brazil / south america

Spiritual Climate

Although great progress has been made in this nation and government, removing corruption from the government is a continuous battle. Brazil is submerged in violence and poverty and is the second-highest consumer of illicit drugs. Almost 150 murders a day occurred from the years 2000 to 2010. Countless numbers of other violent acts are also all too common which has resulted in overcrowded and extremely violent prisons. However, with sustained growth in the number of evangelicals, Brazil holds one of the worlds largest evangelical populations. Help is greatly needed to continue in the efforts to transform the hearts and situations of Brazil's poor and hurting through the power of Christ.

Ground-Level Perspectives

Brazil is a very open country. The people like to talk about spiritual topics and, in general, religion is a great part of their lives. The downside is that the Brazilians are so open about spiritual things and so willing to try something new that they have a tendency to follow any teaching or religion that is new. The result is that, for some, there is not a real depth to their spiritual life.
— Bruce Tissell

The country is still predominantly Roman Catholic, but is becoming increasingly plural. People are open to 'God talk.'
— Curt & Lalia Kregness

There are 18 million people (give or take a couple million) in Sao Paulo. Crazy! Can you imagine the needs in a city of that size? Gangs, drugs, street kids, pain, suffering. There are many unreached areas because people are not willing to go there.
— Jim & Corinne Thorp

More about Brazil

A Couple Raw Facts


Tree Illustration

The sustained increase of evangélicos (from 2 million in 1960 to 52 million in 2010) makes Brazil one of the largest evangelical populations in the world.

 

History & Future

Entered
1946

WorldVenture History in Brazil

In view of the rapidly growing evangelical church in the north of Brazil, WorldVenture is joining forces with Brazilian leadership to train leaders for the church. This is taking place on a formal level and through theological education by extension courses in the interior of the country. WorldVenture workers are also using mentoring and restoration ministries to build up the church. Publication of evangelical materials is the focus of work in the south.

Today &
Tomorrow

Brazil Team Goals

The two words that best describe WorldVenture’s vision for the future are "training" and "missions." New opportunities are arising to prepare leaders for ministry here and around the world. Brazil is establishing its place as a major missionary-sending country and WorldVenture is helping train Brazilians to go forth and expand the harvest for Christ.

5 Global
Objectives

WorldVenture Global Objectives

  1. Evangelizing the Peoples of the World
    • Relationships being cultivated with non-believers
    • Decisions to follow Christ
    • Believers baptized
    • People engaged in intentional discipleship
    • Bible verses translated and Christian resources created or translated
  2. Extending Grace
    • People helped through development assistance
    • People provided with medical and health assistance
    • People helped toward justice who are in illegal, immoral, dangerous, exploited circumstances
    • People helped directly through disaster relief
  3. Establishing Churches
    • New churches established
    • Daughter churches established
  4. Equipping Leaders
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through formal contexts
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through non-formal contexts
    • TCKs (third culture kids) being equipped
    • 360º leaders being equipped
  5. Encouraging Mission Movements
    • National Christians preparing to become cross-cultural missionaries
    • National churches engaged in cross-cultural missions
    • National church groups engaged in cross-cultural missions

Living Here

 

FOOD & HOUSING

Brazil has some of the best meat in the world.
— Jim Thorp

COMMUNITY

The people are warm and friendly. They're passionate about faith and cynical about government. Overall they are optimistic and have a good sense of humor. It's easy to get acquainted and they love life and relationships.
— Curt & Lalia Kregness

Brazilians are very warm people. They love to meet new people and learn about new cultures. They're very loving and once you have made their friendship, you will be friends for life. Brazilians are very generous and are willing to do almost any friendly favor, but are also not afraid to ask for help or for you to do favors for them as well.
— Bruce Tissell

 

WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT

I live in the northeastern corner of Brazil, where it is hot year 'round. Ther are two main seasons: hot and wet or hot and dry.
— Bruce Tissell

 

LANGUAGE & CULTURE

Brazil loves futbol (Americans call it soccer). Brazilians will not only stand in line all night long to buy a ticket to a game, but if the national team is playing during the World Cup, the entire country shuts down.
— Bruce Tissell

In the city, there is noise 24/7. There isn't really enough space for the millions of city-dwellers. There is inflation and a large gap between the rich and poor. It is exciting, but can be stressful.
— Curt & Lalia Kregness

Brazil is a country that loves to make you wait in line. You wait in line at the bank, supermarket, airport, post office, doctor's office and almost anywhere else you go. There is no avoiding it so you will need to learn patience while you wait. Unless you are old or handicapped, then you either cut to the front of any line or you have your own line to stand in.
— Bruce Tissell


Local News

The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.

brazil source:bbc - Google News
Brazil clashes after President Rousseff praises protests - BBC News

BBC News

Brazil clashes after President Rousseff praises protests
BBC News
Riot police and protesters clashed in fresh protests on Tuesday in Brazil's largest city, Sao Paulo. Shops and banks were vandalised by groups of masked activists, who fought other demonstrators trying to stop the violence. The protests began earlier ...


