New Church Development in Brazil (Compassion Ministries) Update March 2025
The Compassion Ministries in Brazil are focused on preventing and rescuing people living on society's margins. Operating in the old downtown area of São Paulo, in the region known as Crackland, many lives are devastated by marginalization and poverty.
One of the highlights of these ministries is the after-school program, which serves children in situations of social vulnerability. English, music, literacy, skateboarding, basketball, soccer, ballet, and robotics classes are offered. Every day, the missionaries welcome these children to share the Word of God, and then facilitate their participation in activities. Currently, over 500 children are enrolled in the project, who, through Jesus and quality education, can change their stories and the stories of their families.
The region is also home to a large number of immigrants, mainly from Bolivia and Venezuela, who work in clandestine workshops. With our support, their children no longer stay home alone and can participate in activities that broaden their life perspectives.
Working with teenagers aged 14 to 17, we lead weekly discussion circles on everyday life topics. These gatherings have created precious moments of sharing and support for young people facing very difficult realities. Additionally, we have been able to disciple them, and through a partnership with a major company, we offer internship opportunities, enabling fundamental transformation in their lives.
Compassion Ministries in Brazil has existed for 15 years. At the end of last year, we organized a performance telling the story of Taís, a girl rescued by the project. At 12 years old, she was a drug user asking for help. We were able to get her off the streets and away from addiction. Taís began attending ballet classes in the project. After 15 years, she became a trained ballerina, completed a nursing course, got married, and now helps other children change their stories.
Another extremely relevant aspect of our work is with homeless individuals. Currently, São Paulo has 75 “mini Cracklands.” In the main camp, located in the Luz neighborhood, our team makes periodic visits to assist drug users, referring them to support groups. Every Tuesday, we provide services where these individuals can take a shower, change clothes, receive social assistance, and, if they wish, start a recovery process. During this work, we also hold devotional moments.
Additionally, we assist women who engage in prostitution in the downtown area. Every week, we go out to talk with them and take note of their prayer requests, helping to build trusting relationships. From this connection, we visit their “homes,” usually unstructured squatter settlements. During these visits, we bring a good afternoon coffee, conversations, and the Word of God.
One missionary named Marco said, “I especially remember Raquel. I always greeted her on my way home, heading toward the subway. One day, while visiting one of these squatter settlements, we found Raquel living there with other women. She had just been released from prison after serving time for international drug trafficking, ending up back on the streets. Over time, Raquel began to open her heart to our counsel and to the Word of God. She returned to her studies, completed high school, and today, she no longer needs to engage in prostitution. This work has been wonderful! They open their homes and their hearts to us.”
Once a year, we organize a retreat, providing moments of leisure, art, culture, and, most importantly, love. But above all, we introduce them to Jesus.
The missionary work has been intensifying, but we know it will never be in vain! We are working and reaping good fruits.
To God be all the honor and glory!
-Rev. Dr. J. C. Pezini
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support New Church Development in Brazil (Compassion Ministries). This ministry helps protect and rescue people who live on the margins of society, being the hands and feet of Jesus in and around Brazil. All gifts of any size are welcomed to help offer more regional groups and retreats. You may make a gift by mailing a check to the address below or you can give online via the link below.
