Pray for Rio Grande do Sul
In early May the southernmost state of Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul, received four months’ worth of rain in just four days.
All of this rain created the worst flood in the state's history, killing over 100 people and displacing over 230,000 people. Entire cities and neighborhoods were submerged under several feet of water for weeks. The estimate of the damages amount to over a billion US dollars, affecting 80% of the state's cities.
In June the floodwaters receded, revealing devastation all over cities and neighborhoods. Residents and business-owners had little choice but to discard damaged furnishings and belongings. Many buildings also received damage to their roofs, walls, and floors.
In July there are various stages of needs to address. First there are people who do not have secure shelter and are in need of potable water, food, blankets, and tarps. Second, there are people who need help cleaning their homes. Third, there are people who need resources to restore, rebuild, and replace their belongings. Our mission is working in all three phases at this time.
Give to the NAB World Relief Fund (Brazil Flood)
Meet Ricardo's Family
Ricardo, Marcia, Mariana e Ricardo Jr. live in Canoas, just north of Porto Alegre. He owns a packaging supply business and was introduced to the gospel of Jesus Christ several years ago through one of his own employees. Not long after Ricardo was saved, Marcia also became a believer.
After coming to Christ, God has used Ricardo's family in ministry as Ricardo has been serving as a church planter while enrolling in our seminary.
When the floods came, their neighborhood was among the first ones affected. Ricardo's family sought refuge at a family member's house nearby, but when the flood reached that place, they were forced to seek refuge in a shelter.
Despite the hardships they are facing Ricardo's family have taken the opportunity to share God's love and peace with those around them. In just a few days the family has led several people to Christ, and started doing daily discipleship. They have been a great encouragement to those in the shelter as they counsel, and pray for those around them.
Ricardo’s church has been a vital point in the neighborhood to store up potable water, food, blankets, and tarps. Ricardo has been working hard to pray over, bless, and help his neighbors, while his own house is also in need of being cleaned out and repaired.
As one of our seminary students and partnering church planters, your gift to our relief fund will help Ricardo and many other families like his rebuild their lives after this historic catastrophe.
Ricardo and Marcia's 16 year old daughter, Mariana sharing love and compassion to those at the shelter.
Ricardo and Marcia ministering at the shelter.