happended to me. God is NOT a God of Confusion folks!
Do you honestly think our God in Heaven is pleased with these postings? If so please direct me to bible scripture that confirms such and I will happily apologize and give you a cookie and a cup of milk.
FYI-Satan is not teaching at SILC instead he is right here working through you all posting hate because that is what he does best!
Goodnight and don’t forget to repent
I’d be curious to know how much of an interest they have in the “Pare de Sufrir/Cenaculo de la Fe” (“Stop suffering/Cenacle of Faith) center at 59 & Westpark, just up the road from their headquarters at 59 & Bellaire.
Judging from the Philly photo you posted, I image it’s their spanish outreach.
This morning I drove by the SiLC and saw a photo of a child that said “cured of asthma” that certainly got my hackles (back) up. I say back up because for about a month in November & December – the “church” ran 2-minute-long advertisements for their services by asking if you felt “cursed.”
I knew something was up then and there.
This church does indeed run like a cult. They always preach the “you must give 10% of your income, because if you give 10% of your income god will have to bless you and all your financial problems will go away!!” Meanwhile the pastors and bishops are driving around in their fancy cars and taking off with these poor peoples’ money. They are also always preaching about how the devil is constantly attacking you and anything that goes against their church is satan himself. Seems like the whole “us against them” tactic all these cults use to brainwash people to me….
Why is the San Antonio director of SILC listed on CorporationWiki a prominent San Antonio attorney? (R.P. Braubach) Just curious.
Seems the people running it are relatively clever, have professional/legal advice and now know what they can and cannot do. It must be hard to shut these “churches” down. Hard to nail them with fraud when clueless people “donate” their money for prayers and a higher standing with God. Not so much different from the practice of selling indulgences in the Roman Catholic church, before Martin Luther blew the whistle.
When you walk into this church you will have the absolute creepiest most unwelcoming feeling. Like he presence of Satan himself.
When you walk near the pastors you will feel uneasy and judged.
When you become integrated into the church (aka give all your money to them) they will forbid you from dating outside of the church.
They tell you the only way to rid yourself of debt is to give all your money to them.
They tell you to yell at God and demand he changes your life when you pray instead of putting your life and fate in God’s hands.
I see so many people who fall victim to this church and it saddens me. This place is so devoid of God’s love.
I am also a member of SiLC and will not go to another church. You all can say its a cult all you want, I to also had that thought in my head when I first went. Then I realized how my life was changing for the better. They never once forced me to come to church. Of course it was an invitation to come to other services and some I go to, some I dont. The church NEVER told me I have to give any money. It is written in the bible to give tithes and offerings. I have seen great changes in my life… Before SiLC, my marriage was in ruins, on the brink of divorce, so close in fact that we just made 1 phone call, we would have the divorce papers e-mailed to us. We ALWAYS fought, including in front of my kids, there was infidality, there was money problems, struggling, fighting to pay our bills things would always break and no money to repair them. My kids wouldnt listen, wouldnt help clean the house, would fight with each other, just to name a few. I was also carrying around hurtful feelings in my heart from losing my father at an early age to cancer, who i thought should have lived for many many more years. But now, I have a marriage I never thought would have happened. My kids clean my house to make me and my husband happy, and I dont even ask them. My finances are awesome and are getting better every time I turn around. I love my life and it would not have happened if it wasnt for the church and them being used by God. But most importantly, even though they have talked to my hubby and I and counsiled (For FREE) us without hesitation, we would not be here if it wasnt for God using them and our faith.
All I can say, like the person a couple of comments ago said, Pray, pray, pray! Ask God where you should be and he will guide you. Dont doubt him and go where he leads you. He will speak to you or something will come to you, weither a flyer or a friend, but if that is where he wants you to be to use you there, dont turn your nose up on him. He knows what is best for you and he is the ONLY one to know the future!
I myself is a member of this church and have been going for many years. I dont go for the man, I go to hear the word of God. And the pastors DO NOT tell you that you have to give tithe and offereings. They tell you make sure this is where God wants you by Praying and asking if SiLC is where you should be or not. I myself am very active in the church and I just get stronger in my beliefs and my faith. My family was in ruins, my husband and I ALWAYS argued in front of my kids and were on the brink of divorce, to the point where it was just one phone call away and the papers would be e-mailed to us. I also lost my father and put even more hurt inside my heart and I put that against my husband because I didnt understand why he wasnt like my father. Through the counsiling (FREE) and talking to the pastor (WHENEVER WE NEED THEM.. again FREE) and them including the assistants, helped us and myself anytime we needed them, now my family is blessed, happy and not turning back. Its not just the church, it is our faith and God who transformed everything in our lifes, but it was the pastors used by God who gave us the right tools and verbage to make us where we are today.
EVERY church will not be perfect and you can ask the pastors, they will agree to this. EVERY church is ran by man and NO man is perfect. But like someone commented earlier, pray about it and God will lead you to where you should go.
Judging is not a part of the church otherwise I would have been gone a long time ago when I told them about our marriage and life style.
from the first time i heard his mouth open i knew it. they have a certain way of speaking so that i can ibentify them, thanks
All we need to do is Pray and ask God for his guidance. I heard stories before i went for this church, God directed me there coz i prayed to him for a church that will change my life, to make me a better person. This is the church that rescued me from hell.
Tithes and offerings are for God in the holy bible is written, please people of God learn God’s ways and the truth will set u free.Jesus Christ was persecuted and his ways are still persecuted but we will PRESS ON for he’s on our side.I am in Africa in Universal Church and I love every bit of it.This is the church that moulded me to be a great person, read the scriptures well and u will understand and se that our churches worldwide operate in a Godly manner.Our God is not God of Racists,hate, He’s the God of one language and one race, pray to him in any language and he will hear u. Universal Church does not believe in poverty and all you haters of Universal church know that the people in this church are propsperous unless you lack FAITH, surrender to God completely and he will receive u. I learnt all his ways in MY UNIVERSAL CHURCH and my life is GREAT, Jesus is my Rock and UNIVERSAL CHURCH is my home.
And pastor Renato and Christiane Cardorso’s blogs are amazing.I thank God for them.