Wednesday, June 19, 2013 12:44:39 AM

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff 'proud' of protests - BBC News

BBC News

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff 'proud' of protests
BBC News
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has said she is proud of the tens of thousands of people who have taken to the streets to demand better education, schools and transport. "My government is listening to the voices calling for change," said Ms Rousseff ...


Tuesday, June 18, 2013 11:36:42 PM

Brazil sends national security force to quell protests - BBC News

BBC News

Brazil sends national security force to quell protests
BBC News
Brazil's government says it will deploy a national security force to five major cities after a wave of protests which has seen almost a quarter of a million people demand better public services. The national force will be sent to Rio de Janeiro, Belo ...
Scolari calls for calm from protestors
Protests spread throughout Brazil


Wednesday, June 19, 2013 3:48:53 AM

Protesters gathered outside the National Congress building in Brasilia and ... - BBC News

BBC News

Protesters gathered outside the National Congress building in Brasilia and ...
BBC News
As many as 200,000 people have marched through the streets of Brazil's biggest cities, as protests over rising public transport costs and the expense of staging the 2014 World Cup have spread. The biggest demonstration was in Rio de Janeiro, where ...


Tuesday, June 18, 2013 9:55:26 PM

Finding common ground with Russia - BBC News

BBC News

Finding common ground with Russia
BBC News
Without China, or India and Brazil for that matter, this is not a group of the most powerful economies in the world. Nor, because of Mr Putin's presence, is it a gathering of like-minded allies. But his resolution over Syria only highlights the lack of ...


Tuesday, June 18, 2013 5:36:21 AM

This feed has 5 articles on 1 page

Opportunities

Opportunity TitleMinimum StayMaximum StayWorld AreaCountryOppSummaryOppResponsibilitiesOppRequirementsOppID
MK / International School Faculty & Staff2 YearsLifetimeSouth AmericaBrazilJoin PACA to develop young people, through quality education, based on Biblical truth, who will impact their world for Christ.Current Needs: Early Elementary Teacher; High School Spanish Teacher. To learn more, see school website: www.paca.com.brB.A., including at least 12 hours of professional education. 1 - 2 years of experience is necessary for the completion of a Brazilian work visa. Certification is preferred. PACA is looking for a 2 - 3 year commitment.1088
Vision Trip to Restoration Ministries1 Week3 WeeksSouth AmericaBrazilExperience the work that Restoration Ministries is doing in the poor areas of Sao Paulo. Accompany the RM staff in their weekly visits to the homes of children and assist in the weekly VBS activities. On weekends help at the camps for children or attend the church that is connected with the ministry. This trip would allow the worker to make an informed decision about future ministry with Restoration Ministries. Length of service is 1 week to 3 weeks.As this is a vision trip, the worker would need to be willing to follow the directions of the staff leaders and be willing to do what they ask. The most important role would be to observe what God is doing through this ministry to discover how the worker might be involved in future ministry. The worker would need to be prepared to accompany RM staff people on their visits and spend a lot of time in a situation where you would not be able to understand what is being discussed. The worker would need to be ready to give a testimony or encouraging word during these visits, when requested. During the VBS times, the worker would need to interact as much as possible with the children. This is done by playing ball before the meeting, sitting with them, hugging them, lots of smiles etc. At the Day center, the worker would be called on to do a number of activities to help with the running of the center. The worker could also help with the teaching of English or computers. They would also need to be willing to help with setting up the rooms for church services on Sunday, help with the sound equipment, clean and even prepare coffee and snacks. On weekdays the worker would travel to the ministry in a bus with the other staff people. This is usually 45-60 minutes. They would stay the day in the ministry area either making visits or doing VBS ministry and return in the afternoon. Monday would be the day for staff meetings and preparation for the activities of the week. Depending on when the trip was made, weekends would be at Camp California (a very nice camp) The worker would most likely stay with RM staff where English may or may not be spoken. In some cases it might be possible to stay in a hotel near the Day Center but that is not preferred. This is a learning opportunity and the worker needs to be willing to do whatever was asked. The person needs to be able to see very poor and distressing situations and still do what is asked. This is not something for a person who is uncomfortable with dirt or seeing slum-like conditions that the children live in. Because of the difficult areas where RM works, this person needs to be able to follow directions and quickly do what is requested without questioning the reason. Above all, this needs to be a person who can extend the love of Jesus to people living in difficult circumstances. This opportunity is not available during the month of January.1546
Missions Catalyst and Coach8 YearsLifetimeSouth AmericaBrazilTrain, equip and inspire Brazilians who are called to minister to the Islamic world. Integrate natural Brazilian missionary fervor with realistic expectations and tools for Christian ministry among Islamic peoples.In partnership with Brazilian churches and organizations, teach and mentor cross-cultural workers in the art of communicating the gospel of Jesus to followers of Islam. Identify and make personal connections with strategic Islamic communities both within and outside of Brazil. Motivate and prepare workers through formal and informal training as well as hands-on cross cultural ministry in Brazil. Debrief, encourage and retool workers for redeployment.Love for people. Highly committed and willing to sacrifice personally for the sake of evangelizing the Islamic world. Flexibility. Cross-cultural living experience (preferably in an Islamic context). An understanding of Islamic beliefs and culture. Masters level or equivalent theological training. Language-learning skills (you will spend one year in formal Portuguese language study upon arrival in Brazil). Required vision trip to Brazil prior to appointment.1786
Mentor and Pastor to Pastors8 YearsLifetimeSouth AmericaBrazilCome alongside Brazilian pastors who are struggling with issues of significance, loneliness and ministry vision. Challenge and disciple leaders who are enamored with a glitzy program mentality, showing them how to implement truly transformative gospel content. In partnership with Brazilian churches and organizations, network with ministerial associations with the goal of offering pastoral care to pastors. Develop trust relationships with key pastors. Implement renewal retreats for pastors and their wives.Love for people. Solid personal faith, strong devotional life, positive disposition, servant heart. Flexibility. Four-year college degree. Further theological training in process. Language-learning skills (you will spend one year in formal Portuguese language study upon arrival in Brazil). Recommended vision trip to Brazil prior to application.1787
Church Association Guide8 YearsLifetimeSouth AmericaBrazilEnergize Baptist church associations to be effective ministers of the gospel within their local contexts and beyond. Integrate and leverage the strengths of individual churches in cooperative efforts to transform their communities for Christ. Coordinate ministry visits of U.S. short-term teams for the purpose of understanding and partnership.Nurture pastoral relationships in one or two strategic Baptist church associations. Preach, teach and motivate believers for gospel ministry in their own communities. Guide churches in transforming social inequalities. Love for people. Flexibility. Four-year college degree. Further theological training in process. Language-learning skills (you will spend one year in formal Portuguese language study upon arrival in Brazil). Recommended vision trip to Brazil prior to application.1788
ESL / TESL / TESOL Intern2 Months1 YearSouth AmericaBrazilTeach English classes to nationals: children, students, business community. Length of service is 2 months to 1 year.Plan and teach English lessons appropriately to the language level and group characteristics, including creative language practice activities and conversation. Using evangelistic materials is a plus.Formal or informal preparation for TEFL/TESOL. Willingness to adapt cross culturally and study Portuguese in preparation. 1838

