Brazil

From the Rev. Dr. Jose’ Pezini, TOF Mission Specialist to Brazil  

Dear friends, greetings from Brazil! 

As you know, like other countries, Brazil is dealing with Coronavirus too. However, it is not as bad here as in the USA or other countries. So far there are only 201 deaths and less than 4000 infected. 

Even so, the Government decided to keep everything closed, only supermarkets, hospitals and pharmacies are allowed to operate. This means that we are not suffering like other countries with so many deaths, but at the end of all this, the result will bring a recession to the country. The country will certainly cope with a very high unemployment rate, many small businesses will close, and many people will suffer the consequences. May the Lord have mercy on us. 

The biggest problems facing now are with a large number of small church pastors. Because services are not being held, financial contributions have decreased by an average of 60% and so these churches are unable to pay pastors' wages. The Independent Presbyterian Church, which is our partner in Brazil, and where more than 80% of its congregations have less than 100 members, is, therefore, suffering much in this moment. 

I would like to ask you to pray for these pastors and their congregations. Our ministry has been to pray for them and mentor them to encourage them through the internet.  

May the Sovereign Lord of the universe have mercy on us all.