The city of Jacareí, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, woke up with a different atmosphere, as if its streets—dressed in history, trees and palm trees—knew that someone special was coming to wander them, not as a tourist, but as a future adopted son.
At around 1:15 p.m. on Friday the 29th of August, Dr. José Benjamín Pérez Matos, accompanied by his wife and an entourage, made his first stop at the imposing City Hall building (Prefeitura Municipal), the beating heart of local executive power.
He was received there by Lucas Torralbo, director of Commerce and Services of Jacareí, who also introduced himself as a pastor and man of faith. Despite the barriers of translation, his words reflected sincere admiration for the prosperity of the visitor’s ministry, especially upon learning of the activities in which he has managed to draw crowds. He also expressed his enthusiasm and excitement at the possibility of organizing a public event in the city in the near future.
Minutes later, after the arrival of Mayor Celso Florêncio, the cheerful formal greetings gave way to an immediate entrance into his private office. The space, discreet and representative, conveyed the seriousness of power exercised with responsibility. In this setting, Dr. José Benjamín recognized the work of those who, elected by popular vote, work on behalf of the people, and emphasized the importance of leaders always seeking divine guidance.
“May God guide you in seeking wisdom from above, as Daniel did in the time of King Nebuchadnezzar. It is a blessing for me to be in the presence of one of the leaders who is ministering in this position in this place. Therefore, I ask God for His blessing upon you to guide you in everything. And thank you for the welcome and hospitality you have given me. I am now a Jacareiense, so it is as if this were my home.”
The mayor didn’t stay behind. He welcomed him warmly—not only him, but all those who accompanied him. In his words, he gratefully acknowledged the Church’s mission as a transforming agent.
“It is a pleasure for us to have you here with us. I know about that great work in our city… —so you are now a citizen of Jacareí—. Our doors are always open to you and all those who accompany you,” he concluded warmly.
The meeting ended with a serene and profound prayer by Dr. José Benjamín, who lifted up the names and decisions to Heaven. He asked for wisdom, protection, and peace, so that Jacareí would not only be a city among many, but a beacon for the rest of the country. A sincere embrace between the two leaders sealed what the words had already sown.
Jacareí Gains a Son and an Ambassador
A few meters away, the second act awaited. The Câmara Municipal of Jacareí, seat of the legislative branch, welcomed Dr. Pérez Matos at 1:30 p.m. in the Vereador Djalma D’Avila Leal auditorium. Councilwoman Maria Amélia was waiting for him there, who at that moment was giving statements to the local news program TV Câmara:
“Since he was coming to Brazil, we immediately placed this proposal up for vote at home. All the governors approved it, and today we are here to make this symbolic presentation, because on his next visit to Brazil we intend to make this official presentation.”
The councilwoman not only greeted him with a warm hug upon seeing him, but also paid him a special tribute by including part of her speech in Spanish—a language she confessed she had not yet mastered—while two of her colleagues took their seats at the main table along with the guests of honor.
“We prepared it with great affection,” she said, visibly moved, as she presented him with the title of Citizen of Jacareí.
Then, a handmade gift with the inscription “I love Jacareí” brought a broad and sincere smile to the honoree’s face; and finally, two artistic mugs: one illustrated with tourist landscapes and the other with images of the Museum of Anthropology, created by local artisans. A piece of the city, literally placed in his hands.
The response was immediate: With an emotional and firm voice, the doctor commented:
“I appreciate the hospitality, the welcome, and the fact that you have granted me the title of a Jacareiense citizen. I will carry this honor with me, and you will experience that a Jacareiense is traveling the world, placing Jacareí up high… In other words, I will also be an ambassador for Jacareí in the world.”
The ceremony closed with a prayer quoting chapter 6 of the book of Numbers, invoking God’s blessing upon the leaders, the city, and its inhabitants, just as it was bestowed upon Israel in the past. It was a plea for discernment for those who legislate, so that their decisions may be aligned with the common good and with Heaven.
In the end, before the local press, Dr. José Benjamín summed up his feelings with a phrase that joined identity and gratitude:
“Being a citizen of a city where you were not born is a joy, because there is one more place where you can become familiar with the culture and everything related to that city. I feel very honored to be a Jacareiense.”
Thus concluded the visit to a city that opened its doors to a visitor who became a son. Since the age of 22, Dr. Pérez Matos has traveled throughout Brazil accompanying the Word of God. And today he adds Jacareí as a place he can call “home.”