We're Open to New Ideas

We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.

Are you interested?

Get Started

If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.

Projects

Missionary Team


Ken & Luci Davis

Training pastor and leaders to serve in rural Brazil


Paulo & Ireni Mota

Restoration Ministries


Wellington & Tati Barros

Serving as an IPM with Restoration Ministries in São Paulo, Brazil


Sam & Connie Gill

Training and equipping leaders to serve the church in Brazil


Rick & Mirian Sturz Jr.

Serving as short-term coordinators for Brazil


Karen Sipes

Sharing Christ’s love by teaching English to at-risk children


Curt & Lalia Kregness

Serving with Vida Nova (New Life) publishers in Brazil


Jim & Corinne Thorp

Serving missionaries in the Americas as Director of WorldVenture's Ministries in North, Central and South America


Tati Araujo

Serving as an IPM with Restoration Ministries in São Paulo, Brazil.


Marilee Morden

Leadership training in Brazil


Bruce Tissell

Training lay leaders and pastors for the Brazilian church


Kirk & Sarah Maxwell

Leading Brazilians into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.

Evangelizing the Peoples of the World

With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..

Relationships Being Cultivated with Non-Believers

We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.

Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.

 

Decisions to Follow Christ

We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.

Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .

 

Believers Baptized

Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.

 

People Engaged in Intentional Discipleship

We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.

Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.

 

Bible Verses Translated and Christian Resources Created or Translated

We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.

Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.

Extending Grace

Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.

Helping People through Development Assistance

Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.

 

People Provided with Medical & Health Assistance

The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.

 

Justice for those in Illegal, Immoral, & Dangerous Circumstances

We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.

Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.

 

Helping People Directly through Disaster Relief

In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.

Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.

 

Establishing Churches

Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.

New Churches Established

Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.

 

Daughter Churches Established

 Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.

 

Equipping Leaders

We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.

Leaders Being Trained for Ministry through Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.

Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.

 

Leaders being Trained for Ministry through Non-Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.

Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.

 

TCKs (Third Culture Kids) being Equipped

Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.

 

"360º Leaders" being Equipped

Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.

Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.

 

Encouraging Mission Movements

We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”

National Christians Preparing to Become Missionaries

We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.

Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.

 

National Churches Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.

Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.

 

National Church Groups Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVES

COUNTRY SEARCH



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